Will US fuel return to Czech nuclear power plants?

ČEZ has received permission to test US fuel in its reactors. Fuel from Westinghouse had previously been supplied to the Temelín nuclear power plant, but the fuel assemblies suffered from frequent bending, twisting and leaks. A new supplier, Russian company TVEL, was therefore selected in 2006.

More than two years ago, media reported that the ČEZ Group was considering again using fuel assemblies from US manufacturer Westinghouse. US fuel had been used at Temelín for several years, but it caused problems and was therefore replaced with more reliable fuel from TVEL. However, as part of supply diversification, the company is now again considering sourcing from both manufacturers.

The first Westinghouse fuel assemblies were delivered at the beginning of 2016. Only now, after two years, have the first 6 of them received certification from the nuclear safety authority.

“This is not a change of supplier. The reason for certifying and using US fuel is ČEZ's interest in having two certified fuel suppliers. This is good for independence and energy security.” Marek Sviták, spokesperson for the Temelín power plant.

At the same time, ČEZ will begin using TVSA-t mod2 fuel from the Russian supplier in the second unit of the Temelín power plant. Since 2012, ČEZ has been one of four companies participating in a programme aimed at ensuring zero nuclear fuel failures. The organisation also includes TVEL, Bulgaria's Kozloduy nuclear power plant and Ukrainian nuclear plant operator Energoatom. The group's aim is to assess the design, manufacturing process and operation of nuclear fuel and identify possible reasons for its failure in VVER-1000 units.