Moscow - On January 23, 2025, LUCH JSC, a division of Rosatom, announced the development of a pilot commercial technology for producing fuel for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGR). This innovative technology utilizes equipment designed and manufactured by Russian companies.
Tests on HTGR fuel samples have demonstrated that the materials and design can contain gaseous fission products generated during fuel irradiation at temperatures reaching 1600°C. This capability is crucial during potential disruptions in reactor operations. The pilot facility, engineered by LUCH JSC, consists of four processing sections and over 20 unique pieces of equipment, mirroring a future production line.
The facility is set to produce 250,000 fuel compacts annually, ensuring a stable fuel supply for upcoming nuclear power engineering plants utilizing HTGR technology. Andrey Mokrushin, Head of HTGR Fuel Development at LUCH, stated, “The pilot commercial line provides a solid foundation for future projects, including a nuclear power engineering plant with a chemical processing section.”
Scheduled for 2025, the production of pilot batches will include micro-fuel elements and fuel compacts, which will be used for reactor resource tests and post-reactor studies. This initiative is part of a broader investment project aimed at developing technological solutions for hydrogen production and ammonia synthesis.
Rosatom is also focusing on hydrogen energy, positioning itself as a leader in the global low-carbon transition. The division's extensive work in hydrogen technologies includes developing electrolysis systems and storage solutions, enhancing the potential for sustainable energy applications.
With the global push for cleaner energy sources, the advancements in HTGR fuel technology not only promise to improve nuclear safety and efficiency but also align with international efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The integration of these technologies could significantly impact the future of energy production, making it safer and more environmentally friendly.