Framatome to develop innovative fuels for Czech research reactors

Research Centre Řež (CVŘ) has extensive experience in nuclear research, development, and testing. It operates the LVR-15 and LR-0 research reactors in Prague.

A light-water moderated and cooled tank-type nuclear reactor with forced cooling, the 10 megawatt LVR-15 is the Czech Republic's oldest and largest research reactor. It began operations in 1957 and has undergone extensive refurbishments starting in 1988/89 and continuing in recent years. The LVR-15 is used both for material irradiation experiments and for the production of radionuclides for medicine, including molybdenum-99 for diagnostics in nuclear medicine. The reactor operates in continuous monthly cycles and plays an important role in research into materials for nuclear power plants, advanced reactor systems and fusion technologies.

The LR-0 reactor, a zero-power reactor, represents one of the world's most important laboratories for experimental validation of nuclear data and computational methods used in the safety assessment of pressurised water reactor plants. Its unique neutron field is internationally recognised as a reference benchmark.

The partnership with Framatome is aimed at supporting the safe, reliable and sustainable operation of the LVR-15 and LR-0 reactors. It builds on previous cooperation in the field of nuclear safety research and fuel development for research reactors - Framatome and CVŘ started cooperation on LVR-15 fuel development more than 10 years ago.

_{The LVR-15 research reactor (Image: CVŘ)}

The new agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between Framatome and CVŘ in the operation and management of different types of research reactor fuel. The partners will now set up a joint working group to carry out preparatory work, including the development of neutronics calculation models based on the LVR‑15 research reactor operational experience. The partners will jointly define the engineering approach and the analyses required for mixed core analysis and future optimisation scenarios.

"The joint activities are based on a shared ambition to develop European know-how in nuclear research, strengthen technological sovereignty and contribute to the safe operation of nuclear facilities in Europe and worldwide," CVŘ said. "The agreement creates a framework for further cooperation in the areas of fuel research, core modelling, experimental validation of computational codes and support for licensing processes."

"Framatome is proud to support the Research Centre Řež and the operation of the Czech LVR-15 research reactor," said Mario Leberig, Vice President Fuel Design & Engineering, Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. "By combining our global expertise in nuclear engineering and fuel with the unique experimental facilities of Řež, we can together develop innovative fuel engineering support that will benefit research and nuclear energy development in the Czech Republic and Europe."

Petr Březina, Director of CVŘ, added: "This agreement marks an important milestone in our mission to contribute to the safe operation of the LVR-15 reactor. By working with Framatome, we can further strengthen our research capabilities and our contribution to nuclear science, technology, and education in the Czech Republic and Europe."

CVŘ and Framatome have successfully collaborated in recent years, for example, in the LEU-FOREVER project, which focused on the development of low-enriched fuel (LEU) for European research reactors. The fuel was developed, manufactured, licensed and irradiated for a long time in the LVR-15 reactor. These activities are now being followed up by the EU-CONVERSION project (2024–2028).

Another area of ​​cooperation is represented by experimental projects such as EVANS, which provide unique experimental data for increasing the safety of nuclear power plants, supporting licensing processes, and validating computational tools used in the design of fuel and reactor cores.