The third cycle of tests of MOX fuel in the MIR research reactor is to begin following the successful completion of the second phase of the programme which aims to substantiate the safety of MOX fuel for use in VVER-type reactors.

The unit for fabrication/refabrication of nuclear fuel for the BREST-OD-300 lead-cooled fast neutron reactor has been put into pilot operation, Rosatom has announced.

Innovative reactor developer Newcleo has submitted its Safety Option File to France's nuclear safety regulator, the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire, for its fuel assembly testing facility.

France's Orano has signed two mixed-oxide fuel manufacturing contracts with Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for a total of 64 MOX fuel assemblies for use in two Japanese nuclear power reactors.

The third 18-month phase of the pilot operation of innovative REMIX fuel has begun at Russia's Balakavo nuclear power plant's first unit. The aim is to be able to close the fuel cycle for VVER reactors.

Orano has created two specific 'sharing groups' which bring together the main designers of innovative fast neutron reactors in France. These groups, it says, are open to all designers of these types of reactors who wish to join.

A range of future nuclear fuel developments, such as 24-month fuel campaigns with fuel enriched beyond 5%, will help Russia to hit its nuclear capacity targets, a conference has heard.

Leading figures from across the fuel cycle say they are ready to meet increased demand, but set out areas where change is required to help make it happen, in a World Nuclear Symposium session.