The nuclear energy landscape in North America is undergoing a significant transformation, with both the US and Canada making strides to bolster their nuclear capabilities. From reviving uranium enrichment in the US to Canada’s embrace of nuclear financing, the region is on the road to a nuclear energy resurgence.
Breaking U.S. Nuclear Dependence
The US uranium enrichment sector stands to receive a substantial $2.7 billion injection as part of a government funding bill. This initiative reflects a strategic move to reduce reliance on nuclear fuel imported from Russia.
Proposed by the White House, the funding is integral to President Joe Biden’s broader plan to procure enriched uranium directly from domestic sources. The goal is to revitalize nearly dormant US capabilities by establishing a guaranteed buyer for American-made nuclear reactor fuel.
The move coincides with potential legislative measures to restrict imports of enriched uranium from Russia. The NO RUSSIA bill, National Opportunity to Restore Uranium Supply Services In America Act of 2022, expels Russia’s influence from the U.S. uranium market.
The provision of enrichment funding is based upon implementing limitations on the importation of enriched Russian uranium. The fund is from a credit program for domestic nuclear reactors established in the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2022.
The allocated funding is specially dedicated to cultivating a market for domestically produced enriched uranium. This uranium serves as fuel for the US fleet of over 90 nuclear reactors, as well as for highly enriched uranium used in emerging advanced reactor technologies, currently monopolized by Russia.
In December 2023, after over 50 years, the U.S. issued approval for a groundbreaking nuclear reactor developed by Kairos Power.
The California-based startup has been granted a construction permit by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its Hermes demonstration reactor in Tennessee. The novel reactor uses molten fluoride salt as a coolant, a more efficient technology than conventional water-cooled nuclear reactors.
The NRC has also granted certifications to other innovative nuclear developers, e.g. NuScale Power and Centrus Energy Corporation, in collaboration with the Energy Department. Most initiatives involved small nuclear reactors (SMR), generating under 300 MWe capacity.
These developments indicate a shifting regulatory stance toward innovative approaches to nuclear power generation in the U.S.
Financing the Canadian Nuclear Renaissance
Over in Canada, the federal government amended its green bond programs. They now permit the financing of nuclear projects and navigated an initial test of investor support for this energy source.
Notably, about 15% of the country’s electricity comes from nuclear power. Most of the 19 reactors are in Ontario which provides 13.6 GWe of power capacity.
The sovereign and the province of Ontario issued a combined C$5.5 billion or US$4.1 billion in securities. This marked the first two offerings under the revised Green Bond Framework for green debt that allow funding for nuclear initiatives. Previously, the framework didn’t include nuclear energy from getting financial support.
The recent $4 billion issuance by the Canadian sovereign did not explicitly earmark proceeds for nuclear power projects. Still, the federal government emphasized its commitment to nuclear development. Also, investors have eagerly subscribed to the 10-year debt offering, with orders surpassing $7.4 billion, nearly double the final amount.
Powering Ahead: Canada’s Ambitious Nuclear Expansion Plans
Canada aims to develop both new large-scale nuclear capacity and SMRs. In 2018, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) unveiled its SMR Roadmap, outlining a strategic plan for the advancement of nuclear technology centered around SMRs.
In February 2023, the Canadian government initiated the Enabling Small Modular Reactors Program. It allocates about US$22 million to facilitate the advancement and implementation of SMRs.
Another notable nuclear development in Canada is Ontario’s 2015 decision to greenlight the refurbishment or lifetime extension of 4 nuclear units at Darlington and the remaining 6 units at Bruce (with the initial 2 units already refurbished). This ambitious C$26 billion 15-year program stands as one of the most significant clean energy endeavors in North America.
Bruce Power, an Ontario-based company aiming to construct the world’s largest nuclear power plant, announced that all its future bonds will adhere to green financing principles. The nuclear power developer also introduced at COP28 last year the first carbon offset protocol for nuclear generation.
James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Chief Development Officer, noted that investor appetite for green securities is shaping their future fundraising strategies. He further noted that:
“With the demand we see for green bonds, we have no doubt all future bonds funding nuclear projects will be green bonds.”
The inclusion of nuclear projects reflects a growing acceptance of nuclear power to decarbonize and enhance energy security. This development signifies a significant shift in green finance and underscores the evolving role of nuclear energy in Canada’s sustainability efforts.
By embracing nuclear power, the US and Canada are paving the way for a sustainable energy landscape while enhancing energy security.
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The uranium price has continued its upward trajectory this week, climbing to 85.67 USD. This represents a solid 2.19% gain over the last seven days and extends the year-to-date performance to a 5.09% increase. After a period of consolidation, the market is witnessing renewed momentum driven by the converging forces of a widening supply deficit and escalating energy demands from the technology sector.
Uranium Price
Market Drivers for the Uranium Price
The primary catalyst behind the recent movement is the intensifying focus on nuclear energy as a critical solution for powering artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. As data centers expand globally, tech giants are increasingly seeking reliable, carbon-free baseload power, prompting a reassessment of long-term demand. Recent reports indicate that major utilities are accelerating their contracting cycles to secure fuel inventory, anticipating a squeeze as new reactors come online in Asia and dormant facilities restart in Japan.
On the supply side, geopolitical friction continues to tighten the market. Persistent restrictions on Russian nuclear fuel imports have forced Western utilities to pivot toward alternative suppliers, creating bottlenecks in conversion and enrichment services. Additionally, recent activity from physical funds—most notably a reported purchase of 100,000 pounds of yellowcake by Sprott—has removed spot inventory, adding immediate upward pressure to the uranium price.
Technical Outlook
Technically, uranium has firmly established support above the psychological $80 level. The breakout above $85 signals bullish sentiment, with analysts eyeing the $90 mark as the next key resistance zone. The 30-day movement of 8.27% suggests that buyers are stepping in aggressively on dips, reinforcing a strong uptrend. If the price can sustain a close above $86, it may open the door for a retest of the cyclical highs seen in previous years. However, investors should remain attentive to upcoming production reports from major miners like Kazatomprom and Cameco, which could introduce short-term volatility.
The post Uranium Price Today: AI Power Demand and Supply Deficits Fuel Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.
The Lithium Price surged to a fresh two-year high today, closing at 170,999.81 CNY per tonne. This marks a significant 7.55% gain over the last seven days and extends a powerful year-to-date rally of 44.38%. After a prolonged period of consolidation, the battery metal has broken critical resistance levels, driven by a convergence of aggressive policy shifts in China and renewed supply constraints.
Lithium Price
Market Drivers for the Lithium Price Rally
The primary catalyst for this week’s 7.55% move is the sudden tightening of supply in China’s Jiangxi province. Authorities have canceled 27 mining permits in the hub as part of an environmental "anti-involution" campaign, effectively removing significant feedstock from the market. This supply shock coincided with Beijing’s announcement that export tax rebates for battery products will be cut from 9% to 6% starting in April. This policy shift has triggered a massive "front-running" effect, with manufacturers rushing to secure raw materials and export finished goods before the deadline.
Adding fuel to the fire, industry giant CATL reportedly placed a massive $17.2 billion order for cathode materials earlier this week. This demand signal has forced downstream players to cover spot positions aggressively, exacerbating the squeeze created by the Jiangxi permit cancellations.
Technical Outlook
Technically, the Lithium Price has staged a decisive breakout above the psychological 170,000 CNY level. The 30-day movement of 71.86% suggests the market is in a steep markup phase, fueled by short covering and panic buying. Momentum indicators are currently in overbought territory, but the fundamental supply deficits suggest support remains strong at the 155,000 CNY breakout zone. If the rally sustains, the next key resistance target lies near 200,000 CNY, a level not seen since the market began its correction two years ago.
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The Lithium price continued its explosive start to 2026, surging to 170,999.81 CNY per tonne on Friday. The battery metal has posted a remarkable 7.55% gain over the last seven days alone, extending a massive 71.86% rally over the past month. Year-to-date, lithium prices are up 44.38%, marking a definitive reversal from the surpluses that plagued the market in previous years.
Lithium Price
Market Drivers
Two primary factors are fueling the current rally: a surge in utility-scale energy storage demand and sudden supply constraints in China’s mining hubs.
- Energy Storage Demand Spike: While EV sales remain steady, the demand for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in energy storage systems (ESS) has outperformed expectations. Analysts forecast a 55% growth in ESS installations for 2026, driven by Beijing’s mandate to double EV charging capacity and grid storage infrastructure by 2027.
- Jiangxi Supply Crunch: On the supply side, Chinese authorities recently canceled 27 mining permits in the lithium hub of Jiangxi as part of an environmental crackdown. This follows the suspension of operations at CATL’s Jianxiawo mine, effectively removing significant monthly tonnage from the market just as downstream battery makers rush to restock ahead of reduced export rebates.
Technical Outlook
Technically, the Lithium price has decisively broken through the psychological resistance level of 150,000 CNY. The steep vertical ascent suggests intense buying pressure, likely exacerbated by short covering from traders who were positioned for a surplus. With the price now firmly establishing support above 160,000 CNY, market participants are eyeing the 200,000 CNY level as the next major target. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicates the metal is in overbought territory, suggesting potential volatility in the short term as the market digests these rapid gains.
The post Lithium Price Today: Energy Storage Boom and Supply Cuts Ignite 71% Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Uranium Price Today: AI Power Demand and Supply Deficits Fuel Rally
Lithium Price Today: China’s Supply Crackdown and Tax Overhaul Fuel 7% Rally
Lithium Price Today: Energy Storage Boom and Supply Cuts Ignite 71% Rally
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