Framatome has signed a new contract with the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, to supply high‑density silicide low‑enriched uranium (HD LEU) fuel elements for the BR2 research reactor in Belgium.
The BR2 reactor is Europe's most powerful research reactor, operating up to 100 MW. It plays a key role in material testing and in the production of medical radioisotopes essential for a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This contract marks a new step in the collaboration initiated nearly two years ago between Framatome and SCK CEN.
“This contract represents an important step in demonstrating Europe's capabilities in the nuclear field and in strengthening European supply‑chain expertise for the production of medical radioisotopes.” said Ralf Gathmann, Vice President of CERCA at Framatome. “We appreciate the trust and opportunity extended by SCK CEN in advancing this collaboration”.
In April 2025, Framatome successfully delivered three Lead Test Assemblies (LTAs) of HD LEU fuel (5.3 g/cm³) to qualify as an approved LEU supplier for the BR2 reactor. During this qualification phase, Framatome demonstrated its ability to manufacture these first‑of‑a‑kind fuel elements with high reliability, excellent yields, and one-time delivery performance. The three LTAs have been successfully irradiated in the BR2 reactor, going through a representative series of operating cycles for standard driver fuel elements, without any reported defect or irregularity.
“This step reinforces our roadmap towards BR2's future conversion to low-enriched uranium (LEU). With the successful irradiation of these LTAs, we can consider Framatome as a qualified supplier of LEU fuel for BR2 and, combined with this new fuel supply contract, we can count on them as a trusted partner for future fuel deliveries. We are ready to start using this fuel as soon as we receive official approval from the Belgian nuclear authority. Together, we are setting the stage for another world first here at SCK CEN”, concludes Steven Van Dyck, BR2 Director at SCK CEN.
Framatome is now focused on extending this success to full industrial‑scale production of HD LEU fuel elements, maintaining the highest quality standards while ensuring secure and timely deliveries. This transition also contributes to the strategic conversion of BR2 from the use of high‑enriched uranium (HEU) fuel to low‑enriched uranium (LEU) fuel — an important milestone for the long‑term operation of this key nuclear research reactor and medical radioisotope manufacturing facility in Europe.
