NEA NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK:
Success Stories and Opportunities for Future Developments
9-13 January 2023

NEA NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK:
Success Stories and Opportunities for Future Developments
9-13 January 2023

WelcomeDay 1 – Monday 9 January

NEA NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK:
Success Stories and Opportunities for Future Developments
9-13 January 2023

Questions: Questions, feedback and suggestions
Event public page: Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) - NEA Nuclear Safety
Research Joint Projects Week: Success Stories and Opportunities forFuture Developments (oecd-nea.org)

Form: Questions, feedback and suggestions link

available in the registration confirmation email

Introductory Remarks

Mr William D. MAGWOOD, IV
Director-General
OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

Ms Véronique ROUYERHead of Division, Nuclear Safety Technology andRegulation
OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

Introductory Remarks

Mr William D. Magwood, IV
Director-General
OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

Introductory Remarks

Ms Véronique ROUYERHead of Division, Nuclear Safety Technologyand Regulation
OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

Session 1Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefitsand Challenges for the Future

SESSION MODERATOR

Mr William D. Magwood, IV
Director-General
OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

SESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the Future

SESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the Future

Mr Raymond FURSTENAU
Director, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, UnitedStates Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC)SESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the FutureNuclear Safety Research JointProjects: Benefits and Challengesfor the Future

January 9, 2023 – NEA Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects Week
Raymond Furstenau
Director, Office of Nuclear Regulatory ResearchAgenda• Nuclear Safety Research Perspectives• Benefits of NEA Joint Projects to the NRC– General– Example-NRC as the operating agent– Example-NRC as a participant– Example-FIDES-II• Challenges Facing Joint Projects• Enhancement Opportunities
1/9/202315

Nuclear Safety Research Perspectives• Understand phenomena that may affect nuclear safety• Quantify and reduce uncertainties• Understand sensitivities to safety• Obtain quality data for computer code validation• Be ready for the future– License renewal of existing reactors– New reactor applications (light water, non-light water, SMRs)
1/9/2023

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Benefits of Joint NEA Projects• Sharing of world-wide expertise on safety topics andexperimentation techniques• Sharing of resources, leveraging investments and facilities• Provide data for improving nuclear safety code modeling andsimulation capabilities• Complement our domestic research projects

1/9/2023

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Example-NRC as the Operating Agent
Rod Bundle Heat Transfer Facility (RBHT)
Benefits: Provides new and unique data on reflood hydraulics in ahighly instrumented facility. Rod bundle and spacer grids areprototypical of most LWRs.
Outcomes: Sixteen reflood experiments were performed and data
was provided to participants. Tests provided measurements ofdroplet size/velocity and spacer grid effects. Simulation of test
results showed deficiencies where analytical code improvements areneeded.
Challenges: Maintaining schedule (due to facility closure during
pandemic), transferring large data files with numerous participants,and obtaining contract commitments prior to initiating project.
1/9/2023

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Example-NRC as a Participant
PANDA Tests
Benefits: Provides new data on passive heat removal
for LWR safety systems (including SMRs) and insighton the data and code calculations from theparticipants.
Outcomes: New data for code assessment and an
improved understanding of phenomenon that areimportant for passive system performance.
Challenges: Consensus on what tests are to beperformed.

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Example-FIDES II Participation• Benefits: "A stable, sustainable, reliable platform for fuel andmaterial testing"• Outcomes: "Generates experiment results and expertise forshared cost"---Three JEEP's on-going: P2M, INCA and HERA
• Challenges:• Balance between capability development and test results• Balance between fuels and materials testing• Balance between current LWR needs and advanced reactor technologies

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Challenges Facing Joint Projects• Maintaining critical world-wide research and test capabilities(people, equipment, and facilities)• Balancing priorities among participants• Resource constraints• Developing our future workforce

1/9/2023

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Opportunities to Enhance Joint Projects• Strengthen education opportunities– NEA Joint Projects provide a portfolio of activities that can provide
education and training opportunities– The NEA Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology (NEST) Framework
is an important way to promote education opportunities in jointprojects• Reduce risk to Operating Agents• Expand participation and review criteria for contributions tojoint projects
1/9/2023

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Closing Thoughts• NRC sees considerable value in NEA joint projects and plans tocontinue our support – we cannot afford to go it alone• Joint projects leverage world-wide capabilities• Look for opportunities to make the joint projects even better

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SESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the Future

Dr Jean-Christophe NIEL
Director-General, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté
Nucléaire (IRSN), FranceSESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the Future

NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORYAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

PRESENTATION OF THE
INSTITUTE© médiathèque IRSNSESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS ANDAPRIL 2021
CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE
JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CETIRSN/FRM-630a ind. 02

Research projects and Assessment at IRSN: Why?
The Law« IRSN exercices assessment and research missions »The regulation« IRSN defines research programs to maintain and develop its knowledge andskills needed for its assessment activities » Development of knowledge and skills for assessment activities
 Development of tools and methods for assessment activities
 Improvement of nuclear installations safety level
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET27

Science and research : the driving forces for improvement of nuclear risks
protection
inject this knowledge into the defense in depth approach
Technological developments performed by industry and major research
operators. But what about safety and security?
TSOs are in the same dynamics: their importance in the Global Nuclear Safety Regime
justify their direct link with science and R&D activities
Identifying and addressing safety research needs and creating new knowledge
Identifying and addressing education and training needs and developing high levelskills
Developing an overall research strategy to support a science based safety assessment

including: experimental platforms, data bases, scientific softwares, methodologies
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET28

safety researchprojects

NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET29

Role and contribution of the CSNI for TSOs and safety organizations
 CSNI is mandated by the NEA to “be responsible for NEA programmes andactivities that support maintaining and advancing the scientific and technicalknowledge base of the safety of nuclear installations”
 CSNI is a discussion forum and the reference Committee for TSOs and otherorganizations for :• Exchanging information about operating experience and safety issues• Addressing safety issues associated with new technologies and reactor
designs• Balancing overviews of safety research issues• Promoting research as needed to reach consensus on CSNI technical goals
 CSNI addresses the challenges of ensuring an adequate knowledge base andinfrastructure for supporting TSO’s safety research in an efficient way
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET30

Presentationand sponsoringby CSNIsafety research
projects

CSNI
encouragement

Working groups
PRG
CSNI Bureau
Individual CSNI
members

External sources(e.g. CNRArequests)

Definiton of a
new resarch
work on safetyissues decided
by interestedparties

Joint Project
leaded by an
Operating Agent
among
participatingparties

Joint project
report shared
among theparticipatingparties

Projectsummary reportand mainoutcomes to besubmitted andapproved as a
CSNI report Joint projects (JPs) involve interested countries to pursue research or the sharingof data with respect to particular areas or problems
 JPs help TSOs to address main safety issues on current and future nuclearinstallations
 They are carried out under the auspices and with the support of the NEA
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET31

Regulation and governance of CSNI’s activities
 IRSN's recognition of the key role played by the Program Review
Group (PRG) established 20 years ago
 Strategic vision of the "medium to long term" needs for research
infrastructures in support of safety
 Essential support to CSNI and the CSNI bureau for decision making
 Evaluation and prioritization of CSNI and WG activities and effective
follow-up of the work of the WGs and the main outcomes of the JPs
 Review of the content and quality of the deliverables (JP reports,technical opinion paper, experimental results, databases) PRG can play an essential role for TSOs in helping define and prioritize
their safety research programs for current or new nuclear installations
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET32

Nuclear Safety Research Projects: current and future issues
 Major issue for TSOs as IRSN and safety researchorganizations: preservation of experimental research
infrastructures and experimental skills
 Closure of number of research facilities at theinternational level and loss of associated skills thatare nonetheless essential to the development ofnuclear energy and the improvement of safety
 The shutdown of Halden reactor in 2018 andsubsequent project activities have highlighted theneed for preserving key experiments ininternational databases

Halden reactor - Norway

NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET33

Nuclear Safety Research Projects: current and future issues
Major issue: preservation of experimental
research infrastructures and associated skills
 Major contribution of CSNI SESAR group "Senior Expert Group on
Safety Research” reports to point out the following issues and makerecommendations
 Last update in 2021
 Identification of "medium to long term" issues and needs forexperimental activities
 Review of existing experimental facilities, their situation andidentification of those that are at risk and too costly to replace(research reactors, irradiators, fire facilities, thermal-hydraulic,mechanical, earthquake, ....)
Primary Coolant Loop Test Facility [PKL] in Identification of the teams and skills that are at risk ofErlangen - Germany
disappearing
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET34

Nuclear Safety Research Projects: current and future issues
Several initiatives and roadmaps to address this issue At NEA level : Prioritization actions made by CSNI and NSC
 Joint projects sponsored by CSNI CSNI and NSC initiative : the FIDES network dedicated to R&D for
irradiated fuels and materials
 Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology (NEST) framework forstudents
 Pooling of resources and optimization of TSOs’ research programs
 The Nuclear Safety and Security Group (NSSG) initiative “to preserve theremaining operating research facilities, when appropriate, to ensure
durability of scientific expertise”
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET35

Nuclear Safety Research Projects: current and future issues
Several initiatives and roadmaps to address this issue The International Centres based on Research Reactors (ICERRs)
supported by IAEA to help IAEA Member States gain timely access torelevant nuclear infrastructure based on research reactors to achieve
their capacity building and R&D objectives

 The Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP) to support
and promote the safe, reliable and efficient operation of Generation II, III
and IV civil nuclear systems supported by the European Commission

NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET36

Research projects in nuclear safety :IRSN’s view on innovative approaches for improved efficiency
Reach andmaintainthe highest
level ofsafety
worldwide

Technological harmonisation for industry

Regulatory harmonisation for governments andregulators ?

Harmonisation of safety by TSOs, buthow ?
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET37

Research projects in nuclear safety :IRSN’s view on innovative approaches for improved efficiency
 Through JPs to converge on safety issues, methods and safety margins
evaluation
 By supporting an harmonisation process which can also be “bottom-up”, fromtechnical expertise to regulation
 By feeding the harmonisation discussions with robust technical safety features
based upon cutting-edges scientific expertise, for the benefit of the public andenvironmental protection
 By implementing dedicated research and renewing research capacities to be able
to face future challenges, especially as it seems to be growing interest fornuclear energy in the world nowadays (e.g. SMRs)
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET38

Research projects in nuclear safety :IRSN’s view on innovative approaches for improved efficiency
 By always seeking efficiency while always guaranteeing the ethics and safety
objectives of the projects :By attracting the interest of other actors as industrialists and designers toparticipate in the financing of projects
money and time saving – e.g.
industrial third parties associated to CSNI joint projects
 By experts exchanges on their practices, safety approaches, difficulties and thechallenges they are facing
 By using, promoting and developing networks such ETSON, the European
Technical Safety Organisation Network, which could help on harmonisation
through technical and scientific approaches, prioritization of research projectsand cross expertise
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET39

Conclusion
 A better coordination of nuclear safety research international roadmaps could guarantee arobust nuclear safety expertise and increase the quality of this research The NEA could play a key role in setting up the international research agenda and defining
priorities for research projects
 It is important to preserve the remaining operating research facilities and develop new ones toensure durability of scientific expertise and address the safety issues of new nuclear facilities
 Dedicated safety research in a cooperative mode can contribute to harmonisation (commonvision on future challenges)
 International cooperation, multilateral and bilateral, is key to safety harmonisation
 If we want harmonization to be successful, we need also to stay connected to the public and to
civil society = work in a transparent manner It is necessary to provide opportunities for the young generation to ensure high level skills
required for the safe use of nuclear energy
NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET40

NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK: A SUCCESS STORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS - SESSION 1: NUCLEAR SAFETYRESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE - JANUARY 9, 2023 - 13:00 – 16:00 CET41

SESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the Future

Mr Manuel CARRASCO
Deputy Director of the Design and Technology Branch of the New Builds
Engineering and Projects Division, Électricité de France S.A., FranceSESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the FuturePanel SESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the Future

Mr Raymond FURSTENAUDr Jean-Christophe NIELMr Manuel CARRASCO

Professor Sevostian BECHTA

Director, Office of Nuclear
Regulatory Research,United States Nuclear
Regulatory Commission(USNRC), United States

Director-General, Institut deRadioprotection et de Sûreté
Nucléaire (IRSN), FranceDeputy Director of theDesign and Technology
Branch of the New Builds
Engineering and Projects
Division, Électricité deFrance S.A., France

Head of Division, Nuclear Power
Safety, Royal Institute of Technology(KTH), Sweden

Panel SESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the Future

Professor Sevostian BECHTA
Head of Division, Nuclear Power Safety, Royal Institute ofTechnology (KTH), Sweden

Panel SESSION 1: Nuclear Safety Research Joint Projects: Benefits and Challenges for the Future

NEA NUCLEAR SAFETY RESEARCH JOINT PROJECTS WEEK:Success Stories and Opportunities for Future Developments
9-13 January 2023

Thank you for your participation today and see you all tomorrow!
Questions, feedback and suggestions link available in the registration confirmation email
Event public page: Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) - NEA Nuclear Safety Research Joint

Projects Week: Success Stories and Opportunities for Future Developments (oecdnea.org)