The United States is facing a critical challenge in securing its nuclear fuel supply, with concerns over a potential shortage of enriched uranium—an essential component for the country’s energy and national security. Currently, the U.S. is highly dependent on foreign sources for its uranium, including Russia, which has created greater vulnerability, especially after Washington’s decision to halt all uranium imports from Russia by 2028.
The problem lies in the fact that there is insufficient global production to replace the amount of enriched uranium the U.S. currently imports from Russia, as well as the reduced supply due to the European Union’s own sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Dan Leistikow, Vice President of Corporate Communications at a major American nuclear energy company, stated, “The whole world is dependent on Russia” for nuclear fuel.
Even with aggressive efforts to restart U.S. uranium production, it is estimated that it would take six to seven years to meet the shortfall, potentially creating a four-year gap where there may be significant nuclear fuel shortages. Enriched uranium is crucial for multiple sectors in the U.S., including energy production, naval nuclear needs, and the maintenance of the nation’s nuclear deterrence.
While countries like France, Germany, and the U.K. have enrichment facilities, the U.S. only meets 5% of its domestic needs, relying on imports for the rest. Russia accounted for nearly half of global enrichment capacity as of 2022, including 20% of the U.S. market. Despite being a pioneer in uranium enrichment during the Cold War, the U.S. now faces a situation where it imports much of its enriched uranium.
Leistikow emphasized that without quick action to build domestic enrichment capacity, the U.S. could face a severe shortage of nuclear fuel. He proposed scaling up the Ohio enrichment plant, a project launched during President Trump’s first term, as the fastest and most effective solution. In 2024, the Biden administration allocated $3.4 billion to expand U.S. uranium capabilities, with six American companies being considered for the project.
Leistikow concluded, “The Department of Energy faces a choice: rely on foreign centrifuges or support American-made technology built by American workers. Centrus is committed to the American option.”
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