Nuclear Tomorrow - January 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.
A Prospective Study “Bluebook” on NUCLEAR ENERGY To Support LOW CARBON (T,P)
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.
2.
Hualong One Reactor Begins Commercial Operation at China’s Zhangzhou Nuclear Plant ( C )
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.
3.
This Is How China Builds So Much Nuclear Power (P)
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.
4.
Constellation Inks $1 Billion Nuclear Power Deal (P)
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.
5.
Nuclear startup Deep Fission plans to bury micro-reactors to power data centers (T)
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.
6.
Dutch consortium to develop molten salt reactors (P)
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.
7.
Deep Atomic launches SMR for data centres (P)
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.
8.
Why India should explore the idea of floating nuclear power plants (P)
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
9.
India unveils record-breaking floating energy plant: ‘The
Commissioning…marks a significant milestone’ (T,C)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.