France-based Framatome has entered into a strategic agreement with four European energy companies ČEZ, Fortum, MVM Paks NPP and Slovenské elektrárne to advance the development of a fully European fuel solution for VVER-type nuclear reactors. The initiative comes as European Union operators intensify efforts to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel supplies, particularly following the war in Ukraine. Across the EU, 19 VVER reactors remain operational, including four VVER-1000 units in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic and 15 VVER-440 reactors spread across the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary and Slovakia.
Under what can be described as a VVER fuel agreement, Framatome is pursuing a dual-track strategy aimed at ensuring both immediate and long-term supply resilience.
In the near term, the company will manufacture fuel assemblies compatible with existing reactor designs, while simultaneously progressing the development and qualification of proprietary European fuel designs for both VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactors. This work builds on a EUR10 million (USD10.7 million) grant awarded in June 2024 under the Euratom Research and Training Programme, supporting the SAVE (Safe and Alternative VVER European) project led by Framatome, which includes participation from 17 stakeholders.
The broader programme aligns with parallel industry efforts such as the Westinghouse Electric Company-led APIS initiative launched in July 2023. Framatome’s project is currently in its initial phase, focusing on the design of the VVER-440 fuel assembly, designated VERA-440, along with its transport container. Subsequent stages will involve fabrication and regulatory licensing, with the first fuel bundles planned for deployment at Fortum’s Loviisa nuclear power plant in Finland. Regular supply operations are expected to begin in the early 2030s.
“Today we celebrate far more than a technical accomplishment – we celebrate a shared vision and a strong teamwork across borders,” said Framatome CEO Grégoire Ponchon. “I warmly congratulate all Framatome teams and extend my sincere gratitude to ČEZ, Fortum, MVM Paks NPP, and Slovenské elektrárne for the trust they have placed in Framatome. Their confidence has been essential in bringing this ambitious project to life. This agreement reflects our shared intention to work together over the long term, fostering continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence in nuclear fuel supply.”
European utilities involved in the VVER fuel agreement emphasised its role in strengthening energy security and diversifying supply chains. Bohdan Zronek of ČEZ highlighted the importance of supplier diversification for operational stability, while Fortum’s Petra Lundström noted the benefits of collaborative European solutions. Executives from MVM Paks NPP and Slovenské elektrárne similarly underscored the strategic importance of long-term fuel security, operational predictability and reduced dependency risks across the region.