The US Government has announced its goals to bolster the country’s domestic uranium supply for developing advanced nuclear reactors.
In a decisive move to grow the US’ portfolio of advanced nuclear reactors, the Department of Energy (DOE) has just issued a request for proposals (RFP) for uranium enrichment services.
This strategic initiative aims to establish a robust domestic supply of fuels using high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), a vital component necessary for deploying advanced nuclear reactors.
The overarching goal is to achieve President Biden’s vision of a net-zero emissions future by 2050 while simultaneously enhancing energy security, job creation, and US economic competitiveness.
Advanced nuclear reactors: A clean energy powerhouse
Nuclear power stands as America’s largest source of clean energy, providing firm, reliable, and safe power.
Advanced nuclear reactors utilising HALEU fuels represent a crucial technological leap, capable of significantly contributing to US emissions targets.
Unlike the existing US reactor fleet, which relies on uranium fuel enriched up to 5% of uranium-235, most advanced reactors require HALEU enriched between 5% and 20%.
This specific enrichment level enables smaller, more versatile designs with enhanced safety, security, and nonproliferation standards.
HALEU also allows developers to optimise systems for longer life cores, increased efficiencies, and better fuel utilisation.
Closing the HALEU cap
Currently, HALEU is not commercially available from US-based suppliers, creating a critical gap in the domestic supply chain.
By boosting the availability of HALEU through this RFP, the DOE anticipates catalysing the development and deployment of advanced reactors within the US.
The Inflation Reduction Act is set to inject up to $500m into HALEU enrichment contracts selected through this RFP.
This financial commitment, coupled with a separate RFP released in November for services to deconvert enriched uranium, underscores the administration’s dedication to fostering innovation and progress in the nuclear energy sector.
Jennifer Granholm, the US Secretary of Energy, commented: “Nuclear energy currently provides almost half of the nation’s carbon-free power, and it will continue to play a significant part in transitioning to a clean energy future.
“President Biden’s Investing in America is strengthening our national and energy security through the domestic buildup of a robust HALEU supply chain, helping bring advanced nucelar reactors online in time to combat the climate crisis.”
The DOE’s strategic approach
The DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy plans to award one or more contracts to produce HALEU from domestic uranium enrichment capabilities.
These contracts, with a maximum duration of ten years, ensure a minimum order value of $2m for each contractor.
Enrichment and storage activities occurring within the continental US must adhere to the National Environmental Policy Act. The deadline for proposals is 8 March at 5 pm MST.
In addition to the domestic efforts, the DOE is actively engaged in expanding the HALEU supply chain for advanced nuclear reactors.
Initiatives include recycling spent nuclear fuel and collaborating with like-minded countries to bolster global uranium enrichment and conversion capacity.
The collective commitment of the US, Canada, France, Japan, and the UK to mobilise $4.2bn further ensures the development of safe and secure nuclear energy supply chains.
