Framatome and Xcel Energy recently signed a contract for the supply of PROtect enhanced accident tolerant fuel (EATF) technology and ATRIUM 11 fuel for the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant in Monticello, Minnesota.
Evolving from traditional fuel designs, Framatome’s PROtect EATF is more tolerant to loss of active cooling in the reactor core for longer periods because its reduced oxidation behavior increases coping time. Simultaneously, this fuel offers improved performance during normal operations, allowing operators greater flexibility and efficiency.
For the first time, Framatome will deliver prototype enhanced accident tolerant fuel rods, as part of its PROtect EATF program, to a boiling water reactor (BWR). This fuel will be loaded during a 2021 refueling outage. Framatome will also begin delivering reloads of ATRIUM 11, its advanced BWR nuclear fuel design, starting in spring 2023.
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