Fuel cycle roundup #12

Monday, 29 July 2013

Areva fuels Swiss plant

Areva has signed a contract to fabricate fuel assemblies for five reloads for the Gösgen nuclear power plant in Switzerland. Delivery of the 180 assemblies to utility KKG is to begin in 2018.

The French nuclear company constructed the 985 MWe pressurised water reactor and has fabricated all of its fuel elements since it entered commercial operation in 1979. The plant is currently expected to operate until 2029.

Kepco makes uranium commitment

Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) has irrevocably agreed to vote in favour of the acquisition of Strathmore Minerals by Energy Fuels by signing two agreements in support of the proposal. Kepco is currently the largest shareholder in both companies, owning 8.5% of the common shares of Energy Fuels and 11.7% of Strathmore. On completion of the acquisition, it will hold approximately 9.1% of the common shares of Energy Fuels. A Kepco affiliate is also Energy Fuel's largest uranium customer based on expected 2013 deliveries.

The acquisition, announced in June, will provide opportunities for synergies between the two companies' uranium operations and interests in the western USA. It is expected to be completed following special meetings of Energy Fuels and Strathmore shareholders in August.

Russian enrichment plant gets extension

Russian nuclear regulators have approved a renewed operating licence for TVEL's JSC Electrochemical Plant (ECP) in Zelenogorsk. The plant, one of four uranium enrichment plants operating in Russia, is now licensed until July 2023. The centrifuge enrichment plant is the focus of Rosatom investment, aiming to increase its capacity from 8.7 to 12 million SWU per year by 2020. The site is also home to Russia's only uranium deconversion plant.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News