Increasing fuel irradiations at advanced gas-cooled reactors in the U.K

This paper provides a review of the development in fuel and fuel cycles since commercial AGR operation began in 1976 at Hinkley Point B' and Hunterston B'. After a brief description of AGR fuel, an outline is given of some of the safety considerations underpinning past and future increases in irradiation. The historical changes in fuel loadings, and the reasons for them, are given. Included is a description of the trend towards rationalising fuel enrichment and element design for what were conceived as essentially different reactor and core designs, and of existing and potential approaches to improving fuel utilisation and further increasing discharge irradiation. (UK)