Washington: In a groundbreaking step, the U.S. Department of Energy has announced that, for the first time, nuclear fuel enriched beyond 5% uranium-235 is being irradiated in a commercial nuclear reactor.
Officials say the higher enrichment level will allow for longer reactor cycles, more efficient power output, and cost reduction in nuclear operations.
Typically, commercial reactors operate on uranium enriched between 3% and 5%. However, this new fuel goes beyond that to unlock greater energy potential.
The fuel will be tested for at least four years at a site in Georgia, marking a major innovation in America’s approach to nuclear energy.
