The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that six companies will provide critical deconversion services for high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, a vital resource for the development of advanced nuclear reactors. The announcement, made on October 8, identifies the successful bidders as Nuclear Fuel Services (a division of BWX Technologies), American Centrifuge Operating (part of Centrus Energy), Framatome, GE Vernova, Orano, and Westinghouse.
These contracts aim to foster the growth of a domestic supply chain for fuels essential to advanced nuclear reactors, which require HALEU fuel to enhance design efficiency and support longer operational cycles. The DOE emphasizes that these advancements are crucial for improving energy efficiency compared to existing technologies.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David M. Turk stated, “Building a strong, reliable domestic nuclear fuel supply chain will help our nation reach the President and Vice President’s ambitious climate goals while also protecting the environment and creating good-paying, high-quality jobs.” He underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to bolstering energy and national security while reducing dependence on Russian uranium for civilian nuclear power.
Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor, echoed this sentiment, asserting, “The Biden-Harris Administration knows that nuclear energy is essential to accelerating America’s clean energy future.” He noted that enhancing the domestic uranium supply would not only advance President Biden’s climate agenda but also strengthen energy security, generate quality union jobs, and boost economic competitiveness. “Investments like these, being made at historic scale by President Biden, are good news for our economy, America’s union workforce, and our planet,” Zaidi added.
HALEU, which is enriched between 5% and 20%, significantly increases the amount of fissile material, making it more efficient for nuclear reactors. The DOE explained that following the enrichment process—conducted while the uranium is in gaseous uranium hexafluoride form—the material must be converted into oxide or metal forms suitable for fabrication into reactor fuel.
The contracts awarded will last for up to 10 years, with each company receiving a minimum of $2 million and a total of up to $800 million available for these services, contingent on appropriations.
Framatome Inc. CEO Tony Robinson commented, “The support for the nuclear energy industry is unprecedented and is essential as the demand for safe, reliable, clean energy continues to grow.” He noted that the DOE’s investment in the nuclear sector fosters confidence among advanced reactor developers to choose Framatome as their preferred supplier.
Framatome has utilized its patented dry conversion process, developed in 1989 at its Richland, Washington, facility, for over three decades, establishing it as a key foundation for HALEU production for advanced reactors.
Orano also expressed pride in its selection, stating, “We are proud to be selected by the DOE to participate in this program and for the opportunity to apply our decades of deconversion expertise to developing fuel for Gen-IV reactors in the U.S.” CEO Jean-Luc Palayer highlighted the collaboration with a team of expert companies to ensure successful project delivery and community partnership benefits. He stressed the importance of a secure domestic fuel supply in light of the U.S. goal to triple nuclear energy by 2050.
Amir Vexler, president and CEO of Centrus, emphasized the significance of the award in constructing a robust advanced nuclear fuel supply chain. “As the only U.S.-owned, U.S.-technology enrichment company, Centrus looks forward to leading the effort to reclaim America’s nuclear fuel leadership—with American technology, built by American workers,” he stated, noting that the Centrus enrichment facility is located in Piketon, Ohio.
Related topics:
