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Research Centre Řež (CVŘ) and Framatome, a leading global supplier of nuclear energy technologies, have reaffirmed their long‑term strategic partnership through the signing of a technical cooperation agreement. The partnership focuses on supporting the safe, reliable and sustainable operation of CVŘ’s unique research infrastructures – the LVR‑15 and LR‑0 reactors – and builds on more than a decade of successful collaboration in nuclear safety research and the development of fuel for research reactors.
The cooperation between CVŘ and Framatome is driven by a shared ambition to advance European know‑how in nuclear research, strengthen technological sovereignty, and contribute to the safe operation of nuclear facilities in Europe and worldwide. The agreement establishes a framework for further joint activities in fuel research, reactor core modelling, experimental validation of computational codes, and support for licensing processes.
The LVR‑15 research reactor, operated by CVŘ, is among the most important research reactors in Europe. It is used both for material irradiation experiments and for the production of medical radioisotopes, including molybdenum‑99 for nuclear medicine diagnostics. The reactor operates continuously in monthly cycles and plays an important role in research on materials for nuclear power plants, advanced reactor systems, and fusion technologies.
The second pillar of the cooperation is the LR‑0 reactor, a zero‑power reactor that represents one of the world’s leading facilities for the experimental validation of nuclear data and computational methods used in safety assessments of VVER‑ and PWR‑type nuclear power plants. The reactor’s unique neutron field is internationally recognized as a reference benchmark.
In recent years, CVŘ and Framatome have successfully cooperated on projects such as LEU‑FOREVER, focused on the development of low‑enriched uranium (LEU) fuel for European research reactors. This fuel was developed, manufactured, licensed, and irradiated over the long term in the LVR‑15 reactor. These activities are now followed by the EU‑CONVERSION project (2024–2028).
Another area of cooperation includes experimental projects such as EVANS, which provide unique experimental data to enhance the safety of nuclear power plants, support licensing processes, and validate computational tools used in the design of fuel and reactor cores.
“This strategic partnership confirms our long‑term commitment to contributing to the safe and sustainable use of nuclear energy through top‑level research. Cooperation with Framatome enables us to fully utilize the potential of the LVR‑15 and LR‑0 reactors and further strengthen the role of the Czech Republic in European nuclear research,” said Petr Březina, Director of Research Centre Řež.
“Framatome is proud to support the Research Centre Řež and the operation of the Czech LVR-15 research reactor,” said Mario Leberig, Vice President Fuel Design & Engineering, Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. “By combining our global expertise in nuclear engineering and fuel with the unique experimental facilities in Řež, we can together develop innovative fuel engineering support that will benefit research and nuclear energy development in the Czech Republic and Europe.”
The signing of the agreement confirms the shared vision of both partners: to develop long‑term strategic cooperation in nuclear research, support innovation, education and knowledge transfer, and contribute to a safe, low‑carbon energy future
