Fuel for Slovak VVER reactors to be supplied by Framatome as well as Westinghouse

Representatives of Slovenské Elektrárne and Framatome have signed a contract for the supply of nuclear fuel to Slovakia’s VVER nuclear units. For Slovakia, the contract means further diversification of fuel supplies, which are currently provided by Russia’s TVEL. Last year, the country also signed a fuel supply contract with US-based Westinghouse. Slovakia expects its first nuclear fuel from Framatome in 2027.

French company Framatome announced that it had signed a contract to supply its nuclear fuel to Slovenské Elektrárne. The company operates five Russian-designed VVER-440 units at the Mochovce and Bohunice nuclear power plants. The contract follows a memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies in May last year. The first fuel deliveries are expected to arrive in Slovakia in 2027.

“Securing a contract with one of the world’s leading nuclear fuel suppliers for our power plants is an important step towards strengthening Slovakia’s energy security. Nuclear power plants are an important pillar of our country’s energy mix. I therefore consider diversifying nuclear fuel supplies essential to ensuring their stable operation,” said Branislav Strýček, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Slovenské Elektrárne, a.s.

Since 2022, Slovakia has actively sought alternative nuclear fuel suppliers in an effort to secure safe supplies. Slovenské Elektrárne has a contract with Russian supplier TVEL through 2026.

Replacing Russian fuel

In addition to Framatome, US company Westinghouse is also working on nuclear fuel for VVER-type units. Slovakia signed a contract with Westinghouse a year ago, but fuel deliveries are conditional on safety licensing. Test fuel assemblies from Westinghouse could be available next year.

“This contract marks a new milestone in the long-standing and fruitful cooperation between Framatome and Slovenské Elektrárne. We are pleased to contribute to fuel diversification in Slovakia and to the safe, reliable and uninterrupted operation of the Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants,” said Lionel Gaiffe, Executive Vice President of Framatome’s Fuel Business Unit.

The EU is also supporting a European alternative for nuclear fuel through the SAVE project. In June, Framatome, which is developing the European fuel, announced that it would receive EUR 10 million from the Union (roughly a quarter of a billion Czech crowns). Nineteen Russian-designed units are currently operating in the EU: four VVER-1000s and fifteen VVER-440s.