As the Government readies the roll out of small modular reactors in the UK, it is launching a high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) programme with £300m of investment to provide enriched uranium for the next generation of nuclear reactors.

A direct result of Russia attempted invasion of Ukraine, the programme will end Russia’s position as the only global commercial producer of HALEU.

The investment is part of plans to help deliver up to 24GW of low carbon, reliable nuclear power by 2050 and supply a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs.

An additional £10m will also be provided to develop the skills and sites to produce other advanced nuclear fuels in the UK.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, said: “Britain gave the world its first operational nuclear power plant, and now we will be the first nation in Europe outside of Russia to produce advanced nuclear fuel. This will be critical for energy security at home and abroad and builds on Britain’s historic competitive advantages.”

Advanced modular reactors will play an important role in the UK’s nuclear revival as, like small modular reactors, they are smaller, can be made in factories, and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive. Many designs have the potential for a range of applications beyond low-carbon electricity generation, including production of hydrogen or industrial heat.

At COP28 the UK also restated its commitment to working with G7 nuclear partners to reduce global dependence on Russian fuel.

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