Programme Category
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
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
This action aims to strengthen important Euratom research undertaken in previous programmes and make real advances towards demonstration of P&T processes – a key component of future fuel cycle strategies to some Member States, whether critical or sub-critical ADS advanced and innovative reactor systems. This research will improve the safety of processes by using state-of-the-art P&T technology towards a closure of the nuclear fuel cycle.
Detailed Call Description
Even if a final repository would still be needed, P&T would drastically reduce the radiotoxicity, heat production and package volume of high-level radioactive waste, thereby easing the long-term safety of a final repository as stated by some Member States. It will strengthen EU/Euratom leadership in this domain and open new avenues towards increased energy security of supply and industrial competitiveness.
Although R&D on advanced fuel cycle technologies has been carried out for decades, there is consensus within the international community that a complete programme is needed with the aim of (i) industrial maturity to demonstrate the feasibility of a closed fuel cycle; (ii) minimisation of high-level radioactive waste; and (iii) increased safety. Indeed, most technologies for advanced transuranic management strategies (e.g. Pu multi-recycling and minor actinide (MA) transmutation) need to achieve a higher level of technological and economic development before they can be deployed on an industrial scale. As such, further efforts are needed among other things in the following areas:
- separation technologies;
- fuel fabrication;
- transmutation systems;
- fuel reprocessing;
- fuel technological aspects (particularly for MA-loaded fuels), including transportation, cooling and handling.
Developing advanced experiments, digital and High Performance Computing numerical simulation tools, taking full advantage of existing knowledge, competence and expertise and international cooperation should be highly beneficial.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
100%
EU Contribution per project: €5.00 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
Thematic Categories
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
Eligibility For Participation Notes
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
EU Contact Point
Please Contact: RTD-EURATOM@ec.europa.eu
(Publish Date: 04/04/2023-for internal use only)