Plutonium

Nuclear Energy

Human-made actinide used in some fuels.

Plutonium is produced in reactors from uranium-238. Plutonium-239 is fissile and is used in MOX fuel and in weapons programmes under strict controls.

Keep exploring

Spent fuel can be reprocessed. Extracted uranium and plutonium can be used for MOX or uranium fuel production. The remaining waste is vitrified.

4 min read

Mixed uranium–plutonium oxide fuel.