Home Media Press Release Framatome US Richland site opens its new $20 million uranium recovery facility
Press Release

Framatome US Richland site opens its new $20 million uranium recovery facility

October 06, 2020 | 1 min |
Topic: fuel
October 6, 2020 – Framatome recently opened its $20 million uranium recovery facility at its fuel manufacturing site in Richland, Washington.

After nearly three years of construction, the 11,000-square-foot uranium recovery building is home to advanced processes and technologies that recover uranium from the fuel manufacturing process. State-of-the-art processes are used to recover scrapped uranium from manufacturing feed streams and convert the material to uranium dioxide powder to be reused in the fuel fabrication process. The new building also provides enhanced safety features and ergonomics for additional operator protection.

“This new facility, along with capital investments at our fuel facilities in Romans, France, and Lingen, Germany, demonstrates our commitment to continually enhance and expand our capabilities to better serve our customers around the world,” said Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president, Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. “Our new and upgraded equipment allows our team to recover and process scrapped uranium more efficiently, adding value for our customers.”

Framatome’s Richland facility manufactures nuclear fuel and fuel-related products for enhanced performance and maintains an industry-leading safety record, recognized by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The site’s license was extended through 2049, marking the industry’s first 40-year fuel fabrication license renewal from the NRC.
 
Framatome’s Richland facility
Framatome’s Richland facility

 

About Framatome

Framatome is an international leader in nuclear energy recognized for its innovative, digital and value added solutions for the global nuclear fleet. With worldwide expertise and a proven track record for reliability and performance, the company designs, services and installs components, fuel, and instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants. Its more than 16,000 employees work every day to help Framatome’s customers supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical low-carbon energy.

Framatome is owned by the EDF Group (75.5%), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI – 19.5%) and Assystem (5%).