– US relies on Russia for 20% of enriched uranium
– US Department of Energy official urges shift away from reliance on Russian nuclear fuel
– US approves $2.7bn for domestic fuel production and investment in fuel supply chain
The US, as the world’s largest producer of nuclear energy, currently relies on Russia for 20% of its enriched uranium. However, in light of recent tensions, a US Department of Energy official has urged nuclear consumers to shift their supply chains away from Russian nuclear fuel. The Biden administration has approved $2.7bn in funding for domestic fuel production, including uranium fuel enrichment like HALEU for high-tech nuclear plants. This move aims to reduce dependence on Russian fuel sources, which could potentially leverage supply against consumer nations.
Kathryn Huff, the assistant secretary on nuclear at the DOE, emphasized the importance of diversifying nuclear fuel supply chains to trusted sources. Currently, Russia’s state-owned nuclear company, Rosatom, supplies 17% of the world’s nuclear fuel. The US is taking steps to begin import restrictions on Russian fuel and Congress is also considering cutting imports of Russian uranium. With many US nuclear reactors nearing the end of their operational lifespan, there is a growing focus on developing the domestic nuclear fuel market to ensure energy security and reduce reliance on foreign sources.