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Structural and chemical insights on the incorporation of americium into zircaloy-derived monoclinic zirconia
No full textMonoclinic zirconia (m-ZrO2) forms on the internal surface of nuclear fuel Zircaloy cladding, acting as a critical barrier against radionuclide release at the fuel-cladding interface. However, the incorporation of minor actinide elements like americium in m-ZrO2 and resultant structural chemistry remains poorly understood. Using a combination of diffraction and high-resolution X-ray spectroscopic techniques, we have examined m-ZrO2 with 5mol%Am doping. We show Am enters m-ZrO2 tetravalently, where its solubility is approximately 1.0 mol%, m-(Am4+
0.011(7)Zr4+0.989(7))O2, attributed to the large Am4+ cation,where excess Am, that is predominantly trivalent, adopts a C-type (Am4+/3+1-xZr4+x)2O3+x phase in space group Ia-3. The known reversible high temperature phase transformation of m-ZrO2 to tetragonal is further shown to be reduced from 1150 oC to 1050 oC via Am4+ incorporation. The investigation provides critical insight into the chemical reactivity and speciation of minor actinide elements with nuclear fuel cladding related m-ZrO2.JRC.G.5 - Nuclear Science and Innovation for Energy and Healt
SuperDove radiometric data assessment in coastal and inland waters
No full textThe use of high-resolution data in aquatic applications increased significantly in the last decade with the launch of decametre-scale optical sensors. More recently, commercial very-high resolution (VHR) sensors, offering finer spatial and temporal resolutions, have shown the potential of complementing data from high-resolution missions. Planet SuperDove (SD), with a band-setting similar to the Copernicus Sentinel-2 MultiSpectral Instrument (S2-MSI), a 3-m spatial resolution and quasi-daily revisiting time, show the potential for widening water monitoring applications to smaller water basins, and finer-scale phenomena. However, the uncertainties in SD products need to be quantified, to assess their fitness-for-purpose for these applications. This work aims to provide uncertainty estimates for SD-derived aquatic remote sensing reflectance (RRS) in different water types, benefitting from the radiometric measurements of the AERONET-OC network. RRS was derived from both Surface Reflectance (SR) products, distributed by Planet, or from data processed with ACOLITE. The comparability between SD and S2-MSI products was also assessed comparing RRS and Rayleigh-corrected reflectance (RRC) from S2-MSI and SD. The results indicate generally low performance across all bands for both SD RRS products, except in the most turbid waters, and highlight the lack of a publicly available robust atmospheric correction processor for SD data for most optical water types. The comparison to S2-MSI shows promising results only when comparing RRC values, but differences still suggest issues associated with calibration and radiometry of the SD sensors. The results also highlight the need for a harmonization strategy to ensure consistent integration of these datasets within multi-source monitoring systems.JRC.D.2 - Ocean and Wate
Evaluating visible near-infrared spectroscopy in context of a repeated sampling survey across the European Union
No full textVisible near-infrared spectroscopy (VNIRS) has potential to fulfill the increasing need for soil organic carbon (SOC) data to support more cost-effective monitoring. However, VNIRS predictions for large-scale repeated surveys have not yet been systematically compared to the laboratory measurement error from dry-combustion. This study assessed 15,134 SOC pan-European predictions by VNIRS for a second campaign, LUCAS 2015, based on the LUCAS 2009 survey. Models performed well considering the mean prediction metrics (e.g. RMSE: 26–27 g C kg−1, CCC: 0.94) with marginal differences between approaches. However, relative differences between model approaches performance changed when assessed based on the confidence interval coverage probability (CICP). The CICP assesses whether VNIRS predictions lie within the confidence interval of measured SOC given the laboratory error. Furthermore, we quantified with a loss function how the cost-effectiveness of VNIRS depends on both the laboratory measurement error and the tolerated error in SOC predictions. Depending on the confidence interval considered, the best-case scenario for VNIRS would equate to estimated cost savings between 14–31 k (€) by replacing dry-combustion in the second campaign of a repeated survey on SOC. Overall, prior information from the first survey led to modest to large improvements of VNIRS SOC predictions, depending on the metric considered. Our results showed how mean prediction metrics, the CICP and the loss function can lead to variable interpretations of model performance and ideally should not be evaluated in isolation. Our results further indicated that future research is warranted on calibration models that are interpretable and allow for adequate uncertainty quantification.JRC.D.3 - Sustainable Supply Chains and Bioeconom
EU Code of Conduct for the sustainability of telecommunications networks
Full text linkThis EU Code of Conduct (CoC) for the sustainability of telecommunications networks is a deliverable under the European Commission’s 2022 Digitalising the Energy System Action Plan. In line with the Action Plan and other EU policies, environmental sustainability of telecommunications networks should contribute to achieving the EU’s climate targets. Stakeholders can assess environmental sustainability impacts during the design, manufacturing, deployment, operation, maintenance, audit and decommissioning phases. These assessments should follow the best practices based on standards, as set out in this EU CoC, with a particular focus on the operation phase.
After exploring the possibility to develop common indicators for measuring the environmental footprint, as required under the 2022 Action Plan (EC JRC 2023b), eight indicators were selected for this EU CoC to cover energy, climate, and other environmental aspects of sustainability most relevant in the context of telecommunications networks.
A set of expected and optional practices are defined, both at the level of the entire network infrastructure and for specific network segments, to the extent possible.
Each practice is based on a standard or set of complementary standards, which focus notably on the definition of organisational rules and processes as well as technical specifications for the collection, analysis and reporting of environmental sustainability data.
The expected practices laid out in this EU CoC could feed into the development of technical screening criteria to assess a substantial contribution of telecommunications networks to climate change mitigation under the EU Taxonomy Regulation.
The scope of this EU CoC addresses electronic communications networks in the sense of Art. 2(1) Directive (EU) 2018/1972 (the European Electronic Communications Code) for the provision of electronic communications services. Focused on the most relevant aspects for the environmental sustainability of telecommunications networks (based on EC JRC 2023b), this EU CoC does not address aspects of biodiversity, water-use, pollution, land-use, working conditions, communities’ economic, social and cultural rights, social inclusion of consumers and business conduct, as covered by the broader and horizontal European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) (EC 2023a).
Regarding the different phases of the network infrastructure lifecycle, i.e. design, manufacturing, deployment, operation, maintenance, audit and decommissioning (e.g., the process of removing the equipment from service), this EU CoC is especially focused on the operation phase, where standards are most mature, while however also identifying potentially relevant practices for the other phases (e.g., for circular economy aspects like e-waste). As standards for these practices mature, the currently optional practices may become expected under future iterations of this EU CoC.
Acknowledging the difficulties of comparing network infrastructures with each other, which would require accounting for factors such as geographical topology, population density, and network license requirements, this EU CoC is focused on measuring improvements of any network infrastructure over time, providing a common methodology across the EU.JRC.E.2 - Space, Connectivity and Economic Securit
Reassessing the solid/liquid phase transitions of U1-y-zPuyAmzO2±x mixed oxides
No full textFor safety reasons, it is crucial to understand the melting behavior of U1 y zPuyAmzO2±x (0.2 ≤ y ≤ 0.4 and 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.06) mixed oxide fuels for Sodium Fast Reactors. In this study, melting temperature measurements were conducted on seven U1 y zPuyAmzO2±x samples (with 0.235 ≤ y ≤ 0.44 and 0.005 ≤ z ≤ 0.02) using a laser heating technique. Thanks to the addition of oxygen gauges to the setup, the variation of the oxygen partial pressure inside the chamber during the experiment, and thus the O/M ratio (M = U+Pu+Am), was recorded for U1 y zPuyAmzO2±x for the first time. This study discusses the influence of the Pu and Am content, as well as the O/M ratio on the melting behavior of U1 y zPuyAmzO2±x. A decrease in the solidus temperature was observed with increasing Pu content, whereas no significant influence of the Am content on the solidus temperature was noted. Regarding the influence of the O/M ratio, the hypotheses used to calculate its variation are discussed. It was demonstrated that only the molten pool reacted with the surrounding atmosphere. Two distinct melting behaviors were observed depending on the initial O/M ratio of the fuels. For initially hypo-stoichiometric fuels, oxidation of the samples was observed during melting, as demonstrated by thermodynamic calculations. On the contrary, for initially stoichiometric or slightly hyper-stoichiometric fuels, reduction was occurred during the melting.JRC.G.I.5 - Nuclear Science and Innovation for Energy and Healt
Method for the integration of the support to ESPR impact assessments within the evaluation process of products, including international trade aspects and impact of measures on third countries.
Full text linkThe Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), effective from July 2024, broadens Ecodesign policies to cover a wider range of products, promoting sustainability throughout their life cycle. This report presents a methodology to integrate ESPR impact assessment requirements into the preparatory study phase, streamlining policy development.
Building on the existing MEErP framework and aligned with the Better Regulation Toolbox, the approach provides structured guidance on environmental, economic, and social impact assessments. It focuses on data collection, stakeholder engagement, and international trade considerations to ensure a smooth transition between preparatory studies and impact assessments. This alignment reduces duplication, optimises resources, and improves regulatory coherence.
While preparatory studies assess the technical and economic feasibility of initiatives, impact assessments analyse regulatory proposals’ wider impacts and political aspects, including proportionality and monitoring mechanisms. Traditionally sequential, better coordination between these studies can enhance efficiency and decision-making.
Key areas for improved alignment include coordinated data collection, reusable analytical tools, stakeholder feedback integration, and anticipating impact assessment needs during preparatory studies.
This report offers best practices and recommendations to support ESPR preparatory studies, highlighting how a coordinated approach can reduce duplication, conserve resources, and maintain high scientific and regulatory standards, thereby accelerating ESPR implementation.JRC.F.5 - Food and Feed Complianc
Which traits drive consumer preferences for gene‑edited foods in Spain
No full textThis study examines consumer preferences for the potential benefits of CRISPR technology using a best–worst scaling (BWS) approach within an online survey of a representative Spanish sample. The BWS discrete choice experiment focuses on seven key environmental and health-related benefits of CRISPR, using tomatoes as a case study. The selected benefits are derived from science-based information and align with the EU regulatory context, following the European Commission’s 2023 proposal on gene-editing technologies. Estimates from a random parameter logit (RPL) model indicate that pesticide reduction is the most highly valued benefit, followed by water saving and health improvement, thereby highlighting the combined influence of environmental and personal benefits on consumer acceptance of genetically engineered food. The significant standard deviations in the RPL estimates reveal substantial heterogeneity in preferences, which is further examined by identifying two distinct consumer segments. While both segments strongly prioritise pesticide reduction, one is primarily motivated by environmental sustainability outcomes, whereas the other places greater emphasis on health and sensory quality improvements. These findings underscore the need for targeted communication strategies to address distinct consumer concerns, rather than a uniform approach.JRC.D.4 - Economics of Food System
Interlaboratory validation of thirteen qPCR methods to quantify adulterants in culinary spices and herbs
No full textCulinary spices and herbs are vulnerable to fraudulent practices adulterating or substituting their authentic composition. Recently, we conducted in-house validation of thirty real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods aiming at detecting and quantifying the top five adulterants of six commonly consumed spices and herbs: paprika/chilli, turmeric, saffron, cumin, oregano and black pepper. The thirteen qPCR methods meeting all the in-house validation criteria have been tested in an interlaboratory trial including fifteen European laboratories for each method. For each method the participants received DNA templates of binary mixtures for five standard samples together with five test samples of unknown adulterant concentration. Interlaboratory validation parameters included repeatability, reproducibility and trueness. Measurement uncertainties, limit of detection and limit of quantification were also determined. After data examination and outlier removal, relative repeatability standard deviation ranged from 4 % to 25 %, relative reproducibility standard deviation ranged from 6 % to 25 % and trueness bias ranged from -11 % to 27 %. The thirteen qPCR methods are therefore fully validated and may be included in international standards for deployment in official control laboratories.JRC.F.4 - Food Integrit
Transition to Electric Vehicles
No full textThe European Union (EU) automotive industry is facing challenges as Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly gaining market share due to lower prices and perceived higher quality. In the last decade, the industry's reliance on foreign components has increased slightly (from 8% to 11%), but this modest increase masks the heterogeneity of EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturing. The distinction between EVs and ICEs is particularly important for inputs where the EU lacks a comparative advantage, such as batteries. Using a new methodology developed under the SMILE EU project, we disaggregate the automotive sector to separately assess technological differences and foreign dependencies for ICEs, EVs, and vehicle parts. Our analysis reveals that EVs have a significantly higher reliance on foreign components than ICEs (29% vs 13%, respectively). We find that this disparity is largely attributed to global value chain (GVC) strategies, rather than a domestic technological shortfall. These findings underscore the need for policy initiatives at an EU-wide level aimed at reducing outsourcing through GVCs and boosting European competitiveness in EV manufacturing.JRC.B.6 - Industrial strategy, skills and technology transfe
The Futures Balance Tool: Supporting Forward-Looking Policy Analysis
No full textThe Futures Balance Tool introduces an AI-based, user-friendly solution that supports policymakers’ decision-making across the Impact Assessment (IA) process. It is developed by the United Nations Beyond Lab in collaboration with JRC Decision Analysis Lab and EU Policy Lab.JRC.S.3 - Science for Modelling, Monitoring and Evaluatio