Russia’s ChMZ Surpasses 1 Million Zirconium Claddings in 2024

Chepetsk

Rosatom Unit Expands Nuclear Fuel Output to Meet Domestic and Global Demand

Russia’s Chepetsky Mechanical Plant (ChMZ) has exceeded production of 1 million zirconium claddings for the first time in 2024, reflecting growing nuclear power demand in Russia and abroad. ChMZ, part of Rosatom’s TVEL Fuel Company, will further expand output as Russia plans to build 11 new nuclear power plants (NPPs) by 2042.

Increased Capacity to Meet Rising Nuclear Demand

ChMZ boosted its capacity by adding 10,000 square meters of rolling shop space and installing over 70 new processing units. The plant manufactures zirconium alloys and other specialty metals such as uranium, hafnium, niobium, and titanium for civilian and military use.

Zirconium claddings protect nuclear fuel rods in reactors. Each VVER-1000 or VVER-1200 reactor requires 50,856 fuel rods, underlining the strategic role of ChMZ in supporting Russia’s expanding nuclear fleet.

Fuel Supply for Global Reactors

The production increase aligns with TVEL’s 2024–25 fuel supply plans, which include initial fuel loads for new reactors at Russia’s Kursk NPP, Turkey’s Akkuyu NPP, and India’s Kudankulam NPP. As the exclusive fuel supplier for Russia’s nuclear plants, TVEL also serves over 70 power reactors in 15 countries and supplies research and transport reactors globally.

Rosatom and its subsidiaries continue investing in domestic supply chains and technology to reduce reliance on foreign imports, especially under ongoing international sanctions.