Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
TU Dresden plans reactor to generate power from nuclear waste
TU Dresden plans to develop an experimental reactor that would use spent nuclear fuel to produce electricity and reusable materials.
The proposed molten-salt reactor would use fuel rods without requiring separate reprocessing, according to the university.
A feasibility study funded by the state of Saxony examined how the reactor could work.
The university says the project could reduce the need for a nuclear waste repository and produce materials for medical and technical uses.
The project is estimated to cost about €1.95 billion in public investment, and building the reactor would take at least five years.
Possible sites include the Rossendorf research centre or former energy sites in the Lausitz region.
If the project succeeds, changes to Germany’s Atomic Energy Act would be needed before the technology could be used commercially from 2045.
TU Dresden plans to develop an experimental molten-salt reactor to generate electricity and reusable fission products from spent nuclear fuel.
A feasibility study funded by the Free State of Saxony examined how the reactor could use spent fuel without reprocessing.
The university says the project is designed to be possible under current German nuclear law because it would not produce electricity commercially or use reprocessing.
The reactor is planned to have a maximum thermal output of 50 megawatts and to operate for 20 years.
The university estimates public investment of about €1.95 billion, and says development and construction will take at least five years.
- Who
- TU Dresden is planning the reactor.
- What
- It plans an experimental molten-salt reactor to generate electricity and reusable fission products from spent nuclear fuel.
- When
- The article was published on 8 November 2026. Development and construction are expected to take at least five years.
- Where
- Potential sites include the Rossendorf research site or transformation sites in Lusatia, such as the Schwarze Pumpe or Boxberg power plants.
- Why
- The project aims to reuse nuclear waste for electricity and other applications, including medical and technical uses for fission products.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A feasibility study funded by the Free State of Saxony examined how a molten-salt reactor could use spent fuel without reprocessing.
Heise reported that TU Dresden planned to develop the reactor.
The reactor is expected to have been developed and built.
If the project succeeds, the university says the technology could enter commercial operation after an amendment to the nuclear law.
- Reactor type
- Molten-salt reactor
- Maximum thermal output
- 50 megawatts
- Planned operating period
- 20 years
- Estimated public investment
- About €1.95 billion
- Potential locations
- Rossendorf or sites in Lusatia, including Schwarze Pumpe and Boxberg
What people are saying
This could make the need for a repository meeting the standards of the Site Selection Act obsolete and secure worldwide technological leadership with export opportunities for Saxony through an innovative technology