Trump administration wants nuclear startups to use plutonium for their reactors

The U.S. government has dozens of tons of weapons-grade plutonium and wants nuclear startups to explore using it as reactor fuel. The push aims to turn a costly disposal problem into a potential resource for advanced nuclear projects.

If viable, using surplus plutonium could help reduce nuclear waste liabilities while supporting next-generation reactor development. The plan also raises proliferation, safety, and regulatory concerns that could shape how quickly nuclear startups can commercialize new designs.