Framatome secures NRC review for its high burnup nuclear fuel

Framatome reaches a key milestone as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepts to review its report on high burnup fuels for pressurized water reactors, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of nuclear power plants in the United States.

Share:

Framatome, a key player in the nuclear sector, has secured the review of its report on high burnup fuels for pressurized water reactors by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Submitted in November 2024, the report covers the GAIA and HTP fuel designs, developed to improve nuclear plant performance by optimizing cycle duration and enhancing operational flexibility.

Fuel cycle optimization

Framatome’s initiative is part of its Advanced Fuel Management (AFM) program, which aims to introduce technologies suited to the needs of the U.S. nuclear fleet. The integration of uranium oxide (UO₂) pellets with higher enrichment levels and improved combustion methods extends fuel cycles from 18 to 24 months for a significant portion of operating reactors. This technical development seeks to strengthen operational efficiency while ensuring the continuous production of electricity.

Regulatory validation and fuel transportation

The NRC recently approved the application of an advanced set of Framatome’s codes and methods, allowing the operation of fuels enriched beyond 5% uranium-235. This regulatory authorization is accompanied by a license modification facilitating the transportation of fuel assemblies for pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors, with enrichment levels reaching up to 8%.

Industrial deployment and outlook

GAIA and HTP fuels are manufactured and supplied to nuclear plants in the United States and Europe. Production takes place at Framatome’s industrial site in Richland, United States, which has been contributing to the manufacturing and supply of advanced nuclear fuels for over 55 years. The NRC’s acceptance of this report marks a further step for Framatome in deploying technologies tailored to the needs of the nuclear sector.

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.