US-based Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF) – a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi Ltd – has introduced GNF4, a next generation nuclear fuel product built on a 60-year legacy of boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel design innovation and performance.
GNF4 builds upon the operating history of GNF2 and GNF3 and features two advanced components that are licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): Ziron cladding and aluminosilicate doped uranium dioxide pellets.
Ziron cladding was developed to better resist corrosion and is an enhancement to the Zircaloy 2 cladding used in more than 175,000 GNF fuel assemblies worldwide. Aluminosilicate doped uranium dioxide pellets add an extra layer of reliability. GNF4 will also utilise GNF’s proprietary NSF channel material and Defender+ debris filter.
GNF4 is being fabricated at GNF’s manufacturing facility in Wilmington, North Carolina. The first lead use assemblies are contracted for deployment in 2026 and full reload quantities are expected to be available in 2030.
“GNF4 is engineered to provide plant operators with lower fuel costs per megawatt hour through increased performance and reliability,” said Craig Ranson, Installed Base CEO at GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy. “Our engineering and supply chain teams are leveraging their BWR expertise to introduce this next generation fuel.”
