Framatome is teaming with General Atomics to study the application of silicon carbide for boiling water reactor (BWR) nuclear fuel designs. Advanced nuclear fuel designs using silicon carbide in the fuel channel will enhance the safety and fuel performance of nuclear plant operations. Framatome is conducting this research as part of its PROtect enhanced accident tolerant fuel (EATF) program.
“Teaming with General Atomics is just one more example of our commitment to operational excellence by leveraging industry experts to advance today’s fuel designs,” said Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president, Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. “Our industry benefits from research and innovations built on the vast and diverse expertise necessary to support competitive, low-carbon electricity production.”
Framatome and General Atomics will test silicon-carbide materials for fuel channel applications to facilitate the removal of approximately 40% of the zirconium metal in BWR fuel designs.