Optimised use of European research reactors

Topic description

Specific Challenge:

The coordination of the exploitation of available research reactors in Europe is expected to help stable supply of medical radioisotopes and optimise the use of irradiation time in the available reactors thereby reducing disruptions and delays occurring in many experiments. It would also support the planning and eventual refurbishment of existing research reactors or construction of new ones such as JHR, MYRRHA and PALLAS.

This action will network the largest possible number of research reactor operators at European level in order to facilitate the exchange of information on the availability of research reactors against research and radioisotopes production needs across Europe. It will also identify the key parameters that are influencing reactor availability and derive an overall strategy for future exploitation of research reactors in Europe. This should be undertaken in collaboration with existing initiatives in this domain and taking into consideration the issue of supply of radioisotopes. An involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including the main research, isotope production and other clients and funders of research reactors, is expected in this action.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the Euratom Programme up to EUR 1.1 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

This action will contribute to ensure stable supply of medical radioisotopes. In addition, the impact of this action will be the more effective planning of the exploitation of research reactors in the EU for research on non-power applications of ionising radiation and for nuclear energy research and training.