Americium-241: a valuable resource

Developing your supply of Americium-241, a strategic resource for space exploration and reactor startup.

Secure the long-term supply of Am-241, an essential element for equipment to serve the space industry or extreme environments on Earth (polar, underground, submarine) and nuclear industry
Provide a reliable and competitive alternative to Plutonium-238 for radioisotope power systems (RPS)
Secure a key component in the manufacture of Americium-Beryllium (Am-Be) neutron sources to perform measurements related to soil exploration, and controlled startup of nuclear reactors, as an alternative to Californium-252

Co-develop the industralization of an extraction process of Americium-241 at the La Hague spent fuel reprocessing facility
Contribute to implementing an industrial production of isotopically pure Americium-241 in the form of AmO₂ dioxide
Ensure energy autonomy for centuries of operation without maintenance, thanks to more favorable characteristics of Am-241 compared to historically used alternatives
Obtain a reliable neutron source composed of an Am-Be mixture for uses ranging from measurements in soil exploration (porosity, humidity, logging, density), to reactor startup, featuring a longer lifespan than solutions currently available on the market, and compatibility with the needs of commercial and research reactors, including SMRs

High energy density

Half life of over 400 years

A fully integrated and proven industrial chain for over 50 years: managing highly radioactive nuclear materials, mastering industrial production processes of minor actinides’ oxides, and designing and operating complex nuclear facilities.
Validated process for extracting isotopically pure Americium-241, demonstrated at laboratory-scale through production of a few grams of AmO₂ in the Plutonium Redissolution Workshop at the La Hague site
Industrialization step is ongoing to meet your requirements

Challenges