Starting signal for industrialization of low-enriched fuel

The Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Research Neutron Source (FRM II) and the French company Framatome have signed a further contract for the production of high-density and low-enriched fuel for the conversion of the FRM II. The project will run for four years and is intended to further optimize the production line and prepare an industrial manufacturing process for the uranium-molybdenum (U-Mo) fuel.

Representatives of FRM II and Framatome at the signing of the contract. Front, from left to right: Cyrille Rontard, François Gauché (both Framatome), Dr. Christian Pfleiderer, and Robert Rieck (both FRM II). At the back, from left to right: Dominique Geslin, Ralf Gathmann (both Framatome), and Dr. Bruno Baumeister (FRM II). © FRM II / TUM

Representatives of FRM II and Framatome at the signing of the contract. Front, from left to right: Cyrille Rontard, François Gauché (both Framatome), Dr. Christian Pfleiderer, and Robert Rieck (both FRM II). At the back, from left to right: Dominique Geslin, Ralf Gathmann (both Framatome), and Dr. Bruno Baumeister (FRM II). © FRM II / TUM

The FRM II at the Technical University of Munich has been cooperating with Framatome since 2019 to prepare a fuel for the conversion of the research neutron source. “Together with Framatome, we have developed a pilot-level manufacturing process and installed a corresponding test production line at Framatome in France. The first fuel plates are already being manufactured using this,” says Dr. Bruno Baumeister, project manager for the conversion from highly enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU) at the FRM II.
In the newly signed contract, the FRM II is investing an amount in the double-digit millions in the further optimization and pre-industrialization of the production process. Framatome will also support FRM II in developing the new fuel element: from design to final testing.

“Our teams have taken up the challenge of developing a unique high-tech fuel that meets the requirements of research reactors and ensures their sustainability. We are now ready to produce this innovative fuel,” adds François Gauché, Vice-President of CERCA at Framatome.

“FRM II and Framatome have been working since 2019 to set up a European production line for monolithic U-Mo fuel,” says Prof. Dr. Christian Pfleiderer, Scientific Director of the FRM II. “The hard work of our teams has paid off. This new fuel guarantees a reliable and sustainable supply of neutrons for research and innovation.”

The high uranium density of the innovative monolithic U-Mo fuel enables the FRM II to maintain its high-performance level even with a maximum enrichment of 19.75% uranium-235 (low enriched uranium, LEU). The first U-Mo foils made of LEU were successfully produced at CERCA in 2022. The first irradiation of monolithic U-Mo fuel plates from this 100% European production is planned for the end of 2024.

Inaugurated in 2019, Framatome CERCA’s Research & Innovation Laboratory, based in Romans-sur-Isère in France, is dedicated to developing uranium-based fuel for international physics and nuclear medicine research.