Info_EURATOM

EURATOM

The EURATOM Research and Training Programme (2021-2025) addresses the key issue of the diverse applications of nuclear energy in Europe. Using nuclear energy applications, whether for energy production or not, to benefit the general public in Europe requires long-term efforts in order to reduce security and safety risks and support the development of safe nuclear technologies and optimal radiation protection. Public and private research at national level has an important role to play in this effort.

EURATOM's task is to complement the contributions of the Member States through a Community research and training programme. In this respect, EURATOM will complement the HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme using the same instruments and rules for participation.

The EURATOM programme will run from 2021 for 5 years, in accordance with Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty, with the possibility of a 2-year extension until 2027 in line with the duration of HORIZON EUROPE and the multiannual financial framework.

The programme will continue the main research activities in the field of radiation protection, nuclear safety and security, waste management, radiation protection and fusion energy, while increasing the emphasis on non-energy applications of ionising radiation and decommissioning.

EURATOM Projects

INSIDER: Improved Nuclear SIte characterization for waste minimization in DD operations under constrained EnviRonment

INSIDER project

Specific programme: Euratom Research and Training Programme: EURATOM fission
UPV/EHU Partner Status: Beneficiary
UPV/EHU PI: Margarita Herranz Soler
Project start: 01/06/2017
Project end:  31/05/2021

Brief description: Decommissioning and dismantling (D&D) operations are strongly dependent on the facilities history and the inventory of present radionuclides. The D&D processes are significant source of radioactive waste and their management is a major challenge from technical, economical, financial and societal point of view. This is recognized in a number of reference documents and studies on EU and international level. These challenges are naturally subject for further optimisation and the ambition of INSIDER project is to contribute to it as follows. For constrained environments new methodologies are necessary for more accurate initial estimation of contaminated materials, resulting waste volumes and timely planning. This will be based on advanced statistical processing and modelling, coupled with adapted and innovative analytical and measurement methods, with respect to sustainability and economic objectives. The envisaged project outcomes will enable building of a fit-for-purpose representation of the radiological status of facilities (or components), at a relevant precision level allowing making decisions concerning different D&D scenario options. The overall project methodology is based on common case studies in the form of interlaboratory comparisons on matrix representative reference samples and benchmarking. Industrial partners (selected D&D actors) in close cooperation with major EU R&D organisations will drive comprehensive and realistic conclusions formalised in guidelines, recommendations and elements for pre-standardisation initiatives. These will be validated at different scientific and industrial levels and widely disseminated to the broad D&D community and beyond.