The United States is taking another decisive step toward reshaping its nuclear future.
In a move designed to strengthen domestic energy security and accelerate the rollout of next-generation reactors, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced new commitments to provide HALEU fuel – a critical ingredient for advanced nuclear technologies.
The latest round of allocations will supply three US organisations with the enriched uranium they need to test breakthrough designs and establish a long-term fuel supply chain that could power an American nuclear revival.
Secretary of Energy Chris Wright explained: “President Trump has prioritised jumpstarting a true nuclear energy renaissance, and the DOE is doing everything within its power to achieve this ambitious agenda, including increasing access to materials needed to fabricate advanced nuclear fuels.
“We’re reducing our dependence on foreign-sourced minerals while giving the private sector the boost it needs to succeed. The HALEU allocation programme is a win for the economy, energy security, and the American people.”
What is HALEU fuel?
HALEU, short for high-assay low-enriched uranium, is a specialised nuclear fuel enriched to between 5% and 20% uranium-235 – higher than the typical 3–5% enrichment used in today’s reactors.
Its unique properties make it ideal for advanced nuclear designs that promise smaller footprints, longer operating cycles, and greater efficiency compared to current technologies.
Many next-generation microreactors, fast reactors, and research reactors require HALEU to function.
However, HALEU is not currently produced by US suppliers, making the DOE’s efforts to establish a domestic fuel line critical for both innovation and national security.
Why reinforcing the US HALEU supply chain matters
At present, most global HALEU capacity is concentrated in Russia – a reliance that poses serious geopolitical and supply chain risks.
Establishing a homegrown source ensures that American companies developing nuclear technologies are not dependent on foreign adversaries for their most essential input.
A domestic HALEU supply chain will:
- Enable energy security by reducing reliance on imports.
- Support innovation by providing timely access to test fuels.
- Create jobs in uranium enrichment, fuel fabrication, and reactor development.
- Strengthen US leadership in the global nuclear market, competing with Russian and Chinese advancements.
The new HALEU fuel commitments
The DOE’s second allocation round targets three recipients selected under the HALEU Availability Program, a 2020 initiative designed to secure supplies for civilian use.
The companies include:
- Antares Nuclear, Inc. – Fuel for their advanced microreactor design, aiming to go critical by 4 July 2026, under the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program.
- Standard Nuclear, Inc. – Establishing a TRISO fuel production line to support both the pilot program and other advanced TRISO-fuelled reactors.
- Abilene Christian University / Natura Resources LLC – Fuelling a molten salt research reactor currently under construction in Texas.
The DOE will now begin contracting with these organisations, with some deliveries potentially arriving later this year.
Building momentum for advanced reactors
Earlier this year, DOE allocated its first HALEU supplies to five companies, with three requiring delivery in 2025.
The latest commitments mark continued progress in what officials call a deliberate, phased approach to ensuring steady access to fuel for research, demonstration, and commercial deployment.
By broadening HALEU availability, the United States is laying the groundwork for a new era of nuclear power – one that combines resilience, innovation, and clean energy to meet 21st-century challenges.
As demand for advanced reactors grows, the DOE plans to continue expanding allocations to additional companies.
This incremental approach is expected to help build a sustainable, full-scale domestic HALEU production industry, paving the way for cleaner power, stronger national security, and US leadership in nuclear innovation.
