The present invention is directed to a plutonium-based nuclear fuel that is suitable for burning weapon-grade and reactor-grade plutonium in a light water reactor, thereby reducing the amount of such material that could potentially be used to manufacture a weapon. In one embodiment, the fuel is comprised of plutonium, zirconium hydride, and thorium, with the zirconium hydride comprising more than about 20% by weight of the fuel.
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