The United States, through the National Security Council, is conducting an investigation into imports of enriched uranium from China due to transactions carried out by Constellation Energy, one of the nation’s largest nuclear energy companies. This investigation follows concerns from some nuclear industry stakeholders regarding a possible circumvention of U.S. restrictions on Russian enriched uranium imports. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. has sought to reduce its dependence on Russian sources, particularly in the nuclear sector.
Constellation Energy’s Role in Uranium Supply
During a recent session at the Nuclear Energy Institute’s International Nuclear Fuel Seminar, Scott Melbye, president of the Uranium Producers of America (UPA), highlighted customs data showing a notable increase in Russian enriched uranium exports to China. Consequently, China has increased its shipments of this enriched uranium to the United States. According to Melbye, this strategy might be an indirect way of circumventing U.S. sanctions against Russian uranium. Constellation, operating 21 nuclear reactors in the U.S., confirmed that it has been sourcing Chinese enriched uranium for several years.
Regulatory Impacts and Legislative Pressures
U.S. legislation, particularly the Russian Suspension Agreement, currently limits Russian enriched uranium imports to about 15% of U.S. reactor requirements. Starting in August 2024, a waiver process will still allow certain imports of this resource until 2027, but strict prohibitions will be in place afterward. Constellation asserts that the quantities of enriched uranium it imports from China have not increased, and it even anticipates a potential decrease. Jeanne Tortorelli, Constellation’s Director of Nuclear Fuel Supply, specified that her company is collaborating with the Department of Commerce and the National Security Council to meet regulatory requirements.
Challenges for the U.S. Nuclear Industry
Constellation officials, supported by industry figures, expressed the need to keep their nuclear plants operational, despite pressure to reduce reliance on foreign-sourced fuels. In this regard, Constellation has already signed long-term contracts to encourage the expansion of enrichment capacity in the U.S. The company has even invested more in the enrichment sector than the U.S. government, according to Tortorelli.
The American nuclear sector faces a domestic enrichment capacity shortage, and despite recent government incentives, such as grants and bulk purchases, much remains to be done to fully meet national needs. Jack Edlow, president of Edlow International, a nuclear material logistics company, stressed that it is necessary to work temporarily with China until the U.S. fuel cycle infrastructure can become self-sufficient.
Political Debate Surrounding Chinese Enriched Uranium
Concerns over Chinese enriched uranium imports have sparked reactions within the U.S. Congress, where some members advocate for a ban on this Chinese nuclear fuel. Indeed, energy dependence on China and Russia is seen as a strategic risk, particularly as U.S. relations with these countries remain tense. The American nuclear industry aims for independent production, free from dependence on adversarial nations. However, for the immediate future, some industry players, like Jack Edlow, consider a temporary partnership with China a viable solution for maintaining nuclear production in the United States.
The complexity of nuclear fuel supply chains, production limitations, and pressing energy needs make this issue a strategic priority for the U.S. government and industry stakeholders.
