Aternium Taps Kiewit Engineering for Pre-FEED Study on Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen and Heavy Water Facility

Aternium, a heavy water and clean hydrogen producer, announced the selection of Kiewit Engineering Group Inc. to perform pre-FEED (Front-End Engineering and Design) studies for its initial heavy water and hydrogen production facility in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The project is the first phase of Aternium's multi-plant initiative valued at approximately $1 billion. The facility will produce high-purity clean hydrogen while isolating heavy water (deuterium), an isotope currently sourced internationally from countries including China and Iran.

According to Aternium Founder and CEO Andrew Cottone, the facility addresses dual objectives: supplying clean hydrogen to the region while enabling domestic production of deuterium, which is critical for nuclear fusion applications, semiconductor fabrication, microchips, fiber-optic cables, OLED displays, and pharmaceuticals.

Aternium's integrated production model combines hydrogen generation with deuterium isolation using patent-pending technology. The company states this approach reduces hydrogen production costs while simultaneously addressing materials vulnerabilities for the United States.

Tyler Nordquist, executive vice president of Kiewit Engineering Group, stated the company will contribute extensive engineering, procurement, and construction experience during the pre-FEED phase.

Aternium indicates the project will support workforce development and generate economic opportunities for local communities.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Central. Read the full article →