GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Research proposals should:

• Keep the focus on safety by design, aiming at achieving a scientific consensus to ease the understanding and appropriation by the regulators of any innovative reactor concepts and their associated fuel cycles.
• Cover the viability phase of advanced technologies, when basic concepts are tested under relevant conditions. For example, proof of concept of better safety features, confirmation of safety improvements during the performance phase when engineering-scale processes are verified and optimised under prototypical conditions, and the demonstration phase when detailed design is completed and licensing is carried out.
• Further investigate safety aspects of selected advanced reactor systems and the use of non-water coolants and fluid fuel designs, higher operational temperatures also related to the option of industrial process heat production and H2 generation and higher reactor power density in order to assess their potential, proliferation resistance, radioactive waste management (waste minimisation ‘by design’, decommissioning ‘by design’), emergency management and response, human and environmental impact, safeguards, social perception and their effects on the long-term sustainability of fuel cycles. On waste aspects, appropriate links should be established with relevant initiatives within the EURAD-2 partnership.
• Further investigate safety aspects of operational flexibility in an integrated energy system, for example by design and safety demonstration of intermediate heat storage facilities or other means.