Expression of Interest - Commercial Extraction of Nickel from Radiologically Contaminated Nickel Ingots
Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFEM-PORTSMOUTH/PADUCAH PROJECT OFCLEXINGTON, KY, 405131870, USA

NAICS

Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal (562211)

PSC

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES (F999)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking industry input through an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the commercial extraction of approximately 9,700 tons of radiologically contaminated nickel ingots stored at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky. The objective is to identify operationally mature technologies capable of selectively recovering high-purity elemental nickel from these ingots, which are contaminated with uranium, technetium, and other actinides, to support the National Energy framework and initiatives related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Interested parties must submit a technical package detailing their process design and safety measures, as well as an economic/market package outlining financial viability, with both submissions due 90 days after the EOI issue date. For further information, contact Jennifer Stokes at EOI@pppo.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Jennifer Stokes
    EOI@pppo.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for industry input on technologies to commercially extract and reuse approximately 9,700 tons of radiologically contaminated nickel ingots stored at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. This initiative aims to selectively recover high-purity elemental nickel for use in commerce, supporting the National Energy framework and Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives. The nickel, volumetrically contaminated with uranium, technetium, and other actinides, resulted from smelting uranium enrichment equipment. The EOI seeks information on operationally mature metal refining technologies capable of decontamination without significant research and development. Responders must submit both a technical package, detailing process design, safety, waste management, and product quality, and an economic/market package, outlining financial viability, revenue generation, and market characteristics. The DOE will evaluate these submissions to determine the best approach for commercial-scale processing, assuming vendor-owned and financed facilities located on or adjacent to DOE property in Paducah, Kentucky, operating under DOE or NRC oversight. The deadline for technical packages is 90 days after the EOI issue date, and economic/market packages are due 90 days after an information exchange.
    Similar Opportunities
    Efficient Additive Manufacturing for Advanced U-X Nuclear Fuel Alloys
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Battelle Energy Alliance at the Idaho National Laboratory, is seeking industry partners to license innovative technology for efficient additive manufacturing of advanced U-X nuclear fuel alloys. The objective is to revolutionize the production of U-X compounds, such as U3Si2 and U-Mo alloys, by utilizing a patented Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) process that streamlines manufacturing, reduces costs, and enhances safety compared to traditional methods. This technology is crucial for applications in commercial nuclear reactors, research reactors, and defense and space sectors, facilitating the production of next-generation accident-tolerant fuels. Interested companies should contact the Technology Deployment department at td@inl.gov for collaboration opportunities, as the focus is on licensing rather than procurement or hiring services.
    COMMERCIAL AI & ENERGY GENERATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM REQUEST FOR OFFER
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing a Request for Offer (RFO) for long-term leases to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) and energy generation infrastructure at the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) cleanup site in Western Kentucky. This initiative aims to leverage the site's existing infrastructure and strategic location to support new federal strategic and national defense initiatives, particularly focusing on AI data center development and innovative energy technologies. Proposals are encouraged to integrate new AI infrastructure with energy generation, especially nuclear and geothermal technologies, aligning with national goals for leadership in AI and energy. Interested parties must submit their offers by January 30, 2026, and can contact Marcia D. Fultz at marcia.fultz@pppo.gov or 859-219-4044 for further information.
    Open Source Software: Unlocking Operational Efficiency in Nuclear Power Plants with DIAMOND
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy is seeking innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency in nuclear power plants through the deployment of the DIAMOND software. This initiative aims to address the challenges of fragmented data management within the nuclear industry by integrating disparate data sources into a cohesive data warehouse, thereby facilitating advanced analytics and machine learning applications. The DIAMOND software introduces an ontology-based data model tailored for the nuclear domain, which streamlines data integration, reduces operational costs, and improves decision-making processes. Interested parties can contact Andrew Rankin at andrew.rankin@inl.gov for further information regarding this opportunity.
    CFA-696 Used Oil Tank Replacement
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified vendors for the CFA-696 Used Oil Tank Replacement project at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The project involves the removal of five outdated underground used oil storage tanks and the installation of a new 4,000-gallon above-ground tank, along with a new above-ground collection basin and pump system, aimed at enhancing environmental compliance, operational safety, and system reliability. This initiative is critical for maintaining the laboratory's commitment to clean energy innovation and national security. Interested vendors must submit their EOIs, including company details and relevant capabilities, to Chase Egbert at Chase.Egbert@inl.gov by January 16, 2026, to be considered for the subsequent Request for Proposal process.
    MARVEL End User Application & Utilization
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through Battelle Energy Alliance, is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from industry providers for the MARVEL End User Application & Utilization project at the Idaho National Laboratory. The objective is to identify potential tests and experiments that leverage the Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) demonstration, which aims to serve as a nuclear testbed for innovative microreactor operations and applications, thereby facilitating private sector nuclear energy development. Interested parties are invited to propose concepts related to novel nuclear-generated electricity or heat applications, data access, reactor model validation, advanced instrumentation and control, or novel safeguards and security paradigms. Submissions are due by August 30, 2025, and must be no more than two pages in PDF format, detailing the application's goal, its impact on the U.S. nuclear industry, technical needs, and required support from INL. For further inquiries, contact Stacie Strain at stacie.strain@inl.gov.
    CFA 608/609 Parking Lot
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified vendors for the replacement and upgrade of the parking lot and associated infrastructure at CFA-608 and CFA-609 located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The project aims to enhance site safety, accessibility, and operational reliability by replacing the aging asphalt parking lot and sidewalks, installing new canopies, gutters, downspouts, heat trace, exterior light fixtures, engine block heaters, and performing minor landscaping. This initiative is critical for maintaining the operational integrity of a national laboratory dedicated to nuclear energy and clean energy innovation. Interested vendors must submit their EOIs, including company details and relevant experience, by May 1, 2026, to Chase Egbert at Chase.Egbert@inl.gov, as only selected respondents will be invited to participate in the subsequent Request for Quote (RFQ) process.
    High-Temperature Compact Heat Exchangers for Harsh Environments
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Battelle Energy Alliance at the Idaho National Laboratory, is seeking industry partners to license innovative high-temperature compact heat exchangers (CHXs) designed for harsh environments. The objective is to develop CHXs utilizing refractory metal designs with embedded sensors that enhance performance and reliability, addressing critical limitations of existing nickel-based alloy solutions, such as temperature constraints and corrosion issues. These advanced CHXs are crucial for applications in power generation, chemical processing, and metallurgy, offering significant improvements in durability, energy efficiency, and cost savings. Interested parties can reach out to the Technology Deployment department at td@inl.gov for collaboration opportunities.
    Titanium-Tantalum Alloy Manufacturing for Biomedical and Engineering Applications
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, specifically the Battelle Energy Alliance at the Idaho National Laboratory, is seeking industry partners for the licensing of an innovative electrochemical process for manufacturing titanium-tantalum alloys aimed at biomedical and engineering applications. This process addresses the challenges of traditional manufacturing methods, which are energy-intensive and generate significant waste, by enabling direct synthesis of alloys from metal oxides, thus promoting cost efficiency and sustainability. The technology has potential applications in biomedical devices, high-performance structural materials, and corrosion-resistant coatings, making it a valuable opportunity for companies interested in advancing manufacturing technologies. Interested parties can reach out to the Technology Deployment department at td@inl.gov for further collaboration opportunities.
    Catalysts with Tunable Electrocatalytic Behavior for CO₂ Conversion
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Battelle Energy Alliance at the Idaho National Laboratory, is seeking industry partners to license innovative catalysts with tunable electrocatalytic behavior for CO₂ conversion. The objective is to address significant challenges in current CO₂ electrochemical conversion systems, including low product selectivity, rigid system designs, and economic constraints, by introducing a supported-metal catalyst that allows for precise control over catalytic behavior and product output. This technology is particularly relevant for carbon-intensive industries and chemical manufacturing, enhancing the economic viability of carbon capture, utilization, and storage initiatives. Interested parties can reach out to the Technology Deployment department at td@inl.gov for collaboration opportunities, as the focus is on licensing intellectual property rather than procurement or hiring services.
    Precision Steam Generation for High-Temperature Electrolysis
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, specifically the Battelle Energy Alliance at the Idaho National Laboratory, is seeking industry partners to license an innovative technology for Precision Steam Generation aimed at enhancing high-temperature electrolysis systems. The objective is to develop a reliable method for generating hydrogen-steam mixtures that addresses the challenges of fluctuating flow rates and pressure variations, while utilizing low-grade waste heat efficiently. This technology is crucial for hydrogen production and energy efficiency in various applications, including hydrogen electrolysis systems, industrial heating, and renewable energy integration. Interested companies should contact the Technology Deployment department at td@inl.gov for collaboration opportunities, as the focus is on licensing rather than procurement or hiring services.