▣ KEPCO Nuclear Fuel (President Jung Chang-Jin) held a commemorative ceremony for the shipment of Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) test assemblies on the 15th at its headquarters in Daejeon, with the President and executives in attendance.

 

▣ The development of Accident Tolerant Fuel, part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Nuclear Core Technology Project, was initiated in 2017 and is being commercialized through collaboration with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

 

▣ The developed Accident Tolerant Fuel consists of chromium (Cr)-coated cladding and enhanced performance pellets (LAS-Doped UO2 pellets), providing superior safety compared to conventional fuel and enabling greater safety margins for nuclear power plants.

 

▣ The Accident Tolerant Fuel, successfully developed from materials to commercial manufacturing processes, completed the manufacturing of four test assemblies in December 2024 following the test fuel rod irradiation tests in May 2024 for in-reactor performance verification for commercialization, and is scheduled to begin the test assembly irradiation tests at commercial nuclear power plants in May 2025.

 

▣ Accident Tolerant Fuel can contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by complying with green energy requirements for nuclear power plants under the Korean Green Taxonomy and the EU Green Taxonomy. Furthermore, it is expected to be advantageous for entering overseas markets.

 

▣ President Jung Chang-Jin stated, “Our passion and efforts to supply nuclear energy with enhanced safety and environmental protection have led to the successful development of Accident Tolerant Fuel and the test assembly shipment. We will continue our efforts to lead the future of safe and sustainable nuclear energy”.

[Photo Caption] KEPCO NF officials pose for a commemorative photo at the Accident Tolerant Fuel test assembly shipment ceremony.