Southern Nuclear has installed four lead test assemblies (LTAs) with next-generation fuel features into Unit 2 of the Vogtle nuclear power station in the state of Georgia, marking the first US commercial reactor use of enrichments exceeding historical limits.

The nuclear operating company, a subsidiary of Georgia-based utility Southern Company, said in a statement that the use of the next-generation fuel is set to bolster nuclear reliability and support the long-term energy needs of the country.

Southern Nuclear received a licence amendment from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2023 to load the LTAs, which include innovative pellets and cladding developed as part of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) accident tolerant fuel programme and manufactured by US nuclear company Westinghouse.