LEU - More Information

One example of how NFS can help utilities meet the demand for electric power is a recent contract between NFS, Siemens Power Corporation, Framatome COGEMA Fuels and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to convert surplus HEU into LEU fuel. Siemens and Framatome recently agreed to a merger forming Framatome ANP.

The contract will see the surplus HEU downblended into LEU at NFS' Erwin, TN. A new LEU fuel facility, to be owned by Framatome ANP-Richland and operated by NFS, will be constructed adjacent to the Erwin plant to render the LEU into a form ready for production into pellets. Framatome ANP will load the pellets into fuel rods for assemblies used in TVA reactors. The contract will save TVA up to 20 percent off its regular cost of acquiring LEU, thus helping reduce costs to its many customers. Because the surplus HEU will be recycled for a peaceful use, U.S. taxpayers will save about $500 million in storage and disposal costs.

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