An economic assessment of naval nuclear fuel reprocessing for HALEU production: A public-private partnership model

The United States faces a growing demand for High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) to support nuclear innovation and energy security. This work explores the feasibility of reprocessing and down-blending used naval nuclear fuel to create a supply of HALEU to decrease government liability while increasing nuclear innovation within the United States. Several nations successfully reprocess commercial spent nuclear fuel, and historically, the Department of Energy has also done so. The potential revenue of this project, at projected market costs, could supply operational costs for the government. Drawbacks lie in the capital costs of such a facility and the likely need to implement unproven technology. Ultimately, the reprocessing of Naval nuclear fuel presents a unique opportunity for the United States to reduce significant liabilities and invest in the country's energy future.