The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) and Office of Environmental Management (EM) have each issued a Request for Applications (RFA) to advance US capabilities in recycling used nuclear fuel. Both reflect the administration’s belief that American innovation, particularly within the private sector, is key to restoring nuclear leadership. Both RFAs will leverage private capital and expertise to accelerate critical infrastructure development.
NE’s RFA seeks proposals from industry on detailed plans to leverage the DOE authorisation 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. The RFA will provide an authorisation pathway for industry to design, construct, and operate nuclear fuel recycling, reprocessing, and fuel fabrication facilities in the US.
“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-energise the commercial nuclear sector to secure American energy dominance.”
EM’s RFA seeks visionary proposals from private industry for a commercial-scale demonstration of recycling defence-related used nuclear fuel at the Idaho Nuclear Technology & Engineering Center (INTEC) at the Idaho National Laboratory. Through the 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.
“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 defence 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.”
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”.
