Westinghouse receives Russian low-enriched uranium shipments despite U.S. ban
Data shows Canadian-owned Westinghouse Electric has imported low-enriched uranium from Russia's Tenex for its U.S. fuel plant, even though the United States imposed a ban in 2024.
Shipping data analyzed by a journalist at one outlet indicates that Tenex, the export arm of Russia’s state nuclear corporation, sent low-enriched uranium to Westinghouse Electric’s fuel-fabrication plant near Columbia, South Carolina. Although the U.S. banned Russian enriched uranium imports in August 2024, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act permits waivers when no alternative source is viable, with the current waivers set to expire on Jan. 1, 2028.
In 2025, the United States imported roughly 400 tonnes of Russian low-enriched uranium, with Westinghouse receiving about 27 tonnes, alongside larger volumes to Framatome and Global Nuclear Fuel Americas. The European Union and Canada have not enacted similar bans, a stance criticized by Bellona’s nuclear adviser Dmitry Gorchakov and think-tank fellow Marcus Kolga. Westinghouse, owned 51 % by Brookfield Renewable Partners and 49 % by Cameco, processes the material into fuel pellets for commercial reactors, while Cameco disclosed lobbying activity related to the import-waiver legislation.
Why it matters
The story highlights ongoing reliance on Russian nuclear fuel despite sanctions, affecting energy security and geopolitical tensions.
In this story
