V4F aims to show proof-of-principle of a new technology capable of unprecedented control over interactions with specially synthesised targets to significantly improve the energy balance of aneutronic fusion reactions. New concepts and advanced simulations of inertial confinement of aneutronic fusion reactions and particle acceleration will inform pioneering experiments in high-energy matter-interactions. Results could offer the prospect of breakthrough increases in alpha-particle yields from fusion reactions and mitigate the instabilities found in conventional fusion reactions. This work offers the tantalising possibility of aneutronic fusion as a waste-free nuclear energy source and radical new configurations of particle accelerators, leading to an efficient positron beam acceleration. The results will benefit society with game-changing new approaches to clean, safe energy production and significant downscaling of positron accelerators with dramatic impacts in medicine, industry and fundamental science.

Emerging technologies on fast aerosol&vapour sensors and fast and massive decontamination -previously developed up to TRL5 by participants of this proposal- have demonstrated to be ideal candidates to provide universal fast and portable protection against CBRN. This project will mature these safe technologies and develop operational procedures for detection, protection, decontamination and assessment itself, and will measure their effectiveness in experimental tests and practical demonstrations in operational environment (TRL7): EX Intrinsically Safe CBRN-E aerial drone with sensors, semiautonomous navigation even in denied GNSS and automatic detection of victims. Technology and operating procedures for sheltering responders (including vehicles) against CBRN-E toxic clouds and aerosols Mass decontamination of infrastructures and vehicles tech & procedures based on aerosol dynamic aggregation. Sensors and procedures for reliable assessment of cleanliness. Mass decontamination of people (i.e. crowded arena…) Decontaminator of Respiratory System of a victim or “Lung cleaner”. Operating procedures for safe CBRN-E debris removal and excavation. Additionally, after analysis of CBRN-E associated risks in rescue and recovery operations it will develop and validate an AI modular tool for generating operating procedures for first responders operating under a CBRN-E event. These reliable useful tools and procedures at TRL7 will substantially increase safety for all first-responders (either CBRN specialized, non-specialized and even rescue-dogs) minimizing the need to enter in a contaminated area and exposure of first responder and providing smart advice and fused information. They haste a safe response and recovery reducing the number of victims and their severity as well as the environmental impact. Particularly, crowded events will be safer against CBRN episodes. Intrinsic Safety in Explosive atmospheres is key to prevent catastrophic explosions with a terrific impact.

The current open nuclear fuel cycle uses only a few percent of the energy contained in uranium. This efficiency can be greatly improved through the recycling of spent fuel (as done today in France for instance), including, in the longer term, multi-recycling strategies to be deployed in fast reactors. In this context, GENIORS addresses research and innovation in fuel cycle chemistry and physics for the optimisation of fuel design in line with the strategic research and innovation agenda and deployment strategy of SNETP, notably of its ESNII component. GENIORS focuses on reprocessing and fuel manufacture of MOX fuel potentially containing minor actinides, which would be reference fuel for the ASTRID and ALFREDO demonstrators. More specifically, GENIORS will carry out research and innovation for developing compatible techniques for dissolution, reprocessing and manufacturing of innovative oxide fuels, potentially containing minor actinides, in a “fuel to fuel” approach taking into account safety issues under normal and mal-operation. It also considers the impacts of these strategies on the interim storage. For delivering a full picture of a MOX fuel cycle, GENIORS will work in close collaboration with the INSPYRE project on oxide fuels performance. By implementing a three step approach (reinforcement of the scientific knowledge => process development and testing => system studies, safety and integration), GENIORS will lead to the provision of more science-based strategies for nuclear fuel management in the EU. It will allow nuclear energy to contribute significantly to EU energy independence. In the longer term, it will facilitate the management of ultimate radioactive waste by reducing its volume and radio-toxicity. At the longer term, a better understanding of a spent nuclear properties and behavior, at each step of the cycle will increase the safety of installations for interim storage during normal operation but also hypothetical accident scenarios.