America’s growing interest in nuclear power is no longer just about producing electricity.

It is increasingly about national security.

And American companies are positioning themselves to meet that demand.

Uranium Energy Corp announced Tuesday that it has recruited four former senior national security officials as the company expands into the nuclear fuel business.

The appointments include two retired Navy admirals and two former leaders of the National Nuclear Security Administration, the federal agency responsible for America’s nuclear weapons programs.

The company already controls major uranium resources in the United States and Canada.

And it wants to do more than mine uranium.

Through a subsidiary, Uranium Energy is moving into uranium conversion, an important step in turning mined uranium into fuel that nuclear reactors can use.

That matters because America needs nuclear fuel for more than power plants.

The Navy operates nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.

And the Army is also exploring small nuclear reactors to provide electricity at military installations.

As the United States invests in more nuclear power, demand for a reliable fuel supply could grow.

But much of the nuclear fuel business has become dependent on foreign suppliers.

That has created an opportunity for American companies willing to rebuild the industry at home.

Uranium Energy wants to become one of them.

The company’s new advisers have decades of experience overseeing nuclear weapons, naval reactors, military budgets, and federal energy programs.

Their experience could help Uranium Energy navigate a complicated industry where government policy and national security play important roles.

But there is an important distinction for investors.

Recruiting influential advisers is not the same as building a successful business.

Uranium Energy still needs to develop its conversion operations, secure customers, and turn its plans into revenue.

Still, the announcement points to a much larger economic shift.

For decades, Americans have largely thought about nuclear power as a question of electricity, safety, and the environment.

Now it is also becoming a question of manufacturing, military readiness, and economic independence.

And the companies that can actually produce the materials America needs may find themselves in an increasingly important position.