Uranium is a valuable energy source, especially the U-235 isotope. Its abundance in nature and ability to sustain nuclear reactions make it very important. In the beginning, the Earth’s uranium had a higher ratio of U-235 to U-238, enabling spontaneous nuclear reactions in places like Gabon. Today, the process is controlled in artificial reactors, such as light water reactors (LWRs), which utilize the U-235 isotope.
Uranium ore is processed to create nuclear fuel and placed in heating elements within reactors. However, the fission process generates waste, which can be reprocessed using the PUREX (Plutonium Uranium Extraction) process to extract uranium and plutonium for recycling into fresh fuel, such as MOX (mixed oxide) fuel.
Recycling spent fuel reduces nuclear waste and can help ensure the sustainability of energy production. Fast neutron reactors (FNRs), like the Natrium reactor, have the potential to completely burn fissile isotopes, leaving minimal waste. Though it is economically challenging to fully exploit uranium, due to the abundance and cost-effectiveness of existing resources, the potential for closed-cycle technologies and nuclear energy’s renewed popularity may encourage further development in this area.
Uranium’s role as a source of energy is essential, and its potential is considerable.