Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Uranium - Conclusion

In summary, nuclear fuel resources are plentiful and can meet future demand well into the future. Global primary uranium production capacity must increase substantially over the next two decades to make up for the declining contribution of civilian inventories and military sources and to meet additional demand. In the longer run, secondary sources such as reprocessing, MOX fuel and plutonium use may again supplement primary uranium production, depending on the relative economics of different reactor and fuel-cycle configurations. In either case, a continued strong market and sustained high prices will be necessary for resources to be allocated within the timeframe required to meet future reactor fuel demand.

H-Holger Rogner
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)