EU Invests in Framatome’s VVER-440 Fuel Development

EU invests 10 million euros to develop a European fuel solution for VVER reactors run by Framatome, boosting energy security.

Share:

Diversification combustible nucléaire Europe

The European Union has granted 10 million euros via the Euratom Research and Training program to support the SAVE project, led by Framatome, to develop a European fuel for VVER-440 reactors. This initiative aims to diversify nuclear fuel supply sources and strengthen energy security in Europe.

SAVE project objectives

The SAVE (Safe and Alternative VVER European) project brings together 17 partners, including Europe’s leading VVER reactor operators: ČEZ (Czech Republic), Fortum (Finland), MVM Paks (Hungary) and Slovenské Elektrárne (Slovakia). The main objective is to develop an all-European fuel technology capable of reducing dependence on Russian supplies. There are currently 19 VVER reactors in operation in the EU, including VVER-1000 and VVER-440 reactors. These reactors, historically dependent on Russian fuel, require alternative solutions to guarantee lasting security of supply.

Strategic importance and security of supply

EU funding is essential to accelerate the development of this fuel technology, thereby reducing the risks associated with the supply chain. The European Commissioner for Innovation, Iliana Ivanova, stressed the importance of research and innovation for the EU’s strategic autonomy. This project contributes directly to this objective by strengthening energy security. The SAVE project follows the launch in 2023 of the APIS program, led by Westinghouse, which also aims to diversify fuel sources for VVER reactors. Taken together, these initiatives demonstrate the EU’s clear determination to reduce its dependence on external suppliers and ensure greater energy resilience.

Towards European Autonomy

One of the crucial points of the SAVE project is the ability to supply fuel manufactured and sourced entirely in Europe. This involves setting up an autonomous production and supply chain, guaranteeing total independence from external influences. This autonomy is essential to maintain the stability of the European energy sector in the face of geopolitical uncertainties. Diversification of fuel sources is also crucial for VVER reactor operators in Europe. By developing a European fuel, these operators can reduce their dependence on imports and secure their long-term supply.
EU investment in the SAVE project marks a significant step towards energy independence and security of fuel supply for VVER reactors. This initiative illustrates the EU’s commitment to diversifying its sources of supply and strengthening its energy resilience in the face of global challenges.

Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.
The American Bureau of Shipping and two nuclear sector companies are studying the potential deployment of floating nuclear power plants to meet the energy needs of island and coastal regions in the Mediterranean, notably via electricity and desalination.