U.S. Labs Look to New Materials to Close China's Nuclear Lead

AI Summary

U.S. research labs are exploring new materials in an effort to strengthen the country’s position in nuclear energy as China’s sector expands rapidly. The article highlights China’s sustained investment in nuclear research and development and concerns about the aging U.S. reactor fleet.

The United States is racing to reestablish itself as a frontrunner in the global nuclear energy sector. While the country still maintains its status as the world’s largest nuclear power producer, it likely won’t be able to hold onto that accolade for long. China has vastly outspent the United States on nuclear power research and development for years now. As a result, its sector is younger, more advanced, and growing at a fast clip while the American fleet stagnates and its reactors age out. Moreover, China is pushing the envelope on…