Uranium is used primarily as an energy source for nuclear fission reactors -- a safe, efficient, and emission-free alternative to fossil fuels. The market cycle for uranium had been largely depressed since 1981, but has recently experienced a sharp increase due to macroeconomic factors. An estimated supply shortfall of 80 million pounds per year, for several coming years, is forecast by measuring current annual reactor demand and current annual mine production. In addition, new nuclear power plants have been commissioned throughout the world; China, India and Russia alone have permitted the construction of over 75 new reactors. In the United States, uranium exploration has become a national initiative. In August 2005, President Bush signed into law the Domenici-Barton Energy Policy Act containing an array of provisions that support nuclear power. This enactment, combined with the growing public recognition that nuclear power plants generate electricity with considerably less greenhouse emission than fossil fuels, places Uranium Energy Corp in a favorable position for funding and exploring all aspects of uranium development. |
