LIS Technologies is reigniting the CRISLA process, a cutting-edge method of uranium enrichment through laser activation, to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign nuclear fuel. Dr. Jeff Eerkens, who discovered the CRISLA process in the 1980s, co-founded LIS Technologies with the aim of restoring the country’s dominance in nuclear energy. The U.S.-originated and patented CRISLA technology holds the promise of enriching uranium efficiently and securely, a prospect that could transform the nuclear energy landscape by the early next decade.
The CRISLA process was initially halted in 1993, a decision influenced by the influx of cheaper uranium imports from Russia. At the time, this marked a significant shift in the U.S. nuclear industry, as highlighted by Liebenberg who stated, "So that's why CRISLA was stopped in 1993." The process works by selectively exciting U-235 isotopes, making it easier and faster to collect and concentrate them. Despite its promising potential, economic factors led to its suspension, leaving the U.S. nuclear sector at a standstill.
"That's why AVLIS was stopped too.. In fact, the whole U.S. nuclear industry came to a standstill." – Liebenberg
Today, LIS Technologies sees a renewed opportunity for CRISLA amidst growing concerns over foreign interference in nuclear energy production. With the backing of the U.S. government, which has shown interest in domestic production of low-enriched uranium (LEU), LIS Technologies is poised to lead a resurgence in American nuclear capabilities. The CRISLA process can produce LEU with a U-235 concentration of up to 5%, and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) with up to 20% concentration, offering a more secure method compared to traditional approaches.
The U.S. government's Low-Enriched Uranium Enrichment Acquisition Program aims to bolster domestic production of LEU nuclear fuel. This initiative, coupled with the Prohibiting Uranium Imports Act passed in 2024, underscores national security concerns and the drive towards self-sufficiency in nuclear fuel supply.
"We were the world's biggest exporter of nuclear fuel and nuclear services," – Liebenberg
"Today, we are the world's biggest importer of all of that." – Liebenberg
LIS Technologies' revival of CRISLA is not only a strategic move but also a commitment to peaceful applications of nuclear technology. Liebenberg emphasized that their intentions are purely peaceful: "Our intentions are to do this only for peaceful applications." The company remains vigilant against the potential misuse of their advancements by foreign actors.
"If this technology comes out and a foreign actor decides, 'Okay, these guys are making very good progress,' they might use it for not-so-peaceful purposes." – Liebenberg
