Nuclear fuel means fuel assemblies (FAs). FA is a complex construction, the main element of which being a bundle of fuel rods made from stainless steel or zirconium. A bundle of fuel rods is filled with uranium dioxide pellets, enriched to 5 % U235. Rods, sealed tightly and loaded with fuel pellets, are called "fuel rods". In order to reduce the gaps between fuel rods and to acquire the necessary structural rigidity, fuel assembly has a number of structural elements: tailpiece, cap and a set of spacing grids. In some cases, they are equipped with a shroud tube. Depending on the reactor types FAs have different number of rods.

Nuclear fuel is delivered by air, sea, railway and motor special transport. Previously, it is placed in high-strength metallic containers, specially certified for transportation of nuclear materials. A special route and transportation schedule are worked out; an additional control of safe transportation on the way is provided. Fuel transportation has never experienced a single accident resulted in enhancement of radiation background.

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