Framatome’s nuclear fuel manufacturing facility in Richland, Washington, had its recent biennial license performance review from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed with exemplary results. The NRC concluded that no areas were identified as needing improvement. The facility has achieved this exceptional accomplishment for nine consecutive reviews spanning 18 years.
“We are very proud of this milestone that demonstrates our employees’ dedication to safety and quality at our manufacturing facilities around the world,” said Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president, Framatome Fuel Business Unit. “The latest review with the NRC confirms our commitment to a continuous improvement environment and an expectation our customers can count on from their fuel supplier.”
The NRC review takes place every two years and examines four major categories for fuel manufacturing: Safety Operations, Radiological Controls, Facility Support and Other Areas. This latest review confirmed that the Richland facility continues to conduct activities safely and securely, while protecting public health and the environment during the 2022-23 review.
“This positive review is a reflection of contributions from everyone in our organization and their commitment and attention to detail when it comes to safety and quality,” said Richland Site Manager Lance Stephens. “Our workforce adheres to the highest standards to ensure we deliver low-carbon energy products to our customers for their safe and reliable operations 365 days a year.”
Framatome’s Richland facility has more than 55 years of manufacturing and fuel expertise. The state-of-the-art facility is positioned to deliver the next generation of light water reactor fuel as well as fuel for the next generation of reactors. The facility was awarded the industry’s first 40-year nuclear fuel fabrication license renewal from the NRC in 2009 and plans to modify its license to deliver fuel above 5 weight percent of U235 as part of its Advanced Fuel Management program. Framatome’s Richland facility is licensed to operate to 2049.