Laser test loop started up
30 July 2009
The test loop for the Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) project has started operation according to a statement from GE Hitachi and Cameco, the partners in the project. GLE will use the results gained from the loop to inform decisions on whether to go ahead with a full-scale plant based on enrichment of uranium through laser excitation. If they do, it will be built alongside GE-Hitachi's existing office and nuclear fuel production site at Wilmington, North Carolina. The final part of an application to build was submitted to nuclear safety regulators at the start of July and, all going well, it could result in a 3-6 million SWU plant in operation by 2012 or 2013.