The charge of TVEL fuel into the active zone of the first power unit of Temelin NPP has been completed

19.08.2010 // Пресс-центр атомной энергетики

The charge of ТVSA-Т fuel produced by TVEL Rosatom Fuel Company into the active zone of the first power unit of Temelin NPP (Czech Republik) was successfully completed on August 18.

In 2006, TVEL OJSC won a tender for supply of fresh nuclear fuel for two power units of Temelin NPP. The fuel of the Russian manufacturer received a high appraisal in terms of its security, economic effectiveness and performance characteristics.

Following the results of the tender, TVEL OJSC and CEZ signed a contract which provided delivery of Russian fuel in the volume of 10 loadings per one power unit, starting from 2010.

Initially, it was assumed that in the course of several years TVEL fuel would gradually replace the fuel of a non-Russian manufacturer. However, CEZ, having reestimated the economic effectiveness and security of TVEL fuel, came to a decision of pre-term unloading of non-Russian fuel and full loading of Russian fuel into the active zones of both the power units.

Since 2011 the second plant reactor will be also completely provided with TVEL fuel.

The active zone of Temelin NPP power unit No.1 was loaded with 163 TVSA-T assemblies. This type of fuel is based on the TVSA-ALPHA construction.

Fuel assemblies designed specially for Czech partners are characterized by improved operational reliability and dimensional stability, provided due to new engineering solutions (including the so-called “stiffening angles”, a combined screen and antidebris filter). The assemblies have uranium- gadolinium fuel, which provides the opportunity of NPP operation in the maneuver mode, i.e. with a change of the reactor power.

Next year, at the end of September it is planned to operate the power unit with 100% capacity.

TVEL Fuel Company also supplies fuel for another Czech nuclear power plant – Dukovany NPP.

For reference:

TVEL OJSC is a part of Rosatom State Corporation. TVEL OJSC specializes in development, production and realization (including export) of nuclear fuel and relevant nuclear and non-nuclear products.

Rosatom Nuclear Energy State Corporation (Rosatom State Corporation) integrates more than 270 enterprises and scientific organizations, including all state companies of Russian nuclear power industry, nuclear arm complex enterprises and the world’s only nuclear icebreaker fleet. Rosatom State Corporation is the largest Russian generation company which provides more that 40% of electric power in the European part of the country.