Nusano Selected for HALEU Production under DOE Program

Nusano, a Utah-based physics company, has been selected by the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) and the U.S. Department of Energy to develop its direct metallization HALEU (high-assay low-enriched uranium) nuclear fuel production line as part of the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Program. This program aims to accelerate the commercial deployment of innovative nuclear technologies.

The selection of Nusano's HALEU platform is significant for several reasons. The company's direct metallization process uses metallic uranium feedstock, eliminating the need for hazardous fluorine chemistry. This approach simplifies the enrichment process, making it faster and more efficient. According to Nusano, each HALEU unit will produce 5.9 metric tons of HALEU per year, with the first unit scheduled to be operational in 2031.

HALEU is crucial for small modular reactors (SMRs), which can operate more efficiently and flexibly compared to traditional large nuclear plants. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that domestic demand for HALEU could reach 50 metric tons (MT) per year by 2035. Currently, the United States produces less than 1 MT of HALEU annually, highlighting the potential market gap that Nusano aims to fill.

The direct metallization process differs from the conventional gas centrifuge method, which involves spinning uranium hexafluoride gas to increase the concentration of uranium-235. Nusano's approach converts the uranium feedstock to metal before enrichment, applying proprietary separation techniques to separate uranium-235 from uranium-238. This single-pass enrichment process offers several benefits, including simplicity, speed, and high efficiency.

Keith Titus, CEO of Nusano, expressed pride in the company's selection. "The review process considered each project's technical merit, operational readiness, and alignment with national strategic priorities. We're proud to be included and grateful for the opportunity to advance work to support America's energy independence."

The Launch Pad program provides Nusano with access to DOE authorization processes, national laboratory expertise, infrastructure, technical resources, and project support. These resources are intended to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Nusano's HALEU platform is designed to be modular and scalable, allowing for incremental deployment as market demand grows. Each unit requires just 1,200 square feet of operating space, making it feasible for deployment in various settings.

The company's focus on domestic fuel availability is crucial for the growth of SMRs in the United States. As the market for SMRs expands, reliable access to HALEU fuel becomes a critical factor. Nusano's technology is expected to play a significant role in meeting this demand, contributing to the U.S. energy independence and the broader nuclear renaissance.

With the support of the Launch Pad program, Nusano is well-positioned to advance its HALEU platform and contribute to the development of innovative nuclear technologies. The company's efforts are expected to have a lasting impact on the U.S. nuclear industry, supporting both energy security and technological advancement.