EMUG 2025 Conference at BUT – nuclear safety through the eyes of computing experts

From April 7–11, 2025, the international conference EMUG 2025 – European MELCOR and MACCS User Group Meeting was held at BUT. This professional event focused on sharing experiences and the latest knowledge in the field of computational modeling of severe nuclear reactor accidents. The conference took place both at the BUT Rectorate and at our faculty.

Conference participants had a unique opportunity to learn about the current development of the MELCOR and MACCS computational codes and their practical application in analyzing various types of nuclear facilities. Presentations and discussions covered a wide range of applications – from traditional VVER (Water-Water Energy Reactor) type reactors and innovative SMRs (Small Modular Reactors) to fusion systems such as DEMO and IFMIF-DONES. The professional program also included current challenges in severe accident analysis, radiation protection, and mitigation of consequences.

The event attracted dozens of leading experts, including representatives from U.S. NRC, Sandia National Laboratories, Framatome, EDF, CIEMAT, VTT, ENEA and ÚJV Řež. The conference was held in a hybrid format, allowing participation by remote specialists as well. The event was organized by BUT in cooperation with TES s.r.o., all within the framework of the international Cooperative Severe Accident Research Program (CSARP).

BUT expert team has been systematically and consistently engaged in this field. Research activities include analyses of severe accidents in nuclear power plants with VVER-type reactors, work with APR1400 reactor models, and the use of results from experimental programs such as PHEBUS and QUENCH. Current research also focuses on the integration of Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF) into models of new-generation reactors. An important part of this work is also the comparison of computational results with available experimental data, including international benchmarks across different computational codes.

Hosting an event such as EMUG represents not only an opportunity for BUT to present its own results and share knowledge, but above all to strengthen collaboration within the global research community focused on nuclear facility safety.

Long-term collaboration between FEEC BUT and industry professionals

FEEC BUT places long-term emphasis on linking the academic environment with industry practice. In the field of nuclear energy, FEEC BUT maintains systematic cooperation with leading experts and institutions from both the Czech Republic and abroad. This collaboration includes not only research projects and professional publications but also educational activities.

A key role in this work is played by the Department of Electrical Power Engineering, which regularly organizes lectures, workshops, and excursions led by professionals in the field. Students and the expert public thus gain valuable insights into the real operation of energy facilities and access to knowledge that significantly enhances standard education.

Lecture invitation: Commissioning of the 3rd and 4th Units of the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant

Full article in Czech language on the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication BUT website

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Author	Ing. Zdeňka Koubová
Published	2025-05-12 15:18
Link	https://www.vut.cz/en/but/f19528/d289951