Sweden’s Studsvik Nuclear AB has signed a long-term service agreement with South Korea’s KEPCO Nuclear Fuel (KNF) and the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN). The contract includes a comprehensive programme of performance testing of irradiated HANA Fuel and analysis to support KNF’s development of advanced nuclear fuel technologies for flexible operation of nuclear power plants.
HANA (High-performance Alloy for Nuclear Applications) is a proprietary zirconium-based alloy cladding developed by KNF. It was engineered specifically to improve the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors compared with traditional Zircaloy-4 cladding. HANA fuel is designed to withstand higher temperatures and longer reactor cycles, showing approximately 40% better corrosion resistance than standard materials. It typically contains zirconium mixed with small amounts of niobium, tin, iron, and chromium to maintain structural integrity under high-burnup conditions.
The scope of work covers both pre- and post-irradiation examinations (PIE) as well as power ramp testing, making optimal use of the available hot-cell facilities at Studsvik and the BR2 reactor at SCK CEN. The programme will start at the end of 2025 and run until 2030.
“We hope that our collaborative programme yields meaningful results and makes a positive contribution to our institutions and the wider industry”, said Jeun Ji Hoon, KNF Project Manager.
“This agreement reflects Studsvik’s long-standing commitment to advancing nuclear fuel technologies together with world‑class partners. By combining our complementary capabilities, we strengthen the foundations for safer, more efficient and future‑ready nuclear energy”, noted Joakim Lundström, Business Developer and Head of Sales at Studsvik Nuclear.
