Nuclear reactors fueled by nuclear waste

Nuclear waste refers to radioactive waste generated during the operation of nuclear reactors. In a nuclear reactor, nuclear waste is produced when neutrons interact with heavy elements in the fuel, coolant, and moderator. This waste contains not only unconsumed uranium and plutonium, but also short-lived fission products and longer-lived actinides. It is highly radioactive and poses potential hazards to humans and the environment. London-based nuclear energy company Newcleo, founded in 2021, develops small nuclear reactors powered by radioactive waste. Initially, the company aimed to use the large stockpile of nuclear waste at the Sellafield site in the UK to fuel its reactors. However, Newcleo has since abandoned plans to build a nuclear power plant in the UK and instead opted to invest in France. It will purchase nuclear waste from Électricité de France (EDF) and construct a demonstration reactor before 2030. The company’s small reactors—powered by radioactive waste—employ lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology, in which nuclear waste is treated as fuel. Actinides contained in nuclear waste can be re-burned to provide sustained energy output for the reactor. This closed fuel cycle significantly improves uranium resource utilization and enables the burning and breeding of thorium-based materials.

The hottest IPO sector in the U.S. this year

• Parabilis Medicines (PBLS): Went public on June 10, raising $670 million—the largest biotech IPO fundraising amount in the U.S. in 2026. Focuses on innovative peptide drugs targeting previously 'undruggable' protein targets. • Kailera Therapeutics (KLRA): Went public on April 16, raising $625 million. Its lead product is a GLP-1-based weight-loss therapy, with both a once-weekly injectable and a daily oral formulation under development. • Hemab Therapeutics (COAG): Went public on May 4, raising $347 million. Specializes in treatments for coagulation disorders; its core drug has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation. • Odyssey Therapeutics: Went public on May 8, raising $304 million. Focuses on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. ⚠ Note: A shared characteristic of 2026 biotech IPOs is that these companies all possess clinically validated mechanisms—not merely early-stage concepts. Capital is increasingly concentrating on later-stage programs backed by clinical data. Early-stage companies lacking clinical data continue to face narrow financing windows this year. III. Nuclear Energy Enters the Picture: Why Deep Fission Is Going Public Now Frankly, it would have been hard to imagine a nuclear energy company listing on Nasdaq just a few years ago. Nuclear power plants involve long development cycles, massive capital requirements, and complex regulatory oversight—hardly the kind of story favored by capital markets. Yet Deep Fission’s IPO reflects a clear logic: surging global electricity demand driven by AI and data centers. • Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are signing large-scale nuclear power purchase agreements. • The U.S. government has set a target to triple nuclear capacity by 2050. • Data centers require stable, predictable power—not intermittent wind or solar energy. Deep Fission’s technical approach—‘deep-borehole SMR’—involves placing a 15-megawatt pressurized water reactor 1.6 kilometers underground, using geological formations to replace conventional concrete containment structures, thereby substantially lowering construction costs. This distinct strategy sets it apart among SMR developers. | IPO Signals in the Nuclear Energy Sector Deep Fission’s listing represents a landmark case of a nuclear technology company accessing Nasdaq via a traditional IPO. Previously, some nuclear firms went public via SPACs—but suffered from liquidity constraints and volatile valuations. Choosing a traditional IPO signals greater confidence—by both the management team and investors—in market receptivity. IV. What This Means for Chinese Companies Planning U.S. Listings | Biotech Sector: The Window Is Open—but Standards Are Higher The surge of biotech IPOs in 2026 confirms that Nasdaq’s capital window is genuinely open. Yet a close look reveals a common thread: all these companies possess clinical data—at least Phase II or beyond. Investors are no longer willing to pay premiums for purely conceptual-stage ventures. For Chinese biotech firms eyeing U.S. listings, the timing window does exist—but they must answer one critical question: Is your clinical data robust enough?

Nuclear Startup Newcleo Sees Nasdaq Listing Boosting US Growth

14 hours ago

Nuclear startup Newcleo plans to expand US operations following its Nasdaq debut, driven by surging AI power demand. The company targets reactor and fuel production at the Savannah River complex by 2031-2032.

bloomberg

2026-09-21

Nuclear Startup Newcleo Sees Nasdaq Listing Boosting US Growth

Nuclear Startup Newcleo Sees Nasdaq Listing Boosting US Growth

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