PERFORMANCE OF AGR FUEL - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

The evolution of the CAGR fuel element design, from trials in the Windscale AGR prototype to fuel currently being loaded, is briefly described. Fuel element performance has been monitored by an extensive post-irradiation examination programme, the results of which have been used to confirm or improve all aspects of the fuel design. As the CAGR system matures, there is less need for further design changes. Increases in discharge irradiation and improvements in manufacturing methods will further improve the economics of the AGR system. In order to achieve this, modest changes to the current successful fuel element design are being implemented or investigated.