The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has selected four companies to strengthen the domestic supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU).
This investment is significant, as HALEU nuclear fuel is crucial for advancing nuclear technology and securing the country’s clean energy future.
US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm explained: “This announcement represents the Biden-Harris Administration’s latest efforts to build a secure domestic HALEU supply chain, which is essential to bringing advanced nuclear reactors online and meeting the growing demand for clean, reliable electricity.”
Expanding HALEU nuclear fuel supply
Under these new contracts, four companies – Louisiana Energy Services, Orano Federal Services, General Matter, and American Centrifuge Operating – will provide enrichment services to produce and store HALEU.
This type of uranium, enriched between 5% and 20%, contains more fissile material than lower-enriched forms, allowing advanced nuclear reactors to operate more efficiently.
These reactors are expected to offer smaller designs, longer operating cycles, and increased efficiency compared to current technologies.
The DOE’s effort to boost HALEU nuclear fuel production is supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocates up to $2.7bn over the next decade for these services, creating competition among providers. Each selected company is guaranteed a minimum contract of $2m.
Supporting advanced reactor deployment
HALEU is a critical component for the next generation of nuclear reactors, such as TerraPower’s Natrium reactor and X-energy’s Xe-100.
These advanced reactors play a vital role in meeting the United States’ ambitious goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and ensuring a clean energy future.
However, the US currently lacks sufficient HALEU production capabilities, limiting the deployment of these cutting-edge technologies.
The newly awarded contracts aim to build a reliable domestic HALEU nuclear fuel supply chain, reducing reliance on foreign nations.
This development also creates new high-paying jobs and strengthens America’s nuclear energy leadership.
White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi added: “ All across the country, we are seeing a muscular resurgence in American energy innovation – from bringing back previously shuttered nuclear plants to bringing online new technologies and new reactors to building out the critical fuel supply chain.
“America’s nuclear industry is racing ahead because strong Biden-Harris policies are spurring billions in private sector investment into this critical technology, which will lower energy costs and create good-paying union jobs.”
By expanding HALEU nuclear fuel production, the US is reinforcing its energy independence and national security while driving innovation in nuclear energy.
The DOE’s investments pave the way for a robust clean energy infrastructure, making the US a global leader in nuclear technology.
