– Framatome and TUM signed an agreement to develop nuclear fuel for the FRM II research reactor in Germany
– The development process involves key steps such as manufacturing prototypes, qualification procedures, and installing a pilot line
– The new U-Mo fuel will ensure the sustainability and reliable operation of the FRM II reactor, providing a dense neutron flux for research and innovation.
Framatome has partnered with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) to industrialize the process of developing molybdenum-uranium (U-Mo) monolithic fuel for the FRM II research reactor in Germany. The agreement aims to establish a European production line for this innovative nuclear fuel.
Framatome’s CERCA Research & Innovation Laboratory worked with TUM to develop the manufacturing process for high-quality U-Mo fuel, including creating prototypes, qualification procedures, and a pilot line in Romans. This fuel is essential for the sustainable operation of the FRM II reactor in the long run.
The FRM II reactor currently uses highly enriched uranium fuel, but TUM and Framatome have been working since 2019 on a fuel based on low-enriched uranium to ensure the reactor’s performance remains consistent. The teams have successfully developed a new U-Mo fuel that will secure a reliable and sustainable source of neutrons for research and innovation at the FRM II facility.
Dr. Christian Pfleiderer, scientific director of FRM II, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, stating that the new U-Mo fuel line will support the reactor’s operations and enable continued scientific experiments and production of medical radioisotopes. Overall, the partnership between Framatome and TUM marks a significant milestone in nuclear fuel development for research reactors.