Three nuclear firms explore recycled materials as fuel for next-generation reactors

Three nuclear companies are exploring a new way to turn recycled nuclear materials into fuel for next-generation reactors, potentially linking fuel recycling, manufacturing and advanced reactor technology into a single supply chain. Curio, NuScale Power and Framatome have signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate how materials recovered through Curio’s NuCycle recycling technology could be used in future nuclear fuel and other products. Curio develops nuclear fuel recycling technology, NuScale makes small modular reactors, and Framatome supplies nuclear fuel and reactor systems. The work will focus on technical feasibility, fuel development, manufacturing, and potential commercialization. The companies will examine both “source-to-product” and “source-to-fuel” pathways, essentially looking at how recovered materials could move from used nuclear fuel into new applications. They will also assess supply-chain requirements and how their technologies could work together. The agreement comes as the nuclear industry faces growing demand for new reactors while also trying to build more resilient domestic fuel supplies. The companies say an integrated fuel cycle could help support advanced reactors in the US and nuclear energy projects in international markets. Recycling meets reactor demand Curio brings the fuel-recycling side of the partnership. Its NuCycle technology is designed to process used nuclear fuel and recover materials for potential reuse. The company says the technology could reduce residual waste volumes by up to 97% while recovering strategic nuclear materials. NuScale brings its small modular reactor technology to the collaboration. Its NuScale Power Module is a pressurized water reactor designed to generate 77 megawatts of electricity per module, with multiple modules able to be combined into larger plants. Framatome adds expertise in nuclear fuel manufacturing and reactor services. The company designs and supplies nuclear fuel and other systems used across the global nuclear fleet. “America’s ability to lead the next era of nuclear energy will depend on more than building reactors—it will require building the fuel cycle infrastructure needed to support them,” said Ed McGinnis, CEO of Curio. The companies will conduct technical assessments, feasibility studies, supply-chain analyses and interface evaluations under the MOU. These studies are intended to identify areas where the three companies could pursue more detailed development agreements or commercial partnerships. Building fuel for reactors The partnership is not yet a commercial fuel-production deal. Instead, it establishes a framework for determining whether recovered nuclear materials can be turned into usable fuel and products at scale. For advanced reactors, having a dependable fuel supply can be as important as developing the reactor itself. The partners will therefore examine requirements spanning material recovery, fuel development, qualification and fabrication before potential commercial deployment. “Advancing the next generation of nuclear energy demands bold innovation and strong alignment across the entire fuel cycle,” said Tony Robinson, Framatome Inc. President and CEO. “At Framatome, we are committed to working with partners who share that vision and support efforts to strengthen America’s nuclear infrastructure.“ NuScale also sees the fuel cycle as a key part of deploying SMRs. “With the most near-term deployable SMR technology, NuScale has long recognized that the nuclear industry requires a strong, reliable, sustainable frontend and backend fuel supply to meet increasing demand,” said John Hopkins, President and CEO of NuScale Power.The companies say the collaboration could eventually lead to new agreements covering technology development, fuel qualification, supply-chain development and commercial deployment. For now, the goal is to determine whether recycled nuclear materials can become part of a more integrated fuel system for the next generation of reactors.Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.