This fuel is set to power the next generation of America’s nuclear reactors — small, modular power stations that are easier and cheaper to build.
They require far less upkeep and physical space than the aging fleet of large nuclear power plants.
In addition to the US nuclear stockpile, the Idaho National Laboratory is also downblending part of its collection of fuel from research reactors.
Bill Gates at the groundbreaking for TerraPower's nuclear power plant near Kemmerer, Wyoming, in June.
“In order to meet our energy security needs and our climate goals, we do need significantly more nuclear energy deployed.”.
The nuclear power industry is increasingly looking to smaller reactors, which run on HALEU.
But Congress recently directed the NNSA and Energy Department to prioritize converting America’s old nuclear arsenal for advanced reactor fuel. »