US takes another look at recycling nuclear fuel
Proponents see a reduction in the need for uranium mining and more efficient, cheaper reactors. Opponents see a risk of proliferation.
"As the Biden administration seeks to triple the nation’s nuclear energy capacity in response to climate change, it is edging closer to lifting a more than four-decade-long moratorium that the US has observed on the recovery of plutonium from spent nuclear fuel. Ending the prohibition is critical to the plans of some advanced reactor developers"
"Department of Energy officials say the moratorium on commercial reprocessing will remain in place for now. But the Biden administration has shown a receptiveness to reprocessing that contrasts sharply with his Democratic predecessors, dating to Jimmy Carter. “The Biden–Harris administration and DOE recognize the importance of developing practical uses for America’s used nuclear fuel,” energy secretary Jennifer Granholm stated in October 2022. “Recycling nuclear waste for clean energy generation can Seems even the Dems are changing their minds and the republicans are all for itsignificantly reduce the amount of spent fuel at nuclear sites and increase economic stability for the communities leading this important work.”with many advanced reactor designs that could use spent nuclear fuel coming closer to reality, DOE is assessing reprocessing and recycling technologies with more urgency,” stated Kathryn Huff, DOE assistant secretary for nuclear energy. "
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