Copenhagen Atomics and Urenco to develop a uranium deconversion facility in Denmark
Copenhagen Atomics and Urenco have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design of a uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) to uranium tetrafluoride (UF₄) deconversion facility in Copenhagen, Denmark. The agreement also includes the supply of low-enriched uranium (LEU) from Urenco for Copenhagen Atomics' first reactors.
The project aims to address a key challenge in the molten salt reactor (MSR) fuel supply chain. While low-enriched uranium is currently supplied as UF₆, advanced molten salt reactors require UF₄ as part of their fuel composition. The planned facility will enable the conversion of enriched UF₆ into UF₄ and support the production of high-purity fuel salts.
The project aims to strengthen the fuel supply chain for molten salt reactors
The deconversion line will be integrated into Copenhagen Atomics' fuel production facility, which the company describes as the world's first ton-scale fuel salt manufacturing plant. Under the agreement, Copenhagen Atomics will source enriched UF₆ from Urenco, convert it into UF₄ and produce fuel salts both for its own reactor programme and for external molten salt reactor developers and research institutions.
Commenting on the agreement, Copenhagen Atomics CTO Aslak Stubsgaard said the project would provide "the final missing piece" in the company's supply chain, enabling full in-house production of reactor-ready fuel salts while supporting the wider advanced nuclear sector.
Urenco will also supply low-enriched uranium for Copenhagen Atomics' first reactors
Urenco Business Development Director Dr Iain Roche said the collaboration brings together the capabilities needed to develop a novel fuel solution and establish the supply chain required for its future deployment. He described the initiative as the type of long-term partnership needed to help advanced reactor technologies reach commercial reality.
According to the companies, the collaboration combines Urenco's expertise in uranium enrichment and UF₆ handling with Copenhagen Atomics' engineering capabilities, strengthening European fuel-cycle capabilities and supporting the future deployment of molten salt reactor technology.
The companies see the agreement as a step towards commercial deployment of advanced reactor technologies
Source and cover image: Copenhagen Atomics
