OBJECTIVES

SANE investigates the potential of non-electric uses of nuclear energy. Safety aspects of selected reactors designed for non-electric use and safety implications of the coupling with the end use are analyzed. Risk communication is studied in order to understand the information needs of stake holders concerning novel reactors and communication needs under abnormal conditions. The high level objectives of SANE are:

  • Increased awareness and understanding of a wide variety of non-electrical uses of nuclear energy.
  • Improved safety assessment methodologies of nuclear reactors meant for non-electric uses.
  • Assessing the safety and performance of selected nuclear reactors coupled to non-electric end-uses.
  • Producing information to support radioprotection of population.
  • Development of risk communication strategies related to non-electric applications of nuclear energy.
EXPECTED IMPACT
  • Overview of potential future non-electric nuclear application options.
  • Improvement of software for spread of radionuclides and case studies on radioactive dispersal in a potential accident of a small reactor located closer to population.
  • Recommendation for a methodology on a performance/safety assessment applicable to a nuclear reactor designed for non-electric end-use.
  • Recommendations for common practices on communications on emergency preparedness based on lessons learned in Ukraine.
  • Guidelines on using technical information to assist in risk communication.
  • Stakeholder survey on risk communication.
HIGHLIGHTS

SANE will have a significant impact on enabling the future safe use of non-electric applications of nuclear energy. This is achieved through improvements in nuclear safety assessments, increasing awareness of novel uses of nuclear energy, integration of communication approaches based on risk information, and lessons learned from recent events in Ukraine.

PARTNERS

VTT, NRG, KIT, EAI, ENER, SSTC NRS, CEA, CVR, INERIS, SCK CEN, PSI

DURATION

Start 1.9.2024 – Duration 36 months

Budget 3.6 M€

CONTACT

Technical Project Leader:

Silja Häkkinen

Silja.hakkinen@vtt.fi

This project has received funding from the EURATOM research and Innovation programme 2021-2025 under Grant Agreement No 101059543.