BWX Technologies Announced that it has secured a contract from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to conduct a yearlong engineering study aimed at evaluating options for deploying a centrifuge pilot plant. This initiative will establish a domestic uranium enrichment capability essential for national security.
The contract, awarded to BWXT’s subsidiary Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (NFS), marks the next phase of the NNSA’s Domestic Uranium Enrichment Centrifuge Experiment (DUECE). Developed and managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the DUECE program is designed to preserve and advance uranium enrichment expertise and technology, ensuring that the U.S. can meet current and future national security needs. The engineering study will provide critical insights into the acquisition strategy for a pilot plant, demonstrating the centrifuge’s performance, reliability, and life-cycle costs. Fluor will serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction service provider for this project.
“BWXT’s entry into the domestic uranium enrichment market is driven by our unwavering commitment to national security, and we are eager to collaborate with the NNSA and ORNL to advance the DUECE program,” said Kevin McCoy, President of BWXT Government Operations. “With BWXT’s unique nuclear operations infrastructure and NRC Category 1 uranium handling and processing licenses, this venture aligns perfectly with our long-standing strategy to expand our role in the national security nuclear fuel cycle.”
Currently, the U.S. Government lacks the capability to enrich uranium needed for defense missions, according to the NNSA. This program aims to establish that capability in a timely manner to meet national security requirements using centrifuge technology. The development and demonstration of these centrifuge technologies are crucial for better understanding their performance, reliability, and life-cycle costs before a decision is made on a production-scale capability.
Forward-Looking Statements
BWXT notes that this release includes forward-looking statements, particularly concerning the performance, scope, and timing of the engineering study contract for domestic uranium enrichment. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including potential modifications or termination of the contract, delays or other challenges in commencing or executing the contract, the expected duration of the contract, and changes in government appropriations. Actual results could differ materially if any of these risks materialize. For a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors, please refer to BWXT’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and subsequent Form 10-Q reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BWXT advises not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law.
About Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (NFS)
Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (NFS) processes highly enriched uranium to manufacture fuel material for all naval nuclear reactors used in U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Additionally, NFS provides uranium downblending services to support commercial power needs and national security missions. NFS is a BWX Technologies, Inc. company and is part of its BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. subsidiary.
About BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT)
BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) is a U.S.-based, innovation-driven company that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine, and space exploration. A Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 company, BWXT has approximately 7,800 employees across 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Additionally, BWXT joint ventures manage and operate a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com and follow BWXT on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
