GE-Hitachi is proposing building a SILEX laser enrichment plant at the Department of Energy’s Paducah site in response to an expressions of interest from DOE. Responses were due Thursday for an EOI from DOE seeking future uses of the site and its materials, including its large stockpile of depleted uranium hexafluoride, as plant operator USEC looks to cease operations there after May. GEH’s Global Laser Enrichment responded Thursday, noting the “potential to use SILEX Technology to enrich high assay tails stockpiles potentially worth [$3 billion] after enrichment,” according to an “operational update” posted to the SILEX web site Friday.
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SILEX noted that “access to existing infrastructure could realize significant cost savings and reduce time to market.” It also emphasized that “evaluation of opportunity is early stage subject to further detailed analysis and discussions with relevant authorities.” DOE did not respond to a request for comment Friday on the EOI responses.
USEC also weighed in on the EOI. “USEC responded with an expression of interest in continuing enrichment at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion plant using DOE’s uranium tails,” company spokesman Paul Jacobson said in a written response. “The response was general in nature and was part of USEC’s ongoing efforts to explore all options as the company approaches a decision point on the future of enrichment activities at the plant.” LES spokeswoman Brenda Brooks did not indicate whether the company, which operates the URENCO USA facility in New Mexico, submitted an EOI. “LES is aware of DOE’s request and we’re pleased that DOE is seeking responses in an open manner," she said. “We have been reviewing the materials and have capabilities that could assist in managing some of the DOE DUF6 stocks.”
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