International Journal of Sustainable Energy

Global Uranium Market Dynamics and Its Role in Sustainable Energy Futures

Nuclear energy is a significant component of the global low-carbon energy mix, providing a stable and powerful source of electricity. At the heart of the nuclear fuel cycle lies uranium, a commodity whose market dynamics are shaped by a complex interplay of geopolitical factors, technological advancements, mining policies, and the fluctuating demands of energy security. This Article Collection will serve as a dedicated forum to explore the multifaceted nature of the global uranium market. Building on the foundational work of Dr. Sa'd Shannak's paper, "Global uranium market dynamics: analysis and future implications," this collection aims to deepen and broaden the conversation. It will bring together cutting-edge research that analyzes the entire value chain, from exploration and mining to fuel fabrication, reactor demand, and waste management, with a specific focus on how these elements influence the sustainability and viability of nuclear power.

Understanding uranium market dynamics is critically important for several reasons. As nations worldwide strive to meet ambitious decarbonization targets, the role of nuclear energy as a reliable, non-intermittent baseload power source is being re-evaluated and, in many cases, expanded. This renewed interest makes the stability and predictability of the uranium supply chain a matter of energy security. Market volatility, driven by supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, or changing investment landscapes, can have profound implications for the cost and feasibility of nuclear power projects. Furthermore, the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy is inextricably linked to responsible sourcing, ethical mining practices, and the development of a circular economy for nuclear fuel. This collection will provide essential insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers seeking to navigate these challenges and ensure that nuclear power can effectively contribute to a sustainable energy future.

This collection invites submissions that align with the International Journal of Sustainable Energy's scope, focusing on the intersection of energy systems, policy, and sustainability. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive review articles, and policy briefs that address, but are not limited to, the following subtopics:

• Geopolitics of Uranium: Supply concentration, trade dependencies, and the impact of international relations on market stability.
• Technological Innovation: Advancements in mining, extraction (e.g., in-situ recovery), enrichment, and next-generation reactor fuel cycles.
• Market Modeling and Price Forecasting: Economic analyses of supply and demand, price volatility, and long-term market scenarios.
• Sustainability and the Fuel Cycle: Lifecycle assessments, responsible sourcing, waste management, and the potential for fuel recycling.
• Policy and Investment: The role of government policies, financial mechanisms, and market instruments in supporting a stable uranium supply for sustainable energy.

Keywords: Uranium Market; Nuclear Energy; Energy Security; Sustainable Energy; Fuel Cycle Dynamics

­­All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is [31 October 2026].

Please contact [Zhan Yu] at [[email protected]] with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

Please be sure to select "Global Uranium Market Dynamics and Its Role in Sustainable Energy Futures" from the drop-down menu in the submission system.

Dr. Sa'd Shannak is a Scientist at the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Doha, Qatar. He earned his Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from Texas A&M University, where his research focused on advanced systems analysis and environmental modeling. Dr. Shannak's scholarly work investigates the complex interdependencies within resource management, with a particular emphasis on the water-energy-food nexus, environmental sustainability, and energy market dynamics. Prior to his tenure at QEERI, he was a Research Associate at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, contributing to policy-oriented research on oil and gas markets. His publication record includes highly-cited articles in leading international journals, addressing topics ranging from resource security to quantitative market analysis. Dr. Shannak's interdisciplinary approach integrates theoretical frameworks with empirical data to inform sustainable energy policy and technological innovation.