The United States Department of Energy has issued a formal tender to secure enriched uranium for the next generation of nuclear reactors. The goal is to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel and to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s energy supply. This move marks a strategic step in diversifying sources and ensuring a stable, domestic supply chain for critical energy inputs. According to the department, the initiative seeks long term contracts that can span up to a decade, with the expectation that production and processing will occur within United States facilities and by American operators. The emphasis is on building a robust, homegrown capability for enrichment services to support national energy priorities. [Source: U.S. Department of Energy]
At present, a significant portion of enriched uranium used in U.S. nuclear plants is provided by Techsnabexport, a Russian company that operates as part of Rosatom. In the wake of broader geopolitical developments and the start of Russia’s special military operation, Washington has intensified efforts to minimize exposure to Russian fuel and to ensure uninterrupted power generation through domestic means. [Source: DOE briefing materials]
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has highlighted that boosting domestic production of highly enriched uranium could accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors and reinforce national energy security. The shift aims to support a clean energy transition by reducing carbon emissions associated with electricity generation and by reinforcing a diversified supply chain for essential nuclear materials. [Source: DOE remarks]
Currently, nuclear power contributes a substantial share of carbon-free electricity in the United States. The strategic move away from Russian fuel aligns with broader decarbonization goals and the expansion of clean energy technologies. The government has framed this as a step toward a reliable, domestic energy system capable of withstanding international disruptions. [Source: DOE policy overview]
There are indicators that Russia could adjust its export stance on uranium in the near term, which adds urgency to the need for domestic enrichment capacity. The development of a U.S. based enrichment sector is presented as a measure to maintain stable electricity supplies and to support the broader industrial and economic security interests of the country. [Source: industry and policy analyses]
Earlier policy discussions in the United States examined proposals to restrict uranium imports from Russia as part of a comprehensive approach to national energy independence. The ongoing tender process is positioned within that framework, seeking to create reliable, long term partnerships with qualified U.S. entities that can deliver secure, domestically produced enrichment services. [Source: legislative and regulatory summaries]