Strategic Partnership for Molten Salt Reactors
In a significant move to secure fuel for advanced nuclear designs, molten salt reactor developer Thorizon and enrichment giant Urenco have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The non-binding agreement, finalized on October 8, 2026, aims to examine Urenco's potential role in the molten salt fuel supply chain. Specifically, the partnership will explore uranium enrichment, HALEU supply, and the innovative reuse of depleted uranium as a fuel resource for advanced nuclear applications.
Targeting the Thorizon One Project
The primary target customer for this potential fuel supply is Thorizon One, a planned 100 MWe molten salt reactor slated for construction at Borssele in the Netherlands. The project targets its first fuel delivery for 2034. To meet this timeline, Urenco’s Capenhurst facility in the UK is expected to begin producing HALEU in 2031, providing a viable and geographically secure fuel route for Thorizon's reactors.
The MoU also explores the potential of using depleted uranium, primarily U-238, as a feedstock, though running thermal-spectrum reactors on depleted uranium alone remains an unproven concept requiring further development.
This collaboration addresses a critical need for the European advanced reactor sector. With HALEU defined as uranium enriched to 5-20% uranium-235, securing a reliable supply is paramount for molten salt designs. While the MoU does not include a binding contract, confirmed quantity, price, or final investment decision, it represents a crucial step in aligning reactor developers with established enrichment providers. By integrating fuel supply planning early in the design and licensing phases, Thorizon and Urenco are paving the way for the commercialization of molten salt reactor technology in Europe.
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