Advances in fuel design and fuel management using reprocessed materials

Operation of a closed cycle has led the industry to master the design and the manufacturing of recycled fuel, with the necessary support of R and D facilities. Large numbers of MOX and ERU (Enriched Reprocess at Uranium) assemblies have been delivered and irradiated without any particular problem. As a result of this accumulated experience, the recycling process is considered today fully validated and these positive results have encouraged EDF to pursue and extend its recycling policy. As a consequence of this validation, of the advances in recycled fuel performance and of the extension of manufacturing capacities, plutonium and uranium recycling is readily available to countries where the scarcity of raw materials and the resulting reliance on nuclear energy require a long term view in order to guarantee the reliability and economy of fuel supply. (orig./HP)