Framatome signs VVER-440 fuel agreement with EU utilities

In recent years, especially since the war with Ukraine began, nuclear power operators in European Union countries who had previously relied on Russian-supplied fuel have sought alternative suppliers. Nineteen VVER reactors - developed during the time of the Soviet Union and historically reliant on Russian fuel supplies - are currently in operation in the EU, including four VVER-1000 reactors in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, and 15 VVER-440 reactors in the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary and Slovakia.

Framatome has "a dual-track approach" to supplying fuel to VVER reactors in operation in the EU. In the short term, it will fabricate fuel identical to the proven design currently used by the reactors. In parallel, Framatome is developing and qualifying European sovereign fuels of its own design for VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactors.

In June 2024, Framatome was awarded a EUR10 million (USD10.7 million) contribution from the EU under the Euratom Research and Training Programme for development and deployment of a European fuel solution for VVER reactors. The SAVE (Safe and Alternative VVER European) project for VVER-440 fuel led by Framatome brings together 17 stakeholders, including utilities operating VVER reactors in the EU.

The project follows the Westinghouse-led Accelerated Program for Implementation of Secure VVER Fuel Supply (APIS) project launched in July 2023 to develop safe fuel designs for VVER-440 and next-generation fuel designs for VVER-1000 reactors.

Framatome said its 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. The second phase will involve the fabrication and licensing of the first bundles for Fortum's Loviisa plant in Finland. Possible regular fuel deliveries would take place in the early 2030s.

"Today we celebrate far more than a technical accomplishment - we celebrate a shared vision and a strong teamwork across borders," said Framatome CEO Grégoire Ponchon. "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."

Bohdan Zronek, member of the ČEZ board of directors and director of the nuclear energy division, said: "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."

ČEZ has already contracted Westinghouse to supply fuel for the Dukovany plant.

"Security of energy supply is a strategic priority for us at Fortum," said Petra Lundström, Executive Vice President responsible for Fortum's nuclear operations. "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."

For Fortum, this collaboration with Framatome is the second project to diversify the fuel supply for the Loviisa power plant. In November 2022, Fortum signed an agreement with Westinghouse to design, license and deliver a new Western fuel type to Loviisa. The first batch of fuel supplied by Westinghouse was loaded into unit 2 of the plant during the 2024 annual outage. Last year, the introduction of the new fuel was continued by loading more Westinghouse fuel into the second unit.

Péter János Horváth, CEO of MVM Paks NPP, added: "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."

In November last year, Hungary's MVM Group and Westinghouse signed a contract for the American firm's VVER-440 fuel from 2028 as part of measures to diversify supply for the Paks plant. As part of its diversification strategy, Hungary is also due to get VVER-440 fuel supplies from Framatome from 2027.

"Nuclear power is a pillar of the energy security for Slovakia and all of Europe," said Branislav Strýček, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Slovenské elektrárne. "If this pillar is to be strong on a 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."