But even with that renewed desire, making nuclear fuel is hard. There’s a complicated, multi-step process for converting raw uranium ore into a gas and enriching it to levels that can produce a fission reaction. It’s also highly regulated, because it uses the same process that produces materials for atomic bombs. Supporters say it’s worth the trouble, cost and risk because it’s the most energy-dense material available today. Three tablespoons of HALEU, or High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium—one of the new varieties of reactor fuel—could supply the average American with enough power for life.