ML24047A264

News Release-II-23-021: NRC Authorizes American Centrifuge Plant to Begin High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium Demonstration Project

ML24047A264
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Issue date:	06/16/2023
From:	Office of Public Affairs Region II
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News Release-II-23-021
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No: II-23-021 June 16, 2023

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Dave Gasperson, 404-997-4417 NRC Authorizes American Centrifuge Plant to Begin High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium Demonstration Project

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has authorized American Centrifuge Operating LLC to start up high-assay low-enriched uranium enrichment operations at the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio. This is the first step in demonstrating the production of HALEU for advanced fuels forthe next generation of nuclear reactors.

The authorization allows the facility to enrich limited quantities of uranium in the form of uranium hexafluoride. The plant will need additional NRC inspections and authorization before further increasing the production of HALEU.

The ACP is currently the only facility licensed by the NRC to produce HALEU in the United States.

This authorization ensures the American Centrifuge Plant adheres to the NRCs safety and regulatory guidelines," said NRC Region II Administrator Laura A. Dudes. Authorizing the demonstration project moves the country closer to developing HALEU-based fuels for advanced reactors.

The NRC's authorization was issued following operational readiness inspections of the 16-centri fuge cascade, which were conducted to confirm that the facility had been constructed and will be operated safely and securely. Details of the inspections and the final authorization letter are available on the NRC website.