From January 30, 2003 through February 5, 2003

Treatment activity :
During this period, 9 tons of spent fuel assemblies from PHILIPPSBURG and BROKDORFl (Germany) power plant have been processed on the site. From all treated assemblies, a total of 22 tons have been processed to date this year.
Two of the six lines of vitrification of fission products(1) were in service. Since the beginning of the year, 35 canisters have been produced.

Shipment activity :
Three shipments of spent fuel assemblies from Nederlands, Switzerland and Germany are arrived at the Valognes railway terminal on January, 31 and February 5 & 6.

(1)The fission products (ultimate residues of spent fuel) are incorporated in heated glass to approximately 1100°C. The whole is poured in stainless steel containers. The fission products are an integral part of stable, compact and resistant glass. This process is called vitrification.