NuScale Expands Fuel Supply Chain with Framatome for Global SMR Deployments
Event summary
- NuScale and Framatome expand partnership to include European fuel fabrication for SMRs.
- Framatome's Richland facility notified to produce 444 fuel assemblies for NuScale's U.S. customer by 2030.
- NuFUEL-HTP2 design leverages Framatome's proven HTP fuel technology with seismic resilience.
- Framatome's facilities hold over 55 years of manufacturing expertise in North America and Europe.
The big picture
This deal underscores the growing momentum in advanced nuclear energy, with NuScale positioning itself as a leader in SMR deployments. The partnership ensures reliable fuel supply chains for both U.S. and European markets, addressing critical infrastructure needs for next-generation reactors. Framatome's longstanding expertise bolsters NuScale's ability to meet rising baseload electricity demands globally.
What we're watching
- Production Timelines
- Whether Framatome can meet the 2030 delivery deadline for NuScale's first U.S. customer.
- Regulatory Approvals
- The pace at which NRC approvals advance for modified fuel designs above 5% U235 enrichment.
- Market Demand
- How global SMR demand will scale and whether Framatome's European facilities can support it.