U.S. Department of Energy Announces $80 Million Available to Support New HALEU Technologies

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to $80 million is available through a new funding opportunity to spur advancements in the process to produce high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). The funding will support industry partners developing innovative technologies and approaches to strengthen the HALEU supply chain in the United States.  

Today’s announcement is another critical step by Biden-Harris Administration to bolster America’s energy and national security and build a strong, reliable domestic nuclear fuel supply chain.   

“We need a productive and secure HALEU supply chain to support the advanced reactors that will play a key role for energy security and in our clean energy future,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dr. Michael Goff. “Through this funding opportunity, DOE will encourage technological advancements to provide industry additional options in the buildout of that supply chain.” 

Many advanced reactors will require HALEU to achieve smaller designs, longer operating cycles, and increased efficiencies over current technologies. There is currently no domestic, commercial source of HALEU available to fuel them. 

DOE seeks applications that address technology gaps, enhance current processes to produce HALEU, and advance new technologies that could reduce risk, increase production, or reduce costs. Funding will support demonstration projects at engineering or pilot scale, as well as earlier stage applied research and development projects. 

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on February 26, 2025. 

This announcement follows other recent actions by DOE to support a strong HALEU supply chain. Earlier this year, DOE selected four companies to provide enrichment services and six companies to provide deconversion services to help establish a U.S. supply of HALEU. 

Awards issued under this funding opportunity will be supported with funds appropriated by the Inflation Reduction Act. 

More information on the HALEU Availability Program can be found at HALEU Availability Program | Department of Energy.