Its operational status is unknown at present, but appears mostly complete with obvious Russian-designed fuel elements.

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The last of more than 38, 000 fuel elements has been removed from the decommissioned Chapelcross nuclear plant in Dumfries and Galloway.

BBC: Chapelcross nuclear plant sees final fuel rods removed

According to papers filed with the Blue Ribbon Commission, the current research involves faster and simpler processes for separating uranium and plutonium from other fission products in spent fuel and from minor elements like americium and curium.

FORBES: U.S. nuclear fuel rods to sit in pools -- like those that failed in Japan -- until 2050

Earlier this month, Daimler, Ford and Nissan re-upped their commitment to the lead-off batter for the Periodic Table of the Elements by announcing a pact to develop a common fuel cell system that could lead to affordable fuel cell cars by 2017.

FORBES: Why Hydrogen Cars Could Still Be The Future

But the Moon is a source of rare earth elements, as well as Helium-3, a possible future fuel for nuclear fusion reactors (if we ever actually invent them).

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The technology is based on highly efficient solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) wafer fabrication methods, including key nanotechnology elements, and is fueled by recyclable high energy power cartridges, or pods.

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