I have an exclusive new feature in Fortune magazine today. 

The piece looks at Southern Nuclear's "gamechanger" innovation in nuclear fuel that can dramatically extend how long an existing reactor can go on one load and extract far more energy out of the uranium. 

The American Nuclear Society called said the jump from traditional reactor fuel to this is akin to going from a Generation I reactor to a Generation IV model. 

There are some skeptics who said utilities may be reluctant to buy the fuel. But utility giants such as Constellation and Dominion Energy say they're already considering it.

I have an exclusive new feature in Fortune magazine today. 

The piece looks at Southern Nuclear's "gamechanger" innovation in nuclear fuel that can dramatically extend how long an existing reactor can go on one load and extract far more energy out of the uranium. 

The American Nuclear Society called said the jump from traditional reactor fuel to this is akin to going from a Generation I reactor to a Generation IV model. 

There are some skeptics who said utilities may be reluctant to buy the fuel. But utility giants such as Constellation and Dominion Energy say they're already considering it.

https://fortune.com/2025/06/12/southern-next-gen-nuclear-fuel-history-georgia/

Reporter and writer. I cover energy, climate change and geopolitics. Contact me via my website www.alexanderckaufman.com and subscribe to kaufman.substack.com.

Saying things with my chest 

Recovering people pleaser 

Humanist, but naturalist first 

Quieter in person 💗

Well, this story is just about a new type of fuel for existing reactors -- it would essentially allow you to get more energy out of existing uranium and existing reactors. If you're concerned about increased extraction or production, this is a pretty big win.

I’m so worried for the immediate impact to our natural resources - l foresee a race under the next four years for more extraction. What’s the ROI to develop build and own and operate / maintain one of these things?

Going to these pellet fuels is recharging the current reactors. How many reactors in the USA are eligible & what lifetime extension would this provide on average? Do the existing reactors have safety concerns that simply replacing the fuel would not address? Does the new pellet form itself address the safety concerns?