Emerging Nuclear Energy Systems - Their Possible Safety and Proliferation Risks

This study aims at identifying and assessing the safety and proliferation risks that new nuclear energy systems might pose, and making policy recommendations based on this assessment. The basic physical ideas within relevant nuclear research areas are outlined and their major research goals described, with special emphasis on projects within the Specific Programmes 'Nuclear Fission' and 'Thermonuclear Fission' of the Euroatom Fifth Framework Programme Criteria for the assessment of safety risks are described, and criteria for the assessment of proliferation risks are presented. The implications for EU policy making are then outlined.