Demand for HALEU, high-assay low-enriched uranium, is growing as governments, energy companies, and nuclear engineers seek to utilize it in new types of nuclear reactors for more efficient and safe energy generation. Companies in the U.S. are proposing innovative reactor designs that will require HALEU as part of the government’s plan to meet future demands for clean energy. Despite these advancements, the U.S. currently does not produce enough HALEU fuel, prompting efforts by the Department of Energy to secure a reliable supply.
HALEU contains a higher proportion of the isotope uranium-235 compared to standard reactor fuel. It falls between highly enriched uranium and reactor-grade uranium in terms of U-235 content, making it ideal for advanced nuclear reactors. The interest in advanced reactors, which are smaller, more energy-efficient, and require HALEU, has spurred the push for HALEU production. The ability to use various fuel forms and reactor designs improves safety, efficiency, and reduces construction costs.
While advanced reactors in the U.S. currently exist mostly on paper, the Department of Energy is funding two demonstration projects that require HALEU fuel. The absence of a large-scale commercial HALEU supplier in the U.S. has led to efforts to produce HALEU domestically. Centrus Energy Corp. and Idaho National Laboratory are working on producing HALEU through various techniques to meet the projected demand for more than 40 metric tons by 2030.
Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of HALEU for nuclear weapons due to its enriched uranium content. Researchers warn that with sufficient quantities, HALEU could be used to create crude nuclear weapons, posing a risk of proliferation or terrorist threats if not properly secured. Security standards for HALEU production and use need to be strengthened to mitigate these risks and prevent unauthorized access to the material.
As the demand for HALEU grows alongside the development of advanced nuclear reactors, researchers advocate for tighter security measures and international cooperation to ensure the safe handling and utilization of HALEU. The balance between promoting clean energy innovation and preventing the misuse of nuclear materials highlights the importance of effective regulations and oversight in the nuclear energy industry. Advances in HALEU production and utilization must be accompanied by robust security protocols and safeguards to prevent potential risks associated with the material.