Centrus Energy’s plant in Piketon, Ohio has produced more than 100 kg of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (Haleu) as the US steps up efforts to produce the fuel that is needed to power the next generation of nuclear reactors, president Joe Biden said.

In a speech to the labour union the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Biden highlighted his administration’s $3.4bn (€3.1bn) investment in producing advanced nuclear fuel and said the 100 kg of Haleu was “the first ever produced in America”.

He said Centrus’ Piketon plant is on track to produce nearly a tonne of Haleu by the end of the year, enough to power 100,000 homes.