The delivery of LEU+ fuel to Vogtle
Standard commercial reactors use low-enriched uranium (LEU) with 3-5% uranium-235, the isotope responsible for energy production in nuclear reactions. LEU+ fuel, enriched to 5-10% uranium-235, offers potential benefits such as longer fuel cycles, increased power output, and reduced operational costs by decreasing the frequency of refueling outages. The LEU+ fuel at Vogtle is enriched to 6% uranium-235 and was developed under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Accident Tolerant Fuel Program, aimed at enhancing fuel safety and efficiency.
The DOE stated: "The pellets, which also include additives expected to enhance safety performance, were derived from higher enriched uranium oxide powder that was first prepared by Idaho National Laboratory. The powder was further processed into fuel pellets and fabricated into pins before they were shipped to Vogtle Unit 2 for commercial testing." The EnCore ATF Lead Test Assemblies, featuring LEU+ ADOPT fuel, chromium-coated cladding, and AXIOM cladding, were produced at Westinghouse’s Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility in Hopkins, South Carolina.
Tarik Choho, Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel President, remarked: “We are proud to have achieved this milestone alongside the US Department of Energy and Southern Nuclear. Our priority is to provide safe, reliable and high-performing fuel to support our customers in their long-term operational needs. LEU+ fuel is a perfect example of how we can help reduce the number of outages in nuclear power plants.”
Pete Sena, Southern Nuclear Chairman, President, and CEO, added: “This achievement is a significant step forward for not only the resiliency of the entire US operating fleet, but future nuclear technologies. Our goal is to operate our units for longer periods with higher output, and with higher enriched fuel, we’re even better positioned to meet the growing energy demands of the state of Georgia.”
The lead test assemblies will undergo a four-and-a-half-year evaluation at Vogtle Unit 2, with the fuel inspected after each cycle to assess performance and safety. This initiative supports efforts to enhance the efficiency and reliability of nuclear power generation in the United States.
