Eli5 why do we not use reactor waste to make power?

Question

Reactor waste remains hot as waste so why do we not pile it in a massive dump and cirulate water through it to raise steam or at least preheat water for heat generation?

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Thanks everyone for an informative and interesting discussion.

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In: 337

Answer 1

You need enough heat to create high pressure team and drive a turbine, which then generates electricity, and, bad news? Nuclear power already is the most expensive type of electricty generation, by far. Without government subsidies, commercial nuclear power [would not exist](https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/nuclear-power-still-not-viable-without-subsidies).