Urenco is a leader in uranium enrichment, supporting energy independence and security of supply for generations to come.
It is important that we contribute to nuclear energy innovation, including a focus on the fuels for the next generation of nuclear reactors, which can help the sector reach new levels of deployment, efficiency and sustainability.
Urenco is actively pursuing a strategy to produce these advanced nuclear fuels, such as high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU), which is enriched to between 10 – 20% uranium-235 and low enriched uranium plus (LEU+), which is enriched between 5 – 10%.
Urenco operates in a pivotal part of the nuclear fuel supply chain with our uranium enrichment technologies supporting customers globally, to achieve a secure, low carbon, reliable supply of electricity.
We’re driven by our purpose of enriching the future with carbon free electricity, our vision to help achieve a sustainable, net-zero world, and our mission to deliver trusted and innovative nuclear solutions.
AMR: Advanced Modular Reactor, SMR: Small Modular Reactor
Types of advanced nuclear fuels
LEU+ nuclear fuel
Enrichment between 5 and 10%
LEU+ applications can enable longer fuel cycles for commercial light water reactors, reducing operations and maintenance costs.
We have signed contracts with several light water reactor operators, and with advanced reactor developers Standard Nuclear and Jimmy Energy.
Initial production of LEU+ has taken place and we are set to make our first deliveries on time in 2026.
HALEU nuclear fuel
Enriched between 10 and 20%.
Applications for the next generation of nuclear power plants as well as for medical isotopes facilities, research and test reactors.
On track to make customer deliveries in the early 2030s.
Westinghouse Electric Company and Urenco have signed a long-term fuel enrichment agreement to supply HALEU for Westinghouse’s eVinci microreactor.
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Nuclear advanced fuels applications and benefits
High assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) and low enriched uranium plus (LEU+) will enable the development of certain smaller, more versatile reactors known as small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs). This innovation opens up the possibility for accessible nuclear energy deployment in more varied locations.
For example, one of Urenco’s LEU+ customers, Jimmy, is endeavouring to supply nuclear-powered thermal generators for the decarbonisation of industrial heat applications. Beyond technical advancements, Urenco’s nuclear advanced fuels will play a crucial role in enhancing energy security and decarbonisation by diversifying the nuclear fuel supply chain and reducing reliance on single sources. This will enable more options for customers and help facilitate the broader energy transition.
Image caption: An example of a Jimmy generator. The space highlighted in green represents the generator and its right-of-way. It's directly linked to the industrial processes (surrounding buildings). Graphic courtesy of Jimmy.
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Nuclear advanced fuels applications and benefits
Advanced fuels offer significant benefits, allowing current nuclear reactors to operate for longer, generating a more efficient process requiring less outages than the current fuel type. This enhanced efficiency improves output and reduces waste, thereby decreasing the need for mining more natural uranium and lessening the overall environmental impact. Additionally, advanced fuels include accident-tolerant variants that are more resilient and can withstand high, sustained temperatures, enhancing safety. The use of HALEU in fuel assemblies and reactors further supports the creation of smaller plants with higher output, reducing fuel waste production by over 80% in some cases. This not only offers significant waste management and safety benefits but also contributes to non-proliferation efforts.
Image caption: The Westinghouse Electric Company eVinci microreactor pictured is an example of the smaller plants that HALEU can fuel. Urenco has signed a long-term fuel enrichment agreement to supply HALEU for the eVinci microreactor.
Image copyright Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, 2025. Used with permission. All rights reserved. eVinci® is a registered trademark of Westinghouse Electric Company LLC.
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Our research into the small modular reactor market
Urenco believes that smaller, smarter reactors, are pivotal to the future of the nuclear energy industry. As the global demand for clean energy intensifies, the need for innovative solutions has never been more critical. SMRs hold one of the answers: flexible, adaptable, safe technologies that can serve communities, decarbonise industries and support the grid. They also offer shorter construction times and lower risk. However, as this is a developing market, understanding the scale and nature of demand for these technologies is important for strategic planning across the industry.
We therefore commissioned LucidCatalyst to conduct a study into how the full potential of the SMR market could be unlocked, and the levels it could reach by 2050 in the industrial energy space. This comes as energy-intensive sectors face mounting pressure to secure reliable, cost-competitive energy whilst meeting decarbonisation commitments.
This analysis is suitable for industry stakeholders, policymakers and investors, supporting informed decision making as the SMR market matures.
Urenco Advanced Fuels Facility at Capenhurst
We’re facilitating nuclear energy innovation through the development of our Urenco Advanced Fuels facility at our Capenhurst site. This is crucial for global and UK nuclear fuel projects requiring HALEU and LEU+. Thanks to a co-investment of £196m with the UK Government, Urenco can better support the development of SMRs and AMRs.
With an output of up to 27 tonnes of HALEU fuel per year and with the potential to double this, the first plant module output will be enough to supply energy to the equivalent of more than nine million homes.
We are planning on delivering the site by the early 2030s, which will not only support the deployment of the next generation of nuclear reactors but also deliver social and economic impact to the north west of England and beyond, supporting 17 companies in the supply chain.
