Contract
The project aims to develop high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) fuel in accordance with the technical and functional specifications for Jimmy’s fuel manufacturing plant in le Creusot, France. NUKEM was responsible for designing and integrating the corresponding fuel manufacturing process.
The Uniper Anlagenservice led consortium with NUKEM has been awarded the contract for the dismantling of in total four reactor pressure vessels, two at Oskarshamn NPP and two at Barsebäck NPP.
Description
Jimmy Energy is developing and implementing small modular reactors based on HTGR fuel technology to supply high-temperature heat for industrial applications. The small-reactor concept under development uses fuel compacts embedded in graphite blocks. The associated fuel fabrication facility is designed to manufacture fuel compacts containing uranium enriched to 19.75% U-235, also known as HALEU. Within the framework of several partnerships for the production of TRISO fuel compacts, the initial focus is on engineering the HTGR fuel production process. The project between Jimmy Energy and NUKEM was carried out in two phases between 2022 and 2025.
The dismantling of the Barsebäck reactor pressure vessels is scheduled to begin in 2020 after approval of the Dismantling Notice by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority SSM. The overall project schedule foresees one year for the dismantling of each RPV. The entire project is expected to be completed at Oskarshamn in 2024. The segmentation and packaging of the RPV is an important work package in the Client’s overall Nuclear Decommissioning Programme. The dismantling will be performed consecutively, starting in Barsebäck and then moving on to Oskarshamn so as to ensure a “lead and learn” approach.
Services
NUKEM provided basic and detailed design services for the final fuel production process. This included preparing technical specifications for fuel production plant equipment and developing technical inquiry packages for long-lead items. NUKEM also advised Jimmy on the licensing process throughout the project and on nuclear safety-related matters.
The following services will be provided by the Consortium: Design and procurement of the segmentation equipment and tools Segmentation planning Waste optimization and preliminary packaging plan Logistics concept Radiation protection planning and radiation protection measures Concept for HSSE and radiation safety RPV segmentation including: Segmentation of the RPV lid Removal of the RPV insulation material Pre- and post-segmentation of the RPV
