Russian nuclear chief warns of potential uranium supply crunch by 2040s

The head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Alexei Likhachev, has warned that the world could face uranium supply disruptions as early as the 2040s.

Speaking at the Atomexpo International Forum, Likhachev said some analysts expect supplies to last until the end of the century, others until the 2060s, while some forecast shortages beginning in the 2040s. He cautioned that even a partial reduction in supply would be enough to cause sharp price increases and disrupt the global nuclear sector, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media. 

Likhachev also pointed to Russia’s efforts to reduce reliance on raw uranium by developing “closed fuel cycle” technologies. These allow new reactor fuel to be produced from spent fuel, extending the life of existing resources.

This year’s Atomexpo focused on technological sovereignty and the development of fourth-generation nuclear power systems. 

By Sabina Mammadli