Curio, a leader in advanced nuclear technologies, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Utilities Service Alliance, Inc. (USA), a non-profit cooperative of utilities that own or operate nuclear power plants. The agreement sets the stage for future collaboration and potential supplier-partner agreements aimed at advancing safe nuclear waste recycling.
Curio’s NuCycle® technology is designed to recover valuable materials from spent fuel, reducing high-level waste by up to 97% and cutting emissions by as much as 88%. The company describes this as a cornerstone for building a sustainable infrastructure for what it calls the “Second Nuclear Era.”
Edward McGinnis, CEO of Curio and former Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, said the partnership reflects a major step in supporting the growth of nuclear generation capacity in a resource-efficient way. Karen Fili, President and CEO of USA, added that the collaboration opens new opportunities for member utilities by enhancing economic value, strengthening supply chain resilience, and supporting long-term innovation.
The announcement follows a recent Executive Order from President Trump directing federal agencies to establish plans for recycling the U.S. stockpile of more than 90,000 metric tons of used nuclear fuel, along with the 2,000 metric tons produced annually.
Curio has already secured MOUs and partnerships with several national laboratories, utilities, and nuclear technology companies. As its products and services become available, the company and USA plan to negotiate agreements for discounted uranium feedstocks and waste minimisation services.
McGinnis said the agreement underscores a shift toward a closed nuclear fuel cycle economy in the U.S., which could transform clean energy production while reducing waste and supporting energy independence.
