The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is set to invest $2.7 billion in domestic uranium enrichment initiatives over the next decade. This funding aims to strengthen the country’s nuclear fuel supply chain, which has increasingly relied on foreign sources. The DOE’s announcement, made on January 5, outlines plans to distribute the majority of these funds evenly among three companies: American Centrifuge Operating, General Matter, and Orano Federal Services. Each of these firms will work to expand their enrichment capabilities within the U.S.
In addition to the primary investments, the DOE will allocate $28 million to Global Laser Enrichment for the development of advanced uranium enrichment technologies. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure a reliable domestic fuel supply for the nation’s 94 commercial nuclear reactors and to support the future deployment of advanced reactors.
Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, emphasized the significance of this funding in securing a self-sufficient nuclear fuel supply. “Today’s awards show that this Administration is committed to restoring a secure domestic nuclear fuel supply chain capable of producing the nuclear fuels needed to power the reactors of today, and the advanced reactors of tomorrow,” he stated.
The funding stems from a congressional appropriation awarded to the DOE in June 2024 as part of President Joe Biden‘s “Investing in America” agenda. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to bolster domestic energy production, particularly in light of the U.S.’s previous dependence on foreign uranium sources.
Historically, the majority of uranium used in U.S. nuclear reactors has been imported, primarily from countries such as Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. For decades, the U.S. also relied heavily on Russia for uranium. However, following geopolitical tensions, the U.S. imposed a ban on all uranium imports from Russia in 2024, underscoring the urgency for a more self-reliant approach to nuclear fuel sourcing.
The DOE’s funding announcement is a pivotal step towards a more secure and sustainable nuclear fuel infrastructure. By investing in domestic enrichment capabilities, the U.S. aims to reduce its reliance on foreign uranium and enhance the resilience of its energy supply chain in the face of evolving global challenges.
