Department of Energy Seeks to Partner with Private Sector for Used Nuclear Fuel Recycling

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) and Office of Environmental Management (EM) today issued two Request for Applications (RFA) to advance the nation's capabilities in recycling used nuclear fuel. The RFAs support President Trump's executive orders to advance efforts to strengthen the nation's nuclear industrial base and American energy independence.

NE's RFA seeks proposals from industry on detailed plans to leverage the DOE authorization process to design, construct, and operate nuclear fuel recycling, processing, and fuel fabrication to support the deployment of advanced reactors and accelerate American innovation in nuclear material recycling technologies. EM's RFA seeks visionary proposals from private industry for a commercial-scale demonstration of recycling defense-related used nuclear fuel at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC) at the Idaho Site. Both RFAs underscore the administration's belief that American innovation, particularly within the private sector, is key to restoring our nation's nuclear leadership.

"Used nuclear fuel represents immense, untapped energy resource for the United States, said NE Assistant Secretary Ted Garrish. "Under President Trump's leadership, the Department of Energy is partnering with the private sector in advancing a circular nuclear economy by transforming used fuel from waste into a valuable resource. These efforts are designed to deliver reliable power, reduce waste volumes, and re-energize the commercial nuclear sector to secure American energy dominance."

"This initiative is a testament to President Trump's bold vision for American energy independence and our commitment to an unmatched national security posture," said EM Assistant Secretary Tim Walsh. "By unleashing the power of private industry, we will fast-track the development of advanced fuel cycle capabilities essential for the responsible management of our defense used nuclear fuel. This is a critical step in strengthening our domestic nuclear infrastructure and cementing America's place as the global leader in nuclear technology."

The RFAs represent an unprecedented opportunity for private sector ingenuity to lead the charge in America's nuclear renaissance. Through EM's RFA, a selected offeror will secure a long-term lease for prime DOE property at INTEC. They will be entrusted with the full lifecycle of a cutting-edge, dedicated recycling facility - encompassing its financing, design, permitting, fabrication, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning. Similarly, NE's RFA will provide an authorization pathway for industry to design, construct, and operate nuclear fuel recycling, reprocessing, and fuel fabrication facilities in the United States. Both RFAs will leverage private capital and expertise to accelerate critical infrastructure development.

Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit proposals showcasing a profound understanding of advanced nuclear fuel recycling, coupled with comprehensive and robust business, security, regulatory compliance, and proposed waste management plans. The selected offerors will be fully responsible for all project costs, demonstrating a true partnership between government and industry. While collaboration is welcomed, stringent national security protocols will govern the participation of any non-U.S. entities due to the export controlled nature of these recycling technologies, ensuring that all personnel involved can obtain the necessary security clearances and protect American interests.

For more information on NE's Initiative to Bolster Used Nuclear Fuel RFA, please visit the Advanced Nuclear Fuel Recycling program webpage.

EM will sponsor an Industry Day event to explain and answer questions about their RFA's solicitation process. Potential attendees should e-mail Aaron S. Nebeker, [email protected], for more information on attending.

DOE's used fuel recycling programs will be a cornerstone of President Trump's nuclear renaissance, driving unparalleled innovation in the nuclear sector, fostering significant economic growth, and profoundly contributing to the nation's energy security and national defense objectives.