The UK will become the first country in Europe to launch a high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) nuclear fuel programme, strengthening supply for new nuclear projects. The aim is drive Russian suppliers further out of global energy markets. Most advanced reactors require this fuel, which is currently only commercially produced in Russia.
The £300 million investment is part of plans to help deliver up to 24 GW nuclear power – a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs – by 2050. The government funding will support domestic production of HALEU, the specialist fuel required to power the next generation of nuclear reactors. The launch of the HALEU programme will enable the UK to supply the world with this particular nuclear fuel.
An additional £10 million will also be provided to develop the skills and sites to produce other advanced nuclear fuels in the UK, helping to secure long term domestic nuclear fuel supply and support international allies.
The UK is already a specialist in the production of nuclear fuels, with domestic capability in uranium enrichment and in fuel fabrication in the North-West of England.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero,?Claire Coutinho, declared: “We stood up to Putin on oil and gas and financial markets, we won’t let him hold us to ransom on nuclear fuel This [initiative] will be critical for energy security at home and abroad and builds on Britain’s historic competitive advantages.”
The first production plant is scheduled to be operational in the early 2030s. At COP28 the UK also restated its commitment to working with G7 nuclear partners to reduce global dependence on Russian fuel.
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