US taps Cold War plutonium reserves to fuel next-gen nuclear reactors
The United States is opening part of its Cold War-era plutonium stockpile to accelerate development of next-generation nuclear reactors. Companies including Oklo and Newcleo are seeking access to the material as the administration pushes to revive domestic nuclear capacity amid rising electricity demand.
A new nuclear strategy emerges
In a significant shift for American energy policy, the United States is reportedly opening portions of its Cold War-era plutonium reserves to private companies developing next-generation nuclear technology. According to sources familiar with the initiative, the Department of Energy has invited applications for up to 19 metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium previously designated for nuclear warheads.