Framatome's path toward enhancing nuclear fuel capabilities for the current light water reactor fleet reached a major milestone with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) approval of the topical report “High Burnup for Pressurized Water Reactors” (PWRs). The report was submitted in 2024 by the Framatome teams after nearly six years of work and supporting increased fuel burnup limits for the GAIA and HTP fuel designs that enhance operational efficiency, competitiveness and flexibility for nuclear plant operators.
This submittal is part of Framatome's Advanced Fuel Management (AFM) program, which focuses on bringing innovative nuclear fuel technologies that include uranium oxide (UO2) pellets with higher enrichment levels and advanced codes and methods that support higher fuel burnups for the existing U.S. nuclear fleet. These innovative solutions provide safe, reliable and economical fuel cycles and support cycle length extensions from 18 to 24 months for a large segment of the U.S. reactor fleet. By extending fuel burnup capabilities, plant operators can optimize fuel utilization, reduce waste and support the continued generation of competitive, clean and sustainable energy.
“The approval of this report demonstrates our expertise in fuel design and commitment to our customers and the industry in bringing economical solutions to the market,” said Lionel Gaiffe, Framatome's Senior Executive Vice President, Fuel Business Unit. “Our teams forward-looking approach have made this technology available for customers at a time where energy demands continue to increase and the industry needs long-term sustainability.”
This submittal and acceptance complement Framatome's other recent advancements to deliver higher enriched fuel to the nuclear industry. The NRC recently approved the application of the company's suite of PWR advanced codes and methods to operating conditions with U-235 enrichments exceeding the standard of 5 wt%. Additionally, the NRC also approved a license amendment allowing Framatome to transport fresh PWR and BWR fuel assemblies within the U.S. with U-235 enrichments up to 8 wt%.
These advanced fuel solutions will be manufactured at the company's facility in Richland, Washington. With more than 55 years of fuel manufacturing excellence, this upgraded facility plays a key role in delivering the most advanced nuclear fuel solutions.
