DOE Launches Initiative to Build Out Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain

The U.S. Department of Energy issued a Request for Information.

The U.S. Department of Energy issued a Request for Information inviting states to express interest in hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a new effort to modernize the nation's full nuclear fuel cycle and strengthen America's leadership in advanced nuclear energy. Department of Energy The announcement, made on January 28, 2026, represents one of the most ambitious federal moves yet to address long-standing gaps in America's domestic nuclear fuel infrastructure.

The proposed campuses could support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and disposition of waste. Department of Energy Beyond fuel management, these sites are also intended to host the deployment of advanced reactors and power generation facilities. SightLine The sites could also potentially have advanced reactors, power generation, and co-located data centers, since it's easier to do everything under one roof rather than having to transport fuel.

“Currently, there is no commercial-scale uranium recycling in the U.S., and only about 5% of the energy value in uranium is used by a reactor.”

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The initiative comes at a time when the United States remains heavily dependent on foreign uranium sources. Currently, there is no commercial-scale uranium recycling in the U.S., and only about 5% of the energy value in uranium is used by a reactor, meaning spent fuel has significant potential for reuse.

The economic stakes are considerable. The DOE said one of these campuses could attract $50 billion in capital investment from the private sector CNBC, driven in large part by surging demand for reliable power from tech companies building massive data centers.