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US Clears Path for New Nuclear Fuel Production
14 Feb
Summary
- US regulator licensed Triso-X to produce special uranium fuel.
- This HALEU fuel is crucial for advanced nuclear reactor designs.
- US aims for a domestic supply, reducing reliance on Russia.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a license to Triso-X, a subsidiary of X-energy, for the commercial-scale production of high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU). This specialized nuclear fuel is essential for the operation of advanced reactor designs currently under development.
HALEU, which contains up to 20% enriched uranium, has historically been produced primarily in Russia. This new license signifies a major step towards establishing a domestic, American-based supply chain for this critical fuel component.
The move is aligned with national energy strategies aiming to increase nuclear power output. The deployment of HALEU fuel supports the development of next-generation nuclear technologies, which are crucial for meeting rising energy demands. Concerns regarding proliferation risks associated with higher enriched uranium are being addressed by developers, with assurances of proliferation-resistant fuel designs.
Triso-X plans to manufacture HALEU at a facility located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This initiative is intended to close a longstanding gap in the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle and enhance energy security by reducing foreign dependency.
