MOX and UOX PWR fuel performances : EDF operating experience

Based on a large program of experimentations implemented during the 90s, the industrial achievement of new fuel assemblies designs with increased performances opens up new prospects. Thus, conditions are met to implement new fuel managements on the Electricite De France fleet with increased enrichment and irradiation limits. The recycling of plutonium is part of EDF's reprocessing/recycling back-end strategy. Up to now, 20 PWR 900MW reactors are managed with mixed oxide. EDF is now looking to introduce MOX fuels with a higher plutonium content (MOX Parity management). The implementation of the new fuel managements is a great challenge for EDF, with important stakes: the nuclear KWh cost decrease and the improvement of the plant operation performance