Latest news with #OperationGigawatt
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nusano Announces Breakthrough HALEU Program Expected to Produce Up to 350 Metric Tons of Fuel Annually for Advanced Nuclear Reactors
Reservations available now, commercial production deliveries begin Q1 2027 Proprietary process with reduced environmental impacts Efficient domestic supply chain needed to support projected growth in energy demand from increased electrification and energy-intensive industries Critical step toward energy independence being built in Utah WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nusano, a physics company transforming radioisotope production and enabling next-generation energy solutions, announced today the launch of a High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) production program to support the need for new, sustainable energy solutions and small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) infrastructure in the United States. 'Domestic HALEU production is essential to enabling sustainable energy solutions,' said Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano. 'Through our HALEU program, Nusano is working to stabilize supply chains, significantly drive down the cost of fuel, and enable the deployment of advanced nuclear energy on a scale needed to support advancements in AI, data centers, electrification, and modern logistics.' The Nusano HALEU program is a critical step toward establishing a 100% domestic fuel supply for next-generation energy solutions and firmly positions Utah to lead the nation in advanced fuel production. The launch also aligns with Utah Governor Cox's broader Operation Gigawatt strategy for energy abundance founded in a secure, stable and independent energy ecosystem, as well as recent federal government directives to build a domestic uranium enrichment supply. 'Utah has long played a role in the nation's nuclear fuel supply chain,' said Emy Lesofski, energy advisor to the governor and director of the Utah Office of Energy Development. 'As we explore how to meet the energy needs of the future, we're focused on energy resources that are reliable and clean—many of which need HALEU. The next generation of advanced nuclear technologies need fuel and companies like Nusano can fill that need safely and responsibly and we look forward to opportunities to partner with them at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab.' Proprietary System Enables Mass Production Nusano brings new solutions to HALEU production, making it the first private company in the United States to offer a scalable, commercial solution for nuclear fuel with a focus on HALEU. The Nusano HALEU program utilizes a proprietary process capable of quick, cost-effective production and scale up. Compared to modern centrifuge facilities, the Nusano solution is more energy efficient, easier to operate, and can produce on demand—overcoming the most common issues associated with gas centrifuge machines. Additionally, Nusano's process eliminates the need for uranium hexafluoride, a bottleneck in current nuclear fuel cycles. These capabilities position Nusano to play a critical role stabilizing the domestic HALEU supply chain while also reducing environmental impacts. A stable, domestic fuel supply will ultimately decrease U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers, increasing our national security and economic stability. Nusano intends to produce initial commercial samples of HALEU by Q4 2026 and begin large scale production in Q1 2027. A single Nusano system will be capable of producing more than 50 metric tons of HALEU annually — with a small footprint, lower initial capital investment, and lower operating costs than other proposed solutions. Nusano plans to scale its production to approximately 350 metric tons annually by 2029. America's Unmet Energy Needs The United States Department of Energy estimates that by 2035, the country will need 50 metric tons per year of HALEU to support its commercial nuclear power industry, escalating to 500 metric tons per year by 2050. Current solutions are capable of providing less than 1% of that supply, which makes this project essential if America is to regain its energy independence and stabilize its economies. HALEU is a crucial fuel for small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear reactor designs. Unlike traditional reactors, which use uranium-235 (U-235) enriched to about 3-5%, HALEU is enriched to between 5-19.9% U-235, which allows for greater fuel efficiency, longer operational cycles, and more compact reactor designs. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversees the establishment of new uranium facilities and the uranium enrichment process. The U.S. has been safely enriching uranium for decades and this project will continue the country's successful and responsible production of nuclear fuel. About NusanoNusano is a privately held physics company committed to: bringing supply stability and innovation to the rapidly emerging and critically undersupplied medical radioisotopes market, serving industrial and commercial markets dependent on reliable access to high quality radioisotopes for their products and services, and enabling next-generation energy solutions. Nusano's breakthrough technologies are poised to help supply the fight against cancer and enable innovation across multiple industries. For more, please visit Contacts: Media: Scott Larrivee, Nusano, 608-345-6629, Investor Relations: Joyce Allaire, LifeSci Advisors, LLC, 212-915-2569, jallaire@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: America can't afford to hesitate on nuclear energy
In 1955, a small city in the American West became the first in the world to be powered entirely by nuclear energy. It marked the dawn of a new technological era — when America built boldly and led decisively. Today, as new demand strains the grid and global energy competition intensifies, the West is once again positioned to do something historic: not just power cities, but ignite a new era of American prosperity and security. In the decades that followed, the United States built more than 100 commercial nuclear reactors, most of them before 1990. It was a time of American acceleration, with some speculating that electricity could soon become 'too cheap to meter.' The rest of the world took notice. France launched a sweeping national effort to replicate that momentum. Today, nuclear provides roughly 70% of France's electricity. But then, we hesitated. A combination of regulatory overreach, shifting public sentiment and political inertia brought new development nearly to a standstill. Well-documented setbacks fueled skepticism, while permitting processes stretched into decades. Our industrial muscle atrophied as we began to treat innovation as risk rather than opportunity. Somewhere along the way, we forgot how to build. But the tide is turning. Between 2019 and 2024, American support for nuclear energy rose by 18 percentage points. A recent poll found that nearly 80% of first-time and Gen Z voters support next-generation nuclear technologies as a complement to renewables. In Utah, where I serve as governor, polling shows similarly broad support for advanced nuclear energy. That support isn't surprising. Existing nuclear plants are among the safest, cleanest and most efficient sources of power ever built. Advanced nuclear builds on this legacy, offering smaller footprints, faster deployment and even broader use cases. Utah isn't just focused on building advanced nuclear reactors, but all energy types that can help us meet our goals. Through my administration's initiative, Operation Gigawatt, we're moving to double our state's energy capacity over the next 10 years and build out our energy ecosystem to meet the needs of the future. This is a strategic imperative. We don't believe in just an 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy — we believe in a more-of-the-above strategy. If it's reliable, clean and scalable, we're building it. That's why at Utah's recent Nuclear Energy Summit, I joined Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Idaho Governor Brad Little in signing a tri-state MOU to pursue regional collaboration in energy policy, infrastructure development and regulatory strategy. We're also building an ecosystem to support advanced nuclear. Our new Nuclear Energy Consortium — created in partnership with state lawmakers — will bring together private industry, investors and policymakers to guide development. We're also designating energy development zones and creating policies to attract capital without raising costs for ratepayers. This is a model other states can follow. This work is urgent. AI is already driving explosive growth in computing power, with hyperscale data centers demanding round-the-clock electricity. But that's just one piece of a much larger challenge: how do we keep the lights on, keep rates affordable and build a grid resilient enough to withstand heatwaves, storms and cyber threats? Solving that challenge is essential for Utah families and businesses — today and for generations to come. Because at the core of every strong economy is reliable energy. As we reshore advanced manufacturing and electrify major sectors of our economy — from transportation to housing — the demands on our grid will only grow. The future we're building won't run on gigawatts — it will require terawatts. In May, President Trump signed four executive orders to 'usher in a nuclear renaissance.' These orders provide steps to streamline permitting, support domestic enrichment and prioritize advanced reactor deployment. The economic case is compelling, with nuclear power offering unmatched reliability and energy density. At the announcement, Jake DeWitte, CEO of advanced nuclear firm Oklo, underscored that point with a simple visual: 'A golf ball of uranium metal has enough energy content in it to power your entire life's energy needs.' That's the kind of efficiency we'll need to power the next chapter of American prosperity. But this isn't just about economics. It's also about national security. At the same White House event, General Matter CEO Scott Nolan pointed to a dangerous vulnerability: 'Right now the U.S. is completely dependent on other countries for enrichment.' He's right. Roughly 25% of the enriched uranium used in U.S. reactors today comes from Russia. That dependency is unacceptable. As we bring dozens of new advanced reactors online in the coming years, we must ensure we're not relying on adversaries to fuel them. More than just building reactors, meeting this moment demands a full-scale commitment to the nuclear supply chain, from mining and enrichment to manufacturing and waste handling. It also requires modernizing our permitting systems so that well-designed projects don't languish for years under bureaucratic delay. We've done this before. In less than three decades, America once brought more than 100 nuclear reactors online. We know how to build when we decide it matters. And if we care about energy security, economic growth and global competitiveness, we'll do it again. The American West powered the world's first nuclear city. This time, we have a chance to power something even greater: a nuclear renaissance. Utah is ready to lead. I invite utility executives, policymakers and local leaders everywhere to join us. Now is the time to build.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
As Cox advances nuclear agreements, he says the cost to develop technology is nothing so far
Gov. Spencer Cox answers questions from the media during his monthly PBS news conference in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Pool photo by Bethany Baker/The Salt Lake Tribune) When thinking about Utah's nuclear future, Gov. Spencer Cox said he wants people to think less of the giant nuclear plant where Homer Simpson works, and visualize more a picture of dozens of small modular reactors, stacking in the state over time. While many Utahns are still trying to wrap their heads around the idea Cox is envisioning, he has already signed a couple of memorandums of understanding with companies to help it materialize — and, he said, he wants to go big. On May 23, Cox joined the founder of Valar Atomics, a California nuclear developer, in announcing their partnership to meet President Donald Trump's goal to have an operational advanced reactor on American soil by July 4, 2026, at the San Rafael Energy Research Center in Emery County. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX On Monday, he signed another agreement with another company for the nuclear efforts, Cox said during his monthly news conference broadcast by PBS Utah. A plan for Utah nuclear energy industry's foundation is taking shape 'We're going to be working with all of these companies. We want to find the best technology. We're not betting on any one technology or any one company. That doesn't make sense,' Cox said on Tuesday. 'We're betting on the idea that there is going to be a nuclear renaissance.' While research shows that nuclear developments usually go for a hefty price tag, Cox said that currently the initial plans won't cost anything to the state, since the state already acquired the San Rafael Energy Lab during the 2024 legislative session and that will be one of the state's main contributions in the agreement. 'We're just providing space for these companies to come in and run their new technology there to see if it actually works,' Cox said. 'And so that's not going to cost us anything. The hope is it will save us down the road.' Lawmakers did agree to fund $10 million for Cox's Operation Gigawatt nuclear initiative; the governor said that money is for siting. Utah has also sought to ease the regulations to make nuclear energy production a reality. First by suing the federal government in January — then still under the Biden administration — over its strict rules to permit the resource. Then, by passing big legislation to set the foundation for the state's nuclear energy future. Glowing pains: Developing nuclear power could cost Utah tens of billions The U.S. is lagging behind countries like China in the development of nuclear plants, Cox said. Now, with a new White House administration prioritizing a quicker licensing process for nuclear reactors and ordering a plan to add 300 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity in the country by 2050, Cox believes Utah can lead the way. 'The market will decide how big that is,' Cox said, 'government is not going to decide that, but we're going to present opportunities.' Other agreements happening across the state have centered around the construction of power-hungry data and AI centers. While Cox says he remains 'fairly agnostic' on them, he believes they'll be built in many areas of the country either way, drawing a substantial amount of energy from states' shared grid. 'Even if we didn't have a single data center here, we would still need to significantly increase our power production,' Cox said. 'If we're going to significantly increase our power production, we might as well put them here.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: Energy tax credits help Utah's economy thrive
For generations, Utah has been known as 'the Crossroads of the West,' and, in recent years, our state has undergone an exciting amount of growth. According to Pew, between 2009 and 2023, Utah experienced the fastest median population growth rate in the United States, at 1.68% a year. By 2065, Utah County alone will add 1 million people to its population. People from across the country and the world are moving to Utah, not only for its natural beauty, but for the state's pro-business economy. With all the positives that come from a growing population, Utah must address one of the greatest challenges facing our state: producing reliable energy. In recent years, federal lawmakers have sought to incentivize domestic clean energy production. Tax provisions that were included in federal legislation have unleashed a new era of energy production in Utah. Last fall, Gov. Spencer Cox launched 'Operation Gigawatt,' an ambitious initiative to double Utah's power production over the next decade. Reflecting his commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy, the plan leverages a diverse mix of traditional and renewable resources — including natural gas, nuclear, geothermal, solar and wind — to meet growing demand. By combining access to abundant natural assets with world-class research and innovation, Utah is positioning itself as a national leader in clean, reliable and forward-looking energy solutions. Despite the positive impact that these tax credits have on Utah's energy independence and economy, some lawmakers in Washington, D.C., have proposed eliminating them in the reconciliation package now under consideration in Congress. What may seem like an easy way to generate revenue will cost Americans more in the long run. Not only will states like Utah push the limits of their current energy infrastructure, but consumers will also experience an immediate increase in the cost of utilities. Utah is not the only state that would be negatively impacted by eliminating energy tax credits. Last month, Sen. John Curtis sent a letter with some of his Republican colleagues from Alaska, Kansas and North Carolina to Senate Leader John Thune about this issue. The letter highlights the ways that these tax credits have empowered the growth of the clean energy sector, and how getting rid of these credits would 'weaken our position as a global energy leader.' SunRun, a major employer in Utah, exemplifies how clean energy tax credits can drive economic growth and energy innovation. The company's investments in solar technology and distribution not only create local jobs but also help increase America's energy independence. If Congress moves forward with cutting these vital tax credits, it would impact companies like SunRun that are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and secure energy future for Utah and the nation. Utah is fortunate to have leaders in Washington, D.C., like Sen. John Curtis, who understand the need for investments to drive a clean energy future. Our state's continued growth is reliant on our ability to provide reliable, affordable energy to everyone who wants to call Utah home. Let's not squander this opportunity; we must protect clean energy tax credits.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hawaii is beautiful, but it costs a lot to keep the lights on — especially compared to Utah
Hawaii may be an island paradise, but it is a money pit when it comes to the cost of electricity. Residents there pay an average of $213 a month to keep the lights on, while Utah costs are as low as $85 per month. With U.S. electricity consumption hitting record levels and forecast to continue climbing through 2026, a new study has revealed just how much your location impacts your energy costs. For millions of Americans, states' energy pricing structure means they're paying double, or even triple, what residents in other regions pay, the study found. 'With the recent EIA report showing nationwide electricity consumption at an all-time high, consumers need to understand the differences in regional prices,' said Corey Gilgan, owner of Oregon Generators, which specializes in generator installation, EV charging setups and electrical upgrades. 'Our study shows dramatic variations in what Americans pay for energy depending on where they live, information that's particularly valuable as demand continues to grow.' 'Hawaii's isolated location means almost everything energy-related must be imported at premium prices,' Gilgan said. 'They're largely dependent on imported petroleum for electricity generation, while the mainland has diversified its energy sources. The additional cost of maintaining infrastructure across multiple islands creates significantly higher energy costs for residents.' Utah's energy portfolio includes a mix of coal, natural gas, geothermal, wind and solar. According to the Energy Information Administration, coal fueled 46% of Utah's total electricity net generation in 2023, down from 75% in 2015, and natural gas accounted for 34%. Almost all of the rest of Utah's generation came from renewable energy sources, primarily solar power. Solar energy powers about 93% of Utah's electric generating capacity added since 2015. While Utah does not generate any electricity from nuclear energy, plans for several nuclear power plants have been proposed since 2007. PacifiCorp has announced that it is looking to replace two coal-fired power plants in Emery County with nuclear power. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has an ambitious goal of doubling Utah's generation of electricity within a decade. Last fall, he announced the launch of Operation Gigawatt, emphasizing there is a looming energy crisis. 'It puts Utah in a position to lead the country in energy development, secure our energy future and remain a net energy exporter while diversifying and expanding our energy resources,' he said at the time. The analysis in this study shows Utah is moving in the right direction. 'Utah benefits from a combination of favorable energy factors,' Gilgan said. 'Their geographic position provides access to abundant coal and natural gas reserves, significant hydroelectric resources, and relatively modern infrastructure. Additionally, their regulatory framework prioritizes cost-effective energy delivery to consumers.'
