For decades, the U.S. has struggled with radioactive plutonium left over from Cold War-era weapons programs. Now, five nuclear startups are eyeing it as fuel for their reactors.

The Department of Energy (DOE) selected Oklo, Standard Nuclear, Shine Technologies, Flibe Energy and Exodys Energy to negotiate a share of the 34 tons of plutonium set aside for disposal. These firms aim to use this material in innovative reactor designs that could potentially reduce nuclear waste.

Meanwhile, security concerns loom large over these plans. Scott Roecker from the Nuclear Threat Initiative argues that past attempts to recycle plutonium as fuel have faced significant challenges and liabilities, questioning whether it’s really worth the risk.

The next steps involve intense negotiations between the startups and the government on security measures and transport logistics for this highly dangerous material – a process fraught with complexities and uncertainties.