Energoatom and Urenco discuss availability of enriched uranium

Ukrainian nuclear operator Energoatom is in talks with Urenco to “increase the supply of enriched uranium for Westinghouse nuclear fuel production” for its 2024-25 facilities.

Energoatom has sought to diversify its sources of nuclear fuel for its power plants in recent years, accelerating since the outbreak of hostilities in February, when the company said it would stop using Russian fuel in its reactors and switch entirely to Westinghouse. The fuel is supplied from the company’s production facility in Västerås, Sweden.

Supply of enriched uranium

The company said they also agreed to “long-term cooperation in the field of supplying enriched uranium to Energoatom from 2026.” Headquartered in the UK, Urenco uses its own centrifuge technology in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the US to enrich uranium for use as nuclear fuel for civilian power generation.

Energoatom and Urenco already have a contract since August 2019, and Energoatom said the “next phase of negotiations” between the companies took place in April this year “against Ukraine’s complete rejection of Russian nuclear fuel”.

Tried to diversify

When asked by World Nuclear News about the meeting, Urenco’s spokesperson said,
– The conflict in Ukraine has led to an urgent global focus on energy independence and security of supply in our markets, and many countries and energy companies are turning to nuclear power or trying to diversify existing supplies as a result.

– We are in constant contact with our customer in Ukraine and continue to provide our support for their current and future energy needs. We cannot comment further on ongoing discussions.

Source: World Nuclear News