FISA-2009 Conference on Euratom Research and Training Activities: Nuclear Fission – Past, Present and Future (Generation-II, -III and -IV + Partitioning and Transmutation)

Abstract

This paper is an introduction to the research and training activities carried out under the Euratom 7th Framework Programme (FP7, 2007–2011) in the field of nuclear fission science and technology, covering in particular nuclear systems and safety, and including innovative reactor systems and partitioning and transmutation. It is based on the more than 40 invited lectures that were delivered by Euratom project coordinators and keynote speakers at the FISA-2009 Conference ( FISA, 2009), organised by the European Commission DG Research, 22–24 June 2009, Prague, Czech Republic. The Euratom programme must be considered in the context of current and future nuclear technology and the respective research effort: • Generation-II (i.e. yesterday, NPP construction 1970–2000): safety and reliability of nuclear facilities and energy independence in order to ensure security of supply worldwide; • Generation-III (i.e. today, construction 2000–2040+): continuous improvement of safety and reliability, and increased industrial competitiveness in a growing energy market; • Generation-IV (i.e. tomorrow, construction from 2040) for increased sustainability though optimal utilisation of natural resources and waste minimisation, and increased proliferation resistance. Consequently, the focus of the lectures devoted to Generation-II and -III is on the major scientific challenges and technological developments needed to guarantee safety and reliability, in particular issues associated with plant lifetime extension and operation. The focus of the lectures devoted to Generation-IV is on the design objectives and associated research issues that have been agreed upon internationally, in particular the ambitious criteria and technology goals established at the international level by the Generation-IV International Forum (GIF). In the future, electricity must continue to be produced competitively, and in addition high temperature process heat may also be required, while exploiting a maximum of fissile and fertile material and recycling all actinides, both safely and reliably. Scientific viability studies and technological performance tests for each Generation-IV system are now being carried out in many European Union (EU) Member States, in collaboration with other laboratories worldwide as part of the inter-governmental GIF agreement. The ultimate phase of commercial deployment will be from 2040, but no one can predict accurately when industry and investors will make firm, often difficult decisions regarding the construction of these very innovative Generation-IV systems. However, to be deployed commercially, it must first be demonstrated that Generation-IV technology can be a beneficial, responsible and sustainable response to the long-term challenges faced by society to establish a low-carbon economy.