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Urenco USA Receives Approval of License Amendment Request Authorizing 10% Enrichment
11 December 2024
Date: December 11, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Urenco USA Receives Approval of License Amendment Request authorizing 10% Enrichment
Eunice, NM, USA (12/11/24) – On December 11, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) provided Urenco USA (UUSA) their approval of a License Amendment Request (LAR) to increase uranium enrichment levels up to 10% U-235. NRC’s Nuclear Material Safety & Safeguards Office Director, John Lubinski, and NRC’s Division of Fuel Management Director, Shana Helton, presented the approval to Urenco USA’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Paul Lorskulsint, at NRC Headquarters in Rockville Maryland.
This is a significant step forward for the US civil nuclear industry. By helping implement improvements to the operating environment for existing utilities, the NRC’s approval provides a path for new reactor designs to come to market.
“This positive progress is important to support the nuclear industry to create fuels that will reduce outage cycles for current reactors, provide fuels for some advanced reactor types, and assist our current and future customers”, said John Kirkpatrick, UUSA Managing Director. “Since operations started in 2010, UUSA has been a critical part of the U.S. energy ecosystem and remains a proud leader in this area.”
The next step is for the NRC to review UUSA’s implementation of requirements in the amendment, which is anticipated in late Spring 2025. UUSA will be authorized to produce enrichment levels up to 10% U-235 in all cascades at the facility.
Kirkpatrick noted, “UUSA currently has a capacity of 4.4 million separative work units (SWU), which supplies one-third of the domestic enrichment demand, and we are licensed to produce up to 10 million SWU. Our strong infrastructure, deep expertise, and market longevity put us in a unique position to continue supporting the existing U.S. nuclear fleet.” As announced earlier in the year, UUSA is currently expanding its capacity by 15% to support industry needs and has announced an intention to further expand subject to market demand.”
Pictured Left to Right: USA’s Gerard Poortman, Senior Project Manager; Wyatt Padgett, Head of Strategic Licensing & Design Safety Basis; Lisa Hardison, Manager of Communications & External Relations; Paul Lorskulsint, Head of Compliance/Chief Nuclear Officer; And NRC's James Downs, Fuel Facility Licensing Acting Branch Chief; Shana Helton, Division of Fuel Management Director; Kimyata Morgan-Butler, Division of Fuel Management Deputy Director; John Lubinski, Nuclear Material Safety & Safeguards Office Director; Jonathan Rowley, Division of Fuel Management Project Manager.
About Urenco USA
Urenco USA (UUSA) is part of an international company that operates on the cutting-edge of the nuclear energy industry, utilizing a leading, energy-efficient, and cost-effective method to enrich uranium. As the only large-scale commercial enrichment facility in North America, UUSA helps provide clean, sustainable energy while operating under a framework of high environmental, social responsibility, and corporate governance standards. Our world-class facility is an oasis in the middle of the EnergyPlex, and we strive to promote the production of nuclear energy to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy while remaining dedicated to safety and investing in community outreach. To learn more, visit www.urencousa.com.
Contact:
Lisa Hardison
Manager of Communications and External Relations
(505) 410-8225
ommunicationsUUSA@urenco.com
About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of enrichment services and fuel cycle products with sustainability at the core of its business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for 50 years, Urenco facilitates zero carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office near London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Using centrifuge technology designed and developed by Urenco, and through the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services; operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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