April 4, 2022 – Framatome’s nuclear fuel manufacturing facility in Richland, Washington, received a conclusive report from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) following its recent biennial license performance review. The NRC concluded that no areas identified as needing improvement – an accomplishment the site has achieved for eight consecutive reviews.
“We are committed to the highest standards of excellence in safety and quality at our manufacturing facilities around the world,” said Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president, Framatome Fuel Business Unit. “Our standing with the NRC covers 16 years of thorough reviews which is evidence of our commitment to continuously improve and build on our culture of safety that our customers expect from their fuel supplier.”
The NRC review takes place every two years and examines four major categories for fuel manufacturing: Safety Operations, Radiological Controls, Facility Support and Other Areas. This latest review confirmed that the Richland facility continues to conduct activities safely and securely, while protecting public health and the environment during the 2020-21 review.
“Our workforce can be proud of their contributions to this successful review and for marking two more years of operational excellence,” said Richland site manager Lance Stephens. “This positive review is a result of our employees’ commitment to safety, quality, and performance that contributes to our customers generation of reliable, responsible, low-carbon energy.”
Framatome’s Richland facility has more than 50 years of manufacturing and fuel expertise. The state-of-the-art facility is positioned to deliver the next generation of light water reactor fuel and fuel for advanced reactors. The facility was awarded the industry’s first 40-year nuclear fuel fabrication license renewal from the NRC in 2009 and received a license to ship fuel up to 8 weight percent of U235 in 2022. Framatome’s Richland facility is licensed to operate to 2049.