Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has received an order from Shikoku Electric Power to supply 24 mixed oxide (MOX) fuel assemblies for Unit 3 of the Ikata nuclear power station in Japan. These assemblies will utilise plutonium extracted through spent fuel reprocessing, aligning with Shikoku’s plu-thermal plan to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of nuclear power generation by using MOX fuel in light water reactors.

The fuel components will be delivered to Orano, a leading nuclear energy company, which will fabricate 40 MOX assemblies at its MELOX plant in France. MHI will design the MOX fuel and oversee the production of components like cladding tubes through Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel, a subsidiary of the MHI Group. MHI has a strong track record in the sector, having previously supplied 57 MOX fuel assemblies to Japanese utilities.

This order follows a similar contract awarded in October by Kyushu Electric Power for the Genkai nuclear power station's Unit 3. Separately, MHI has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to explore hydrogen co-firing technologies in Thailand’s gas turbine power plants.

A pilot project is planned, with a feasibility study set to conclude by March 2025. This initiative, supported by MHI and its subsidiary Mitsubishi Power, aims to achieve a hydrogen co-firing ratio of 20%, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. These developments underscore MHI’s commitment to driving innovation in nuclear energy and sustainable power generation. (power-technology)