US-based ASP Isotopes announced that its subsidiary, Quantum Leap Energy, has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding through December 31, 2030, with a European nuclear technology company. 

The agreement outlines a potential framework for the supply of High Assay Low Enriched Uranium with a uranium-235 content greater than 10%. Initial fuel deliveries are projected to begin in 2028 and will scale up through 2036.

“The parties will conduct a technical and economic assessment to determine the viability of a long-term collaboration for the supply of high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) with uranium-235 content of greater than 10%,” said the company in a press release.

Alongside global trends

This agreement occurs alongside broader international movements in the nuclear fuel sector. The United States recently received 1.7 metric tons of High Assay Low Enriched Uranium from Japan, which federal officials recorded as the largest single international uranium shipment in the history of the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Under the terms of the agreement, the European partner will provide uranium feedstocks to Quantum Leap Energy’s planned conversion and enrichment facilities. Quantum Leap Energy will enrich these feedstocks to produce the required fuel, including potential deconversion, for delivery back to the partner. 

The two companies will conduct technical and economic assessments to determine the operational requirements, production scalability, and commercial costs of the collaboration.

To secure reliable HALEU fuel supply

“Securing reliable HALEU supply is one of the most critical challenges facing the advanced nuclear industry today,” said Dr. Ryno Pretorius, Chief Executive Officer of Quantum Leap Energy. “This MOU is a meaningful step in QLE’s mission to build enrichment capabilities that serve both US and global markets.”

High Assay Low Enriched Uranium is a necessary fuel source for next-generation nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, and fusion systems. Traditional nuclear fuel typically features a uranium-235 concentration of 3% to 5% for standard commercial power plants. 

In contrast, High Assay Low Enriched Uranium contains a concentration between 5% and 20%. This higher concentration allows advanced reactors to operate with smaller designs, run for longer periods, and achieve greater fuel efficiency.

“With increasing demand from next-generation reactor developers worldwide and evolving geopolitical dynamics affecting nuclear fuel supply chains, domestic US enrichment capacity capable of serving both domestic and international customers is expected to be critical for the advancement of advanced nuclear energy systems,” concluded the press release.

Maintaining existing commercial relationships

Quantum Leap Energy uses proprietary Aerodynamic Separation Process and laser-based Quantum Enrichment technologies to address supply gaps in uranium conversion, fuel enrichment, and isotopic separation of lithium-6 and lithium-7. The company also focuses on back-end radioactive waste treatment technologies.

Quantum Leap Energy maintains existing commercial relationships with industry organizations including TerraPower, Fermi America, and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation. 

Its parent company, ASP Isotopes, develops isotope enrichment platforms for nuclear medicine, semiconductors, and energy systems, operating production facilities in Pretoria, South Africa.