US nuclear plant Vogtle 2 to use fuel with higher uranium content

The second unit at the Vogtle nuclear power plant in the US state of Georgia is operating with new fuel that contains more uranium-235. Power plants currently use fuel containing 3-5%, while the new generation of fuel contains 5-10%. A higher concentration of uranium-235 in the fuel will allow for longer fuel cycles, reducing the time the unit is not generating electricity. 

The US energy company Southern Nuclear announced that, as part of the refueling of Vogtle 2, it also loaded new fuel from Westinghouse into the reactor. A total of 4 fuel assemblies containing Low Enriched Uranium Plus (LEU+) pellets have a higher concentration of uranium-235 (U-235) than fuel commonly used commercially.

“This achievement is a significant step forward for the entire US nuclear fleet, as well as for future nuclear technologies. Our goal is to operate units for longer periods at higher output. With enriched fuel, we are even better prepared to meet Georgia's growing energy demand,” said Pete Sena, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Nuclear.

The new fuel at Vogtle 2 contains 6% U-235. Southern Nuclear will test its performance in the reactor for 4.5 years. The company received approval from the US nuclear regulator to use fuel enriched above 5% in September 2023.

Longer fuel cycles = more electricity generated

Fuel commonly used in nuclear power plants contains 3-5% U-235. LEU+ fuel is enriched to 5-10%. A higher concentration of U-235 in fuel assemblies will allow operators to extend fuel cycles. With less frequent outages, nuclear units will generate more electricity.

 “We are proud to have reached this milestone together with the US Department of Energy and Southern Nuclear. Our priority is to provide safe, reliable and high-performance fuel that supports our customers' long-term operational needs. LEU+ fuel is a perfect example of how we can help reduce the number of outages at nuclear power plants,” said Tarik Choho, president of Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel.

Westinghouse manufactured its first ADOPT LEU+ fuel pellets in August last year. Westinghouse expects growing interest from nuclear power plant operators in the new fuel, which also promises greater accident tolerance.