US dependence on Russian nuclear fuel is a serious concern and poses a critical threat to the country’s national security, said Catherine Huff, head of the US Nuclear Energy Office at the US Department of Energy.
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“It’s really important to get rid of our dependence (for nuclear energy), especially on Russia… Without action, Russia will continue to hold this market… it’s really important for national security, climate and our energy independence,” Huff said.
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According to Huff, who is assistant US secretary of energy, it is a “serious concern” that about 20% of the fuel used by US reactors is contracted with Russian suppliers.
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She acknowledged that Russia controls nearly 50% of the world’s nuclear enrichment capacity and has for years successfully worked to undermine the U.S. nuclear supply chain by “dumping cheap enriched uranium products into world markets.”
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According to the US Assistant Secretary of Energy, the administration of US President Joe Biden has asked Congress for $2.16 billion to support a strategy to encourage US companies to increase uranium enrichment and conversion capacity. Huff said the plan would make the U.S. Department of Energy the long-term buyer of last resort for companies to ensure adequate fuel supplies for the expanding future fleet of nuclear reactors. However, she added that the success of these government investments will depend on the introduction of long-term restrictions on Russian nuclear products and services.
