On Tuesday, 12 May 2026, a strategic partnership between Research Centre Řež (CVŘ) and the French company Framatome, one of the world’s leading suppliers of nuclear energy technologies, was formally confirmed by the ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of both organizations, led by Mario Leberig on behalf of Framatome and Petr Březina, Director of Research Centre Řež. The importance of the partnership was further underlined by the presence of His Excellency Stéphane Crouzat, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Czech Republic. The event attracted media attention and the cooperation was featured, among other outlets, in the main evening news programme Události on ČT1.
The partnership with Framatome focuses on supporting the safe, reliable and sustainable operation of CVŘ’s unique research infrastructures – the LVR‑15 and LR‑0 reactors. It builds on more than a decade of successful cooperation in nuclear safety research and the development of fuel for research reactors.
Joint activities are 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 cooperation 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 in continuous 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. Its 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. The 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.
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.
