MOX fuel plans in LWRs

The progressive implementation of key nuclear fuel capabilities in a particular country corresponds to a strategy for the acquisition of an independent energy source. France, Japan, and some European countries are engaged in such strategic programs. The excellent operation record of the La Hague reprocessing plant led the major European and Japanese utilities, including Electricite de France, to launch large programs for the recycling of plutonium in PWRs and BWRs. The plutonium fuel fabrication industry has been organised in an efficient way to provide reprocessing customers with the capability to have their fissile materials directly incorporated into fuel rods. The Commox Company was set up in 1984 between Cogema and Belgonucleaire to offer this flexibility. (author) 6 figs., 3 tabs