As nations race to expand nuclear power capacity, securing reliable supplies of advanced nuclear fuel has become a critical priority. High-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), enriched between 5 and 20 percent uranium-235, is essential for new advanced reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). Yet, commercial production of HALEU remains limited, primarily controlled by Russia and China, complicating supply chains amid geopolitical tensions and import restrictions.
In response, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched substantial efforts to cultivate domestic HALEU production. The U.S. has invested billions to increase uranium enrichment capacity, with pilot projects already producing hundreds of kilograms of HALEU. The Department of Energy's multi-billion-dollar commitment aims to develop a fully sovereign supply chain that can meet growing demand over the next decade. Similarly, the UK government allocated significant funding to jumpstart local HALEU manufacturing to reduce dependency on foreign sources.
While HALEU supplies ramp up, some reactor developers are turning to alternative fuel options like LEU+—low-enriched uranium with slightly higher enrichment than traditional fuel but more readily available—to support interim needs. Another promising innovation is TRISO fuel, a safer and more efficient form of fuel composed of tiny coated particles, which concentrates more fissile material in smaller volumes and is increasingly employed in SMRs. Such advances could enhance reactor performance and safety while mitigating current fuel shortages.
Nuclear power plants today predominantly rely on uranium enriched up to 5 percent uranium-235 to generate heat through nuclear fission. This heat produces steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The nuclear industry is also exploring fusion technology, aiming for a breakthrough that could offer cleaner and more abundant energy. Until fusion becomes commercially viable, however, the development of secure, diversified supply chains for HALEU and improved fuel technologies remains fundamental for the anticipated nuclear renaissance as countries seek to diversify energy sources and enhance energy security.