nuclear-news

Shortage of radioactive ‘rare as diamonds’ material (plutonium) frustrates nuclear start-ups

A shortage of plutonium could hold back a new generation of
nuclear projects, with start-ups battling to secure the radioactive
material given the limited supplies available to civilian projects.

Plutonium, which cannot be mined, is a byproduct of spent uranium-based
fuel used in reactors. Its huge explosive capacity makes it ideal for
nuclear warheads, meaning its usage and extraction have been highly
restricted for decades.

Some designs for a new crop of nuclear projects
require the material to help power their systems, with companies trying to
find an adequate supply to carry out testing as well as eventually running
the reactors.

Industry executives and analysts said a shortage of nuclear
fuel recycling facilities around the world would not be easily overcome
given the cost and lengthy development time for new projects.

FT 1st Sept 2026, https://www.ft.com/content/836566de-fd44-43c4-9899-28e05b4fbf33

September 4, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | - plutonium