New Mission for Hanford Facility to Unleash American Nuclear Renaissance

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) announced today that it is partnering with American nuclear fuel company General Matter for the potential use of Hanford's Fuels and Materials Examination Facility (FMEF).

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.

"Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we are leveraging redevelopment projects to accelerate next-generation nuclear technology, lower energy costs and power the global AI race," said EM Assistant Secretary Tim Walsh, who got a firsthand look at FMEF in November. "FMEF can be transformed into an asset to unleash American energy dominance and drive innovation, while building prosperity and vitality for the people of Central Washington."

DOE signed a lease with General Matter, unlocking the potential of FMEF to be used for advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies and materials. General Matter will undertake the evaluations necessary to assess returning the facility to service, including site characterization, potential facility upgrades and engagement with community leaders and stakeholders. By giving FMEF a new life, DOE will be putting this asset to work for the American people, helping unleash next-generation nuclear and advancing the Trump administration's American energy dominance and affordability agenda.

"Activating FMEF for a modern mission reflects responsible stewardship and forward momentum for the site," said Ray Geimer, manager for Hanford Field Office. "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," added General Matter CEO Scott Nolan. "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."

FMEF is a 190,000-square-foot facility originally intended to support the Liquid Fast Breeder Reactor Program but was never used in any nuclear capacity. The facility has not supported a DOE mission since 1993 and has since remained in a dormant surveillance and maintenance status.

The effort complements General Matter's ongoing development of a new American uranium enrichment facility at the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky to rebuild U.S. domestic enrichment capacity and fuel clean, safe, baseload power for utilities and consumers alike.