DOE Plans Domestic Uranium Supply for Advanced Reactors under Biden’s Agenda
TL/DR –
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is requesting proposals for uranium enrichment services to establish a domestic supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), which is key to deploying advanced nuclear reactors. HALEU is not currently commercially available from US-based suppliers. The DOE’s efforts are part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, boost energy security, create jobs, and strengthen US economic competitiveness.
US DOE Calls for Uranium Enrichment Proposals for Advanced Nuclear Reactors
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is inviting proposals for uranium enrichment services as part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative. This effort aims to establish a reliable domestic supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), a key element for deploying advanced nuclear reactors that will help meet net-zero emissions by 2050, bolster energy security, create jobs, and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness.
Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the role of nuclear energy, stating that it provides almost half of the country’s carbon-free power and will be significant in the transition to clean energy. She added that through a buildup of a robust HALEU supply chain, there would be an acceleration in the implementation of advanced reactors needed to combat climate change.
Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor, also emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for America’s clean energy future. He stated that increasing domestic uranium supply would not only support President Biden’s climate agenda but would also reinforce energy security, provide good jobs, and enhance economic competitiveness.
The Inflation Reduction Act will allocate up to $500 million for HALEU enrichment contracts selected through this RFP and a separate RFP issued in November. These contracts will fund services to transform the enriched uranium into forms usable as fuel for advanced reactors.
Advanced nuclear power designs using HALEU fuels can assist in reaching U.S. emission targets and contribute to the global effort of tripling nuclear power by 2050. HALEU, with a uranium-235 concentration between 5% and 20%, enables the creation of more versatile designs with high safety and security standards. It also optimizes systems for longer life cores, increased efficiencies, and better fuel utilization.
The DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy plans to award contracts for the production of HALEU from domestic uranium enrichment capabilities. The HALEU material will be stored on site until required for deconversion. The enrichment contracts have a maximum duration of 10 years with a minimum order value guarantee of $2 million for each contractor. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. MST on March 8.
The DOE is also collaborating with countries like Canada, France, Japan, and the UK to stimulate public and private sector investments in global uranium enrichment and conversion capacity. These endeavors aim to develop a resilient uranium supply market free from Russian influence. Collectively, these countries have announced plans to mobilize $4.2 billion to establish safe and secure nuclear energy supply chains.
Details about HALEU Availability Program activities can be found here.
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