Framatome and the representatives from four utilities, ČEZ (Czech Republic), Fortum (Finland), MVM Paks NPP (Hungary), and Slovenské elektrárne (Slovakia), have signed a contract to further advance the development of Framatome’s 100% sovereign European VVER 440 fuel design. The signature seals a long-term cooperation agreement with the utilities to secure the future diversification and fuel supply of their 440 MW VVER pressurized water reactors.
The overall project is in its first phase consisting 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) program will be performed, enabling the reloads licensing with each Nuclear Power Plant concerned. 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.
“Today we celebrate far more than a technical accomplishment— we celebrate a shared vision and a strong teamwork across borders. I warmly congratulate all Framatome teams and extend my sincere gratitude to ČEZ, Fortum, MVM Paks NPP, and Slovenské elektrárne for the trust they have placed in Framatome. Their confidence has been essential in bringing this ambitious project to life. This agreement reflects our shared intention to work together over the long term, fostering continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence in nuclear fuel supply,” said Grégoire Ponchon, CEO of Framatome.
“ČEZ Group has long focused on diversifying its nuclear fuel suppliers, which is a key priority for strengthening supply security, enhancing energy security, and ensuring the efficient operation of our power plants. Our participation in the development of a new fuel design for VVER 440 units operated at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant therefore represents a logical and strategically important next step,” said Bohdan Zronek, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of the Nuclear Division of ČEZ Group.
“Security of energy supply is a strategic priority for us at Fortum. Diversifying the entire nuclear fuel value chain strengthens our ability to supply electricity reliably to our customers. It is great that we can now, through European cooperation, develop a solution that benefits several companies at the same time and can enhance energy security in many European countries,” said Petra Lundström, Executive Vice President responsible for Fortum’s nuclear operations.
“MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant plans responsibly for the long term and is preparing a further extension of the operating life of its active units. An essential part of this work is to anticipate the conditions of our operation for decades and ensure them in fuel procurement as well. Preserving and strengthening energy sovereignty, guaranteeing the security of supply and maintaining environmentally friendly, clean electricity production are of key importance for Hungary, to which the newly signed agreement also significantly contributes.”, said Péter János Horváth, CEO of MVM Paks NPP.
“Nuclear power is a pillar of the energy security for Slovakia and all of Europe. If this pillar is to be strong on long-term basis, we must have control over one of the most important inputs, namely nuclear fuel. Long-term safe operation of nuclear power plants requires a stable and diversified fuel chain. Involvement of Slovenské elektrárne in the development of European fuel for VVER 440 reactors is a logical step in the management of these technological and contractor-related risks. This project facilitates the operation predictability and improves the resilience of nuclear power industry within the European Union,” declared Branislav Strýček, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Slovenské elektrárne.
Framatome and seventeen stakeholders, including these four European VVER utilities, have been working on the development of this new VVER fuel technology, including within the framework of the Framatome Safe and Alternative VVER European Project – “SAVE” – funded under the Euratom Research and Training Programme by the European Union.
Nineteen VVER reactors are currently in operation in the European Union, including fifteen VVER 440 MW reactors in the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary and Slovakia. Framatome aims at manufacturing its first own-design lead fuel assemblies starting from 2028. It intends to contribute to the safe, reliable and uninterrupted operation of the existing nuclear fleet and prepare for the next generation of nuclear fuel.
Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president of the Fuel Business Unit at Framatome declared: “This milestone for Europe’s energy future reflects our commitment to supporting both the nuclear industry and the energy policies of the European countries operating VVER reactors. Framatome is the only fuel supplier able to guarantee a 100% sovereign European technology.”
Source: Framatome