The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has taken a significant stride toward bolstering America’s energy independence by conditionally selecting Standard Nuclear as the first company to join its newly launched nuclear fuel line pilot program. This initiative, announced in July 2025 under President Trump’s Executive Order ‘Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactors for National Security’, aims to fortify the domestic supply chain for nuclear fuel, a vital component in the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies.
US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasised the strategic importance of this move: “Advanced nuclear reactors will be a game-changer for the United States, and with that comes the need to fabricate the fuel for these reactors. The Department of Energy is partnering private sector innovation with DOE expertise to assure stronger US nuclear supply lines.”
Standard Nuclear, based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, will spearhead the development and operation of a new nuclear fuel fabrication facility. The project will leverage existing infrastructure in Idaho to support the production of advanced TRISO fuel, a next-generation nuclear fuel crucial for high-performance reactors currently under development. Standard Nuclear will be responsible for the construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of the facility, while reactor developers will source uranium feedstock through DOE’s High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) allocation program.
This fuel line pilot program is intricately linked to the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program, which aims to bring at least three advanced reactor designs to operational criticality by 4 July 2026. These next-generation reactors are expected to utilise more efficient and safer nuclear fuels like TRISO, enhancing resilience and versatility in energy production. By fast-tracking research, licensing, and deployment of innovative reactor technologies outside traditional government labs, the DOE is fostering private-sector investment and paving the way for commercial-scale deployment.
Expanding domestic nuclear fuel capabilities is a strategic national priority. For years, the US has relied on foreign countries, including adversarial powers, for enriched uranium and other critical materials. This dependence introduces supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly during geopolitical tensions. By investing in US-based nuclear fuel production, the government ensures a stable, secure, and sovereign source of reactor fuel to support both civilian energy needs and national defence applications. This move also strengthens America’s global leadership in clean energy innovation and supports carbon reduction goals through reliable, low-emissions nuclear power.
With the selection of Standard Nuclear and the launch of the fuel line pilot initiative, the DOE is laying the groundwork for a resilient domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. This development marks a crucial step toward a future powered by safe, advanced, and American-made nuclear energy.
The implications of this news are far-reaching. By reducing reliance on foreign sources of enriched uranium, the US can mitigate geopolitical risks and enhance energy security. The partnership between the DOE and private sector innovators like Standard Nuclear could accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, potentially revolutionising the energy landscape. Moreover, the focus on TRISO fuel and other next-generation nuclear fuels could lead to safer, more efficient reactors, further solidifying the US’s position as a leader in clean energy innovation.
As the DOE and Standard Nuclear move forward with this initiative, the energy sector will be watching closely. The success of this pilot program could set a precedent for future collaborations between the government and private sector, shaping the trajectory of the nuclear energy industry for years to come.