May 13 marked a crucial turning point for US energy policy with the signing of HR 1042, officially entitled the “Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act” by US President Joe Biden. The legislation, which received unanimous support from the U.S. Senate two weeks earlier, sets a major milestone in the redefinition of uranium supply sources for the U.S., by prohibiting the import of Russian-produced low-enriched uranium (LEU) until the end of 2040. It also includes a ban on the import of unirradiated LEU that has been exchanged for prohibited uranium produced by Russia until the end of 2040.
Details and scope of the law
The law prohibits not only direct imports ofRussian uranium, but also imports that have been exchanged for uranium that is under embargo. The restrictions will come into force 90 days after enactment of the law, with the possibility of granting derogations to import small quantities of LEU under certain conditions, until January 1, 2028. This measure is designed to gradually reduce and eventually eliminate U.S. dependence on Russian uranium, which currently accounts for more than 20% of the country’s enriched uranium imports, according to a December 2023 report by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Economic and security implications
Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, explained that the new law aims to strengthen national energy and economic security by minimizing dependence on Russian uranium for the civil nuclear power sector.
“Today, President Biden signed a series of historic actions that will strengthen our nation’s energy and economic security by reducing – and ultimately eliminating – our dependence on Russia for civilian nuclear power.”
He also stressed that this legislation reaffirms American leadership in the nuclear sector and secures the energy sector for generations to come. In addition, this legislation builds on an unprecedented $2.72 billion in federal funding recently appropriated by Congress at the President’s request to stimulate new enrichment capacity in the United States.
“This new law restores America’s leadership in the nuclear sector. It will help secure our energy sector for generations to come. And – building on the unprecedented $2.72 billion in federal funding Congress recently allocated at the President’s request – it will launch new enrichment capacity in the United States and send a clear message to industry that we are committed to the long-term growth of our nuclear sector.”
International response and capacity expansion
The law also comes against a backdrop of increased international cooperation, as demonstrated by last year’s announcement by the United States, Canada, France, Japan and the United Kingdom of a collective $4.2 billion investment plan to increase their enrichment and conversion capacity. This multilateral initiative aims to reduce dependence on non-allied sources. It also aims to stimulate growth in the nuclear sector.
HR 1042 completes the Nuclear Fuel Safety Act. This is a bill incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024. Enacted in March, it aims to revitalize the US nuclear fuel industry. In its report dated December 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives revealed that over 20% of the enriched uranium imported by the United States comes from Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear company, and its subsidiary Tenex.
Reactions and future prospects
In response to the measure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the ban, calling it “unfair competition”. He also claims that this would not be critical for the Russian nuclear industry. This is recognized as one of the most advanced in the world.
“Our nuclear industry is one of the most advanced in the world. We will continue to develop this industry.”
Meanwhile, in the United States, the uranium industry is showing signs of revitalization, as demonstrated by the resumption of operations at the Rosita facility in Texas after producing uranium for the last time in 2008. Furthermore, EnCore Energy Corp announced the first delivery of uranium from the facility, which has an annual capacity of 800,000 lbs of U3O8, in March. Plus plans announced by Anfield Energy Inc to restart the Shootaring Canyon mill in Utah by 2026.
President Biden’s signing of HR 1042 not only represents a crucial step towards U.S. energy autonomy, but also a strategic maneuver against Russian influence. It also strengthens the future of the US nuclear industry. Through sustained investment and legislative support, the United States is aiming for sustainable growth and renewed leadership in the global nuclear industry.
