🚀 U.S. Startup Aims to Revolutionize HALEU Production

General Matter, a startup founded by former SpaceX engineer Scott Nolan, is tackling a critical challenge in the nuclear energy sector: increasing access to high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to power next-generation reactors.
HALEU, enriched to between 5% and 20%, is essential for small modular reactors (SMRs), which promise more compact designs and higher energy outputs than traditional reactors. With costs currently ranging from $25,000–$35,000 per kilogram, making HALEU more affordable is vital for the growth of advanced nuclear technologies.
General Matter is pioneering innovative production methods inspired by Silicon Valley’s efficiency-driven approaches, aiming to cut enrichment costs by half. Backed by a U.S. Department of Energy contract under a $2.7 billion initiative, the company is exploring advanced methods like laser enrichment to scale domestic production.
By addressing these challenges, General Matter could play a transformative role in meeting the growing demand for clean, reliable energy, helping to pave the way for widespread adoption of SMRs and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Photo Credit: Energy.gov