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

**A pályázat célja és várt eredménye** 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 Feasibility: a) To assess the suitability of SMRs and other nuclear technologies for maritime use; b) To evaluate any integration challenges with existing and potential new ship designs, including modular designs.; c) To study the lifecycle of nuclear-powered vessels, including construction, operation, and decommissioning. Economic Viability: a) To conduct cost-benefit analyses comparing nuclear-powered shipping to conventional and renewable low and zero-carbon fuel options, taking into account the long-term availability of fuel and the cost of disposal of residues; b) To evaluate infrastructure requirements in the EU, such as port facilities for nuclear vessels; c) Mapping full costs for a nuclear propelled ship on a life cycle basis. Safety and Security: a) To develop safety protocols for nuclear-powered ships, including emergency response and accident mitigation; b) To address cybersecurity risks, external threats and proliferation concerns and safety in ports. c) Assessing long-term crew training requirements for nuclear operations, safety and security and their implementation in international training and certification regulations. Environmental Impact: a) To analyze the potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollutants caused by mining, refining, use and disposal of spent nuclear fuel; b) To assess the impact of nuclear waste management, disposal as part of implementation of a circular economy approach; c) To assess the impact of nuclear-powered ships on marine ecosystems addressing in particular water pollutions and by contaminants; d) To analyze possible damage scenarios with a view to liability issues and mitigation of damages. Regulatory and Legal Framework: a) To identify gaps in international maritime law and IAEA nuclear regulations; and b) To propose recommendations related to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) [2] and other relevant treaties The implications for National Energy and Climate Plans and National Air Pollution Control Programmes required by EU legislative framework. Additionally, a strategy for skills development should be presented, associating social partners and civil society where relevant. Proposals are expected to demonstrate how their objectives contribute to EU added value and long-term competitiveness in nuclear-powered vessel technologies. This includes enhancing the EU’s R&I capacity, safeguarding critical technological know-how, developing skilled human capital, and reinforcing the resilience of the EU’s industrial and manufacturing base in this strategic sector. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Zero Emission Waterborne Transport’ (ZEWT). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on results to the European Partnership ‘Zero Emission Waterborne Transport’ (ZEWT) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. [1] European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors, https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/industry/industrial-alliances/european-industrial-alliance-small-modular-reactors_en [2] https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-the-Safety-of-Life-at-Sea-(SOLAS),-1974.aspx **Jogosultsági és benyújtási feltételek** "> General conditions 1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. 2. Eligible Countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide . 3. Other Eligible Conditions If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used). Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks. described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. 4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual . 5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. 6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf ]]. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions Not applicable. Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA): Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE CSA) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations   Standard evaluation form (HE CSA)   Guidance HE Programme Guide   Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA   Call-specific instructions   Detailed budget table (HE LS)   Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?" Additional documents: HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual   Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions   Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement **Programkörnyezet** This Destination addresses activities that improve the climate and environmental footprint, as well as competitiveness, of different transport modes. The areas of rail and air traffic management will be addressed through dedicated Institutional European Partnerships and are therefore not included in this document. This Destination contributes directly to the Strategic Plan’s Key Strategic Orientations ‘ Green transition ’, ‘ Digital transition ’ and ‘ A more resilient, competitive, inclusive and democratic Europe ’. In line with the Strategic Plan, the overall expected impact of this Destination is to contribute to the ‘Achieving sustainable and competitive transport modes’ . The main impacts to be generated by topics under this Destination are: Zero-emission road transport Accelerated uptake of a zero-tailpipe emission ecosystem, with interoperable technological solutions developed at system level (vehicles, infrastructure, user and energy grid) that support the global competitiveness of the EU transport and mobility system. Zero-tailpipe emission mobility solutions developed that are affordable, efficient, user-friendly, inclusive, safe and circular with concepts and technologies that are easy to deploy, considering needs, behaviours and socio-economic conditions of all end-users. Clean mobility solutions for a climate neutral and environmentally friendly and zero pollution mobility with a higher level of circularity; Increased responsiveness of zero tailpipe emission vehicles and systems to diverse societal interests and concerns. Aviation Enable breakthrough technologies and innovations that will contribute to the design (addressing also eco-design and circularity principles), manufacturing, maintenance and operations of new generation aircrafts, also powered by renewable energy and sustainable aviation fuels, for a competitive and clean EU aviation ecosystem (including airports). Derisk and accelerate the introduction of new digital technologies (with emphasis on AI) at all levels in the industrial aviation ecosystem, while addressing all safety-related issues in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Waterborne transport Higher autonomy range in electric and hybrid vessels. Uptake of renewable and low carbon fuels and improved knowledge on the suitability of innovative renewable and low carbon fuels and other energy carriers for waterborne transport. Support the objectives of the European Port Strategy and Waterborne Industrial Strategy, contributing the role of ports as energy hubs, improving efficiency and safety through digitalization, improving the resilience and security of the transport network, as well as increasing the competitiveness of the industrial and technology EU capabilities. Significant reduction of emissions from large vessels due to the merging of energy efficiency and renewable and low carbon fuels. Sustainability of waterborne transport by design, considering air and water pollution, circularity and life-cycle assessments in shipbuilding. Improved safety of seafarers, port workers and the environment. Transport-related environment and health The better monitoring of the environmental performance and enforcement of emissions regulation and biodiversity protection in order to reduce the overall environmental impact of transport (e.g.: as regards biodiversity, noise, pollution and waste) on human health and ecosystems. Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination. For additional information please see “Restrictions on the participation of legal entities established in China” found in General Annex B of the General Annexes.