Centrus Energy Secures Multiyear Unobligated HALEU Contracts

Centrus Energy Corp. has announced multiyear contracts with microreactor developers Radiant and Antares Nuclear to supply 'unobligated' High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU). These agreements mark a significant milestone for domestic nuclear fuel independence.

Domestic Supply Chain and AC100 Technology

The term 'unobligated' indicates that the HALEU will be produced entirely within the United States without the use of foreign equipment or materials. Centrus will utilize its domestically originated AC100 centrifuge technology and rely on domestic supply chains. This approach is critical for national security and advanced reactor deployment.

This will be the first unobligated uranium produced in the U.S. since 2013, utilizing thousands of additional centrifuges deployed in Piketon.

Multibillion-Dollar Expansion Plans

To meet these national security requirements and commercial demands, Centrus launched a multibillion-dollar expansion in September 2025. The company expects to deploy thousands of additional centrifuges at its Piketon, Ohio facility, using domestic suppliers for all components. New commercial capacity is anticipated to launch by 2029.

Centrus previously fulfilled its 2019 DOE demonstration contract by producing 900 kg of HALEU uranium hexafluoride in June 2025. It remains the first company NRC-licensed to produce HALEU and the only one licensed to enrich up to 19.75%. Deliveries to Radiant and Antares are scheduled to begin by 2030, supporting their advanced reactor projects, including space and national security missions.

National Security Context

An August 2026 GAO report assessed the national security need for unobligated HALEU, noting that while the NNSA stockpile of unobligated LEU and HEU could last into the 2040s, the DoD is exploring HALEU-fueled microreactors for military facilities. Although the report states there are currently no national security missions requiring unobligated HALEU, this infrastructure positions Centrus as a prime candidate if defense needs evolve. The multiyear contracts with Radiant and Antares Nuclear provide the commercial foundation to sustain this vital domestic capability.

This article was assisted by AI analysis. Please refer to the original source for official information.