Department of Energy Seeks to Transform Surplus Plutonium into Nuclear Fuel

[Marlin]

Department of Energy Seeks to Transform Surplus Plutonium into Nuclear Fuel

https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/department-energy-seeks-transform-surplus-plutonium-nuclear-fuel

[Core Content]

Source: Energy.gov.

The Department of Energy is negotiating with five private firms to convert 20 metric tons of surplus plutonium into advanced nuclear fuel. This initiative follows an executive order to halt the dilute and dispose program in favor of domestic fuel production. Selected companies must fund all facility costs and adhere to strict safety, security, and oversight requirements for the processing and storage of the material.

Advanced negotiations underway with industry to potentially turn multi-billion-dollar government waste liability into a national energy asset.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy is currently working with industry to explore if nearly 20 metric tons of surplus plutonium materials could be transformed into advanced nuclear fuel or used in advanced reactor research and development.

Earlier this year, the Department competitively selected Exodys Energy, Flibe Energy, Oklo, SHINE Technologies, and Standard Nuclear for advanced negotiations related to potential allocation of the plutonium materials. Negotiations began on May 27, 2026, and are currently ongoing.

Read the full article at Energy.gov:
https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/department-energy-seeks-transform-surplus-plutonium-nuclear-fuel