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2011 Nuclear Research Areas

2011 Nuclear Research

EPRI’s Nuclear Sector informs decision-making on nuclear power’s role in meeting world energy demand and confronting climate change concerns. EPRI conducts research to ensure nuclear power remains a safe and economically feasible generation option, and a reliable source of electricity with zero greenhouse gas emissions. Through global collaboration with nuclear power plant operators, regulatory agencies, and other research organizations, EPRI develops cost-effective technologies that maximize use of existing nuclear assets and support deployment of new nuclear technology.


2011 Nuclear Research Areas and Programs
Advanced Nuclear Technology 

Incorporate plant operating experience and research results into tools and guidance that increase confidence and reduce risks associated with deploying new nuclear power plants.

   
Chemistry, Low-Level Waste and Radiation Management 

Develop guidance and technologies to improve water chemistry practices, enhance low-level waste management, reduce radiation exposure, and inform plant decommissioning efforts.

   
Equipment Reliability 

Develop tools, techniques, and practices that can increase overall nuclear plant reliability and safety.

   
Fuel Reliability 

Develop the technical basis for preventing fuel failures through research into failure mechanisms, analysis of failed fuel rods, and development of fuel reliability guidelines.

   
Instrumentation and Control 

Provide the technical bases to apply advanced I&C technologies so nuclear plants can tap into functionality and capabilities underutilized to date in the nuclear sector.

   
Long-Term Operations 

Develop the technical basis enabling nuclear plant owners to make informed decisions regarding plant operation to 80 years and beyond.

   
Materials Degradation/Aging 

Increase the understanding of materials aging mechanisms in nuclear reactors and develop technologies to mitigate and monitor degradation.

   
Nondestructive Evaluation and Material Characterization 

Develop and qualify nondestructive evaluation technologies that can be used to guide decisions on whether and when to replace, repair, or continue operation of components.

   
Risk and Safety Management 

Develop risk and safety assessment tools and techniques that enable nuclear plant owners to make technically sound design, maintenance and operational decisions.

   
Used Fuel and High-Level Waste Management 

Inform industry and regulatory decisions affecting waste management, including advanced fuel cycles, used fuel transportation, geologic repository capacity, and interim storage requirements.