Nuclear Tomorrow - February 2025
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.
1.
US to deploy molten salt reactors to turn wastewater into freshwater (T)
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.
2.
Texas A&M System announces partnership with 4 nuclear reactor companies to build at RELLIS (P)
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.
3.
Trump’s Offshore Wind Ban vs. China’s Wind Juggernaut (P)
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.
4.
Belgian government seeks to reverse nuclear phase-out policy (P)
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.
5.
‘Build baby build’, says PM as he sets out nuclear plan (P)
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.
6.
Nuclear power becomes South Korea’s largest energy source for first time in 18 years. (T)
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.
7.
Ten-state coalition aims to accelerate advanced nuclear (P)
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.
8.
India, France intend to jointly develop advanced nuclear reactors (P)
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.
9.
Core Power plans mass production of floating nuclear power plants (P)
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)
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.