"Centrus Energy Corporation sets sights on HALEU breakthrough with year-end demonstration"

Exciting news for the advanced nuclear sector as the US-based Centrus Energy Corporation has completed construction on a cutting-edge uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio. This state-of-the-art facility features a cascade of 16 advanced centrifuges and is set to revolutionize the production of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) by the end of 2023.

The HALEU cascade at Piketon (Image: Centrus)

With the support of the US Department of Energy, Centrus received USD150 million in funding to bring this project to life. The cascade and its associated systems have undergone rigorous testing and the completion of fissile material storage and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) operational readiness reviews are the final steps before production can commence.

Piketon is the only production facility in the US that has been licensed by the NRC for HALEU production, making this a major milestone in the advanced nuclear industry. The HALEU produced here will be enriched to between 5% and 20% uranium-235, surpassing the uranium fuel used in traditional light-water reactors. This high-assay fuel will be essential for most of the advanced reactor designs being developed by the DOE's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.

This new plant marks the first time in 70 years that the US will own and operate its own uranium enrichment technology. Centrus is dedicated to leading the production of HALEU to support the deployment of advanced reactor designs worldwide. The company aims to scale up its facility to meet the full spectrum of uranium enrichment requirements, including low-enriched uranium for existing reactors and HALEU for advanced reactors.

After the initial demonstration run, Centrus' production of HALEU will be subject to the availability of Congressional appropriations, with plans to produce 900 kg of HALEU per year in 2024. The company is also exploring the possibility of expanding HALEU production at the Piketon facility by adding more cascades, provided that adequate funding or offtake contracts can be secured.

In just 42 months, a full-scale HALEU cascade with a capacity of 6,000 kilograms of HALEU per year (6 MTU/year) could be operational, with the potential to add additional cascades every six months. Get ready for a new era in uranium enrichment as Centrus Energy Corporation leads the way.

source:(https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Centrus-on-track-for-HALEU-demonstration-by-year-e)

#Centrus Energy #Demonstration #Haleu #Uranium

Comments

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico A Game-Changer for AI, Clean Energy, and the Future By Robert Buluma – Alphaxioms Energy Blog In a bold move that signals the future of energy and technology convergence, XGS Energy and Meta Platforms, Inc. have announced a groundbreaking agreement to develop 150 megawatts (MW) of next-generation geothermal energy in New Mexico. This partnership not only promises to reshape the state's energy landscape but also underscores the growing demand for sustainable, round-the-clock power to fuel the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven economies. Clean Power Without Water – XGS’s Unique Edge At the heart of this partnership lies XGS Energy’s proprietary solid-state geothermal technology. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely heavily on water and specific geological conditions, XGS’s innovation enables electricity production from hot, dry rock with zero operating water use. This water-inde...

The Geothermal Boom Begins: New Investments, Bold Tech, and a 20× Outlook by 2050

Global Geothermal Market Heats Up: New Investment Plans Revealed for 2025 By: Robert Buluma The global geothermal energy sector is entering a transformative phase in 2025, driven by surging investments, accelerating technology adoption, and favorable policy shifts. As clean baseload capacity becomes more critical to the world’s energy transition, stakeholders are increasingly turning to geothermal power—not just for electricity generation, but also for industrial heat, green hydrogen, and direct-use applications. This shift could solidify geothermal as a cornerstone of sustainable energy infrastructure in the decades ahead. 1. A Market Poised for Steady Growth According to industry forecasts, the global geothermal energy market is on track for major expansion. We project the sector will grow from USD 56.0 billion in 2025 to USD 85.0 billion by 2035 , a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2%. Business Research Insights forecasts a CAGR of 7.3% between 2025 and 20...

PGE’s Lumut Balai Unit 2: The 55 MW Geothermal Breakthrough Powering Indonesia’s Clean Energy Future

PGE’s Lumut Balai Unit 2: A 55 MW Geothermal Triumph Rewriting Indonesia’s Clean Energy Future By: Robert Buluma Indonesia has once again staked its claim as a global geothermal heavyweight. With the successful operationalization of the Lumut Balai Unit 2 Geothermal Power Plant, PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) has delivered a strategic blow in the global race toward clean baseload energy. More than just a 55 MW addition to the country’s energy mix, this project marks a bold step in Indonesia’s ambition to expand its geothermal capacity to 1 gigawatt within the next few years. In a world grappling with climate volatility, unstable energy prices, and growing demand for reliable renewable power, this achievement resonates far beyond Indonesia’s borders. It signals a shift — a declaration that geothermal energy is rapidly maturing, scaling, and proving itself as the backbone of modern clean-energy systems. A Milestone Project in a Region Rich With Geothermal Potential Lumut ...

Archi Indonesia and Ormat Launch 40 MW Geothermal Venture in North Sulawesi

Archi Indonesia and Ormat Form Powerful Geothermal Joint Venture: A 40 MW Vision That Could Redefine North Sulawesi’s Energy Future By: Robert Buluma In a decisive move that signals Indonesia’s accelerating transition toward renewable energy, Archi Indonesia (ARCI ) —one of the country’s largest pure-play gold mining companies—has joined forces with global geothermal powerhouse Ormat Technologies . Their new joint venture, PT Toka Tindung Geothermal (TTG) , aims to deliver a 40-megawatt geothermal power plant within ARCI’s mining concession in North Sulawesi. The partnership is more than a business deal. It represents a strategic realignment in Indonesia’s energy landscape, a recalibration of ARCI’s identity, and a major step forward for geothermal development in Southeast Asia. Below is a deep, comprehensive look at what this collaboration means, what it could unlock, and why it deserves the attention of every energy observer today. A Bold Partnership: ARCI Holds 5%, Ormat Lead...

Biliran II Geothermal Project: The Philippines’ Next 200 MW Renewable Baseload Power Breakthrough

Biliran II: The Philippines' Next 200 MW Geothermal Powerhouse Poised to Transform Data Centers and Industrial Energy Security By: Robert Buluma In a world racing toward stable and decarbonized energy systems, geothermal power continues to stand out as one of the most reliable and future-proof renewable energy solutions. The Philippines—already home to the world’s third-largest geothermal capacity—is once again making headlines with a transformative new development: the ~200 MW Biliran II Geothermal Project , now advancing toward its final resource confirmation. This landmark project represents a bold new era of geothermal development in Southeast Asia, tapping into renewable baseload power to supply industries that can no longer afford instability, unpredictable pricing, or carbon-heavy electricity. With the rising energy demands of data centers, manufacturing hubs, and digital infrastructure, Biliran II could become a strategic cornerstone in securing long-term energy resilienc...

OMV GeoTherm NL BV Takes Over Major Parts of Shell’s Dutch Geothermal Portfolio

OMV GeoTherm NL BV Takes Over Major Segments of Shell Geothermie’s Dutch Geothermal Portfolio By: Robert Buluma In a significant development for the Dutch geothermal sector, a new and highly experienced international player has stepped into the arena. OMV Green Energy GmbH—operating in the Netherlands under the name OMV GeoTherm NL BV —has officially taken over a large portion of Shell Geothermie’s geothermal portfolio . This transition marks an important moment for the growth, diversification, and continued professionalization of geothermal energy development in the Netherlands. With this move, OMV becomes a central actor in several high-potential geothermal projects across Rotterdam, Capelle , and Rijnland , reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting renewable energy systems across Europe. A New Powerhouse in Dutch Geothermal Development OMV, headquartered in Austria, is internationally recognized for its extensive knowledge of subsurface geology, drilling techno...

NZ and Iceland Forge Strategic Geothermal Partnership at COP30

New Zealand and Iceland Forge a Historic Partnership to Advance Superhot Geothermal Energy By: Robert Buluma In a defining moment for global clean energy innovation, New Zealand and Iceland have signed a landmark agreement to deepen cooperation on geothermal energy development. The arrangement—formalized at COP30 in Belém, Brazil—positions both nations at the forefront of a new era of renewable energy technology, especially in the emerging field of superhot and supercritical geothermal systems. This partnership is more than a diplomatic gesture; it represents a powerful fusion of scientific expertise, drilling innovation, and shared national ambition. For countries looking to harness geothermal as a reliable baseload solution, the New Zealand–Iceland alliance sets a new standard for international energy collaboration. A Partnership Rooted in Decades of Geothermal Excellence New Zealand and Iceland are globally recognized for their geothermal resources and world-leading technical expert...

Scotland Breaks Ground: NHS Grampian and TownRock Energy Launch First Deep Geothermal Heating Plant

Scotland’s First Deep Geothermal Heating Plant: NHS Grampian and TownRock Energy Explore Renewable Future By: Robert Buluma Scotland is taking a significant step toward renewable energy with the potential construction of its first deep geothermal heating plant in Aberdeen. A recent Scottish Government-funded feasibility study, conducted by TownRock Energy in partnership with NHS Grampian , has revealed the immense potential of harnessing geothermal energy beneath the city. This groundbreaking initiative could transform heating systems, reduce carbon emissions, and support the local community in tackling rising energy costs. Feasibility Study Highlights Geothermal Potential The desk-based study, completed by TownRock Energy, examined three different geothermal technologies for the Foresterhill Health Campus . The study concluded that an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) , reaching depths of 3.5km to 5km, would provide the most efficient and reliable source of renewable heat. ...

GeoHardt Unveils Mannheim Site for First Geothermal Heating Plant to Boost Renewable Energy

GeoHardt GmbH announces Mannheim site for its first geothermal heating plant in Rheinau, supporting MVV’s goal of 100% renewable district heating and driving the city’s energy transition. By: Robert Buluma GeoHardt GmbH has officially revealed its first geothermal heating plant site in Mannheim, marking a major milestone for renewable energy in the region. The selected location, in the southeastern part of Mannheim’s Rheinau district, will serve as the foundation for what could become a series of up to three geothermal heating plants planned by the company. This initiative aligns with MVV’s ambitious goal of transitioning district heating to 100% renewable energy, positioning Mannheim as a leader in Germany’s energy transition. Strategic Location: Franzosenhäusel in Mannheim The chosen site, known locally as Franzosenhäusel, is situated between the Bundesstraße B36 and the A6 motorway, south of Hallenbuckel Street. Covering an area of approximately 28,000 square meters, the site will...

Nevada’s Geothermal Lease Sale Breaks Records With Bids Surpassing $400 per Acre

Nevada’s Geothermal Lease Sale Shatters Records: What It Means for the Future of Clean Energy By: Robert Buluma The geothermal industry is entering an exciting new chapter—one defined by bold investments, rising land values, and rapidly advancing technology. The latest lease sale in Nevada is a perfect example. According to industry sources, bids are already surpassing previous records , with some parcels hitting over $400 per acre . This remarkable surge comes just months after earlier records were set, signaling a powerful and accelerating trend. As geothermal development continues to pick up momentum across the western United States, Nevada stands out as one of the most attractive hotspots. The state’s rich geothermal resources, combined with strong policy support and advancements in subsurface imaging, drilling, and reservoir engineering, are creating the perfect environment for developers and investors alike. A Record-Breaking Sale: What Happened? The Bureau of Land Management...

ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

Search This Blog