Public input is being sought by the U.S. Department of Energy as it explores plans to create a program that ensures high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel is available in the United States, according to a DOE press release.
The HALEU Availability Program encourages the demonstration and commercial deployment of advanced reactors. Two supporting demonstration projects will receive $2.5 billion in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created to address climate change, national security, and aid in job creation. The Federal Register indicates that public comment on the HALEU Availability Program is open until Jan. 13, 2022.
HALEU is essential for the development of a new type of nuclear reactor that energy companies and the federal government hope to launch online within seven years, according to KPVI. The new fuel, however, is not produced at a commercial level in the United States. HALEU enriches uranium to levels between 5% and 20%, whereas current reactors use fuel enriched up to 5%.
As the demand for nuclear energy grows, the problem of acquiring HALEU becomes challenging. Russia is the largest producer of HALEU, according to KPVI. Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming said because of tension and a lack of trust, the United States cannot rely on Russia for its uranium supply.
Reactors that use HALEU fuel are known as modular reactors. Small versions of these have displayed enormous potential for widespread use of nuclear power. According to a Wall Street Journal report, existing nuclear reactors, while providing a reliable source of power, are not cost-efficient due to a large number of safety protocols in place to prevent accidents.
New small modular reactors utilize passive safety measures, such as submersion in water, that allow nuclear generators to significantly reduce their operating cost. The Wall Street Journal points out that other low-emission generators, such as solar or wind, are intermittent and depend on the environment. Nuclear energy, meanwhile, is extremely reliable. If small modular reactors can become the standard, then nuclear power has a chance at becoming the most cost-effective low- emission generator.
Americans support nuclear energy. Recent polling in November by Bisconti Research showed 76% of Americans surveyed favoring nuclear power generation, while 24% are opposed. That marks the highest level of support since the organization began conducting the annual survey in 1983. Furthermore, 83% of respondents said they believe that nuclear power generation will be important in order to meet the United States' future energy needs, with 40% saying it will be very important.
