Orano USA and Washington-based start-up Curio have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on multiple fronts. The partnership aims to advance a fully sustainable, cost-effective, and closed US nuclear fuel cycle. Orano will assess the most efficient recycling solutions for reprocessed uranium hexafluoride (UF6) and other valuable products generated by Curio’s proprietary NuCycle process.
The collaboration will drive a nuclear circular economy and explore US-based offtake opportunities for Curio’s reprocessed materials — potentially supplying domestic energy producers, research facilities, or advanced reactor developers with high-quality recycled nuclear products. The companies aim to transform waste into a strategic resource.
Both companies will collaboratively explore opportunities to address the transportation requirements for Curio’s TRUfuel and related logistics, ensuring safe, secure, and efficient movement of nuclear materials.
Jean-Luc Palayer, CEO of Orano USA said the partnership with Curio aligns perfectly with Orano’s vision of leading the nuclear energy sector towards even more sustainable practices. “By applying Orano’s recycling expertise and transport experience, plus exploring an industry alliance, this partnership can drive innovative advancements to extract the full value throughout the nuclear fuel cycle and significantly reduce both waste material and its storage volume.”
Curio CEO Ed McGinnis said the MOU is not just a collaboration. “It’s a leap towards a future where nuclear energy is not only more accessible but also more sustainable. Together, we are poised to revolutionise how nuclear materials are managed and utilised, enhancing both environmental and economic benefits.”
