2021 was a BIG year for nuclear energy as the nation continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Energy use is back on the rise and the global appetite for cleaner energy is higher than ever before. Here are the 10 biggest wins for nuclear in 2021, setting the stage for what will be one of the most transformative times in history for the industry.
Framatome and the U.S. Department of Energy secure a new 4-year cooperative agreement valued at more than $150 million to continue the development of its PROtect enhanced accident tolerant fuel (EATF) technology. These technologies increase the safety performance of commercial nuclear reactors while providing operators more flexibility during normal operating conditions.
Framatome’s first complete accident tolerant fuel assembly is in operation at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Maryland. The lead fuel assembly is the first of its kind to be inserted into a commercial reactor and was developed through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Accident Fuel Program.
Framatome recently delivered the industry’s first nuclear 100% accident tolerant fuel assembly (ATF) to Exelon Generation’s Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Lusby, Maryland. Developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Framatome’s PROtect program, this lead fuel assembly (LFA) containing 176 chromium-coated rods and chromia-enhanced pellets, was inserted as part of the plant’s recent spring refueling outage.
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.