R&D activities of the Spanish research institutions and universities on Gen IV reactors and advanced nuclear systems

The sustainability of nuclear energy has driven the development of the Generation IV (Gen IV) reactors and advanced nuclear systems that are extremely safe, economically competitive, extend the use of resources, minimise the waste and obey strict non-proliferation requirements. The deployment of the advanced systems and Gen IV reactors requires extensive national and international coordinated R&D programs. In Spain, this R&D is carried out in the public sector by CIEMAT, the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Universitat Politècnica de València and also by the solid Spanish nuclear industry. The activities are being funded by ENRESA, EURATOM and the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness R&D programs and can be grouped in four large areas: reactor design, safety, materials and fuel cycles.