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Lithium Prices Fall to 35-Month Low Amid Surging EV Sales

Lithium prices plunged below $13,000/ton in June 2024, the lowest in 35 months, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights data. This is despite plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) sales across major markets have surged for the first 5 months. 

Lithium Prices Hit New Lows 

Lithium is the key element in manufacturing electric vehicles. Though lithium prices saw a slight increase in March, they declined in June 2024, driven by anticipated reductions in downstream battery production. The seaborne lithium carbonate CIF Asia price fell to a 35-month low of $12,900 per ton by June 18. 

lithium prices June 2024

Source: S&P Global

Similarly, spodumene prices dropped by 9.5% to $1,050 per pound FOB-Australia, causing the merchant conversion margin to turn negative, averaging minus $118 per ton in June from $7,027 per ton in May.

Further decreases in spodumene prices are needed to prompt new mine-side supply cuts, last seen when prices fell below $900 per ton between mid-January and end-February.

Despite low prices, government interest in securing lithium production remains strong. Indonesia is emerging as a significant player in lithium chemicals production, integrating raw material-to-PEV supply chains. Chengxin started trial lithium chemical production in Indonesia in June, following the shipment of the first spodumene cargo from Port Hedland to Indonesia in May. 

Additionally, the Serbian government is considering greenlighting the Jadar lithium project by Rio Tinto, which was previously halted in January 2022. This project would be Europe’s largest integrated lithium mine-to-refinery operation. It has a capacity of 58,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate, helping meet the EU’s battery metals demand.

And it’s not the EU, the rest of the world is vying for lithium as the global economy is ramping up electrification in transport. 

Government Initiatives and Global Lithium Demand

In May 2024, PEV sales across key markets increased by 14.7% month-over-month and 25.9% year-over-year for the first five months, per S&P Global report. 

China dominated, contributing nearly 90% of this growth, buoyed by new model launches and price discounts. Conversely, Germany and Norway saw declining sales, negatively impacting Europe’s top markets.

PEV sales growth in 2024

Source: S&P Global

In Europe and the US, PEV adoption is stalling due to the higher costs of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) despite brand discounts. Germany’s BEV sales dropped by 15.9% year-over-year after the environmental bonus ended in December 2023. BEV sales in the UK comprised 16% of total car sales but missed the 22% target under the 2024 zero-emissions vehicle mandate. 

In the US, PEV sales have remained at 8%-10% of vehicle sales in 2024, consistent with late 2023 levels. More affordable models, especially in the $20,000 range, are needed to boost uptake in these markets.

From July 4, the EU will impose tariffs on imported BEVs from China, increasing up to 48.1% from the current 10%. The bloc aims to protect the European automotive industry and encourage local BEV production. However, this move might hinder the EV transition. 

Between 2020 and 2023, BEV imports from China to the EU rose sevenfold. They’ve reached over 437,800 units in 2023, representing 28% of the 1.5 million BEVs sold in the bloc. These imports contained significant amounts of lithium carbonate equivalent (21,300 metric tons).

Accordingly, the EV revolution hinges on how the lithium market is moving forward and its forecasts.

Future Outlook for Lithium Market

Lithium prices have not shown signs of sustained recovery as the first half of 2024 ends. China’s reserve-buying of cobalt metal in May provided only short-lived support. Prices reached new multi-year lows in June due to summer’s downturn in battery demand and growing supply. 

So, what’s in store for lithium in the coming months and years?

According to S&P Global lithium market outlook, prolonged low lithium carbonate prices are likely to pressure spodumene prices, potentially leading to further mine supply cuts and project delays. 

Despite strong copper prices supporting cobalt by production and growing mine-side inventory, reduced consumer demand for PEVs has prompted many manufacturers to slow their EV targets and cancel new battery plants, like BMW’s €2 billion contract with Northvolt AB.

Higher import tariffs on China-made BEVs could slow EV transition in the EU and the US by making vehicles more expensive. The outcome of EU-China trade negotiations is crucial, as Europe balances relations with China and the US. The latter’s tax credits and funding attracting investments away from Europe, which is still building its support system.

Market surpluses for lithium would be larger in 2024, with forecasts of 38,000 metric tons LCE. Consequently, the lithium carbonate CIF Asia price forecast has been downgraded by $290/t to $14,129/t.

lithium price forecast 2028

Source: S&P Global

A seasonal recovery in PEV sales is expected from September through year-end, which could narrow market surpluses and support prices. The long-term outlook for PEV uptake remains positive as automakers launch more affordable vehicles in the $20,000 range.

The future of the lithium market remains uncertain, with potential for further supply cuts and project delays. However, the long-term outlook for PEV uptake remains positive as automakers launch more affordable vehicles, potentially narrowing market surpluses and supporting prices.

The post Lithium Prices Fall to 35-Month Low Amid Surging EV Sales appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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How BESS and Lithium Demand Are Shaping Energy Storage: Global Shipments to Surge 50% in 2025

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Disseminated on behalf of Surge Battery Metals Inc.

The global Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) market is growing at a rapid pace. The expansion is driven by the rise of renewable energy, the increasing need for grid stability, and the growth of electric vehicles (EVs). 

BESS allows electricity to be stored when supply exceeds demand and released when demand is higher than supply. This technology is becoming essential for utilities, commercial users, and residential applications.

Powering Demand: EVs and Energy Storage Drive Growth

J.P. Morgan’s recent analysis shows that shipments of stationary energy storage batteries will rise by 50% in 2025 and 43% in 2026. This surge is causing the lithium supply to move into a deficit. 

lithium demand changes

Analysts estimate that BESS will account for about 30% of global lithium demand by 2026, rising to 36% by 2030. Global lithium demand in lithium-carbonate-equivalent (LCE) terms could reach ~2.8 million tonnes by 2030.

Demand is rising not only from energy storage but also from the EV sector. J.P. Morgan has increased its forecast for EV-related lithium demand by 3–5% for the years 2025 to 2030. This change shows that more people are adopting electric vehicles globally.

Battery EV sales and penetration

The rising demand is further amplified by policies encouraging renewable energy adoption. Many countries are setting goals for renewable energy and cleaner grids. This opens up new chances for energy storage.

Utilities are using BESS more widely. They do this to manage peak loads, integrate renewable energy, and offer services like frequency regulation and black-start capability.

Price Sparks: Lithium Supply and Market Tightness

Despite growing demand, supply faces significant constraints. Many lithium producers hesitate to restart idle production. They want prices to rise enough for them to profit. 

J.P. Morgan highlights that prices of $1,200–1,500 per tonne of spodumene are needed to bring new supply online. Spot prices have already risen from around $800/t to ~ $950/t, highlighting tightness in the market.

lithium price changes

Lithium price forecasts have also been upgraded to reflect these market conditions:

  • 2026/27: $1,100–1,200/t
  • Long-term: $1,300/t

Higher price levels boost the economics of lithium projects. This benefits companies with strong ties to the BESS market. Higher prices also create incentives for new players to enter the market and expand existing projects.

Key Market Trends for BESS

The BESS market is evolving rapidly with several structural trends:

  • Grid-scale storage growth: Large-scale BESS deployments are increasing to help utilities manage intermittent renewable generation and maintain grid stability.
  • Distributed energy storage: Behind-the-meter storage for commercial, industrial, and residential users is rising as battery costs fall.
  • Advances in battery technology: Lithium-ion battery performance is improving, with longer lifespans, higher efficiency, and better safety.
  • Policy support: Governments worldwide are providing incentives and creating regulations that encourage energy storage adoption.
  • Supply-chain risks: Lithium, nickel, cobalt, and other critical minerals remain a bottleneck, and securing a reliable supply is a key challenge for the industry.

J.P. Morgan says that high demand and limited supply are creating a structural deficit in the lithium market. This is pushing prices up and making companies that supply lithium for BESS applications more appealing.

Spotlight on Surge Battery Metals: A Rising Player

Surge Battery Metals (TSXV: NILI | OTCQX: NILIF) is advancing the highest-grade lithium clay resource currently reported in the United States. With this level of grade and consistency, the Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP) represents the type of high-quality, domestic lithium supply that battery makers and grid-scale energy storage developers have been looking for – an “American-made” resource that strengthens U.S. supply chains and reduces dependence on imported material.

With the lithium market emerging from a prolonged downturn, high-quality projects with strong fundamentals are beginning to stand out. Surge Battery Metals is well-positioned in this environment as the company has:

  • BLM approval for its Exploration Plan of Operations, 
  • Hosts the highest-grade lithium clay resource currently reported in the USA, and 
  • Maintains a strong treasury to advance the NNLP. NNLP holds an inferred resource of 11.24 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at 3,010 ppm Li, showcasing the scale and potential quality of its lithium assets.

These advantages – combined with a high-grade, near-surface deposit located in mining-friendly Nevada – position Surge as one of the few lithium explorers with the potential to advance meaningfully toward production as market conditions improve. Demand for BESS is rising quickly, which boosts its potential advantage.

Surge joint venture evolution mining

Forecasts and Industry Analysis: Lithium and BESS Outlook

The BESS market is expected to continue growing sharply over the next decade. According to J.P. Morgan, stationary energy storage will account for 30–36% of lithium demand by 2030. Utility-scale projects will lead this growth. However, commercial and residential installations will also play a big role.

Price trends are likely to remain supportive for suppliers. Spot prices are near $950/t, with long-term forecasts at $1,300/t. Companies that produce and supply lithium efficiently can capture significant value.

Industry analysts also highlight several emerging trends:

  • Integration of smart-grid technology: AI and software solutions are being deployed to optimize energy storage and distribution.
  • Hybrid energy storage solutions: Combining batteries with other forms of storage, such as pumped hydro or thermal storage, is becoming more common.
  • Recycling and secondary supply chains: As BESS adoption grows, recycling lithium and other critical metals will become increasingly important.

These trends should boost the flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability of power networks globally.

Strategic Moves: Surge’s Path to Market Leadership

Surge Battery Metals is positioned to benefit from these industry dynamics. Its focus on high-quality lithium assets aligns with the rising demand for BESS. Key strategic considerations for the company include:

  • Advancing projects efficiently to meet growing market demand.
  • Forming strategic partnerships with battery manufacturers and utility companies to secure offtake agreements.
  • Maintaining operational discipline and cost efficiency to maximize project returns.

Surge Battery Metals is currently advancing lithium exploration at its Nevada North Lithium Project with the goal of defining resources that could support future production. Its metallurgical testing has shown promising results. These include lithium carbonate of 99% purity, but the company is still working toward a full feasibility study. If development proceeds as planned, Surge could become a significant future supplier for the BESS market, although current supply remains limited.

The Bright Future of Energy Storage

Battery Energy Storage Systems are no longer a niche market. The growing use of renewable energy, the rise of electric vehicles, and updates to the grid are increasing the demand for lithium and other battery materials. 

Moreover, the outlook for BESS is positive. Demand growth, tech improvements, and policy support all suggest the market will keep expanding. Supply limits and higher prices are opening doors for companies that can deliver lithium effectively.

By 2030, BESS could account for more than one-third of global lithium demand. Surge Battery Metals and similar companies are key to this shift. They help create cleaner, stronger, and more efficient electricity systems.

As the market grows, execution, timing, and partnerships will decide which companies benefit the most. Surge Battery Metals can shine in the energy storage market by focusing on high-quality lithium resources, smart development, and staying aligned with market trends.


DISCLAIMER 

New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers, or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. Surge Battery Metals Inc. (“Company”) made a one-time payment of $50,000 to provide marketing services for a term of two months. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options of the companies mentioned.

This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. It does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular issuer from one referenced date to another represent arbitrarily chosen time periods and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that issuer and are of no predictive value.

Our stock profiles are intended to highlight certain companies for your further investigation; they are not stock recommendations or an offer or sale of the referenced securities. The securities issued by the companies we profile should be considered high-risk; if you do invest despite these warnings, you may lose your entire investment. Please do your own research before investing, including reviewing the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures.

It is our policy that information contained in this profile was provided by the company, extracted from SEDAR+ and SEC filings, company websites, and other publicly available sources. We believe the sources and information are accurate and reliable but we cannot guarantee them.


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “plan,” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

These factors include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s exploration and development plans, the potential of its mineral projects, financing activities, regulatory approvals, market conditions, and future objectives. Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility, the state of financial markets for the Company’s securities, fluctuations in commodity prices, operational challenges, and changes in business plans.

Forward-looking information is based on several key expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and will be able to raise additional capital as required. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended.

There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis and annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances except as may be required by applicable law.

The post How BESS and Lithium Demand Are Shaping Energy Storage: Global Shipments to Surge 50% in 2025 appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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BYD Overtakes Tesla as World’s Biggest EV Seller in 2025

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BYD Overtakes Tesla as World's Biggest EV Seller in 2025

In 2025, China’s automotive maker BYD became the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles (EVs), overtaking U.S. EV pioneer Tesla for the first time. Data from multiple industry trackers shows that BYD sold about 2.26 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2025.

In contrast, Tesla delivered about 1.64 million EVs in the same year, marking a decline from its 2024 figures. This shift marks a major change in the global EV market.

From Challenger to Market Leader: BYD’s Breakthrough Year

BYD’s EV sales showed strong momentum throughout 2025. Its pure battery electric vehicle deliveries rose by roughly 28% year on year, reaching more than 2.25 million units worldwide. This steady growth allowed BYD to move ahead of Tesla in total annual BEV sales.

Tesla, by comparison, reported a decline of about 9-10% in overall vehicle deliveries versus the previous year. As a result, 2025 marked the first full calendar year in which BYD sold more battery electric vehicles than Tesla.

BYD vs TESLA ev sales 2025

The gap became more visible in the second half of the year. Demand for EVs softened in some of Tesla’s key markets, particularly as higher interest rates and reduced incentives affected consumer spending. BYD, however, continued to benefit from strong demand in China and improving sales abroad.

By year’s end, the gap in total EV deliveries between the two companies grew to several hundred thousand units. This marked a clear shift in market leadership.

Quarterly data reinforced this trend. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Tesla delivered around 418,000 vehicles, representing a 15–16% drop from the same period in 2024. This decline reflected slower sales growth and increased competition.

BYD’s fourth-quarter BEV deliveries, in contrast, continued to rise. Its consistent quarterly growth helped push its full-year sales past Tesla’s and confirmed its position as the world’s largest EV seller by volume.

Why China’s EV Champion Is Scaling Faster

Several factors helped drive BYD’s expansion in global EV sales during 2025. A key driver was strong domestic demand in China, the world’s largest electric vehicle market.

Chinese automakers lead in local EV sales. This is thanks to consumer trust in domestic brands and a strong charging network in big cities. BYD benefited directly from this environment.

From January to November, industry estimates China’s NEV wholesale sales are about 13.78 million units. This shows a 29% increase compared to last year, and BYD captured a dominant 32% domestic share. This home-market strength fueled its global BEV leadership.​

China passenger new EV sales

The product range also played an important role. BYD offers a wide lineup of EV models, including many lower-priced options that appeal to cost-conscious buyers. These vehicles attracted customers looking for practical electric cars rather than premium models. This broader appeal helped BYD reach a larger customer base than some competitors.

At the same time, BYD’s exports hit 1.05 million units in 2025, up 200% from the previous year. Europe and Latin America are key drivers of this growth. Globally, BYD claimed 12.1% of the BEV market in 2025, ahead of Tesla’s 8.8% and Volkswagen’s 5.2%, cementing the competitive shift.

Competitive pricing and improving vehicle quality helped BYD gain traction in these markets. Policy support also contributed, as incentives and trade policies in several regions made imported EVs more competitive.

Together, these factors allowed BYD to sustain sales growth even as demand softened for some rival brands.

Tesla Under Pressure in a Crowded EV Arena

Tesla’s sales declines in 2025 were linked to several challenges, including:

  • Reduced demand after EV tax incentives ended in the United States, particularly the federal EV tax credit that expired in late 2025. This had encouraged buyers to purchase earlier in the year.
  • Stronger competition from Chinese brands, not only BYD but also other manufacturers, is entering global markets.
  • Market saturation in some regions, where potential customers postponed purchases or chose alternatives.

Tesla remains a major EV maker, but it saw its first consecutive annual drop in deliveries. By contrast, BYD increased its volume while expanding into new regions.

The EV Market Is Still Growing—But Leadership Is Shifting

The global EV market continues to grow, with total EV sales rising annually as more countries push toward cleaner transport. Analysts see strong demand for electric cars continuing this decade. Climate goals and stricter emissions rules in many areas support this trend.

Industry forecasts say global EV deliveries might keep growing until 2030. This growth is due to lower battery costs and more models from various automakers.

Industry forecasts project global EV sales reaching 40–50% of total car sales by 2030, up from ~20 million units in 2025. Battery pack prices have fallen to $115/kWh in 2024. They could further drop to $80–$99/kWh by 2026 (50% decline), enabling price parity with gas cars.

global long-term EV sales by market 2040

Nations in Europe and Asia are pushing zero‑emission vehicle targets as part of their climate commitments, which may further expand EV adoption.

Europe targets 90% CO2 cut by 2035 for new cars (easing from 100%, allowing some e-fuels/PHEVs). China aims for ~60–90% EV/NEV sales by 2030.

Still, challenges remain. EV buyer incentives vary by country and can affect sales patterns, as seen in the U.S. when federal credits expired. Some regions face infrastructure gaps, like limited charging networks, which can slow growth. Continued cost reductions and broader infrastructure rollouts will be key to sustaining EV adoption long term.

Emissions, Energy, and the Bigger Climate Picture

Electric vehicles are central to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 70–90% over their lifecycle compared to gasoline cars. This holds even with current grids.

  • For EVs, emissions range from 200–500 gCO2/km, while ICEVs emit 200–300 gCO2/km.

Global transport represents 24% of CO2 emissions (8 GtCO2e). EVs could slash this by 40% by 2030 at 40% adoption. Clean grids, renewables >60% by 2030, boost EV advantage to near-total decarbonization.

Source: IEA

Also, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and can lower overall carbon output when charged with renewable electricity. As more power grids shift toward clean energy sources, the lifetime emissions advantage of EVs grows.

BYD’s sales surge contributes to this global transition. As one of the largest EV producers, its growth means more EVs are on the road worldwide. This supports international efforts to cut emissions from passenger cars, which remain a major source of global greenhouse gases.

However, the environmental impact of EV manufacturing, especially battery production, remains a focus of industry and policy discussions. Sustainable practices in sourcing materials and recycling batteries will be crucial to maximizing the environmental benefits of EV growth.

A New Global Auto Order Takes Shape

BYD’s rise to the top reflects broader changes in the global auto sector:

  • Chinese carmakers are gaining ground internationally, not just in their home market.
  • Competition in EV segments is increasing, pushing companies to innovate faster on cost, range, and technology.
  • Tesla’s leadership is challenged, even as it pushes into areas like autonomous driving and energy products.

The shift also highlights how consumer preferences are evolving, with buyers showing strong interest in different EV brands and models beyond traditional market leaders. As EV technology matures, more brands are expected to capture market share and expand globally.

The post BYD Overtakes Tesla as World’s Biggest EV Seller in 2025 appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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DOE’s $2.7 Billion Push for Uranium Enrichment Rebuilds U.S. Energy Security

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The United States is taking a decisive step to rebuild its nuclear fuel supply chain. The Department of Energy has announced a $2.7 billion investment over the next decade to expand domestic uranium enrichment. This move aims to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and support the next phase of nuclear power growth.

The announcement also reflects a shift in how the U.S. views nuclear energy. Once seen mainly as a legacy power source, nuclear is now positioned as a strategic solution for rising electricity demand, artificial intelligence growth, industrial resilience, and long-term climate goals.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said:

“President Trump is catalyzing a resurgence in the nation’s nuclear energy sector to strengthen American security and prosperity. “Today’s awards show that this Administration is committed to restoring a secure domestic nuclear fuel supply chain capable of producing the nuclear fuels needed to power the reactors of today and the advanced reactors of tomorrow.”

To understand why this matters, it helps to look at how DOE is deploying the funding and at where the U.S. stands today.

How the DOE Is Deploying the Funding

Last year, the DOE signed contracts with six enrichment companies, allowing them to compete for future work. Now, the department has awarded task orders to three companies under a strict milestone-based structure to ensure accountability.

  • American Centrifuge Operating received $900 million to establish domestic HALEU enrichment capacity.
  • General Matter also received $900 million to develop HALEU production.
  • Orano Federal Services secured $900 million to expand LEU enrichment within the United States.

Together, these projects will help maintain fuel supplies for the nation’s 94 operating nuclear reactors. At the same time, they will create a foundation for future advanced reactors that are still moving through development and licensing.

Importantly, this funding not only supports fuel production. It also drives job creation, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and restores confidence in the U.S. nuclear ecosystem.

HALEU Changes the Nuclear Equation and the U.S. Must Act on Uranium Enrichment

Uranium enrichment plays a critical role in nuclear power. Most U.S. reactors operate on low-enriched uranium, or LEU. However, advanced reactors, including small modular reactors and next-generation designs, require high-assay low-enriched uranium, known as HALEU.

For years, the U.S. relied heavily on foreign enrichment services. In fact, the country currently performs less than 1% of global uranium enrichment. This reliance has raised serious concerns about energy security and supply reliability, especially as new rules will restrict imports of Russian uranium starting in 2028.

As a result, rebuilding domestic enrichment capacity has become urgent. The DOE’s $2.7 billion investment directly addresses this vulnerability by accelerating U.S.-based production of both LEU and HALEU.

us uranium nuclear reactor

Upstream Supply Remains a Weak Link

While enrichment capacity is expanding, upstream uranium production still faces challenges.

EIA revealed that, in the third quarter of 2025, U.S. uranium concentrate production fell to 329,623 pounds of U₃O₈, a sharp drop from the previous quarter. Production came from only six facilities, mainly located in Wyoming and Texas.

This decline highlights a broader issue. Rebuilding the full nuclear fuel cycle requires coordinated growth across mining, processing, enrichment, and fuel fabrication. Progress in one area must be matched by investment in others.

U.S. Uranium

Orano’s Oak Ridge Project Anchors to DOE Funding

One of the most significant projects tied to the DOE funding is Orano’s planned enrichment facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Known as the IKE project, the facility will provide a new domestic source of enriched uranium. Orano plans to finalize contracts and submit its license application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the first half of 2026.

Once operational, the plant will help U.S. utilities comply with regulations that ban Russian uranium imports after 2028. It will also support rising electricity demand linked to AI, data centers, and broader electrification.

Nicolas Maes, Chief Executive Officer of Orano, commented,

“This is excellent news for Orano and a decisive step forward on our project for an enrichment plant in the USA! This recognition by the US authorities is an illustration of the confidence they have in our expertise and our capacity to deploy our technology to ensure robust security of supply to our customers.”

AI Growth Shows Why Nuclear Matters

Beyond energy security, another powerful force is shaping this investment: artificial intelligence.

As AI systems grow more complex, demand for computing power continues to surge. Data centers require vast amounts of electricity that must be reliable, affordable, and available around the clock. Renewable energy alone often cannot meet this need without firm backup power.

This is where advanced nuclear reactors come into play. General Matter has highlighted that AI leadership depends on expanding both compute capacity and electricity production. Gen IV small modular reactors, fueled by HALEU, can provide steady power either directly to data centers or through the grid.

By powering AI infrastructure behind the meter, nuclear reactors reduce pressure on public grids while delivering low-carbon electricity. As a result, nuclear fuel is increasingly seen as a critical input for the digital economy.

AI demand
Source: McKinsey

Keeps Industry and Remote Sites Running

Nuclear energy powers U.S. manufacturing, supplying factories, refineries, and heavy industries with stable, affordable electricity. Disruptions can slow production and raise costs, so a reliable LEU supply is essential. Today, reactors provide nearly 20% of U.S. electricity and almost half of emissions-free power.

Small, containerized microreactors fueled by HALEU are emerging for remote or harsh locations, including military bases, mining sites, and disaster zones. These systems run long with minimal maintenance, delivering dependable power and driving demand for HALEU, strengthening America’s domestic nuclear fuel infrastructure.

The Future of Enrichment Goes Laser-Fast

To support long-term innovation, the DOE also awarded $28 million to Global Laser Enrichment (GLE). The company is advancing the SILEX laser enrichment technology, which promises higher efficiency and lower energy use compared to traditional methods.

GLE has reached Technology Readiness Level 6 and has submitted a full license application for its Paducah facility. If deployed commercially, laser enrichment could significantly improve the economics and flexibility of nuclear fuel production.

Taken together, these developments signal a strategic reset. The DOE’s $2.7 billion investment reflects a clear decision to treat nuclear fuel as a national priority. By strengthening domestic enrichment, supporting advanced reactors, and backing innovation, the U.S. is positioning nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its future energy system.

In an era defined by AI growth, rising electricity demand, and climate pressure, nuclear power is no longer just part of the mix. It is becoming a central pillar of American progress.

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