Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she is taking steps to support the (a) development and (b) use of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium.

The UK is a world leader in the nuclear fuel cycle, and this is testament to the highly skilled workforce currently employed within the UK supply chain. The Government recognises the importance of establishing a secure, commercial supply of High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) to support future reactors and deliver our net zero and energy security ambitions.

As such, we have launched the Nuclear Fuel Fund (NFF) to be used to alongside private sector co-investment, to preserve and develop the UK’s nuclear fuel production capability. Through the NFF, the Government is proud to have invested £10.5m towards the development and use of a supply chain for HALEU in the UK. The Government is considering any further steps that might be necessary to support the development of HALEU fuel.