Weapons-grade plutonium could be turned into nuclear fuel in US

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced plans to repurpose weapon-grade plutonium from Cold War-era stockpiles into nuclear reactor fuel, aiming to reduce reliance on uranium imports, particularly from Russia. The DOE will allow American nuclear companies to request up to 19 metric tons of this plutonium, primarily plutonium-239, which is both a key material in nuclear weapons and a principal fuel in fast neutron reactors. This initiative is expected to bolster the domestic nuclear industry and support the development of advanced nuclear reactors that can meet growing clean energy demands. The DOE intends to select the first group of companies eligible to access the plutonium by the end of December 2025, with potential additional awards thereafter. Being chosen could expedite Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing for these companies. Notably, firms such as Oklo and Newcleo are anticipated to apply for access to the stockpile, with recent collaborations aimed at establishing advanced fuel fabrication infrastructure in the U.S. This move represents a significant step