U.S. Considers Using Stored Plutonium for Nuclear Power
Plutonium Storage in New Mexico
For nearly 25 years, the United States has stored plutonium in southeastern New Mexico. The material is housed at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), a facility that has been receiving Cold War-era plutonium since 1999.
Now, its future could change dramatically. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump in May 2025 proposes repurposing this plutonium for use in commercial nuclear reactors.
Energy Potential and Federal Push
According to a Reuters exclusive report , the U.S. Department of Energy argues that more than 90% of the potential energy remains in the fuel. Federal officials and industry leaders believe this represents a massive untapped resource.
With nuclear power expansion underway across the country, the Trump administration insists America cannot afford to overlook this material.
“Plutonium from the Cold War era has not lost its value,” the report emphasized. “It could provide affordable, long-term fuel for the next generation of U.S. nuclear power plants.”
Regional Connections: Arkansas and Oklahoma
The move comes as states begin exploring nuclear energy expansion. In Arkansas, lawmakers approved a $305,000 feasibility study to examine the construction of new nuclear facilities, including small modular reactors. That study was launched after growing concerns about the state’s rising electricity demand.
In Oklahoma, legislators are also weighing nuclear options. Committees have begun studying whether advanced nuclear technologies could play a role in diversifying the state’s energy portfolio, which has long been dominated by oil, natural gas, and wind.
Why It Matters
The renewed interest in plutonium and nuclear energy reflects a broader push to meet rising power demand, particularly from data centers, manufacturing, and electrification efforts nationwide. For Oklahoma, the conversation ties directly into balancing energy independence with environmental responsibility.
Source: Reuters | Edited for clarity by Oklahoma Energy Today
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