Trump admin wants nuclear startups to use plutonium for their reactors

The United States is grappling with a significant plutonium surplus, a legacy of the Cold War that saw nearly 100 tons of this radioactive material produced for nuclear weaponry. As the nation dismantles its nuclear stockpiles, the challenge of managing and securing this hazardous material has become pressing. In a recent initiative, the Department of Energy (DOE) has reached out to five innovative nuclear startups, inviting them to negotiate the use of some of this plutonium in new reactor designs. On Tuesday, the DOE announced its selection of five companies—Oklo, Standard Nuclear, Shine Technologies, Flibe Energy, and Exodys Energy—to potentially receive portions of the 34 tons of plutonium earmarked for disposal. This move aims to explore the possibility of converting waste into fuel for a new generation of nuclear reactors. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who previously served on Oklo’s board, clarified that he has divested his shares to avoid conflicts of interest. Plutonium, while naturally occurring, is primarily produced through the neutron bombardment of non-fissile uranium. The isotope in question has a staggering half-life of 24,000 years, which complicates long-term storage solutions. Oklo is advancing a reactor design capable of utilizing both traditional uranium and plutonium, positioning itself to leverage this material for its initial reactor operations. Similarly, Exodys Energy is focused on a reactor that incorporates plutonium into a mixed oxide fuel (MOX) blend, combining uranium with plutonium for enhanced efficiency. Flibe Energy is also pursuing a reactor that utilizes plutonium alongside other fission byproducts, aiming to innovate on current energy solutions. However, the production of MOX in the U.S. faces challenges, as previous plans in South Carolina were shelved due to budget overruns and delays during the Trump administration. In an effort to move forward, Oklo is collaborating with UK-based Newcleo, which plans to establish a nearby MOX fuel fabrication facility. Despite the promising potential of using plutonium as a fuel source, significant security concerns loom large. Critics, such as Scott Roecker from the Nuclear Threat Initiative, highlight the risks associated with repurposing plutonium that originated from nuclear weapons, emphasizing the need for permanent disposal instead. As these startups prepare to engage in detailed negotiations with the government, the future of plutonium in the energy sector remains a contentious issue.