The United States has moved into a controversial new phase of nuclear energy strategy, selecting five companies to explore using surplus Cold War-era plutonium as fuel for advanced nuclear reactors.
The plan, announced by the US Department of Energy, involves repurposing material originally dismantled from nuclear warheads — a stockpile that remains highly radioactive with a half-life of roughly 24,000 years and stored under strict security in facilities across South Carolina, Texas, and New Mexico.
Among the selected firms is Oklo, a fast-growing nuclear technology startup whose stock jumped following the announcement. The company says it will collaborate with European partner Newcleo to develop next-generation fuel and reactor systems aimed at accelerating clean energy deployment.
Other companies entering advanced talks include SHINE Technologies, Flibe Energy, Exodys Energy, and Standard Nuclear.
The initiative is part of a broader push that could see around 20 metric tonnes of weapons-grade plutonium made available for civilian energy use. This material originates from dismantled Cold War nuclear warheads and has historically been earmarked for disposal.
The policy shift gained momentum after former US President Donald Trump halted a long-running disposal programme, instead directing the Department of Energy to explore its use as fuel for advanced nuclear systems.
Supporters of the plan argue it could unlock a powerful “bridge fuel” for next-generation reactors, potentially speeding up nuclear energy deployment while reducing long-term storage liabilities. As Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte put it, the goal is to convert “material that has been set aside for disposal” into electricity-generating fuel.
However, the move has triggered serious concern among lawmakers. Critics, including Senator Edward Markey and other members of Congress, warn that 20 tonnes of plutonium could theoretically be enough for thousands of nuclear weapons, raising fears about proliferation risks, safety, and national security oversight.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, previously linked to Oklo’s board before joining government service, said the programme is designed to attract private investment and accelerate advanced reactor development.
At its core, the initiative reflects a deeper strategic gamble: turning some of the most dangerous material on Earth into a cornerstone of future energy systems.
A bold move. High reward, high tension — the kind of policy where innovation and risk sit at the same table, not shaking hands, but staring each other down.
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