Russian nuclear scientists have begun the final testing of innovative REMIX fuel, which should become the basis for the future of nuclear energy. This was reported by the press service of the Rosatom State Corporation.
Six fuel assemblies of the TVS-2M design with new-type fuel elements were loaded into the core of the VVER-1000 reactor at the end of 2021. It is planned that in early 2026, the fuel assemblies will be unloaded into the storage pool, after which post-reactor studies will begin.
At power unit No. 1 of the Balakovo NPP, the third 18-month cycle of pilot industrial operation of fuel assemblies based on innovative uranium-plutonium REMIX fuel has begun.
Specialists conducted a remote inspection of the fuel and structural elements of TVS-2M and found no obstacles for further operation. Alexander Ugryumov, Senior Vice President for Scientific and Technical Activities of the management company of Rosatom's fuel division, TVEL JSC, noted that after the completion of the test program and post-reactor studies, REMIX fuel will be able to take its niche in the market.
At the next stage, we expect to move to the phased implementation of such fuel at one of the VVER power units of high power.
REMIX fuel is an innovative Russian development for light water thermal reactors. It is made from a mixture of regenerated uranium and plutonium. Unlike traditional uranium-plutonium fuel, REMIX fuel contains less than five percent plutonium and does not require changes in the reactor design.
Earlier www1.ru reported that Rosatom will create innovative fuel for "reactors of the future."
