LONDON: The UK government has announced a £300 million investment to support the domestic production of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), a specialist fuel required to power the next generation of nuclear reactors. This landmark investment makes the UK the first European country to launch a HALEU program, which will produce enriched uranium needed for the next generation of reactors and provide jobs and investment in North West England. The investment will end Russia’s reign as the only commercial producer of HALEU.
The launch of the HALEU program will enable the UK to supply the world with specialist nuclear fuel and further isolate Putin’s Russia. An additional £10 million will also be provided to develop the skills and sites to produce other advanced nuclear fuels in the UK, helping to secure long-term domestic nuclear fuel supply and support international allies.
The funding will boost the North West of England’s nuclear fuel production hub, supporting local industry and jobs while helping to expand the UK’s nuclear revival both domestically and overseas. This is vital to meeting global net zero targets and reducing dependence on Russian fuel.
Advanced modular reactors will play an important role in the UK’s nuclear revival, as they are smaller, can be made in factories, and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive. Many designs have the potential for a range of applications beyond low-carbon electricity generation, including the production of hydrogen or industrial heat.
The UK’s work to displace Russia from the global nuclear fuels market, particularly in uranium conversion services, is also ongoing. The government and industry are together investing up to £26 million to bring this capability back to the UK by the end of the decade.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, said: “We stood up to Putin on oil and gas and financial markets, we won’t let him hold us to ransom on nuclear fuel. Britain gave the world its first operational nuclear power plant, and now we will be the first nation in Europe outside of Russia to produce advanced nuclear fuel. These plans will help build new supplies of affordable and clean domestic power so the transition to net zero doesn’t mean higher prices, protecting households from global instability.“
The UK’s investment in high-tech nuclear fuel is a significant step towards reducing dependence on Russia and securing long-term domestic nuclear fuel supply. The launch of the HALEU program will enable the UK to supply the world with specialist nuclear fuel and further isolate Putin’s Russia. This investment will also boost the North West of England’s nuclear fuel production hub, supporting local industry and jobs while helping to expand the UK’s nuclear revival both domestically and overseas.
