World Nuclear Association

Data cited at: World Nuclear Association Definition of indicators: at). Operable = Connected to the grid. b). Under Construction = First concrete for reactive reactor, or major refurbishment underway. c). Planned = Approvals, funding or commitment in place, mostly expected in operation within 8-10 years d). Proposed = Specific program or site proposals, timing of start of operation very uncertain. Note: Nuclear Electricity Generation values ​​are annual and value changes every year.

A number of enrichment processes have been demonstrated historically or in the laboratory but only two, the gaseous diffusion process and the centrifuge process, have operated on a commercial scale. In both of these, UF6 gas is used as the feed material. Molecules of UF6 with U-235 atoms are about one percent lighter than the rest, and this difference in mass is the basis of both processes. Isotope separation is a physical process. Large commercial enrichment plants are in operation in France, Germany, Netherlands, UK, USA, and Russia, with smaller plants elsewhere. New centrifuge plants are being built in France and USA. Several plants are adding capacity. China’s capacity is expanding considerably, in line with domestic requirements. With surplus capacity, Russian plants operate at low tails assays (underfeeding) to produce low-enriched uranium for sale