AFCI fuels development includes the Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative (Generation IV) reactor fuels, proliferation-resistant light water reactor (LWR) and Advanced LWR (ALWR) fuels, and prototypic transmutation fuels for Generation IV reactors. Research and development continues at national laboratories, universities and international test facilities along with testing, safety, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing support, as well as demonstration activities to enable the design and construction of proliferation-resistant fuel fabrication facilities.

The fuels program includes exploring options related to both existing and next generation reactor systems as well as exploring fabrication capability for mixed oxide, metallic, and nitride fuel. The first mixed actinide fuels for an advanced fuel cycle were fabricated, and test fuel pins manufactured, with sufficient quality assurance to permit placement in test reactors. As the U.S. does not have a viable fast neutron source today, international collaboration will continue to be an important facet to fast reactor fuels development and testing.

(Hot Fuel Examination Facility courtesy of INL)