In support of President Biden's efforts to strengthen America's energy security and create new good-paying jobs, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (June 27) issued a request for proposals (RFP) to purchase low-enriched uranium (LEU) from domestic sources. Today's action will help spur the safe and responsible build-out of uranium enrichment capacity in the United States, promote diversity in the market, and provide a reliable supply of commercial nuclear fuel to support the energy security and resilience of the American people and domestic industries, free from Russian influence. This RFP is supported by $2.7 billion from the President's Investing in America agenda.
"DOE is helping jumpstart uranium enrichment capacity here in the United States, which is critical to strengthening our national security and growing our domestic nuclear industry," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. "Today's announcement underscores America's commitment to remaining the global leader in nuclear energy for generations to come."
"Strengthening our domestic nuclear fuel supply chain will be critical as we continue to move from an energy system reliant on foreign suppliers and fossil fuels to one that embraces cleaner sources of power and domestic manufacturing," said Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. "Under President Biden's leadership, we have spurred an unprecedented expansion in clean energy production, which is creating good-paying union jobs and putting us on a path to greater energy security. Today's announcement is exactly the kind of investment we need to further build and protect our nuclear energy supply and deliver the clean, affordable, reliable energy that our communities and industries are demanding."
Developing domestic capacity for LEU ensures an adequate fuel supply is available from trusted sources to maintain the current fleet of U.S. reactors and build a strong base to supply future deployments of cutting-edge nuclear technologies both at home and abroad. Through this RFP, DOE will acquire LEU generated by new sources of domestic uranium enrichment capacity. These can include new enrichment facilities or projects that expand the capacity of existing enrichment facilities. DOE intends to sell the LEU to utilities operating U.S. reactors to support clean energy generation and sever reliance on Russian imports.
As DOE works to support national clean energy and energy security targets through these actions, it also requires that successful applicants deliver local benefits for impacted communities and prioritize environmental justice in their activities.
DOE plans to award two or more contracts, which will last for up to 10 years. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. EDT on August 26, 2024.
Today's announcement is another example of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to ensuring consumers across the country have access to affordable, reliable electricity and good-paying clean energy jobs, while building resilient supply chains free from Russian influence. On May 14, 2024, President Biden signed the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act that established a ban on the import of LEU from Russia.
Learn more about DOE's efforts to develop nuclear fuel supply chains for existing and future reactors here and how DOE's Pathways to Advanced Nuclear Commercial Liftoff report supports the research, development, demonstration, and deployment of technologies that will help the U.S. nuclear sector reach our nation's ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
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