Support for the optimised use of European research reactors

Date de clôture : 5 oct. 2016  
APPEL À PROJET CLÔTURÉ

Topic Description

The further coordination of the exploitation of available research reactors in Europe is expected to help resolve the recurrent shortage 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 help the planning and eventual refurbishment or construction of new reactors.

This activity aims at networking the largest possible number of research reactor operators at EU level in order to further the exchange of information on the availability of research reactors against research needs across the EU. It will also identify key parameters that are influencing reactor availability and derive an overall strategy for research reactors in Europe. This should be undertaken in collaboration with existing initiatives in this domain and taking into consideration the global context, e.g. reports from the OECD/NEA on the subject of supply of radioisotopes. A high level of inclusiveness is expected in this action.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from Euratom of between EUR 0.5 and 1 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Proposals for topics NFRP 10 and 11 will be ranked in a single ranking list.

This action will allow the more efficient use of research reactors in Europe for the purpose of energy research and training and the production of medical radioisotopes like Molybdenum-99. This will contribute to the addressing of key challenges of Horizon 2020 in the sectors of energy and health. The principal impact of this action will be the prevention of future crises in the supply of Molybdenum-99 and the more effective planning of research reactor needs in the EU.