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Materials for Sustainable Nuclear Energy: A European Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for All Reactor Generations

Author

Listed:
  • Lorenzo Malerba

    (Division of Energy Materials, Technology Department, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Abderrahim Al Mazouzi

    (EDF Lab. Les Renardières, Department of Materials and Mechanics of Components, 1, Avenue des Renardières–Ecuelles, CEDEX, 77818 Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, France)

  • Marjorie Bertolus

    (Atomic and Alternative Energy Commission, CEA, DEs, IRESNE, DEC/SESC, 13108 Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France)

  • Marco Cologna

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Karlsruhe, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany)

  • Pål Efsing

    (Ringhals AB/NUQ, 432 58 Väröbacka, Sweden)

  • Adrian Jianu

    (Institute for Pulsed Power and Microwave Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany)

  • Petri Kinnunen

    (Nuclear Energy, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., 02044 Espoo, Finland)

  • Karl-Fredrik Nilsson

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 1755 LE Petten, The Netherlands)

  • Madalina Rabung

    (Fraunhofer-Institute for Nondestructive Testing (IZFP), Campus E3 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany)

  • Mariano Tarantino

    (Innovative Projects Section, Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, ENEA, Brasimone, 40032 Camugnano, BO, Italy)

Abstract

Nuclear energy is presently the single major low-carbon electricity source in Europe and is overall expected to maintain (perhaps eventually even increase) its current installed power from now to 2045. Long-term operation (LTO) is a reality in essentially all nuclear European countries, even when planning to phase out. New builds are planned. Moreover, several European countries, including non-nuclear or phasing out ones, have interests in next generation nuclear systems. In this framework, materials and material science play a crucial role towards safer, more efficient, more economical and overall more sustainable nuclear energy. This paper proposes a research agenda that combines modern digital technologies with materials science practices to pursue a change of paradigm that promotes innovation, equally serving the different nuclear energy interests and positions throughout Europe. This paper chooses to overview structural and fuel materials used in current generation reactors, as well as their wider spectrum for next generation reactors, summarising the relevant issues. Next, it describes the materials science approaches that are common to any nuclear materials (including classes that are not addressed here, such as concrete, polymers and functional materials), identifying for each of them a research agenda goal. It is concluded that among these goals are the development of structured materials qualification test-beds and materials acceleration platforms (MAPs) for materials that operate under harsh conditions. Another goal is the development of multi-parameter-based approaches for materials health monitoring based on different non-destructive examination and testing (NDE&T) techniques. Hybrid models that suitably combine physics-based and data-driven approaches for materials behaviour prediction can valuably support these developments, together with the creation and population of a centralised, “smart” database for nuclear materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorenzo Malerba & Abderrahim Al Mazouzi & Marjorie Bertolus & Marco Cologna & Pål Efsing & Adrian Jianu & Petri Kinnunen & Karl-Fredrik Nilsson & Madalina Rabung & Mariano Tarantino, 2022. "Materials for Sustainable Nuclear Energy: A European Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for All Reactor Generations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-48, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:5:p:1845-:d:762644
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mariano Tarantino & Massimo Angiolini & Serena Bassini & Sebastiano Cataldo & Chiara Ciantelli & Carlo Cristalli & Alessandro Del Nevo & Ivan Di Piazza & Dario Diamanti & Marica Eboli & Angela Fiore &, 2021. "Overview on Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor Design and Related Technologies Development in ENEA," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-33, August.
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    2. Kyle M. Paaren & Pavel Medvedev & Robert Mariani, 2023. "Optimization of Conductive Fins to Minimize UO 2 Fuel Temperature and Radial Temperature Gradient," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-16, March.

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