en.Wedoany.com Reported - Framatome has signed contracts with representatives from Czech utility ČEZ, Finnish utility Fortum, Hungarian utility MVM Paks NPP, and Slovakian utility Slovenské elektrárne. The aim is to advance Framatome's independently developed European VVER 440 fuel design, establishing long-term cooperation agreements to ensure diversified and sustainable future fuel supply for 440 MWe VVER pressurized water reactors.
The project is currently in its first phase, focusing on the design of the VVER 440 fuel assemblies (VERA - 440) and their corresponding transport containers. This will be followed by a Lead Test Assembly (LTA) project to facilitate fuel loading license approval processes with the respective nuclear power plants. The entire process will be realized through an integrated and robust 100% European design and supply chain, involving Framatome's fuel manufacturing facilities in France and Germany.
Representatives from the utilities also shared their perspectives on the cooperation. Bohdan Zronek, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of the Nuclear Energy Division at ČEZ Group, stated that the group is committed to diversifying nuclear fuel suppliers in the long term, and participating in the development of new fuel designs is a key strategic move. Petra Lundström, Executive Vice President responsible for Nuclear Power at Fortum, stated that energy supply security is a strategic priority, and diversifying the nuclear fuel value chain enhances reliable electricity supply capabilities. Solutions developed through European cooperation will improve energy security for numerous European countries. Péter János Horváth, CEO of MVM Paks NPP, said the plant plans responsibly for the long term, and the new agreement makes a significant contribution to extending unit operating lifetimes, maintaining energy sovereignty, and more. Branislav Strýček, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Slovenské elektrárne, stated that nuclear power is a pillar of energy security, and participating in the development is a necessary step for risk management, helping to improve operational predictability and enhance the resilience of the EU's nuclear power industry.
Framatome and seventeen stakeholders, including these four European VVER utilities, have been committed to developing new VVER fuel technology. Work conducted within the framework of Framatome's Safety and Alternative VVER for Europe project—"SAVE"—is funded by the European Union's Euratom Research and Training Programme.
Currently, there are 19 VVER reactors operating in the EU, including 15 VVER 440 MWe reactors located in the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, and Slovakia. Framatome plans to begin producing the first lead fuel assemblies of its own design starting in 2028. The aim is to contribute to the safe, reliable, and uninterrupted operation of existing nuclear power plants and to prepare for the development of next-generation nuclear fuels. Lionel Gaiffe, Senior Executive Vice President of the Fuel Business Unit at Framatome, stated that this milestone event demonstrates support for the nuclear industry and the energy policies of European countries operating VVER reactors. Framatome is the only fuel supplier capable of guaranteeing 100% European autonomous technology.
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