Fast breeder reactors, a type of nuclear reactor that can generate more fuel than they consume and even use nuclear waste, were once seen as the future of nuclear energy. Developed in the mid-20th century, they fell out of favor due to high costs, technical challenges, safety concerns, and fears of nuclear weapons proliferation. However, as climate change intensifies and demand for clean energy grows, interest in fast reactors is resurging. Countries like China and India, and companies like Bill Gates' TerraPower, are investing in new designs. Fast reactors could reduce uranium mining and long-term nuclear waste, but reprocessing fuel remains complex and expensive. While promising, their widespread use would require major industrial and policy shifts—and decades to realize.

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