The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is taking early steps to strengthen domestic pipelines for low-enriched uranium (LEU) and expand the nation’s energy portfolio.
In an announcement earlier this week, DOE officials unveiled nearly $3 billion in new funding for energy companies to research and develop new uranium enrichment technologies. The majority of funding, totaling $2.7 billion, will support three energy generation proposals that improve domestic capacity for LEU and activate new supply chains.
Under the program, which released grant solicitations in 2024, the DOE evaluated six contracted companies for LEU and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) enrichment innovations. Three company-led projects will secure task order contracts and funding in this round.
The first project will utilize $900 million in funding to expand domestic HALEU enrichment. HALEU is enriched uranium between 5% and 20% and is necessary to achieve significant power generation at smaller nuclear facilities. Federal officials state HALEU ensures developers can optimize systems for longer operating cycles, increased efficiencies and better fuel utilization.
Awarded $900 million in federal funding, the second project, led by a private energy company, will similarly address HALEU capacity and supply chains.
A third uranium enrichment project will also secure $900 million to expand LEU capacity over the next ten years, ensuring long-term growth.
In addition to domestic enrichment, DOE’s investments are anticipated to foster job growth, enhance national security and grow America’s nuclear industry.
Further expanding uranium enrichment and next generation nuclear technology, the DOE is also announcing a $28 million award to a laser enrichment company to research and develop new HALEU innovations and technologies.
Federal officials note nuclear energy generation and battery storage projects as essential to national energy security and for reducing reliance on foreign-produced energy sources. The DOE’s award announcements align the agency’s investments with the White House’s efforts to energize America’s energy production, development and innovations while streamlining permitting for large-scale and impactful energy projects.
Additional information on the proposals and application process, check the DOE’s website.
Image by mzter from Pixabay
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