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Source: Getty

In The Media

International Nuke Bank Aims to Prevent Nuclear Proliferation

The International Atomic Energy Agency has signed a deal with Kazakhstan, a former member of the Soviet Union. It will open the first internationally-run bank for low-enriched uranium, the fuel for nuclear power plants.

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By James M. Acton
Published on Aug 27, 2015
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Nuclear Policy

The Nuclear Policy Program aims to reduce the risk of nuclear war. Our experts diagnose acute risks stemming from technical and geopolitical developments, generate pragmatic solutions, and use our global network to advance risk-reduction policies. Our work covers deterrence, disarmament, arms control, nonproliferation, and nuclear energy.

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Source: KCRW’s To the Point

The International Atomic Energy Agency has signed a deal with Kazakhstan, a former member of the Soviet Union. It will open the first internationally-run bank for low-enriched uranium, the fuel for nuclear power plants. Carnegie's James Acton talked to KCRW about the deal.

Acton said that the international market for buying enrichment services is dominated by one Russian company and one European consortium that have been in the business for a very long time and the barriers of entry are now relatively high for newcomers. 

Acton also explained the details of the deal between Kazakhstan and the IAEA, emphasizing that the IAEA will buy the low-enriched uranium, put out a tender, and then accept the cheapest bid from the international market. 

This interview was originally broadcast on KCRW. 

About the Author

James M. Acton

Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Co-director, Nuclear Policy Program

Acton holds the Jessica T. Mathews Chair and is co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

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Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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