Russia to build closed nuclear fuel cycle system recycling 95% waste

Russia plans to develop the world’s first closed nuclear fuel cycle system by 2030 in the Tomsk region, aiming to recycle 95% of spent nuclear fuel. Announced by President Vladimir Putin at the Global Atomic Forum in Moscow, this initiative addresses the anticipated depletion of uranium resources, projected by the OECD to occur between the 2060s and 2090 under optimistic scenarios. The closed fuel cycle will enable spent fuel to be reused multiple times, reducing radioactive waste accumulation and extending uranium supply longevity. An International Research Centre in the Ulyanovsk region will support the development and testing of advanced materials essential for this closed cycle technology. Putin emphasized Russia’s broader advancements in nuclear energy, including the deployment of modular data processing systems at nuclear plants, development of small modular and floating nuclear reactors, and a strong focus on nuclear safety and physical protection of facilities. Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, is actively involved in international nuclear projects in countries such as Iran, India, and