Building the next generation of nuclear energy relies on one important factor: reliable fuel.

Antares Nuclear, Inc. is closer than ever to securing a reliable fuel supply. The company signed a multi-year commercial agreement with BWXT Advanced Fuels, a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, Inc. Under the deal, BWXT will produce tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) nuclear fuel for Antares.

Initially, the deal will set aside one metric ton of uranium, with options to increase production as Antares grows its advanced reactor program.

Building on Proven Ground

TRISO nuclear fuel compacts; Photo: BWX Technologies

The fuel will come out of BWXT’s facility in Lynchburg, Virginia. Workers there will use the exact same fabrication line that already supplies fuel for the Department of War’s Project Pele and Antares’ Mark-0 test reactor.

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Earlier this year, fuel from this Virginia plant helped Antares reach a critical testing milestone with its Mark-0 system. This new agreement helps move the company from those early tests toward full commercial production.

“BWXT’s decades of experience in advanced fuel manufacturing give us the foundation to support Antares as they accelerate toward commercial deployment,” said Joe Miller, president, BWXT Government Operations. “Our team has refined the processes for high‑performance TRISO fuel, and this agreement enables us to apply those strengths in a sustained, predictable way. As demand grows across the advanced reactor sector, BWXT is prepared to scale.”

Powering the Next Steps

Now that a source of fuel is on the table, focus turns to getting power to the grid. Antares plans to use this fuel for its Mark-1 reactor, which is designed to produce electricity.

“We achieved criticality with BWXT fuel, and it’s what will power our electricity producing reactor, Mark-1, in 2027,” said Jordan Bramble, CEO and Co-Founder of Antares. “Securing that same line through the end of the decade means our first production deployments run on fuel from a team and a process we’ve already proven.”

Deliveries will roll out under future task orders that set delivery dates, quantities, and technical specs as Antares moves forward. It is a practical, steady step for U.S. clean energy manufacturing.