US nuclear reactor loads advanced accident-tolerant fuel for third run

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has successfully loaded the lead fuel assembly (LFA) of enhanced accident-tolerant fuel (E-ATF) for its third operational cycle in Unit 2 of the Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant in Maryland. This assembly, developed by Framatome under the PROtect E-ATF program, completed two full 24-month cycles and underwent inspections after each cycle before being reinserted for continued operation. Scheduled to finish its third cycle in spring 2027, the LFA will then be sent to a DOE national laboratory for detailed post-irradiation examination to support future licensing and regulatory activities. Accident-tolerant fuel aims to improve the safety and performance of light-water reactor fuel under severe accident conditions by using advanced materials and designs. The Calvert Cliffs assembly features 176 chromium-coated rods and chromia-enhanced pellets, which help reduce corrosion and hydrogen production at high temperatures, potentially improving reactor economics and operational resilience. Fr