Trump administration wants nuclear startups to use plutonium for their reactors

The United States is confronting a significant challenge with its plutonium stockpile, a remnant of Cold War-era nuclear armament that has left around 100 tons of this radioactive material in need of secure storage. As the nation dismantles its nuclear arsenal, the government is now turning to emerging startups for assistance in managing this hazardous waste. On Tuesday, the Department of Energy announced it has selected five nuclear startups to enter discussions aimed at utilizing a portion of the 34 tons of plutonium earmarked for disposal. The chosen companies are Oklo, Standard Nuclear, Shine Technologies, Flibe Energy, and Exodys Energy. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who previously served on Oklo’s board, has assured that he has divested his interests to avoid any conflicts of interest. Plutonium, while naturally occurring in small amounts, is primarily generated through the process of bombarding non-fissile uranium with neutrons. Once produced, the isotope has a half-life of approximately 24,000 years, making it impractical for the government to simply wait for it to decay away. Oklo is working on a reactor that can utilize both traditional uranium fuel and plutonium, which would be instrumental in powering its upcoming reactors. Similarly, Exodys Energy is developing a reactor that incorporates plutonium as part of a mixed oxide fuel (MOX) blend. Flibe Energy is also innovating in this space, aiming to create a reactor that can harness plutonium alongside other fission by-products. While MOX fuel is currently manufactured in France, U.S. plans for domestic production hit a snag during the previous administration due to budget overruns. However, Oklo is collaborating with Newcleo, a U.K.-based partner, to establish a MOX fuel fabrication facility nearby. Despite the potential benefits of using plutonium as reactor fuel, there are significant security concerns due to its origins in nuclear weapons. Scott Roecker, a vice president at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, expressed skepticism, noting that past attempts by other countries to repurpose plutonium have been deemed risky, leading to a consensus that permanent disposal might be a safer option. As these startups prepare for negotiations with the government, the focus will be on addressing the complexities of security and safe transportation of plutonium, ensuring that innovative solutions do not compromise safety.