Nuclear resurgence commences in America: Standard Nuclear participates in the Department of Energy's nuclear fuel test program.
U.S. Nuclear Fuel Line Pilot Program Aims to Secure Domestic Supply Chains
In a bid to rebuild and secure domestic supply chains for advanced nuclear fuel, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched a pilot program in July 2025. The initiative, part of the Trump administration's broader plan to reignite nuclear innovation, aims to eliminate America's dependence on foreign sources of enriched uranium and critical materials.
The first company selected to participate in this pilot program is Standard Nuclear, based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The company will build and operate facilities in Tennessee and Idaho to produce TRISO (Tri-structural ISOtropic) fuel, a high-performance and ultra-safe type of fuel sought after by advanced reactor developers. Standard Nuclear will assume all costs related to construction, operation, and decommissioning of these fuel fabrication facilities.
The pilot program supports a parallel DOE reactor pilot program with a goal of having at least three advanced reactor designs achieve operational criticality by July 4, 2026. Reactor developers will source nuclear material feedstock themselves, potentially utilizing DOE’s high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) allocation program.
President Trump's July 2025 Executive Order on Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactors for National Security serves as the policy foundation for this program. The order prioritizes strengthening U.S. nuclear infrastructure, ensuring fuel supply chain robustness, and encouraging private sector innovation in nuclear technology.
Standard Nuclear's work directly enables the rollout of advanced reactors, which promise cleaner, safer, and more resilient energy systems. The company's unique position to provide specialized fuels like TRISO for many advanced reactors further cements its role in this national endeavour.
In a strategic move, Standard Nuclear has partnered with SHINE Technologies. SHINE Technologies will supply recycled uranium and plutonium to Standard Nuclear for TRISO fuel production and heat-generating isotopes creation. This partnership aims to support nuclear fuel recycling and close the fuel supply loop, ensuring the U.S. has the fuel infrastructure to meet the expanding demand for advanced nuclear energy.
The partnership between Standard Nuclear and SHINE Technologies contributes to the development of a circular nuclear economy, making nuclear fuel production more sustainable and secure. By reducing reliance on foreign fuel supplies and boosting domestic capabilities, Standard Nuclear's work supports national energy security. The goal is to reach criticality for at least three advanced reactors outside of national labs by July 4, 2026.
| Aspect | Detail | |-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Purpose | Rebuild domestic nuclear fuel supply chains; eliminate reliance on foreign enriched uranium | | Launch Date | July 2025 | | First Selected Company | Standard Nuclear (Oak Ridge, Tennessee) | | Fuel Type | TRISO advanced nuclear fuel | | Locations for Facilities | Tennessee and Idaho | | Financial Responsibility | Standard Nuclear covers construction, operation, decommissioning costs | | Related Reactor Pilot Program | Aims for 3 advanced reactors to reach criticality by July 4, 2026 | | Policy Foundation | Trump’s Executive Order on Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactors for National Security | | Partnership | Standard Nuclear and SHINE Technologies for nuclear fuel recycling and closed fuel loop |
- The investment made by Standard Nuclear in constructing and operating fuel fabrication facilities in Tennessee and Idaho is not limited to nuclear technology; the company also aims to partner with SHINE Technologies for the recycling of uranium and plutonium, demonstrating their commitment to science in the medical field as well.
- The strategic partnership between Standard Nuclear and SHINE Technologies is not only significant for the nuclear sector but also expands to the realm of finance, as it aims to create a more sustainable and secure nuclear fuel supply that could meet the growing demand for clean energy sources in various sectors, such as sports and technology.
- The work of Standard Nuclear, in conjunction with SHINE Technologies, goes beyond the nuclear industry and essential energy security. By focusing on science, technology, and sustainable fuel supply chains, they are driving innovation and contributing to a future where advanced nuclear energy has a strong, domestic foothold, benefiting numerous medical-conditions, finance, and technological advancements that require clean, reliable energy.
