Nuclear Fuel Supply

Abstract

According to IAEA and OECD/NEA the reasonably assured and inferred natural uranium resources amounted in 2007 to 5.47 million tonnes in the world for the cost category up to 130 US $/kg. The reasonably assured resources are based on high confidence estimates compatible with decision making standards for mining. Inferred resources still require additional measurements, before making decision for mining. Prognosticated resources amounted to another 2.8 million tonnes and speculative natural uranium resources were estimated to about 7.5 million tonnes. Together with so-called unconventional natural uranium resources the global amount of uranium is estimated to about 22 million tonnes. For a 400 GW(e) scenario the present LWRs operating in a once through fuel cycle mode would consume about 5.46 million tonnes of natural uranium over a time period of about 80 years. Plutonium recycling reactors, e.g. LWRs and FBRs, operating in a partially or fully closed fuel cycle would consume a reduced amount of natural uranium over a very long period of time.