Prospective evaluation of nuclear power potential for shipping (ZEWT Partnership)

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: Drafting of a R&I roadmap towards deploying nuclear power in commercial shipping, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies (e.g. complementing the latest European Industrial Alliance on SMRs technology roadmap [1] ), including identification of research gaps, infrastructures and future innovation needs Mapping of relevant regulatory regimes nationally, regionally and internationally for the use of nuclear-powered shipping, including recommendations on regulatory frameworks and international cooperation. Development of scenarios for the use of the technology, including potential damage scenarios. The implications for National Energy and Climate Plans and National Air Pollution Control Programmes as well as water pollution policies required by EU legislative framework. Assessment of total cost of ownership for the deployment of current and potential technologies. Development of safety, training and operational guidelines for nuclear-powered ships. Scope: Nuclear propulsion has the potential to reduce emissions of air pollutants and to decarbonize the shipping sector, producing zero GHG tank-to-wake emissions and low upstream well-to-tank emissions. A coordinated effort among various stakeholders including industry partners, research performing organisations, NGOs, the European Commission, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) should help evaluate such prospective potential. It should benefit from the latest Research and Innovation (R&I) results, technical, socio-economic and environment studies, or initiatives being capitalised at EU and international level, to ensure a comprehensive assessment. The main objectives are to assess the feasibility, safety, and environmental impact of using nuclear power for shipping to achieve zero-emission of GHG, air and water pollutants in maritime transport. Following a preliminary assessment and literature review, as well as detailed technical and economic studies regulatory and technical recommendations should be developed, along with a review of on-going pilot projects aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear-powered vessels. The project should help evaluate the technical, economic, regulatory, environmental and social aspects of deploying nuclear power in commercial shipping, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies. Actions should address all the following aspects: Technical…