Centrus Energy to Supply HALEU Fuel to Antares Nuclear, Enabling Micro Nuclear Reactor Applications for Military and Space

2026-09-18 16:31 HALEU micro nuclear reactor US Nuclear Power

U.S. nuclear fuel supplier Centrus Energy has signed a multi-year contract with advanced microreactor developer Antares Nuclear, under which Centrus will supply high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Antares. This agreement is expected to expand the application scenarios of micro nuclear reactors to locations where traditional power sources are difficult to use, such as military facilities and space environments. As part of the agreement, Antares Nuclear will make advance payments to support Centrus in expanding HALEU production capacity in the United States.

Compared with conventional low-enriched uranium, HALEU contains more uranium-235, with an enrichment level above 5% but below 20%. This new type of fuel can support smaller, higher-energy-density reactor designs, which is crucial for the development of microreactors, especially when size, weight, and fuel durability become key limiting factors. This design advantage is particularly important for using reactors at remote military locations or in space missions.

Antares Nuclear has been selected to participate in programs of the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Space Force aimed at demonstrating nuclear power for military facilities and space reactors. This cooperation addresses the critical need for deploying small nuclear reactors at military facilities and in space applications, and provides Antares Nuclear with a reliable, U.S.-sourced supply of HALEU fuel.

Jordan Bramble, CEO of Antares Nuclear, said that fuel supply is a practical issue that all advanced reactor developers must address, and this contract provides Antares Nuclear with the reliable fuel source needed to deploy reactors for various military and space customers.

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