Profile

Dr. Helena Möller is a Senior Research Manager working for the Project Management Agency at the Gesellschaft fuer Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS) gGmbH. Helena is active in the implementation and coordination of research programs on behalf of several German Federal Ministries, particularly in R&D management of reactor safety and nuclear decommissioning related projects.

Abstract

General aspects of reactor safety in the context of LTO in Germany

Germany will phase out nuclear energy for commercial generation of electricity by the end of 2022, however, challenges and tasks in the nuclear field will remain far beyond 2022. Hence upholding and expansion of in-depth expertise and specialized personnel will be required for many years. While Long Term Operation (LTO) is no longer on the agenda for German nuclear power plants, it remains an important topic for reactor safety research in Germany. The funding of nuclear safety related R&D activities and the support of international cooperations are major pillars of the German nuclear competence building strategy.

This presentation introduces the motivations and goals of reactor safety research in Germany. It focuses on R&D funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and presents main goals and major topics of the program as well as selected projects relevant to LTO and NDT that are currently funded. Grants are open for universities, research organisations, TSO, industry as well es small and medium-sized commercial enterprises. National research is often complemented or embedded in international activities, that may also be supported by public funds.