popular articles

Orano launches working groups for the development of fast reactor fuels

Orano creates two sharing groups dedicated to fast neutron reactors in France. These groups bring together the main designers of advanced modular reactors, aiming to develop sustainable nuclear fuel solutions.

Please share:

Orano, a leader in nuclear material management, recently announced the creation of two sharing groups specifically dedicated to the development of fuels for fast neutron reactors. These groups, open to all designers of this type of reactor, aim to address the needs of the nuclear industry in France.

Advanced modular reactors (AMRs) and small modular reactors (SMRs) are presented by Orano as flexible and safe energy solutions, capable of addressing tomorrow’s energy challenges. Among these reactors, some are designed to use recycled fuels, such as MOX (mixed-oxide) or molten salt fuels. These characteristics allow not only for a sustainable use of resources but also for a significant reduction in nuclear waste.

Two groups for two technologies

The first sharing group, called FNR MOX, brings together Orano, Hexana, Newcleo, and Otrera. The main objective is to develop MOX fuel for fast neutron reactors (FNRs). This fuel, based on recycled plutonium, is a key element in the sustainable management of nuclear waste. This group will also work on logistics and the future processing of MOX at the La Hague site.

The second group, dedicated to molten salt reactors (MSR), brings together Orano, Naarea, Stellaria, and Thorizon. Their mission is to develop the necessary solutions for the production of liquid fuel used in these innovative reactors. This group will also focus on logistical solutions and the prospects for processing molten salts.

A collective effort for efficiency and resource optimization

Orano believes that this collaborative approach will enhance the efficiency of developments related to fast neutron reactors. By pooling the efforts of start-ups and optimizing costs, these groups will accelerate the development of key technologies for the energy future.

These initiatives are part of the France 2030 investment plan, which aims to promote innovation in the nuclear sector and position France as a global leader in energy innovation. The collaborations already established with Stellaria and Thorizon, under previous project calls, further strengthen these efforts.

A sustainable future for nuclear energy

Orano has a particular interest in reactors capable of running not only on plutonium from used fuels but also on minor actinides. These elements, previously treated as vitrified waste, could now be recycled, increasing the recovery of nuclear materials.

According to Stefano Buono, CEO of Newcleo, the development of these fuels for fast reactors represents a major advancement in nuclear waste management and sector sustainability. This collaboration with Orano and other key industry players aims to close the nuclear fuel cycle and promote a circular economy in energy.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Hexana and Tractebel form a strategic alliance to support the development of a sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor. Meanwhile, Blykalla and Newcleo collaborate on material research for lead-cooled reactors.
The Orano group faces a difficult restart of its mining operations in Niger after losing control of its subsidiaries. The restart of the Somaïr mine could take nearly two years due to political tensions with the local junta.
The Orano group faces a difficult restart of its mining operations in Niger after losing control of its subsidiaries. The restart of the Somaïr mine could take nearly two years due to political tensions with the local junta.
Canadian Nexus Team Ventures announces a strategic investment in Impact Uranium Group, further solidifying its position in the uranium sector, particularly in the Athabasca Basin, one of the world’s richest uranium deposits.
Canadian Nexus Team Ventures announces a strategic investment in Impact Uranium Group, further solidifying its position in the uranium sector, particularly in the Athabasca Basin, one of the world’s richest uranium deposits.
The Russian public company Rosatom begins talks with Egypt to explore joint projects in quantum technology, with concrete proposals in several high-tech sectors.
The Russian public company Rosatom begins talks with Egypt to explore joint projects in quantum technology, with concrete proposals in several high-tech sectors.
Kärnfull Next has secured land rights for its small modular reactor (SMR) project in Valdemarsvik, southeastern Sweden. This milestone marks a key step towards nuclear power generation in the region.
US developer Last Energy submits its nuclear site licence application for a microreactor project on the former Llynfi coal-fired power plant site in Bridgend, Wales.
US developer Last Energy submits its nuclear site licence application for a microreactor project on the former Llynfi coal-fired power plant site in Bridgend, Wales.
The Director of the IAEA visits Fukushima to oversee decontamination efforts, a key step in managing nuclear waste after the 2011 disaster.
The Director of the IAEA visits Fukushima to oversee decontamination efforts, a key step in managing nuclear waste after the 2011 disaster.
Startup Everstar has secured $4 million in pre-seed funding to develop Gordian, its artificial intelligence platform dedicated to optimizing regulatory processes in the nuclear sector. Backed by strategic investors, the company aims to accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy.
Startup Everstar has secured $4 million in pre-seed funding to develop Gordian, its artificial intelligence platform dedicated to optimizing regulatory processes in the nuclear sector. Backed by strategic investors, the company aims to accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy.
The Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, visited Fukushima to oversee the soil decontamination efforts and the decommissioning of the nuclear plant. This visit comes as Japan intensifies its efforts to manage radioactive waste and increase the transparency of its nuclear program.
Natura Resources has announced the launch of two advanced nuclear reactor deployment projects in Texas, marking a turning point in the evolution of nuclear energy production in the region.
Natura Resources has announced the launch of two advanced nuclear reactor deployment projects in Texas, marking a turning point in the evolution of nuclear energy production in the region.
Kazatomprom will supply natural uranium concentrate to Switzerland for the first time under a contract with Axpo. This transaction aligns with Switzerland's strategy to secure energy supplies amid declining Russian gas deliveries.
Kazatomprom will supply natural uranium concentrate to Switzerland for the first time under a contract with Axpo. This transaction aligns with Switzerland's strategy to secure energy supplies amid declining Russian gas deliveries.
Newcleo has started the land acquisition process for its LFR-AS-30 small modular reactor in western France. The Italian company continues its regulatory procedures and plans to commission its first reactor in France by 2031.
Newcleo has started the land acquisition process for its LFR-AS-30 small modular reactor in western France. The Italian company continues its regulatory procedures and plans to commission its first reactor in France by 2031.
India and the United States strengthen their energy cooperation with an agreement for the construction of US-designed nuclear reactors on Indian soil. The two nations also commit to regulatory adjustments to remove obstacles to nuclear technology trade.
Tepco has begun dismantling treated water tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi site. The goal is to free up space for storing radioactive debris still present in the reactors, a key step in the plant's decommissioning process.
Tepco has begun dismantling treated water tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi site. The goal is to free up space for storing radioactive debris still present in the reactors, a key step in the plant's decommissioning process.
The attack of an explosive drone on the Chernobyl confinement arch raises questions about the security of critical infrastructure. The incident, confirmed by the IAEA, could have repercussions on energy markets and the management of nuclear assets.
The attack of an explosive drone on the Chernobyl confinement arch raises questions about the security of critical infrastructure. The incident, confirmed by the IAEA, could have repercussions on energy markets and the management of nuclear assets.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has revealed a nuclear-powered container ship model utilizing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, emphasizing economic efficiency and safety, marking a turning point in the maritime industry.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has revealed a nuclear-powered container ship model utilizing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, emphasizing economic efficiency and safety, marking a turning point in the maritime industry.
Eletronuclear has announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving governance and the economic viability of its nuclear projects. The commissioning of Angra 3 is now scheduled for 2031, following multiple construction interruptions and budget adjustments.
Reactor 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, was shut down in an emergency following an incorrect operation during a routine inspection. The Axpo group assures that safety was maintained and that a restart is under review.
Reactor 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, was shut down in an emergency following an incorrect operation during a routine inspection. The Axpo group assures that safety was maintained and that a restart is under review.
The European project EU-CONVERSION aims to develop new fuels to convert research reactors that currently use highly enriched uranium. This initiative, supported by scientific institutions and industry players, represents a key issue for nuclear safety and non-proliferation.
The European project EU-CONVERSION aims to develop new fuels to convert research reactors that currently use highly enriched uranium. This initiative, supported by scientific institutions and industry players, represents a key issue for nuclear safety and non-proliferation.
French microreactor developer Naarea has launched its industrial test center, the I-Lab, designed to validate the components and technologies of its molten salt XAMR reactor. This 2,400 m² facility marks a new step in the industrialization of this technology.
French microreactor developer Naarea has launched its industrial test center, the I-Lab, designed to validate the components and technologies of its molten salt XAMR reactor. This 2,400 m² facility marks a new step in the industrialization of this technology.
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.

Advertising