Russia tests advanced nuclear fuel for reactor efficiency

Russia is testing new nuclear fuel to improve the efficiency of its VVER-S reactor, which is designed to produce 600 megawatts of electrical power. This research is being carried out at the BFS-1 testing facility by the A.I. Leypunsky Institute of Physics and Power Engineering. The goal is to enhance energy production while also managing radioactive waste more effectively. Nuclear reactors work by splitting atoms, like uranium-235, to generate energy. However, traditional reactors have challenges with fuel use and waste management. The VVER-S reactor uses mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, which combines plutonium from used fuel with depleted uranium. This method helps recycle nuclear materials that would otherwise be waste. The VVER-S reactor features a unique water-cooling system. Instead of using boron to manage the nuclear reaction, it adjusts the ratio of water to uranium fuel. This allows uranium-238 to absorb excess neutrons and produce plutonium, which can be reused as fuel. Rosatom, the state-owned nuclear corporation, sees this innovation as a way to reduce natural uranium use by half and lower operational costs. The VVER-S project is part of Russia's Nuclear Development Strategy 2050, which aims to tackle several goals. These include cutting uranium consumption, enabling a closed fuel cycle, and reducing radioactive waste. The first two VVER-S reactors are planned for construction at the Kola 2 nuclear power plant, with work expected to start in 2028. The reactors are anticipated to become operational by 2035, serving as cleaner alternatives to aging coal plants.