The Forum can offer advice on how to address the issue of European technology standards in the development of nuclear power, in particular how to ensure the supply of components, enhance research as well as education and training in nuclear energy-related areas while maintaining the highest levels of safety at a time when experienced human resources are diminishing

Nuclear R&D is essential to underpin the future development of nuclear fission energy in the EU. The key areas requiring R&D are: underpinning the continued safe operation of existing reactors; future reactor systems delivering enhanced safety and efficiency whilst at the same time producing less waste; closed fuel cycles enabling the reuse of uranium and plutonium and also the transmutation of minor actinides and long lived fission products; improved radioactive waste management and disposal techniques; and, life extension of existing reactors, focussing on safety, fuel availability, fuel performance, properties of materials and remote inspection techniques. European nuclear technology has the potential to maintain its global lead as world-wide demand for nuclear power grows. In addition, nuclear R&D facilities support the education & training of high-class scientists and engineers.

The launch of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP) in Brussels on 21 September 2007 has underlined the substantial political and industrial support that exists for the further development of nuclear fission. ENEF should be invited to endorse and strengthen that support, given the important role R&D needs to play in sustaining nuclear power's contribution to secure and sustainable European energy supply.

Recommends ENEF to :

• Recognise the importance of maintaining a substantial nuclear fission R&D programme at EU level
• Support a significant increase in budget for the next EU nuclear fission framework program, beginning in 2012
• Prioritise the R&D needed to a) sustain current operations and b) develop the next generation of safer and more efficient reactors producing less waste
• Endorse the aims of the SNETP and its strategic priorities, including the financing of the necessary research infrastructure, e.g. by public/private partnerships
• Promote education & training in the nuclear field, in particular through the encouragement of advanced R&D programmes and facilities
• Take note of the nuclear energy objectives outlined in the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SETP)
• Identify those nuclear technologies having the highest export earning potential and support their development
• Encourage better co-ordination between national and EU-funded nuclear fission R&D programmes
• Encourage greater participation in Euratom FP7 from the New Member States

For further information, please consult the R&D section of the website.