Trump administration selects five nuclear startups for plutonium reactor program
Original: Trump administration wants nuclear startups to use plutonium for their reactors
Why This Matters
Addresses long-term nuclear waste disposal while potentially advancing next-generation reactor technology
The Department of Energy selected five nuclear startups to negotiate receiving plutonium from dismantled Cold War weapons for reactor fuel. The companies include Oklo, Standard Nuclear, Shine Technologies, Flibe Energy, and Exodys Energy.
The Department of Energy announced Tuesday it selected five nuclear startups to enter negotiations for receiving surplus weapons-grade plutonium to fuel new generation reactors. The U.S. has approximately 100 tons of plutonium from Cold War-era weapons, with 34 tons identified for disposal. Selected companies include Oklo, Standard Nuclear, Shine Technologies, Flibe Energy, and Exodys Energy. Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously served on Oklo's board but resigned and divested shares upon joining the administration. Sam Altman was Oklo's board chair following its merger with his acquisition company AltC. The startups plan to use plutonium in various reactor designs, including mixed oxide fuel blends. However, security experts express concerns about the weapons-grade material's transportation and handling risks.