"The support for the nuclear energy industry is unprecedented and is essential as the demand for safe, reliable, clean energy continues to grow," said Framatome Inc. CEO Tony Robinson. "This investment from the DOE demonstrates its commitment to the nuclear energy industry and, coupled with the proactive work we have performed over the last two years, provides advanced reactor developers confidence to select Framatome as their supplier of choice."
The 10-year contract includes deconversion services for HALEU production, supporting the DOE's mission to expand domestic capacity. Deconversion involves the design, licensing, and construction of facilities, as well as the production of oxide and metal HALEU products.
Framatome is collaborating with the DOE and nuclear reactor developers to establish a reliable HALEU supply chain. This collaboration is critical for boosting reactor performance and is a significant step toward meeting the U.S. climate goals.
Framatome's patented dry conversion process, developed in 1989 at its Richland, Washington facility, will serve as the foundation for HALEU production. This environmentally friendly process has been used in commercial nuclear fuel production for over 30 years.
HALEU is enriched uranium with a fissile isotope U-235 concentration between 10 and 20 percent, compared to the less than 5 percent used in current reactors. This makes it vital for the advancement of nuclear technology in the U.S. and globally.
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