This new system that measures the degree of burning of nuclear fuel already used, represents an innovative advance in the design of this type of equipment, making it lighter and more versatile.
The Korean fuel company KEPCO-NF has notified ENUSA of the award of a contract for the supply of new equipment (SICOM-NG-FA) that measures the degree of burning of fuel elements already used in nuclear power plants. This award represents the first contract with a company from this Asian country and is the result of an international competition called by this company at the end of October 2020.
KEPCO-NF is a public entity dedicated to the design and manufacturing of nuclear fuel in South Korea. This is the first time that ENUSA supplies this country and also this new technology is commercialized in international markets. In this sense, this operation represents the beginning of a commercial relationship with the Asian country as well as an opportunity for collaboration between a Spanish and Korean company in the management of spent fuel. Knowledge of irradiated fuel is an essential condition when addressing the future dismantling of nuclear power plants.
This line of business could turn Spain into a global benchmark in the manufacturing and supply of this technology.
This system, whose development began in 2007, is used to measure average burnout and determine burnout profiles in fuel elements. This equipment operated by ENUSA has been used in inspection campaigns in Spanish nuclear power plants and must now be adapted to the different fuel designs operating in the Asian country.
Innovative solution
This new technology used for the characterization of spent fuel represents an innovative advance in the design of this type of equipment, much lighter and more versatile than previous ones. Its implementation becomes a differentiating element to certify the characteristics of spent fuel and optimizes its management for future storage.
This contract for the supply of this equipment, whose technology was developed entirely by ENUSA, represents a significant challenge both due to the aforementioned adaptations and the deadlines required for its delivery.
The awarding of this contract represents new proof of ENUSA's commitment to technological innovation and internationalization, and recognition by one of the most important companies in the nuclear sector in Asia.
