Russia Develops Fuel That Provides Energy for a Thousand Years

SadaNews - Mikhail Skubov, the winner of the national award in future technologies in 2025, stated that Russian scientists have developed a unique fuel for the nuclear reactors of the future, which will provide energy for humanity for a thousand years.

Skubov, who won the national "Challenge" award in the field of future technologies for 2025, pointed out that Russian scientists have managed to solve all the problems related to developing the world's first technology for producing mixed fuel from uranium and plutonium, designated for fourth-generation nuclear power reactors.

According to data from the World Nuclear Association, the global demand for uranium used in nuclear reactors is expected to increase by one-third by 2030, reaching 86,000 tons, and rising to 150,000 tons by 2040. At the same time, the productivity of operating mines is expected to be halved due to depletion of reserves.

The main problem with current nuclear reactors is that only 1% of uranium is used effectively, while the remaining 99% is stored or disposed of as radioactive waste. Approximately 400,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel have accumulated worldwide. With the onset of the new nuclear era, all available uranium reserves may be rapidly consumed, leading to the generation of massive amounts of hazardous waste.

The solution lies in fast neutron reactors, which allow for the effective utilization of by-products from the fuel cycle to produce energy and burn waste that was previously considered non-processable.

Skubov explained: "We have managed to solve all the problems related to the development of the technology for producing mixed fuel from uranium and plutonium, and to conduct a complete cycle of tests, including the manufacturing and activation of heat-producing elements in the reactor. The technology has been transferred to the industrial sector, maximizing its readiness level."

Researcher Mikhail Skubov received the national award in the field of future technologies "Challenge" for 2025 in the "Engineering Solution" category for developing the "Industrial Production Technology for Nitroid Nuclear Fuel."

Source: TASS