Here we go! Vogtle Unit 2 started testing higher enriched fuel in historic leap

On April 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a groundbreaking milestone in nuclear energy innovation: the Vogtle Unit 2 reactor in Waynesboro, Georgia, has begun irradiation testing of higher-enriched nuclear fuel, marking the first time a U.S. commercial reactor has used fuel enriched above 5% uranium-235. This development is a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency, safety, and economic viability of nuclear power, potentially reshaping how we think about fueling the reactors that provide nearly a fifth of America’s electricity.

The fuel in question, developed by Westinghouse Electric Company, is part of the Department of Energy’s Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) program. Known as Low Enriched Uranium Plus (LEU+), it features uranium enriched up to 6% and incorporates Westinghouse’s proprietary ADOPT™ uranium dioxide pellets, AXIOM fuel rod cladding, and chromium-coated cladding. These advancements aim to boost reactor performance by allowing longer fuel cycles—meaning fewer refueling outages—and improving safety under both normal and accident conditions. For a nation increasingly focused on reliable, low-carbon energy, this test could pave the way for a new era of nuclear power optimization.

Here’s why higher enrichment matters

Most U.S. commercial reactors currently operate with uranium enriched to between 3% and 5% uranium-235, the isotope responsible for sustaining the fission reaction that generates heat. By increasing enrichment to 6%, the fuel can produce more energy per unit, enabling reactors to run longer between refueling. This translates to less downtime, lower operational costs, and potentially more electricity output—critical for meeting growing energy demands without relying on fossil fuels.

The LEU+ fuel also promises enhanced safety. The ATF program, which has driven this innovation, focuses on developing fuels and cladding materials that better withstand extreme conditions, such as those seen in rare accident scenarios. The chromium-coated cladding and advanced pellet designs are engineered to reduce corrosion, improve heat transfer, and maintain structural integrity, offering an extra layer of resilience. For an industry that prioritizes safety above all, these features could further solidify nuclear power’s role as a dependable energy source.

Vogtle Unit 2 is a testing ground for the future

The choice of Vogtle Unit 2 as the testing site is no accident. Operated by Southern Nuclear, this pressurized water reactor is part of one of the nation’s most advanced nuclear facilities, which recently made headlines for bringing new units online. Loading four lead test assemblies (LTAs) with LEU+ fuel into Vogtle Unit 2 allows researchers to collect real-world data on how the fuel performs under commercial operating conditions. This testing phase is critical to validate the fuel’s potential for wider adoption across the U.S. reactor fleet.

The significance of this moment extends beyond technical specs. Nuclear power is at a crossroads, with renewed interest in its ability to provide stable, carbon-free energy amid climate concerns. Projects like this one at Vogtle demonstrate that innovation isn’t just about building new reactors—it’s about making existing ones better. By optimizing fuel, we can extract more value from the infrastructure we already have, a strategy that aligns with efforts to maximize the lifespan of current plants, as seen in the recent revival of the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan.

A collaborative push for progress

This milestone is the result of years of collaboration between Southern Nuclear, Westinghouse, the Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC’s approval of the 6% enriched fuel in 2023 was a historic first, reflecting confidence in the rigorous safety and performance standards behind LEU+. The DOE’s ATF program, meanwhile, has been instrumental in fostering partnerships across industry and national laboratories, including Idaho National Laboratory, which has played a key role in fuel testing and development.

This cooperative spirit mirrors other recent advancements in nuclear technology. For instance, the U.S. and Japan recently conducted the first safety test of high-burnup fast reactor fuel in over two decades, a project that also leveraged Idaho National Laboratory’s expertise . These efforts highlight a global commitment to pushing nuclear innovation forward, whether through new fuels or next-generation reactors.

What’s next?

The irradiation testing at Vogtle Unit 2 is just the beginning. Over the coming months, researchers will monitor the LEU+ fuel’s performance, analyzing everything from burnup rates to cladding integrity. Success here could lead to broader deployment of higher-enriched fuels, potentially transforming the economics of nuclear power by reducing fuel costs and increasing operational flexibility. It could also pave the way for even more advanced fuels, like high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), which is critical for the small modular reactors and microreactors under development by companies like Helion Energy - read recent piece on HE here.

There’s a bigger picture too. As the U.S. seeks to maintain its leadership in nuclear technology, projects like this one signal that innovation is alive and well. They also underscore the importance of a robust domestic fuel supply chain—a topic gaining urgency as global demand for uranium grows. By investing in fuels that make reactors more efficient, we’re not just improving today’s plants; we’re laying the groundwork for a future where nuclear power plays an even larger role in a clean energy economy.

A step toward a brighter nuclear future

The start of testing at Vogtle Unit 2 is more than a technical achievement—it’s a symbol of nuclear power’s evolving potential. By embracing higher-enriched fuels, the industry is showing it can adapt and improve, delivering more reliable, cost-effective, and safe energy. As we watch this test unfold, one thing is clear: the path to a TRUE and RELIABLE sustainable energy future runs through innovation, and nuclear power is stepping up to the challenge.