PIKETON, Ohio — Centrus Energy Corporation, the sole producer of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) in the United States, has announced delays in its production schedule, casting doubt on the nation’s ambitions for nuclear independence. Despite delivering its first batch of 20kg HALEU to the Department of Energy (DOE) in November 2023, the company now acknowledges it will not meet its target of 900kg for the year due to “supply chain challenges” in securing specialized storage cylinders.
This setback comes amidst a renewed push for domestic HALEU production, fueled by bipartisan Congressional support and concerns about reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly Russia. HALEU, enriched to between 5% and 20% uranium-235, is critical for powering next-generation nuclear reactors and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Centrus, along with the DOE, aims to establish a secure domestic HALEU supply chain, potentially eliminating dependence on foreign sources altogether. The Piketon enrichment facility, currently operating at a demonstration scale, was awarded $30 million in 2022 to initiate this process.
However, the company’s struggles highlight the complexities of ramping up production. The lack of readily available Type B cylinders, specifically designed for transporting and storing HALEU, has forced Centrus to revise its production targets. While they maintain optimism for the project’s long-term success, the delay raises concerns about its feasibility and potential environmental impact.
Environmental Concerns Cloud Nuclear Optimism
While some, including Centrus and Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, view domestic HALEU production as a crucial step towards clean energy and job creation, others remain wary. The Pike County community, neighboring the Piketon facility, harbors deep concerns about potential health risks associated with uranium enrichment.
Activists point to the legacy of the Gaseous Diffusion plant, which operated at the same site until 2001, leaving behind radioactive contamination and elevated cancer rates in the area. The presence of Neptunium-237, a highly radioactive element linked to the former plant, in local air and soil samples further fuels anxieties.
Studies indicate that Pike County’s cancer rates significantly exceed state and national averages, with residents facing a disproportionate burden of health problems. This raises questions about the potential health consequences of expanding HALEU production in the area.
Joseph Mangano, an epidemiologist and radiation safety expert, emphasizes the need to prioritize the well-being of local communities. He urges regulators and elected officials to reject proposals that could expose residents to further health risks.
Balancing Energy Needs with Environmental and Community Concerns
The Centrus setback underscores the challenges and complexities of balancing the nation’s energy needs with environmental and community concerns. As the United States strives for energy independence and carbon neutrality, experts say, navigating this path requires careful consideration of potential risks and a commitment to protecting public health and the environment.
