The nuclear fuel supply chain between Russia and the US is being exposed as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war. President Biden imposed sanctions on Russia for exporting oil and gas. Uranium was left off the list.
The US used 14 percent of its enriched uranium from Russia in 2011. Russia is one of the countries where the process of enriching is possible.
There is a naturally occurring radioactive material that starts with the letter U. Only a small amount of this is used for fuel. Yellowcake is a concentrated form of uranium. The yellowcake is enriched with U-235. Nuclear fuel is more efficient with this isotope. Fuel rods can be used in a nuclear reactor.
Nuclear power isn't popular. There is a lot of hazardous waste stuck in political limbo in the US. There is a rare risk of meltdowns like Chernobyl. Nuclear power is needed for carbon-free energy according to proponents. Nuclear power is an on-demand option that can fill in gaps when other forms of carbon-free electricity are unavailable. Nuclear power will be a hot-button issue because of the Biden administration's goal of reaching 100 percent carbon-free energy by the year 2035.
There are many suggestions about how the US can become more independent with its nuclear supplies. To learn more, watch our video.
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