Restructuring and Retrenchment in Nuclear Fuels

Restructuring and Retrenchment in Nuclear Fuels

Has the death knell for nuclear energy sounded? Depends on whom you ask. But some symptoms pointing to its post-Fukushima decline are already in evidence. One example is the dramatic cut in funding needed to complete a large U.S. facility intended to produce so-called mixed oxide nuclear fuel—a pairing of uranium with weapons-grade plutonium that would help the United States reduce its nuclear-weapon stockpiles. Meanwhile, the lone American-owned uranium enrichment facility is being shut down and the owners of a European uranium enrichment consortium all want out of their partnership. Why? Could it be the reduced global demand for nuclear fuels? It’s down 10 percent after Japan kicked the nuclear energy habit cold turkey, and it’s likely to take another big hit with Germany's planned nuclear exit. http://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/nuclear/restructuring-and-retrenchment-in-nuclear-fuels/?utm_source=energywise&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=060513