Framatome's GAIA fuel assemblies, featuring PROtect Enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel (E-ATF) technology, have successfully completed their third 18-month fuel cycle at Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle. This achievement marks the conclusion of the operational lifecycle for the world's first full-length PROtect E-ATF fuel rods-equipped with advanced pellets and cladding-in a working pressurized water reactor. After operating for over four and a half years, the completion of this milestone supports the licensing and future market readiness of the E-ATF GAIA lead fuel assemblies (LFAs).
Southern Nuclear, operator of the Vogtle plant, along with Framatome, removed and inspected the four LFAs after Cycle 23 at Unit 2. The fuel showed excellent performance, meeting expectations. These LFAs were inserted into the reactor in April 2019, marking the final phase of their three-cycle operational journey.
"This is a significant milestone for our program and through our collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and Southern Nuclear we bring this new and innovative technology one step closer to commercial operations," said Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president, Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. "The success of this project demonstrates accident tolerant fuel readiness for the safe and reliable generation of our clean energy future."
Framatome's PROtect E-ATF program, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, has gained operational experience across six reactors of five different types worldwide.
The GAIA LFAs, fabricated at Framatome's facility in Richland, Washington, included four lead test rods per assembly, making a total of 16 lead test rods. These were enhanced with advanced chromium-coated M5Framatome zirconium alloy cladding, along with chromia-enhanced fuel pellets in all assembly rods. The chromium coating improves oxidation resistance at high temperatures and reduces hydrogen generation in the event of a cooling failure. Additionally, this innovative coating increases resistance to debris, minimizing fuel failure risks during normal operations.
