Europe backing project in bid to reduce imports from Russia
French nuclear fuel cycle company Framatome has signed a contract with four utilities to further advance the development of the company’s 100% sovereign European VVER 440 fuel design.
The four utilities are ČEZ (Czech Republic), Fortum (Finland), MVM Paks NPP (Hungary) and Slovenské Elektrárne (Slovakia).
Framatome said the signature seals a long-term cooperation agreement with the utilities to secure the future diversification and fuel supply of their Russia-designed 440 MW VVER pressurised water reactors.
The overall project is in its first phase, which consists of the design activities of the VVER 440 fuel assembly – named VERA-440 – and its associated transport container.
Further on, a lead test assembly (LTA) programme will begin, enabling the licensing of reloads with each nuclear plant.
Framatome is aiming to manufacture its first own-design lead fuel assemblies starting from 2028.
“All of this will be made possible through an integrated and robust 100% European design and supply chain involving Framatome's French and German fuel fabrication facilities,” Framatome said.
Framatome and 17 stakeholders, including the four utilities, have been working on the development of the new VVER fuel technology as part of European efforts to reduce imports from Russia. The project has been funded by the European Union under its Euratom research and training programme.
Framatome said there are 19 VVER reactors in operation in the European Union, including 15 VVER 440 MW reactors in the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary and Slovakia.
