PNNL to assess GNF high burnup fuel rods after reactor service

PNNL to assess GNF high burnup fuel rods after reactor service
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 15, 2025

High burnup fuel rods manufactured by Global Nuclear Fuel, a GE Vernova-led joint venture with Hitachi, Ltd., have arrived at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for post-irradiation examination following commercial operation to gather data on extended burnup performance.

The shipment comprised rods from GNF2 assemblies first loaded for two operating cycles at a U.S. nuclear plant. Working closely with the operator, GNF redesignated the assemblies as high burnup lead use units under its NRC-approved licensing pathway, then reloaded them for an extra cycle beyond current licensing limits. PNNL is now analyzing fuel and cladding behavior.

"The examination of these rods is the next step in our continuous drive to develop higher efficiency fuels that are safer and more reliable," said Craig Ranson, Installed Base CEO, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy. "We are proud to be part of this collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, PNNL and our utility partners to benefit the entire industry."

"This is a significant milestone for our Accident Tolerant Fuel program," said Frank Goldner, the Accident Tolerant Fuel federal program manager in the Office of Nuclear Energy. "The development of this fuel could further support the Trump Administration's executive order to facilitate five gigawatts of power uprates at existing power plants by 2030 and high burnup fuels could be a big part of that."

"This delivery represents a rare and valuable opportunity," said Mark Nutt, director of PNNL's nuclear energy market sector. "We look forward to realizing the full scientific potential of this material - that's an area where PNNL is especially capable, given our multidisciplinary strengths. The resulting research could help achieve several important goals in service to the nation and go a long way toward providing abundant and reliable energy to the grid allowing for US energy dominance."

The rods were fabricated at GNF's Wilmington NC facility. Results from PNNL's inspections will inform DOE and GNF on high burnup fuel behavior, directly supporting DOE's Accident Tolerant Fuel program and GNF's engineering and licensing work to maintain safe, reliable reactor operation under expanded conditions.

High burnup operation is expected to strengthen fuel cycle economics and enable power uprates by allowing fuel to remain in core longer while operating more efficiently. Over time, needing fewer bundles could improve safety margins and reduce the volume of spent fuel destined for long-term storage.

The same fuel design shipped to PNNL is slated for initial core designs of the GVH BWRX-300 small modular reactor. Data from this program will support potential economic enhancements to BWRX-300 fuel cycle strategies, including extending cycle lengths to 36 to 48 months.