The overall project is in its first phase consisting of the design activities of the VVER 440 fuel assembly and its associated transport container. Further on, a Lead Test Assembly (LTA) program will be performed, enabling the reloads licensing with each Nuclear Power Plant concerned. All of this will be made possible through an integrated and robust 100% European design and supply chain involving Framatome’s French and German fuel fabrication facilities.  

“Today we celebrate far more than a technical accomplishment— we celebrate a shared vision and a strong teamwork across borders. I warmly congratulate all Framatome teams and extend my sincere gratitude to ČEZ, Fortum, MVM Paks NPP, and Slovenské elektrárne for the trust they have placed in Framatome. Their confidence has been essential in bringing this ambitious project to life. This agreement reflects our shared intention to work together over the long term, fostering continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence in nuclear fuel supply,” said Grégoire Ponchon, CEO of Framatome.

“ČEZ Group has long focused on diversifying its nuclear fuel suppliers, which is a key priority for strengthening supply security, enhancing energy security, and ensuring the efficient operation of our power plants. Our participation in the development of a new fuel design for VVER 440 units operated at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant therefore represents a logical and strategically important next step,” said Bohdan Zronek, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of the Nuclear Division of ČEZ Group. 

“Security of energy supply is a strategic priority for us at Fortum. Diversifying the entire nuclear fuel value chain strengthens our ability to supply electricity reliably to our customers. It is great that we can now, through European cooperation, develop a solution that benefits several companies at the same time and can enhance energy security in many European countries,” said Petra Lundström, Executive Vice President responsible for Fortum’s nuclear operations. 

“MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant plans responsibly for the long term and is preparing a further extension of the operating life of its active units. An essential part of this work is to anticipate the conditions of our operation for decades and ensure them in fuel procurement as well. Preserving and strengthening energy sovereignty, guaranteeing the security of supply and maintaining environmentally friendly, clean electricity production are of key importance for Hungary, to which the newly signed agreement also significantly contributes.”, said Péter János Horváth, CEO of MVM Paks NPP.

“Nuclear power is a pillar of the energy security for Slovakia and all of Europe. If this pillar is to be strong on long-term basis, we must have control over one of the most important inputs, namely nuclear fuel. Long-term safe operation of nuclear power plants requires a stable and diversified fuel chain. Involvement of Slovenské elektrárne in the development of European fuel for VVER 440 reactors is a logical step in the management of these technological and contractor-related risks. This project facilitates the operation predictability and improves the resilience of nuclear power industry within the European Union,” declared Branislav Strýček, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Slovenské elektrárne.

Framatome and seventeen stakeholders, including these four European VVER utilities, have been working on the development of this new VVER fuel technology, including within the framework of the Framatome Safe and Alternative VVER European Project – “SAVE” - funded under the Euratom Research and Training Programme by the European Union. 

Nineteen VVER reactors are currently in operation in the European Union, including fifteen VVER 440 MW reactors in the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary and Slovakia. Framatome aims at manufacturing its first own-design lead fuel assemblies starting from 2028. It intends to contribute to the safe, reliable and uninterrupted operation of the existing nuclear fleet and prepare for the next generation of nuclear fuel.

Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president of the Fuel Business Unit at Framatome declared: “This milestone for Europe’s energy future reflects our commitment to supporting both the nuclear industry and the energy policies of the European countries operating VVER reactors. Framatome is the only fuel supplier able to guarantee a 100% sovereign European technology.” 

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 22,000 employees work every day to help Framatome’s customers supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical low-carbon energy. 

Visit us at www.framatome.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Framatome is owned by the EDF Group (80.5%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI – 19.5%).

ČEZ Group is one of the most prominent energy companies in Central Europe and the leading producer of electricity in the Czech Republic. It also serves as a key operator of the country's electricity and gas distribution networks.

In the nuclear sector, ČEZ Group ensures the safe, reliable, and highly efficient operation of the Dukovany and Temelín nuclear power plants, which constitute the backbone of the Czech Republic’s zero‑emission electricity generation. In 2025, these facilities supplied more than 32 TWh of electricity.

ČEZ further plays a critical role in advancing the next phase of nuclear development in the Czech Republic. The Group participates in the preparation of the new nuclear unit at Dukovany, in the planning of additional large‑scale units, and in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). These initiatives form part of the strategic framework VISION 2030 – Clean Energy of Tomorrow, aimed at building a low‑emission energy mix, strengthening national energy security, and ensuring stable long‑term electricity supply.

Beyond its nuclear activities, ČEZ operates in renewable energy, distribution, energy services, and smart energy infrastructure. Across these areas, the Group focuses on digitalization, decarbonization, and the deployment of efficient and forward‑looking energy solutions. ČEZ is majority‑owned by the state and ranks among the largest publicly traded companies in Central Europe.

Fortum is a Nordic energy company. We generate and deliver reliable energy to our customers and the Nordic energy system while at the same time helping industries decarbonise their processes and grow. Our core operations comprise efficient and best-in-class low-carbon power generation, customer services, and heating and cooling. Fortum’s power generation is already 99% from renewable or nuclear sources with one of the lowest specific CO2-emissions in Europe. We are guided by our ambitious SBTi-validated emission reduction targets on our way towards net-zero by 2040. For our ~4,500 employees, we commit to be a safe and inspiring workplace. Fortum's share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. fortum.com

The MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant has been supplying Hungary's residential and industrial consumers with safe, cheap and environmentally friendly electricity for 40 years. The power plant operating with 4 units has a nominal capacity of 2,000 megawatts, which provides almost half of Hungary's electricity production. Since the beginning of its operation, the nuclear power plant has been developing its systems with modifications that enhance safety, sustainability and cost-effectiveness, and operates at an internationally recognized high level of safety.

With more than 70% share in the overall electricity generation in Slovakia, Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. is the largest electricity producer in the country. After having shut down the last coal power plant at the end of the first quarter of 2024, it generates all electricity free of direct CO2 emissions. It operates 5 nuclear units, 31 hydro power plants, and 2 photovoltaic plants.

The Company’s commitment to generate electricity from low-carbon sources makes it the leader in sustainable energy generation in the Central and Eastern Europe. The company has been included in the prestigious Europe's Climate Leaders index, which The Financial Times and Statista have been producing since 2021, four times.