popular articles

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.
Diversification combustible nucléaire Europe

Please share:

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.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The UK government is easing restrictions on nuclear power plant construction, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). While this technology is still under development, it attracts several companies but poses technical and financial challenges.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is expanding its energy technology siting program to include fusion, hydrogen, and battery storage. This initiative aims to attract investors and industrial players to accelerate the development and commercialization of new energy solutions in Canada.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is expanding its energy technology siting program to include fusion, hydrogen, and battery storage. This initiative aims to attract investors and industrial players to accelerate the development and commercialization of new energy solutions in Canada.
The new Belgian government, led by Bart De Wever, plans to expand the country's nuclear capacity to 8 gigawatts, including the extension of existing reactors and the construction of new units. This decision requires a revision of the 2003 law on nuclear phase-out.
The new Belgian government, led by Bart De Wever, plans to expand the country's nuclear capacity to 8 gigawatts, including the extension of existing reactors and the construction of new units. This decision requires a revision of the 2003 law on nuclear phase-out.
The Indian government is considering amending the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate private sector involvement in civil nuclear energy. Tata Power is closely monitoring these developments, particularly regarding the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology still in the research phase.
The Indian government is considering amending the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate private sector involvement in civil nuclear energy. Tata Power is closely monitoring these developments, particularly regarding the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology still in the research phase.
A mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed safety practices at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant, operated by Rosatom. The audit highlighted advancements in operational safety while recommending targeted improvements.
Swedish developer Blykalla has begun construction of a pilot facility to test a prototype of an advanced modular reactor. This project aims to validate key components and safety systems, with the support of industrial partners and public funding.
Swedish developer Blykalla has begun construction of a pilot facility to test a prototype of an advanced modular reactor. This project aims to validate key components and safety systems, with the support of industrial partners and public funding.
Indonesia is accelerating the development of its nuclear program and could become the first country in Southeast Asia to deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) by 2030. Despite competition from renewable energy, Jakarta is betting on nuclear power to diversify its energy mix.
Indonesia is accelerating the development of its nuclear program and could become the first country in Southeast Asia to deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) by 2030. Despite competition from renewable energy, Jakarta is betting on nuclear power to diversify its energy mix.
Georgia Power plans to increase the capacity of its Hatch and Vogtle nuclear plants to address an estimated demand growth of 8200 MW by 2030. The company is focusing on uprates and exploring the addition of new nuclear capacity in the long term.
Georgia Power plans to increase the capacity of its Hatch and Vogtle nuclear plants to address an estimated demand growth of 8200 MW by 2030. The company is focusing on uprates and exploring the addition of new nuclear capacity in the long term.
GEN energija has selected Westinghouse and EDF to conduct a technical feasibility study on Slovenia's JEK2 nuclear project. KHNP, initially in the race, has decided not to submit a bid due to a strategic shift.
The Sizewell C nuclear power plant project in the UK is progressing as planned, without delays or cost overruns. Project leaders presented an initial progress report to parliamentarians, highlighting significant financial and industrial advancements.
The Sizewell C nuclear power plant project in the UK is progressing as planned, without delays or cost overruns. Project leaders presented an initial progress report to parliamentarians, highlighting significant financial and industrial advancements.
The EDF group revises upward its nuclear electricity production estimates for 2025, 2026 and 2027, incorporating the EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) of Flamanville 3 despite delays and fluctuations observed in recent years.
The EDF group revises upward its nuclear electricity production estimates for 2025, 2026 and 2027, incorporating the EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) of Flamanville 3 despite delays and fluctuations observed in recent years.
The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASNR) has validated the continuation of tests on the Flamanville EPR by authorizing EDF to exceed the 25% nominal power threshold, a crucial step in the power ramp-up program.
The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASNR) has validated the continuation of tests on the Flamanville EPR by authorizing EDF to exceed the 25% nominal power threshold, a crucial step in the power ramp-up program.
The CRE (Commission of Energy Regulation) states that the new nuclear price regulation mechanism aims to protect consumers, despite the RN's political opposition.
EDF's project to build a technocenter for recycling low-level radioactive metal waste on the site of the former Fessenheim nuclear power plant is reigniting local tensions, between economic hopes and environmental concerns.
EDF's project to build a technocenter for recycling low-level radioactive metal waste on the site of the former Fessenheim nuclear power plant is reigniting local tensions, between economic hopes and environmental concerns.
Standard Lithium and Equinor announced Smackover Lithium as the official name of their joint venture developing direct lithium extraction projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas.
Standard Lithium and Equinor announced Smackover Lithium as the official name of their joint venture developing direct lithium extraction projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas.
The release of DeepSeek’s R1 model, with reduced energy requirements, challenges the predicted energy consumption of data centers powering artificial intelligence.
The release of DeepSeek’s R1 model, with reduced energy requirements, challenges the predicted energy consumption of data centers powering artificial intelligence.
Since the startup of the Flamanville EPR reactor in May 2024, nearly 50 significant events have been reported by the ASN, with no impact on safety or the environment. These anomalies are mainly related to human factors and team coordination.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, signed a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement, marking a new chapter in the energy relationship between the two countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, signed a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement, marking a new chapter in the energy relationship between the two countries.
In 2024, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) handled 71 reports of irregularities in the nuclear industry, compared to 43 in 2023. This marked increase is seen as a sign of stronger oversight and better alert reporting by operators.
In 2024, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) handled 71 reports of irregularities in the nuclear industry, compared to 43 in 2023. This marked increase is seen as a sign of stronger oversight and better alert reporting by operators.
Bayridge Resources Corp. has received a level 2 drilling permit to explore up to 30 drilling sites at its Constellation project in the Athabasca Basin. The company plans to launch a multi-phase drilling program, with the first phase fully funded.
Bayridge Resources Corp. has received a level 2 drilling permit to explore up to 30 drilling sites at its Constellation project in the Athabasca Basin. The company plans to launch a multi-phase drilling program, with the first phase fully funded.
Swedish manufacturer Alleima signs a second major order with Doosan Enerbility for the supply of steam generator tubes for NuScale Power's Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Naarea and Phoenix Manufacture are combining their expertise to develop the industrial production of the XAMR, a promising molten salt microreactor. This strategic partnership integrates innovation, 3D printing, and sustainability to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Naarea and Phoenix Manufacture are combining their expertise to develop the industrial production of the XAMR, a promising molten salt microreactor. This strategic partnership integrates innovation, 3D printing, and sustainability to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has signed memorandums of understanding with Scandinavian players to promote small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Norwegian and Swedish markets, aiming to strengthen its presence in Europe.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has signed memorandums of understanding with Scandinavian players to promote small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Norwegian and Swedish markets, aiming to strengthen its presence in Europe.
The revival of nuclear energy in France generates a constant demand for 10,000 recruits, reflecting the sector's growing attractiveness. A closer look at the challenges of a transforming industry and its inclusive strategies.
The revival of nuclear energy in France generates a constant demand for 10,000 recruits, reflecting the sector's growing attractiveness. A closer look at the challenges of a transforming industry and its inclusive strategies.

Advertising