Influence of the composition and burnup of accident-tolerant fuel on the fuel component of NPP electricity cost

This study evaluates the impact of accident-tolerant fuel compositions on the nuclear power plant (NPP) electricity cost associated with the fuel component across a broad spectrum of fuel cycle parameters. The cost of electricity is influenced by changes in burnup, fuel enrichment, thermal stress, reactor campaign, as well as market prices for natural uranium, its conversion, enrichment, fabrication of fuel assemblies, and the cost of spent fuel treatment. From derived analytical expressions that depict the relation between fuel burnup and various reactor operation parameters, grid diagrams were developed. By adhering to specified limitations on burnup and the fuel-related component of NPP electricity cost, these diagrams facilitate the selection of the fuel cycle.