SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

NRC clears Holtec’s spent fuel in New Mexico

Holtec International has received the long-awaited license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its Hi-STORE CISF spent nuclear fuel storage project. This partnership with the Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance paves the way for a long-term storage solution for nuclear fuel in U.S. reactors.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Holtec International has received a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its spent nuclear fuel storage project called Hi-STORE CISF. The project, which aims to store spent nuclear fuel from U.S. reactors until a permanent storage site is opened, was launched in partnership with the Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance (ELEA).

Birth of the project in 2015

In 2015, Holtec launched the Hi-STORE CISF initiative at a site between Carlsbad and Hobbs in Lea County, New Mexico, on land owned by ELEA. Spent fuel currently stored at the reactor sites would be transported by rail to the CISF.

In 2017, Holtec submitted a 40-year license application to the NRC for the initial phase of the project, which calls for up to 500 containers to hold approximately 8,680 tons of spent fuel. According to the company, the number of containers will gradually increase over the next 20 years, with 19 additional phases, reaching a total of 10,000 containers. Each expansion would require an amendment to the NRC license.

The final license was issued after the NRC approved a final environmental impact statement in 2022. Holtec also plans to contribute to the economic development of the southeastern New Mexico region by establishing advanced manufacturing facilities, a technology development center and a global workforce training center.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Jordan confirms its ability to supply Lebanon with energy via interconnections
Nigeria targets $23bn to expand electricity access by 2060
CMA CGM orders six LNG container ships from India’s Cochin Shipyard
World Bank strengthens support for Ghana’s struggling energy sector
EDF commissions solar plant and smart grid in Maripasoula
Last Energy to install pilot microreactor at Texas A&M campus
US-based developer Last Energy will deploy its first domestic microreactor at Texas A&M-RELLIS, marking a strategic step in the advanced modular reactor race.
PGE takes full control of Poland’s second nuclear power plant project
PGE acquires ZE PAK's stake in the joint venture responsible for developing Poland’s second nuclear site, consolidating a strategic asset within its energy portfolio.
Amazon and X-energy advance nuclear project with 12 small reactors
Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
NexGen raises A$1bn to finance its Rook I uranium project in Canada
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tepco considers shutting down Kashiwazaki-Kariwa’s two oldest reactors
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
End of JCPOA reignites uncertainty over Iran’s nuclear programme
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo and newcleo announce $2bn nuclear partnership to strengthen US fuel supply
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.
enCore discovers three new uranium roll fronts in Texas
enCore Energy has identified three new uranium roll fronts at its Alta Mesa project, with ongoing drilling aimed at defining their extent and accelerating development work.
Radiant invests $280mn in a microreactor factory in Oak Ridge
California-based Radiant will build its first microreactor production facility in Oak Ridge, on a former Manhattan Project site, with production targeted at 50 units per year by 2028.
Flamanville EPR restarts after four-month technical shutdown
EDF restarted the Flamanville EPR reactor after repairing non-compliant valves, delaying the target of reaching full power output of 1,620 MW until the end of autumn.
Nano Nuclear begins drilling work for its KRONOS MMR™ microreactor
Nano Nuclear and the University of Illinois will begin drilling operations for the KRONOS MMR™ reactor on October 24, marking a key step toward commercialisation of the nuclear project on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
Natura Resources to deploy the first Gen IV nuclear reactor in the United States by 2026
Natura Resources is finalising construction of the MSR-1, an advanced liquid-fuel nuclear reactor, with a planned launch in 2026 on the Abilene Christian University campus.
JPMorganChase mobilises $1.5tn to support nuclear energy and critical supply chains
JPMorganChase commits $10bn in direct investments as part of a $1.5tn plan to boost energy independence and strategic technologies, including next-generation nuclear power.
Ukraine prepares legal framework to accelerate small modular reactor deployment
A roadmap under development aims to establish regulatory and technical foundations for the deployment of small modular reactors, with the goal of strengthening national energy security and attracting private capital.
EDF raises nuclear forecast to 375 TWh driven by industrial plan
EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.
IAEA proposes local truce to restore power at Zaporizhzhia
The United Nations nuclear agency is urging Ukraine and Russia to establish a local ceasefire to repair damaged power lines at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which remains on alert after losing all external power supply.
Deep Isolation urges US states to include nuclear waste in reactor strategy
Deep Isolation is calling on First Mover States to incorporate radioactive waste management into their joint strategy to ensure the industrial viability of new nuclear reactors.
Ontario Power Generation authorised to operate new nuclear waste storage facility
Canada’s nuclear regulator has approved the launch of a new building that will store used steam generators from Bruce Power's refurbishment programme.
Costain secures £1bn contract for Sellafield infrastructure works
Costain has been selected to upgrade essential utilities at the Sellafield nuclear site under a contract worth up to £1bn over fifteen years.
South Africa invests in 5,000 MW of nuclear power to boost generation
A 5,000-megawatt nuclear programme will be launched by the South African government with NECSA to support national electricity supply and reduce power cuts.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.