In addition to ensuring long-term fuel supply, the agreement provides TVO with the option to transition to Framatome’s advanced GAIA fuel design, once the necessary licensing activities for reload quantities are completed. The GAIA design represents Framatome’s latest innovation in fuel technology, offering enhanced performance, flexibility, and operational efficiency.
As part of the agreement, Framatome will also supply engineering services related to reactor core design and fuel use optimisation to support the safe and economical operation of the Olkiluoto (OL3) plant unit.
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The Olkiluoto EPR (Image: TVO)
“This new contract further strengthens a longstanding partnership between Framatome and TVO, built over more than 30 years of collaboration in nuclear fuel supply for Olkiluoto’s boiling water reactors and the EPR,” Framatome said.
Lionel Gaiffe, Senior Executive Vice President of Framatome’s Fuel Business Unit, said: “We are proud to continue supporting our long-term customer, TVO, by delivering reliable and safe fuel assemblies to Olkiluoto 3. This agreement reflects the trusted relationship we have built over many years, as well as our shared commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence in nuclear fuel supply.”
“This agreement with Framatome strengthens the long-term security of fuel supply for Olkiluoto 3 and supports our objective of ensuring safe and efficient electricity production,” said Marjo Mustonen, Senior Vice President for Electricity Production at TVO. “We value our strong partnership and look forward to continued collaboration in optimising plant performance.”
Tuomas Rantala, Head of TVO’s Fuel Uni, added: “This agreement for its part allows the adoption of longer operating cycles of up to two years at Olkiluoto 3. At the same time, the agreement strengthens over the long term the supply reliability based on TVO’s decentralised procurement approach.”
OL3 – a 1600 MWe pressurised water reactor – attained first criticality on 21 December 2021 and was connected to the grid on 12 March 2022 before entering commercial operation the following May.
Together with units 1 and 2 – both 890 MWe boiling water reactors – the Olkiluoto plant produces about 30% of Finland’s annual electricity consumption.
