Framatome Collaborates with European Utilities to Develop VVER 440 Nuclear Fuel Design
Framatome, a France-headquartered nuclear energy group, has signed a contract with four European utilities—ČEZ (Czech Republic), Fortum (Finland), MVM Paks NPP (Hungary), and Slovenské elektrárne (Slovakia)—to advance the development of its VVER 440 nuclear fuel design. This agreement marks a long-term cooperation aimed at securing the future diversification and fuel supply for the utilities' 440-MW VVER pressurized water reactors. The project is currently in its first phase, focusing on the design activities of the VVER 440 fuel assembly, known as VERA-440, and its associated transport container. The plan includes a Lead Test Assembly program to enable fuel reloads licensing for the utilities' nuclear power plants in Europe, utilizing Framatome's French and German fuel fabrication facilities. 
