Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corporation (KHNP) has loaded the first accident tolerant fuel (ATF) demonstration assemblies at unit 6 of the Hanul NPP. This followed the success of the demonstration fuel rod combustion test for performance verification, according to Kepco Nuclear Fuel (KNF), which developed fuel. The demonstration assembly comprised 236 fuel rods, bundled together, in a square shape.
KNF said development of the HIPER16 (High Performance with Efficiency and Reliability) fuel together with KHNP began in 2005 and was completed in 2010. Following the loading of lead test assemblies (LTAs) into Hanul 6, a licence application was submitted in 2018 for commercial loading of the fuel at Hanul 5&6. The Nuclear Safety & Security Commission issued the licence in January 2024.
In May 2024, the combustion test of demonstration fuel rods was started in Saeul NPP unit 2, and in June, four demonstration assemblies were loaded into Hanul 6, which are currently undergoing combustion tests.
The HIPER16 fuel consists of a chromium-coated cladding and enhanced-performance (LAS-Doped UO2) fuel pellets. KNF said the fuel “provides superior safety compared to existing nuclear fuel, thereby securing the safety margin of nuclear power plants”.
KHNP noted that the European Union had made the inclusion of NPPs in the Green Taxonomy conditional on the use of ATF and the Korean Green Classification System contains similar provisions. “In this regard, the development of accident-resistant nuclear fuel is expected to contribute to the expansion of overseas markets.”
KHNP plans to conduct combustion tests by 2029 and plans to complete commercialisation by conducting post-investigation testing and obtaining licensing. KHNP President Hwang Joo-ho said: “Accident-resistant nuclear fuel developed with Korea’s unique technology will become the basis for improving the safety of nuclear power plants and exporting nuclear power plants”, adding: “We will continue to strive to develop technologies that can increase nuclear power plant safety.”
