From Nuclear Energy to Nuclear Waste. And Back Again.

In this episode, we’re diving into a critical topic that deals with the future of energy: spent nuclear fuel, or SNF. And as of right now, the U.S. has more than 91,000 metric tons of SNF sitting in storage with no permanent solution.

 That’s a truly staggering number. Especially since about 95% of that material can actually be reused. And through reprocessing and recycling, we could turn what we call “waste” into new reactor fuel, which would dramatically reduce high-level waste.

Read the full article

• Unlocking the Potential of Spent Nuclear Fuel – Renewed Interest in Reprocessing and Recycling in the United States

About the author

• Thomas J. Dougherty
  
  

Transcript

Welcome to Womble Perspectives, where we explore a wide range of topics, from the latest legal updates to industry trends to the business of law. Our team of lawyers, professionals and occasional outside guests will take you through the most pressing issues facing businesses today and provide practical and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever changing legal landscape.

With a focus on innovation, collaboration and client service. We are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients and to the communities we serve. And now our latest episode.

Host 1

Welcome to Womble Perspectives! Today, we’re diving into a critical topic that deals with the future of energy: spent nuclear fuel, or SNF. And as of right now, the U.S. has more than 91,000 metric tons of SNF sitting in storage with no permanent solution.

Host 2

That’s a truly staggering number. Especially since about 95% of that material can actually be reused. Through reprocessing and recycling, we could turn what we call “waste” into new reactor fuel, which would dramatically reduce high-level waste.

Host 1

So, you might ask, “why hasn’t this happened yet?” Well, the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle is basically linear: uranium is mined, enriched, turned into fuel, and then stored after use. Other countries, like France and Russia, have closed the loop by reprocessing SNF. France alone has reprocessed over 40,000 metric tons.

Host 2

And meanwhile, the U.S. has struggled. We tried commercial reprocessing in the 1970s, but policy shifts and proliferations concerns shut it down. Since then, administrations have flip-flopped, with some encouraging reprocessing and others focused on permanent repositories.

Host 1

But things are changing. Rising electricity demand from AI and data centers, climate goals, and federal policies are driving renewed interest. Programs like DOE’s CURIE initiative and recent legislation are pushing research and development forward.                            

Host 2

And the private sector is stepping up. Some companies are starting to invest billions in advanced recycling technologies. In fact, one company plans a $1.68 billion recycling center in Tennessee by the early 2030s.

Host 1

Of course, challenges do remain. Reprocessing is expensive, regulatory frameworks are unclear, and managing plutonium safely is still a concern. Policy stability is also key. Past efforts failed because of shifting priorities.

Host 2

So, what’s the outlook? Reprocessing isn’t a silver bullet since we’ll still need a long-term repository for high-level waste. But if government and industry stay committed, SNF recycling could become a cornerstone of America’s clean energy future. 

Thank you for listening to Womble Perspectives. If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, please visit The Show Notes, where you can find links to related resources mentioned today. The Show Notes also have more information about our attorneys who provided today's insights, including ways to reach out to them.

Don't forget to subscribe via your podcast player of choice so that you never miss an episode. Thank you again for listening.