Safety of light water small modular reactors (LW-SMRs)
Summary
The Euratom Research and Training programme has the following specific objectives:
- improve and support nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, safe spent fuel and radioactive waste management and decommissioning, including the safe and secure use of nuclear power and of non-power applications of ionising radiation
maintain and further develop expertise and competence in the nuclear field within the community - foster the development of fusion energy as a potential future energy source for electricity production and contribute to the implementation of the European fusion roadmap
- support the policy of the EU and its members on continuous improvement of nuclear safety, safeguards and security
Programme Name
Programme Description
The Euratom Research and Training programme has the following specific objectives:
- improve and support nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, safe spent fuel and radioactive waste management and decommissioning, including the safe and secure use of nuclear power and of non-power applications of ionising radiation maintain and further develop expertise and competence in the nuclear field within the community
- foster the development of fusion energy as a potential future energy source for electricity production and contribute to the implementation of the European fusion roadmap
- support the policy of the EU and its members on continuous improvement of nuclear safety, safeguards and security
Call
Detailed Call Description
SMRs are defined as power reactors up to 300 MWe, whose components can be factory-made and transported as modules for installation. There is consensus within the international expert community that SMRs, when compared to large power plants, offer potential advantages in terms of design simplification and inherent safety features, while posing some new challenges with regard to safety, security and safeguards.
Research proposals should also address some LW-SMR safety specificities such as:
- core/fuel (including fuel qualification);
- nuclear steam supply system integrated vessel and its internals;
- demonstration of natural circulation passive safety systems also in transient conditions;
- streamlined harmonised licensing;
- severe accident analysis;
- emergency preparedness and response;
- human and environmental radiation protection;
- safety, security and safeguard interfaces from the early design stage;
- modularity, human factors and hybridisation/(co)generation of heat/H2 production/desalination.
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
70%
Expected EU contribution per project: €15.00 million
Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties. The maximum amount to be granted to each third party is €60 000.
Approximate number of proposals: 1
Eligibility For Participation Notes
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding.
Programme Category
EU Competitive ProgrammesTotal Budget
€15.00 millionThematic Categories
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
Call Opening Date
04/04/2023Call Closing Date
08/11/2023EU Contact Point
Contact: RTD-EURATOM@ec.europa.eu
(Publish Date: 05/04/2023-for internal use only)