Framatome has signed a new contract with the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, to supply high‑density silicide low‑enriched uranium (HD LEU) fuel elements for the BR2 research reactor in Mol, Belgium.
In April 2025, Framatome successfully delivered three Lead Test Assemblies (LTAs) of HD LEU fuel (5.3 g/cm3) to qualify as an approved LEU supplier for the BR2 reactor. Framatome demonstrated its ability to manufacture these first‑of‑a‑kind fuel elements with high reliability, excellent yields, and one-time delivery performance. The three LTAs have been irradiated in the BR2 reactor, going through a representative series of operating cycles for standard driver fuel elements, without any reported defect or irregularity.
BR2, Europe’s most powerful research reactor, operating up to 100 MW, has been in operation since 1963. It plays a key role in material testing and in the production of medical radioisotopes and doped silicon and is widely used for nuclear materials research. BR2 is responsible for approximately 25% of the world’s supply of medical radioisotopes. The reactor’s unique core features a “twisted” arrangement of 79 cylindrical channels in a beryllium matrix. This design allows a very compact core volume while providing easy access to all channels from the top of the reactor. Following major refurbishments (including replacing the beryllium core in 2016), the reactor is undergoing safety reviews to extend its operation until 2036.
BR2 currently uses high-enriched uranium (HEU) as its primary fuel but is in the final stages of a strategic transition to low enriched uranium (LEU) scheduled for completion in 2026. This contract between Framatome and SCK CEN marks a new step in the collaboration initiated nearly two years ago. “This contract represents an important step in demonstrating Europe’s capabilities in the nuclear field and in strengthening European supply‑chain expertise for the production of medical radioisotopes.” said Ralf Gathmann, Vice President of CERCA at Framatome.
Framatome is now focused on extending this success to full industrial‑scale production of HD LEU fuel elements. “This step reinforces our roadmap towards BR2’s future conversion to LEU,” said Steven Van Dyck, BR2 Director at SCK CEN. “With the successful irradiation of these LTAs, we can consider Framatome as a qualified supplier of LEU fuel for BR2 and, combined with this new fuel supply contract, we can count on them as a trusted partner for future fuel deliveries. We are ready to start using this fuel as soon as we receive official approval from the Belgian nuclear authority.”
