Framatome to Establish New Nuclear Fuel Facility in the UK, Advancing Nuclear Energy Strategy

Framatome has unveiled plans to build a nuclear fuel fabrication facility in the UK, actively scouting for suitable industrial locations in collaboration with the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero (DESNZ) and EDF in the UK. The company is currently evaluating potential sites, including existing and former nuclear generation locations, as part of the preliminary phase.

This will be followed by comprehensive site justification and pre-licensing studies, slated to begin in 2024 under the supervision of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). This initiative is a key  component of Framatome’s strategy to expand its UK operations in anticipation of the new wave of nuclear reactors. The proposed facility is designed to produce nuclear fuel for both large Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) and Light Water Small Modular Reactors (SMR), aiming to supply the burgeoning nuclear fleet in the UK and facilitate the broader roll-out of SMRs across Europe. This move aligns with EDF’s ongoing construction of two EPR reactors at Hinkley Point C and the planned development of two more at Sizewell C.

It also supports the UK government’s recent endorsement of six SMR designs, targeting operational reactors by the mid-2030s. In addition to this new venture, Framatome continues to support the maintenance and extended operation of existing UK nuclear plants and is actively involved in the construction of the new EPR reactors at Hinkley Point C and the upcoming Sizewell C plant.