Clean tech startup Fluxnium has developed a breakthrough technology to extract uranium from seawater, tapping into an immense supply estimated to last 50,000 years. The U.S. government aims to triple its nuclear power capacity by 2050, but rising costs and limited domestic uranium resources have posed challenges. The ocean holds over 4 billion metric tons of uranium, vastly exceeding terrestrial reserves, but until now, accessing it economically has been difficult.

Fluxnium’s innovative method leverages polymer fibers, licensed from the Department of Energy, designed to attract uranium ions dissolved in seawater. By increasing the surface area of these fibers, Fluxnium significantly reduces extraction costs, making the process competitive with conventional uranium mining. The fibers are deployed in the ocean from buoys, remain submerged for 30 to 60 days, and can be reused multiple times, minimizing environmental impact and waste.

The company recently emerged from stealth mode after securing a $7 million seed round led by Congruent Ventures, with participation from Active Impact Investments and power giant Constellation Energy. Fluxnium's CEO Jeff Green, an experienced entrepreneur with a track record in startups related to technology and climate, emphasizes the growing demand for reliable uranium supplies amid the revitalization of the nuclear industry and increasing energy needs for technologies like AI data centers.

By providing a renewable and scalable uranium extraction method, Fluxnium addresses geopolitical risks associated with reliance on uranium from a handful of countries. Their technology could alleviate potential fuel shortages and price spikes, positioning the company at the forefront of efforts to expand sustainable nuclear power in the U.S. and globally.