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.

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

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.

A strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States aims to shorten nuclear licensing timelines and strengthen industrial cooperation around fusion and modular reactors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency projects global nuclear capacity to reach 992 GW by 2050, driven by small modular reactors and lifetime extensions of existing plants.
Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels have announced a target date of around September 19 to finalise their strategic consolidation, pending final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.
The General Court of the European Union has rejected Austria’s appeal against the inclusion of gas and nuclear energy in the classification of sustainable investments.
Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Nukem Technologies Engineering Services GmbH to benefit from German expertise in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management.
The European Court of Justice annulled the European Commission's authorisation of Hungarian state aid for the Paks II nuclear project, questioning compliance with EU public procurement rules.
A Chinese consortium has secured a CNY4.2bn ($594mn) contract for the construction of conventional islands for the Xuwei nuclear project, combining third and fourth generation reactors.
Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in talent development and skills training in the nuclear sector.
Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.