As the energy landscape evolves, nuclear energy is once again at the forefront of discussions for sustainable, secure, and scalable power generation. But with innovation comes complexity. One of the most pressing questions for industry leaders and communities alike is how to effectively manage spent nuclear fuel. A recent panel discussion, part of the Energy Communities Alliance Winter Webinar Series, explored this issue in depth, focusing on the potential of colocation strategies for nuclear storage and reprocessing facilities.
This article examines the insights shared by experts on cutting-edge technologies, economic impacts, regulatory challenges, and community considerations. Whether you're a construction manager, energy developer, or local government official, this deep dive will help you understand the promise and practicality of colocation with nuclear storage.
Emerging nuclear technologies are set to play a pivotal role in meeting America’s growing energy demand, particularly in mission-critical industries like data centers, power generation, and defense technology. Colocation - the strategic placement of facilities that store, process, and generate energy - offers numerous benefits, including:
As the nation looks to double electricity production over the next 25 years, experts argue that thoughtful colocation strategies can help bridge the gap between innovation and implementation.
Dr. Jennifer Schaefer, Associate Director of Technology at ARPA-E, provided an in-depth look at the technologies that enable the recycling of spent nuclear fuel:
The most established method, solvent extraction, separates usable material from spent fuel. While widely used, it has limitations, including high costs and waste management challenges.
A molten-salt-based method that operates without water, pyroprocessing is particularly suited for advanced reactors like fast-spectrum or molten salt systems. However, challenges like anode oxidation and managing byproducts have limited its adoption - though companies like Oklo are beginning to explore its potential.
This emerging technology uses chemical agents such as fluoride or chloride to extract valuable materials by converting them into vapor. It offers promise for greater efficiency, though it is still in developmental stages.
Key Insight: Dr. Schaefer emphasized the importance of aligning technology with broader market needs. "We don’t yet know what our reactor strategy will look like by 2050", she noted, highlighting the need for flexibility and adaptability in technology choices.
Michelle Samson, Director of the Division of New and Renewed Licenses at the NRC, shed light on the regulatory landscape. While no commercial reprocessing facilities currently operate in the U.S., the NRC is prepared to process applications under two licensing frameworks:
For communities and developers, the timeline for obtaining a license is crucial. Samson clarified that once a complete application is submitted, the NRC aims to complete its safety review in 18 months for construction permits, with additional time for follow-up reviews before operations commence.
Randy Heman, City Manager of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, provided valuable insights into the economic impacts of hosting nuclear facilities. Oak Ridge has become a hub for advanced nuclear technologies, attracting companies like BWXT, Oklo, and Standard Nuclear. But with investment comes responsibility.
Heman emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and long-term financial modeling. "People see billion-dollar investments and assume wealth follows, but there are significant costs in ensuring safety and readiness", he cautioned.
When considering colocation, the size of the site is a critical factor. Existing international facilities like La Hague in France (750 acres) and Rokkasho in Japan (1,000 acres) provide valuable benchmarks. These sites integrate spent fuel storage, reprocessing, and other operations, demonstrating the advantages of scale.
While current U.S. projects are smaller, experts recommend planning for future expansion. David Pointer, Director of Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, highlighted the importance of flexibility: "Companies want to ensure they have room to grow as the market evolves."
Communities and industries should evaluate how proposed reprocessing technologies align with existing and future reactor types.
The NRC is equipped to process applications in under two years. Understanding the licensing process is essential for timely project execution.
While new facilities create high-quality, well-paying jobs, communities should also plan for infrastructure investments and long-term costs.
Sites hosting colocation facilities should plan for scalability, with 750 to 1,000 acres serving as an ideal benchmark.
Local governments, industry leaders, and national laboratories must work together to address technical, regulatory, and economic challenges.
With the U.S. aiming to quadruple nuclear capacity, flexible strategies that account for evolving market needs will be critical.
From emergency response training to zoning overlays, communities must proactively plan for the unique demands of hosting nuclear facilities.
As the U.S. strives to meet its future energy demands, nuclear energy stands as a cornerstone of sustainability, reliability, and innovation. Colocation of nuclear storage and reprocessing facilities offers a bold, efficient path forward - but it requires careful planning, collaboration, and investment.
From cutting-edge technologies to regulatory frameworks and community considerations, the path to a sustainable nuclear future is complex, but the potential rewards are immense. By leveraging lessons from global leaders and fostering partnerships among government, industry, and research institutions, the U.S. can lead the charge in the next generation of nuclear energy.
This transformative moment for the energy sector calls for informed decision-making and a shared commitment to safety, innovation, and economic growth. With the right strategies, colocation can be a game-changer for mission-critical industries, communities, and the nation as a whole.
Source: "Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage - ECA Winter Webinar Series" - Energy Communities Alliance, YouTube, Jan 9, 2026 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMT7kerQPHY
