Policy Shift - The U.S. is opening its Cold War-era stockpile of weapons-grade plutonium to private nuclear energy companies, with the Department of Energy (DOE) accepting applications for approximately 20 metric tons of this material [2][8] - This initiative aims to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear reactors and enhance energy security, stemming from President Trump's May 2025 executive order [2][8] Industry Impact - The program's primary goal is to provide a domestic fuel source for advanced reactor designs, reducing reliance on foreign uranium, especially from Russia, and addressing the increasing electricity demand from sectors like AI data centers [3][8] - Companies such as Oklo Inc. and TerraPower are expected to benefit, with Oklo developing advanced fission power plants and TerraPower working on the Natrium reactor [4][8] Economic Considerations - While the plutonium will be provided at minimal or no cost, participating companies will bear all associated expenses, including transportation, design, and construction of facilities, which could pose significant financial challenges [4][8] - Concerns have been raised regarding the economic viability of processing plutonium for fuel, with some analyses indicating it may be more expensive than current disposal methods [5][8] Criticism and Concerns - The plan has faced criticism from non-proliferation experts and lawmakers, who warn about the risks of nuclear proliferation and the potential misuse of accessible weapons-grade material [5][8] - The technology for utilizing this specific plutonium in advanced reactor designs remains unproven and unlicensed, raising further questions about the initiative's feasibility [5][8] Strategic Shift - This policy marks a significant departure from the U.S.'s historical focus on the dilution and disposal of surplus plutonium, emphasizing a renewed commitment to domestic nuclear energy production and innovation [6][8] - Potential investment opportunities may arise in reprocessing technology and advanced reactor construction, with companies like Cameco Corporation, Uranium Energy Corp, and NuScale Power likely to see indirect benefits from a revitalized domestic nuclear sector [6][8]