The U.S. Department of Energy has selected five nuclear startups to negotiate the use of excess plutonium in new reactors, aiming to address a decades-old problem.

Plutonium, a by-product of Cold War bomb-making, poses significant storage challenges due to its long half-life and security concerns. Oklo, Standard Nuclear, Shine Technologies, Flibe Energy, and Exodys Energy are among the selected firms that hope to utilize this material in innovative reactor designs.

While some see potential benefits in repurposing plutonium for energy, critics argue it could pose greater risks if mishandled. The Department of Energy hopes these startups can transform a security headache into a practical solution.

The next steps involve advanced negotiations with the government regarding transportation and security measures, as handling such hazardous material is fraught with complexities.