Energy chief envisions US nuclear renaissance: restoring ‘pit’ production, localizing nuke power

In a recent interview, Energy Secretary Chris Wright discussed the potential for nuclear power to play a significant role in both energy production and national defense. One of the key initiatives being pursued is the rebooting of pit production, which involves the manufacturing of plutonium pits for nuclear weapons.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has set a goal of manufacturing 80 such pits to meet the Pentagon’s requirements. This production is crucial for maintaining the country’s nuclear arsenal and ensuring its effectiveness in the face of evolving threats. The Energy Department laboratory in New Mexico, where the atom bomb was developed, is reportedly working to ramp up pit production after a long period of dormancy.

While the U.S. has not imported plutonium pits, there has been a lack of major manufacturing since the end of the Cold War. Secretary Wright is committed to changing this trend, stating that over 100 pits will be produced during the Trump administration. This effort is part of a broader strategy to modernize the country’s nuclear capabilities and ensure its security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

In addition to defense-related initiatives, Secretary Wright is also focused on revitalizing the nuclear power sector. He is working to reopen the Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan, which closed a few years ago. The Energy Department is also exploring Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, which has the potential to provide power to underserved communities and critical infrastructure sites.

SMRs offer a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional nuclear power plants. By manufacturing components in a factory and assembling them on-site, SMRs can be deployed more quickly and at a lower cost. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and distribute energy, providing a reliable source of power for a wide range of applications.

Despite the many benefits of nuclear energy, there is still opposition to its expansion. Secretary Wright emphasized the safety and reliability of nuclear power, noting that it has been the safest form of energy production in American history. He criticized the politicization of the issue, calling for a more rational and informed debate on the role of nuclear power in our energy future.

As the Energy Department continues to pursue its ambitious agenda, Secretary Wright is confident that nuclear power will play a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy needs and ensuring its national security. By investing in pit production and advancing SMR technology, the U.S. is positioning itself as a leader in nuclear innovation and sustainability.