Nuclear Tomorrow

Nuclear Tomorrow - March 2026

Edward A. Friedman — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:41:10 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - March 2026

Nuclear Tomorrow is a newsletter that is issued monthly to identify press reports on developments in the field of nuclear energy. Topics are selected for their relevance to the impact of nuclear energy on global warming. The newsletter is written for members of the general public who are concerned with policy related to these issues. Postings are categorized as dealing with Technology (T), Policy (P), and/or Construction (C). In some cases registration or a fee is required to access an article. Hyperlinks are provided to connect newsletter posts to the referenced publication. (See hot buttons associated with each posting) The newsletter is intended to expand on topics included in the book, “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust, and Emerging Renaissance,” which has recently been published by Oxford University Press. The author of the book and of this newsletter is Edward A. Friedman, Emeritus Professor of Technology Management at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA. The book is available for purchase via the Oxford University Press Website. The following link provides access to the book:

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

NOTE - A 30% Discount is available using the code AUFLY30

for purchases through Oxford University Press

1. Macron Says Nuclear Key To Meeting Climate Goals And Powering Future Industries (P)

NUCNET

Emmauel Macron greeted those attending the Nuclear Summit that opened in Paris on March 10th. He stressed the challenges in financing nuclear energy and in attaining uranium independence

A Nuclear Reactor Backed by Bill Gates Gets Federal Approval to Start Building ( C )

The New York Times

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission voted to grant a construction permit to Bill Gates’ company, Terrapower, to build the Natrium reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The plant is expected to come online in 2031, This liquid sodium cooled reactor would replace a coal powered plant. This 345 megawatt electric reactor is about a third the size of a traditional reactor. Under the new streamlined review processes of the NRC the review was completed in 18 months compared with the past average of 24months. Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists has raised concerns about the speed with which this review was completed. He cited the inherent dangers of liquid sodium which has never before been used as a reactor coolant.

‘World-first accelerator-driven nuclear reactor’

Nears as China eyes ‘1000-year’ energy source (T)

Interesting Engineering

By combining a proton accelerator with a nuclear reactor into

a single combined system, a highly efficient energy output can be

achieved. The accelerator at the Chinese Academy of Sciences is used to impact a lead-bismuth alloy to create a massive flux of neutrons. These neutrons impact Uranium-238 in the reactor to convert much of it into Plutonium-239 which is usable reactor fuel.

Rather than self-sustaining nuclear reactions this hybrid system requires both the reactor and the accelerator to operate together.

China which achieved an operational accelerator-driven subcritical systemal system (ADS) in 2021 is on the verge of implementing a megawatt level system in 2027. A parallel undertaking is being pursued by the U.S. Department of Energy at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News Virginia. This program bombards a liquid mercury target with protons to produce the neutron beam. The U.S. program does not plan to build an operating system in the near future.

Reducing Europe’s nuclear energy sector was a ‘strategic

Mistake’, EU chief says (P)

Reuters

Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission President delivered the opening address at the IAEA Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris on March 10th. She pointed out that in 1990 Europe produced about a third of its electricity from nuclear but that had fallen to about 15%. She called this a mistake which occurred largely due to Germany eliminating nuclear reactors. This was an act that occurred while she was a minister in Merkel’s government. Today the EU does not directly fund nuclear energy projects because they are not supported unanimously by its 27 member governments. Von der Leyen said that the Executive Commission would offer a 200-million-euro guarantee for private investments in innovative nuclear technologies. She said that the funds would come from the EU’s carbon market. Austria and Luxembourg remain opposed to nuclear energy while other opposition is disappearing. Macron called for standardized reactor design across Europe.

Greenpeace activists storm stage at France’s nuclear summit, confront Macron (P)

Reuters

Two Greenpeace activists bhttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260311_05/roke onto the stage at the start of the global nuclear summit in France, interrupting President Emmanuel Macron and U.N. nuclear chief Rafael Grossi as they were greeting heads of state. One shouted at Macron, “Why are we still buying uranium from Russia?” Around 15 Greenpeace activists blocked arriving convoys outside the meeting venue.

Macron calls for faster development of next-generation nuclear reactors (P)

NHK WORLD

President Macron spoke at the World Energy Summit in Paris where he stated that he intends to speed up the development of next generation nuclear reactors in order to enable greater energy

Independence. He reflected the urgency created by the Iran conflict that has precipitated an energy crisis.

World’s first underground nuclear borehole drilling starts for US firm’s gravity reactor ( C )

Interesting Engineering

Deep Fission has begun drilling the first of three data acquisition wells for its innovative ‘Gravity” reactor that is designed to operate a mile beneath the earth’s surface. The first well is bein drilled to a depth of approximately 6,000 feet with a diameter of eight inches. It is designed to obtain critical geological, hydrological and thermal data.

Trump admin courts Westinghouse rivals amid slow talks on new nuclear (P)

CANARY MEDIA

Last October the U.S. Department of Energy announced that it was exploring the construction of 10 1200 Megawatt AP1000 reactors with Westinghouse Electric Company at a cost of $80 Billion. However, Westinghouse has a poor record for fabrication of this reactor at the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia. The two plants that went online in 2023 and 2024 were seriously behind schedule and exceeded budgets by substantial amounts.

The pursuit of the Vogtle reactors precipitated Westinghouse being forced into bankruptcy in 2017. That action resulted in the takeover of Westinghouse by Brookfield Asset Management, a Canadian corporation. Given this history, it is not surprising that discussions between the U. S. Department of Energy and Westinghouse are moving slowly regarding specific plans for these AP1000 reactors. The U.S. Department of Energy has opened talks with GE Hitachi and the South Korean Electric Power Company regarding possible alternatives to the Westinghouse plan. The AP1000 and designs like it have made up 12 of the 14 new reactors connected to the worldwide grid since 2023. These discussions with GE Hitachi and South Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO) raise other issues. GE Hitachi is fully engaged in 300 megawatt BWRX-300 reactors in Tennessee and in Ontario, Canada, while KEPCO is currently barred from nuclear construction in the United States. There is an ongoing dispute between Westinghouse KEPCO in which Westinghouse asserts that KEPCO has infringed on patent rights of the AP1000 in development of its APR - 14000.

Webinar highlights Gen IV reactors (P)

Nuclear Newswire

The American Nuclear Society hosted a webinar entitled “Perspectives on Generation IV Reactors,” led by Edward A. Friedman, author of this Nuclear Tomorrow Substack. He reviewed the origins of nuclear energy, its early development, the

accidents that precipitated a hiatus in its progress and then the current phase of Generation IV developments. The Webinar can be viewed at the ANS cite : https://www.ans.org/webinars/view-genivperspectives/fuel

10.

Trump and Japanese PM Takaichi seal $40B nuclear reactor deal amid global energy shakeup (P)

NEWSTARGET

President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi signed a $40 Billion agreement for Japanese investment in GE Verona and Japan’s Hitachi to construct two BWRX-300 small modular reactors in Tennessee’s Clinch River facility and a site in Alabama. This is part of a larger joint initiative in which the two countries are advancing nuclear energy development to counter Chinese dominance in the nuclear arena.

11.

Next-gen nuclear has a chicken-and-egg problem (P)

CANARY MEDIA

A recent study by the consultancy Solestiss raises serious questions about plans for large scale expansion of nuclear energy in the United States. It cited four active programs that are currently underway: TerraPower, Holtec, GE-Hitachi, and Westinghouse. Future plans for these initiatives project hundreds of reactors being built in the coming years. The study points out that large scale expansion is likely to encounter bottlenecks in fuel availability, skilled personnel, and critical components. Exacerbating these shortages is the existence of many designs, in addition to these four, that have plans to compete in this marketplace. The report urged that the U.S. Department of Energy place more emphasis on the capacity to scale up as it

promotes new designs.

12.

Lai Administration Reverses Course on Nuclear Energy (P)

New Bloom

Lai Chiang-te, President of Taiwan since 2024, has reversed course with respect to nuclear energy. On March 22 he announced plans to restart two nuclear power plants in Taiwan.

His party has previously been anti-nuclear. It will take several years to bring these reactors back online.

13.

Microsoft Corp is expanding its AI ambitions through a new partnership with Nvidia Corp (P)

BENZINGA

Microsoft announced on March 24th that the company and Nvidia are teaming up to work across the nuclear energy lifecycle, aiming to speed up permitting, design, construction and operations through the strategic use of AI. This approach replaces fragmented workflows with a connected system that makes projects more predictable and easier to manage.

14.

Vietnam, Russia sign agreement on new nuclear plant ( C )

World Nuclear News

Russia and Vietnam have signed an agreement for construction of two VVER-1200 reactors. The announcement stated that this initiative will give a strong impetus development of cooperation in adjacent areas of high technology and fundamental applied research. The head of Russia’s Rosatom company stated, “We see this as the foundation for a long-term industrial partnership…” Currently, Vietnam operates a Russian designed research reactor for which Russia supplies Vietnam with fuel and medical isotopes.

15.

NRC Unveils First New Reactor Licensing Process in Decades to Speed Deployment While Maintaining Safety (P)

Sightline

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a new licensing pathway. The changes are expected to reduce unnecessary duplication in reviews, allow developers to complete licensing in stages, establish clearer, more predictable pathways to approval, and significantly reduce the time and cost required to bring new reactors online. This is the first new set of regulations to address initial reactor licensing since 1989.

16.

New US Company plans uranium conversion facility ( C )

World Nuclear News

FlexPoint Energy was launched with a mission of establishing a fully American, vertically integrated nuclear fuel capability. Based in Houston, Texas and McLean, Virginia it aims to support US energy independence, enable advanced reactor development and strengthen national security. They will convert uranium oxide yellowcake into gaseous uranium hexafluoride.

Nuclear Tomorrow - February 2026

Edward A. Friedman — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:05:36 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - February 2026

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

NOTE - A 30% Discount is available using the code AUFLY30

for purchases through Oxford University Press

NPR

The Trump administration exempts new nuclear reactors from environmental view (P)

The Trump administration has revised environmental safety and security rules to expedite nuclear reactor construction without public review or discussion. Environmental impact statements will no longer be required when advanced nuclear reactors are built at Department of Energy sites. This action has elicited significant statements of disapproval from citizen organizations including the Union of Concerned Scientists. This action takes place as the Department of Energy funds 10 startups with the objective of seeing at least three of these become operational by July 4 of 2026.

UK GOVERNMENT - ADVANCED NUCLEAR FRAMEWORK (P)

UK GOV - Advanced Nuclear Framework

The UK Government’s Advanced Nuclear Framework, published in February 2026, creates an enabling policy environment for private sector investment in advanced civil nuclear projects. It represents part of what the government calls a nuclear “golden age,” aiming to position Britain as a global leader in next-generation reactor technologies while creating thousands of jobs.

The Framework consists of two parts: Part One introduces the UK Advanced Nuclear Pipeline and Project Readiness Assessment process, enabling strong projects to access early engagement and potential future support; Part Two outlines enabling conditions including regulation, planning, skills, supply chain, and fuel requirements.

Developers submit applications across five core areas: technology status, developer capability, financing plans, siting, and operator arrangements. Successful applicants receive in-principle government endorsement, potentially unlocking discussions on revenue support and engagement with the National Wealth Fund as a catalytic investor.

Eligible projects must support land-based, non-mobile fission technologies that are small, advanced, or micro modular reactors using uranium fuel, be located in England or Wales, and commence construction within 10 years. A dedicated concierge-style business engagement unit helps developers navigate UK regulations and attract investment.

Large scale nuclear technologies are not included in this Framework though the government continues to support Gigawatt scale nuclear power.

Our Clean Nuclear Future Has a Labor Problem (P)

Zocalo Public Square

As the United States enters a period of increased use of nuclear energy, this article reviews past practices regarding the exposure of workers to high radiation levels. It cites situations where workers were rotated in and out of intense radiation zones for as little as a few minutes. While there is a need to have safe policies regarding worker exposure, this article expresses concern that the Trump administration seems to be moving in the opposite direction.

Nuclear startup TerraPower is moving fast. Some say too fast. ( C )

EENews

Bill Gates’ company TerraPower is building a sodium cooled nuclear reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming. It anticipates receiving a license to build from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission during the first quarter or 2026. Edward Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists sees this NRC processing, which is proceeding on a fast track due to pressure from the Trump administration, as being reckless. This stage of approval is taking place eight months faster than anticipated. Lyman notes that sodium cooled reactors have had a history of fires. These have been experienced in Japan and in Russia.

US Pledges $9 Billion Investment in Armenia Nuclear Power (P)

NUCNET

Vice President Vance signed an agreement with Armenia pledging up to $9 Billion for investment in nuclear energy. This envisions up to $5 billion in U.S. exports plus an additional $4 billion in fuel and maintenance contracts. Plans are expected to be formulated by mid 2026.

Nuclear central in France’s latest energy strategy (P)

World Nuclear News

The French government has published its third Multiannual Energy Programme setting out plans for 2026-2035. It calls for the construction of six new reactors and the extended operations of existing plants. It envisions 60% of energy being decarbonized by 2030 and 70% by 2035. This would entail extending the lifetime of some existing reactors to 50 and in some cases 60 years. While this is a plan rather than legislation it will now be used as a framework for actions going forward.

Russia pushes back hard against prospect of US-built nuclear plant in Armenia (P)

Yahoo!news

Several senior Soviet officials have spoken out against plans for the U.S. to build a nuclear reactor in Armenia. They have asserted that the U.S. technology is not fully proven and not suitable for the Armenian environment. The Soviets have found this intrusion of American influence in Armenia unsettling.

US conducts first air transport of nuclear microreactor in bid to show technology’s viability ( C )

The Striats Times

The US Department of Energy and the Defense Department jointly transported a small nuclear reactor on a cargo plane from California to Utah to demonstrate the viability of microreactors to

provide energy at remote bases. The reactor which was shipped in a C-17 is a little larger than a minivan. It can provide up to 5 Megawatts of electricity. Critics assert that this use of reactor technology is not cost effective and that it does not take into account management of the nuclear waste.

US seeks to boost nuclear energy ties in Slovakia, Hungary (P)

World Nuclear News

Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Slovakia and Hungary. In Slovakia he signed an intergovernmental agreement to begin US funding for a front end design study for a Westinghouse large reactor. This 1,200 Megawatt electric reactor is planned for operation in the 2040-41 time frame. Separately, he signed an agreement in Budapest, Hungary for exploration of construction of small modular reactors with GE Verona Hitachi of BWRX-300 reactors. The BWRX-300 is a boiling water reactor with multiple passive safety features.

10.

Markey Statement On Trump Caving To The Saudis on Nuclear Nonproliferation (P)

Ed Markey

Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts released a statement on February 20th calling on Congress to reject a deal between the US and Saudi Arabia that would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium. Markey is concerned that this could lead to nuclear weapons development by Saudi Arabia. The US and Saudi Arabia negotiated a deal in December, 2025 on civil nuclear cooperation, but key details on the issue of whether Saudi Arabia will be permitted to enrich uranium remain unclear.

11.

AP1000 training centre opened in Madrid ahead of European Fleet (T)

World Nuclear News

On February 17 Westinghouse opened a full-sized replica of a control room at a new AP1000 Training Centre in Spain as the company prepares for construction of 14 or more units across Europe in coming years. Training needs to be started about five years before plants become operational. There are contracts for nine AP1000s in Ukraine, Poland with three, and two in Bulgaria. They also anticipate building six units in India.

12.

American Nuclear Society responds to deeply flawed study on nuclear plant proximity (P)

Nuclear Newswire

The American Nuclear Society (ANS) responded to a recent study published February 23, 2026, in Nature Communications which purported to show an association between residential proximity to nuclear power plants and elevated cancer mortality rates. The ANS response points out that the study deals only with proximity

and does not include any dose assessments. It also fails to control for multiple environmental variables and socioeconomic factors. The ANS response asserts that the Nature Communication study is deeply flawed.

13.

RUSSIA and UKRAINE agree local truce to allow repairs at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant ( C )

CNBC

Russia and Ukraine agreed to a local ceasefire to allow repairs of the backup power lines to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Deming activities are ongoing to ensure safe access for the repair teams.

14.

France’s new Energy Law slashes Renewable Targets, Eases Pressure on EDF (P)

WORLD ENERGY NEWS

France has passed a new law on energy that reduces its wind and solar targets and removes the mandate for EDF -the state owned firm- to close nuclear plants. It reverses an earlier legal mandate that required 14 reactors to close. The new 10 year plan aims to increase nuclear electric production by 5%. The far right calls for a vote of no confidence in response to this action.

15.

Denison builds Canada’s first new type of uranium mine ( C )

MINING.COM

Canada’s first new large-scale uranium mine in over 20 years moves forward. With construction anticipated to take approximately two years, work is scheduled to commence in March in northern Saskatchewan. This will be the first use in Canada of in situ recovery (ISR) mining, a technique that has been used previously in the United States. ISR mining injects a solution into underground wells, separates uranium from the ore and pumps it to the surface for extraction. This process is less expensive than hard rock mining, doesn’t require the digging of large pits and leaves fewer tailings. Construction is shorter than conventional mines because ISR does not require one handling, crushing, and grinding infrastructure.

American Nuclear Society Webinar Gen IV Reactors

Edward A. Friedman — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 04:39:35 GMT

I apologize - the link that I sent earlier for the webinar does not work.

I hope that this link will provide access.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uk5Jr1lDRtau8Az7idhBfQ

EAF

American Nuclear Society Webinar

Edward A. Friedman — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 19:40:16 GMT

On February 26, 2026 at 7PM eastern time, I will be presenting a Webinar sponsored by the American Nuclear Society on Generation IV nuclear reactors and their potential to ameliorate global warming. The event is listed as one especially for K-12 educators, but a general audience is welcome. The content is aimed at a lay audience. Following the Webinar a recording will be available on the ANS website. Here is a link to an invitation - https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/american+nuclear+society/WhctKLbvVXjjJqsNZkzWCZgtxChFBCmJvZDPHkcgvgTtjHSfBGhpXXBTGpLKkjQltCkqWVB

With best regards, Ed Friedman

January 2026

Edward A. Friedman — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 21:05:12 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - January 2026

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

NOTE - A 30% Discount is available using the code AUFLY30

for purchases through Oxford University Press

First reactors brought online at world’s largest nuclear power base in China ( C )

Interesting Engineering

Zhangzhou in southeast China is being developed as the world’s

largest power plant, which will ultimately consist of six Hualong One reactors. This model generates 1000 Megawatts of electrical energy using a Generation III pressurized water design. On January 1, 2026 the second unit at Zhangzhou was judged to be fully operational. Zhangzhou will not only make a significant contribution to China’s decarbonization program, it will also serve as a showcase in the export marketplace for the Hualong design. It is noteworthy that this second unit became operational just one year after the first unit went online.

Idaho lab produces first fuel for fast molten salt reactor paving way for marine deployment (T)

EAST IDAHO NEWS. COM

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has produced chloride-based molten salt fuel for a fast reactor. The Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE) is likely to be the world’s first molten chloride salt fast reactor. This project is a public-private partnership between Southern Company, Terrapower, CORE POWER and the U. S. Department of Energy. This design allows for higher operating temperatures, better fuel efficiency and enhanced safety. It also opens the door for compact reactors that could be used on ships and in remote locations. This technology could enable a revitalized U.S. merchant shipping fleet.

Nuclear Fuel Makers Get $2.7 Billion From US as AI Boosts Power Demand (P)

Bloomberg
Having become dependent upon Russia for reactor fuel, the Biden administration allocated major funds to boost indigenous fuel development. This initiative has been supported and expanded by the Trump administration with the recent allocation of three grants of $900 million each, by the Department of Energy, to domestic fuel makers. The recipients are Centrus Energy Corporation, General Matter and Orano SA. While the need to replace aging reactors becomes more urgent, the market for domestic fuel is being driven by the expansion of energy needs coming from AI expansion.

From Waste to Watts: Advanced Nuclear Reactors and the Future of Spent Fuel (T)

American Council on Science and Health

Oklo has broken ground at Idaho National Laboratory for the Aurora sodium cooled fast reactor that will produce 75 Megawatts of electrical power. The fuel designated for this reactor will be reprocessed waste from the Experimental Breeder Reactor II that operated at Idaho National Laboratory from 1964 through 1994. The reprocessed fuel will be enriched between 5 and 19.7 %. This level of enrichment known as HALEU is not available from domestic sources in the United States. Since it is needed in a number of advanced reactor designs, its production through an electrochemical process developed at Idaho National Laboratory that is being demonstrated with the Aurora project will have an impact on future reactor developments.

Government drops $800 million on 2 nuclear technology projects; ‘Shaping the nation’s …future’ (P)

Yahoo!News

The Dept of Energy awarded two grants of $400 million each to support development of small modular reactors by the Tennessee Valley Authority and Holtec Government Services. The TVA plans to build a GE reactor while Holtec is pursuing its own design.

Both reactors are designed to produce 300 MegaWatts of electrical power. The GE design uses boiling water as the coolant while the Holtec reactor is a pressurized water reactor. Four units of the GE reactor are under construction in Canada with the first planned for operations in 2029. Other units are planned for Poland, Sweden, Estonia, and Hungary.

DOE kills radiation safety standard (P)

Subscriber Politicopro

On January 9, 2026, Energy Secretary Chris Wright terminated the decades-old radiation safety standard known as “ALARA” - As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Supporters of ALARA cite the scientifically established finding that there is no safe dose of radiation, the Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model. Opponents of ALARA contend that it has been used to impose unwarranted requirements on shielding and radiation handling that in some cases have brought radiation doses well below background levels. It is argued that ALARA’s use has led to unnecessarily high costs for construction and handling of radioactive materials.

It is anticipated that elimination of ALARA will facilitate development of new reactor designs by reductions in construction costs.

Meta’s Nuclear Data Center Deals May Require $14 Billion Investment (P)

Gurufocus

To meet anticipated energy needs for AI processing Meta has entered into agreements with Terrapower and with Oklo to provide liquid sodium cooled fast reactors. These arrangements have a ten year time line. The Terrapower program envisions starting with two 345-megawatt reactors costing $4 billion each to be followed with six additional units that would each have a lower cost. The plan with Oklo is to build 16 75 Megawatt reactors at a cost of approximately $6 billion. This planning for a $14 billion program is extraordinary given that neither Terrapower or Oklo have as yet produced a reactor. It should be noted that Meta has not put all its eggs into a next generation nuclear basket but has plans for three conventional reactors through an arrangement with Vistra power generation company.

NASA Commits to Plan to Build a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon by 2030 (P)

Scientific American

The U.S. Space Agency and the Department of Energy have announced that they plan to build a fission reactor on the lunar surface in the next four years. It will provide power for the Artemis Program, which seeks to establish a long term presence on the moon.

Supplementing this article is the following information on design of a reactor for operations on the moon:

NASA plans to build a reactor on the moon that would generate 100 kilowatts of electrical power with an anticipated weight of 15,000 kg (33,000 pounds) that would fit into a cylinder 18 feet (5.5 meters) long and 12 (3.9 meters) feet in diameter which would be within lunar landing capabilities.

A fast neutron spectrum design using highly enriched uranium would minimize size and mass.

Shielding would take into account the dust or regolith that is pervasive on the moon thus reducing the mass of shielding used in assembly. A further reduction would be a minimal requirement for shielding on sides other than that occupied by the operational team.

The design would however need to take into account the possible interference of the dust with any exposed moving components.

There are severe insulation requirements due to the extreme temperature variations found on the surface of the moon. At the moon’s equator these range from a high of 260 deg F (127 deg C)

to a low of -280 deg F (-173 deg C) which is a variation of

540 deg F (300 deg C)

The generation of electricity would be via a Stirling engine which operates via direct contact with a cold side and a hot side. A gas that is sealed within the engine forces the piston in a high temperature region to compress the gas (probably helium) into a low temperature region where a second piston moves the gas back into the high temperature region. This piston action implements work.

UK maritime nuclear consortium launched (P)

World Nuclear News

An initiative has been implemented aimed at helping eliminate the 3% of global carbon emissions produced by the shipping industry. The new Maritime Nuclear Consortium - whose members include Rolls-Royce, Babcock International Group, Global Nuclear Security Partners, Stephenson Harwood and Northstandard - aims to participate in the global race to decarbonize shipping. This consortium seeks to leverage UK capabilities in nuclear energy development as well as in maritime innovation toward this

objective. Currently, Russia is the only country that employs nuclear reactors to power non-submarine shipping. It operates ice breakers in the Arctic using nuclear energy.

10.

Rosatom hopes for four foreign unit start-ups in 2026 ( C )

World Nuclear News

Russia leads the world in the export of nuclear reactors. Several dozen reactors from Russia are operational in 11 different countries. These are VVER Generation III+ pressurized water reactors that are currently installed in - India, China, Iran, Czech Republic, Finland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Armenia, Belarus and Ukraine. In 2026, four additional reactors are scheduled to become operational. These will be in Bangladesh, Turkey and two additional units in China. These reactors will produce 1,200 Megawatts of electrical power. They have a design lifetime of 60 years with an anticipated extendability of 20 years. The refueling cycle is 18 months.

11.

EDF Turns to China to Relearn Lost Art of Rapid Nuclear Construction After Flamanville Disaster (P)

European Business Magazine

In recent years, both the United States and France have experienced significant failures in pursuit of 1000 megawatt scale reactor construction. In the United States, Westinghouse completed the Vogtle reactor (1100 megawatts electric) construction project in Georgia in 2024 7 years behind schedule and 140% over budget while Electricite de France(EDF) completed the Flamanville 3 (1650 megawatts electric) reactor construction project 13 years behind schedule and 300% over budget. In contrast, China has built 37 reactors between 2015 and 2024 with an average time from first concrete to grid connection of 6.3 years, beating the global average of 9.4 years, with the fastest build time at 4.1 years. As France and the United States seek to reestablish past performance levels of competence in large reactor construction, the French have turned to China for assistance. A program has recently been initiated that will embed French personnel for month-long immersions at China’s nuclear development organizations. They will study specific aspects of construction processing including work flow optimization, just in time parts delivery, streamlined quality control and minimizing onsite storage. This program represents a role reversal from 1989 when France hosted110 Chinese engineers for exposure to French methods of reactor construction. This was in support of the development of China’s first nuclear reactor at Daya Bay that provided energy to the Guangdong region of China and Hong Kong. We see that after 37 years, China’s nuclear sector has moved from being a mentee to that of being a mentor.

12.

Plans for two new reactors confirmed by South Korea ( C )

world nuclear news

South Korea has confirmed that it plans to build additional nuclear reactors with a capacity of 2,800 Megawatt electric as well as a 700 Megawatts electric or small modular reactor capacity by 2038. This adds nuclear power capacity to the ongoing construction of two APR1400 reactors that are scheduled for completion in 2032 and 2033. These reactors will contribute to the plan for South Korea to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Simultaneously, South Korea is pursuing an aggressive export program, having signed a deal with the Czech Republic in June 2025 to build two 1055 Megawatt Electric APR1400 reactors with construction to begin in 2029 and the first reactor coming online in 2036. This marks a gap of several years since South Korea successfully installed four reactors in the UAE in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

13.

China Starts construction of innovative nuclear project ( C )

world nuclear news

The Xuwei Nuclear Heating and Power Plant in Jiangsu Province initiates a highly innovative use of nuclear energy. In January, 2026 first concrete was poured marking the beginning of a project to construct three nuclear plants that will produce both electricity as well as high temperature steam. Included are two 1208 Megawatt electric Hualong One third generation pressurized water reactors and one 660 Megawatt electric high temperature fourth generation gas cooled reactor. Combined, these reactors will produce both electricity and high temperature steam for the adjacent industrial complex. High temperature steam, above 400 degrees Centigrade is needed for manufacture of steel, cement, glass, ceramics, and petrochemicals which cannot be addressed with renewables of wind and solar heating. Given that about 25 percent of greenhouse gases originate from these and other high temperature processes, this project represents a significant advance in the use of nuclear energy to ameliorate global warming.

Nuclear Tomorrow - December 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:28:46 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - December 2025

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

NOTE - A 30% Discount is available using the code AUFLY30

for purchases through Oxford University Press

Kansas will get the world’s first mile-deep nuclear reactor and the groundbreaking is next week. ( C )

KCUR npr

A California startup, Deep Fission, will be breaking ground in early December for a mile deep nuclear reactor in Kansas. Steam is designed to come up the bore hole to generate electricity and then return as cool water to the buried reactor. This is part of a fast track program of the Department of Energy to get at least three new nuclear designs operating at a state of steady fission before next Fourth of July. The borehole drilling is standard practice from the oil and gas industry. A well tested pressurized water reactor design is planned for this system. Upon the end of the lifecycle of this reactor the facility could be buried in place.

Energy department hands out $800M in grants for small nuclear reactors (P)
Yahoo!news
The Tennessee Valley Authority and Holtec will each receive $400 million from the Department of Energy to build small nuclear reactors. The TVA will build a 300 megawatt reactor from GE Verona Hitachi in Tennessee while Holtec will build two 300 megawatt reactors in Michigan. These reactors are Generation III+ designs which are refinements of existing designs that have been built and have been in use for decades. By shrinking them down to small modular size the hope is that they will be amenable to mass production.
3.
Putin says Russia is ready to supply ‘uninterrupted’ fuel to India despite objection from Trump (P)
BBC
In addition to supplying oil to India, Putin announced plans to assist India in construction of its largest nuclear power plant.
4.
Idaho lab produces first-ever fuel for fast molten salt reactor experiment, opening door to maritime commercial reactor deployment (T)
INL Idaho National Laboratory
Fuel for a molten salt reactor requires liquid fuel which contain fissile material in a mixture of salts. A team at Idaho National Laboratory succeeded in converting uranium metal into uranium chloride that could become part of the fuel salt mixture. This formulation yields a fuel that is efficient, safe and has long term sustainability. This fuel can power fast reactors that have promise for applicability in the maritime market. Operations are targeted for 2030. Participating in this initiative are Southern Company, Terrapower, CORE POWER, and the U.S. Department of Energy.
5.
Bill Gates Terrapower gets NRC green light for safety in constructing its first nuclear power plant ( C )
msn Geek Wire
Terrapower has passed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff’s final safety evaluation to build a reactor in Wyoming. Terrapower, which is a Bill Gates enterprise, Natrium design pairs a small modular reactor with an integrated thermal battery to generate 345 megawatts of continuous electrical power. This project will replace a coal powered plant with a completion date of 2030. The NRC said that there would be no safety aspects that would preclude issuing a construction permit for this reactor. This review took place on an accelerated schedule.
6.
Trump Regulators Ripped for ‘Rushed’ Approval of Gates Reactor in Wyoming (P)
Common Dreams
The review process for the Terrapower reactor at the NRC was originally scheduled for completion in August 2026 was expedited amid political pressure from the Trump administration and completed in December 2025 ( see item 5 above ). Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists issued a highly critical assessment of this NRC action. Lyman called the expedited safety evaluation, “... a complete abandonment of its obligation to protect public health, safety, and the environment from catastrophic nuclear power plant accidents or terrorist attacks.”
Lyman pointed out that the Natrium reactor uses liquid sodium coolant that can catch fire and that it has inherent instabilities that could lead to a rapid and uncontrolled increase in power.
He goes on to state: “Of particular concern, NRC staff have assented to a design that lacks a physical containment structure to reduce the release of radioactive materials into the environment if core melt occurs. Terrapower argues that the reactor has a so-called “functional’ containment that eliminates the need for a real containment structure. But the NRC staff plainly states that it “did not come to a final determination of the adequacy and acceptability of functional containment performance due to the preliminary nature of the design and analysis.
Even if the NRC determines later that the functional containment is inadequate, it would be utterly impractical to retrofit the design and build a physical containment after construction has begun.”
8.
How America Gave China An Edge In Nuclear Power (P)
The New Yorker
This article presents the history of molten salt reactors starting with the work of Alvin Weinberg in the early 1950’s at Oak Ridge. Weinberg oversaw the development of a molten salt reactor that went critical in 1954. This was followed by a second design but in 1973 this initiative was terminated by President Nixon who was convinced by his advisors to prioritize alternative nuclear reactor designs. In 2015, at the height of U.S. - China collaborative efforts, there was Chinese-American joint interest in developing molten salt reactors. Their initial efforts involved reviewing the earlier work by Weinberg. This collaboration ended in 2016 when Trump put a stop to joint work with China. While the Americans did not have the resources to continue independent development work, the Chinese were well funded and continued their pursuit of a molten salt reactor. This effort led to a working molten salt reactor in China in 2023 which has successfully been refueled without being shut down. Currently, Kairos Power, a start up company, has received funding from the Department of Energy that supplements their privately acquired resources to build a molten salt reactor at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. They started construction work in 2025. The molten salt reactor design promises safer operations since it does not need to be pressurized and will automatically shut down if there is overheating. Lower costs are associated with its construction and it has the potential of burning nuclear waste as fuel. These and other advantages make it a highly desirable design.
9.
UK achieves early milestone in plutonium disposal programme (T)
World Nuclear News
The UK has accumulated 140 tons of plutonium from reprocessing civilian nuclear power reactor fuel over many decades. A large-scale program has been initiated to dispose of this plutonium by processing it into ceramic located pellets or blocks that can then be buried. An initial batch has now been successfully processed. Research and testing are continuing but a successful outcome is anticipated. It is anticipated that disposal of the accumulated plutonium will take many decades
10.
Browns Ferry licensed for operation to mid 2050’s ( C )
World Nuclear News
The Browns Ferry Nuclear power generating plant located in Alabama was opened in 1966. It consists of three reactors which generate a total of 3,954 Megawatts of electricity. It is the third largest nuclear installation in the United States. With its initial licensing for 40 years coming to term, the NRC renewed the license for 20 years to 2006. With that renewal coming to term a second 20 year renewal was issued in 2025 to carry its operation forward to the mid 2050’s. Thus a full 80 year lifetime is anticipated. During the next 10-15 years an addition of 244 Megawatts electrical power is planned.
11.
China launches HTGR industrial alliance (P)
World Nuclear News
The China National Nuclear Corporation has brought together more than 60 organizations to collaborate and coordinate in the development of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor Technology. The consortium will develop end ot end programs for HTGR technology including: research, design, fuel manufacturing, equipment manufacturing, maintenance, and overseas exporting.
12.
Restart of Kashwazaki-Kariwa reactors approved by regional assembly ( C )
World Nuclear News
Although unaffected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that damaged the Fukushima-Daiichi plant, the seven unit Kashwazaki-Kariwa seven unit power plnt was shut down and units 6 and 7 have received approval for restart. During the shut down period improvements in their earthquake resistance were implemented. These 1356 Megawatt electric plants are of a boiling water design that went online in 1996 and 1997. Prior to 2011, Japan’s 54 reactors provided 30% of its electricity. Of the 34 operable reactors, 14 have been restarted and 11 are pursuing restart approval.
13.
Cheap Solar Is Transforming Lives and Economies Across Africa (T)
The New York Times
This report on the dramatic expansion of solar energy exported to Africa from China during 2025 deserves special attention in this Substack devoted to nuclear energy. During the first 10 months of 2025 solar imports from China rose 50 percent! From almost nothing in 2019 solar has risen to almost 10 percent of South Africa’s electricity in 2025. While South Africa is the largest destination for Chinese solar technology it is not alone. Sierra Leone now obtains more than half of its electricity from Chinese Solar and Chad is just under fifty percent. China is also bidding on a $25 billion grid expansion in South Africa and seeks to have operating contracts. China seeks to replicate build-operating contract initiatives that it has implemented in Brazil and the Philippines. While the low cost of Chinese solar panels and batteries is providing reliable low cost electricity for segments of the South African economy such as the hotel and winery industries it is still beyond the reach of the lowest income segments of society. Most promising is the steady replacement of coal power in South Africa with solar.
14.
Lead-cooled nuclear reactors edge closer to reality as French firm files design (T)
Interesting Engineering
The French firm Newcleo has submitted a design for a lead cooled modular reactor to Euratom for review which is expected to take two years. Lead coolant for a reactor is readily available, inexpensive and not chemically reactive. Such reactors also have the advantage that they can operate at atmospheric pressure. The design is for a 200 Megawatt electric reactor aiming toward having a commercial power plant by 2032 with production of reactors that can be fabricated at a factory and shipped to an installation site elsewhere.

Nuclear Tomorrow - November 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:45:12 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - November 2025

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

NOTE - A 30% Discount is available using the code AUFLY30

for purchases through Oxford University Press

More support for tripling global nuclear capacity (P)

world nuclear news

At the COP30 climate conference in Belem, Brazil both Rwanda and Senegal announced plans to develop nuclear energy. In doing so they join the 31previous countries that have committed to at least tripling global nuclear energy generation by 2050. They are joining Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria who are the other sub saharan African countries included in the group of 31.

2.

China is Racing to Lead the World in Nuclear Power (P)

The New York Times

China seeks to dominate the world market for nuclear technology. Currently, Russia is the largest exporter of nuclear reactors and the United States has the largest inventory of nuclear reactors, but China is moving vigorously in development of nuclear technology and by 2030 may overtake both countries. Since 2013 China has built 13 reactors and has 33 under construction.

Britain Gives Go-Ahead to Smaller Nuclear Reactor in Wales ( C )

The New York Times

Rolls Royce SMR has announced that they will construct a small modular nuclear reactor on Anglesey island, Wales. This will be the first such reactor in the UK. They plan to fabricate components in factories and then transport the modular units to the operational sites.

Sweden bets on nuclear power to drive economic growth and cut emissions (P)

channelnewsasia

The Swedish government plans to build between three and five small modular reactors at the Ringhals plant in southwestern Sweden. They are expected to supply around 1,500 megawatts of power.

First American Nuclear and the State of Indiana Introduce the First “Closed-Fuel Cycle” Nuclear Energy Park in the U.S. -- Reprocessing and Reusing Fuel Onsite ( C )

PR Newswire
First American Nuclear (FANCO) plans to build a fast spectrum SMR in the state of Indiana. The planned reactor is designed to reprocess and reuse spent fuel on-site, eliminating 97% of long lasting waste. The EAGLE-1 reactor can create more fuel than it burns. It plans to use lead bismuth as a coolant and is designed to generate 240 Megawatts of electricity. Due to the benign properties of lead bismuth the design does not require complex safety systems.

EDF aims to produce 30 small modular reactors by 2050, design by 2026 ( C )

Reuters

France’s state owned nuclear power producer EDF plans a major small modular reactor initiative with a goal of having 30 reactors in service by 2050. The power output is expected to be 400 Megawatts of electrical energy. The conceptual design is expected to be completed in 2026. These SMRs will be marketed globally.

U.S. states take steps towards nuclear new build (P)

World Nuclear News

Legislators in Illinois lifted the state’s moratorium on construction of new large reactors. During the same week the New York state Power Authority issued solicitations for development of advanced nuclear reactors in upstate communities. This follows a call earlier in the year by New York’s governor for the Authority to do so. Governor Pritzker in Illinois is supporting the legislature’s initiative as part of a clean energy program.

Westinghouse and Hungary Establish Landmark Nuclear Fuel Partnership ( C )

Business Wire

Westinghouse has signed a contract to provide fuel for a Russian designed and constructed reactor in Hungary VVER-440. This follows developments in which Westinghouse has partnered with Finland, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria to also resupply fuel for Russian built VVER reactors. This fuel will be manufactured in Europe. With this agreement Westinghouse has now taken over all VVER refueling in Europe for reactors that were installed by Russia

For 1st time ever, Utah would take radioactive waste from another country under EnergySolutions proposal (P)

The Salt Lake Tribune

A Utah company plans to import Canadian radioactive waste. This plan is subject to review and approval by several agencies and the state of Utah. This is the lowest level of radioactive material, designated Class A. It consists of contaminated protective clothing, filters, cleaning rags, medical swabs, and syringes. Components of decommissioned nuclear power plants could also be included. In 2008 a plan to store waste from a dismantled nuclear plant in Italy was vetoed by the Governor,

10.

ANS Winter Conference: Nuclear start-ups applaud DOE executive order on reactor testing (P)

NuclearNewswire

Leaders of advanced reactor companies participating in the Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program to get at least three new reactor designs on line by July 4, 2026 spoke at the ANS Winter Conference. They were from Radiant Industries, Oklo, and Valar Atomics. They praised the program to fast-track reactor development.

11.

Czech Republic plans $19 billion nuclear expansion to end fossil fuel reliance ( C )

ABCNews

The Czech Republic has finalized a contract with South Korea’s KHNP for construction of two 1,000 Megawatt electric reactors that will add to their existing nuclear capability of over 2,000 Megawatts electric. The target date for these reactors is the second half of the 2030s. The country plans to generate around 60% of its electrical energy by 2050 with nuclear.

This initiative is part of an increase of incorporation of nuclear energy in national plans throughout Europe with programs in Belgium, Sweden and Poland along with Denmark and Italy. Plans to phase out nuclear energy in multiple countries have been reconsidered. However, Austria remains nuclear skeptical.

12.

Cost-conscious utilities resist Trump’s push for nuclear revival (P)

E&E News

While small modular reactors are in production in the United States, large 1000 Megawatt electric reactors are not receiving a favorable response to Trump’s offer to subsidize their construction. This article reviews the reactions of several utility companies to Trump putting $80 billion on the table. The history of the Westinghouse program that resulted in the Vogtle reactor in Georgia being far over budget and experiencing excessive delays is cited as the cause of this reluctance. Also cited is the cancellation of a similar reactor in South Carolina. The Vogtle reactor program also led to the bankruptcy of the Westinghouse nuclear company. What is not mentioned is that China and South Korea which built their own versions of the Westinghouse reactor have been successful in building their models.

13.

Give Nuclear Power Another Chance (P)

The New York Times

This Opinion piece points out that 9 states, including California, have restrictions on construction of nuclear reactors. The essay calls on these states to acknowledge that it will be difficult to eliminate greenhouse gases without some role for nuclear and should consider changing their laws. It is also noted that nuclear is treated as singularly dangerous while the reality is that pollution from fossil fuels kills large numbers while nuclear waste can be managed safely.

14.

US strikes $80 billion deal for new nuclear power plants ( C )

Reuters

Through a Trump initiative to promote nuclear energy the US Government is entering into an agreement with the Canadian owners of Westinghouse Electric for a $80 billion investment in construction of 10 large nuclear reactors by 2030. Westinghouse, which entered bankruptcy in 2017 as a result of their struggles to build the Vogtle reactors in Georgia was taken over by Canadian companies Cameco and Brookfield. Under the proposed deal the US Government would be assigned 20% of future profits. Westinghouse has yet to demonstrate that it has the capacity to fulfill this plan.

15.

Chinese molten salt reactor achieves conversion of thorium-uranium fuel (T)

World Nuclear News

In an experimental 2 Mega Watt reactor in WuWei that is cooled with liquid salts the generation of new fuel through the addition of thorium was achieved. The thorium is converted into Uranium 233 which sustains a chain reaction. The next phase in this project is the construction of a 100 Mega Watt reactor that is scheduled to become operational in 2035. This event marks the first operational refueling of a reactor utilizing thorium. This marks a strategic breakthrough for China which is heavily dependent on Russia for uranium to fuel its reactors. Given that China has abundant Thorium deposits, switching to that as a nuclear fuel would be a significant development.

16.

Restart of two Taiwanese plants feasible, ministry says (P)

World Nuclear News

Two boiling water reactors that were closed in Taiwan 2018 and 2019 after 40 years of operation are being considered for reopening.

Given a need for clean energy, an assessment has been made that these reactors are eligible for restart and could apply for licenses of an additional 20 years. It is anticipated that that application process will begin in 2026.

Overview of Restarts Globally

This initiative in Taiwan adds to other global initiatives for reactor reopenings:

United States: Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan

Three Mile Island Plant in Pennsylvania

Duane Island Energy Center in Iowa (under review)

Japan: 14 reactors out of 54 closed after Fukushima have

been restarted.

4 additional reactors now being considered for

Restart.

Germany 6 reactors have been proposed for restart

Belgium 9 reactors have been approved for restart

Sweden 2 reactors being studied for restart

5 reactors being studied for life extensions

17.

Deep Fission Plans to Sink Nuclear Reactors Deep Underground (T)

IEEE Spectrum

Deep Fission, a California-based startup is pursuing multiple initiatives for development of a small modular reactor called Gravity that would fit into a borehole roughly three-quarters of a meter wide that would operate one mile underground. They claim that using geological depth as containment could make nuclear energy cheaper, safer, and deployable in months at a fraction of a conventional plant’s footprint. However this innovative design introduces both regulatory and practical uncertainties.

They plan to use techniques developed by the oil and gas industry to protect the water table. In the event of a disruption such as an earthquake, they plan to seal the system off at the bottom of the borehole thus creating safe waste disposal containment.

Construction is anticipated to take about six months, including four weeks of drilling, 8 to 10 weeks of installation of lowering the canister into the hole, and another two months for commissioning. For waste management Deep Fission plans deep geological disposal in the very borehole systems that deploy the reactor. The company claims that overall costs would be cut by 70 to 80 percent. Unknowns include stability of the rock formation, groundwater movement, heat transfer and long term stability. They plan to drill a borehole, load fuel and bring the system to criticality in 2026. The company says that its modular approach allows multiple 15-megawatt reactors to be clustered on a single site into a block of 10 that would produce 150 Megawatts of electrical energy.

Nuclear Tomorrow - October 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:12:37 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - October 2025

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

NOTE - A 30% Discount is available using the code AUFLY30

for purchases through Oxford University Press

The release date for the print editions was October 3, 2025

Urenco USA given go-ahead for 10% enrichment (T)

world nuclear news

Urenco USA has received authorization from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to produce Low Enriched Uranium Plus (LEU+) nuclear fuel. This is uranium that is enriched to between 5% and 10% levels of Uranium 235. This level of enrichment supports more efficient operations and longer operating cycles. It will also be able to fuel more advanced designs that are under development. Urneco’s facility in Eunice, New Mexico is the only operational commercial enrichment plant in the United States today.

Russia Leads US Nuclear Fuel Imports in 2024, Defying Enriched Uranium Ban (T)

UNITED24 Media

While the U.S. had a formal ban imposed in May of 2024 on imports of enriched uranium from Russia, exceptions were granted that allowed it to maintain its position as the leading supplier of nuclear reactor fuel. However, the level of 20% was a decline from the 27% percentage from 2023.

Four companies picked for fast-tracked fuel fabrication ( C )

NuclearNewswire

The Department of Energy has fast-tracked four additional selections for the Fuel Line Pilot Program. The four companies are Oklo, Terrestrial Energy, TRISO-X, and Valor Atomics. Standard Nuclear was identified for this program earlier. This authorization is through the Department of Energy rather than the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow more rapid deployment of new fuels that would supply the DOE’s accelerated Reactor Pilot Program for which 11 designs have been selected. Each of these four companies have at least one reactor in the Reactor Pilot Program - as follows:

Oklo - a sodium cooled fast reactor

Terrestrial - a molten fluoride salt cooled reactor

TRISO-X a high temperature gas cooled reactor

Valor Atomics - a high temperature gas cooled reactor

While Standard Nuclear is focussed on TRISO fuel development intended for several designs including a high temperature gas cooled reactor.

US plans to power AI data centers with advanced nuclear energy at historic sites (P)

Interesting Engineering

The US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has issued requests for proposals to construct and operate major Artificial Intelligence data centers, signaling a strong push to pair next-generation computing with advanced nuclear energy. These proposals are to utilize historic nuclear sites at Savannah River and Oak Ridge.

Slovak leader announces a deal with US on a new nuclear reactor ( C )

THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Slovakia’s prime minister announced on October 7th that his government has approved an agreement with the US to build a 1,200 megawatt nuclear reactor. A date was not announced for signing the deal. It is expected that this reactor will be constructed by Westinghouse.

France’s Energy Giant Sees Opportunity in the Volatile Electricity Market (P)

The New York Times

The large French company TotalEnergies is investing in a battery farm at the site of a shutdown refinery at Dunkirk. The farm consists of more than two dozen industrial-scale batteries. They are connected to the power grid and kick in with almost instantaneous electricity when required by consumption needs such as from a nearby aluminum plant or unavailability of renewables. TotalEnergies is investing up to $4 billion a year in electric power to meet expanding requirements of electric vehicles and data centers along with general growth of electricity usage and the closing of fossil fuel-based plants.

First molten-salt reactor in the desert - China’s 2030 bet on safer nuclear power ( C )

ECONEWS

Construction will start in 2025 of a 60 Megawatt thermal thorium cooled reactor, based on a 2 Megawatt prototype that entered criticality in 2023, at the same location in the Gobi desert. Thorium salts provide an effective coolant in this location that is devoid of water as a potential coolant. The goal of this project is to have this reactor online by 2030. While thorium based fission was shown to be feasible in the United States in 1969, the program at Oak Ridge was abandoned. In this reactor, thorium absorbs a neutron to transform into Uranium 233 which undergoes heat producing fission. This fission reaction does not create plutonium with its associated long lived isotopes. Furthermore, China is estimated to have 280,000 tons of thorium reserves ( second only to India’s 340,000 tons ), enough fuel to supply energy to the country’s vast population for an estimated 20,000 years.

Washington (state) nuclear facility will deploy 12 Amazon-funded SMRs ( C )

UTILITYDIVE

Amazon is funding the construction of an energy facility outside of Richmond, Washington with a planned capacity of 960 Megawatts of electrical energy. The facility which will be built starting in 2030 will have a 320 Megawatt unit in its first phase. The 320 Megawatt facility will consist of three Xe-100 small modular reactors built by X-Energy in collaboration with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Doosan Enerbility. The Xe-100 is a high temperature gas cooled reactor. This is the first phase of an ambitious 5 gigawatt initiative that is planned for implementation by 2039.

Army Launches Project Janus to Deploy Nuclear Microreactors on Military Installations ( C )

HomelandSecurityToday.US

In an initiative to provide electric power to domestic military installations, that is independent of the civilian power grid, the Army is launching Project Janus which will deploy commercially owned and operated microreactors. This initiative will build on lessons learned from Project Pele, a Generation IV nuclear power project being implemented by the military. The microreactors will be designed to be transportable and capable of operating for extended periods of time without refueling. An objective of the program is to provide energy for military installations that provides continuity of power in the event of grid outages and vulnerabilities arising from fuel availability. First prototype criticality is scheduled for July 4, 2026 and operational capability for September 30, 2028. Project Janus anticipates installation of 12 microreactors across 9 military installations. The Project Pele reactor is designed to produce 1.5 Megawatt of electrical power and to be operational for three years without refueling. It is designed to be transportable in four 20 foot shipping containers, making it transportable by truck, rail, ship or aircraft.

10.

Perovskite: The ‘wonder material’ that could transform solar (T)

BBC

The term perovskite refers not to a specific material like silicon but to a whole family of compounds named for a mineral called perovskite. There are many variations of this material that are possible. There has been an ongoing search for a form that could replace or supplement silicon in the fabrication of solar panels. The material has a higher energy conversion rate than silicon with the advantage that solar cells manufactured from perovskite can operate with more defects than silicon solar cells. Silicon only cells have an energy conversion efficiency of typically 21-23% with a theoretical maximum of 33%, while a silicon cell enhanced with perovskite has a maximum of 47%. However, they are less durable than silicon solar cells which has prompted a search for perovskite material with lifetimes comparable with that of silicon solar cells. Companies pursuing perovskite energy technology have emerged from Oxford University, MIT and elsewhere. Factories have been established to manufacture pilot models. Their use with electric vehicles is an application that holds great promise provided the durability issue can be resolved.

11.

Palisades Nuclear Plant receives new fuel in historic restart effort ( C )

FOX17

The Palisades Nuclear Generating Station is a Pressurized Water Reactor designed to produce 725 kilowatts of electric power that became operational 1973 and was decommissioned in 2022. It is located on the banks of Lake Michigan. Through an initiative supported by Governor Gretchen Whitmer it was approved to reopen in 2025, making it the first reactor in the United States to be reopened.

A detailed description of the fuel assemblies for this reactor were provided by the manufacturer, Holtec. There are 204 fuel assemblies in the reactor when in operation. Each fuel assembly - measuring 12 feet in length - contains 216 fuel rods. Approximately 200 fuel pellets of uranium oxide are stacked into each fuel rods. Each fuel pellet - which is about the size of a

pencil eraser - contains roughly the same energy potential as a ton of coal.

A date for this restart has not yet been announced.

12.

Urenco doubles expansion plans for uranium enrichment in the Netherlands (P)

world nuclear news

Uranco has announced plans to double the capacity of its uranium enrichment plant in the Netherlands. This adds to its expanded capacity in Eunice, New Mexico and enhancement of its capacity in Gronau, Germany. It also operates a plant in Capenhurst in the UK.

13.

Restart of Huge Nuclear Power Plant Faces Backlash in Japan (P)

Msn

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is facing resistance to its plans to reopen the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant that was closed following the Fukushima accident in 2011. At that time all of Japan’s reactors were closed. In recent years, 14 reactors have restarted and the restart of 11 others is being pursued. Restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant is stalled by the lack of approval to date from local and regional authorities. The reactor complex at this site consists of 7 reactors with a capacity of just under 8 Megawatts of electrical energy.

14.

Bill Gates-backed 345 MWe advanced nuclear reactor secures crucial US approval ( C )

Interesting Engineering

The Terrapower Natrium reactor that is under construction in Wyoming has received approval of its Environmental Impact Statement from the NRC. This is the first-ever advanced commercial reactor to do so. It is now eligible to be granted

a full construction permit.

15.

Is nuclear power becoming cool in Colorado? Discussion of role for it is growing (P)

Denver Post

Colorado has a new law declaring nuclear power a source of clean energy. This has unleashed many conversations about the potential use of nuclear energy in the state. While its use for data centers is a likely option, nuclear energy for the airport and other facilities is under discussion. There is strong support for the use of nuclear energy by the state’s leadership, but it faces an organized opposition. The state is now engaging in active discussions and debate.

16.

Westinghouse signs $80B contract to meet AI demand ( C )

NuclearNewswire

The U.S. government has signed an $80 billion deal with Westinghouse Electric Company to build large-scale nuclear reactors to support growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence. This initiative includes two additional partners -Brookfield Asset Management and Canadian uranium producer Cameco Corporation. Westinghouse is currently owned by Canadian entities including Brookfield and Cameco. The funding will support construction of AP1000 reactors that Westinghouse developed. Two such reactors were built in Georgia in what can only be described as a sub-optimal program. However, both China and South Korea have been successful in building reactors based on the AP1000 design with China doing so in-country and South Korea in the United Arab Emirates. Westinghouse went into bankruptcy in pursuing the Georgia project. This contract provides a fresh start for this historically U..

17.

Rethinking Nuclear - An overview of “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust, and Emerging Renaissance.” (P)

OUPBlog

The Oxford University Press featured the book authored by the publisher of this Substack - Edward A. Friedman - on their Blog

Nuclear Tomorrow - September 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:35:31 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - September 2025

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

NOTE - A 30% Discount is available using the code AUFLY30

for purchases through Oxford University Press

The release date for the print editions is October 3, 2025

It’s past time to start protecting US nuclear power reactors from drones (P)

Bulletin of Atomic Scientists

Screenshot of a video of the Russian attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The House Armed Services Committee is proposing legislation to protect Energy Department -operated nuclear facilities from potential drone attacks. This action does not address the need to protect the nearly 100 other civilian reactors that are not part of the Department of Energy infrastructure. During 2024 there were some 26-odd drone overflights of U.S. reactors and four drones were sighted in 2025 operating near the Prairie Island Nuclear Plant in Minnesota. There are calls for more clarity on plans to protect nuclear reactors.

Burying nuclear reactors might make them cleaner and cheaper (T)

The Economist

Deep Fission, a nuclear power firm in Berkeley, California, is seeking to implement a concept of its founder, Elizabeth Muller, to create a nuclear reactor at the bottom of a mile deep shaft. Such a construct could produce energy without the need for pressurization and shielding and, once sealed at the end of its lifetime, would also provide a secure location for the reactor’s

waste. The concept is to lower the reactor core to the bottom of a 75 cm diameter shaft and then flood the shaft with water. The weight of the water in the shaft would provide the pressure needed to keep the water from boiling. The shaft would also provide a containment structure. Heat would be removed through a pipe in the shaft as is done in extracting geothermal power. The core would be loaded with a two year supply of uranium fuel, afterward a new core would be lowered on top of the exhausted uranium. Deep Energy had been picked by the Department of Energy for its accelerated Reactor Pilot Program. Deep Fission has signed an agreement with Endeavor, an American data-center company.

Companies see big chance to spin nuclear straw into usable gold(P)

Axios

Oklo announced plans to build a fuel recycling facility in Tennessee as the first phase of an advanced fuel center totaling up to $1.68 billion. The fuel is slated for use in Oklo’s fast Aurora reactor. Oklo is exploring opportunities with the Tennessee Valley Authority to recycle the utility’s used fuel. This plan has been received with skepticism by Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Scientists at the Nuclear Threat Initiative

Have also expressed doubts about the viability of such a plan. However, Curio has also announced that it plans to implement such recycling of waste into fuel. The argument for the use of recycled fuel rests on the opportunity to power “fast” reactors. The fuel for such reactors is High Assay Low Enrichment (HALEU) uranium that is enriched between 5% and 20%. The U.S. has a need to develop facilities for production of such fuel.

President Lee Jae-myung ( of South Korea ) dismisses nuclear power, urges solar and wind expansion(P)

The Chosun Daily

On September 11th the President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, stated that plans to rely on nuclear power to meet AI electricity needs are unrealistic because “it takes at least 15 years to build a nuclear plant” and comments that there are limited sites that are available. He advocated building solar and wind sites.

A nuclear industry spokesperson expressed fear that this posture could lead to the collapse of the nuclear ecosystem in South Korea President Lee’s opposition to nuclear energy is being met with push back from the nuclear industry.

US and UK sign major nuclear power deal: What does it include? (P)

Aljazeera

September 18. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and United States President Donald Trump have signed a multibillion-pound deal to expand nuclear power across both nations. Known as the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, the agreement aims to speed up the construction of new reactors and provide reliable, low-carbon energy for high-demand sectors, including energy-intensive artificial intelligence data centres. Britain’s largest energy supplier, Centrica, will pair up with the US firm X-energy to develop up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, a port town in northeast England, which could power 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs. US nuclear technology company Holtec, France’s state-backed energy giant EDF Energy, and United Kingdom real estate and investment firm Tritax will develop advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors (SMRs) in Nottinghamshire, East Midlands, valued at about 11 billion pounds ($15bn). London and Washington will also build on an existing collaboration between British Rolls-Royce and American BWXT alongside new commercial projects.

The UK currently has eight nuclear power stations, all managed by EDF Energy. Five of these stations are currently generating electricity – Sizewell B, Torness, Heysham 1, Heysham 2 and Hartlepool, while three – Hunterston B, Hinkley Point B and Dungeness B have ceased generation and entered the defuelling phase of decommissioning.

This new relationship will also include nuclear regulation allowing a safety approval in one country to support approval in the other country, thus allowing a cutting of licensing times by more than a year.

Russia’s next-gen liquid metal nuclear fuel assembly to push fast reactor boundaries (T)

Interesting Engineering

Russia’s Rosatom Fuel Division is implementing a new type of fuel assembly with a mixture of nitride uranium-plutonium having a liquid metal sublayer for use in a fast reactor. The liquid metal sublayer provides improved heat transfer in the system and reduces swelling that could otherwise occur in the fuel pellet. This enhances the reliability of the fuel and allows higher burnup targets. The fuel is reprocessed to fabricate new fuel in a closed cycle. A 300 Mwe demonstration unit is being developed which, if successful, will be followed by a 1200 MWe reactor. This new fuel promises more effective operations of the BREST reactor.

“We Don’t Need Russia Anymore”: American Company Completes Nuclear Fuel Revolution That Destroys Foreign Energy Dependence Forever ( C )

Energy Reporters

Global Laser Enrichment, a company based in Wilmington, NC, has achieved a major breakthrough with a large-scale demonstration of laser-based uranium separation. Using the SILEX process that they acquired from SILEX Systems in Australia, Uranium 235 is separated from a mixture that is dominated by Uranium 238. Silex stands for Separation of Isotopes by Laser EXitation. In this process the Uranium is transformed into a gaseous form as Uranium Hexaflouride. Using a precisely tuned laser, the gas molecules with Uranium 235 are selectively ionized. The charged ions are then separated using electric fields. With the rapid expansion in the use of nuclear energy this development is a significant step toward certification of a U.S. commercial processing facility for enriched Uranium. The U.S. needs expanded production that meets growing fuel needs that do not rely on Russian sources.

Iran says deal with Russia will build eight nuclear power plants ( C )

Iran International

Iran and Russia are planning to sign an agreement for construction of eight nuclear power plants. Four of the plants are planned to be located at the Bushehr site where Iran’s only nuclear plant is located. This is part of Iran’s long term plan to expand nuclear capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2040. This announcement came as Britain, France and Germany seek to reimpose sanctions against Iran for violating a 2015 nuclear agreement.

Kenya signs landmark cooperation deal on nuclear energy with South Korea ( C )

STAR

The Kenya Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) have signed an agreement to collaborate in developing nuclear energy for Kenya. They plan to continue pursuing a feasibility study that has been partially completed for nuclear power development in Kenya. Few details are available.

10.

Inside the zero-revenue nuclear stock whose 1,500% rally is shaking up the AI trade (P )

Marketwatch

Oklo has yet to record a single dollar in sales, yet it rallied 520% in 2025 and 1,500% in 2024. Oklo is developing and commercializing small modular reactors (SMRs) with a huge potential market with AI data centers. The company went public in 2024 with Sam Altman’s special-purpose acquisition company AltC Acquisition Corp. Investors are speculating on the potential future growth of this enterprise. As of September 25, 2025 it had a valuation of $20 billion, the largest pre-revenue company in the United States. This is happening in spite of the fact that revenues are not expected until at least the fourth quarter of 2027.

11.

Where will NuScale Power Be in 5 Years? (P)

The Motley Fool

Another company with a valuation that bears little relationship to its income is NuScale, with a market value in September 2025 exceeding $10 Billion and losses in 2024 of $136 million. In support of the value of NuScale is its position as the only Small Modular Reactor to have received design approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Company. It did have contracts for deployment of its promising design, but these were canceled due to changes in the projected construction costs. NuScale is engaged in ongoing planning and negotiations with the power company in Romania for construction of six 77 Megawatt Modular reactors. The Import-Export Bank provided a $98 million loan to support this design study.

12.

Russia and Ethiopia sign agreement to develop nuclear power plant ( C )

Enerdata

Expanding the level of nuclear energy development in Africa, an announcement was made that Russia and Ethiopia plan to construct a nuclear reactor with a date for completion in the 2032-34 time frame. However, details are not yet available.

13.

Niger Plans Two 1,000 MW Nuclear Reactors with Russia as Partner ( C )

ecofin agency

Adding to the expansion of nuclear energy in Africa is Niger, which has announced plans to construct two 1,000 MW reactors with Russia as a partner. This plan anticipates a major growth in electrification in Niger which currently has the second lowest electrification rate of 20% in 2022.

14.

New nuclear financing models need to be developed says Putin (P)

world nuclear news

Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, stated at the World Atomic Week in Moscow ( September 26, 2025 ) that he sees peaceful nuclear technologies as the basis for international cooperation and bringing states closer together. He stated that he foresaw major growth of nuclear energy in the Global South and East. Given the costs for nuclear resource development he saw a need for the development of new models for financing nuclear power plants that involved international financial institutions and development banks. He also announced the launch of a Russian nuclear energy system that would operate with a closed fuel cycle that would see 95% of fuel reused repeatedly, thus helping solve the issues of radioactive waste as well as limited uranium resources.

Nuclear Tomorrow - August 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 16:37:06 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - August 2025

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

IAEA Launches Outlook on Nuclear Power for Development in Africa at G20 (P)

IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Group of Twenty (G20) have released a groundbreaking publication examining nuclear power potential in Africa. Launched during a G20 energy transitions meeting in South Africa, the report highlights the continent's growing interest in nuclear energy as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, which currently account for over 70% of Africa's electricity production.

Currently, South Africa is the only African country with nuclear power, operating the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station with nearly two gigawatts of capacity. However, enthusiasm is building across the continent, with Egypt constructing its first nuclear plant and countries like Ghana and Kenya working with the IAEA to develop nuclear infrastructure.

The IAEA projects that Africa's nuclear capacity could increase five to ten-fold by 2050, depending on the scenario. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are of particular interest due to their suitability for Africa's relatively small electric grids and lower capital costs.

The report addresses the critical challenge that about half a billion Africans lack access to electricity. It emphasizes the need for addressing financing challenges, implementing supportive government policies, and adopting regional approaches to nuclear development. Africa's uranium mining potential is also highlighted, as the continent hosts three of the world's top ten uranium producers: Namibia, Niger, and South Africa.

US-owned, privately developed uranium facility planned for Paducah. What to know ( C )

Lexington Herald Leader

California-based nuclear startup General Matter plans to establish America's first privately-owned uranium enrichment facility in Paducah, Kentucky's McCracken County. The company, backed by PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and early SpaceX engineer Scott Nolan, announced its project through Founders Fund, Thiel's venture capital firm.

An August 5th announcement event featured Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and congressional leaders. The company emphasized Paducah's historical significance, noting the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission selected the site 75 years ago for the nation's original enrichment efforts.

The project aligns with broader nuclear energy developments in the region. The former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant is under federal consideration for AI infrastructure and energy projects as part of the Trump administration's accelerated plan to build national AI capabilities. The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority recently visited the site to assess redevelopment opportunities. Additionally, Global Laser Enrichment is constructing a separate uranium enrichment facility nearby, targeting 2030 operations.

Legal Questions - Under Trump NASA is accelerating a push to put a reactor on the moon, ahead of China and Russia. The plan could involve a “keep-out zone” on the lunar surface. (P)

The Washington Post

NASA Accelerates Lunar Nuclear Reactor Plans Amid Legal Concerns

NASA is rushing to place a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, ahead of China and Russia's planned mid-2030s installation. Acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy cited the project's importance for supporting a future lunar economy, Mars missions, and national security, while suggesting the first nation to succeed could declare a "keep-out zone."

The initiative raises significant legal questions under existing space law frameworks. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, signed by all major spacefaring nations, prohibits territorial claims on celestial bodies but creates ambiguity around operational zones. The nonbinding Artemis Accords (which China and Russia haven't signed) outline vague "safety zones" for space operations.

Legal experts worry about the first-mover advantage this creates. Under the treaty's "due regard" clause, nations must respect others' activities, potentially giving early arrivals greater exclusion rights. The proposed 100-kilowatt reactor would power lunar operations in the moon's south pole region, where water ice and limited solar energy make nuclear power attractive.

Critics express concerns about rushing nuclear development, radioactive waste management, and the potential for a "gold rush" mentality that could lead to conflicts over lunar resources and environmental damage.

Russia’s Nuclear Ambitions Face Funding Crisis (P)

OILPRICE.COM

Russia's state nuclear agency Rosatom is facing a severe financing crisis that threatens its global market leadership and ability to fulfill international commitments. The company, which currently holds approximately 50% of the global nuclear energy market, is seeking government financial support to maintain operations and fund new projects beyond 2027.

The financing difficulties have already caused tangible setbacks. Kazakhstan terminated contracts with Russia's Inter RAO for three thermal power plants worth $2.7 billion after promised Russian export financing failed to materialize. Instead, Kazakhstan will build these facilities independently.

More significantly, Russia's nuclear ambitions in Kazakhstan are now in jeopardy. While Rosatom was initially selected to build Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant contingent on securing financing, Kazakhstan has since awarded contracts for second and third nuclear plants to China's National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), suggesting diminished confidence in Russia's ability to deliver.

The crisis stems from international sanctions limiting Rosatom's financing options and Russia's strained state budget due to the Ukraine war. Officials acknowledge that without increased government subsidies, Russia risks losing its competitive edge to Chinese competitors in the nuclear sector. This represents a potential strategic shift in Central Asia's energy partnerships away from Russia toward China.

French MPs Float Plan to Mine Bitcoins With Surplus Nuclear Energy (P)

Yahoo Finance

French lawmakers are developing legislation to utilize surplus nuclear energy for Bitcoin mining, according to recent reports. The proposed bill would install mining hardware at facilities owned by state utility Électricité de France (EDF) to capitalize on excess electricity generated by nuclear power plants.

France leads European Union nuclear production with 338,202 gigawatt hours in 2023, representing over half the bloc's total output. However, more than two-thirds of nuclear energy is lost as heat during electricity generation.

MP Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, involved in drafting the legislation, described the initiative as "a secure and extremely profitable solution." This proposal follows a rejected June amendment that suggested evaluating cryptocurrency mining's potential contribution to France's energy mix.

Using surplus energy for Bitcoin mining isn't unprecedented globally. Pakistan recently allocated 2,000 megawatts for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, while stablecoin issuer Tether is exploring similar projects using renewable energy from South American agribusiness operations.

What a new nuclear deal with Hungary means for US influence in Europe (P)

Atlantic Council

Hungary's nuclear energy firm Hunatom and Poland's Synthos Green Energy signed a letter of intent to build up to ten BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs) designed by US company GE Vernova. This 300-megawatt reactor deal marks a potential geopolitical shift for Hungary, which has historically favored Russian nuclear technology and grown closer to Russia despite its EU membership.

The agreement's timing coincides with the recent US-EU trade deal, where the EU pledged to purchase $750 billion in American oil and gas during Trump's term, including investments in US nuclear technology. Hungary's SMR commitment could significantly contribute to fulfilling this trade pledge and potentially strengthen US-Hungary relations while supporting transatlantic unity against Russia.

However, Hungary maintains its nuclear partnership with Russia, operating four Russian VVER-440 reactors at the Paks plant that generate nearly half the country's electricity. Construction continues on two additional Russian VVER-1200 reactors at Paks II, suggesting Hungary may be hedging between EU alignment and Russian influence rather than making a decisive pivot.

The US has expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Hungary beyond nuclear energy into defense, commerce, and space sectors. Whether this deal represents a genuine shift away from Russian dependence or strategic hedging remains uncertain, though it brings Hungary closer to Poland and broader EU energy policies.

Nuclear fuel crisis could foil industry’s US revival (T)

E&E News

The U.S. nuclear industry is experiencing renewed momentum with backing from tech giants like Amazon and Google, plus Trump administration support for advanced reactor development. However, America's limited uranium enrichment capacity threatens this nuclear renaissance.

The U.S. was once the global nuclear fuel leader, processing six times more uranium in 1985 than today. After the Cold War, the government privatized enrichment operations, expecting continued access to foreign suppliers. This strategy backfired when the 2011 Fukushima disaster crashed uranium prices and Russia came to dominate global supply.

Today, America's nuclear fleet sources 65-75% of enriched uranium from Europe and Russia. The recent ban on Russian uranium imports, imposed due to the Ukraine war, has intensified pressure for domestic production. The sole major U.S. enrichment facility in New Mexico has actually decreased capacity by 12% since 2018, partly due to technical failures in newer centrifuge technology.

Companies like Centrus Energy are positioning to expand HALEU (high-assay, low-enriched uranium) production needed for next-generation reactors, but face a "chicken and egg" problem: fuel enrichers won't invest without guaranteed markets, while reactor developers need fuel supply certainty. Multiple billion-dollar facility plans are in development, but success requires sustained political and financial commitment that has historically eluded U.S. nuclear initiatives.

Taiwan keeps ‘advanced nuclear energy’ door ajar despite referendum setback (P)

EFE Comunica

A referendum to restart the island’s last nuclear reactor

failed by a vote of 4.33 million yes votes to 1.51 million no votes due to a threshold that was required of 5 million votes. Following this vote, Taiwan’s President William Lai announced that the government is still open to introducing advanced nuclear energy in the future

U.S. DOE Backs 11 Advanced Nuclear Reactors Under Trump’s Fast-Track Pilot Program (P)

Carbon Credits

The U.S. Department of Energy has officially launched Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program selecting 11 advanced reactor projects. This initiative aims to have at least three test reactors built, operational and achieving criticality by July 4, 2026. Each participating company will cover the costs of design, manufacturing, construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of the test reactor. These reactors which will be built on federal land outside of national laboratories will be exempt from review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Concern for this approach has been voiced by Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists who stated,”There is no transparency, and there is no real public input into the safety decisions…”

https://www.ehn.org/trump-administration-pushes-ahead-with-fast-track-plan-for-new-nuclear-reactors

There are 10 companies pursuing these 11 reactor designs:

Aalo Atomics Inc.

Antares Nuclear Inc.

Atomic Alchemy Inc.

Deep Fission Inc.

Last Energy Inc.

Oklo Inc.

Natura Resources LLC

Radiant Industries Inc.

Terrestrial Energy Inc.

Valar Atomics inc.

10.

Aalo breaks ground for experimental reactor (T)

world nuclear news

Two weeks after being selected as one of the 10 advanced reactor projects under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Project Program, Aalo Atomics has broken ground at a site in Idaho to start construction of its first experimental modular reactor the Aalo-X. The site is next to the Idaho National Laboratory Material and Fuels Complex. The 50 Megawatt sodium cooled reactor is designed to be factory constructed and transported to the operations site. It is designed specifically for AI data processing.

11.

To fuel AI’s insatiable appetite, Nvidia and Big Tech are doubling down on nuclear (P)

MarketWatch

Nvidia’s venture-captial arm participated in a $836 million fundraising round for the nuclear-fusion startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems. This company whose fusion technology emerged from work at MIT has now raised $3 billion.

12.

Bill Gates-backed Terrapower, Utah to explore reactor sites amid power demand surge (P)

Reuters

Responding to the need of for energy in support of AI processing, the state of Utah and Bill Gates Terrapower company have entered into an agreement to explore sites for Terrapower’s Natrium reactor in the state. A Natrium reactor is currently under construction in Wyoming.

13.

Another Old Nuclear Reactor is Coming Back. These Stocks Could Benefit. (P)

ENERGY

NextEra Energy plans to reopen a nuclear reactor known as the Duane Arnold energy center near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This is the third mothballed reactor reopening that has been announced since 2024. The other two are at Three Mile Island and Palisades, Michigan. Duane Arnold was closed in 2020

since it was uncompetitive at that time. Soaring power demands have changed the calculus for reactor economics. This facility is expected to be online again in 2028.

14.

GOOGLE Taps nuclear power for data centers, reveals first reactor site ( C )

THE AMERICAN BAZAAR

Google has announced plans to build a 50 Megawatt reactor in Oakridge, Tennessee with Kairos Power in collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Kairos reactor known as Hermes 2 is being developed with a standardized design to cut costs for future deployments. The deal with Kairos is

scheduled for implementation of 500 megawatts of power targeted to come online through 2035 to meet AI power requirements.

15.

Germany, France agree to settle long-running nuclear energy dispute (P)

Yahoo/news

Germany will drop its opposition to France's use of nuclear energy as a low carbon emission technology in the context of EU legislation. Previously Germany has opposed classifying nuclear energy as sustainable.

Nuclear Tomorrow - July, 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 21:01:33 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - July 2025

Nuclear Tomorrow is a newsletter that is issued monthly to identify press reports on developments in the field of nuclear energy. Topics are selected for their relevance to

the impact of nuclear energy on global warming. The newsletter is written for members of the general public who are concerned with policy related to these issues. Postings are categorized as dealing with Technology (T), Policy (P), and/or Construction (C). In some cases registration or a fee is required to access an article. Hyperlinks are provided to connect newsletter posts to the referenced publication. (See hot buttons associated with each posting) The newsletter is intended to expand on topics included in the book, “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust, and Emerging Renaissance,” to be published in 2025 by Oxford University Press. The author of the book and of this newsletter is Edward A. Friedman, Emeritus Professor of Technology Management at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA. The book is available for pre publication purchase via the Oxford University Website. The following link provides access to the book:

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

The e-book edition was released on July 21 with the print editions scheduled for mid-August

Extreme Heat Shuts Down Some Nuclear Reactors in Europe (T)

The New York Times

The Beznau Nuclear Power Plant in Switzerland, one of two nuclear stations shut down in the past week.

Record breaking heat in Europe has warmed reactor cooling water to temperatures of around 82 degrees Fahrenheit leading to the shut down of two reactors in southern France and one reactor in Switzerland. Warmer water holds less oxygen and becomes more susceptible to algal blooms. Power plant changes can cause fish to be killed from the sudden changes in temperature. Extreme heating can lead to deleterious environmental consequences. Global warming is expected to cause increased numbers of nuclear plant shutdowns in the coming years.

2. From Waste to Watts: Unlocking the Power in Used Nuclear Fuel (T)

Newswise

Used nuclear fuel in current reactors contains high amounts of energy rich isotopes. Roughly 95% of the used fuel has the potential of generating power. At Argonne National Laboratory exploratory processes are being explored to separate this useful material from the so-called waste. The objective of this research is to recycle the material as useful fuel.

Floating nuclear power plants to be evaluated for Mediterranean (T)

World Nuclear News

The American Bureau of Shipping, Core Power and Athlos Energy are to collaborate on the evaluation of the potential of deploying floating nuclear power plants to meet the energy demands of islands, ports and coastal communities in the Mediterranean Sea. Mikal Boe, founder and CEO of UK-based technology company Core Power stated that, “By constructing and mass assembling a fleet of Floating Nuclear Power Plants in shipyards, we can deliver clean nuclear energy on time and budget…”

Air Force base in Alaska is top choice for military’s first nuclear microreactor ( C )

Stars and Strips

A remote Air Force base in Alaska has been selected to be the first U.S. military installation with a nuclear microreactor. The site, Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks was named. It has few power options. The base operates in extreme Arctic conditions.

The reactor could keep the lights on and heat running as well as

De-ice runways. Oklo, Inc. is being contracted to design, build and operate the system. This initiative is part of a plan to build two microreactors generating between 3 and 10 megawatts by 2030. The reactors are designed to operate for several years without refueling.

The enduring dilemma of managing American high-level nuclear waste (P)

BROOKINGS

On June 18, the Supreme Court dismissed state efforts to block NRC approval of above ground nuclear waste storage in Andrews County Texas by a private firm, Interim Storage Partners. The decision did not definitively address whether the NRC retains legal authority to license a privately-operated facility for waste generated a long distance away, However, Justice Kavanaugh noted that “history and precedent offer significant support for the commission’s longstanding interpretation” that it can do so. The facility in question, if ultimately built, could hold potentially two-fifths of the high level waste produced nationally to date.

However, officials in the state of Texas are strongly opposed to siting of such an above ground storage facility in the state, making construction unlikely in the near future. The United States has yet to develop a comprehensive plan for nuclear waste storage since plans for a geological repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada were blocked in the 1990’s.

Nuclear Industry Pushes New Plan for Waste Disposal (P)

E+ELeader

The U.S. Nuclear Industry Council has proposed a modification in the 1987 Nuclear Waste Policy Act that ties the Department of Energy to a single federal repository for nuclear waste.

Westinghouse to Accelerate US Nuclear Reactor Construction and Enhance Operations with Google Cloud AI ( C )

Westinghouse

Westinghouse Electric Company and Google Cloud announced a collaboration on July 18, 2025 to use artificial intelligence tools to transform construction of nuclear reactors into an efficient repeatable process and to enhance operations of existing nuclear reactors through the use of data-driven insights.

The two companies plan to jointly apply their AI techniques to enhance the manufacture and operations of Westinghouse AP1000 modular reactors.

Westinghouse plans ten AP1000 reactors in the USA (T)

World Nuclear News

Also on July 18, 2025 Westinghouse announced that they would start construction of ten AP1000 reactors by 2030 in the USA. These reactors would support energy production as well as AI processing.

In India - Coal to clean power: 10 retired thermal plants to go nuclear; 100 GW goal set for 2047 (P)

Times of India

The government of India has tentatively selected 10 old or decommissioned thermal power plants for potential conversion to nuclear facilities. This is part of a plan to scale up existing 8.8 GW of nuclear power to 100 GW by 2047. An advantage to converting existing power plant sites is the opportunity to use existing infrastructure including land, water access and existing transmission lines. The ministry intends to use a variety of nuclear technologies and to achieve 22 GW of nuclear capacity by 2032.

10.

ARC-100 SMR Clears Key Regulatory Hurdle in Canada ( C )

E+E

The ARC Clean Technology 100 reactor has completed Phase 2 of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Vendor Design Review. This clears the path toward licensing and places this reactor as a frontrunner among Canada’s small nuclear reactor designs. The ARC-100 is a 100 Megawatt Electric sodium cooled fast reactor that is designed for both on-grid electricity and industrial heat production. The goal for this design is to become operational this decade.

11.

Energy Department Announces First Microreactor Experiments in DOME Test Bed ( C )

Dept of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced implementation plans for the Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments (DOME) site in Idaho for tests that will start in the spring of 2026. DOME will be the first microreactor test bed in the world. These reactors are designed to be portable - possibly being hauled by a semitractor-trailer and operating at a power level below 20 megawatts thermal. They are expected to operate for several years without refueling and to supply energy in remote locations. They could also be used for desalination, hydrogen production and industrial heat. Westinghouse and Radiant are the initial companies selected for these tests. Radiant, a California start-up plans to test a 1 megawatt microreactor in 2026. They envision an output of 50 units per year after production facilities become operational. This reactor, known as Kaleidos, uses High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) which will be made available by the U.S. Department of Energy. HLEU has enrichment levels of U 235 between 5% and 20% which exceeds the less than 5% level of currently deployed reactors. Kaleidos is designed for rapid deployment and diesel-generator replacement. The reactor is designed to be cooled by helium gas and employs passive safety elements. It will be transportable via air, road or sea. While not scheduled for DOME experiments, Tam Fortis Solutions plans to develop the world’s smallest portable reactors supplying clean energy from 15 W to 40 KW to support disaster relief, rare earth mining, and autonomous robotics among other applications.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tam-fortis-launches-initiative-develop-234100986.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall

12.

UK and Czech Republic to strengthen nuclear energy cooperation (P)

World Nuclear News

The UK and the Czech Republic have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in the development of Small Modular Nuclear reactor technology. In 2024, the Czech Republic’s CEZ took a 20% stake in the UK based Rolls-Royce SMR, whose technology was selected as the most suitable for a future 3 GigaWatt fleet of SMRs for the Czech Republic.

13.

The first US atomic rush was a bust. Will Trump’s big nuclear-for-AI plans fare any better? (P)

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

The Trump administration is declaring AI technologies driven by advanced nuclear power generators a key national security interest.

To put the burgeoning need for electrical energy to supply the demands of AI we note that the current demand by global data centers for electrical energy is about 40 gigawatts, while the anticipated need by 2035 is estimated to reach 176 gigawatts. This is according to an analysis by the global consulting firm Deloitte.

Given that the total amount of electrical energy produced in the world today is about 400 gigawatts, with about one-quarter of that originating in the United States, it is clear that additional nuclear reactor needs for AI will be formidable.

The executive orders issued on May 23 call for building a nuclear reactor on a military site within three years and developing plans to deploy private sector reactors within 30 months. Also called for is a streamlining of the NRC permit process. In addition directives seek to expand uranium mining and fuel production.

These AI related needs for energy are in addition to growth in demand due to expansion of the economy and efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

It is not likely that these goals will be met in a timely fashion without additional “crash program” initiatives.

14.

NRC lawsuit could hand states power over advanced reactors (P)

E&E News

A high-stakes lawsuit against the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) could force the agency to relinquish some of its authority over licensing smaller nuclear reactors to individual states. The suit was brought initially by nuclear developer Last Energy and the states of Texas and Utah. The suit asserts that the NRC’s regulations have stifled innovation and development.

It is likely that this suit will be settled through negotiation outside of court.

15.

New NEA Small Modular Reactor Dashboard edition reveals global expansion of SMR deployment ( C )

Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

The 3rd Edition of the Small Modular Reactor Dashboard released by the Nuclear Energy Agency reveals significant expansion of SMR development worldwide. 51 SMR designs were reported to be in pre-licensing or licensing status across 15 countries. Since the 2nd Edition of the Dashboard was issued in 2024 there has been an 81% increase in the number of SMR designs that have secured at least one source of funding or made announcements of funding commitments. The Dashboard includes information about each SMR design including the technology concept, configuration, outlet temperature, size and fuel type. The information published is current as of 14 February 2025. The Dashboard is available as a digital interactive platform.

16.

NRC Eyes New Accident Tolerant Nuclear Fuels For Commercial Use (T)

Forbes

The NRC has completed a study of advanced, better performing accident tolerant fuels being developed by three U.S. companies:

CEA-Framatome, Global Nuclear Fuels and Westinghouse. This is part of a larger DOE Advanced Nuclear Fuels Campaign. A 91 page highly technical report has been issued.

17.

Work starts on Pele microreactor core ( C )

World Nuclear News

The Defense Department Office of Strategic Capabilities began a project in 2019 to construct a microreactor that could be used for remote sites, thus minimizing exposure of front line posts to attacks during refueling of less robust energy sources. Work is progressing with BWXT Advanced Technologies and X-energy LLC developing a mobile 1.5 Megawatt electric high temperature gas reactor using HALEU TRISO fuel. On July 25, 2025 BWXT announced the start of construction of the core. The facility which will be transported within four 20-foot shipping containers is scheduled to begin producing electricity in 2028.

Nuclear Tomorrow - June 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 01:01:06 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - June 2025

Nuclear Tomorrow is a newsletter that is issued monthly to identify press reports on developments in the field of nuclear energy. Topics are selected for their relevance to

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

The release dates for the book are July 21 for the online edition and August 21 for the print editions.

Meta strikes power agreement with Constellation nuclear plant (P)

Reuters

Meta, a leading technology company and one of the largest spenders on research and development, has entered into a 20 year agreement with Constellation for nuclear energy. Constellation, which is one of the largest energy producers in the United States, operates the Clinton Energy Center in Clinton, Illinois, which has an output of 1,080 Megawatts of electrical energy. The plant has a license through 2027, and is awaiting approval of an extension through 2047 to support this contract with Meta. This initiative illustrates the growing demand for energy needed in support of Artificial Intelligence processing.

KHNP sets out plans for USD 18.6bn Czech nuclear project (P)

World Nuclear News

Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) has signed a contract to build two APR reactors in the Czech Republic. This deal had been held up by a legal challenge from EDF of France who had also bid for this contract. The path foard was cleared by the Czech supreme court which annulled a lower court ruling that had blocked the relationship with KHNP. Construction is planned to begin in 2029.

Russia to build 8 nuclear power plants in Iran ( C )

Mehrnews

Russia will build eight nuclear power plants in Iran, four of which will be located in Bushehr, Southern Iran. Currently there is one nuclear power plant operating in Iran at Bushehr and another is under construction. These are also Russia designed reactors.

British Government to Spend $19 Billion on New Nuclear Plant ( C )

The New York Times

The British government plans to spend as much as $19 billion on constructing a new nuclear plant called Sizewell C on the east coast of England. The plant will be built by EDF, the French state-owned energy group. In 2024, nuclear energy accounted for 14 percent of Britain’s electrical energy supply. The British government also announced that it will spend $3.4 billion for small modular reactors to be built by Rolls-Royce.

Amazon to spend $20B on data centers in Pennsylvania including one next to a nuclear power plant ( C )

11 News

Amazon plans to build two data centers in Pennsylvania with an expenditure of approximately $20 billion. One center will be alongside the Susquehanna nuclear power plant. Governor Josh Shapiro called this the largest capital investment in Pennsylvania’s history. The expansion of cloud computing and AI has fueled significant demand for data centers and the power requirements for servers. In 2024 Amazon committed about $10 billion apiece to data centers in Mississippi, Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina. Connecting the data center directly to a power plant eliminates the need for developing a grid to do so. This plan awaits approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Can nuclear power really fuel the rise of AI? (P)

MIT Technology Review

The prior posting on the nuclear initiatives by Amazon and the first posting reporting on that of Meta are among the many investments that AI companies are making in nuclear energy. This article in MIT Technology Review examines plans by Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Google to pursue nuclear energy. It points out the problem faced by plans for new construction that might have time tables for available power that will not be in sync with the needs of these corporations. This supports the judgement of Microsoft to seek the restart of the plant at Three Mile Island and the initiative of Meta to plan to acquire energy from an existing plant in Pennsylvania.

World Bank to end ban on nuclear energy projects, still debating upstream gas (P)

Reuters

In 2013 the World Bank adopted a policy of not funding nuclear energy projects. This stance was overturned in board action in June 2025. The Bank’s President noted that electricity demand would more than double by 2035 and that nuclear power will be a necessary component of the mix of sources that would be required to meet that demand. It was reported that 28 countries currently use nuclear power, with 10 more ready to start and another 10 potentially ready by 2030. The Bank plans to help extend the life of existing nuclear plants along with grid upgrades as well as work to accelerate the potential of small modular reactors.

Next-gen small nuclear reactor delivering 1,832 deg F heat headed to US test site ( C )

InterestingEngineering

The Utah San Rafael Energy Research Center (USREL) in Orangeville, Utah will work with NuCube technology to implement an innovative design which they claim can produce heat in excess of 1,832 deg F (1000 deg C).

Kazakhstan selects Rosatom for first nuclear power plant

( C )

World Nuclear News

The government of Kazakhstan has selected Russia’s Rosatom to provide its first nuclear power plant. Rosatom won in a competition with submissions from China and Korea for reactors of similar design with the VVER-1200 proposed by Rosatom. This reactor is a Generation III+ design that incorporates both active and passive safety features. It boasts 1200 Megawatts of electrical power output with similar four units operating in Russia and two units operating in Belarus. It has also been selected for construction in Hungary, Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh and China.

10.

Rolls-Royce wins UK small nuclear reactor deal ( C )

Reuters

As part of the UK’s program to actively pursue nuclear energy development it selected Rolls-Royce as the contractor for its first generation IV small nuclear reactor. This $3.4 billion program is part of its goal of decarbonization. Rolls-Royce was selected in a competition that included Westinghouse, Holtec Britain and GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy. Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) are designed to have an energy output of less than 300 Megawatts and to incorporate passive safety features. Their potential fabrication at a central site prior to being transported to an operational location holds the promise of significant cost reduction compared with historic nuclear reactor construction combined with shorter times for completion. With a growing world wide market for SMRs the UK hopes Rolls-Royce will develop as a vibrant exporter of this technology.

11.

New York Again Embraces Nuclear Power With Plans to Build New Plant ( C )

The New York Times

The Governor of New York announced on June 23rd that the state will build a nuclear power plant that will generate approximately 1000 Megawatts of electrical energy at an upstate location. There are no details available about the design or the specific location. The Governor stated, “This is not your grandparents’ nuclear reactor. You’re not going to see this in a movie starring Jane Fonda,” she said, referring to the 1979 film “China Syndrome” that was released just prior to the accident at Three Mile Island. Plans for development of a computer chip manufacturing factory near Syracuse have contributed to this push for additional clean energy in New York State.

12.

Palantir and the New Nuclear Company Partner to Launch Platform to Rapidly Scale Nuclear Deployment (T)

Palantir

Palantir Technologies, the world’s leading provider of enterprise operating systems, announced on June 26, 2025 a strategic partnership with The Nuclear Company, a leading nuclear energy development and deployment company. The objective is to streamline construction of nuclear reactors using Artificial Intelligence software to facilitate scheduling, supply chain management, problem identification and prevention and adherence to regulatory requirements. The goal of this alliance is to eliminate the delays that have impeded reactor fabrication in the U.S. in recent years. Under this deal The Nuclear Company will pay Palantir roughly $100 million to co-develop an AI driven Nuclear Operating System (NOS).

13.

World Bank and IAEA join forces to boost nuclear power in developing countries (P)

Innovation Network

The World Bank and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have entered into an agreement to bring nuclear power to the forefront of clean energy solutions for developing nations. There are more than thirty countries seeking to industrialise and to bring their population out of poverty. This need to expand healthcare, education, manufacturing and digital infrastructure requires reliable energy that is affordable. The World Bank is embarking on promotion of nuclear energy to meet these needs in a manner that is environmentally responsible. The IAEA will support the Bank in expanding the knowledge base required for development, in encouraging the extended lifespan of existing reactors and in the development of small modular reactors.

14.

ABS approves second Korean floating SMR plant design ( C )

World Nuclear News

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued approval (June 25, 2025) in principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for a concept of a floating small modular reactor intended to generate electricity offshore that would support port facilities and onshore communities. This adds to prior approvals obtained by this company for other offshore nuclear power initiatives, including a power barge and a container ship holding a small modular reactor. ABS envisions floating nuclear power facilities eventually supporting power grids, industrial and port operations as well as data centers.

15.

CATF Statement: Dismissal of NRC commissioner undermines nuclear deployment and oversight (P)

Clean Air Task Force

On June 16, 2025, President Trump abruptly fired U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Chris Hanson without cause. The NRC is the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the safe use of nuclear materials in civilian applications, including the operation of the nation’s nuclear power plants. “This unprecedented move threatens the NRC’s independence and could erode public trust in the safety of nuclear energy, limiting the U.S.’s ability to deploy new nuclear reactors at scale,” said Clean Air Task Force Executive Director, Armond Cohen.

APPENDIX - Nuclear Weapons Production

Given the extraordinary attention addressed to the June bombing of nuclear weapons facilities in Iran, the author of this newsletter (which is devoted to nuclear energy) is adding an Appendix on Nuclear Weapons Production to this issue of Nuclear Tomorrow. The focus of this Appendix addresses detonation of a nuclear explosion by terrorists or clandestine state sponsored actors.

The author believes that there is a need to elucidate the nature of nuclear weapons and the ease with which a devastating explosive could be fabricated.

Clear explanations along these lines can be found in books dealing with nuclear terrorism. Two outstanding examples of such

books are: “The Curve of Binding Energy” (1973) by John McFee and “Nuclear Terrorism: The Ultimate Preventable Catastrophe” (2004) by Graham Allison.

An in-depth discussion of this topic can be found, that was prepared by the author of this newsletter, in a review of the book “The Right of Boom” (2015) that was published on the website of the Federation of American Scientists. A link to that review is here:

Federation of American Scientists

Since that review was prepared in 2015 it is worth noting that in 2023 the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists published an analysis of Pakistan’s program to produce weapons grade Uranium 235 and concluded that it is reasonable to conclude that Pakistan could fabricate at least several Hiroshima sized weapons each year.

https://thebulletin.org/premium/2023-09/pakistan-nuclear-weapons-2023/

This is noteworthy given reports that the security surrounding this weapons grade uranium production in Pakistan is porus and a source of fissile material that has probably been available for acquisition by Iran in past years.

It should be noted that 100 pounds of Uranium 235, which can fit into a soccer ball sized container, can produce an explosion equivalent to 10 kilotons of TNT. In comparison, the Hiroshima bomb yield was equivalent to 15 kilotons of TNT.

A 10 kiloton TNT equivalent explosion at ground level in a major U.S. city such as New York, Chicago or Los Angeles would

cause the deaths of more than 100,000 people. See Nukemap reference by Alex Wellerstein https://nuclearsecrecy.com/nukemap/

for this estimate.

Enough U-235 for fabrication of several bombs could have been acquired by Iran during the early 1990’s breakup of the USSR or secretly through the use of hidden centrifuges.

It should also be noted that Marco Rubio and others have claimed that the ability of Iran to transform enriched Uranium hexafluoride gas into metal for bomb fabrication was destroyed. However, that process can be successfully implemented in a makeshift laboratory using readily available equipment and chemicals. The process is described on page 133 of “The Curve of Binding Energy” by John McFee.

Enough nuclear material to cause severe disruption of American society can be smuggled into the country via a yacht and detonated in a truck in one or more cities. This act could be

facilitated in a laboratory using readily available chemicals and components. This could be done by terrorists or agents of a hostile country such as Iran or North Korea.

The Federation of American Science review that is cited above discusses efforts during the Obama administration to defend against nuclear terrorist activities. The current focus on the Iranian efforts to produce enriched uranium overlooks the possible harm that comes from simpler methods of production.

Determined agents, using relatively simple fabrication methods, have greater access to bomb grade Uranium - 235 than is generally appreciated. Furthermore, opportunities to deliversuch a weapon to a vulnerable target is easier to implement than is supposed. This avenue to nuclear danger deserves far more attention than it currently receives.

Nuclear Tomorrow - May 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Sat, 31 May 2025 23:57:23 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - May 2025

Nuclear Tomorrow is a newsletter that is issued monthly to identify press reports on developments in the field of nuclear energy. Topics are selected for their relevance to

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

Widespread Power Outage Hits Spain and Portugal (T)

A train that stopped near Cordoba, Spain, as power went down on Monday.

The New York Times

On Monday, April 28th there was a loss of electrical power in Spain that affected most areas of Spain and Portugal through mid Tuesday. The news story that is referenced here describes in some detail the impact of this event on the people and resources of the region, but does not deal with the cause.

While the cause remains unknown several weeks later, there are strong candidates for what precipitated this extremely disruptive event. Most often cited is the unusual reliance in Spain on renewable energy sources. In 2023 the approximate contributions to energy production originated with wind - 23%; solar - 21%; Hydro - 14%; Nuclear - 21% and Fossil Fuels - 21 %. With Spain relying for nearly 50% of its electrical energy on wind and solar, it is vulnerable to negative impact in the event of fluctuations in the system. This is because of the fact that when wind and solar fail the transition to zero power availability is instantaneous. In contrast, electrical energy from fossil fuel or nuclear plants is produced by generators that contain fly wheels that keep rotating for a short time following the loss of power. The continuity of these systems to continuing to function for a short time is referred to as inertia. The sudden loss of power can lead to the system shutting down. Further analysis is needed to determine the impact of this instability on the event in Spain.

Other factors that could have contributed to the shut down include those relating to regulation of the grid. A loss of power in one section sof the grid could be balanced by power from another section. The grid in question encompassed Spain, Portugal and parts of France. The failure that was experienced took down the entire network. These complex interrelationships await further analysis.

Since first posting the above comments, the cause of the blackout has been determined to be an abrupt loss of power at the Granada power station. The cause of that power loss has yet to be determined.

https://eandt.theiet.org/2025/05/15/spain-and-portugal-blackout-traced-abrupt-loss-power-granada-substation

Giant Batteries Are Transforming The Way That The U.S. Uses Electricity (T)

The New York Times

The analysis of energy choices among solar, wind, fossil fuel and nuclear needs to take into account the ability of solar and wind to provide power when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing. The availability of high capacity batteries that are cost effective is emerging as a game changer. During the past decade battery costs have fallen by 80 percent and giant batteries the size of shipping containers have become available. The report discusses the increase in use of large storage batteries in California and Texas to provide energy during periods when solar and wind are not available. While battery use is expanding they continue to be too costly to replace larger gas burning plants that

Provide steadier power day and night.

Can a small Massachusetts start-up perfect a battery that would make electric vehicles cheaper and more convenient than conventional cars? (T)

The New York Times

This report reviews the significant progress being made by Factorial Energy in developing a solid state automobile battery that could revolutionize the viability of electric vehicles. A solid state battery that does not incorporate highly flammable liquid electrolytes is a safer component for use in automobiles. Of great significance is the fact that solid state batteries have a much reduced vulnerability of overheating and have the capacity to be charged quickly, in the time is takes to fill a car with gasoline. Solid state batteries pack more energy into a smaller space, reducing weight and increasing range. Factorial, which is based in Massachusetts, has entered a partnership with Mercedes-Benz which is initiating field testing of Factorial batteries in Mercedes automobiles. They are hoping that the battery will work using air cooling, thereby eliminating the need for a heavier, costly liquid cooling system. Pursuit of fabrication and operational factors will probably take several years to determine if this innovation is viable.

Denmark rethinking 40-year nuclear power ban amid Europe-wide shift (P)

The Guardian

A tide of increased support for the use of nuclear energy, that has been evident in Europe during the last several years has manifest itself in Denmark. For the past 40 years Denmark has had a ban on implementation of nuclear energy. The energy minister of ghtghtDenmark has announced a review of the viability of nuclear energy that is likely to see the lifting of this ban. This review is taking place at a time when the Danish offshore wind company, Orsted, has experienced cancellation of a contract to build a large windfarm off the Yorkshire coast near Hornsea, England. This was due to the project becoming too expensive.

Trump tightens control of NRC (P)

Nuclear Engineering

While not finalized or publicly discussed is an initiative revealed by National Public Radio (NPR) by Trump to control the actions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). NPR has reportedly seen a draft of an executive order for the “reform of the NRC.”

The thrust of this order is to implement a review process by the White House of intended NRC actions. This process is reported to require the NRC to submit actions that they have approved to be submitted to the White House for approval or revision prior to public disclosure. This plan has been denounced by Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists who said, “To have political appointees meddling in these technical decisions is just a recipe for confusion and chaos.” While there have been calls for revision of the rules governing the NRC dating back to the Kemeny Commission’s report on Three Mile Island in 1979, this reported initiative by Trump falls outside the boundaries of any rational criticism of the NRC that has appeared to date.

Trump signs executive orders to boost nuclear power, speed up approvals (P)

Power Engineering

On May 23, 2025, Trump signed four executive orders to advance a goal of quadrupling domestic nuclear power production by 2050.

Much skepticism exists about the attainability of this goal. The orders reorganize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to ensure quicker reviews of nuclear projects. An 18 month deadline was established for NRC action on industrial applications. Also, the orders called for a pilot program to implement three new experimental reactors online by July 4, 2026. There was also a

call to allow emergency measures to increase production of uranium fuel. In addition there was authorization for a study on

restarting reactors that had been closed. Critics noted that some of these initiatives could compromise safety and violate frameworks of existing regulations.

Belgium Parliament Votes to Abandon Nuclear Phaseout Plans (P)

NUCNET

On May 15, 2025, the Belgium parliament voted overwhelmingly to abandon a planned nuclear phaseout. A 2003 nuclear phaseout law had imposed a closure date on Belgium’s nuclear power plants. At that time there were seven plants, while in 2025 there are four.

Taiwan’s only operating nuclear power plant to shut down (P)

NHK World

There has been ambivalence in Taiwan for many years regarding nuclear power. The current government has opted to close the only remaining nuclear energy source.

Svante Opens World’s First Gigafactory for Carbon Capture in Canada ( C )

Carbon Credits

Svante Technologies, a Canadian carbon capture company, has launched the world’s first large scale carbon capture facility in Burnaby, British Columbia. While many have engaged in wishful thinking about capturing ambient carbon, this is the first realization of meaningful implementation of such technology. This facility is built to capture millions of tons of carbon dioxide every year. Svente’s system uses solid filters made of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These filters have the ability to capture carbon dioxide molecules. The system can capture up to 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year which is roughly equivalent to taking 2 million gasoline powered cars off the road each year. Svante is pursuing multiple initiatives to expand production of these filters.

10.

Berlin, Paris overcome rift over nuclear energy, French official says (P)

Reuters

The new German government has signalled to France that it will no longer object to treating nuclear power on a par with renewable energy in EU legislation. This is a major policy reversal

for Germany and leaves Austria as the only EU member with an anti-nuclear stance.

11.

Sweden passes law to fund new generation of nuclear reactors. (P)

Reuters

Sweden’s parliament voted on May 21, 2025, to fund development of four large scale reactors. It currently has six reactors that were built in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The opposition parties voted against the bill. Sweden is almost fossil fuel free with 40% of its electrical energy produced by hydro, 30% by nuclear and 20% by wind. Sweden hopes to achieve net zero by

2045 but is challenged by the increasing demand for electricity.

12. Virtual models paving the way for advanced nuclear reactors (T)

Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne National Laboratory is developing digital models of nuclear reactors that can be modified using artificial intelligence (AI). This approach can introduce modifications in reactor design that are explored under quickly and accurately. By simulating diverse scenarios, digital twin technology helps ensure that reactors run safely, reliably and efficiently, reducing costs and extending the life of reactor components.

13.

To win on nuclear energy, the United States should lose reprocessing (P)

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

The recent executive orders by President Trump on nuclear energy called for a major nuclear waste reprocessing initiative. This commentary criticizes reprocessing as misguided and cites

The experience of the UK which accumulated more than 100 tons of plutonium from reprocessing. This plutonium was ultimately seen as a major security challenge since it could easily be diverted into weapons. The UK ultimately decided to abandon this initiative and to dispose of its stockpile of plutonium. The article calls for the reversal of this plan when it undergoes review at the executive level and by Congress.

14.

S’pore and France to expand defense ties, cooperate on nuclear energy in upgraded relationship (P)

THE STRAITS TIMES

France and Singapore will expand cooperation in pursuit of nuclear energy. Agreements were signed to facilitate cooperation on safety, workforce development, research, environmental protection and protection of public health as well as emergency preparedness and response. This is in line with France’s aggressive nuclear export strategy.

15.

UAE, France eye energy synergy (P)

ARAB DAILY

May 24-27, 2025, delegations from the UAE and France met in Paris to discuss development of new relationships on nuclear safety, fuel cycle management and employment of small nuclear reactors. Collaboration opportunities were explored. As with Singapore this was in line with France’s aggressive nuclear export strategy.

16.

Uprated NuScale SMR design gets US approval (T)

World Nuclear News

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the 77 Megawatt Electric (MWe) version of the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) design. Previously the NRC had approved a 50 (MWe) version which was the first small modular design approved for use in the US. NuScale hopes to be able to manufacture SMRs in a factory and deliver them via truck to a site where multiple units can be assembled. This strategy is discussed in the book, “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust and Emerging Renaissance,” written by this newsletter’s author. NuScale has one of the most highly developed plans for mass production of nuclear energy.

17.

New Yorker Magazine Gen IV Letter to the Editor (P)

New Yorker Magazine

In response to an article written in The New Yorker by Elizabeth Kolbert, the author of this newsletter submitted a letter to the magazine which was published in their May 26, 2025 issue.

The general public has little awareness of nuclear energy developments that have taken place during the past decade. Ms. Kolbert, unfortunately, made no mention of those developments which this letter sought to bring to the attention of readers of The New Yorker ( which has a circulation of 1.3 million ).

Nuclear Tomorrow - April 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:34:56 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - April 2025

Nuclear Tomorrow is a newsletter that is issued monthly to identify press reports on developments in the field of nuclear energy. Topics are selected for their relevance to

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

China builds world’s first working thorium reactor using declassified US documents (T)

Yahoo!news

The development of a working thorium reactor in China is a major technological breakthrough. The quest for a reactor using thorium fuel has been a high priority for many since the early days of nuclear energy. The characteristics of thorium reactors have many advantages, as will be spelled out below, but efforts that began in the 1960’s were not pursued probably because of the fact that uranium based reactors produced plutonium that was a strategic component of nuclear weapons.

The physicist Alvin Weinberg who oversaw reactor development efforts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory pursued experiments using thorium fuel between 1965 and 1969. While this pursuit was not producing useful power, the results were quite promising. However,this initiative was shut down by the Atomic Energy Commission and led to Weinberg leaving his position at Oak Ridge.

A practical demonstration of the viability of a thorium fueled reactor took place at Shippingport, the first peacetime nuclear reactor with operations that were conducted from 1985 until 1989.

Despite the emergence of an almost cult-like support for thorium reactor technology the United States abandoned initiatives for its development.

The underlying physics for this source of fission energy lies with the ability of thorium to undergo nuclear transformations into an isotope of Uranium that is fissionable. The abundant element of thorium contains a nucleus with 90 protons and 142 neutrons and is known as thorium 232. This isotope can absorb a neutron to become thorium 233. The thorium 233 is unstable and spontaneously experiences the release of two electrons resulting in the emergence of uranium 233 having 92 protons and 141 protons. Uranium 233 has the rare property of being able to sustain an energy producing fission reaction akin to that of Uranium 235.

There are many advantages for the use of thorium in reactors. Among them are:

Abundance - Thorium is about 3-4 times as abundant in the earth’s crust than uranium. India and China have particularly large deposits of thorium.
Proliferation resistance - it is difficult to use thorium in constructing a nuclear weapon.
Reduced waste - Since plutonium is not produced as a byproduct of thorium fission, its radioactive waste does not contain long lived components.
Enhanced safety - Thorium reactors can operate at ambient temperatures and due not pose an overheating danger.
Since most thorium is the 232 isotope, enrichment is not needed.

In April, 2025 China announced implementation of a small demonstration thorium fueled nuclear reactor in the Gobi desert.

This opens the possibility of not only the use of thorium as a reactor fuel but the potential for reactor development in locations that do not have ocean or river sources of cooling water.

This first implementation generates only 2 megawatts of thermal power, but the country is already building a much larger thorium molten salt reactor with a target date of 2030 and an energy output of 10 megawatts of electricity. Additionally, plans are underway for thorium powered container ships that could enable zero-carbon-emission sea transport.

The team pursuing these developments in China have acknowledged that they began their work by reviewing the design and implementation experience that took place in pursuit of a thorium reactor in the United States in the 1960’s. This provided them with an initial leg-up in their efforts.

Maharashtra signs MOU with Russia’s ROSATOM to develop thorium-based Small Modular Reactor ( C )

THEWEEK PTI

While at an early stage of development, the state of Maharashtra in India has signed an ambitious MOU with Russia’s Rosatom for development of high performance small modular reactors that use thorium fuel. The objective of this partnership is to have five small nuclear reactors with up to 300 MW electric output operational by 2033.

Terrapower begins UK design assessment process (T )

World Nuclear News

TerraPower, the Bill Gates company that is building a 345 MW electric sodium cooled reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming has formally entered the design assessment process for reactor development in the UK. This places it in competition with Rolls Royce. This is noteworthy as a first step in entering the international market place with a Generation IV nuclear reactor design.

Manila Electric Co., French firm team up to study nuclear power (T)

BusinessMirror

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is partnering with the French national electric utility, Electricite de France (EDF) for deployment of nuclear energy in the Philippines. A comprehensive two year memorandum of cooperation has been finalized the provides for training programs and joint planning efforts in anticipation of nuclear energy development in the Philippines. Meralco has had ongoing relations with the University of Paris-Saclay and other institutions in France in support of developing nuclear technology capacity in the Philippines.

First of its kind prototype-breeder reactor to be commissioned by September 2026 (in India) (T)

The Times of India

Plans in India are moving forward with the expectation that a first prototype breeder reactor will be commissioned in 2026. Plutonium-based mixed oxide fuel with liquid sodium coolant is planned. A special feature of this reactor will be its capability of utilizing spent fuel from pressurized heavy water reactors thus reducing the inventory of radioactive waste.

Nuclear energy nearly twice as cost effective as offshore wind, SkyNews analysis of projects in the US, UK and Australia reveals. ( C )

SkyNews

Skynews compared offshore wind electrical energy costs with

nuclear power sources in the US, UK and Australia and determined that nuclear was nearly twice as cost effective. While there were many assumptions made in calculating these comparisons, it is clear that nuclear has a substantial advantage in these comparisons.

Deep Fission To Build Nuclear Power Plants Below The Surface Of The Earth (T)

CleanTechnica

The California based startup Deep Fission proposes construction of 15 MW electric pressurized water reactors one mile below the surface of the earth. They plan to use 30-inch boreholes. Using modular construction methods ten Deep Fission reactors need only ¼ of a square acre to yield 150 MW electric energy. Non-radioactive steam rises to the surface where a standard turbine converts the energy to electricity. With the elimination of large pressure vessels and containment structures costs are greatly reduced while safety, sustainability and operational efficiency are enhanced. Deep Fission has recently engaged in a lawsuit against the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in which they seek expedited pathways through the regulatory process that take into account innovations in design that are intrinsically safe.https://deepfission.com/deep-fission-joins-federal-lawsuit-to-modernize-nuclear-regulation-and-accelerate-safe-reactor-deployment/

Trump’s Tariffs Are Threatening a Nuclear Power Plant Restart in Michigan (P)

REASON

The Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan received a loan guarantee of 1.52 billion from the Energy Department and an additional $300 million from the state of Michigan to restart two 300 MW reactors that had closed in 2022. The South Korean company Hyundai, a partner in this initiative, fears that Trump tariffs will block production of key components that are needed for this restart. Modules used to house these reactors were planned to be fabricated in South Korea and therefore be the target of new tariffs. This development has introduced uncertainty into the restart plans.

China Plans a Nuclear Power Plant on the Moon (T)

THETIMES

The International Lunar Research Station is a collaborative effort in which China and Russia are planning a research station on the moon by 2035. China has announced plans to build a nuclear power plant to support this station. Additional countries are being invited to join this initiative. China considers nuclear power a critical factor in sustaining long term lunar operations.

10.

Czechs can sign $18 billion nuclear power deal after EDF appeals rejected (T)

REUTERS

The Czech Republic’s Competitive Authority has cleared the way for the signing of contracts with South Korea worth at least $18 billion for two nuclear power units after it rejected appeals by EDF of France. Two 1,000 megawatt electric units are planned. This deal would provide South Korea with an important presence in Europe.

11.

China amps up nuclear ambitions with 10 new reactor approvals for fourth straight year (T)

South China Morning Post

China’s State Council has approved 10 new nuclear reactors across five sites with a budget of $27.4 billion. These third generation reactors prioritize safety conconsiderations. This marks the fourth straight year that the Council has approved at least 10 nuclear reactors. China continues to lead the world in new reactor development. In 2025 there were approximately 60 nuclear reactors being developed worldwide with about half of these under construction in China. With massive nuclear reactor building plans, China hopes to achieve a carbon neutral environment by 2060.

12.

U.S. Companies to help Poland build its first nuclear power plant (T)

World News

AP1000

The U.S. Department of Energy signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with the Polish government that will facilitate the construction of a Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear power plant in Poland. This agreement is envisioned as the first phase of a long term collaboration that could eventually allow for as many as six AP1000s across two sites.The AP1000 is a generation three pressurized water reactor. Construction work will be implemented by Bechtel Corporation and is expected to begin in 2026

March 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:55:35 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - March 2025

Nuclear Tomorrow is a newsletter that is issued monthly to identify pr ess reports on developments in the field of nuclear energy. Topics are selected for their relevance to

the impact of nuclear energy on global warming. The newsletter is written for members of the general public who are concerned with policy related to these issues. Postings are categorized as dealing with Technology (T), Policy (P), and/or Construction (C). In some cases registration or a fee is required to access an article. Hyperlinks are provided to connect newsletter posts to the referenced publication.The newsletter is intended to expand on topics included in the book, “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust, and Emerging Renaissance,” to be published in 2025 by Oxford University Press. The author of the book and of this newsletter is Edward A. Friedman, Emeritus Professor of Technology Management at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA. The book is available for pre publication purchase via the Oxford University Website. The following link is for the paperback edition. There is also a hardcover edition and an email version will be forthcoming.

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/nuclear-energy-9780198925781?lang=en&cc=gb#

How Trump is targeting wind and solar energy - and delighting big oil (P)

The Guardian

Ravenswood Power Station, Queens NY - oil and gas fueled

One of the first acts of the Trump administration’s department of interior was to temporarily suspend all renewable energy development programs. Trump has called wind energy “disgusting” and has characterized solar energy as “ridiculous.”

Funding for oil, gas, and nuclear programs remain intact. The implementation of these priorities will ultimately depend upon actions by Congress where the Republican majority represents states that profit from support for renewables. For example, the four leading locations for wind energy generation are the politically conservative states of Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma and Kansas.

2. Trump just assaulted the independence of the nuclear regulator. What could go wrong? (P)

Bulletin of Atomic Scientists

Allison Macfarlane, former chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), warns that President Trump's recent Executive Order threatens the independence of regulatory agencies by giving the Office of Management and Budget oversight of their regulatory processes. The order requires these agencies—including the Federal Elections Commission, Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the NRC—to have their obligations reviewed "for consistency with the President's policies and priorities."

Macfarlane argues that regulatory independence is crucial for safety and effective governance. She draws parallels to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, where an investigation found that "collusion between the government, the regulators and TEPCO" contributed to the catastrophe. This accident cost an estimated $200 billion, led to the evacuation of 160,000 people, and resulted in the shutdown of all 54 Japanese nuclear reactors.

Following Fukushima, the U.S. nuclear industry spent over $47 billion on safety upgrades required by the independent NRC. Macfarlane worries that under Trump's order, the NRC may face pressure to relax requirements for new technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs), whose proponents want approval without the rigorous safety testing required of traditional reactors.

She concludes that compromising the NRC's independence puts Americans at risk and could potentially jeopardize the entire nuclear industry if a major accident occurs. Since its creation in 1975, the NRC's mission has been to ensure the safety and security of nuclear facilities to protect people and the environment—a mission now threatened by political interference.

3. How Fukushima’s radioactive fallout in Tokyo was concealed from the public (P)

New March 18, 2011 Satellite Image of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Site in Japan

DigitalGlobe has released a new satellite image of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear site in Japan taken at 10:20AM local time on March 18, 2011. The most significant difference in the new image is the lack of any visible steam above the damaged reactor building for unit 3. In both the March 16 and March 17 images, steam can be seen venting out of the top of the building.

Steam can still be seen venting out of a hole on the side of the unit 2 reactor building where workers removed a panel.

Bullletin of Atomic Scientists

This article’s author was Francois Diaz-Maurin, published January 13, 2025. The article is quite long. Readers are alerted that this summary deals with its essential features but oversimplifies the complexity of the historical events. Perhaps understated is that these events deal with a coverup of a public hazard and an aspect of radiation hazard that is not fully understood.

The article details French radiochemist Satoshi Utsunomiya's discovery of previously unknown cesium-rich microparticles (CsMPs) on air filters collected in Tokyo following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. These highly radioactive, water-insoluble particles, measuring just a few microns in diameter, were found on samples collected on March 15, 2011, when a radioactive plume reached Tokyo, 240 kilometers from Fukushima.

After receiving filter samples from Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute (TIRI) through colleague Toshihiko Ohnuki, Satoshi's research revealed that up to 90% of cesium radioactivity detected in Tokyo came from these microparticles, contradicting previous assumptions about radiation exposure.

When Satoshi's paper was accepted by Scientific Reports in 2017, it triggered a years-long controversy. TIRI filed complaints about sample ownership, leading to investigations of both scientists. Although they were cleared of misconduct, the journal ultimately rejected the paper in 2019, forcing the researchers to publish their findings on arXiv instead.

The article suggests the controversy may have been politically motivated to prevent public relations issues ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The implications of these findings are significant: unlike previously understood forms of radioactive cesium, these microparticles don't dissolve easily, potentially staying in the human body for months if inhaled, posing unique health risks that remain understudied.

Despite obstacles to his research, Satoshi continued studying CsMPs and received the Geochemical Society's Clair C. Patterson Award in 2024 for his contributions. The article concludes that these microparticles could be produced in any nuclear accident where molten core-concrete interaction occurs, highlighting the need for further research into their health impacts.

Nuclear Power’s Revival is Here. What Do You Do With All the Radioactive Waste? (P)

Wall Street Journal

Note: In addition to summarizing this article from the Wall Street Journal, the author Nuclear Tomorrow has added material that explains the terms used and the references contained in that article.

This article in the Wall Street Journal from March 5, 2025 reviews the nature of nuclear waste and some of the issues relating to its management. The context for this article is the recent interest in the United States on reopening dormant nuclear power plants and in building new plants, especially small modular units. The question that arises with the prospect of expanding energy production through the use of nuclear reactors is “How to manage the radioactive waste?”

This question has received serious attention in the United States for many years. In1978 Yucca Mountain in Nevada was identified by the Department of Energy as a long term storage site. This led to $15 billion being spent on research and development until the effort was abandoned in 2009 due to political opposition that was led by Senator Reid of Nevada.

The U.S. Department of Energy has published a useful reference document concerning spent nuclear fuel entitled, “5 Fast Facts about Spent Nuclear Fuel,” October 3, 2022:

https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/5-fast-facts-about-spent-nuclear-fuel

It is important to realize that nuclear fuel rods consist of ceramic pellets of low-enriched uranium oxide stacked vertically and encased in metallic cladding. These fuel rods are bundled together into tall fuel assemblies. In 2024, the United States generated about 2,000 metric tons (4.4 million pounds) of spent fuel assemblies. While this appears to be a large number it can be stored in a container with dimensions 164 feet X 82 feet X 3 feet.

In fact all of the nuclear waste generated in the United States since the 1950’s could be held in a container the size of a football field with a height of 30 feet.

The Department of Energy report also notes that in the history of reactor use in the United States there have been no fatalities at reactors or in the transport of spent nuclear fuel.

Of great significance and rarely noted in public discourse is the fact that spent nuclear fuel can be recycled and used in advanced nuclear reactor designs. Such reactors are currently being developed and their eventual use will allow stored nuclear waste to be reprocessed and eliminated as an environmental hazard.

In the absence of a national repository, the article notes that storage of waste has been implemented at individual reactor sites resulting in storage in 39 states using spent fuel pools and dry casks. The cooling pools are typically 30 feet square and 40 feet deep with concrete walls and stainless steel liners. The cooling water is infused with boron to absorb neutrons to minimize the possibility of fission taking place in the pool. Typically spent fuel rods remain in cooling pools for about 5-10 years.

The spent fuel rods are transferred to dry storage casks that are typically 20 feet high and10 feet in diameter. They are made of stainless steel and concrete and can accommodate about 25 pressurized water reactor fuel assemblies and about 70 boiling water reactor fuel assemblies. The radiation levels at the surface of a dry cask are regulated not to exceed 10-20 millisieverts per hour and fall to less than 0.1 millisieverts per hour at a distance of 1-2 meters from the cask surface. At these rates workers could spend around 100 hours per year at the surface.

The Wall Street Journal article points out that legislation in 1982, the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, establishes the Department of Energy as the responsible entity for the disposal of nuclear waste and mandates that its failure to comply requires that it pay damages to nuclear utilities. Since 1998 the Department of Energy has paid utilities $11.1 billion in damages and continues to pay at the current rate of $800 million per year.

Nuclear Tomorrow Author’s Note: While many alarm bells are sounded about the production of nuclear waste, the current system of local storage in pools and casks and financing through payments from the Department of Energy appears to be sustainable for the foreseeable future.

A new bill in the Montana legislature represents a major breakthrough in the management of nuclear waste. Montana House Bill No. 623 (P)

LEGISCAN

On March 7, 2025 the Montana Legislature enacted a bill that allows the onsite storage of nuclear waste at nuclear reactor power plants. This is an example of the local waste storage strategy discussed in the number 4 entry of this edition of Nuclear Tomorrow from the Wall Street Journal.

Major Global Companies Pledge Historic Support to Triple Nuclear Energy (P)

World Nuclear Association

In 2023, at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) more than 20 countries launched a Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050. On March 12, 2025, a cross-industry group of large energy users signed a pledge to support that Declaration. This was the first major endorsement of that initiative by non-governmental players.Included in this group were corporations pursuing AI (Amazon, Google and Meta) as well as other large energy users (Occidental, Allseas and OSGE). This action was facilitated by

the World Nuclear Association.

A summary of nuclear reactors in the world in 2025 from the March 2025 issue of Nuclear News published by the American Nuclear Association (P)

Percentages of electrical energy production from nuclear power for various countries:

France: ~70% of electricity production comes from nuclear power, making it the country with the highest nuclear share globally

United States: ~20% of electricity generation comes from nuclear power

Russia: ~20% of electricity production comes from nuclear

China: ~5% of electricity generation, though they have been rapidly expanding their nuclear capacity

Japan: ~7-10% of electricity (reduced significantly after the Fukushima disaster)

United Kingdom: ~15-17% of electricity generation

Germany: ~6% (declining as Germany has been phasing out nuclear power)

South Korea: ~25-30% of electricity production

Canada: ~15% of electricity generation

Sweden: ~30-35% of electricity production

Ukraine: ~55% of electricity generation

Belgium: ~50% of electricity generation

Spain: ~20-22% of electricity generation

India: ~3% of electricity generation (but with plans for significant expansion)

These figures represent the share of electricity production specifically, not total energy production (which would include transportation, heating, etc.), where nuclear's share would be smaller.

18 N-plants planned to generate 13,800 MW: Govt data (in India) ( C )

INDIATRIBUNE

With the world’s largest population and some of the world’s most serious sites of air pollution, India desperately needs to have massive development of carbon free energy. Currently India’s nuclear share of electricity production is a mere 3%. As of 2024 fossil fuels accounted for two-thirds of the country's total power generation. On average, a nuclear reactor produces about 1,000 MW of electrical power. Currently, the total nuclear power plant

output in India is about 8000 MW with an additional 13,800 MW capacity being built or planned. An ambitious plan to generate 500,000 MW of carbon free energy by 2030 is stalled.

https://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Renewable-Energy/India-Strives-for-500-GW-Non-Fossil-Power-by-2030.html#:~:text=The%20Indian%20government%20is%20targeting,in%20at%20approximately%20165%20GW.

Investors are not stepping up to subscribe to this initiative.

Given that India is now the world’s fifth biggest economy, having overtaken the United Kingdom, and by 2030 is expected to become the third largest economy ahead of Germany and Japan, their dismal progress in creating a carbon free environment is , indeed disappointing.

World Bank May Drop Ban on Funding Nuclear Power, President Says. (P)

Financial Post

After many years of an institutional policy of not funding nuclear energy development, the President of the World Bank Corporation, Ajay Banga announced that that board will consider changing that policy. This topic will be discussed at a forthcoming Bank meeting in Washington on April 21-26, 2025. This is a further sign that the stigma that has been associated with nuclear energy has dissipated. A change in World Bank policy in support of nuclear energy would have a significant impact on development of this carbon free energy source.

10.

Nation’s First Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Could Come to Michigan in 2030 ( C )

Inside Climate News

Adding to the growing number of Small Modular Nuclear Reactor initiatives that are becoming operational in China and Russia and are on the horizon in the United States and elsewhere is a project in Michigan being undertaken by Holtec International in partnership with Hyundai Engineering and Construction. Holtec plans to build two 300 megawatt reactors becoming operational in 2030. They are in competition with Terrapower’s Natrium project in Wyoming to implement the first operational SMR in the United States. The Holtec design incorporates advanced passive cooling

of pressurized light water systems. The cooling takes place under the influence of gravity which does not require use of external energy.

11.

Washington allocates $900M to accelerate compact nuclear reactors (P)

energynews.pro

The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated $900M to finance the construction of third-generation small modular reactors to rapidly expand national power capacity. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to bring projects online by the early 2030s. The funding requires the formation of consortiums that include a U.S. electric utility, an SMR technology vendor, and engineering, procurement and construction contractor (EPC), and end users.

Nuclear Tomorrow - February 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 04:59:51 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - February 2025

Nuclear Tomorrow is a newsletter that is issued monthly to identify press reports on developments in the field of nuclear energy. Topics are selected for their relevance to

the impact of nuclear energy on global warming. The newsletter is written for members of the general public who are concerned with policy related to these issues. Postings are categorized as dealing with Technology (T), Policy (P), and/or Construction (C). In some cases registration or a fee is required to access an article. Hyperlinks are provided to connect newsletter posts to the referenced publication.The newsletter is intended to expand on topics included in the book, “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust, and Emerging Renaissance,” to be published in 2025 by Oxford University Press. The author of the book and of this newsletter is Edward A. Friedman, Emeritus Professor of Technology Management at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA.

US to deploy molten salt reactors to turn wastewater into freshwater (T)

Yahoo!News

A nuclear reactor currently under construction at the Abilene Christian University (ACU) in Texas will help generate carbon-free energy while also desalinating water. This development is being pursued through Natura Resources

https://www.naturaresources.com/

Which is building molten salt reactors to produce 300 Megawatt electrical energy.

Texas A&M System announces partnership with 4 nuclear reactor companies to build at RELLIS (P)

Texas A&M Today

Texas A&M has announced a program to have small modular nuclear reactors built on land near campus. These clusters of reactors are intended to provide energy for data centers and artificial intelligence facilities. Partnerships with four nuclear power developers have been established for this purpose. They are Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy, and Aslo Atomics. This project aims to build reactors within five years to showcase a model for energy development for Texas and the nation.

Trump’s Offshore Wind Ban vs. China’s Wind Juggernaut (P)

LegalPlanet

As of May 2024, the US produced less than 1% of global offshore wind generated electricity while China produced around 50% and Europe around 45%. Trump issued an executive order that halted all wind power projects in the United States both on land and offshore. Trump has said that wind is the most expensive form of energy which is not true. It is cheaper on a levelized basis than gas peaking plants, nuclear, or coal. In contrast China continues to maintain its lead and has built an effective vertical supply chain.

Belgian government seeks to reverse nuclear phase-out policy (P)

World Nuclear News

In February 2024, the Belgian government announced plans to continue two nuclear plants that it had previously designated for phase out - and said that it aims to construct new reactors. It is lifting a ban on construction of new nuclear reactors. It also plans to streamline its licensing and regulatory practices.

‘Build baby build’, says PM as he sets out nuclear plan (P)

BBC

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on February 6, 2025, plans to make it easier to construct small nuclear reactors. He said that he wanted the UK to be one of the world’s nuclear leaders. The UK dropped from generating 25% of its electricity in the 1990’s to around 15% in 2025. He hopes to speed up the development and approval timelines for nuclear energy projects.

Nuclear power becomes South Korea’s largest energy source for first time in 18 years. (T)

ChosunBiz

The top source of energy for electricity generation in 2024 in South Korea was nuclear which accounted for 32.5% of the total.

Liquified Natural Gas was second at 29.8% and Coal was third with a 29.4% share. Renewable sources provided only 6.9% of the total. From 2007 through 2023 coal was the largest power source for electricity generation.

Ten-state coalition aims to accelerate advanced nuclear (P)

World Nuclear News

The National Association of State Energy Officials Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative is an effort involving ten U.S. states

To facilitate nuclear energy development. The ten states are: New York, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Wyoming, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Utah and Virginia. They plan to explore opportunities to reduce financial and technological risks while promoting streamlined market and regulatory processes. New York governor Kathy Hochul has assumed a leadership role in this multi-state program.

India, France intend to jointly develop advanced nuclear reactors (P)

The Economic Times

Modi and Macron

On February 12, 2025, France and India signed a letter of intent

to jointly develop Small and Advanced Modular Reactors that could be built in factories.

Core Power plans mass production of floating nuclear power plants (P)

World Nuclear News

Core Power, a UK company plans a massive program to build floating nuclear reactors for use by coastal locations. It also plans to develop nuclear propulsion for civil ships. They envision using modular production line implementation in shipyards that have proven fabrication capability. While not being specific, at this time, their intention is to implement this program with advanced design of small nuclear reactors such as those utilizing molten salts. They anticipate locating operations initially in the United States. This program which is named, “Liberty,” seeks to take orders in 2028 and to deliver systems in the mid 2030’s. They are gearing up to be major players in a market projected to be worth 2.6 trillion U.S. dollars. Note that other programs, that will be competing with Core Power, have been discussed in the book, “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust, and Emerging Renaissance,” and in earlier issues of this newsletter, “Nuclear Tomorrow.”

10.

Italy’s plan for return to nuclear power ready by end of 2027,

minister says (P)

Reuters

Italy has prohibited building of nuclear reactors since referendums held in 1987 and 2011. This 40 year ban will end as the current government is moving forward with plans to develop small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors. The energy minister stated recently that, “Italy is ready to return to nuclear power, a crucial choice that will not replace renewables but will complement them, ensuring a balanced and sustainable energy mix.” A draft law enabling this initiative will be submitted for cabinet approval by mid-March of 2025.

Nuclear Tomorrow - January 2025

Edward A. Friedman — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 04:03:45 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow is a newsletter that is issued monthly to identify press reports on developments in the field of nuclear energy. Topics are selected for their relevance to the impact of nuclear energy on global warming. The newsletter is written for members of the general public who are concerned with policy related to these issues. Postings are categorized as dealing with Technology (T), Policy (P), and/or Construction (C). In some cases registration or a fee is required to access an article. Hyperlinks are provided to connect newsletter posts to the referenced publication.The newsletter is intended to expand on topics included in the book, “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust, and Emerging Renaissance,” to be published in 2025 by Oxford University Press. The author of the book and of this newsletter is Edward A. Friedman, Emeritus Professor of Technology Management at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA.

A Prospective Study “Bluebook” on NUCLEAR ENERGY To Support LOW CARBON (T,P)

EDF-CNNC

A remarkable collaboration between the nuclear power industries of China and France, in response to the threat caused by global warming, has produced a jointly written book that highlights the benefits of nuclear energy in ameliorating that threat. This 298 page “Bluebook” on Nuclear Energy To Support Low Carbon,” was developed jointly by personnel from the China National Nuclear Corporation a(CNNC) and Electricite de France (EDF). Some sections were prepared by one of the organizations and some by the other along with sections that were prepared by teams from the two organizations working together. The book addresses three main themes: the impact of nuclear power on the climate, the economy and on safety. Topics included public acceptance, the industrial supply chain, construction methods, fuel resources, decommissioning and waste. The Bluebook places great emphasis on innovation and international cooperation. By working together each of the teams were able to benefit from the experience of the other. This initiative opened a new era in China-France nuclear energy cooperation and provides a reference for other countries that envision developing nuclear energy solutions in the promotion of low-carbon environments. This unique cross-cultural resource is being made available at no cost through a posting on the website of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) from which the link in this newsletter was obtained.

Hualong One Reactor Begins Commercial Operation at China’s Zhangzhou Nuclear Plant ( C )

NUCNET

Zhangzhou 1, the first of four Generation III Hualong One 1,126 Megawatt Electric reactors has gone online in China. With this 57th nuclear reactor, China has now surpassed France as the second largest site of nuclear reactors in the world, exceeded only by the United States which has 94 units in place. With 28 reactors under construction, China far exceeds nuclear development taking place in the United States. China plans to approve between six and eight new reactors each year for the foreseeable future.

This Is How China Builds So Much Nuclear Power (P)

Bloomberg Odd Lots

In an extended interview with David Fishman, a China-based energy analyst, the Odd Lots hosts discuss how dynamic growth of nuclear energy in China is sustained. Multiple aspects of the reactor industry in China are discussed, including state subsidies, modular construction strategies, coordinated regional development, alignment with the growth of national data centers, and planned support for electric vehicle energy.

Constellation Inks $1 Billion Nuclear Power Deal (P)

Inc. by Reuters

The U.S. Government entered into an agreement for Constellation Energy, the largest operator of nuclear power plants in the United States to provide electricity to 13 federal agencies during the next 10 years. This contract to provide the equivalent of power to 1 million homes annually is a major breakthrough for the use of nuclear energy. It is the largest energy purchase in history for these U.S. Government agencies.

Nuclear startup Deep Fission plans to bury micro-reactors to power data centers (T)

TechCrunch

The nuclear startup, Deep Fission, signed a deal with data center developer Endeavour to build 2 gigawatts of subterranean nuclear power. This pressurized water reactor would be lowered on cables down a 30-inch, one mile deep borehole. Steam would be piped to the surface through the borehole. Maintenance would require hauling the reactor to the surface which the company estimates would take less than two hours. The underground placement eliminates the need for building an above ground enclosure. A target date of 2029 is projected for the first such reactor to go online.

Dutch consortium to develop molten salt reactors (P)

World Nuclear News

Dutch technology companies Demcon, Thorizon and VDL Group have signed a project agreement to demonstrate and validate the manufacturability, safety, and functionality of critical components and non-nuclear subsystems for molten salt reactors. The first prototype, which is expected in the mid-2030’s will be fuelled by a mixture of long-lived radioactive waste from existing nuclear facilities and thorium. The thorium will be a source of uranium-233 fission fuel.

Deep Atomic launches SMR for data centres (P)

World Nuclear News

Deep Atomic based in Zurich, Switzerland is developing a small nuclear reactor for use with data centres. The MK60 will generate 60 Mwe with light water technology that incorporates multiple passive safety systems. It will be a scalable power solution that can be deployed in various locations, including areas with limited grid access, and it can be sited close to urban areas due to its advanced safety features. It can be configured in multiple units allowing a power station over 1 Gigawatt.

Why India should explore the idea of floating nuclear power plants (P)

The Hindu businessline

Successful Russian prototypes holds out promise for a novel energy source along India’s extensive coastline.With a successful nuclear power plant, Akademik Lomonosov, functioning in the Arctic port town Pevek since 2019, Russia is now eyeing a global market, including India, for such units. The Pevek power plant is located on a ship and can be towed to various locations. The vessel houses two small light water reactors with 14-15 percent enriched uranium fuel, each with a generation capacity of 35 Megawatts, like those powering Russia’s icebreaker vessels. Rosatom, the Russian nuclear company, is exploring export of these and other reactors with India.

Note that Chapter 22 of Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust, and Emerging Renaissance, by Edward A. Friedman is devoted to the development of floating nuclear reactors.

Photo of Akademik Lomonosov

India unveils record-breaking floating energy plant: ‘The

Commissioning…marks a significant milestone’ (T,C)

yahoo/tech

India, while planning for developing floating nuclear reactor power plants, has initiated its largest floating power plant that utilizes solar panels. The newly dedicated Omkareshwar Floating Solar Panel Project will generate 126 megawatts of electrical energy. Located in central India in Madhya Pradesh provence, this project has navigated complex environments and logistical challenges - such as fluctuating water levels, high winds, and limited site access - to complete the project within 26 months.

10.

Bykalla and ABB team up on SMR development (T)

World Nuclear News

Blykalla is a Swedish producer of advanced small modular reactors. It has carried out research on lead-cooled reactor systems since 1996. Liquid lead is a highly desirable coolant for nuclear reactors due to its capability to provide radiation shielding, its high boiling temperature of 1700 deg. C and capacity to enable passive safety reactor designs. Blykalla has solved a major obstacle in liquid lead reactor design, which is lead’s corrosive action on other reactor components. Blykalla has developed and patented forms of aluminum alloyed steel that are corrosion resistant. Blykalla has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with ABB, a global engineering company. The scope of this collaboration will include joint development of automation, electrification and digitalization applications in the production of the Swedish Advanced Lead Cooled Reactor (SEALER). The SEALER units will have an output of 55 Megawatt

Electric power with the first models scheduled to come online in the early 2030’s. Blykalla’s goal is to produce 1,000 of these units using modular construction techniques.

11.

Nucleaire: L’EPR de Flamanville coute pres de 24 millards d’euros (P)

Translation - Nuclear: The Flamanville EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) Will Finally Cost Nearly 24 Billion Euros (P)

Le Parisien

This news article in Le Parisien discusses a report issued by the French ‘Cour de Comptes’ (Court of Accounts) that criticizes the management of the construction of the Flamanville reactor that went online after years of delay tand budget overruns. The tradition of a high level audit court dates back to the Court of Auditors of Paris which was established in the 14th Century. This court is independent of other government agencies and provides advice to the legislature and to government administrative bodies.

In a 97 page document Court of Auditors Report

The court noted that the final cost of the reactor of 23.7 billion euros was more than seven times the cost planned of 3.3 billion when construction began in 2007. It criticized the performance of the French nuclear industry in evaluating and monitoring reactor construction and noted problems in recruitment of qualified personnel.

12.

Sweden starts building 100,000 year storage site for spent nuclear fuel (T,C)

Reuters

Sweden has initiated construction of the world’s second permanent storage site for highly radioactive waste. Finland is close to completing the first such site. The site will consist of 60 km of tunnels buried 500 meters down in 1.9billion year old bedrock. This repository will hold 12,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel encased in 5 meter long corrosion-resistant copper capsules packed in clay. The facility will take its first waste in the late 2030s. Around 2080 it is planned to backfill the tunnels and to close the site. This schedule is subject to additional reviews and possible delays.

13.

Canada takes global lead on tripling nuclear (P)

Nuclear Engineering International

Canada has been an active participant in the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency program and a signatory to the NEA led initiative for countries to triple nuclear energy output by 2050. On January 15, 2025 Ontario province announced plans to construct a 10,000 Megawatt Electric power station. Approval is being sought to build up to four GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 Megawatt Electric Small Modular Reactors. Canada seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, to create an infrastructure that will support expanded use of electrical energy and to provide a base for export of SMRs.

The first SMR is planned to come online in 2029. Supporting this initiative are plans for a major nuclear waste facility in Ontario that enjoys support from local communities. Ontario’s population of 16 million represents 40% of the country’s population. Canada’s uranium industry provides a secure source of reactor fuel for domestic and export markets. While Ontario is in the lead in Canada for nuclear developments, other provinces including New Brunswick, Saskatchewan,and Alberta are also active.

14.

TerraPower Awarded Pivotal State Permit for Natrium Plant (P)

TerraPower

On January 14, 2025, Terrapower received approval from the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council for construction activities at the Kemmerer Power Station that are not under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Its permit application with the NRC is on track for approval in December 2026. This first ever permit from a state in the U.S. allows Terrapower to start non-nuclear construction at the site during the NRC review. This Kemmerer Power Plant initiative is the first in the world to replace coal at a power plant with nuclear energy.

15.

France reaches 95% low-carbon electricity in 2024: A historic milestone (P,T)

Energy News

During 2024, France experienced a rebound in its online performance for nuclear energy production of electricity. With 67% of electricity provided by nuclear energy, while hydropower provided about 18%, wind about 7% and solar about 3% a total of about 95% of France’s electrical energy was from low carbon sources. This achievement places France as a world leader in low carbon production of electricity.

16.

South Korea braces for Trump’s policies with biggest-ever export finance support (P)

The Straits Times

South Korea pledged on January 20 a record amount of financing support for exporters to mitigate any negative impact from changes in U.S. trade policies that might be implemented by President Trump. The government will provide $337 billion in financing through state banks and agencies in 2025 if needed by exporters.

17.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Westinghouse Sign Agreement (P)

Maeil Business Newspaper

Ending an intellectual property dispute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Westinghouse signed an agreement on nuclear development and export. They seek to exploit synergy from innovations in nuclear technology from Westinghouse with the strength of Korea’s technology construction ability. They plan to enter the export market jointly for construction of nuclear reactors in competition with Russia and China.

18.

Power Generation From Nuclear Power Set To Reach A Record High in 2025: IEA Report (P)

Carboncopy

This International Energy Agency report notes that in 2025 there are 63 nuclear reactors under construction, representing 70 Gigawatts of capacity, one of the highest levels since 1990.

It also has a comprehensive list showing the percentage of nuclear energy in the generation of electricity for various countries. France is the lead country on this list with a contribution of almost 65 percent of its electricity being produced with nuclear energy, while China is one of the lowest on the list with less than 5 percent of its electricity being produced with nuclear energy.

Nuclear Tomorrow - December 2024

Edward A. Friedman — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:43:06 GMT

Nuclear Tomorrow - December 2024

Nuclear Tomorrow is a newsletter that is issued monthly to identify press reports on developments in the field of nuclear energy. Topics are selected for their relevance to

The newsletter is intended to expand on topics included in the book, “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust, and Emerging Renaissance,” to be published in 2025 by Oxford University Press. The author of the book and of this newsletter is Edward A. Friedman, Emeritus Professor of Technology Management at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA.

Unit 3 of Flamanville NPP, France- Wikimedia Commons

After Long Delay, French Nuclear Plant Coming On Stream - (C)

Barrons

The Flamanville 3 EPR reactor in Normandy, France comes online 12 years behind schedule and four times over budget. This 57th reactor in the French fleet is the most powerful at1,600 MWe. This Generation III+ reactor is the fourth of its kind anywhere in the world.

Nuclear Power Was Once Shunned at Climate Talks. Now, It’s a Rising Star. - (P)

New York Times

Growing worldwide energy demand and revised views of nuclear energy were evident at the United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan where six additional countries joined the 22 who pledged in 2023 to triple use of nuclear power by 2050. Among countries with new nuclear initiatives were Turkey, Poland, and Romania.Increased enthusiasm for nuclear energy was evident at the 20224 UN Climate Summit known as COP29.

Renewed U.S. Interest in Nuclear Energy: An Update - (P)

American Action Forum```

The most informative portion of this article is the discussion of the bipartisan legislation passed in July 2024 known as the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act. This act supports nuclear development through two initiatives. One is to lower the cost of regulatory review for new reactor designs that employ advanced concepts with the potential of saving applicants tens of millions of dollars. The second is the inclusion of provisions that direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to streamline the review process. The act also loosened restrictions on foreign investment in U.S. reactors.

Meta Bets Big on Nuclear Power and $10B on AI Data Center to Meet its Sustainability Target - ( C )

carboncredits.com

On December 3, 2024 Meta announced that it is looking for partners to develop new nuclear technology to meet its future energy needs and to advance broader industry decarbonization. Meta also announced its plans to invest $10 billion in constructing its largest data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana to expand its AI capabilities.

Steady Energy - Megawatts of comfort. Gigawatts of Potential - (T)

Steady Energy

The Finnish Steady Energy, LDR-50, is a small modular reactor that uses direct heat for desalination and district heating. The heat, in district heating, is distributed to customers via hot water flowing through underground pipes. These modular reactors can be built underground with configurations of up to six of these 50 Megawatt units configured to provide heat without the use of turbines or generators. They operate at much lower temperature and pressure than traditional reactors. In Europe, there are 3,500 district heating networks serving a total of 60 million people.

Government seeks local understanding for nuclear plant restart - (P)

Japan Times

Given widespread opposition to nuclear energy in Japan, the Industrial Ministry of Japan is engaged in a unique effort to gain local support for reopening nuclear reactors. Plans are being implemented to hold local meetings to emphasize safety measures that exist for these plants. In the Niigata Prefecture meetings will be held in all municipalities in preparation for the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. There are 30 municipalities in this prefecture.

GE-Hitachi’s small reactor design closer to deployment in UK, passes key milestone - (T)

Interesting Engineering

The GE-Hitachi BwRX-300 reactor which uses natural circulation and passive cooling completed Step 1 of the UK’s General Design Assessment (GDA). Having gained this recognition of feasibility the phase 2 process of evaluating safety, security and environmental aspects of this design can be undertaken.

Interview: Terrapower CEO Chria Levesque on Scaling Up New Nuclear - (T)

Energy Intelligence

Note that registration is required to access this article.

Levesque discusses the lead that Terrpower has in the U.S, for the construction of a functioning power plant, the Natrium, which will replace an existing coal plant with a 345 Megawatt unit that has an associated molten salt energy storage unit. Terrapower is seeking to model their replacement of a coal plant in Wyoming that is in progress, with numerous other coal plant operators in the Western U.S. They envision a world-wide market with the eventual deployment of hundreds of Natrium reactors being used for energy production and in support of AI processing. Their goal is to be building 10 Natrium reactors per year by the mid 2030’s. Terrapower anticipates partnering with production facilities in South Korea in order to achieve this goal. Levesque also discusses Terrapower’s use of off-site fabrication of components and underground placement of operating units.

Billionaires Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Sam Altman Are Investing in Nuclear Energy Hand Over Fist. Should You? - (P)

Yahoo Finance

Microsoft, where Bill Gates is Chair, entered a deal with Constellation Energy to restart a reactor at Three Mile Island, Jeff Bezos holds a lead position on the board of Amazon which is investing in small nuclear reactors. He is also investing in General Fusion, a Canadian company that is developing nuclear fusion technology. Sam Altman is promoting the nuclear energy start-up, Oklo, where he is chair of the board. Okla is a Canadian firm that uses waste as fuel.

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Fusion Start-Up Plans to Build Its First Power Plant in Virginia - (T)

New York Times

Commonwealth Fusion Systems, founded by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology plans to build its first fusion power plant in Virginia in early 2030. A plant generating 400 MWe is planned. Helion Energy, a Seattle based company plans to build a fusion plant for Microsoft that would be operational in 2028. It also plans to build a fusion plant for steel manufacturing. Commonwealth is embarking on a program to build a pilot machine to demonstrate feasibility in Massachusetts in 2027. Helion Energy has not published peer reviewed studies to document their technology. In contrast Commonwealth’s initiative is based on published research from MIT. Given the failure to date of fusion based power generation, the 2027 pilot of Commonwealth is eagerly awaited.

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New Climate Goldrush:Scrubbing Carbon From The Sky - (T,P)

New York Times

Major investors from around the world met in London in December of 2024 to discuss their joint investments in Carbon Capture initiatives that have expanded rapidly during the past several years. Investments have grown from less than a million dollars in 2019 to an anticipated ten billion dollars in 2025. Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos are among those buying into carbon capture.

A 2023 UN report on this technology expressed skepticism on its ability to make a significant difference in the world level of greenhouse gases. A few dozen facilities are operational today, including ones in Iceland and California but they only remove a sliver of the carbon dioxide that is being produced. A frequently used process for removal of carbon dioxide is to have the gas interact with a chemical organic solvent to which it becomes attached and later removed by heating. The captured carbon dioxide gas can then be compressed and buried.

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‘Dunkelflaute’ sends wind power generation plummeting in UK and Germany - (P)

Telegraph

Weather conditions in Northern Europe have caused stagnant air formation with weaker than normal winds which is known as a ‘Dunkelfaute.’ This lack of wind in November led to extended periods of greatly reduced power generation from wind farms in the Uk and Germany. This has required the use of gas fired plants which is a particularly worrisome development in Germany which has closed all of its nuclear plants, thus subjecting the country to dependence on an energy source that has less than desired reliability. Germany also experienced a shortage of energy due to the same cause in July of 2024.

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Governors Display Bipartisan Support for Nuclear Energy - (P)

Forbes

This report identifies the growing number of state governments that are expediting nuclear energy development. Governors are actively pursuing these initiatives. Actions in Tennessee,

Wyoming, Georgia, Michigan, California and Pennsylvania are noted. Actions are being taken to ease licensing procedures and to provide subsidies.

Nuclear Tomorrow

Nuclear Tomorrow - March 2026

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Macron Says Nuclear Key To Meeting Climate Goals And Powering Future Industries (P)

Nuclear Tomorrow - February 2026

American Nuclear Society Webinar Gen IV Reactors

American Nuclear Society Webinar

January 2026

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