The U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), in partnership with Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), today (May 7) announced the successful transfer of 1.7 metric tons of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) from Japan to the United States - the largest single international shipment of uranium in NNSA's history.
This cooperative effort is a pivotal step in reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation and enhancing global security. Our partnership with Japan is also enhancing America's nuclear energy future and underscores the Trump Administration's commitment to energy dominance and the strategic development of advanced nuclear technologies.
Members of the Japanese team package HALEU at Japan's Fast Critical Assembly. The Y-12 National Security Complex will reconstitute the material into a form usable for U.S. industry.
"NNSA is breaking records with rapid approvals and decision making to support America's nuclear industry," said NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams. "Supplying advanced reactor designs with HALEU fuel is vital to making America energy dominant in pursuit of President Trump's vision to strengthen our nuclear industrial base."
HALEU is crucial for next-generation nuclear fuels. It is utilized in advanced reactor designs, enhances efficiency in research and medical isotope production, and promotes nuclear security and nonproliferation by reducing global reliance on weapons-grade highly enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium.
The received HALEU fuel, no longer needed following the shutdown of Japan's Fast Critical Assembly, signifies a continuation of the long-standing nuclear security and nonproliferation cooperation between the United States and Japan. Advanced reactors will rely on HALEU to deliver smaller designs, longer operating cycles, and greater efficiency.
As the Department of Energy facilitates America's domestic supply chain for nuclear technology, this material once processed will help bridge the gap between supply and demand through the Office of Nuclear Energy's HALEU Availability Program, laying the foundation for the next century of nuclear leadership.
"This milestone accelerates our progress towards a secure and independent energy future, while reaffirming our commitment to nuclear nonproliferation," said Dr. Matthew Napoli, NNSA's Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. "Through this partnership with Japan, we are fueling the next generation of nuclear power, and solidifying America's energy dominance."
This delivery directly supports President Trump's Executive Order on Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security to accelerate the development of reliable, domestic HALEU supply chain to support American nuclear industry.
For more information
1000 Independence Ave. SW
Washington District of Columbia
United States 20585
www.energy.gov
