The US government has selected five companies, including Oklo, to potentially use Cold War-era plutonium as nuclear reactor fuel. This surplus plutonium is currently held by the Energy Department in heavily guarded facilities in states like South Carolina, Texas, and New Mexico. The plan to make about 20 metric tonnes of this plutonium available to US power companies was initiated by President Trump last year, sparking opposition from some Democrats. The other companies involved in the project are Exodys Energy, SHINE Technologies, Standard Nuclear, and Flibe Energy.
Why It Matters
The decision to make surplus plutonium available for use in nuclear reactors has raised concerns about weapons proliferation and national defense. The program aims to help companies secure private funding to develop advanced nuclear technologies and reduce US nuclear liabilities. The move could have significant implications for the nation’s energy sector and security landscape.
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