A Russian feasibility study for a nuclear fuel fabrication plant in Ukraine is scheduled to be completed by year end, according to Russian fuel company TVEL.
The 400tU-capacity factory would be expected to start three years after approval of the feasibility studies, according to Vasily Konstantinov, TVEL vice-president, who also said that there is ‘clear political commitment on both sides.’
Preliminary estimates suggest the plant would cost $300-350 million; Russia would offer to finance 60% of the plant.
The plant would be commissioned in three stages, according to TVEL: first, fuel assembly rod manufacture, components and infrastructure; then zirconium component manufacture and additional infrastructure; then finally fuel powder and pellet production, and additional infrastructure. The plant would employ 250 people.
