Review Article

Nuclear and radiological emergency management and preparedness

¹ FSN-SICNUC-SIN, ENEA, CR ENEA Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
² PSE-SANTE/SESUC, IRSN, B.P. 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex, France
³ IKET CEDIM, KIT, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

^* e-mail: federico.rocchi@enea.it

Received: 12 March 2019
Accepted: 4 June 2019
Published online: 5 May 2020

Abstract

Recent EURATOM research efforts on Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) have been focussed on programs addressing some main knowledge gaps clearly identified in the outcomes of investigations carried out in Europe in response to the Fukushima accident. The PREPARE and FASTNET projects tried to solve similar problems adopting very complementary and synergic approaches. The main achievements of both projects are detailed in this paper. In particular, the problem of the fast estimation of time-dependent, long-lasting Source Terms is discussed. This problem is not only a technical one, but is also related to the experience and skill of the code users. As the EP&R is spanning a wide range in Europe, certainly far beyond the borders of individual states, it is mandatory creating a common and shared understanding of emergencies. Both PREPARE and FASTNET recognized the fundamental role of exercises to increase the experience of emergency responders in Europe. A general recommendation can then be formulated, in that more efforts should be dedicated in the future to the realization of such important exercises.