First U.S. HALEU License Elevates Centrus Energy as Key SMR Fuel Supplier
On Feb. 13, TRISO-X won the first U.S. license in 50 years to produce HALEU, enabling fuel output at Oak Ridge’s TX-1 facility by 2028. Centrus Energy, one of two U.S. HALEU enrichers, is positioned to secure domestic SMR supply contracts for AI data-center power.
1. Breakthrough HALEU License
On Feb. 13, TRISO-X received the first new U.S. license in 50 years to produce High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium, clearing regulatory hurdles and enabling fuel manufacturing at the TX-1 facility in Oak Ridge by 2028.
2. Centrus Energy’s Strategic Position
Centrus Energy, one of only two U.S. companies with HALEU enrichment capabilities, stands poised to secure long-term supply contracts for advanced reactor fuel, potentially boosting its revenue as nuclear power scales.
3. Growing SMR and AI Power Demand
Small Modular Reactors require HALEU to operate and are central to meeting surging AI data-center energy needs; the renewed domestic fuel supply chain could trigger a multi-decade investment cycle benefiting Centrus Energy.