This session will highlight the role of advanced technologies, regulatory frameworks, and international collaboration in ensuring the safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear energy, in Europe and globally.

Achieving Safety, Security, and Safeguards by Design is an integrated approach applying all regulatory guidelines and safety principles from the initial design phase of nuclear facilities and technologies. Utilising advanced materials and engineering techniques enhance the resilience and safety of nuclear reactors. Leveraging digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity measures improve safety and security. Implementing robust non-proliferation measures prevent the misuse of nuclear materials and technologies. Strengthening cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ensures the compliance with international safeguards agreements. The role of the European Safeguards Research and Development Association (ESARDA) in advancing safeguards technologies and methodologies will be highlighted.

Nuclear Research and Innovation toward Reactor Systems, Radioactive Waste Management and Radiation Protection, enhance the safety, operation and efficiency of existing nuclear reactors, but also help explore the potential of Advanced and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to provide safe, flexible, and cost-effective nuclear power, and support investigations in the development and deployment of Generation-IV reactors, offering enhanced safety, sustainability, and efficiency.

The European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG) and the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association (WENRA) play a key role in harmonising safety standards and practices. Today, Europe benefits from the common implementation of key EU/Euratom directives, such as the Nuclear Safety Directive, the Radioactive Waste Management Directive, and the Basic Safety Standards (BSS) Directive, aligning with IAEA safety standards and guidelines to ensure global best practices.

The contribution of nuclear energy to climate change mitigation by providing a stable, low-carbon energy source is widely acknowledged. Innovative solutions, research and innovation efforts help reduce the environmental impact of nuclear activities, including advanced radioactive waste management and recycling technologies. Technological advancements enhance safety, innovations in reactor design, materials, and safety systems to prevent accidents and mitigate their consequences. Technologies that improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear power generation are developed. Cross-border Partnerships collaborative R&I projects between Member States, research institutions and industry help sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices.

International Cooperation and the role of the Generation-IV International Forum (GIF) in advancing next-generation nuclear technologies help building global partnerships with other countries, including International Organisations, and industry stakeholders to address common challenges and opportunities. The safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear energy is critical to meeting future energy demands and addressing climate change. By investing in research and innovation, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering international collaboration, we can overcome challenges and unlock the full potential of nuclear energy, to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear future for Europe and the world.

This session will focus on strategies to mitigate risks, secure financing, and ensure robust project management, thereby enhancing the chances of project success and long-term sustainability by exploring innovative investment and financial models that can support nuclear research, innovation, and demonstration projects.

Mitigating risks in International nuclear research collaborations needs addressing differences in cultural and political contexts that can impact collaboration and the project execution. Strategies include fostering mutual understanding, establishing clear communication channels, and aligning goals and expectations. It also needs identifying and mitigating financial risks such as cost overruns, funding shortfalls, potential design evolutions, or even currency fluctuations. Techniques include a thorough financial planning, contingency funds, risk-sharing agreements, and the development of comprehensive risk management frameworks that encompass identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring of risks throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Securing financing for nuclear projects call to exploring diverse funding sources, including government grants, banking loans, private sector investment, and international financial institutions. Leveraging national and international government programmes that will provide grants and low-interest loans for nuclear R&D and demonstration projects is critical. Attracting the private sector investment through clear value propositions, risk mitigation strategies, and potential returns on investment is needed.

Innovative financing models recommend Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to be established to share risks and rewards between public and private entities, leveraging the strengths of both sectors. Utilising incubators and accelerators to support early-stage nuclear innovations, providing funding and equity, mentorship, and resources to bring ideas to market is growing strongly (e.g. European Innovation Council (EIC)). The latest is engaging institutional investors such as venture capitals, pension funds, and insurance companies, to provide long-term capital for demonstration or large-scale nuclear projects. It also foresees leveraging the European Investment Bank (EIB) and other international financial institutions to secure financing for nuclear innovation and demonstration projects.

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects (e.g., Nuward, Newcleo, etc.) that utilise PPPs and innovative financing models to bring advanced nuclear technologies to market are nicely progressing. The ‘European Industrial Alliance on SMRs’ promoting the development and deployment of SMRs in Europe by early 2030s should benefit from the launch of Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) which may represent a significant opportunity to benefitting from State Aid and Green Taxonomy Allowances, complementing Public-Private partnerships, in contribution to economic growth, jobs, the green and digital transition and competitiveness for the Union industry and economy.

Horizon Europe and Euratom projects funded nuclear R&D projects have demonstrated effective risk management and secured diverse and relevant funding sources towards innovation and demonstration.

The successful execution of nuclear innovation and demonstration projects requires pioneering and continuous investment and financial models that mitigate risks and secure necessary financing. By fostering international cooperation, leveraging innovative financing models, and implementing robust risk management frameworks, we can enhance the chances of project success and contribute to the safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear energy, to unlock the full potential of nuclear innovation and demonstration for a sustainable energy future.

Innovation in industrial technology exceeds traditional boundaries, enabling transformative applications across high-tech sectors such as aerospace, nuclear, space exploration, aviation, maritime, communication technology, computer and automated business equipment, semiconductors, lasers, particle accelerators, or medicine etc. While nuclear technology has historically driven innovation, advancements from non-nuclear industries are increasingly contributing to the nuclear sector. These cross-sectoral innovations enhance efficiency, safety, public perception, and overall effectiveness, while addressing key challenges and supporting nuclear energy's role in a sustainable energy future and nuclear science applications.

Key cross-sectoral innovation areas include Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing, widely used in aerospace and automotive industries, which would revolutionising potentially the future production of complex nuclear components, such as fuel assemblies and reactor parts. 3D printing reduces material waste, shortens production timelines, and enables the creation of customised components that could improve reactor performance and safety. Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, prevalent in smart and industrial automation, are being integrated into nuclear facilities for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. IoT should enhance operational safety, reduce downtime and optimise resource utilisation, and contribute to more reliable and efficient nuclear power generation and nuclear science applications.

Innovations from space exploration, aviation, and maritime industries are being adapted for use in nuclear facilities, and vice versa to conventional industrial applications, such as advanced materials, robotics, and remote sensing. These technologies improve the resilience of nuclear infrastructure, enable remote operations in hazardous environments. Development will also benefit small modular reactors (SMRs) and diverse applications. Circular economy and sustainable practices emphasize resource efficiency and minimisation of radioactive waste, as such they are being applied to innovative nuclear fuel cycles and decommissioning processes. They help minimise environmental impact, reduce long-term liabilities, and enhance public acceptance of nuclear energy as a green innovation and fully embedded in the EU Taxonomy Delegated Act.

Lessons learned from regulatory frameworks in other high-tech industries, such as aviation and healthcare, are stimulating the development of adaptive and risk-informed nuclear regulations, fostering innovation while maintaining the highest safety standards, enabling the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies and facilitating international cooperation. Cross-industry applications position nuclear energy as a cutting-edge solution for clean energy transitions and global competitiveness are key to realising this potential.

This session explores the mechanisms and benefits of open access to research infrastructures and international cooperation in the nuclear field essential for advancing nuclear research, development and demonstration. By leveraging strategic partnerships, promoting mobility and knowledge exchange, and supporting joint infrastructure hubs, the nuclear sector can enhance its research capabilities, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the EU's position in the global energy market.

Key components of the European and Euratom research infrastructures and international cooperation rely upon identifying key research infrastructures, mapping and prioritising critical ones within Europe and internationally, unique research infrastructures that support nuclear innovation, research reactors, hot laboratories, experimental loops, complementing nuclear and non-nuclear laboratories, simulation platforms, accelerators, or underground research laboratories, etc. It ensures that resources are allocated to facilities with the highest potential, and available (or not) to drive breakthroughs in nuclear science, engineering and technology. Enhancing and sharing infrastructure capabilities, upgrading existing infrastructures and promoting shared use maximise their utilisation and strongly impact the building of a true European Research Area. It helps reducing duplication of efforts, optimising resource allocation, and enables researchers and scientists to access state-of-the-art facilities. Ultimately, funding and resources support help secure a sustainable funding for research infrastructures through MS/EU/Euratom programmes, national contributions and public-private partnerships, ensuring a long-term viability of infrastructures and support to cutting-edge research projects.

Strategic planning such as the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) and facilitating access by developing strategic roadmaps guide the development and use of research infrastructures, ensuring equitable access for researchers across Europe. It promotes inclusivity and enables researchers from diverse backgrounds to contribute to nuclear innovation. Bilateral and multilateral Agreements established between EU member states and international partners facilitate collaboration on nuclear research and sharing of infrastructures. They strengthen global networks, fosters knowledge exchange, and supports joint research addressing global challenges. Encouraging the mobility and transnational exchange of researchers, engineers, and students across borders through exchange programmes and collaborative projects. It enhances development of skills, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and accelerates the transfer of knowledge and expertise. Hands-On training and Knowledge Transfer provide training opportunities at research infrastructures to equip the next generation of nuclear professionals with practical skills. It builds a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and addressing future challenges in the nuclear sector.

Benefits of Open Access and International Cooperation, shared infrastructures and collaborative research enable faster development of new technologies and solutions. Pooling resources and expertise reduce costs and maximises the impact of investments. Strengthening international partnerships positions the EU as a leader in nuclear research and innovation. Training and knowledge transfer programmes ensure capacity building and a steady pipeline of talent for the nuclear sector. By addressing global challenges, collaborative efforts enable the nuclear sector to contribute to global goals such as climate change mitigation and sustainable energy development.

Great benefits are acknowledged from international cooperation and multilateral initiatives between EURATOM, EU Member States, and International Organisations. They should systematically be capitalised, from HFR to PALLAS e.g. OECD/NEA FIDES (Framework for Irradiation Experiments), OECD/NEA NEST (Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology), IAEA ICERR (International Centre based on Research Reactors labelled by IAEA could help further cooperation), together with IAEA CRPs, IAEA ETKM and Generation-IV International Forum (GIF) working groups. One should therefore capitalise any opportunity within the newly launched Euratom CONNECT-NM Partnership in Nuclear (fission) Materials, EURAD-2 (Partnership in Radioactive Waste Management), PIANOFORTE (Partnership in radiation protection and medical applications) and large-scale projects OFFERR (Open Access to nuclear R&D infrastructures), ENEN2Plus (transnational E&T and mobility actions), Open Access to JRC facilities and EUROfusion Partnership (implementing the fusion roadmap). The launch in 2024 of a European Industrial Alliance on SMRs (and IPCEIs benefitting Public-Private partnerships and State Aid support) should be a real opportunity complementing EURATOM Research framework programmes to focus on accelerating the deployment of existing and future reactor technologies early 2030s, ensuring a strong European supply chain, and including a skilled workforce.

Challenges and Opportunities exist in the complexity of coordination and aligning the interests of multiple stakeholders across different countries and require robust governance frameworks. Ensuring sustained funding (relevant for operations and upgrades, without gaps etc.) for research infrastructures and collaborative projects remains a real challenge. Differences in national regulations can hinder cross-border collaboration and sharing, and time to access critical infrastructures. Opportunities for synergies between scientific disciplines should be grasped and enable cross-cutting nuclear research (e.g., materials science, digital and AI platforms, energy and non-energy cross-cutting applications, health and medical, science, technology and engineering) as they can unlock new opportunities for innovation.

Overall, open access to European research infrastructures and a robust international cooperation are vital for advancing nuclear research and innovation. By fostering collaboration, optimising resources, and promoting knowledge exchange, the EU can strengthen its nuclear sector, drive technological breakthroughs, and contribute to a sustainable energy future. Strategic planning, sustained funding, and inclusive policies will be key to realising the full potential of these efforts.