Nuclear energy is making a comeback.
However, Swiss startup Transmutex wants to reinvent nuclear energy using a lesser-known element called thorium.
In a conventionalnuclear power plant, heat is produced when neutrons collide with a fissionable material like uranium.
40% off TNW Conference!
It can also be used to make atomic bombs if it ends up in the wrong hands.
This function would have prevented deadly accidents like the Chernobyl power plant disaster in 1986.
The radioactive decay time of thorium is just 300 years, compared to 300,000 for uranium.
And according to Transmutex, its system would produce much smaller amounts of this hazardous waste.
The plant could also reuse existing radioactive waste.
Powering up
Despite only having been founded in 2019, Transmutex has a long history.
However, the idea ended up being shelved.
But times have changed.
The US-based VC just co-led a$23mn Series A investment in the Swiss startup.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
