Trump Administration Pushes Plutonium for Nuclear Startups
The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking innovative solutions for its decades-old plutonium problem, aiming to dispose of approximately 34 tons of material leftover from the Cold War. Five selected nuclear startups, including Oklo and Exodys Energy, are now in negotiations with the government to potentially utilize this plutonium as fuel for new generations of advanced nuclear reactors. While this initiative offers a pathway to managing a long-term radioactive liability and advancing nuclear energy, significant security concerns surrounding the weapon-grade material remain a critical consideration.
John Q. Hosedrinker