- Thursday, November 14, 2024

As former President Donald Trump returns to the White House, he faces a great opportunity to revitalize America’s nuclear energy sector, enhance domestic energy security and assert global leadership.

The United States can address environmental concerns, bolster energy production and stimulate economic growth by adopting advanced, proliferation-resistant nuclear waste recycling methods and fostering a fast reactor economy.

An emerging feature of this nuclear renaissance is the adoption of advanced recycling technologies for used nuclear fuel. Bipartisan efforts such as the Advancing Research in Nuclear Fuel Recycling Act introduced by Sens. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, and Martin Heinrich, New Mexico Democrat, demonstrate growing support for exploring these possibilities.

This legislation aims to evaluate the costs, benefits and risks of recycling spent nuclear fuel, potentially reducing waste accumulation and maximizing our cleanest baseload energy source.

Implementing cutting-edge recycling technologies could significantly decrease the volume of nuclear waste requiring long-term storage, extract usable materials for next-generation reactors and decrease reliance on imported nuclear fuel.

Mr. Trump’s nuclear strategy could position the United States as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology, opening up export opportunities and strengthening geopolitical influence. This approach aligns with ongoing U.S. government efforts to assist allied countries in developing their nuclear power capabilities.

By accelerating the deployment of small modular reactors and advanced fuel processing facilities, the U.S. can provide allies with dependable alternatives to Russian and Chinese nuclear technology, diversify nuclear power options worldwide and advance safeguarded nuclear technologies.

Developing a closed fuel cycle similar to efforts in Britain, France and Japan would improve the economics of current and advanced reactors, reduce reliance on imported uranium and convert used fuel into waste forms that are easier to dispose of in permanent geologic repositories.

China and Russia have made significant strides in the global nuclear market, with China on track to become the leading nuclear power producer by the end of the decade. To compete effectively, the Trump administration should allocate resources to advanced nuclear technologies, accelerate the deployment of new efficient reactor designs and build a robust nuclear fuel supply chain with nuclear fuel recycling as a cornerstone of a closed fuel cycle vision.

This comprehensive nuclear strategy would yield substantial economic and environmental benefits, including the creation of high-paying positions in research, engineering and manufacturing, the reduction of carbon emissions through expanded nuclear power generation and the development of valuable radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications.

Mr. Trump has the opportunity to transform America’s nuclear waste challenge into a triumph of innovation and global leadership. By investing in proliferation-resistant recycling methods, fast reactor technology and a closed fuel cycle, the U.S. can secure its energy future, create jobs and reestablish itself as the world’s preeminent nuclear power.

This strategy addresses domestic energy needs and positions the United States as a key player in the global nuclear market, offering allies and partners a reliable alternative to Chinese and Russian nuclear technologies. Mr. Trump can leave a lasting legacy of energy innovation, environmental stewardship and international cooperation through this bold vision, ensuring America’s continued leadership in the Atomic Age.

• Jeff Duncan represents South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District.

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