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DOE OSTI · 3377975

Nuclear Security Risks for HALEU Fuels

Smith, Adam [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000255942885)·Nelson, Scott [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000295204174)·Karcz, Jason [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000339309788)·Feldstein, Matthew [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000334696360)·Bland, Jesse [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]
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Abstract

There is growing interest in high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for use in advanced nuclear reactors as a high-energy fuel source. The primary objectives of this report are to identify the security risks that directly result from HALEU and to identify the gaps and challenges it presents from a theft and sabotage perspective. This study focuses on HALEU security risks for the front end of the fuel cycle and includes a review of the supply chain, fuel fabrication, and transport for terrestrial reactors.

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Smith, Adam [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000255942885), Nelson, Scott [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000295204174), Karcz, Jason [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000339309788), Feldstein, Matthew [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000334696360), Bland, Jesse [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]. 2026-06-01. Nuclear Security Risks for HALEU Fuels. https://doi.org/10.2172/3377975

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