Orano’s TN Eagle nuclear packaging approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Technological breakthroughs with new transport cask include innovative design, modular structure, and fully automated production without welding.
Paris, November 28, 2023 – Orano has obtained transport approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the TN Eagle®, the newest addition to Orano's Type B fleet of transport
casks. This approval is an essential step for continued commercial and industrial developments for the benefit of our customers in the United States.
The TN Eagle is Orano's latest generation packaging model for the transport and dry storage of used fuel for nuclear power plants around the world (Europe, United States, Asia). With an innovative design and modular structure, this packaging meets the different needs of power plant operators by improving safety and competitiveness.
The packaging was approved in 2020 by the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) in less than a year, in accordance with the latest regulations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), after having undergone a rigorous testing phase to demonstrate its robustness and resistance to extreme transport conditions. For the United States, the format of storing used fuel in canisters meant adapting the TN Eagle’s design.
The production of the TN Eagle is based on manufacturing processes that are truly technological breakthroughs. The packaging is assembled in half the time of equivalent models on the market – thanks to fully automated manufacturing lines and without the use of welding. Several models of the TN Eagle have been manufactured, thus confirming the technical feasibility of the processes.
At the beginning of February 2023, Orano launched the construction of the new TN Eagle 4.0 manufacturing factory, the TN Eagle Factory, with the support of the France Relance investment fund. Located at the port of Cherbourg, this new production unit will make it possible to better manage the growing number of orders for the TN Eagle in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Its commissioning is planned for 2024.
“NRC approval is a key step allowing us to continue our developments in the transport of used nuclear fuel in the United States. The result of the innovative design by the Orano teams allows us to divide the number of the transport packaging parts by ten and significantly reduce manufacturing times while increasing safety and competitiveness. The TN Eagle is a real technological breakthrough compared to other models on the market,” commended Frédéric de Agostini, Senior Executive Vice President of the Nuclear Packages & Services activities.
Read the TN Eagle white paper detailing the design and manufacturing process: The New TN EAGLE Transport Cask
Download this press release.
Rendering of Orano's TN Eagle dual-purpose transport cask.
The TN Eagle is Orano's latest generation packaging model for the transport and dry storage of used fuel for nuclear power plants around the world (Europe, United States, Asia). With an innovative design and modular structure, this packaging meets the different needs of power plant operators by improving safety and competitiveness.
The packaging was approved in 2020 by the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) in less than a year, in accordance with the latest regulations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), after having undergone a rigorous testing phase to demonstrate its robustness and resistance to extreme transport conditions. For the United States, the format of storing used fuel in canisters meant adapting the TN Eagle’s design.
The production of the TN Eagle is based on manufacturing processes that are truly technological breakthroughs. The packaging is assembled in half the time of equivalent models on the market – thanks to fully automated manufacturing lines and without the use of welding. Several models of the TN Eagle have been manufactured, thus confirming the technical feasibility of the processes.
At the beginning of February 2023, Orano launched the construction of the new TN Eagle 4.0 manufacturing factory, the TN Eagle Factory, with the support of the France Relance investment fund. Located at the port of Cherbourg, this new production unit will make it possible to better manage the growing number of orders for the TN Eagle in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Its commissioning is planned for 2024.
“NRC approval is a key step allowing us to continue our developments in the transport of used nuclear fuel in the United States. The result of the innovative design by the Orano teams allows us to divide the number of the transport packaging parts by ten and significantly reduce manufacturing times while increasing safety and competitiveness. The TN Eagle is a real technological breakthrough compared to other models on the market,” commended Frédéric de Agostini, Senior Executive Vice President of the Nuclear Packages & Services activities.
Read the TN Eagle white paper detailing the design and manufacturing process: The New TN EAGLE Transport Cask
Download this press release.
Rendering of Orano's TN Eagle dual-purpose transport cask.