Centrus Energy’s subsidiary, American Centrifuge Operating, LLC, has successfully achieved the 900 kg production goal for the second phase of its three-phase contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to supply high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU). The company has delivered over 920 kg of HALEU to date at its American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio.

The Piketon advanced centrifuge cascade

Centrus has now started enrichment production for the third phase, following a contract extension secured earlier this month, which extends production through June 30, 2026. This phase includes options for up to eight additional years, contingent on the Department of Energy’s approval and available funding. HALEU, enriched to 5%–20% uranium-235, is critical for fueling advanced reactor designs under development, as no commercial HALEU source currently exists in the United States.

The Department of Energy has supported Centrus since 2019 to build a domestic HALEU supply chain. Initially, Centrus was contracted to license and construct advanced centrifuges at the Piketon facility to demonstrate HALEU production. In 2022, the company was selected through a competitive process for a follow-on contract to produce and deliver HALEU for the Department’s needs. The material from Piketon will support the Department’s HALEU allocation process for testing and qualifying fuel for advanced reactors.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Mike Goff stated: “It’s also an important step in rebuilding the nation’s nuclear fuel supply chain as directed by President Trump’s recent executive orders to expand America’s Dominance agenda.” He emphasized the project’s importance in ensuring sufficient HALEU to meet the immediate needs of industry partners developing advanced reactors.

Centrus Energy President and CEO Amir Vexler said: “Achievement of this milestone further demonstrates the ability of our technology to deliver results for our customers and for the nation. As the only source of HALEU enrichment in the Western world, our product is urgently needed to power the next generation of reactors.” Vexler added that the company is committed to expanding its Ohio facility to meet both commercial and national security demands for HALEU and low-enriched uranium for existing reactors.

This milestone underscores Centrus’s role in advancing U.S. nuclear energy capabilities. By producing HALEU, the company supports the development of a reliable domestic supply chain, enabling the deployment of next-generation reactors to meet future energy needs.