Downblending U-233 (Uranium-233) with U-238 is Clean-Energy Vandalism. Attn: DoE Secretary Granholm.
An exchange between U.S. Senator Tuberville (Alabama) and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm regarding Uranium-233 took place and I'd like it to receive more attention.
Uranium-233, when hit by a moderated neutron, releases more neutrons when it splits than Uranium-235. More neutrons than Plutonium-239. Enough neutrons are released by U-233 that it can be used to create a breeder reactor which operates with moderated neutrons. Such a reactor would be incredibly fuel-efficient compared to today's conventional nuclear power plants.
China knows this, and is currently building TMSR-LF1 in pursuit of that goal.
India knows this, and is currently building PFBR in pursuit of that goal.
Both countries expect to begin running these Advanced Reactors within the year.
America, in contrast, is destroying its own reserve of U-233. Once destroyed, America will be permanently handicapped in any pursuit of a moderated-neutron breeder.
Jennifer Granholm, do not allow the downblending of U-233 with U-238 to continue.
It is an act of clean-energy vandalism.
-Gord
This video shows an incorrect date briefly as 2021-07-08 which should have been 2021-06-24.
Source: 2021-06-24 https://www.armed-services.senate.gov...