Dominion Generation Awards FCF Fuel Reloads
Dominion Generation (formerly Virginia Power) awarded Framatome Cogema Fuels (FCF) a minimum of four batches of fuel reloads each for the North Anna 1 and 2 nuclear units. The first delivery could be as early as
spring 2003.

FCF will provide the advanced MK-BW 17 x 17 fuel assemblies, featuring M-5TM cladding and guide tubes, a low-corrosion, low growth material for high burn-up applications; mid-span mixing grids; and TrapperTM debris-resistant lower nozzle. The M-5TM material was developed by Framatome SA, and is approved for use by the U.S. NRC. Extensive testing and in-reactor experience confirms that fuel assemblies incorporating M-5TM have superior corrosion and growth characteristics than reported data for all other alloys.

The original MK-BW design was first delivered in the early 1990's and has operated successfully in eight reactors. The advanced MK-BW design has operated as lead test assemblies in North Anna 1 for the past two cycles with excellent performance. This award by Dominion Generation builds upon this demonstrated performance of the MK-BW design as an excellent PWR fuel, even under the most demanding reactor operating conditions.

"We are pleased to be able to provide a valued customer with the MK-BW fuel product that has proven its reliability in numerous plants around the country," said Bob Hoffman, President of FCF. "We look forward to working with the outstanding team from Dominion Generation for many years to come."