SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Framatome improves nuclear reactor safety

Framatome has developed a safer nuclear fuel assembly with funding from the US Department of Energy. This assembly, called "Enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel" (EATF).

Share:

Framatome

Subscribe for unlimited access to all energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

Your 1st year at 99 $*

then 199 $/year

SUBSCRIBE — 99 $ for the 1st year

Create a free account to read this article

*renews at 199$/year, cancel anytime before renewal.

Framatome was able to develop this new nuclear safety tool thanks to funding from the US Department of Energy.

Framatome delivers accident-tolerant fuel

This precursor assembly contains 176 pencils and pellets doped with chromium oxide. The nuclear power plant received this new assembly when the reactor was shut down for refuelling. He is based on previous work including 18-month trials in the USA and Switzerland.

Chromium-coated sheaths and chromium oxide pellets are more tolerant of temperature changes. What’s more, the sheaths increase their adaptation time and reduce corrosion and hydrogen production at very high temperatures.

A strong partner

Framatome’s manufacturing plant in Richland, Washington, developed the“Enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel” (EATF ) precursor assembly. This delivery is part of a contract signed in 2019 with
Exelon

Generation
. In addition, the pressurized water reactors of the generate 1850 MW of low-carbon energy, supplying more than 1 million homes.

Exelon manages 18.7 GW of power

The plant supplies around 80% of Maryland’s clean energy, powering 30% of all homes and businesses. Exelon Generation operates the largest fleet of zero-emission nuclear power plants in the United States, with more than 18700 MW produced. The company manages 21 reactors at 12 facilities in the states of Illinois, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania.

Exelon Generation is the benchmark for the operation of world-class power plants producing clean, safe and reliable electricity. It also acts as an active partner and economic driver, creating jobs. In addition, the company contributes to charitable causes and government tax revenues.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
China: 25 GW of coal approved in H1 2025, commissioning surges
Brazil Mobilizes $1 Billion for 65 Hydropower Plants
GreenYellow deploys 22 MWp of solar on Altarea’s logistics sites
BOEM validates final review for 30 offshore sales in the Gulf of America
India diversifies coking coal purchases, Australia retreats
Seoul and Washington open talks on nuclear fuel reprocessing
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.
AP1000 reactor certification extended in the US until 2046
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a 40-year extension for the AP1000 reactor design certification, supporting its long-term construction domestically and deployment abroad.
Nano Nuclear partners with Dioxitek to strengthen Argentina’s nuclear supply chain
Nano Nuclear Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dioxitek, Argentina’s only uranium supplier for nuclear fuel, to assess the development of local conversion and enrichment capacities.
Sweden lifts uranium mining ban to revive nuclear industry
Stockholm plans to restart uranium extraction by lifting the 2018 ban, aiming to secure strategic supply chains and support domestic nuclear electricity production.
CEA considers deploying a small Calogena nuclear reactor in Cadarache
The French Atomic Energy Commission has signed a letter of intent with start-up Calogena to study the installation of a 30 MW thermal small nuclear reactor at its Cadarache site.
Guidehouse forecasts $8.1 billion revenues for modular reactors by 2034
A Guidehouse Research report anticipates strong growth in the global nuclear modular reactor market, with revenues rising from $375.8 million in 2025 to $8.1 billion in 2034.
Several South Korean groups back $50bn nuclear projects in the United States
KHNP, Doosan, POSCO and Samsung C&T join US partners to develop 5 GW of modular reactors, expand uranium enrichment and build an 11 GW energy complex in Texas.
Washington activates Defense Production Act to secure enriched uranium
The US Department of Energy is creating an industrial consortium to accelerate domestic enriched uranium production and reduce reliance on foreign imports ahead of the Russian supply ban in 2027.
One of the drones from last weekend’s Ukrainian attack struck the Kursk nuclear power plant
The kamikaze drone damaged an auxiliary transformer at the Kursk plant, halving the output of its only reactor in operation, according to Rosatom and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
EDF restarts Gravelines reactors after shutdown caused by jellyfish
The four production units at the Gravelines nuclear power plant, shut down in mid-August by a massive jellyfish incursion, are back online, restoring the site’s full capacity.
enCore Energy completes $115M convertible notes offering
enCore Energy Corp. has completed a $115 million fundraising through convertible notes maturing in 2030, strengthening its financial capacity for upcoming operations.
Vattenfall selects GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce for future nuclear reactors
Vattenfall advances its nuclear project in Sweden by selecting two modular reactor suppliers, GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce SMR, for a potential installation on the Värö Peninsula.
NANO Nuclear Advances to Final Round of US Army’s xTechSearch 9 Competition
NANO Nuclear Energy has been selected to compete in the final round of xTechSearch 9, a US Army initiative aimed at identifying high-potential dual-use technology solutions.
Aalo Atomics raises USD 100 million to launch its first nuclear power plant
Aalo Atomics completes Series B funding, bringing its total to USD 136 million, to build its first modular nuclear power plant dedicated to data centers.
Malaysia Launches Strategic Study on Civil Nuclear Potential
The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
Premier American Uranium finalizes the acquisition of Nuclear Fuels with Court approval
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Google and Kairos Power to Build a 50 MW Nuclear Reactor in Tennessee
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
X-energy and the Pentagon Accelerate Nuclear Microreactor for National Security
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
NANO Nuclear Raises $209 Million and Accelerates Microreactor Deployment
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.
Equinix secures 20 Radiant microreactors and a nuclear deal in the Netherlands
Equinix signed a preorder for 20 Kaleidos nuclear microreactors and a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement with ULC-Energy, reinforcing its energy supply strategy for its data centers.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: $99 for the 1styear year, then $ 199/year.

SUBSCRIBE - €99