Urenco is a leader in uranium enrichment, supporting energy independence and security of supply for generations to come. It is important that we contribute to nuclear energy innovation, including a focus on the fuels for the next generation of nuclear reactors, which can help the sector reach new levels of deployment, efficiency and sustainability.
Urenco is actively pursuing a strategy to produce these advanced nuclear fuels, such as high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU), which is enriched to between 10 – 20% uranium-235 and low enriched uranium plus (LEU+), which is enriched between 5 – 10%.
Urenco operates in a pivotal part of the nuclear fuel supply chain with our uranium enrichment technologies supporting customers globally, to achieve a secure, low carbon, reliable supply of electricity.
We’re driven by our purpose of enriching the future with carbon free electricity, our vision to help achieve a sustainable, net-zero world, and our mission to deliver trusted and innovative nuclear solutions.
Types of advanced nuclear fuels
HALEU nuclear fuel
Enriched between 10 and 20%.
Applications for the next generation of nuclear power plants as well as for medical isotopes facilities, research and test reactors.
On track to make customer deliveries in the early 2030s.
Westinghouse Electric Company and Urenco have signed a long-term fuel enrichment agreement to supply HALEU for Westinghouse’s eVinci microreactor.
LEU+ nuclear fuel
Enrichment between 5 and 10%
LEU+ applications can enable longer fuel cycles for commercial light water reactors, reducing operations and maintenance costs.
We have signed contracts with several light water reactor operators, and with advanced reactor developers Standard Nuclear and Jimmy Energy.
Commercial production of LEU+ will be ready well in advance of the first shipments required in 2026/2027.
-
Nuclear advanced fuels applications and benefits
High assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) and low enriched uranium plus (LEU+) will enable the development of certain smaller, more versatile reactors known as small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs). This innovation opens up the possibility for accessible nuclear energy deployment in more varied locations.
For example, one of Urenco’s LEU+ customers, Jimmy, is endeavouring to supply nuclear-powered thermal generators for the decarbonisation of industrial heat applications. Beyond technical advancements, Urenco’s nuclear advanced fuels will play a crucial role in enhancing energy security and decarbonisation by diversifying the nuclear fuel supply chain and reducing reliance on single sources. This will enable more options for customers and help facilitate the broader energy transition.
Image caption: An example of a Jimmy generator. The space highlighted in green represents the generator and its right-of-way. It's directly linked to the industrial processes (surrounding buildings). Graphic courtesy of Jimmy.
-
Nuclear advanced fuels applications and benefits
Advanced fuels offer significant benefits, allowing current nuclear reactors to operate for longer, generating a more efficient process requiring less outages than the current fuel type. This enhanced efficiency improves output and reduces waste, thereby decreasing the need for mining more natural uranium and lessening the overall environmental impact. Additionally, advanced fuels include accident-tolerant variants that are more resilient and can withstand high, sustained temperatures, enhancing safety. The use of HALEU in fuel assemblies and reactors further supports the creation of smaller plants with higher output, reducing fuel waste production by over 80% in some cases. This not only offers significant waste management and safety benefits but also contributes to non-proliferation efforts.
Image caption: The Westinghouse Electric Company eVinci microreactor pictured is an example of the smaller plants that HALEU can fuel. Urenco has signed a long-term fuel enrichment agreement to supply HALEU for the eVinci microreactor.
Image copyright Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, 2025. Used with permission. All rights reserved. eVinci® is a registered trademark of Westinghouse Electric Company LLC.
Urenco Advanced Fuels Facility at Capenhurst
We’re facilitating nuclear energy innovation through the development of our Urenco Advanced Fuels facility at our Capenhurst site. This is crucial for global and UK nuclear fuel projects requiring HALEU and LEU+. Thanks to a co-investment of £196m with the UK Government, Urenco can better support the development of SMRs and AMRs.
With a planned output of approximately 10 tonnes of HALEU fuel per year, the first plant module output will be enough to supply energy to the equivalent of three million homes.
We are planning on delivering the site by the early 2030s, which will not only support the deployment of the next generation of nuclear reactors but also deliver social and economic impact to the north west of England and beyond, supporting 17 companies in the supply chain.
Enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel by 2031
Enough to power 10 advanced reactors or 3,000,000 households
74 total employed on HALEU
45 HALEU apprenticeships underway
Frequently Asked Questions
-
>> What is HALEU based nuclear fuel, and how is it different from traditional nuclear fuels?
Nuclear fuels relying on HALEU, or high assay low enriched uranium, are enriched to between 10-20% uranium-235, compared to 3-5% found in traditional fuels. A higher enrichment level means that reactors can operate more efficiently, extracting more energy from the available fuel. HALEU fuel is essential for a number of next generation reactors that will play an important role in the future energy supply and nuclear’s contribution to climate change targets.
-
>> Why is the UK government investing in advanced nuclear fuels?
The UK government is co-investing in the development of Urenco’s Advanced Fuels facility to strengthen energy security through the development of more nuclear fuel projects, to support the decarbonisation of the energy supply and stimulate economic growth through nuclear energy innovation.
-
>> How will LEU+ nuclear fuel improve reactor efficiency and safety?
LEU+ or low enriched uranium plus can enhance reactor performance by allowing reactors to operate with longer refuelling cycles, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. The advanced design of reactors using LEU+ can incorporate more robust safety features, minimising the risk of accidents and contributing to more reliable and stable reactor operations.
-
>> When will Urenco’s advanced fuels facility start operating?
The Advanced Fuels Facility in Capenhurst is expected to start producing HALEU nuclear fuel by the early 2030s. There is a planned output of approximately 10 tonnes of advanced nuclear fuel annually, supporting a transition to next-generation reactors and reinforcing the UK nuclear fuel supply chain. Construction is already underway.
-
>> Is the process for advanced fuels different than the current enrichment processes used?
The processes used for the enrichment of advanced fuels is – with few exceptions – almost identical to current processes. However, new facilities and standards for materials that require special handling, and transportation will be built and implemented to address different safety and quality requirements.
-
>> What makes Urenco qualified to develop advanced fuels?
Urenco is a world leading supplier of uranium enrichment services and fuel products with more than 50 years of experience designing, licensing, constructing and operating uranium enrichment facilities and responsibly managing nuclear materials. Urenco also participates in important non-proliferation projects.
-
>> Is there a proliferation risk in relation to Urenco enriching uranium up to 20%?
It is in line with international rules regarding the peaceful use of nuclear. The fuels will be used for civil applications in existing and new power plants as well as for medical isotopes facilities, research and test reactors and is in compliance with our treaty obligations. Safety, security and the protection of public health and the environment are the highest priorities at all Urenco sites.
-
>> Is there an increased risk of a nuclear incident with higher levels of enrichment?
The safety goals and the approach to safety does not change. The new facility is following a careful and detailed licensing and regulatory process, and Urenco will continue to comply with all relevant industry and regulatory standards.
Next generation fuels also achieve enhanced levels of safety through design. Some are structurally more resistant overall, while others are designed for more demanding scenarios. For example, they can be more robust against neutron irradiation, corrosion, oxidation and high temperatures.
Contact the Urenco Advanced Fuels team
Please accept necessary cookies to use this form. More information can be found here