Westinghouse targets new UK-based uranium conversion capabilities

Thursday, 15 December 2022

The money from the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, along with Westinghouse's own investment, aims to progress the facility which would provide both reprocessed and naturally occurring uranium conversion services to utilities around the world "as they seek to diversify supplies and transition from Russian-provided services".

It will be based at the Springfields site in Lancashire in northwest England, which already produces fuel for the UK advanced gas cooled reactor fleet. The funding will mean less reliance on imports, with Westinghouse saying it will be able "to offer utilities a high-quality western fuel alternative".

Tarik Choho, Westinghouse President of Nuclear Fuel, said: "There is a strong global appetite for diversified and secure sources of supply of fuel and services and the UK's nuclear excellence and experience, particularly at Springfields, offer utilities an attractive option. We are delighted the UK government recognises the role of Springfields, and its workforce, as a strategic asset that supports a clean and secure energy future."

UK Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart said: "This funding package will strengthen our energy security, by ensuring we have a safe and secure supply of domestic nuclear fuel services - while also creating more UK jobs and export opportunities."