US Unlocks Cold War Plutonium Stockpile to Power Next-Gen Nuclear Reactors

Strategic Shift in Nuclear Energy Policy

The United States is embarking on a groundbreaking energy initiative by offering private companies access to weapons-grade plutonium from decommissioned Cold War nuclear weapons. This strategic move aims to transform historical nuclear materials into fuel for advanced reactors while reducing dependence on Russian uranium supplies. The Department of Energy has formally opened applications for energy groups to request up to 19 megatonnes of government-held plutonium, marking a significant shift in both energy and national security policy.

Breaking Russia’s Energy Stranglehold

The timing of this initiative reflects growing concerns about global uranium supply chains, particularly Russia’s dominance in producing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel. With the Biden administration banning Russian uranium imports in 2024 and domestic production remaining below one ton annually, the US faces urgent fuel security challenges. This plutonium access program represents a creative solution to bypass Russian-controlled fuel sources while utilizing existing nuclear materials that would otherwise remain in storage., according to related coverage

The Department of Energy emphasizes that selected companies may receive expedited licensing consideration from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, potentially accelerating the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. This regulatory incentive could prove crucial for companies racing to develop next-generation reactors amid rising electricity demands.

Industry Response and Major Players

At least two prominent nuclear energy companies have expressed strong interest in the program. Oklo, backed by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and French advanced reactor developer Newcleo are expected to submit applications. The collaboration between these companies extends beyond mere interest—Newcleo recently committed up to $2 billion in US investments through a joint agreement with Oklo, specifically targeting advanced fuel fabrication infrastructure.

Stefano Buono, Newcleo’s founder and CEO, enthusiastically endorsed the initiative: “With the 92,000 tons of spent fuel that the US has, they could have 100 years of energy independence”. This perspective highlights the enormous potential many industry leaders see in repurposing existing nuclear materials.

Addressing the Nuclear Fuel Bottleneck

The program directly targets one of the most significant constraints facing nuclear energy expansion: fuel availability for small modular reactors (SMRs). These compact reactors, capable of generating up to 300 megawatts, represent the future of nuclear energy but require HALEU fuel—precisely the material Russia currently controls. By converting weapons-grade plutonium into usable reactor fuel, the US could:

• Create an independent fuel supply chain
• Accelerate SMR deployment nationwide
• Reduce nuclear waste storage challenges
• Strengthen national energy security

Safety Concerns and Regulatory Challenges

Despite the potential benefits, significant concerns surround the commercial use of plutonium. Edwin Lyman, a physicist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, warned: “Unless you get assurances that they’re going to protect it as though it is a nuclear weapon, then it’s going to increase vulnerability to theft”. These security considerations are particularly relevant given plutonium’s weapons potential and the need for rigorous protection standards.

The initiative also faces legal and practical hurdles. Congress maintains control over nuclear waste management, creating uncertainty about the administration’s authority to distribute plutonium. Additionally, a previous attempt to convert plutonium for civilian use was abandoned in 2018 due to skyrocketing costs, raising questions about the economic viability of the current program., as previous analysis

Broader Energy Context and Future Implications

This plutonium initiative occurs alongside several significant energy developments. Multiple utility-scale nuclear plants in Michigan and Pennsylvania are scheduled to restart operations within two years, while substantial investments continue flowing into SMR development. Meanwhile, projections from BloombergNEF indicate that power demands from data centers—particularly those supporting artificial intelligence—could more than double by 2035, creating unprecedented pressure on energy infrastructure.

The Trump administration’s four executive orders in May specifically targeted nuclear industry growth, with two directives explicitly requiring the Energy Department to identify and distribute surplus fuel to reactor developers. This plutonium access program represents the practical implementation of those policy directions, though its success will depend on overcoming technical, economic, and security challenges that have thwarted similar efforts in the past.

As applications open and companies prepare their proposals, the nuclear industry watches closely. The program’s outcome could determine not only America’s energy independence but also the global balance of nuclear technology leadership in the coming decades.

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