Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) has successfully advanced its SILEX laser enrichment technology to Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6), marking a significant step towards commercial deployment. This achievement follows the completion of a large-scale demonstration program in Wilmington, North Carolina, which provided extensive performance data now validated by an independent third party.
Key Takeaways
- GLE’s SILEX laser enrichment technology has reached TRL-6, signifying demonstration in a relevant environment at a pilot scale.
- This milestone paves the way for the full-scale design and deployment of the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) in Kentucky.
- The project emphasizes an all-US supply chain, aiming to create advanced manufacturing jobs and maintain technological control within the United States.
Advancing Uranium Enrichment
GLE, the exclusive licensee of Silex Systems Ltd’s SILEX technology, conducted its large-scale demonstration testing from May to mid-September. The collected data confirmed the process’s readiness for commercial application. The independent validation by a Fortune 1000 technology provider in national defense and global infrastructure markets underscores the technology’s maturity.
The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, originally developed by NASA, measures technological maturity from basic principles (TRL-1) to successful operational use (TRL-9). Reaching TRL-6, as defined by the US Department of Energy, means the technology has been proven in a relevant environment at a prototype or pilot scale and is ready for full-scale systems.
Commercial Deployment and Future Plans
GLE CEO Stephen Long stated that this independent validation confirms large-scale, integrated system performance under relevant operational conditions and the achievability of their initial commercial deployment schedule. "We are proud to be the first company to meet this significant milestone for a third-generation enrichment technology," Long added.
The company is now focusing on the detailed design and deployment of the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) in Paducah, Kentucky. This facility is planned to be built using an entirely US supply chain, ensuring control of this critical technology remains within the country and is expected to generate advanced manufacturing jobs nationwide.
Silex CEO and Managing Director Michael Goldsworthy described achieving TRL-6 as a "major de-risking milestone" for the commercialization of SILEX technology. He expressed immense pride in GLE being the only company globally to demonstrate large-scale, third-generation laser-based enrichment technology at this TRL status.
Investment and Regulatory Progress
GLE’s commercial deployment is supported by over USD550 million in privately funded engineering, design, manufacturing, and licensing activities across North Carolina and Kentucky. The company is also one of six awarded an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract under the Department of Energy’s Low-Enriched Uranium program.
In July, GLE submitted its full license application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the PLEF. If approved, the facility represents a multi-billion-dollar investment opportunity for Kentucky, projected to create over 300 permanent jobs upon operation. The facility aims to re-enrich over 200,000 tonnes of high-assay depleted uranium tails and produce up to 6 million separative work units of low-enriched uranium annually, offering a domestic, single-site solution for uranium conversion and enrichment.
Sources
- Laser enrichment technology moves to next level, World Nuclear News.
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