The Innovation Platform <\/em>takes a look at how these projects will contribute to innovations in safe, clean nuclear energy.<\/p>\nThe DOE\u2019s role in recycling used nuclear fuel<\/h3>\n
Nuclear energy is one of the largest sources of emissions-free power in the world, generating\u202fnearly a fifth of America\u2019s electricity\u202fand half of its clean energy.<\/p>\n
The DOE\u2019s Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) is responsible for ongoing research and development (R&D) related to long-term disposition of\u00a0used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste (HLW), which are managed by the Office of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition (SFWD).<\/p>\n
SFWD sponsors work with national laboratories, industry, and academia to examine alternatives and conduct scientific research and technology development to enable long-term storage, transportation, and geologic disposal of used nuclear fuel and radioactive wastes.<\/p>\n
SFWD research has included the investigation of SNF and wastes generated by existing and future nuclear fuel cycle options and technologies that minimise waste generation, improve safety, and complement institutional measures in limiting proliferation risk.<\/p>\n
Closing the gaps in nuclear technology<\/h3>\n
ARPA-E\u00a0awarded more than $6m to\u00a0DOE\u2019s Argonne National Laboratory to develop and demonstrate innovative processes and technologies that focus on recycling used nuclear fuel (UNF). The funding is awarded through the Converting\u00a0UNF\u00a0Radioisotopes Into Energy (CURIE) programme.<\/p>\n
The two projects will demonstrate improved separation technologies to help the US get even more energy out of safe, clean nuclear power.<\/p>\n
Nuclear energy is the source of approximately one-fifth of the total electricity used in the US, and it provided half of the nation\u2019s carbon-free electricity in 2021. Improving electrochemical separation and other\u00a0UNF\u00a0recovery and recycling technologies could help nuclear energy do more. More efficient use of nuclear energy would significantly decrease domestic reliance on fossil fuels and the related greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.<\/p>\n
Moreover, it would reduce waste and produce new fuel for advanced reactors. This last benefit would lead to the deployment of new advanced reactors, which would provide even more safe, clean, and reliable electricity.<\/p>\n