Representatives from the companies Energoatom, Fortum, ČEZ, Kozloduy NPP, MVM Paks, and Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. were exchanging their experience on how they proceed in implementing the fuel from the Westinghouse company for the operated reactors VVER-440 and VVER-1000.
“Nuclear fuel diversification is essential for increasing energy security and stable operation of our nuclear power plants. Extensive participation at the forum on nuclear fuel in Bratislava is a proof of commitment to implement this objective as soon as possible.”
Branislav Strýček, Chairman of the Board of the Board of Directors and General Director of Slovenské elektrárne
The Westinghouse company, as the APIS project leader (Accelerated Program for Implementation of secure VVER fuel Supply), financed by the European Commission, presented latest information on development and construction of the new generation fuel and the intention to harmonise the access to the licensed VVER fuel.
“We are delighted to share the achievements of this key program to ensure energy security and supply diversification for our customers in the region. There were many great achievements in the past years and still a lot of work ahead of us.”
Tarik Choho, Westinghouse President of Nuclear Fuel
The significance of the forum, which was held at the headquarters of Slovenské elektrárne in Bratislava was highlighted by the presence of Stefano Ciccarello, Acting Director General of the Euratom Supply Agency.
Detailed reviews included information on strategy and process of fuel implementation, new fuel designs, upgrade of the production plant, supplies and NPPs operation.
The Ukrainian company Energoatom has been currently testing the first fuel load from Westinghouse company in their VVER unit at Rivne nuclear power plant.
Slovenské elektrárne concluded an agreement on fuel supplies with the Westinghouse company in August last year. The first fuel supplies, which are the subject of the agreement, are expected approximately one year after getting an approval for its use in compliance with the applicable legal regulations in the Slovak Republic.
The fuel, which will be supplied by the Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB company, must first pass the licencing process, i.e. approval for its use in the conditions of reactors at Slovenské elektrárne, where it must be proved that its use would be safe.
The corner-stone of the diversification strategy of Slovenské elektrárne is to support every initiative and cooperation in order have a portfolio of at least two alternative nuclear fuel suppliers and several potential suppliers of materials and services across the entire supplier chain for nuclear fuel production. Therefore, Slovenské elektrárne have actively joined all initiatives aimed at gradual diversification of fuel supplies for VVER 440.
The Westinghouse company has more than 60 years of experience in nuclear power industry, its technology is a foundation of almost half of all nuclear power plants in the world. Westinghouse has been providing services for several years for VVER reactors, until now mainly for the VVER 1000 design.
