:: GE to Develop Silex Uranium Enrichment Technology

GE Energy has signed an exclusive agreement with Silex Systems, an Australian-based technology innovator, to develop the company's low-enriched uranium manufacturing process in the USA. Silex's technology is a third-generation laser-based isotope separation process for enriching uranium for nuclear power plants, which is more efficient that existing processes such as gas diffusion and gas centrifuge plants. GE plans to develop the technology in phases, up to construction of a test loop, pilot plant, and ultimately a full-scale commercial enrichment facility.