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Urenco USA selected for HALEU enrichment award by U.S. Department of Energy
17 October 2024 UUSA NewsEunice, NM – October 17, 2024 – Urenco USA has been selected for an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract to provide enrichment services for the production of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) from new domestic capacity in support of the mission of the Office of Nuclear Energy of the U. S. Department of Energy. HALEU is uranium enriched up to 20% and will be needed to fuel advanced reactor designs. The contract is for a period of 10 years.
Urenco USA currently has the capacity to meet approximately one-third of the enrichment needs of U.S. utilities and is expanding to meet further demand. It is already in the licensing process to increase its enrichment level up to 10% to produce the product low enriched uranium + (LEU+) to support the existing nuclear fleet to run more efficiently and next generation of reactors, several of which can initially run on LEU+. This is an important stepping stone towards the production of HALEU.
John Kirkpatrick, Managing Director of Urenco USA, said: “We welcome this award and support the Department of Energy’s efforts to help accelerate the development of a HALEU commercial market and in-turn the development of the next generation of nuclear power plants.
“Urenco USA’s U.S. workforce has the knowledge and experience to play a leading role in the production of HALEU and other advanced fuels, operating for more than a decade securely under intergovernmental treaties to ensure the peaceful use and safeguarding of nuclear technology.”
About Urenco USA
Urenco USA (UUSA) is part of an international company that operates on the cutting-edge of the nuclear energy industry, utilizing the world’s most advanced, energy-efficient, and cost-effective method to enrich uranium. As the only enrichment facility in North America, UUSA helps provide clean, sustainable energy while operating under a framework of high environmental, social responsibility, and corporate governance standards. Our world-class facility is an oasis in the middle of the EnergyPlex, and we strive to promote the production of nuclear energy to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy while remaining dedicated to safety and investing in community outreach. To learn more, visit www.uusa.urenco.com.
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About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of uranium enrichment services, fuel cycle products and related solutions with sustainability at the core of our business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for over 50 years, Urenco understands the importance of energy security and facilitates the reliable delivery of low carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office in London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Through our technology and the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services, operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is making a positive contribution to global climate change goals through our core business and we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
We are committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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