Texas A&M welcomes uranium conversion research

[Marlin]

Texas A&M welcomes uranium conversion research

https://www.ans.org/news/2026-07-22/article-8234/texas-am-welcomes-uranium-conversion-research/

[Core Content]

Texas A&M welcomes uranium conversion research

The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and Quantum Leap Energy have entered a research agreement to optimize the production of high-purity uranium hexafluoride. The collaboration aims to collect physicochemical data to improve conversion efficiency and scalability for domestic fuel supply chains. This project seeks to reduce reliance on foreign sources by advancing technologies for the conversion of yellowcake uranium concentrate.

The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) has signed a research agreement with Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) "to advance and de-risk the commercial production of high-purity uranium hexafluoride (UF6)."

QLE is an Austin, Texas–based subsidiary of ASP Isotopes (ASPI), which is developing an isotope enrichment platform for applications in nuclear energy, nuclear medicine, and semiconductors. QLE specializes in the uranium conversion step of the nuclear fuel cycle—the conversion of yellowcake uranium concentrate (U3O8) into UF6 prior to enrichment.

Expanding capabilities: As explained by QLE CEO Ryno Pretorius, "Today, the United States has only one operating commercial conversion facility, making the expansion of domestic conversion capabilities essential to strengthening our nation's energy security and reducing reliance on foreign sources. By working alongside TEES, we are advancing technologies with the aim of improving production efficiency, lowering costs, and supporting the growing demand for nuclear fuel."

Read the full article at ans.org:
https://www.ans.org/news/2026-07-22/article-8234/texas-am-welcomes-uranium-conversion-research/