U.S. Nuclear Generators Heavily Reliant on Imports of Uranium Concentrate: EIA

U.S. nuclear generators utilized 32 million pounds of imported uranium concentrate and 0.05 million pounds of domestically uranium concentrate during 2023, according to an Jan. 30 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Imports of uranium concentrate accounted for 99 percent of the nuclear generator’s requirements. Foreign producers mainly supply the U.S. front end nuclear fuel cycle, however federal policies have been rolled out of late to expand the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. The U.S. Energy Department received $2.7 billion in funding to assist in revitalizing the domestic fuel production for commercial nuclear power stations.

Developing domestic capacity for low enriched uranium guarantees an adequate fuel supply is obtainable from reliable sources to sustain the existing fleet of U.S. nuclear reactors and create a strong foundation to supply future deployments of innovative nuclear technologies both at home and abroad. The U.S. Energy Department will acquire low enriched uranium generated by new sources of domestic uranium enrichment capacity. These can include new enrichment facilities or projects that expand the capacity of existing enrichment facilities. The department plans to sell the uranium to utilities operating U.S. reactors to support clean energy generation and reduce dependency on Russian imports.

Domestic uranium production declined during 2023 because the U.S.’s only operating conventional uranium mill, the White Mesa Mill in Utah, did not produce. During 2023, uranium concentrate production occurred at five in-situ recovery facilities, four in Nebraska and one in Wyoming.

During 2023 the U.S. imported uranium concentrate and equivalents mainly from Russia, Kazakhstan, Canada, Australia, and Uzbekistan. The origin of uranium concentrate utilized in U.S. nuclear assets could alter in the future. In May 2024, the U.S. banned imports of uranium products from Russia starting in August, although businesses may apply for exemptions through January 1, 2028.