**5. Conclusions**

The development of the HMD process was carried out with the production of more than 5 kg of γ‐UMo powder. Basic research is still needed to study thermodynamic properties of the just discovered hydride. Equilibrium stoichiometry, hydrogen allocation in traps and interstitial positions need more elaborated studies. Scalability of the HMD UMo powder production using enriched uranium is possible up to mass batches compatible with security standards, requiring low man‐power and equipment investment.

Many coverage techniques can be applied to UMo particles with different objectives and results. There is a great versatility of methods that have not all been tested under irradiation, but it seems that more focused research is needed.

The traditional picture and frame technique for the fabrication of monolithic γ‐UMo plates can be used if aluminum cladding is replaced by Zircaloy‐4 or AISI 304L. This is a flexible and practical production scale technology that can be used for fuels with densities greater than 17 gU/cm<sup>3</sup> . Monolithic γ‐U7Mo with Zry‐4 cladding miniplates irradiated up to 50% burn up show, in PIE results, a gentle interaction zone without bubble nucleation. The monolithic UMo coupon can be fabricated from powder, with the possibility of blending burnable poisons, inert powders, gas adsorption materials, and conforming special geometrical shapes.

Conversion of high flux reactors from HEU to LEU can be done using UMo monolithic fuel technology. Usual equipment can be used with small modifications for fuel fabrication at industrial scale. Other benefits can probably be achieved by thorough evaluation of the fuel cycle up to the analysis of back end options that can bring some other benefits. Reduction in cladding and plate thickness can open the door for new designs and HEU‐LEU conversion possibilities.
