• As the global nuclear sector looks toward the early 2030s as a decisive decade for small modular reactors (SMRs) and interest in long-cycle, high-burnup fuels grows, the pressures on the front end of the fuel cycle are becoming more acute. • In bid to meet this challenge Urenco has spent the past several years preparing to meet changing supply chain needs. • What began as internal optimisation for slightly higher enrichments has now evolved into a new business line, Urenco Advanced Fuels. • “Urenco had the vision at least five years ago to invest in this field, taking the first step into what is today called Urenco Advanced Fuels,” explains Dr Magnus Mori, Head of Advanced Fuels, Commercial, at Urenco. • The origins of Urenco’s advanced fuel strategy predate the recent wave of SMR announcements. • Initially drivers came from utilities, especially in the US, which were seeking higher burnup rates to extend cycle lengths and, in some cases, to sharpen fleet economics.
Article Summaries:
- Urenco has expanded into high‑assay low‑enriched uranium (HALEU) production, creating a dedicated Advanced Fuels business line to meet growing demand for long‑cycle, high‑burnup fuels for small modular reactors. The company has already enriched uranium to 6% for internal use and plans to commercialise LEU+ (up to 10%) and HALEU (up to 20%) by 2026. A new centrifuge plant at Capenhurst, UK, will provide 20% enrichment capability, while logistics and production upgrades support a North American‑focused market, backed by U.S. policy initiatives such as the 2020 Energy Act and the 2025 Reactor Pilot Program.
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