Nuclear waste storage gets new cask designs, higher capacity, and fewer rules

US nuclear regulators just approved an update to a specific nuclear waste storage system. This means operators can now store more spent fuel in new types of containers, with less restrictive rules about how much energy the fuel can contain.

Storing spent nuclear fuel is a major bottleneck for nuclear power. Every reactor produces it, and it needs to be kept safe for thousands of years. This update makes it easier and potentially cheaper to store more waste on-site at nuclear power plants, which could extend the operating life of existing reactors. It also signals a trend towards more flexible and higher-capacity storage solutions, which is critical for the future of nuclear energy.