The next generation of advanced nuclear reactors will require advanced fuels, specifically high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU). This fuel type can power smaller reactors and requires less refueling than previous generations, making HALEU safer and more efficient.

The United States currently does not have the infrastructure in place to supply commercial levels of HALEU to advanced reactor developers. The world’s only viable commercial supplier of HALEU is Russia, on which the United States cannot rely to provide this essential resource.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced a program intended to stimulate the domestic development of a commercial HALEU supply chain, but funding has been inadequate and progress has been slow. We must invest in our domestic capacity to manufacture and supply this fuel for ourselves.