Enriching uranium

Enriching nuclear fuels

Description

Enriching uranium involves increasing the proportion of the fissile isotope uranium-235 in natural uranium to make it suitable for use as nuclear fuel or in weapons. This process, typically achieved through methods such as gas centrifugation or gaseous diffusion, addresses the problem of insufficient natural uranium-235 concentration for sustained nuclear reactions. The strategy enables the production of fuel for nuclear power generation and, controversially, the material for nuclear weapons, necessitating strict regulatory controls.

Implementation

All civil uranium enrichment in Europe is carried out by two international consortia. At the nuclear reactor fuel fabrication plant in Pierrelatte, France, the EURODIF plant is enrichment by gaseous diffusion. The French CEA is developing a laser enrichment process (SILVA) with a view to having it operation some time during the decade 2000-2100.