Nuclear fuel used by GE Vernova undergoing investigation following its prolonged usage in an American reactor
Scientists at the US Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are examining advanced nuclear fuel made by Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF). This fuel, intended for use in the initial core designs of the GVH BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR), employs licensed fuel designs based on proven boiling water reactor (BWR) technology.
The advanced fuel assemblies, which were redesignated as high burnup lead use assemblies through GNF's US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved licensing process, have been operated for four 24-month cycles in a commercial reactor. The extended operation and higher efficiency of the advanced nuclear fuel could help in reducing the number of nuclear fuel bundles used and less spent fuel generated.
The advanced nuclear fuel rods, manufactured at GNF's Wilmington, NC facility, promise increased efficiency in nuclear reactors and less spent nuclear fuel at the end of the use cycle. GE Vernova, a partner in Global Nuclear Fuel, hopes the examination will extend fuel cycle lengths to 36-48 months.
The development and use of high burnup fuels could improve fuel cycle economics and further support power uprates for commercial nuclear power plants. The examinations at PNNL will help support GNF's development, engineering, and licensing efforts for the advanced nuclear fuel. They will also ensure the continued safe and reliable fuel performance under expanded operating conditions.
The advanced nuclear fuel rods shipped to PNNL are significant because they avoid the need for high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), a limiting factor for many other advanced SMR designs. This approach contributes to the performance and advantages of nuclear power plants in several key ways:
- Cost and supply chain efficiency: By using already licensed and well-understood fuel designs, the BWRX-300 can leverage existing manufacturing and fuel supply infrastructure, reducing costs and complexity compared to reactors requiring new or specialized fuels.
- Reduced construction and operating costs: The simple, proven fuel design helps in reducing both initial capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs, facilitating more competitive and financially feasible nuclear power projects.
- Simplified regulatory and deployment pathway: Using known fuel designs supports regulatory acceptance and expedites licensing, as regulators are more familiar with the fuel behavior and safety profile, helping speed deployment of the reactor.
- Enhanced scalability and international collaboration: The common licensed fuel design enables partnerships among utilities and vendors internationally, fostering shared investment and streamlined deployment strategies across multiple sites.
In summary, the advanced nuclear fuel’s significance lies in its use of proven, licensed BWR fuel technology that supports lower costs, simpler supply logistics, regulatory confidence, and performance reliability, which collectively enhance the commercial viability and scalability of nuclear power plants using the GVH BWRX-300 SMR design.
[1] GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy [2] Global Nuclear Fuel [3] Ontario Power Generation [4] Tennessee Valley Authority [5] Synthos Green Energy
- The collaboration between GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Global Nuclear Fuel, and other industry partners such as Ontario Power Generation and Tennessee Valley Authority, involves the development and use of advanced nuclear fuel, which is designed to increase efficiency, lower costs, and extend fuel cycle lengths, aiming to make nuclear power more financially competitive in the energy sector.
- Science and innovation in the field of nuclear energy are critical for the development of advanced nuclear fuel, as demonstrated by the small modular reactor design by Global Nuclear Fuel, which leverages licensed fuel designs based on proven boiling water reactor technology, improving the safety, performance, and efficiency of nuclear power plants.
- The finance sector plays a crucial role in the growth of the nuclear energy industry, as the adoption of innovative advanced nuclear fuel and small modular reactor designs could lead to reduced construction and operating costs, making nuclear power projects more financially feasible and competitive with other energy sources, attracting investment from financial institutions and further driving the industry's development and expansion.
