In June, the United States is set to announce a tender worth $3.4 billion for the supply of low-enriched uranium necessary for nuclear fuel production, exclusively from local companies. This move is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the domestic nuclear fuel industry and reduce dependency on Russian-imported fuel.
According to the press service of Energoatom, citing NucNet, this funding allocation is integral to the country's plan to eschew fuel imports from Russia. The initiative is aimed at boosting the American nuclear industry and is seen as a critical step towards achieving greater energy independence.
The decision follows President Joe Biden's signing of legislation that bans the import of Russian uranium. Republican Senator John Barrasso, one of the law's authors, commented that the import ban not only promotes the American industrial sector by encouraging domestic uranium production but also serves to deprive the Russian military machine of funds, thereby reinforcing the United States' energy security.
This strategic shift is expected to provide significant support to the local uranium industry, creating jobs and fostering technological advancements within the sector. By turning to domestic sources, the U.S. aims to secure a stable and reliable supply chain for nuclear fuel, an essential component for the nation's energy sustainability and environmental goals.
