Background

Research and Development (R&D) in nuclear fission is important on several counts:

  • to maintain the safety and competitiveness of the fleet of reactors currently in operation, it is important to have a full understanding of ageing mechanisms and be able to monitor and predict as accurately as possible lifetime of key components
  • to design the next generation of nuclear reactors with a view to exceeding the performance of the existing models in terms of safety, efficiency, economics, sustainability and security (non-proliferation)
  • to maintain the EU's technological lead – and export capacity – in a technology facing the competition of the USA and several far-eastern countries
  • to attract a sufficient number of young engineers and scientists who will make up tomorrow's European pool of experts

Research work in the fields of safety of current reactors and technologies includes radioactive waste reduction and long-term geological disposal. Designing the next generation of nuclear reactors is the objective of the so-called “Generation IV International Forum” (GIF). The objective of GIF is to co-ordinate the R&D efforts of its members on the design of 6 carefully selected nuclear reactor systems that could be deployed by 2030.

Latest Developments

In April 2007, the 7th Framework Research Programme (FP7) for 2007-2013 was agreed upon. The total FP7 budget was doubled compared to FP6 and amounts to € 67.8bn.

The budget for the FP7's EURATOM nuclear research programme (2007-2011) amounts to €2.8bn. The Euratom programme is set out in two specific programmes: the first covers fusion energy research and nuclear fission and radiation protection, and the second covers the activities of the JRC in the field of nuclear energy. An important part of the budget will contribute to financing the ITER international project on fusion energy (over €2bn).

The budget for Nuclear Fission will be €280 M over the 5-year period 2007-11, representing a small increase in real terms from FP6.

In November 2007, the European Commission published a Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) defining the main avenues of research necessary to deliver a low-carbon energy mix for Europe by the year 2050. Sustainable nuclear fission is identified as one of six priority initiatives.

In this context, a Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP) was launched on 21 September 2007. The SNETP aims to facilitate closer integration between researchers and industry to enable the definition and implementation of a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) and corresponding Deployment Strategy (DS), as well as to maintain Europe’s R&D leadership in the nuclear research sector. The draft SRA was presented to the General Assembly in November 2008 and was published in May 2009.

FORATOM Research & Development Task Force

The FORATOM R&D Task Force was created in 2000 with a remit to monitor the allocation of funding for nuclear research in the 6 th Euratom Framework Programme 2002-2006 (FP-6) and to act as a link between the European Institutions and the Nuclear Industry. Its deliverables are mainly position papers summarizing the position of the nuclear industry regarding R&D matters related to nuclear fission and answers to questions submitted by the European Commission. The R&D TF now fulfills a similar role with respect to FP-7 and to monitor the work of the SNETP.

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