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Clean tech startup Fluxnium found a way to tap 50,000 years worth of nuclear fuel
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Fluxnium's fibers can extract uranium directly from seawater, which has enough of the nuclear fuel to power thousands of generations.
Fluxnium's technology could significantly reduce dependence on traditional uranium mines, which are subject to geopolitical risks and fluctuating prices. By tapping into the vast supply of uranium in seawater, the process may help stabilize uranium supply and pricing for nuclear power generation. This innovation aligns with increasing global interest in nuclear energy as a clean electricity source.
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Fluxnium uses specially made polymer fibers to extract dissolved uranium from seawater.
The fibers can be deployed at sea for 30 to 60 days before bringing uranium ashore for purification.
This method could lower the cost of uranium extraction, making it competitive with existing mines.
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Fluxnium has developed a method to extract uranium from seawater using polymer fibers, addressing the need for a stable and sustainable uranium supply. Given the vast amounts of uranium present in the ocean, this technology could provide a long-term solution to fuel shortages faced by nuclear power plants.
The process involves manufacturing specialized fibers that attract uranium, which are then deployed in ocean waters. While the current extraction cost is around $200 per pound, Fluxnium aims to further reduce this cost by optimizing fiber production and deployment strategies.
One of the key challenges for Fluxnium will be the initial investment required for fiber manufacturing and ocean deployment. The success of this technology will depend on its ability to achieve economies of scale, making it feasible for large-scale extraction.
Fluxnium's approach could stop working effectively if there are changes in ocean conditions or if the extraction process doesn’t scale as anticipated. Environmental factors, such as ocean health and salinity, may also affect the efficiency of uranium extraction.
As the demand for nuclear energy grows, leveraging seawater as a uranium source may mitigate geopolitical risks associated with traditional mining sources. If successful, Fluxnium could play a pivotal role in the future of nuclear energy supply.
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