How much potential energy is still left in spent nuclear fuel after five years in a reactor?

ANSWER: More than 90% of its potential energy remains. “Spent” nuclear fuel still contains significant amounts of usable nuclear material, which is one reason advanced fuel cycles and recycling remain active areas of research. (Source at the end).

OVERVIEW: If you enjoyed this fact and want to explore nuclear from different perspectives, including energy, policy, and engineering, consider joining the AMERICAN NUCLEAR SOCIETY. We host casual meetings with FREE FOOD, opportunities to talk directly with INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS, and OPEN CONVERSATIONS about how nuclear fits into the future of energy.

SEMINAR DESCRIPTION: This week, we will welcome Dr. Assel Aitkaliyeva, a Program Director at the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), where she focuses on nuclear energy-enabling technologies. Before joining ARPA-E, she was a staff scientist at Idaho National Laboratory and an associate professor of nuclear engineering and materials science and engineering at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on material degradation in extreme environments, including nuclear fuels, advanced materials, and nuclear forensics.

TIME/LOCATION: Nuclear seminars are every Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Hill Hall Room 202, followed by ANS meetings from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Hill Hall Room 209. Come to either or stay for both.

SIGN UP / MAILING LIST: Join and purchase an ANS shirt > https://oreconnect.mines.edu/ANS/club_signup