Nuclear safety and skills

Contributes to European Commission priorities

Portfolio overview

Several EU policies are linked to nuclear technology, including energy, space and health, and some Member States plan to build new reactors to reach EU decarbonisation goals. We must therefore maintain and grow a skilled EU workforce with nuclear expertise.  

This portfolio focuses on skills, knowledge and expertise centred around current nuclear technologies. It will undertake further research on the safe use of nuclear technologies, complementing Member States’ own research programmes and supporting nuclear policy. In doing so, it will serve as both an advisor and collaborator for several strategically important EU policies. 

Objectives

Contribute to safe operation and use of nuclear energy
This includes:
- research on safer fuel variants
- severe accidents and emergency preparedness
- ageing management and integrity assessment of reactor components
- material properties
- supply chain of safety-classified structures
- systems and components
- responsible and safe waste management and decommissioning
- characterisation of legacy and other waste
- multi-recycling, reprocessing and storage.  
Provide policy support and independent advice for nuclear safety  
Provide the European Commission, EU decision-makers, Member States and external stakeholders with technical, scientific and monitoring advice, including on foresight activities.  
Maintain and develop nuclear skills and expertise 
Expand nuclear skills and expertise by coordinating with Member States and enhancing the JRC’s visibility as a key player in this area, including by providing open access to JRC nuclear research infrastructures.
Support is also provided to third countries, helping to strengthen nuclear safety outside the EU. 
Contribute to harmonisation efforts
Develop nuclear codes, standards and best practice guidelines on integrity and lifetime assessment of reactor components and in-service inspections.