The nuclear energy market is at an inflection point.
Adam Rozencwajg, a nuclear energy expert and policy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists, recently discussed the future of uranium and the market’s potential.
He points to the changing market environment in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and the subsequent retreat of governments from the nuclear industry around the world. This has left the uranium market anemic over the last several years.
Despite the lack of government support, uranium has seen some big developments over the last year.
Earlier this year, a number of new uranium contracts were signed with uranium miners in Kazakhstan, marking the first time in years that such a deal had been made. The contracts, which are worth close to $2 billion, indicate that the uranium market is ripe for another expansion.
The industry has also seen activity from Russia, which is the world’s largest producer of nuclear fuel. In addition to signing agreements to supply China, it is also planning to build a massive production plant in Siberia.
The influx of activity has also seen a surge in uranium prices, with the spot price for uranium rising more than 20% since the beginning of this year.
Given the current market environment, Rozencwajg believes that the uranium market is on the verge of an explosive period of growth.
He points to an increasing demand for nuclear power in developing countries, coupled with Russia’s resurgence as a major player in the nuclear energy market.
In addition, he believes that the increasing demand for uranium from countries like India, which is planning to boost its nuclear energy capacity, could push the uranium market to new heights.
It remains to be seen whether the uranium will reach the highs of past decades. But with the market at an inflection point, it appears to be a matter of when, not if, uranium prices will explode.
