HEU Minimization


Minimizing the use of HEU in civil applications

Challenge

22 countries possess the world’s most dangerous materials across dozens of facilities, some of which are poorly secured.

Action

Minimize–and ultimately eliminate–the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in civilian and naval applications.

Results

Publication of two groundbreaking reports on HEU minimization and establishment of regional HEU-free zones.

Highly enriched uranium (HEU), a core component of a nuclear weapon, has also been used for decades to power research reactors, produce medical isotopes, and fuel naval submarines. Today, technical developments have made it possible to replace HEU with low enriched uranium (LEU) in nearly all cases and have rendered new civil applications of HEU obsolete.

NTI supports the phased elimination of civil applications of HEU and is working to build international consensus on the importance of reducing dependence on HEU for peaceful activities. In particular, NTI has supported and expanded programs in the United States to convert research reactors using HEU to LEU and remove HEU from as many sites and countries as possible.

Activity

2016




2015



Action for the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit: Regional HEU-Free Zones

News

Action for the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit: Regional HEU-Free Zones

A new paper published by NTI, the Center for Nonproliferation Studies and the Fissile Materials Working Group calls for the establishment of regional zones free of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in advance of the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit.


Roadmap to Minimize and Eliminate HEU

News

Roadmap to Minimize and Eliminate HEU

A new paper published by NTI, the Center for Nonproliferation Studies and the Fissile Materials Working Group offers timely recommendations for action that countries can pursue ahead of the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit.

2014


From HEU to LEU: A Market-Based Approach for Russia

News

From HEU to LEU: A Market-Based Approach for Russia

A new paper develops a market-based roadmap for Russia to transition from HEU to LEU in the production of Molybdenum-99, an area ripe for a Russian commitment at the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit.

2012


Medical Isotopes: Balancing Supply and Security

News

Medical Isotopes: Balancing Supply and Security

A new CNS issue brief by Anya Loukianova discusses U.S. and international efforts to balance the trade-offs between ensuring medical isotope supply and reducing HEU in medical isotope production.


Changing the Conversation on HEU

News

Changing the Conversation on HEU

NTI's Corey Hinderstein and Andrew Newman call for a change in the conversation on highly enriched uranium (HEU) from minimization to elimination.



2010



2009


2008


Securing the Bomb 2008

News

Securing the Bomb 2008

Global Nuclear Terrorism Risk Still High, Despite Progress; New Administration Must Take Immediate Steps to Reduce Dangers


2006


2005


2004


2002


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