15 Oct (NucNet): Europe risks losing much of its nuclear research capacity because of a “crisis in political vision” on energy issues and limited public funds, the European Atomic Energy Society says in a position paper published today.
The paper says investment is needed to enable advanced nuclear research and a renewed programme of public engagement is needed to allow a more balanced view of Europe’s future energy mix, particularly considering the need for decarbonisation.
It says the successful development of new nuclear technologies can only be achieved by research laboratories with appropriate infrastructure and with cooperation and support by the industry. This requires “stable and dedicated funding programmes from national, European and private sources”.
This, in turn, needs a change of political attitudes towards nuclear, focusing on the long-term societal benefits of a low-carbon, energy dense, stable baseload technology that is complementary to renewable technologies.
According to the EAES, the investments needed would be considerably smaller than subsidies supporting the deployment and commissioning of renewable technologies.
The paper says that with limited public funds available both nationally and in Europe, research institutions are increasingly relying on industrial support. This support, however, is decreasing, and in such a political environment, utilities prefer to invest in extending nuclear reactor lifetimes, rather than investing in new-build.
“Vendors are finding it difficult to invest in new nuclear technologies and are relying on proven designs and plants. This is resulting in a lack of innovation and poor public perception, despite an exemplary safety record,” the paper says.
It says the gradual loss of nuclear skills within Europe is well documented, with an ageing workforce and challenges in attracting the best graduates into the industry.
“This will result in a lack of competitiveness with respect to other nuclear players in the world and a lack of understanding of our nuclear legacy.”
There are instruments available to stimulate nuclear research in Europe, with nuclear energy listed as a supported technology within the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan). The Horizon 2020 framework programme has funds dedicated to activities related to the Euratom Treaty.
However, Euratom funds are only sufficient to maintain a modest R&D programme in selected areas. Moreover, there is a risk that these funds will have little impact if they are not appropriately supported by a clear policy at member state level, the paper says.
