DOE'S DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT CONSORTIUM UNVEILS NEW INITIATIVE TO GROW THE NATION'S NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE

The Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) announced it is kicking off an ambitious new initiative to secure the nation’s nuclear fuel supply chain. Through the Defense Production Act (DPA) Nuclear Fuel Cycle Consortium, the federal government will work with the domestic nuclear industry to ensure that the United States continues to have enough nuclear fuel to power the current nuclear reactor fleet as well as future advanced reactors. 

Comprised of representatives from more than 90 companies spanning the nuclear industrial base, the initiative will address all facets of the nuclear fuel supply chain including milling, conversion, enrichment, deconversion, fabrication, recycling, and reprocessing. 

The Consortium shared it will focus its efforts on three goals to support the nuclear energy sector. Under the “Nuclear Dominance — 3 by 33” campaign, the Consortium aims to by 2033: 

• Catalyze a secure and cost-competitive domestic fuel supply chain  
• Accelerate advanced reactor deployment and close the fuel cycle 
• Explore how the DPA framework can be activated to grow and align workforce, finance, innovation and collaboration in support of nuclear build out 

The initiative will begin a series of 60-day sprints designed to make rapid progress on the Consortium’s goals.  

“The Consortium’s work comes at a pivotal time for nuclear energy growth in our country,” said Assistant Secretary of Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish. “I’m pleased with the dedication of the Committee and am looking forward to rapid progress on near term goals to achieve a robust American-made supply of nuclear fuel.” 

The country’s need for secure and reliable energy is projected to rise in the coming years, driven in part by growth in industrial manufacturing, as well as the power needs of data centers to support artificial intelligence. Nuclear energy currently provides the country with nearly 20 percent of its power. The long-term success of efforts to put more power on the grid through nuclear power plant uprates, restarts and the commercial deployment of advanced reactors will all depend on the availability of nuclear fuel.  

Click here to read the full announcement from DOE.

Key Topics of Discussion Include:

• EM’s new vision for utilizing legacy cleanup to advance American Energy dominance, innovation and affordability.
• The opportunities for EM to contribute to, and benefit from, DOE’s Genesis Mission to more effectively utilize AI to tackle national challenges.
• The intersection of legacy cleanup and advancing DOE’s modernization of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
• EM’s role in the new nuclear renaissance underway across America.
• Industry leadership perspectives on DOE’s cleanup and energy missions.
• The potential for local communities to capitalize on advances in new nuclear.

Schedule:

Tuesday, September 15: Full-Day Programming, Evening Networking Reception

Wednesday, September 16: Full-Day Programming

Full agenda coming soon!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

National Cleanup Workshop 2026

Arlington, VA | September 14-16

Learn More Here

ECA Winter Series: How Collaboration Among Companies and Community Hosts Will Strengthen Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation

January 8, 2026

DOE’s recent Request for Information on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses signals federal interest in accelerating advanced fuel capabilities — potentially including HALEU production, fuel fabrication, recycling, testing infrastructure, and integrated research hubs. Today’s discussion focuses on the central question: How will collaboration among private companies and community leaders strengthen the delivery of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses? Join the discussion to explore different models and how public-private collaboration can strengthen proposals, reduce risk, and build durable local support. 

Speakers will include: 

John Pfeffer - Supervisor, Town of Ashford 

Bill Goodwin - Chief Legal & Strategy Officer, Oklo 

Rod Baltzer - CEO, Deep Isolation 

Curtis Roberts II - VP of Communications and Press Officer, Orano USA

View the full webinar recording here! 

ECA Winter Series: Options for High Level Waste and Used Nuclear Fuel

February 12, 2026

The siting of new nuclear facilities requires integrated nuclear waste solutions that balance technical, regulatory, and social readiness. This goes beyond just regulatory compliance - it demands trust, transparency, and shared problem-solving among local governments, state agencies, developers, and residents. This webinar will explore how siting efforts can deliver on these environmental management goals while accelerating project timelines, developing local economies, and strengthening community confidence in long-term energy infrastructure decisions. 

Speakers will include: 

Facilitator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, ECA 

Matt Bowen - Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy 

Kara Colton - Director of Nuclear Policy, ECA 

David Reeploeg - Vice President of Federal Programs, TRIDEC 

Jack Volpato - Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance

View the full webinar recording here! 

ECA Winter Series: Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage

January 8, 2026

As data centers and advanced fuel cycle facilities seek reliable, carbon-free power, new opportunities are emerging to co-locate these energy-intensive operations with nuclear generation and spent fuel storage sites. Such integration could strengthen grid resilience, reduce transmission losses, align high-demand digital infrastructure with established nuclear security and safety protocols and diversify economic opportunities for host communities and regions. Yet it also raises complex questions about regulatory frameworks, community acceptance, and long-term stewardship of nuclear materials. This webinar will bring together experts from the energy, technology, and policy sectors to explore how thoughtful colocation strategies can balance innovation, safety, and public trust in the next generation of nuclear infrastructure.
Speakers will include:
Moderator - Jennifer Chandler - Council Member, Village of Piketon 
Randall Hemann - City Manager, City of Oak Ridge 
David Pointer - Director, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, ORNL
Michele Sampson - Director, Division of New and Renewed Licenses, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, NRC
Dr. Jenifer Shafer- Associate Director for Technology and Program Director, ARPA-E

View the full webinar recording here! 

ECA Winter Series: Advancing New Nuclear with Datacenter Development

December 8, 2025

As artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive exponential growth in electricity demand, data center developers are turning to nuclear energy for reliable, carbon-free power needed to operate continuously. This session explores the concerns local officials must address when co-locating data centers with existing or new nuclear generation. Speakers will discuss regulatory considerations, what makes an “ideal” site, community engagement, and partnership models that align digital infrastructure expansion with public safety and sustainability goals.

Moderator: AJ Ridge - Director of Programs, ECA

Iain Macdonald - Principal and Future Energy Systems Development Lead, HKS

Ilissa Miller - Editor-in-Chief, DataCenter Post

David Reeploeg - Executive Director, Hanford Communities

Peter Rodrik - Associate Administrator for Partnership and Acquisition Services, NNSA

Aditi Verma - Assistant Professor, University of Michigan

View the full webinar recording here! 

ECA Winter Series: Creating Emergency Response Planning for Nuclear Storage Projects

November 6, 2025

Advanced nuclear projects are moving toward construction, and local governments play a frontline role in ensuring that emergency preparedness and management systems keep pace with development. City and county officials oversee first responders, coordinate public safety communications, and maintain the trust of residents who live and work near project sites. This webinar will highlight how mayors, emergency managers, and developers collaborate to build readiness from day one—through joint planning, drills, and transparent communication. Participants will gain insight into best practices for integrating project-specific safety requirements into local emergency operations and for sustaining preparedness over the full lifecycle of a nuclear facility.

Speakers include:

Moderator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, Energy Communities Alliance

Chief Mike Cochran - Police Chief, City of Craig, Colorado

Lea Perlas - Fusion Program Director, Virginia Department of Health

Randall Ryti - Councilor, Los Alamos County, New Mexico

Brian Scroggins - Administrator of the Division of Planning, Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects

View the full webinar recording here! 

ECA Summer Series: Investing in Innovation: Financing Advanced Nuclear Projects

September 12, 2025

Wall Street has arrived to Main Street. Understanding financing pathways is no longer optional—it’s a prerequisite for informed local leadership and successful project development. Join ECA in its upcoming webinar featuring panelists shaping financing solutions for new generation of nuclear projects. Learn about the new business models emerging and how the financing will occur. Nuclear projects will only move forward if they are financeable. While government funding has played a vital role, the new generation of projects are looking at how to structure the “capital stack” and use a mix of private financing (debt and equity), tax credits, and DOE loan program. In addition, the announced Power Purchase Agreements between utilities and large off-taker such as Google, Meta and Amazon are providing the credit needed to attract financing – once the projects are ready for market. Join a conversation that will bring together government and the private sector to discuss these items and make recommendations on how these projects can move forward to facilitate these exciting business opportunities. This means real opportunities to attract capital, create jobs, and leverage nuclear projects for broader economic development.

Speakers include experts shaping the future of nuclear finance:

Facilitator: Seth Kirshenberg - Executive Director | Energy Communities Alliance and Partner, Kutak Rock LLP

Andy Roehr - Managing Director | Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP

Anthony Huston - Managing Partner | Quadrant Nuclear Industries

Chris Lohse - Innovation and Technology Manager | Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear

View the full webinar recording here!