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).
Framatome

Partagez:

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.

South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.
Confidential reports from the IAEA and multiple intelligence agencies confirm Iran's uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels, contradicting Tehran's official statements. EnergyNews.pro retraces the evolution of Iran's nuclear program since 2015, three years before the Trump administration's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.
Uranium spot price hits its highest level of 2025 following a significant fundraising announcement by a specialized Canadian investment fund, prompting vigorous trading and strong reactions in the international market.