US fuel technology company Lightbridge Corporation has joined two public-private nuclear power groups: the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Consortium, and the US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Working Group.

DOE announced the creation of a HALEU Consortium in December 2022 to support the establishment of domestic HALEU infrastructure and to: provide the Secretary of Energy with HALEU demand estimates for domestic commercial use; purchase HALEU made available to members for commercial use; carry out demonstration projects using HALEU; and identify actionable opportunities to improve the reliability of the HALEU supply chain.

The SMR Working Group supports the deployment and export of US SMRs in European markets while ensuring safety, security, and non-proliferation. Its purpose is to expedite SMR deployment by facilitating collaboration between the US industry, government, and European partners. Through quarterly meetings, members gain sector knowledge and networking opportunities with prospective European customers and government officials, ultimately positioning US companies for success in the European SMR market.

Lightbridge President & CEO Seth Grae of Corporation noted: “As we work together to drive US production of HALEU and deployment of SMRs in Europe, we are confident that our participation in these important groups will help us achieve our strategic objectives and contribute to a cleaner, more secure energy future.”

Lightbridge Corporation and its subsidiaries develop nuclear fuel technology. It focuses on developing and commercialising metallic nuclear fuels that could enhance resistance of nuclear fuel in existing and new nuclear reactors. The company was formerly known as Thorium Power, Ltd. and changed its name to Lightbridge Corporation in September 2009.