A storage ring system and method for high-yield nuclear production of neutrons, isotopes and photons, include a particle supply for generating a beam of projectile or reaction particles, a closed storage ring for containing and recycling the projectile particles, an electron cooling system for stabilizing the projectile particles, and a target for initiating nuclear reactions with the projectile particles so as to generate the desired end-products, with improved efficiency and safety. The invention also provides a plurality of dipoles and/or trim magnets selectively situated around the ring to guide the projectile particles as they circulate within the system. Substantially trapped in the closed storage ring, the particle beam is recirculated inside the storage ring for repeated exposure to the target, until the particles either favorably react with the target or are lost through scattering. As new particles are injected into the storage ring, they merge with previously injected particles circulating the ring, thereby allowing a relatively high intensity beam to develop, even though the input current used to populate the system remains relatively low throughout the operation of the system. Advantageously, the present invention maintains the particle beam within optimal reaction parameters by providing the electron cooling system to stabilize the particle beam.