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when looking at the price of uranium, you must remember that it has nothing to do with the price of any other energy commodity. uranium has always been a very political product, and with the regulations attached to Russian imports, there really isn't that large of stock pile sitting around. current consumption is close to double production and it is much more difficult (and costly) to establish a producing mine, than it would be to drill and recover either oil or gas.Also, because the capital expense of a nuclear power plant is so massive, many that operate at marginal efficiency are continued, both to justify the cost, and for government to save face.There are plants being shut down in Canada and the US but for a variety of reasons. canadian reactors are highly efficient but the management by Ontario hydro has been comical. Similiar ocurances are in the US as well as aging facilities which have become uneconomic and unsafe. Most importantly, North America can afford (at tax payers expense) to eventually convert over to Natural gas plants since we have some of the largest gas fields in the world, but in the orient and many parts of Europe where gas is not as available, or transferable, there is no alternative to Nuclear. That is why nuclear power has continued to grow world wide both in nominal terms and in market share. |
