Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

19 - Stephen Long: Lasers, the Next Generation of Uranium Enrichment Technology

Sep 8, 2025

Stephen Long, CEO of Global Laser Enrichment and former GE Hitachi executive and Navy nuclear officer, leads commercialization of SILEX laser uranium enrichment. He discusses how laser separation works, Wilmington demonstration testing, plans for a Paducah facility, cost and energy benefits versus centrifuges, modular scaling, regulatory and nonproliferation measures, and U.S. supply-chain and market strategies.

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INSIGHT

Silex Keeps UF6 Intact For Direct Fuel Cycle Compatibility

Silex laser enrichment uses spectroscopy on UF6 to selectively target U-235 with tuned photons for separation.
GLE keeps UF6 throughout the process, avoiding chemical or metallic phase changes and staying compatible with existing fuel cycle equipment.

INSIGHT

Much Higher Throughput Per Separator Than Centrifuges

GLE's separators achieve orders-of-magnitude higher throughput per unit than gas centrifuges, reducing the number of units needed.
That higher throughput plus selectivity translates into far fewer stages and significantly lower capital and operating costs.

ADVICE

Use Industry Pauses To Perfect Complex Technologies

Use pauses or industry slowdowns to refine technology tradeoffs and optimize designs before commercial deployment.
GLE used the post-Fukushima pause to advance lasers, optimize design trade space, and mature the process in-house.

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In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, Stephen Long, CEO of Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), discusses his company's work to bring the next generation of uranium enrichment technology to market. The conversation explores the evolution of enrichment technologies, focusing on the innovative laser-based method that GLE has developed. Steve describes recent advancements in the nuclear fuel supply chain, the significance of GLE's test loop facility in Wilmington, North Carolina -- where actual enrichment is being conducted at demonstration scale -- and the strategic plans for the company's Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility. He emphasizes the importance of cost competitiveness, regulatory compliance, and partnerships in the nuclear industry, while also addressing nonproliferation safeguards and the future of nuclear innovation.

In his role, Steve is responsible for providing strategic, operational, and project leadership of GLE, including the management of GLE’s day-day operations and delivery of the company’s technology development and commercialization objectives. Steve also serves as the Senior Management Official on the company’s independent Board of Managers.

Prior to joining GLE, Steve spent over thirteen years with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF) in a variety of global project, commercial, and business leadership roles. Most recently, Steve served as the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for GEH, where he was instrumental in advancing GEH and GNF’s interests and securing partnerships in the emerging small modular reactor and advanced nuclear fuel market segments.

Steve began his career as a Submarine Warfare Officer and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Engineer in the United States Navy, where he was repeatedly recognized as one of the Navy’s top junior officers over his eight years of service. He holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, an M.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler School of Business.