Britain exploring return to making its own reactor fuel

Britain is examining whether to restore domestic production of uranium fuel for naval reactors through a new Nuclear Fuels Programme. The United Kingdom previously enriched defense uranium at Capenhurst but has relied on existing stocks since that activity ended. A sovereign supply could support the Royal Navy's all-nuclear submarine force and reduce long-term dependence as demand grows for Dreadnought, Astute, and future SSN-AUKUS boats. The review accompanies about £6 billion of investment in submarine infrastructure at Raynesway and Barrow, but no final decision, site selection, budget, or production date for new fuel has been announced.