To ensure the safe operation of technical installations such as nuclear power plants (NPPs), it is important to continuously identify and analyse possible risk factors. In addition to technical safety, the so-called human factor, i.e. human influence and contribution, is of crucial importance for the safe operation of installations. Human-organisational aspects are therefore an aspect of safety research that should not be underestimated. In a recent study, GRS scientists have identified organisational factors that can have a negative influence on plant safety. These are specific characteristics that affect the structure of the organisation (organisational structure), the organisation of activities and processes (process organisation), and the corporate culture.
 

The mineral graphite is used in some types of reactors and can be activated by neutron radiation, i.e. converted into radioactive isotopes. In order to select a suitable disposal option, the graphite must be thoroughly examined radiologically. However, many measuring methods are relatively costly and in turn produce new radioactive waste themselves. A team of researchers from GRS and the University of Cologne is therefore developing a method with which reactor graphite can be characterised quickly and reliably.

Since the search for a repository site was restarted, crystalline rock, such as that found in Bavaria or Saxony, has also been considered as a host rock for a repository for high-level radioactive waste. Currently, experts from the GRS Repository Research Centre are working on several research projects to deepen the understanding of fundamental properties of the host rock and to develop concepts for assessing the safety of a repository in crystalline rock – in their own laboratory tests, in cooperation with foreign research partners, and as part of experiments carried out in the Swiss underground laboratory at Grimsel.

Scientists at GRS use a simulation software to calculate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. The program was designed to analyse incidents and accidents in containments of nuclear power plants, but has been adapted and validated for corona aerosols.

On April 26th the Chernobyl disaster was 35 years ago. How is the situation on the site today? Which works are currently going on? And how is taken care of the radioactive waste?

In the course of the new Radiation Protection Act (2017) the Federal Radiological Emergency Centre was established. GRS has by law been assigned the task of supporting the Federal Radiological Emergency Centre in its work together with different Federal Offices. In our interview, GRS expert Dr Albert Kreuser explains how the emergency organisation at GRS works and how his colleagues prepare for a possible mission.

Nuclear fusion occurs naturally in the sun. On Earth, meanwhile, fusing two atoms involves a great deal of effort. The more research is done in this field, the sooner will concepts for commercial fusion plants appear on the horizon. A research project of GRS and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is now looking at the regulatory framework for such plants.

GRS developed the methodological bases and recommendations for the site selection procedure in Germany. The synthesis report and ten supplementary technical reports are available on the GRS website.

Aerosols contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 are deemed to be one of the main causes for Covid-19 infections.
A team of researchers at GRS has used simulation software from nuclear engineering to calculate the dispersion of respective aerosols in rooms.

Knowledge about the origin, propagation and suppression of fires is essential for assessing fire safety of nuclear installations. For this reason, GRS is continuously participating in fire related international research activities carried out  under the auspices of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA).