The U.S. Department of Energy announced $11 million in awards to five U.S. companies to develop and license new or modified transportation packages for high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). Secretary of Energy Chris Wright made the announcement on December 8, 2025, during a visit to Idaho National Laboratory, which marked the final stop in his tour of all 17 DOE National Laboratories. The funding supports industry-led efforts to design, modify, and license packages through the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
What it means
The awards advance President Trump’s executive orders regarding rebuilding the nuclear fuel cycle and deploying advanced reactors. The funding is provided through DOE’s HALEU Availability Program, which was established under the Energy Act. Five companies were selected across two topic areas: developing new package designs for NRC licensing and modifying existing design packages for NRC certification.
Projects in Topic Area 1 have performance periods of up to three years, while the Topic Area 2 project has a performance period of up to two years. Secretary Wright stated that the Trump administration is committed to restoring supply chains needed to secure America’s future, citing critical minerals and nuclear fuel as key areas. He added that the Energy Department is operating at record speeds to unleash the next American Nuclear Renaissance and deliver more affordable, reliable, and secure energy for American families and businesses.
Key facts
- $11 million: total amount in awards announced
- five: number of U.S. companies receiving awards
- December 8, 2025: date of announcement and Secretary Wright’s visit to Idaho National Laboratory
- HALEU Availability Program: funding source established under the Energy Act
- up to three years: maximum performance period for Topic Area 1 projects (new package designs)
- up to two years: maximum performance period for the Topic Area 2 project (modified existing packages)
- Idaho National Laboratory: location of the announcement and final stop in Secretary Wright’s tour of 17 DOE National Laboratories
Source: U.S. Department of Energy news release