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.
A NUKEM-led consortium consisting of NUKEM, EWN and WorleyParsons was awarded a contract for the development of a dismantling concept for the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant and the implementation of a pilot project for the dismantling of two subsystems of NPP unit 1.
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.
Both reactor units of the Metsamor NPP were shut down shortly after a massive earthquake in 1988. Reactor unit 2 was then restarted in 1995.
The project seeks to develop a detailed decommissioning concept for the Metsamor NPP and put the proposed approach to the test in practical terms for two subsystems of NPP unit 1.
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 first phase of the project is dedicated to the development of a systematic approach to the decommissioning of the entire NPP to make sure that all necessary licenses, planning activities, tools and processes have been identified and properly finalized before the physical work can start.
The second phase of the project was based on the outcomes of the first phase.
During the second phase of the project, a pilot decontamination and decommissioning project was launched in a low-risk area. Based on the testing results, work was continued to further refine and optimise the processes with regard to safety aspects. The decontamination and decommissioning techniques used at the Metsamor NPP will also facilitate the implementation of future decontamination and decommissioning projects in a safe and efficient manner despite constantly increasing complexity and risks.
