Scientists are increasingly inclined to believe that nuclear power is the best way for humanity to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, a nuclear power plant can operate 90% of the time and does not depend on peak wind or sunlight – alternative energy sources that are gaining popularity.
In January of this year, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Oscar-winning Hollywood director Oliver Stone presented his new documentary entitled "Nuclear Now!" ("Nuclear Energy rules!") and criticized the climate movement for exaggerating the dangers of nuclear fuel.
The key argument of environmental activists against nuclear energy is the resulting hazardous waste. The world's nuclear power plants are splitting uranium to generate heat. This leads to radioactive by-products, and spent uranium (highly radioactive waste) must be stored underground for decades.
So, the five countries with the largest uranium reserves in the world
5. The Republic of Namibia
Uranium reserves for 2019 in tons: 504,200
The Republic of Namibia is a South African country that gained independence from South Africa in 1990. In 2021, the country was the third largest producer of uranium in the world and the largest in Africa.
4. Russian Federation
Uranium reserves for 2019 in tons: 661,900
Russia has some of the largest natural resources in the world. Our country was the seventh largest producer of uranium in the world and the fifth largest producer of atomic energy in 2021. It is reported about the operation of 37 reactors capable of producing 27,727 megawatts of electricity. The state finances uranium mining, and all Russian mining enterprises are part of the State Corporation Rosatom. The company's annual revenue in 2021 amounted to 1.5 trillion rubles. Estimated market value: $41 billion. Rosatom accounts for 19.66% of all electricity generated in Russia, as well as 17% of the entire nuclear fuel market in the world.
3. Canada
Uranium reserves for 2019 in tons: 873,000
There are 19 nuclear reactors in Canada that are capable of producing 13,624 megawatts of electricity, which is 20% of Canada's electricity needs in 2021. Canada was also the fourth largest uranium producer in the world in 2021, producing 4,693 tons of fuel.
2. The Republic of Kazakhstan
Uranium reserves for 2019 in tons: 969,200
The country's vast oil and gas industry makes it an influential player in Central Asian politics, with oil accounting for more than half of its exports. Kazakhstan does not use nuclear energy to produce electricity. However, as of 2021, it is the largest producer of uranium in the world after producing 21,819 tons.
1. Australia
Uranium reserves for 2019 in tons: 2,049,400
Despite the fact that in 2021 Australia was the second largest producer of uranium in the world, producing 4,192 tons, it does not have a nuclear power plant. The Olympic Dam mine in the country is the world's largest known uranium deposit.
