The United States validates a French technology that will extend the lifespan of 73% of …

The French company Framatome presents innovative technology that addresses the core of reactors.

Framatome is preparing to have its latest technology validated by the EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) in the United States. This technology is a new ultrasonic inspection tool intended for pressurized water nuclear reactors (PWR) that could allow the inspection of welds in the core envelope of the reactor, an area directly exposed to thermal, mechanical, and neutronic stresses.

This presents a significant commercial opportunity for the French nuclear giant, as approximately 73% of the global nuclear reactor fleet is composed of PWRs by 2026.

Framatome has passed the first step of American validation for its new ultrasonic inspection tool in PWRs. In nuclear power plants, certain areas cannot be easily dismantled or replaced. Some zones must be inspected without being opened, sometimes through multiple layers of materials.

This is where Framatome’s latest creation using ultrasonics comes into play. The principle is to send acoustic waves into the materials to detect any possible anomalies. Even the smallest undetected crack could eventually pose a safety problem. Hence, having tools capable of seeing what the human eye cannot perceive is crucial.

The technology developed by Framatome has undergone one of the most demanding validation processes in the global nuclear sector: that of the EPRI in the United States, through its Performance Demonstration Initiative program. The success rate of 100% achieved by Framatome in the tests will make its solution applicable to all operating PWR reactors in the United States, constituting a significant market share.

Framatome plans to deploy this technology on several American reactors from 2026, with at least seven scheduled inspections during shutdowns. The technology will continue to evolve to meet new regulatory requirements, particularly those stemming from the update of the MRP-227 Rev. 2-A guide, which regulates material surveillance in reactors.

In the current context, innovation becomes a key lever to enhance the safety of existing nuclear power plants. The global nuclear reactor fleet is predominantly composed of PWRs, creating a growing market for advanced maintenance and high-precision inspections, referred to as non-destructive testing (NDT).

French expertise in the nuclear sector is not limited to construction but also extends to maintenance and operation. Framatome’s presence throughout the nuclear cycle allows the company to offer integrated solutions tailored to operators’ needs. This expertise is highly sought after in the United States, where authorities demand increasingly higher safety standards.

Sources: – Archive Market Research, “Non-Destructive Testing Service for Nuclear Industry” (January 6, 2026) – ReactorMap, “Nuclear reactor statistics” (consulted in April 2026) – Framatome, “Qualification of ultrasonic inspection technology in the United States” (March 26, 2026)

Image credit: The Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant located on the shore of Lake Erie in Ohio, United States.