Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. (NNE) announced Tuesday that its commercial partner LIS Technologies just cleared a significant regulatory milestone, bringing the company one step closer to producing enriched uranium on U.S. soil. For a company betting big on next-generation nuclear reactors, this is the kind of boring-but-crucial licensing news that actually matters.
LIS Technologies secured a Radioactive Material License from the State of Tennessee for its Demo Test Loop facility. The location is notable: the historic K-25 site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where uranium enrichment work has deep roots dating back to the Manhattan Project era.
The license does what you'd expect. It permits LIS to procure uranium hexafluoride feedstock and handle various forms of uranium. More importantly, it clears the way for LIS to push forward with research, development, and optimization of its U.S.-origin laser enrichment technology. The facility is designed as a stepping stone toward a future commercial enrichment plant in the United States.
Why This Partnership Matters
LIS Technologies is a privately held company working on a patented laser-based approach to uranium enrichment. Think of it as a more modern alternative to the traditional centrifuge method. Nano Nuclear and LIS operate under a collaboration agreement focused on fuel-cycle support, which is industry speak for making sure you can actually fuel the reactors you're trying to build.
Nano Nuclear's plan is to develop capabilities that convert enriched uranium hexafluoride into fuel through an integrated manufacturing process. The company frames this as part of its vertically integrated fuel strategy for advanced reactors, meaning it wants control over more of the supply chain rather than relying entirely on external suppliers.
The Fuel Supply Angle
Nano Nuclear says the partnership supports potential production of Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU). These fuel types are essential for next-generation reactor designs, including the company's own micro-modular reactor systems. Traditional nuclear plants use LEU, but many advanced reactor designs require HALEU, which is enriched to higher levels but still well below weapons-grade.
Company officials positioned the Tennessee license as a meaningful step toward building domestic fuel infrastructure. "This is a major milestone not only for LIS Technologies, but for the future of the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain," said James Walker, CEO of Nano Nuclear. He emphasized that the milestone advances domestic enrichment capacity and supports development of advanced reactors.
Nano Nuclear also noted it will support upstream efforts required to supply uranium hexafluoride feedstock over time, filling in another piece of the supply chain puzzle.
Price Action: Nano Nuclear Energy shares were down 0.24% at $32.90 at the time of publication on Tuesday.