By Onyx Bugett | TalkLife News
Midday update | September 18, 2026
U.S. energy officials are pressing suppliers to expand domestic uranium-enrichment capacity more quickly as countries build or restart nuclear-power facilities.
Demand for electricity is increasing, partly because of data centers and artificial-intelligence services. Uranium prices have nearly tripled during the past five years, increasing concern about whether fuel production can keep pace with proposed nuclear projects.
The federal government is using approximately $900 million in milestone-based awards to encourage construction of new enrichment facilities. Temporary waivers allowing some Russian-enriched uranium imports are scheduled to expire in early 2028, and officials say they do not plan to extend them.
Nuclear power produces large amounts of electricity without direct carbon emissions, but it remains controversial because plants are expensive, projects can face lengthy delays and radioactive waste requires long-term management.
What is confirmed
The expansion effort, federal incentives and waiver schedule are documented. Officials are trying to prevent a potential shortage; the United States has not declared that reactor fuel is currently unavailable.
Image credit: Radiation-warning symbol via Wikimedia Commons. Public-domain safety symbol; illustrative image.