Towards Optimized Use of Research Reactors in Europe

ended

Nuclear research reactors (RR) have been constructed in countries implementing nuclear power plants and used in experiments necessary to develop commercial reactors and training programmes. Neutron irradiations have found new applications in the adaption and production of existing and new materials, including medical radioisotopes. The latter enabled development of new diagnosis and treatment techniques, for the benefit of millions of patients. Europe has a broad and very diverse landscape of RRs, many of them 30-50 years in operation, well maintained and regularly upgraded. Yet financial pressure, caused by combination of declining interest and the absence of a sound financial model, led to closure of many of them ( e.g OSIRIS in Saclay) and a few others will close soon (e.g. BER2 in Berlin). On the other hand, only one RR is now being constructed – the Jules Horowitz Reactor. Those negative trends call for a coordinated European action to assess the impact of the decreasing number of RRs, identify future needs (including new neutron sources), draw a roadmap for upgrade of the existing RR fleet, and a model for harmonized resource management. TOURR project is a response to this challenge. Its primary objective is to develop a strategy for RR in Europe and prepare the ground for its implementation. This strategic goal can be divided into specific objectives: (1) Assessment of the current status of European RR fleet, including plans for upgrade; (2) Evaluation of urgent EU needs; (3) Developing tools for optimal use of RR fleet, (4) Rising awareness among decision makers on the (future) role of RRs. The ambition of TOURR project is to secure access and availability of RRs as a vital part of the European Research Area and to support stable supply of medical radioisotopes.