Abstract: A nuclear fuel rod consolidation structure. A storage canister has a grid structure positioned in its interior. The grid structure is provided with a plurality of hexagonally shaped individual cells in a triangular pitch array. This provides nearly a two to one consolidation ratio. The grid structure provides positive radial support to the fuel rods to maintain the triangular pitch array if the canister is not fully loaded or some of the fuel rods are removed. The positive guidance allows use of the existing rod pulling device for loading fuel rods into the structure.