Russia’s nuclear fuel firm busy ‘breeding’ new kinds of fuels, technology

Russian nuclear fuel manufacturer TVEL Fuel Company is “breeding” or developing new kinds of fuels and technologies that increase refueling cycle; a balanced integrated fuel cycle for traditional and fast breeder reactors, 3D printing and others, said a senior company official.

TVE Fuel is part of Russia’s integrated nuclear power company.

“All the six 1,000 MW units at Kudankulam in India will be powered by TVS 2M fuel. The fuel has been introduced in Unit 1,” Alexander Ugryumov, Senior Vice-President for Research and Development said.

The earlier fuel that was used in Unit 1 was called UTVS.

“In 2024 we will do the same in Unit 2. With the new fuel the units will operate with an 18 month refueling cycle from earlier 12 months.”