As reported by U.S. tech media outlets, the U.S. federal government is seeking to tackle the long-festering 'plutonium disposal dilemma' by enlisting the help of nuclear energy startups. During the Cold War era, the United States produced an estimated 100 tons of plutonium for the purpose of manufacturing atomic bombs. As the nation's nuclear arsenal was dismantled, this weapons-grade plutonium was stored in highly secure facilities, and its disposal has since emerged as a formidable challenge for U.S. energy and security policies. On May 27, the Department of Energy revealed that it had chosen five nuclear energy startups to proceed to the negotiation phase, with the intention of providing them with some plutonium to fuel next-generation nuclear reactors. Earlier, the Department of Energy had identified 34 tons of plutonium that needed to be disposed of. Nevertheless, given that plutonium is derived from nuclear weapons and presents substantial safety hazards, not everyone is in favor of this plan. For the startups, the subsequent step involves engaging in thorough negotiations with the government concerning the safe transportation and management of plutonium.