The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is accepting applications for a funding opportunity of up to $80 million to promote progress in producing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). The grants will assist industry partners in creating technologies and strategies to enhance the HALEU supply chain nationwide, establishing a robust and dependable nuclear fuel supply.
“We need a productive and secure HALEU supply chain to support the advanced reactors that will play a key role for energy security and in our clean energy future,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dr. Michael Goff said. “Through this funding opportunity, DOE will encourage technological advancements to provide industry additional options in the buildout of that supply chain.”
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Many advanced reactors will depend on HALEU to enable more compact designs, extended operating cycles, and greater efficiency compared to existing technologies. However, there is currently no domestic commercial source of HALEU available to supply these reactors.
The DOE is interested in applications aimed at closing technology gaps, improving existing HALEU production methods and advancing innovative technologies to mitigate risks, boost production or lower costs. The funding, provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, will support engineering or pilot-scale demonstration projects, along with early-stage applied research and development initiatives.
Applications are due Feb. 26 by 5 p.m. EST.
This opportunity builds on recent DOE efforts to strengthen the HALEU supply chain. In October, the department chose four companies to deliver enrichment services and six companies to offer deconversion services, contributing to the establishment of a domestic HALEU supply.
The Inflation Reduction Act allocated a total of $700 million to advance the development of a domestic HALEU supply chain through various activities under the HALEU Availability Program.
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