OREANDA-NEWS. August 22, 2014. The Russian irradiated fuel damaged at Paks NPP (Hungary) in 2003 has been repatriated. The fuel was damaged when the plant management decided to use the French equipment and Framatome ANP’s technology to handle it.

The fuel was delivered to a ROSATOM’s company for subsequent treatment. A total of 30 damaged irradiated fuel assemblies (IFAs) of VVER-440 reactor totaling 3,356.7 kg (with regard to uranium) placed in 68 storage tubes were repatriated.

The fuel was shipped by rail in full compliance with the international and Russian requirements for nuclear material physical protection during shipment. The operation was carried out following a positive statement issued by the State Environmental Expert Review Authority.

The fuel shipment from Paks NPP was carried out in the framework of the intergovernmental agreements, including the Agreement between the Government of the USSR and the Government of the People’s Republic of Hungary concerning the cooperation in building a nuclear power plant in the People’s Republic of Hungary of 28.12.1966 and in accordance with the Protocol of 29.04.2004 to the Agreement between the Government of the USSR and the Government of the People’s Republic of Hungary concerning the cooperation in building a nuclear power plant in the People’s Republic of Hungary, and other documents.

The fuel was delivered to PA Mayak where it will be subsequently reprocessed using the adopted technology. Some of the cash (about US\\$ 2.2 million) to be received under this foreign trade deal will be spent to finance social and environmental measures in the territory of Chelyabinsk Region in accordance with the Special Environmental Program of Rehabilitation of Radiation-contaminated Areas of Chelyabinsk Region, which was developed and approved as per the established procedure as required by Federal Law No. 92-FZ of 10.07.2001 “On Special Environmental Programs of Rehabilitation of Radiation-contaminated Areas”.