US Southern Nuclear has loaded four lead test assemblies containing Westinghouse Electric Company’s ADOPT fuel pellets into the reactor at unit 2 of the Vogtle NPP in Waynesboro, Georgia. These are the first lead test assemblies with enrichment levels up to 6% U-235. The advanced fuel was developed through the US Department of Energy (DOE) Accident Tolerant Fuel programme to help improve fuel cycle safety and lower operational costs.
Commercial reactors currently operate on fuel that typically ranges between 3% and 5% enrichment. The higher enriched fuel could help extend operation cycles from 18 to 24 months, allow for higher power output, and lead to less waste generated over the life of the reactor. 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 at before they were shipped to Vogtle Unit 2 for commercial testing.
“This achievement is a significant step forward for not only the resiliency of the entire US operating fleet, but future nuclear technologies,” said Pete Sena, Southern Nuclear Chairman, President and CEO. “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 testing for the next four and a half years at Vogtle. The fuel will be examined after each fuel cycle with a more extensive review after the fuel completes testing to support future commercialisation and deployment.
