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

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

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
Vaalco launches drilling of ET-15 well offshore Gabon to support growth
TechnipFMC secures strategic contract for Captain field in the North Sea
Fossil fuel divisions block adoption of major UN report
EDF power solutions joins a 1.1GW solar and storage project in Egypt
Citgo shifts under Elliott control for $5.9bn pending U.S. approval
Helical Fusion signs Japan’s first fusion power purchase agreement with Aoki Super
Helical Fusion has signed a landmark agreement with Aoki Super to supply electricity from fusion, marking a first in Japan’s energy sector and a commercial step forward for the helical stellarator technology.
India targets 21,880 MW of nuclear capacity by 2032 with accelerated expansion programme
India’s nuclear capacity is expected to grow by more than 13,000 MW by 2032, driven by ongoing heavy water reactor construction, new regional projects and small modular reactor development by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
NextEra Energy raises outlook driven by AI data centre demand
NextEra Energy has lifted its earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026, supported by power demand linked to long‑term contracts previously signed with Google and Meta to supply their artificial intelligence data centres with low‑carbon electricity.
The United Kingdom reforms its nuclear regulation to reduce construction costs
London launches a complete regulatory overhaul of its nuclear industry to shorten authorisation timelines, expand eligible sites, and lower construction and financing costs.
Posiva nuclear repository faces new licensing delay in Finland
Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs extends the deadline to June 2026 for the regulator to complete its review of the operating licence for the Olkiluoto spent nuclear fuel repository.
Framatome to upgrade critical systems at Columbia nuclear power plant
Framatome will replace several digital control systems at the Columbia plant in the United States under a contract awarded by Energy Northwest.
Cigéo receives ASNR approval and enters final validation phase
The conditional green light from the nuclear regulator moves Cigéo into its final regulatory stage, while shifting the risks towards financing, territorial negotiations and industrial execution.
A drone damages the Chernobyl sarcophagus, Ukraine left alone to handle repairs
The drone strike confirmed by the IAEA on the Chernobyl site vault exposes Ukraine to a nuclear risk under armed conflict, forcing the EBRD to finance partial restoration while industry standards must now account for drone threats.
Deep Fission installs a 15 MWe underground nuclear reactor on a former military site in Kansas
Deep Fission is installing a 15 MWe pressurised reactor 1.6 km underground at Great Plains Industrial Park, under the Department of Energy’s accelerated pilot programme, targeting criticality by July 4, 2026.
EDF secures 12-year nuclear power contract with battery manufacturer Verkor
EDF commits to supply 33 MW of nuclear electricity to Verkor over 12 years, enabling the battery manufacturer to stabilise energy costs ahead of launching its first Gigafactory.
Lianjiang nuclear simulator enters delivery phase after full validation
The full-scope simulator for the Lianjiang nuclear project has successfully passed factory acceptance testing, paving the way for its installation at the construction site in China's Guangdong province.
Denmark forms industrial alliance to prepare for a civil nuclear comeback
A coalition of Danish industry groups, unions and investors launches a platform in support of modular nuclear power, aiming to develop firm low-carbon capacity to sustain industrial competitiveness.
The United Kingdom launches TAE Beam UK backed by Google in fusion
The United Kingdom and TAE Technologies create a joint venture in Culham to produce neutral beams, a key component of fusion, with strategic backing from Google.
Natura Resources accelerates molten salt reactor development with DOE support
Texas-based developer Natura Resources receives new federal funding to test key components of its 100-megawatt modular reactor in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Japan set to vote on partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
The Niigata regional assembly is deliberating on restarting unit 6 of the world’s largest nuclear plant, thirteen years after operations ceased following the Fukushima disaster.
Belgium: Doel 2 permanently shut down after fifty years of operation
Reactor Doel 2 was taken offline, becoming the fifth Belgian reactor to cease operations under the country’s gradual nuclear phase-out policy.
Rolls-Royce SMR strengthens nuclear cooperation with ÚJV Řež in Czechia
Rolls-Royce SMR has expanded its partnership with ÚJV Řež to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, targeting the construction of several units in the Czech Republic and abroad.
India prepares to open its nuclear sector to private players
The Indian government aims to amend legislation to allow private companies to participate in civil nuclear development, a move positioned as critical to achieving the country’s long-term energy targets.
China completes modular construction of Xudabao 4 passive tank
The VVER-1200 nuclear reactor at Xudabao 4 in China has completed installation of its final passive water tank, marking the end of modular construction for the second phase of the project.
Canada and Alberta agree on joint nuclear strategy by 2027
Ottawa and Edmonton commit to a nuclear production roadmap by 2050, through a memorandum of understanding also covering carbon capture and an Indigenous-led pipeline project.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.