WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Hanford Site might partner with the United States Department to use nuclear energy to power artificial intelligence, according to a recent announcement by the DOE.
The announcement said the DOE’s Office of Environmental Management was partnering with American nuclear fuel company General Matter for the “potential use” of the Hanford site’s Fuels and Materials Examination Facility.
“This partnership holds great promise for rebuilding the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain and unlocking nuclear energy critical for meeting growing demand for affordable, reliable baseload power needed to fuel the artificial intelligence (AI) race,” the announcement from the DOE said.
The Fuels and Materials Examination Facility is a 190,000-square-foot facility originally meant to support the Liquid Fast Breeder Reactor Program. It was never used in any nuclear capacity and has been dormant since 1993.
The DOE’s deal with General Matter involved a lease. The DOE said it hopes to use the facility to advance nuclear fuel cycle technologies and materials. It said General Matter would evaluate what it would take to return the facility to service, including site characterization, potential facility upgrades and engagement with community leaders and stakeholders.
“Activating FMEF for a modern mission reflects responsible stewardship and forward momentum for the site,” Ray Geimer, manager for Hanford Field Office, said. “This lease puts an asset back to work for the American people and reinforces the Department’s commitment to safe revitalization across the Hanford footprint.”
“Rebuilding America’s nuclear fuel capabilities is critical to strengthening our nuclear industrial base, reducing our reliance on foreign providers and lowering energy costs for utilities and consumers,” General Matter CEO Scott Nolan said. “We thank our partners in Hanford and the Department of Energy for supporting us in the development of a stronger, more secure nuclear fuel supply chain built here in the United States.”
