Germany approves nuclear fuel production line using Rosatom technology with counter-espionage measures (defence24.com)

• License issued 22 July 2026 by Lower Saxony to ANF for VVER fuel production.
• Uses Rosatom technology via TVEL subsidiary; TVEL holds 25% of joint venture.
• Strict security measures: Russian personnel barred, hardware isolated, mandatory scanning.
• No legal basis for political ban; EU sanctions lacking.
• European alternative fuel expected 2028-2030.

"Germany's Lower Saxony state issued a license on 22 July 2026 to Advanced Nuclear Fuels (ANF), a Framatome subsidiary, to produce VVER nuclear fuel at Lingen using Russian Rosatom technology. The permit mandates strict counter-espionage and cyber security measures, barring Russian personnel from the site and requiring independent verification of Russian hardware. The decision was based on the Atomic Energy Act, which lacks legal grounds for a political ban without EU sanctions. TVEL, Rosatom's fuel subsidiary, retains a 25% stake in the joint venture. A fully European VVER fuel alternative is targeted for 2028-2030."