French nuclear fuel cycle company Framatome has signed a contract with Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG (KKL) in Switzerland to supply Atrium 11 fuel assemblies to its Leibstadt nuclear power station from 2028-2035.
Framatome said Atrium 11 is its most advanced fuel product for boiling water reactors (BWRs) and the leading commercialised technology. The 11×11 fuel rod design offers “enhanced safety and significant fuel cycle savings”, the company said. It said the unique geometry of Atrium 11 allows for increased energy extraction from the fuel while reducing the power demand on individual fuel rods.
Framatome has been supplying fuel to KKL, the owner and operator of Leibstadt, since 2008 and supplying Atrium 11 since 2012.