Novel advanced reactors currently under development have the unique opportunity to ensure compliance to the nuclear safety, security and safeguards regimes through a proper design, integrating the related needs throughout the system's lifecycle.
The JRC is actively contributing to the major international initiatives working on Proliferation Resistance and Safeguards by Design: the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) - Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection (PR&PP) Working Group and the initiatives led by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Proliferation resistance - GIF
The JRC contributed to the preparation of white papers on the proliferation resistance & physical protection robustness (PR&PP) of the six Generation IV (GEN IV) advanced reactor technologies, providing reactors’ designers with insights on the implication of design choices for the proliferation resistance of the reactor.
Proliferation resistance - IAEA
The JRC collaborates with the IAEA for the update of the proliferation resistance manual of the International Project on Innovative Nuclear reactors (INPRO), which aim is to support the assessment of the sustainability of nuclear programmes. Proliferation resistance is an essential aspect for sustainability.
Interfaces between safety, security and safeguards (3S)
Within the IAEA activities related to the applicability of IAEA safety standards to non-water-cooled reactors and SMRs, the JRC contributed to the investigation of the interfaces and synergies between safety, security and safeguards (3S).
Safety, security and safeguards (3S) by design
The JRC is contributing to IAEA activities on 3S by design for novel advanced reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), with particular focus on the 3S interfaces identification and characterization. The activity is particularly important for allowing better future efficiencies and synergies between the three regimes.
Future objectives
• Investigate the 3S interfaces and Proliferation Resistance of GEN-IV and novel advanced reactors, in particular SMRs, including the implications of siting options on PR&PP.
• Progress on 3S by Design for Small Modular Reactors
• Contribute to IAEA INPRO Proliferation Resistance Manual and provide assistance on selected applications
• Contribute to IAEA activities on 3S interfaces and interactions in small and advanced modular reactors (SMRs / AMRs)
• Support IAEA R&D on State Level Safeguards Approaches