S'abonner

Framatome and TerraPower launch HALEU metallization pilot line

Framatome and TerraPower collaborate to develop a pilot HALEU metallization line in Richland, strengthening fuel supply for advanced nuclear reactors in the USA.

Share:

ramatome et TerraPower lancent une ligne pilote de métallisation de HALEU.

Framatome and TerraPower have signed a major agreement to design and operate a pilot HALEU (medium-enriched uranium) metallization line at Framatome’s nuclear fuel fabrication plant in Richland, USA. This agreement marks a crucial step in strengthening the nuclear fuel supply chain, essential for the development of advanced nuclear reactors. The pilot line will demonstrate Framatome ‘s ability to convert uranium oxide (UO2) into HALEU metal, further strengthening the collaboration between the two companies. This initiative is part of TerraPower’s efforts to develop a robust domestic nuclear fuel supply chain to meet the industry’s energy needs.

Technology and Production

HALEU metallization is a key process in the conversion of uranium into metal, which is then used to manufacture fuel for advanced reactors. The pilot line currently under construction at Richland will demonstrate the viability of this technology, supporting the emerging market for advanced nuclear reactors. Chris Levesque, President and CEO of TerraPower, emphasized the importance of this investment in the development of NatriumTM technology. The collaboration with Framatome enables TerraPower to secure the supply of metallic raw materials needed to manufacture fuel for its reactors.

Strengthening the supply chain

The commissioning of the HALEU pilot plant in Richland is a decisive step for Framatome, which has also applied for funding under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) HALEU Availability Program (HAP). This initiative aims to secure fuel supplies for advanced reactors and support industrial growth. Ala Alzaben, senior vice president for North America Fuel at Framatome, expressed his confidence in this pragmatic collaboration with TerraPower, stressing that it strengthens customer confidence in new nuclear fuel technologies. Large-scale metal production of HALEU is essential to meet the needs of advanced nuclear reactors.

Prospects and opportunities

Framatome and TerraPower see this pilot line as an opportunity to consolidate their position in the nuclear fuel market. The ability to supply HALEU in metal is a competitive advantage for both companies, enabling them to respond effectively to the growing demand for fuel for advanced reactors.

  • Populaires ​
MN8 Energy raises $575mn with Natixis CIB to strengthen its US solar debt
Carbon2Nature and Uría Menéndez launch reforestation of 90 hectares in Salamanca
TNB, Petronas and Terengganu Inc launch green hydrogen hub and hybrid solar in Malaysia
Occidental Petroleum reduces production in the Gulf of Mexico in the second quarter
Azule Energy announces major offshore gas discovery in the Angolan Congo Basin
Bahrain signs civil nuclear agreement with the United States and announces $17bn in public investments
Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power completes installation of third prototype vessel in Oak Ridge
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
UK and Czech Republic sign agreement to accelerate civil nuclear development
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Nuclear Waste in France: Experts Call for Strengthened Safety Measures
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan seals deal with Hungary for nuclear cooling technology
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Warsaw seeks EU green light for $49bn nuclear project
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
China urged to strengthen its nuclear regulator to keep pace with growth
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Ukraine: Energoatom signs major agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Iran Relaunches Nuclear Dialogue to Negotiate with the United States, Russia Supports a No-Enrichment Deal
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower awards three major contracts for its Natrium reactor in the United States
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
EnergyX acquires 35,000 acres of US lithium from Pantera Lithium
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
Canada: CCSN approves the ARC-100 reactor design review
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
Lithuanian nuclear operator SE Ignalina signs agreement with Newcleo
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egypt: Supplementary agreements signed for the El Dabaa nuclear power plant
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra obtains approval to extend Perry nuclear plant operations
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF injects €1.3 billion into Sizewell C, its second British EPR
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
France: Cigéo nuclear waste underground storage project makes significant progress
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF launches its nuclear Technocentre in Fessenheim, estimated investment of €450 million
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear signs strategic agreement with UrAmerica on Argentine uranium
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
SHINE and Standard Nuclear form strategic partnership on recycled fuel
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING