Higher-enriched uranium for datacenters has DoE all aglow

The US Department of Energy has chosen Utah-based Nusano to participate in its Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Program, which aims to commercialize innovative nuclear power concepts. Nusano's focus is on developing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), fuel required for next-generation nuclear reactors such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and molten salt reactors.

HALEU features an enriched uranium content between 5 and 20 weight percent of U-235, compared to the traditional low-enriched uranium under five percent. This higher enrichment is essential for more efficient reactors currently under development. The US has been dependent on Russia and China for HALEU supply, but only one domestic producer, Centrus, currently operates.

Nusano expects its HALEU enrichment design to outperform Centrus' production, which has been minimal. However, Nusano's design is still in development, and it has not yet produced any HALEU. The company plans to produce 5.9 metric tons of HALEU annually per unit, with the first unit operational by 2031. While Nusano's process is metal-in, metal-out, using uranium feedstock converted to metal prior to enrichment and proprietary separation techniques, the exact safety and efficiency details remain undisclosed.

Despite the long wait for commercial-scale HALEU production, datacenter operators have expressed interest in adopting SMRs and other next-gen nuclear technologies. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has recently eliminated emissions regulations for coal and gas power plants, potentially increasing US coal generation and reducing the urgency for cleaner energy alternatives.