NANO Nuclear Partner LIS Technologies Secures Key Tennessee License to Procure UF6 Feedstock for Laser Enrichment Program
NANO Nuclear Partner Cleared for Uranium Feedstock Procurement
LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST), a strategic commercial partner of **NANO Nuclear Energy Inc.** (NASDAQ: NNE), has been cleared to proceed with the procurement of **uranium hexafluoride (UF₆)** feedstock following the receipt of a key Radioactive Material License from the State of Tennessee. This development, announced on December 23, 2025, marks a critical milestone for LIST's state-of-the-art Demo Test Loop Facility being developed at the historic K-25 site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The license grants LIST the necessary regulatory approval to handle various forms of uranium and to advance its research, development, and optimization activities centered on its patented, U.S.-origin laser uranium enrichment technology. The ability to procure UF₆ feedstock—the essential input material for the enrichment process—is a prerequisite for testing and scaling the technology.
Advancing Domestic Laser Enrichment Technology
The K-25 site in Oak Ridge holds historical significance as a former center for uranium enrichment during the Manhattan Project era. LIST’s facility there is focused on developing a modern, efficient method of uranium enrichment using laser technology, a process distinct from traditional gaseous diffusion or centrifuge methods. Successful deployment of this technology could significantly enhance the domestic supply chain for nuclear fuel, a growing priority for U.S. energy security.
The license enables LIST to move beyond theoretical development and into practical testing phases. The company is now authorized to:
- Procure **uranium hexafluoride (UF₆)** feedstock.
- Handle various forms of uranium safely and compliantly.
- Accelerate optimization activities for its laser enrichment process.
Implications for NANO Nuclear Energy (NNE)
NANO Nuclear Energy, which focuses on developing advanced nuclear micro modular reactors and clean energy solutions, congratulated LIST on the regulatory achievement. As a commercial partner, NNE benefits from the progress made by LIST in securing a reliable and potentially innovative source of enriched uranium. The availability of domestically enriched uranium is crucial for the future deployment and commercial viability of advanced reactor designs, including the micro modular reactors NNE is developing.
“The receipt of the license enables LIST to proceed with procurement of uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) feedstock, to handle various forms of uranium, and to advance research, development, and optimization activities in support of its technology development and ultimate deployment of a commercial uranium laser enrichment facility in the United States,” according to the company’s statement.
This regulatory clearance removes a significant hurdle in the nuclear fuel cycle development process. The ability to test the laser enrichment technology using actual radioactive material is essential for validating its efficiency and scalability before moving toward full commercial deployment.
Sector-Wide Impact and Forward Outlook
The nuclear energy sector is experiencing renewed interest globally, driven by demands for reliable, carbon-free baseload power. However, the sector remains highly dependent on a secure and diversified supply of enriched uranium. Current geopolitical tensions have highlighted the risks associated with relying on foreign sources for enrichment services.
LIST’s progress in developing a U.S.-origin laser enrichment capability represents a strategic move toward energy independence. While the timeline for full commercial operation of the enrichment facility is not explicitly detailed in this announcement, the procurement clearance is a necessary precursor to achieving that goal. The focus now shifts to the results derived from the research and optimization activities using the newly procured UF₆ feedstock at the Oak Ridge facility.
