HALEU Promising but Still in Development for Small Modular Reactors

While initial reports may make HALEU seem promising, a closer look reveals some important details. HALEU, produced through a process called uranium enrichment, refers to uranium with an enrichment level between 5% and 20%. Contrary to popular belief, it is currently being utilized not in traditional nuclear power plants but rather in medical and research reactors. However, the use of HALEU in small modular reactors (SMRs) is still in its developmental stage, and as of now, it exists only in theory. Journalists have drawn attention to the fact that Urenco, a company in the industry, received a government grant worth $246 million for the production of HALEU. While this might appear noteworthy, further investigation reveals that this type of uranium is primarily being used in medical and research applications, rather than for energy generation in conventional nuclear power plants. This distinction is crucial because SMRs, which are being developed, are expected to become a critical part of the renewable energy landscape in the near future. Therefore, it’s essential to accurately understand the role that HALEU plays in the industry today and in the future.