Diversified supply chain secures fuel deliveries also for OL3

TVO procures uranium as well as enrichment, conversion, and fuel manufacturing only from evaluated and approved responsible suppliers by using a diversified supply chain. A diversified fuel procurement strategy enables flexibility in changing market conditions, the strategic planning of inventories, and makes it possible for TVO to choose the technically best possible fuel design while minimizing the effect of other front-end costs.

The fuel deliveries for the OL1 and OL2 plant units have been secured through long-term contracts with Westinghouse Electric Sweden (WSE) and GNF ENUSA Nuclear Fuel (GENUSA). Both suppliers can deliver to either one of the plant units when necessary, which enhances security of supply and decreases risks related to deliveries. Already for over 40 years TVO has, together with the fuel suppliers, developed fuel that is efficient, safe, and suitable for its plant units. The development work of the fuel continues with both suppliers, and improved designs are tested in small test batches.

AREVA GmbH has supplied fuel for OL3’s first cycles, and Framatome GmbH will be the supplier from here onwards. In the future, the diversified supply chain will secure the fuel deliveries also for OL3. Russian TVEL JSC (TVEL) is one of the most experienced fuel designers and manufacturers for pressurized water reactors. TVO and TVEL have agreed on a lead test assembly program, where the TVSK-14 fuel design is tested at OL3 from the third cycle onwards. If this fuel design also fulfils all criteria put in place for reactor use, TVEL will, according to the fuel contract, deliver part of the fuel needed for six operating years.

The security of fuel supply is of utmost importance to TVO. By proactive and diversified procurement, TVO ensures that it always has reliable, the most suitable fuel available for its plant units.