The Trump administration's plan to use small nuclear reactors has turned to an old strategy for radioactive waste disposal: burying it deep underground, despite the absence of such facilities.
The Trump administration is advocating for a strategy involving small nuclear reactors to support the artificial intelligence era, which also includes dealing with the increasing amounts of radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants and other sources. Currently, around 100,000 tons of radioactive waste are kept in temporary storages across the United States, and as new policies are implemented to promote nuclear energy, the need for a permanent solution for this waste is becoming critical.
To address this growing concern, the U.S. government is seeking states willing to host a permanent repository for used nuclear fuel. This initiative, proposed by the Department of Energy, indicates a significant shift in strategy for the nuclear sector, which now necessitates the development of a site for waste disposal along with plans for new reactors, waste reprocessing, uranium enrichment, and the future of data centers.
This proposal comes at a time when the energy sector is under scrutiny for its management of hazardous materials. The challenge remains to find a suitable and willing host state for the radioactive waste, as many regions are hesitant to accept such sites due to public fear and environmental concerns. As the government pushes for advanced nuclear technology, the long-standing issue of waste management continues to loom large in deliberations about the future of nuclear energy in America.
