Euratom Framework Programme research in reactor safety: main achievements of FP-4 ('94–'98), preliminary results of FP-5 ('98–'02) and prospects for beyond 2002

Abstract

In this paper an overview is given of the most important aspects of the research activities organised by the European Union (EU) in the area of reactor safety under both the past 4th and the current 5th Euratom Framework Programmes (FP). This research consists of the following four areas: reactor safety; waste management; future systems; and radiation protection. Under FP-4 ('94–'98), the particular area of reactor safety focused on was ‘Severe Accident Analysis’, whereas under FP-5 ('98–'02) it focused on ‘Operational Safety of Existing Installations’. In Section 1, a short description is given of the ‘nuclear needs’ in the EU and the main stakeholders of nuclear fission research (i.e. regulatory and industry organisations), faced with new targets (e.g. minimisation of operating and environmental costs in a deregulated market) and new feedbacks (e.g. public perception of reactor safety and acceptance of the waste issue). In Section 2, a brief description is given of the main facts of FP-4 and FP-5 with emphasis on the clustering approach of research projects in the same field. In Sections 3–9, attention is drawn to a series of technical and socio-economical facts of interest to regulatory and industry organisations (i.e. mainly utilities and vendors). They are the main end-users of the results of international nuclear fission research, financed by either governments, industries or Euratom. The following ‘nuclear needs’ have been identified at EU level and are proposed for discussion: to ensure flexibility in energy supply by keeping the nuclear option open; to contribute to health and safety as well as to non-proliferation by better co-ordination of European research and training activities; to maintain industrial competitiveness by preparing the next generation of reactors; to maintain broad nuclear expertise for non-energetic applications; to develop sustainable solutions for fuel cycle management and waste disposal (emphasis on front-end issues); to share the same nuclear safety culture amongst the EU and the applicant Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs); and finally, to improve the impact of Euratom research actions by enhancing their public benefit and their added European value. In Section 1, a brief overview is given of the European response offered under FP-4 and FP-5—in terms of co-operative research in reactor safety—as a response to some of the ‘nuclear needs’. As far as the future beyond 2002 is concerned, the challenge to Euratom research is to reorganise itself in line with the European Research Area concept (ERA), using the proposed tools, for example, by developing networks of excellence, bringing together private and public resources. Finally conclusions are drawn on the main achievements of framework programme research hitherto and on new stakeholders in European research in the ‘changing world’.