LEU
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Energy
| Stands for | Low-enriched uranium |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
LEU stands for Low-enriched uranium, an energy abbreviation.
Uranium in which the share of fissile uranium-235 has been raised above the natural 0.72% but remains below 20%. Most power reactors use LEU enriched to about 3-5%, which cannot be used directly in nuclear weapons.
Example: The fuel fabrication plant converts LEU powder into ceramic pellets for reactor fuel rods.
Usage notes
The 20% threshold is an international benchmark dividing civilian LEU from highly enriched uranium. Research reactors around the world have been converted from HEU to LEU fuel to reduce proliferation risks. The IAEA runs an LEU bank in Kazakhstan as a backup supply for member states.
Related abbreviations
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