GlobeNewswire·Mar 16, 2026, 8:00 AM ET

Lightbridge Commends U.S. Department of Energy's Launch of UPRISE Initiative to Accelerate U.S. Nuclear Energy Expansion

LTBR

Lightbridge Corporation commends the U.S. Department of Energy's launch of the UPRISE initiative on March 16, 2026.
The UPRISE initiative aims to add 2.5 GW of nuclear capacity by 2027 and 5 GW by 2029.
The program aligns with executive orders signed by President Trump in May 2025 to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity to 400 GW by 2050.
UPRISE utilizes a three-pronged approach focusing on business case assessments, plant upgrades requiring license amendments, and reactor restarts.
The DOE's Office of Energy Dominance Financing offers up to 80 percent financing for eligible nuclear uprate projects.
Historical power uprates have added 8.5 GW of capacity, with the NRC anticipating 30 additional applications by 2030.
Lightbridge Fuel is designed to enable significant power uprates for existing pressurized water reactors.
The proprietary helical multi-lobe design of Lightbridge Fuel operates approximately 1,000°C cooler than conventional fuel to enhance safety margins.
Lightbridge is currently conducting irradiation testing of enriched uranium-zirconium alloy samples at Idaho National Laboratory since November 2025.
Lightbridge CEO Seth Grae stated that power uprates are a cost-effective method to expand clean electricity in line with national energy security goals.
The company has framework agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance for Idaho National Laboratory research.
Lightbridge holds a worldwide patent portfolio for its fuel technology and is included in the Russell 2000® and Russell 3000® Indexes.