Framatome secures EU funding for 100% European fuel development

Framatome secures EU funding for 100% European fuel development
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Jun 27, 2024

Framatome has obtained financial support from the European Union to advance the development and supply of a completely sovereign European fuel for VVER pressurized water reactors in Europe.

The funding, part of the Euratom Research and Training Programme, will provide EUR 10 million to the Framatome Safe and Alternative VVER European Project - known as the "SAVE" project - for VVER 440 fuel. This initiative brings together 17 stakeholders to mitigate fuel supply chain risks by developing and implementing an alternative European solution. The consortium includes four utilities: CEZ, Fortum, MVM Paks, and Slovenske Electrarne.

"Framatome welcomes this EU funding, recognizing our efforts and supporting the acceleration of our development to contribute to the diversification and security of fuel supply for VVER reactors," said Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president of the Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. "Framatome is the only fuel supplier able to guarantee a 100% sovereign European technology, with a fully European design and product, and manufacturing facilities and a fuel component supply chain located and operated in the EU."

The international context has highlighted the necessity for a sovereign European fuel solution to ensure uninterrupted critical services and lessen dependence on non-European imports. With the support and cooperation of the European VVER utilities, Framatome is progressing on the development of a fully European sovereign nuclear fuel product.

"Framatome is strongly engaged in supporting both the nuclear industry and the energy policy of the European countries operating VVER reactors and in contributing to the safe, reliable and uninterrupted operation of the existing nuclear fleet and preparing for the next generation of nuclear fuel," added Lionel Gaiffe.

Framatome is enhancing its European fuel fabrication facilities and supply chain, ensuring a secure and reliable fuel solution for its customers, in collaboration with European utilities operating VVER reactors.

Currently, Europe operates nineteen VVER reactors, including four VVER 1,000 MW reactors in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, and fifteen VVER 440 MW reactors in the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, and Slovakia.