Centrus Energy Corp. and Oklo Inc. announced that they are in exploratory discussions to create a joint venture that would develop high‑assay low‑enriched uranium (HALEU) deconversion services at Centrus’ Piketon, Ohio enrichment facility. The proposed partnership would co‑locate deconversion operations with Centrus’ existing enrichment services, creating a single‑site fuel‑cycle hub that could serve Oklo’s planned 1.2 GW Aurora‑INL power campus and other advanced‑reactor customers.
The joint venture would focus on converting enriched uranium into uranium oxide or metal, the chemical forms required for fuel fabrication. By integrating deconversion with Centrus’ enrichment pipeline, the two companies aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate the deployment of advanced reactors. The collaboration is positioned to address the growing demand for HALEU and to strengthen the domestic supply chain that has been constrained by the U.S. ban on Russian imports, which are scheduled to end in 2028.
Centrus has received a $900 million Department of Energy task order to expand its Piketon facility, with the first new HALEU production capacity expected online in 2029. Oklo, which is developing fast‑fission power plants, was selected for DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program and Fuel Line Pilot Projects, targeting operation of its Aurora‑INL reactor in late 2027 to early 2028. The joint venture would therefore align two companies that are already receiving federal support to build a resilient U.S. nuclear fuel cycle.
Amir Vexler, Centrus CEO, said, "Centrus is laying the groundwork to rebuild the U.S. nuclear fuel‑cycle capacity, including the services needed to support advanced reactor fuels. We look forward to exploring options to co‑locate and scale deconversion services to improve efficiency and support growing demand." Jacob DeWitte, Oklo co‑founder, added, "Advanced nuclear energy development requires not only reactors but also reliable fuel‑cycle capabilities that support those reactors. This framework supports deeper discussions with Centrus on potential pathways to expand deconversion capacity, strengthen domestic supply chains, and advance a more efficient fuel‑cycle model that operates from the same location."
The partnership represents a strategic shift for Centrus, expanding beyond enrichment into the full fuel‑cycle chain, and provides Oklo with a reliable domestic source of HALEU fuel. Together, the companies aim to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, meet the U.S. government’s goal of a secure domestic HALEU supply, and position themselves as key players in the emerging advanced‑reactor market.
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