Off-site storage for the most dangerous nuclear waste gets new rules

The US nuclear regulators have updated the rules for storing spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive waste at dedicated, off-site facilities. This means companies now have a clearer path to get licenses for building and operating these independent waste storage sites.

Managing spent nuclear fuel has long been a challenge, often leaving waste stored at reactor sites. These new rules provide a defined process for companies to build and operate facilities specifically for long-term, independent storage of the most dangerous waste. This could unlock new private investment in waste management infrastructure, moving it away from power plants.