The US begins first commercial testing of silicide nuclear fuel

Through its Enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel programme, the US Department of Energy (DOE) supports the development of various accident tolerant fuel types. The researchers and private companies are looking for new cladding and fuel materials that can better tolerate the loss of active cooling in the core, while maintaining or improving fuel performance during normal operation. The DOE currently supports Framatome, GNF and Westinghouse and their partners.