Energy Northwest extends nuclear fueling contract with GNF

Energy Northwest (EN) said late last week that it has contracted with Global Nuclear Fuel Americas LLC (GNF), which will supply reloads of fuel assemblies to EN's  Columbia Generating Station near Richland, Washington,  through 2027.

This is an extension of an established contract that began in 2009.

“The new contract will provide for safe, reliable and high-performance GNF2 fuel that will allow EN to achieve its power-generation goals,” Scott Praetorius, EN's program manager for nuclear fuels procurement, said. “The new contract is estimated to provide $3.3 million in savings over the life of the contract compared to the current contract. The new contract also secured long-term fabrication services through 2027 at a predictable price and provides for two optional reloads.”

An earlier Power News Wire article said this extension is valued at approximately $90 million. Energy Northwest said the facility has been utilizing new fuel from GNF that can increase energy output over the fuel cycle.

The Columbia Nuclear Power Plant is capable of producing a maximum of 1,190 megawatts of electricity generation. GNF is part of a joint venture between Hitachi Ltd. and GE that specializes in fuel manufacturing.