Brazil’s nuclear utility, Eletronuclear has begun transferring used fuels from unit 1 of the Angra nuclear power plant to dry storage.
To date, two Hi-Storm containers, each with 37 fuel elements – have been stored in the depot. In total, 222 fuel assemblies from the plant will be transferred to the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (UAS), in these containers by March.
In addition to the two Angra 1 containers, the depot already has nine from Angra 2 holding 288 used fuel elements transferred last year. The transfer carried out in the two plants will open space in the storage pools for another five years of operation of each unit. The UAS holds up to 72 modules, capable of storing used fuel until 2045.
Eletronuclear has the support of the US Holtec, supplier of the dry storage technology, whose team of specialists is carrying out the transfer of used fuels in coordination with Eletronuclear.
Photo: A cask with fuel assemblies from Angra 1 is seen on a transport hauler (Credit: Eletronuclear)
