Orano sets up working groups for fast reactor fuels

According to Orano, small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs) offer "flexible, safe and sustainable solutions to meet the energy needs of tomorrow, complementing more powerful reactors". It adds, "Some AMRs are notable for their ability to use fuel based on recycled plutonium, such as MOX (mixed-oxide) fuel or molten salt fuels. These features make for reactors which are potentially well-suited to long-term, sustainable use of resources and the reduction of nuclear waste."

Orano said it has signed two collaboration charters, thereby setting up two sharing groups which will make it possible to pool start-ups' needs relating to the development of fuels.

The first FNR MOX sharing group brings together Orano, Hexana, Newcleo and Otrera. Its aim is to work on the developments necessary for the production of the mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel used in these fast neutron reactors (FNRs) and its future processing in a facility on Orano's La Hague site, as well as on the associated logistical solutions.

The second MSR sharing group brings together Orano, Naarea, Stellaria and Thorizon. Its aim is to work on the developments necessary for the production of the liquid fuel used in these fast neutron molten salt reactors (MSRs), as well as on the associated logistical solutions and the prospects of processing these salts on Orano's La Hague site.

"This shared approach will aid the development of fast neutron reactors by allowing for greater efficiency, as well as optimising costs and resources for developments associated with this fuel," Orano said.

It added: "These collaborations follow on from the France 2030 investment plan, which aims to promote the emergence of high-end nuclear technologies and reinforce France's position as a leader in energy innovation. They will complement existing collaborations with the two start-ups Stellaria and Thorizon, established following the call for projects for phase 1, which ran until June 2023."

Orano said it was interested in the concept of reactors which can run not only on the plutonium from used fuel from existing reactors, but also on minor actinides, which until now have been treated as vitrified waste. By coupling this technology with the recycling of uranium and plutonium in light water reactors which are already used in several countries, the Orano group could go even further in terms of the recovery of nuclear materials and reduction of waste.

Newcleo CEO Stefano Buono commented: "By developing and utilising MOX fuel for fast neutron reactors, we are tackling two of the nuclear industry's most critical challenges: waste management and sustainability. This strategic collaboration with Orano, Hexana and Otrera underscores our commitment to innovation and a circular economy in nuclear energy. Together, we are not only closing the nuclear fuel cycle but also paving the way for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future."