The European Commission's Directorate General responsible for research, science and innovation will publish a non-binding declaration of intent on strategic research priorities including nuclear energy in the coming weeks, according to the directorate's spokesperson on Monday.
In September 2015, the Commission adopted the framework of the Energy Union 'Towards an integrated SET Plan' for member states who want to make nuclear energy part of their energy mix. This framework proposed improving efficiency and cost-competitiveness on nuclear power focusing on safety. The Commission is now in discussions with 32 member states and other stakeholders, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey.
On May 13, the directorate sent a discussion paper to national experts on potential future research priority areas. The paper builds on the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) adopted in the framework of the Energy Union, which included nuclear energy as one of the 10 potential research priority areas identified.
This discussion paper for experts is based on previous public issues papers and public consultations.
'It should not be seen as a final document and in no way commits the position of the Commission,' the spokesperson told Anadolu Agency.
The paper was discussed openly on May 24 with the intention of adopting a non-binding declaration of intent on strategic research priorities.
'The Commission, as a facilitator, will collect further input of national experts in writing with a view to a new discussion on the non-binding declaration in the coming weeks,' the spokesperson said.
'Let me remind you that whether or not a Member State chooses nuclear energy as part of its energy remains a national competence and the Commission has no intention to alter that. On the other hand, the Commission does not fund the construction of nuclear power plants or reactors,' the spokesperson pointed out.
The research on nuclear technology will focus solely on safety, waste management and radiation protection, as well as education and training.
The EU research and innovation program, Horizon 2020, which funds EU research projects such as the SET plan, has a total budget of €77 billion for 2014-2020. A fraction of €430 million is earmarked for nuclear energy research for the seven year period.
By Nuran Erkul
Anadolu Agency
nuran.erkul@aa.com.tr