Nuclear waste recycling: Turning a liability into an asset

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 7, 2022

Insight summary

Nuclear waste, once a symbol of environmental concern, is being transformed into a valuable resource through recycling, opening new horizons for energy production. Countries like France, Japan, and Russia have already utilized plutonium recycling to create power, reducing their waste's radioactive footprint, and employing methods like vitrification for waste management. This shift towards recycling nuclear waste is not only reducing the overall volume of waste but also fostering responsible energy practices and creating new technologies.

Nuclear waste recycling context

As scientific consensus grows that nuclear power may play an important part in reducing climate change, there has been a renewed emphasis on fuel design and fuel cycle research to enable the next generation of nuclear technology. This focus provides a chance to re-energize innovation in back-end technology, which might be the key to breaking the long-standing political impasse surrounding nuclear waste.

To fulfill climate targets, the world may need to significantly expand nuclear power generation over the coming decades. Changing society's perception of nuclear waste as an asset, rather than a problem, is important for the long-term viability of nuclear energy and an enabling condition for new nuclear plant orders worldwide. Although some nations consider used nuclear fuel to be waste, most of the material in used fuel may be recycled. So far, most recycling efforts have concentrated on the extraction of plutonium and uranium, both of which can be reused in conventional reactors. This separated plutonium and uranium can then be combined with new uranium to create new fuel rods.

France, Japan, Germany, Belgium, and Russia have all utilized plutonium recycling to create power while also decreasing their waste's radioactive footprint. Some by-products, primarily fission products, will still need to be disposed of in a repository and are immobilized by combining them with glass in a process known as vitrification. The most secure method of long-term management of radioactive materials is to keep them out of storage entirely. This can be accomplished by separating waste for immediate disposal and recycling the remainder using “just-in-time” procedures.

Disruptive impact 

The development of diamond batteries and radiation-resistant polymers signifies a shift towards more efficient and sustainable use of nuclear waste. This approach could lead to a reduction in the overall volume of nuclear waste, as materials that were once considered waste are now being used productively. By transforming waste into valuable resources, governments and industries can reduce the costs associated with waste disposal and management, while also minimizing environmental risks.

In addition, the utilization of nuclear waste in creating new technologies opens doors for various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. For example, diamond batteries could be used in remote or inaccessible locations where traditional power sources are not feasible. The radiation-resistant polymers could find applications in medical devices or industrial equipment, enhancing their durability and performance. 

Lastly, the shift towards recycling nuclear waste represents a broader movement towards responsible and sustainable energy practices. This approach aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. By embracing nuclear waste recycling, society can move towards a more balanced and thoughtful approach to energy production, one that considers both immediate needs and long-term environmental and societal goals.

Implications of nuclear waste recycling

Wider implications of nuclear waste recycling:

• The development of new educational programs focused on nuclear waste recycling technologies, leading to a skilled workforce capable of supporting this emerging industry.


• The creation of specialized job roles in nuclear waste recycling, leading to new employment opportunities and economic growth in regions with nuclear facilities.


• A shift in public perception towards nuclear energy, leading to increased acceptance and support for nuclear power as a clean and sustainable energy source.


• The establishment of international collaborations and agreements on nuclear waste recycling, leading to standardized practices and shared technological advancements.


• The implementation of stricter regulations on nuclear waste management, leading to higher industry standards and increased accountability for nuclear energy producers.


• The development of localized energy solutions using recycled nuclear waste, leading to energy independence for remote or underserved communities.


• A potential increase in the cost of nuclear energy production due to initial investments in recycling technologies, leading to temporary financial challenges for energy companies.


• The potential for geopolitical tensions over access to nuclear waste recycling technologies, leading to complex international negotiations and agreements.


• A shift in investment strategies towards companies specializing in nuclear waste recycling, leading to new financial products and opportunities for investors interested in sustainable energy solutions.

Questions to consider

• Do you think the recycling of nuclear waste can reform the image of nuclear?


• Do you think the recycling of nuclear waste is safe?


• Considering all the energy-intensive stages of the nuclear fuel chain, from uranium mining to nuclear decommissioning, would you consider nuclear power a sustainable low-carbon energy source?