A nuclear research project jointly presented by Framatome and Czech companies ÚJV Řež and Research Centre Řež has secured €1.2m ($1.3m) in funding to advance the safety of light water reactors through the development and validation of cutting-edge neutronics codes.
The EVANS (Experimental Validation of Advanced Neutronics codes for Safety) project was selected for funding under a bilateral call for projects by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA ČR).
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The project aims to establish an innovative experimental benchmark and validate advanced neutronics codes, crucial for simulating nuclear reactions within a nuclear power plant’s core.
Framatome Fuel Business Unit senior executive vice-president Lionel Gaiffe stated: “Framatome welcomes this funding from the French National Research Agency and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic. We are proud to work with our Czech partners in advancing and strengthening nuclear research and innovation in Europe.”
The collaboration will enhance the nuclear power sector’s safety protocols by improving the predictive capabilities of the plant’s overall behaviour.
The initiative is a direct result of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the companies in 2023, which laid the groundwork for increased research cooperation between France and the Czech Republic.
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By GlobalDataThe MoU partners are committed to technical exchanges on water-water energetic reactor (VVER) and pressurised water reactor (PWR) reactors and fuel design development in the Czech Republic.
The project marks a significant milestone in strengthening the nuclear research ties between the two nations.
ÚJV Řež CEO Martin Ruščák stated: “Support of French National Research Agency and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic to the EVANS project highlights the needs for common R&D [research and development] utilising unique research infrastructure [of] the LR-0 reactor to enhance nuclear safety. We are committed to provide excellent results moving the nuclear sector forward in Europe and beyond.”
In July 2024, Framatome signed a contract with Slovak utility Slovenské elektrárne to provide fuel to its VVER reactors from 2027.
