Agency: Department of Energy – Office of Nuclear Energy
Description:
To support the High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Availability Program, as directed in section 2001 of the Energy Act of 2020. This includes conducting research, providing financial assistance, acquiring or providing HALEU from DOE stockpiles, and other activities to support the availability of HALEU for civilian domestic research, development, demonstration, and commercial use.
Bill Section:
50173
US Code:
42 USC 16281
New or Existing:
Existing
Potential Cost:
$700,000,000
Timeline:
FY22-26
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
On December 7, 2022, DOE announced the establishment of the High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) consortium: Source
On June 5, 2023, DOE issued a draft request for proposal to award one or more contracts to acquire mining, milling, conversion, and enrichment contracts to produce and store HALEU in the form of uranium hexafluoride: Source
On June 5, 2023, DOE issued a notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the impacts of DOE’s proposed action to acquire HALEU for commercial use or demonstration projects and to facilitate the domestic commercialization of HALEU production. Comments are due July 20, 2023.
On December 13, 2023, DOE issued a request for proposal to acquire deconversion services to deconvert HALEU as uranium hexafluoride gas to various chemical forms: Source
DOE and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) plan to hold several workshops starting to engage the public and collect feedback on a project to develop criticality benchmark data to assist the NRC in the licensing and regulation of special nuclear material. The first meeting is scheduled for February 29, 2024: Source
DOE plans to issue a competitive funding opportunity to research, develop, and acquire U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission certification for HALEU transportation packages.
TCS Notes:
Most of the advanced reactors under development in the U.S. require HALEU fuel to achieve smaller designs, longer operating cycles, and increased efficiencies compared with current technologies.
Of the $700 million appropriated, up to 3 percent, $21 million, may be used for administrative expenses.