Key Points
- The U.S. imports 71.7% of enriched uranium for nuclear power.
- Russia provides 27.2% of enriched uranium to U.S. reactors.
- Russia’s export limits highlight U.S. dependence on foreign uranium.
While nuclear power plant operators’ purchases of uranium from domestic suppliers peaked in 1981, U.S. uranium production peaked in 1980. However, due to a sharp drop in domestic output, most uranium purchased for use in U.S. nuclear power facilities has been imported since 1992.
Uranium production in the U.S. hit its peak decades ago
Even though there are significant domestic uranium deposits, 71.7% of the enriched uranium needed to fuel U.S. nuclear reactors now originates from foreign suppliers. Concerns regarding supply chain resilience and energy security have been brought up by this reliance on foreign suppliers.
With 27.2% of the enriched uranium used in civilian nuclear power reactors in the United States coming from Russian suppliers, the country dominates the global market. As a result, it is the biggest foreign provider. The United Kingdom (7%), the Netherlands (8%), and France (12% of imports) are other significant contributors.
Temporary export limits by Russia spark supply chain concerns
Concerns regarding supply threats have increased since Russia temporarily restricted its enriched uranium exports to the United States in November 2024.
As stated by Oilprice, These limitations came after Washington earlier this year enacted a law prohibiting the import of Russian uranium. The prohibition and ensuing limitations have brought attention to how vulnerable the American enriched uranium supply chain is and how heavily it depends on outside suppliers.
Since Russia continues to be a major exporter of enriched uranium to other important nuclear energy markets, its influence goes beyond the United States. Other nations that depend on Russian supplies to support their nuclear power programs include China, South Korea, and France.
This makes efforts to diversify sources and lessen reliance even more difficult because it highlights Russia’s pivotal role in the global nuclear energy supply chain.
These developments have rekindled discussions about energy independence and the future of nuclear power in America as the United States looks to increase its domestic uranium production and lessen its need on foreign supply.
