Framatome is pleased to announce the launch of new industrialization and development capabilities for TRISO fuel at its Romans-sur-Isère site in France. This initiative complements Framatome's ongoing activities in the United States and marks a significant expansion of the company's resources in France, with the installation of a pilot line dedicated to manufacturing various types of TRISO fuel for advanced reactor projects, including high-temperature reactors (HTR).
The new pilot line will focus on the production of TRISO (tristructural isotropic) fuel enriched up to 20%. Leveraging Framatome's extensive expertise, this facility will enable the specification and qualification of TRISO fuel, as well as the associated manufacturing and quality control processes. The project is designed to pave the way for future industrialization of TRISO fuel in France.
TRISO fuel is recognized for its exceptional performance and safety. It consists of enriched uranium particles encapsulated in ceramic and carbon layers, providing outstanding durability and enhanced safety even under extreme temperature conditions.
"We are proud to reinforce our expertise in France and support innovation in advanced nuclear fuels," said Lionel Gaiffe, Senior Executive Vice President of the Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. "With more than 65 years of experience, Framatome is well positioned to develop TRISO fuel programs tailored to the needs of our customers and partners, including start-ups."
Within the scope of the French 2030 Innovative Nuclear Reactors project, Framatome and French start-up Blue Capsule Technology have signed an agreement to advance their cooperation, focusing on the qualification of TRISO fuel particles and the fabrication of specified fuel elements for their HTR reactors.