Nuclearelectrica negotiates uranium purchase in Niger

Romania's national nuclear operator, Nuclearelectrica, is negotiating the acquisition of approximately 300 tons of uranium concentrate (yellowcake) from a strategic stockpile in Niger. The transaction, valued at roughly $40 million, is intended to secure fuel for the expansion of the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, specifically for the development of Reactors 3 and 4.

The acquisition faces significant geopolitical and legal obstacles. The uranium is part of a larger disputed stockpile of over 1,000 tons currently held in Niamey. This stock is the subject of an international legal dispute between the Nigerien authorities and the French nuclear group Orano, which previously controlled the Somaïr mining operations. Following tensions between Niger and France, the Nigerien military government moved to nationalize the company, leading Orano to initiate international arbitration.

A World Bank arbitration tribunal has previously ordered authorities not to sell or transfer the material during the litigation. Consequently, the move places Romania in a complex geoeconomic position, navigating legal disputes involving French interests and the broader geopolitical competition in the Sahel region involving Russia.