Episode
Startups Race to Use Cold War Plutonium
- Published
- May 27, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 111
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Summary
The U.S. government is turning to five bold startups to tackle a decades-old nuclear dilemma: what to do with 34 tons of Cold War plutonium. With a half-life of 24,000 years, this material could power next-gen reactors—but handling it carries serious security risks. Companies like Oklo, Shine, and Flibe are racing to develop reactors that can safely burn plutonium, either alone or mixed with uranium. While the idea isn’t new—previous MOX fuel plans collapsed—it’s now getting a second chance. But experts warn that past attempts abroad showed the dangers often outweighed the rewards. The real test? Negotiating tight security, transport, and operational protocols—because turning waste into energy might be worth it… if it doesn’t blow up in their faces. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/e85fd355bb45dddf