EdF, Sizewell B, Russian Uranium
Posted: 31st August 2025
EDF Energy has confirmed that Sizewell B nuclear power station has been
using uranium sourced from Russia, sparking criticism over the UK’s
reliance on Russian nuclear fuel while simultaneously funding Ukraine’s
defence against Moscow’s invasion. The company said its current supply
comes from MSZJSC, a Russian entity not subject to sanctions, under
long-term contracts dating back to 2008 when the deal was signed by British
Energy, years before the war in Ukraine. Sizewell B, which generates around
3% of the UK’s electricity, replaces a third of its fuel every 18 months
with recycled enriched uranium
Critics, including nuclear policy consultant Dr David Lowry, argue that the supply chain ultimately begins with Rosatom, the Russian state-owned nuclear corporation sanctioned by the UK in February 2023. He says Rosatom sends the uranium through its subsidiary TVEL to MSZJSC, before it is processed at a Framatome facility in Lingen, Germany, and supplied to Sizewell B. “It is sheer hypocrisy for energy ministers to say we need new nuclear to end dependence on Russian energy when our biggest and newest nuclear plant is fully fuelled by Putin’s uranium,” Dr Lowry said. “We’re giving arms to Ukraine and giving Russia money for fuel, undermining our own efforts.”
Minex Forum 12th Aug 2025