French firm's high-burnup nuclear fuel secures key approval for US reactor fleet

The US NRC accepted Framatome’s report allowing higher burnup limits for GAIA and HTP fuel in pressurized water reactors.

The decision supports 18- to 24-month fuel cycles, letting reactors run longer between refueling outages.

It also helps broaden use of higher-enrichment fuel and related transport approvals.

The change could improve operating efficiency and reduce spent fuel volumes while maintaining safety requirements.