Urenco Expands Enrichment Capacity and Explores Advanced Fuel Cycles
Urenco USA has achieved a major operational milestone by bringing its sixth new cascade online at the National Enrichment Facility in New Mexico. Production for the new cascade commenced in early October 2026, marking the completion of 75% of the company's ongoing capacity expansion plan. This strategic upgrade significantly bolsters domestic uranium enrichment capabilities.
Partnering with Thorizon for Molten Salt Reactor Fuel
In addition to expanding its traditional centrifuge capacity, Urenco is actively positioning itself for the advanced reactor market. The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with molten salt reactor developer Thorizon. The agreement aims to explore Urenco's potential role in the molten salt fuel supply chain, specifically focusing on the production of HALEU in molten salt form for Thorizon's upcoming reactors.
The collaboration will also investigate innovative methods for utilizing depleted uranium, a byproduct of Urenco's enrichment process, as a valuable fuel resource for advanced nuclear applications.
Thorizon One reactors, which require this specialized HALEU fuel, are expected to become operational in the mid-2030s. To support this timeline, Urenco is concurrently developing an Advanced Fuels Facility in Capenhurst, UK, which is slated to begin HALEU production by 2031. This dual approach of expanding baseline enrichment capacity while developing specialized fuel fabrication capabilities demonstrates Urenco's comprehensive strategy to dominate the global HALEU market.
The synergy between Urenco's expanded enrichment operations in the U.S. and its advanced fuel initiatives in Europe highlights a critical shift in the nuclear industry. As next-generation reactors move closer to commercialization, the integration of enrichment and specialized fuel fabrication will be essential for ensuring a reliable and efficient supply chain.
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