UK report says supply of nuclear fuel has also emerged as ‘significant concern’
The renewed focus on nuclear power is facing a number of challenges with a broad shortage of skilled tradespeople in the sector exacerbated by the imminent retirement of the current nuclear workforce, UK-based consulting firm Charles River Associates (CRA) says in a report.
The report, Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies: A Tailwind for Nuclear Energy Revival, says a multiyear, multi-unit buildup of nuclear reactors will require addressing the labour shortage at various stages, including education, recruitment for entry-level positions and the identification of highly skilled master tradespeople.
In parallel, the supply of nuclear fuel has emerged as a significant concern for the US and Western European countries.
One contributing factor is the limited number of primary low-enriched uranium suppliers, counting six, with one in the US.
Concerns around fuel-supply limitations are heightened by the fact that some advanced reactor designs will likely necessitate the use of high-assay low-enriched uranium (Haleu).
Presently, the only countries possessing Haleu enrichment capabilities are China and Russia.
Haleu is an essential advanced nuclear fuel required for the development of most next-generation reactor designs. It will be needed for 90% of advanced reactor designs selected for funding under the US Department of Energy’s advanced reactor demonstration programme.
The report says the renewed prominence of nuclear in the energy transition reflects the growing emphasis on energy security and decarbonisation among policymakers.
Alongside the repowering of existing nuclear plants, advanced nuclear technologies are now also under the spotlight as they hold the promise of shorter construction timelines, lower overhead costs and cross-industry applications.
