DOE funds to bolster Accident Tolerant Fuels initiatives

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) has allocated $111.2 million to three industry entities with the overarching goal of developing Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF).

General Electric (GE), Westinghouse (WEC) and Framatome received the funding allotment in late 2018 with FY18 and FY19 funding. The performance period goes through Jan. 31, 2021, with DOE and NE planning additional funding of $55.6 million in FY20 and $30 million in FY21.

“Nuclear energy remains a critical component of our all-of-the-above energy strategy and is imperative to our country’s energy and national security,” Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said. “The successful development of Accident Tolerant Fuels will enhance the safety and efficiency of our nuclear fleet, which will, in turn, enhance the overall reliability of our energy system.”

ATFs are intended to directly and further enhance nuclear fuel reliability and safety, as well as the economics of nuclear reactor operations. The improved heat tolerance of ATF contributes to significantly improved reactor safety and security while improving economics due to improved heat tolerances and increased agility to power reactors up and down while staying within safety margins.

The DOE said the agreement calls for GE to continue the development of Iron Chromium Aluminum alloys Cladding trademarked IronClad. Framatome will develop and deploy chromium-coated zirconium alloy cladding with chromia-doped uranium oxide pellets. Westinghouse will proceed with development of Uranium Silicide and Doped UO2 trademarked ADOPT in chromium-coated zirconium alloy cladding.