Framatome and TerraPower to develop HALEU pilot production facility

Framatome and TerraPower to develop HALEU pilot production facility
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 31, 2024

Framatome and TerraPower announced an agreement to design and develop a high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) metallization pilot line at Framatome's nuclear fuel manufacturing facility in Richland, Washington. This initiative aims to verify Framatome's ability to convert uranium oxide (UO2) into HALEU metal, supporting TerraPower's efforts to build a domestic HALEU supply chain.

"A strong domestic fuel supply chain is crucial for the wide-scale deployment of advanced nuclear energy solutions; an energy source we know is needed to meet clean energy targets and provide reliable, baseload energy. This investment by TerraPower into Framatome's pilot line is a critical step in bringing advanced reactors like the NatriumTM technology to market. It is also one more way that TerraPower is delivering on its promise to do our part to support the fuel manufacturing sector," said Chris Levesque, TerraPower President and CEO.

"This agreement advances fuel technologies for the nuclear energy industry and working pragmatically with TerraPower builds the trust and confidence our customers count on," said Ala Alzaben, senior vice president for North America Fuel at Framatome. "TerraPower is at the forefront of the next generation of advanced reactors and by utilizing our expertise and flexible manufacturing infrastructure, we can ensure new clean nuclear projects are not waiting on the supply chain of nuclear fuels."

Metallization of HALEU is a key part of the deconversion process, transforming uranium into metal for advanced reactor fuel fabrication. The pilot line, under construction, will demonstrate the viability of Framatome's metallization technology for the advanced reactor market. TerraPower operates in Washington state at its Bellevue headquarters and laboratory, and Everett laboratory location.

The pilot plant's successful completion and operation will bolster Framatome's efforts to expand U.S. fuel supply chain capabilities. Framatome has applied for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding through the DOE HALEU Availability Program (HAP) Solicitation.

TerraPower is developing the NatriumTM advanced nuclear power plant, which offers 24/7 carbon-free energy and gigawatt-scale energy storage. This technology features a 345 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor with molten salt-based energy storage, capable of boosting output to 500 MWe for over five and a half hours. The Natrium demonstration plant is being constructed near a retiring coal facility in Wyoming.