Fusion & Spent Fuel
Nuclear Fusion: A Different Mission
Nuclear Fusion is often presented as the “holy grail” of clean energy. While ReCore.One supports all forms of carbon-free research, it is critical to understand the distinction between Fusion and the mission of ReCore.One.
Technology readiness
Fusion remains largely experimental and prototype-scale; commercial deployment is generally estimated for the late 21st century (projects such as ITER and private ventures still address Q, sustained plasma, and materials).
The Waste Reality
A common misconception is that Fusion solves the nuclear waste problem. In reality, Fusion and ReCore.One address completely different aspects of the nuclear cycle.
- Fusion produces new energy: It does not “burn” existing waste. It creates a new energy source using isotopes like Deuterium and Tritium.
- Fusion does not remediate legacy waste: Switching to Fusion would still leave tens of thousands of tonnes of legacy LWR spent fuel in storage. Fusion cannot destroy the long-lived actinides (Plutonium, Americium) produced by the 20th-century nuclear fleet.
- Activation Waste: While Fusion does not produce transuranic waste, the high neutron flux in a fusion reactor “activates” the structural materials, creating significant volumes of medium-lived radioactive waste that must still be managed for a century or more.
Why We Need ReCore.One even with Fusion
Even in a future where Fusion is abundant, the world still needs a solution for the long-lived waste legacy.
- Environmental Remediation: ReCore.One is the only technology capable of “cleaning up” the 20th century by converting legacy waste into energy.
- A Necessary Bridge: We cannot wait for Fusion to solve the climate crisis. ReCore.One provides the stable, carbon-free baseload required for a 100% renewable grid today using the resources we already have.