• The bipartisan amendment, S.Amdt.999, to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2024 aims to establish the Nuclear Fuel Security Program, enhancing the US Department of Energy’s capability to secure a diverse supply of nuclear fuel domestically.
• The program mandates the acquisition of at least 100 tonnes of low-enriched uranium (LEU) and 20 tonnes of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) annually, ensuring a resilient domestic supply chain for nuclear energy companies.
• By reducing reliance on foreign sources, particularly Russia, and promoting energy independence, the amendment lays the foundation for a robust and sustainable nuclear energy sector in the United States.

                In February, Senators Joe Manchin, John Barrasso, and Jim Risch joined forces to introduce a pivotal bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. As prominent figures in the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, their united effort aimed to address a critical national concern: securing the nation’s nuclear fuel supply.

Dubbed S.Amdt.999 and formerly known as the Nuclear Fuel Security Act of 2023, the amendment’s purpose is to create a robust Nuclear Fuel Security Program and complementary initiatives. At its core, this program will enhance the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) capabilities to ensure a diverse and reliable supply of nuclear fuel for domestic use.

The program sets ambitious goals for both low-enriched uranium (LEU) and high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) acquisition. The DOE will be mandated to acquire at least 100 tonnes of LEU annually, entering into contracts with domestic nuclear energy companies to promote diversity in uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, and deconversion technologies. By the end of 2026, the DOE must finalize at least two contracts to fortify a resilient domestic supply chain.

HALEU, enriched to between 5% and 20% uranium-235, holds immense importance for the development of advanced reactor designs. However, its commercial unavailability had been posing a risk of delays to crucial projects. To counter this, the amendment requires the DOE to start acquiring at least 20 tonnes of HALEU annually by the end of 2027. This proactive step is expected to foster innovation and progress in both commercial and government-led nuclear sectors.

The Nuclear Fuel Security Program also emphasizes stringent sourcing guidelines. The acquired uranium must originate from within the United States or, if necessary, from trusted allies or partner countries. This measure aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources, particularly Russia, and safeguard the nation’s energy security.

The significance of the bipartisan amendment cannot be overstated. By taking control of its nuclear fuel production, the United States is asserting greater independence in the energy realm. The decision to produce enriched uranium domestically rather than depending on foreign imports marks a strategic shift towards long-term energy self-sufficiency.

Senator Manchin expressed his deep appreciation after the Senate vote on 27th July. “Finally, the United States is going to start taking care of its own and producing the enriched uranium we need, rather than depending on Russia,” he remarked. The amendment’s passage marks a decisive step forward in safeguarding the nation’s critical mission needs and underscores the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

As the nation embarks on this path of enhanced nuclear fuel security, the future looks promising for the United States’ role in the global nuclear energy landscape. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and security, the amendment lays the foundation for a robust and sustainable nuclear energy sector that will continue to thrive in the years to come.