However, there are concerns, for example, in the United States about the current availability of the fuel needed to power these innovations, known as high-resolution low-enriched uranium (HALEU), since the only company that sells it commercially at the moment it is TENEX, a subsidiary of the Kremlin-controlled nuclear giant Rosatom. HALEU is enriched to levels of up to 20%, as opposed to about 5% for the uranium that powers most conventional nuclear power plants. The Russian monopoly on HALEU is something the US has reportedly been concerned about for some time. But while US plans could be jeopardized because of this, Dr Paul Dorfman, a fellow from the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex, explained to Express.co.uk that Rolls-Royce, the which defends The UK’s drive for a nuclear revolution may not have the same problem. He said: “It is probably possible that the Rolls (new reactors) will run on normal five per cent uranium, and that can be dealt with through the UK’s non-Russian supply of uranium, and the UK’s enrichment, which is also based on home. . READ MORE: Octopus Energy takeover of Bulb delayed after Supreme Court ruling The government hopes to build up to 16 of these reactors over the next 25 years and included it in its energy strategy unveiled in April as a key lifeline that could help Britain eventually wean itself off Russian fossil fuels. It came after Russia revealed its tight grip on the European energy market after cutting supplies to Europe, sending global wholesale gas and electricity prices skyrocketing. Nuclear power, an alternative source of clean energy, has been presented by the government as a means of enhancing its energy security and independence, with Rolls-Royce nuclear reactors playing a role in the UK’s future energy mix. However, given that Russia has a monopoly on uranium supplies, there are questions about whether the UK’s energy strategy will do what it says on the tin. Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive Tom Samson said in response to the April Energy Strategy: “Rolls-Royce SMR remains the fastest route to market for new nuclear development in the UK and we welcome this Government’s clear commitment to turbocharged nuclear development . “By making a timely commitment and working in series, Rolls-Royce SMRs will be able to contribute to the Prime Minister’s bold vision for energy security and decarbonisation. Rolls-Royce SMRs offer an affordable, sustainable and secure low carbon future for the UK and an export opportunity to deliver Global Britain goals if we act now.” Express.co.uk has approached Rolls-Royce for comment.
