Articles tagged with "nuclear-power"
World's first land-based small modular nuclear reactor passes key test
China’s ACP100 small modular reactor (SMR), also known as Linglong One, has successfully completed its cold functional testing at the Changjiang site in Hainan province. This milestone, announced by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), marks the first time a commercial land-based SMR has passed a safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The cold functional test verifies the installation and operation of all systems and pipelines under pressure without nuclear fuel, ensuring the integrity and leak-proofing of the primary circuit. This achievement paves the way for subsequent hot functional tests, which will simulate thermal conditions by raising the reactor coolant system’s temperature to validate operational readiness before fuel loading. The ACP100 is a 125 megawatt electric (MWe) integrated pressurized water reactor designed for a 60-year lifespan with a two-year refueling cycle. Beyond electricity generation, it can provide regional heating, seawater desalination, and industrial steam supply, earning it the nickname “n
energysmall-modular-reactornuclear-powerACP100China-National-Nuclear-Corporationnuclear-energyclean-energyAmazon bets on modular nuclear reactors to scale carbon-free power
Amazon is advancing its sustainability and carbon-free energy goals by investing in a new small modular reactor (SMR) facility called the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility in Washington state. In partnership with Energy Northwest and SMR developer X-energy, Amazon plans to build up to 12 next-generation Xe-100 reactors near the Columbia Generating Station in Richland. These reactors, smaller and safer than traditional nuclear plants, offer faster construction, lower costs, and flexible deployment. The initial capacity of the facility will be 320 megawatts, with potential expansion to 960 MW, aiming to power Amazon’s operations and support the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the decade, with operations targeted for the 2030s. The project is not only a significant step for Amazon’s carbon reduction efforts but also a boost to the local economy, creating over 1,000 construction jobs and more than 100 permanent positions in engineering and nuclear operations. To support
energymodular-nuclear-reactorscarbon-free-energysmall-modular-reactorsclean-energy-technologynuclear-powersustainable-energyMultiple small nuclear reactors to power US Army bases within a year
The U.S. Army, in partnership with the Department of Energy, has announced the Janus program to deploy multiple small nuclear reactors at military bases, particularly in the Pacific region, within the next year. These next-generation microreactors aim to provide resilient, secure, and uninterrupted power to national defense installations, reducing reliance on vulnerable fossil fuel supply chains such as diesel generators. The reactors are designed to operate for decades without refueling or servicing, enhancing energy security and operational readiness for forward-deployed forces. Janus builds on earlier efforts like Project Pele, which focuses on mobile, transportable microreactors using advanced fourth-generation nuclear technology, with operational reactors expected by 2026. The program aligns with Executive Order 14299, mandating the deployment of Army-regulated nuclear reactors at domestic military installations by 2028. The Army will lead Janus with support from the Department of Energy, emphasizing safety, oversight, and integration with the full nuclear fuel cycle to strengthen defense and industrial capabilities.
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsmilitary-energy-solutionsmicroreactorsUS-Army-energyadvanced-nuclear-technologyJapan's nuclear reactor robot inspector boosts power plant safety
Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group has developed the A-UT, an autonomous underwater inspection robot designed to perform non-destructive inspections inside nuclear reactor vessels. These vessels operate under extreme conditions of high radiation, temperature, and pressure, making human inspections infeasible. The A-UT, equipped with a seven-axis robotic arm and ultrasonic sensors, remotely navigates the reactor’s interior by swimming and adhering to walls using vacuum pads. It can scan weld lines at a speed of 200 millimeters per second, significantly accelerating inspection times. The robot has been in use since 1995 at pressurized water reactor plants across Japan, with over 50 deployments, and can operate up to 20 meters underwater. The A-UT robot plays a critical role in maintaining nuclear plant safety by enabling detailed and timely inspections that reduce operational risks and support uninterrupted power generation. Its long-standing service earned it the top Maintenance Heritage certification from the Japan Society of Maintenology, recognizing it as a significant cultural
robotnuclear-powerautonomous-inspectionunderwater-robotMitsubishi-Heavy-Industriesenergy-safetyultrasonic-testingFear of Chernobyl-like disaster at Europe’s largest nuclear plant
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility located in Ukraine and currently controlled by Russia amid the ongoing war, is facing a critical safety situation. Since losing external power on September 23, 2025, the plant has been operating solely on backup generators, marking the longest outage since the conflict began in 2022. Although its reactors have been shut down for over three years, reducing immediate risk, a complete power failure could cause cooling system failures and potentially lead to a nuclear accident. The generators’ fuel reserves typically last about 10 days, and resupply efforts are hindered by ongoing fighting in the area. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is present on-site, working with both parties to restore external power and ensure safety. Residents fear a disaster reminiscent of the 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe, which caused widespread radiation exposure and long-term health effects across the region. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that relying on emergency power is
energynuclear-powerZaporizhzhiabackup-generatorspower-outagenuclear-safetyIAEAPoland at a Crossroads: Nuclear Delays vs Renewable Success - CleanTechnica
The article "Poland at a Crossroads: Nuclear Delays vs Renewable Success" from CleanTechnica discusses Poland’s current energy transition challenges, focusing on its ambitious but troubled nuclear power plans. The Polish government aims to build 6 to 9 GW of nuclear capacity starting with three AP1000 reactors on the Baltic coast, initially planned for operation by 2033 but now delayed to at least 2036. However, the program faces significant hurdles including financing uncertainties and historical precedents that suggest nuclear energy may not be the optimal path for Poland. Unlike countries that successfully scaled nuclear power in the past, Poland lacks key conditions such as a strong military rationale, standardized reactor designs, and centralized state control, all of which were critical in nations like France and South Korea. The article highlights that Poland’s nuclear ambitions are further complicated by its geopolitical and regulatory dependencies. The AP1000 reactor design, licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ties Poland’s nuclear future closely to American technology and
energynuclear-powerrenewable-energyenergy-transitionPoland-energy-policyAP1000-reactorenergy-infrastructureRetiring coal plants could host China’s advanced nuclear reactors
China is pursuing an innovative "Coal to Nuclear" (C2N) strategy that aims to convert retiring coal-fired power plants into sites for advanced nuclear reactors. This approach leverages existing infrastructure such as grid connections and water access, particularly in coastal regions, to accelerate the transition to clean energy amid land scarcity and decarbonization goals. China’s vast coal capacity—over 1.19 terawatts, with about 100 gigawatts expected to retire by 2030—makes this strategy uniquely feasible. The initiative focuses on deploying fourth-generation reactors like high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) and molten salt thorium reactors, which produce hotter steam compatible with coal turbines and have enhanced safety features, including meltdown resistance without active cooling. These advanced reactors require smaller safety zones and less water than traditional nuclear plants, making them suitable for repurposing coal plant sites. China already operates demonstration HTGRs and experimental molten salt reactors, with plans for larger-scale deployment. The C
energynuclear-powerclean-energycoal-plant-conversionChina-energy-transitionadvanced-reactorsdecarbonization213-foot monster turbine generators coming to Czech nuclear plant
The Temelín Nuclear Power Plant in Czechia is set to undergo its largest modernization project ever with the installation of massive new turbine-generator sets built by Doosan Škoda Power. These generators, measuring 213 feet (65 meters) in length and weighing over 2,000 tons, are among the largest and most powerful in Europe. Scheduled for installation during planned outages in 2029 and 2030, the upgrade aims to boost the plant’s electricity output and reduce emissions, effectively replacing the output of a large coal-fired power plant without the associated environmental impacts. The new turbine generators feature blade tip speeds exceeding twice the speed of sound and are directly linked to one high-pressure and three low-pressure steam turbines currently delivering a nominal 1,086 MW to the Czech grid. ČEZ Group, the plant’s operator, has emphasized that this modernization will secure the long-term operation of Temelín and represents the largest procurement since the plant’s commissioning. Doosan Škoda, with a
energynuclear-powerturbine-generatorsDoosan-ŠkodaTemelín-Nuclear-Power-Plantpower-plant-modernizationrenewable-energyCanada needs to build the nation pointed to the future, not the past - Clean Energy Canada
Clean Energy Canada’s executive director Rachel Doran responded to the Canadian government’s announcement of fast-tracking projects under Bill C-5 by emphasizing the need for Canada to build a future-focused economy centered on clean energy and innovation. She highlighted that while Canada currently ranks low among advanced economies in adapting to the evolving energy landscape, there is strong public and international momentum toward electrification and net-zero commitments. The government’s expedited projects include copper and gold mining in Saskatchewan and B.C., small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Ontario, port upgrades in Quebec, and LNG expansion in B.C., all aimed at supporting clean resource development and economic growth. Doran pointed out the strategic importance of increasing copper production for Canada’s domestic battery and electric vehicle supply chains, as copper is essential for electrifying the economy and expanding affordable electricity infrastructure. She acknowledged the potential role of SMRs in Ontario’s energy mix but stressed that nuclear should complement, not replace, lower-cost renewables and energy storage to keep energy affordable
energyclean-energyrenewable-energynuclear-powerelectric-vehiclesmininglow-carbon-technologiesNuclearn gets $10.5M to help the nuclear industry embrace AI
Nuclearn, a startup founded by Bradley Fox and Jerrold Vincent, has raised $10.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Blue Bear Capital to advance AI applications in the nuclear power industry. The company focuses on using AI to improve operational efficiency and business processes in nuclear reactors, rather than automating reactor control. Its AI tools are already deployed in over 65 reactors worldwide, helping generate routine documentation and streamline repetitive tasks while ensuring human oversight remains central to liability and safety. Originating from experiments at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Nuclearn’s technology incorporates nuclear industry-specific terminology and offers customizable AI models for utilities. The software can operate in the cloud or on-site to comply with strict security protocols. Reactor operators can adjust automation levels based on their confidence in the AI’s performance, with uncertain cases flagged for human review. Fox likens the AI to a “junior employee,” emphasizing that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission views AI as a supportive tool rather than an autonomous
energynuclear-powerartificial-intelligenceAI-in-energypower-industryenergy-technologynuclear-reactorsNuclear startup Deep Fission goes public in a curious SPAC
Nuclear startup Deep Fission has gone public through a reverse merger with Surfside Acquisition Inc., raising $30 million at $3 per share—significantly below the typical $10 target for SPAC deals. The company, which previously raised $15 million in a seed round, aims to build small, underground cylindrical nuclear reactors designed to mitigate risks such as meltdowns and terrorist attacks by burying the reactors a mile underground. These 15-megawatt reactors use pressurized water cooling technology similar to that in nuclear submarines and existing power plants. Deep Fission recently secured a deal with data center developer Endeavor to deploy 2 gigawatts of underground reactors and was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for a streamlined permitting process. Despite the modest capital raise and the decision to list on the OTCQB market, which suggests challenges in attracting new or existing investors, the merger provides Deep Fission with additional runway to advance its technology in a capital-intensive sector. The company
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsDeep-Fissionunderground-reactorsDepartment-of-Energyclean-energy-technologyUS to build 'historic' nuclear plant to power 4.5 million homes
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has partnered with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear power through the construction of six nuclear plants across TVA’s seven-state region. Each plant will use 12 NuScale Power Modules (NPM), a small modular reactor (SMR) technology that is the only US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-approved SMR currently ready for commercial deployment. Together, these plants are expected to generate approximately 5.5 GW of electricity, enough to power around 4.5 million homes or 60 large-scale data centers. ENTRA1 Energy will finance, build, and own the plants, while TVA will purchase the generated power. The NuScale Power Module integrates the reactor core, steam generators, and pressurizer into a compact vessel, allowing factory production and shipment to sites, which can reduce costs and construction time compared to traditional nuclear plants. Each module produces 77 megawatts electric (M
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsNuScale-Power-Modulecarbon-free-energybaseload-powerenergy-infrastructureJellyfish swarm shuts reactors at Paluel nuclear site in France
A swarm of jellyfish forced the shutdown of one of the four reactors at France’s Paluel nuclear power plant for the second time within a month, reducing the plant’s output by 2.4 gigawatts. The jellyfish clogged the filters of the plant’s seawater pumping station, which is used to cool the reactors, prompting Electricité de France (EDF) to safely halt production unit No. 4 and reduce output from unit No. 3 as a precaution. Paluel, located in Normandy and drawing cooling water from the English Channel, is France’s second-largest nuclear facility with a total capacity of 5.2 gigawatts, supplying a significant portion of the country’s nuclear-generated electricity. This incident is part of a broader pattern affecting coastal nuclear plants that rely on seawater for cooling. Similar disruptions caused by jellyfish swarms have occurred at France’s Gravelines plant, Scotland’s Torness plant, and Japan’s Shimane plant. Scientists warn that such events may
energynuclear-powerjellyfish-swarmpower-plant-disruptioncooling-systemrenewable-energyFrance-energy-sectorPoland to host Europe's first advanced small nuclear power plant
Poland is set to become the first country in Europe to build an advanced small modular nuclear reactor (SMR), with a 300 MW BWRX-300 plant planned for Włocławek. This initiative is led by state-run energy company Orlen, which has partnered with Synthos Green Energy to form a joint venture, Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), holding equal ownership but with Orlen retaining strategic control. The project leverages US-developed BWRX-300 technology from GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, recognized as one of the most advanced SMR designs globally, featuring passive safety systems and licensed nuclear fuel. The agreement grants OSGE full access to the reactor’s standard design package, enabling licensing and deployment. This development aligns with Poland’s broader strategy to transition away from heavy coal dependence toward low-carbon energy sources. Poland has approved the construction of 24 SMRs across six sites, including Włocławek, with environmental and geological assessments already
energysmall-modular-reactornuclear-powerclean-energyPoland-energy-transitionBWRX-300Orlen-Synthos-Green-EnergyChina's new heat removal method makes nuclear reactor meltdown-proof
Chinese scientists from the China Institute of Atomic Energy have developed and successfully tested a new Residual Heat Removal (RHR) system designed to enhance the safety of next-generation nuclear reactors by preventing meltdowns. This passive heat removal technology is integrated into integral fast reactors (IFRs), which use liquid sodium as a coolant and operate with a fast neutron spectrum. The system maintains the reactor core in a safe, cool state without relying on active mechanical components, representing a significant safety breakthrough for fourth-generation nuclear plants featuring closed fuel cycles. Integral fast reactors recycle spent nuclear fuel on-site, converting unused uranium into plutonium and enabling up to 100 times more energy extraction compared to conventional water-cooled reactors. This closed-loop approach also reduces nuclear waste by approximately 90%, as continuous recycling minimizes long-lived radioactive materials. The new RHR system was validated through an experimental simulation facility that replicates reactor conditions, confirming its effectiveness in passive heat removal. China’s CFR-600 and the upcoming CFR-1000 fast
energynuclear-powerfast-reactorsheat-removalresidual-heat-removal-systemnuclear-fuel-recyclingpassive-coolingIndonesia Bets On Thorcon’s Molten Salt Reactor, But History Suggests Trouble Ahead - CleanTechnica
Indonesia has recently granted early-stage regulatory approval to Thorcon International, a Singapore-based company developing molten salt reactors, to evaluate a site for a demonstration nuclear power plant on Kelasa Island. This move marks Indonesia’s first formal commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to diversify its electricity mix amid rapidly growing demand. Currently, Indonesia’s power system is fragmented across its vast archipelago, with many remote islands relying on costly and polluting diesel generators. The country’s electricity generation remains heavily dependent on coal (61%), with modest contributions from renewables such as hydropower (7%), geothermal (5%), and solar (1%). The government plans to add 71 GW of new capacity by 2034, including 10 GW of nuclear by 2040, alongside significant expansions in renewables and storage to reduce coal reliance and meet climate goals. However, the article highlights significant challenges and historical lessons that cast doubt on the success of Indonesia’s nuclear ambitions. Globally, nuclear power has only thrived under conditions
energynuclear-powermolten-salt-reactorrenewable-energyIndonesia-energy-transitionclean-energypower-gridRussia appoints world's first female captain of nuclear icebreaker
Russia has appointed Marina Starovoitova as the world’s first female captain of a nuclear-powered icebreaker, marking a historic milestone in maritime leadership. The announcement was made by Rosatom, Russia’s national nuclear corporation, during the 80th anniversary celebrations of the country’s atomic industry. Starovoitova will command the Yamal, a prominent vessel in Russia’s Arctic fleet, which includes over 40 icebreakers, eight of them nuclear-powered. These ships play a critical role in maintaining navigation along the increasingly important Northern Sea Route as Arctic ice recedes. Starovoitova’s career is notable for her transition from a rural schoolteacher in western Russia to a seasoned maritime professional with more than 20 years of experience. She steadily advanced through maritime ranks, serving as senior assistant and chief mate on the Yamal before earning her captain’s badge. Her appointment highlights both her dedication and the evolving role of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Upon receiving her captaincy, Starovoit
energynuclear-powericebreakerArctic-shippingmaritime-technologyRosatomNorthern-Sea-RouteRussia to redeploy 28,000-ton nuclear battlecruiser after 3 decades
Russia’s nuclear-powered battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov, a 28,000-ton Kirov-class warship originally laid down in 1983 and launched in 1986, has returned to sea trials after nearly three decades. The ship, renamed in 1992 after Admiral Pavel Nakhimov, has been undergoing an extensive modernization since 2014 at the Sevmash shipyard. This overhaul, described as the most comprehensive refit of any Russian surface combatant in decades, aims to transform the vessel into the future flagship of the Russian Navy. The ship’s two nuclear reactors were restarted earlier in 2025, and it recently began factory sea trials in the White Sea, marking a significant milestone after multiple delays that pushed the project’s completion from an initial 2018 estimate to now expected around 2024-2025. Key upgrades include the installation of 174 vertical launch cells, surpassing the missile capacity of comparable surface combatants like China’s Type
energynuclear-powernaval-technologymissile-systemsmilitary-modernizationshipbuildingdefense-technologyNorway to test floating nuclear plants using small modular reactors
Norway is exploring the development of floating nuclear power plants using small modular reactors (SMRs) with capacities of 200-250 MW to provide clean, reliable electricity for offshore platforms and onshore grids. This initiative is a collaboration between Norsk Kjernekraft, a Bergen-based nuclear project developer, and Ocean-Power AS, a company aiming to become an offshore electricity provider. They plan to place SMRs on barges—flat-bottomed vessels without propulsion—to minimize land use while leveraging Norway’s maritime and engineering expertise. The floating plants aim to supply power to remote industrial hubs and offshore installations, supporting Norway’s transition to sustainable energy and reducing emissions. The partnership intends to combine Norsk Kjernekraft’s nuclear expertise with Ocean-Power’s infrastructure capabilities to develop innovative, flexible energy solutions that can also capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from combined cycle systems. The project emphasizes assessing concepts, technologies, and business models within Norwegian regulations and aims to mobilize the Nordic supplier industry to create world-leading,
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsfloating-power-plantsclean-energyoffshore-energysustainable-energyThese 5 Countries Have 71% of World’s Nuclear Power Capacity - CleanTechnica
As of June 2025, five countries—the United States, France, China, Russia, and South Korea—account for 71% of the world’s total nuclear electricity generation capacity, according to IAEA data. Globally, 416 nuclear reactors operate across 31 countries, totaling 376 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity. The U.S. leads with the largest capacity and nuclear electricity production, operating reactors primarily built between 1967 and 1990, with a high operational capacity factor of 92% in 2024. Nuclear power contributed significantly to U.S. electricity generation in 2023 and 2024. France holds the second-largest nuclear fleet globally and the largest in Europe, with 63 GW installed capacity. Nuclear power supplied nearly 65% of France’s electricity in 2023, a legacy of extensive development following the 1970s oil crisis to enhance energy security. China has rapidly expanded its nuclear capacity since 1991 and currently operates
energynuclear-powerelectricity-generationnuclear-reactorsenergy-capacityclean-energypower-plantsMassive jellyfish swarm shuts down France’s largest nuclear plant
A massive swarm of jellyfish forced the complete shutdown of France’s largest nuclear power plant, Gravelines, located in northern France. The jellyfish clogged the plant’s cooling water intake systems, causing an automatic halt to three reactors, followed by a fourth reactor going offline, leaving the entire facility—capable of powering about 5 million homes—out of operation. Two other reactors were already offline for scheduled maintenance. EDF, the French state-owned energy company operating the plant, described the jellyfish invasion as “massive and unpredictable” but confirmed that the shutdown posed no safety risks to staff, the environment, or the public. Electricity exports from France to the UK were also unaffected. The Gravelines plant draws cooling water from a canal connected to the North Sea, where jellyfish species thrive in warmer summer waters. Jellyfish blooms, often triggered by rising sea temperatures and changing ocean currents, can overwhelm the filters at power plants, disrupting the vital flow of seawater needed to maintain reactor temperatures. Such
energynuclear-powerjellyfish-bloompower-plant-shutdowncooling-system-disruptionclimate-change-impactmarine-ecosystemMake America Gaslit Again - CleanTechnica
The article "Make America Gaslit Again" from CleanTechnica discusses the looming energy shortfall in the United States due to declining fossil fuel power plants and slow development of new nuclear facilities. It highlights that no new traditional nuclear plants are currently planned, with small modular reactors unlikely to appear before 2030. Coal power is rapidly declining, with significant retirements expected, and while some new gas plants are planned, the net fossil fuel capacity is decreasing by nearly 18,608 MW over the next three years. Although substantial wind and solar capacity additions are projected, political opposition, particularly from the Trump administration, threatens to curtail renewable energy growth. The article warns that rising energy demand combined with this shortfall could lead to power reliability issues, especially impacting rural and low-income urban areas. Drawing from personal experience with resilient, non-electric home systems, the author advises individuals to prepare for potential outages by installing solar power systems with battery backups. This preparation not only offers financial benefits but could also provide critical
energyrenewable-energynuclear-powerfossil-fuelswind-powersolar-powerenergy-policyUS abandons solar project to restart 615MWe nuclear plant
The Duane Arnold Energy Center, a 615 MWe boiling water nuclear reactor in Iowa, ceased operations in 2020 after more than 45 years of service. Originally shut down due to economic reasons and damage from a 2020 derecho storm, the plant was never fully dismantled and has been maintained in a SAFSTOR state, preserving its core infrastructure. NextEra Energy, the plant’s majority owner, had initially planned to develop a solar project on the site, transferring the plant’s grid interconnection rights to this new venture. However, in 2025, NextEra formally requested the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to restore the original interconnection rights to prioritize restarting the nuclear facility instead. This shift reflects a broader national trend of reconsidering previously closed nuclear plants as part of efforts to expand carbon-free energy sources. NextEra is currently conducting a comprehensive engineering evaluation to assess the feasibility of recommissioning Duane Arnold, with initial assessments indicating the reactor remains in good condition and could potentially
energynuclear-powersolar-energypower-plant-restartenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energyenergy-policyChina’s nuclear reactor features a giant 419-ton water tank for safety
The Haiyang nuclear power plant in China’s Shandong province has reached a significant construction milestone with the installation of the CB-20 module, a massive 419-ton containment water tank integral to the safety system of the first of two new CAP1000 reactors. This tank, measuring 26 meters in diameter and 10 meters in height, stores over 3,000 tonnes of water to be used in emergencies, such as cooling the reactor or the spent fuel pool. The CB-20 is part of the reactor’s advanced passive safety system, which relies on natural forces like gravity and circulation to maintain safety for up to 72 hours without human intervention, enhancing the plant’s emergency preparedness. This development is part of China’s broader effort to expand its nuclear power capacity, with the State Council approving six new CAP1000 reactors in 2022, including Haiyang units 3 and 4, which are scheduled to be operational by 2027 after a 56-month construction period. The Hai
energynuclear-powerCAP1000-reactorpassive-safety-systemwater-tankChina-energy-expansionHaiyang-nuclear-plantRolls-Royce advances for modular nuclear reactors to power 3 million homes
Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected to build the UK’s first fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to install up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity using its 470 MWe reactor design. Each SMR unit is designed to generate 470 megawatts of low-carbon energy, enough to power over a million homes for at least 60 years, with the entire project expected to power around 3 million homes. The reactors are pressurized water reactors with a projected operational life of at least six decades. This initiative represents the first new nuclear power station design and build in the UK in over a generation, offering a modular, factory-built approach to simplify construction, reduce costs, and avoid delays common in traditional nuclear projects. The modular design involves building 90% of each SMR unit in factory conditions before transporting them for final assembly, necessitating a robust and geographically diverse supply chain. Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsRolls-Royceclean-energypower-generationmodular-constructionNuclear reactors to power AI data farms in US' first private HyperGrid
Fermi America, in partnership with South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) and the Texas Tech University System, is developing a landmark private energy campus near Amarillo, Texas, called the “HyperGrid.” This project aims to power next-generation AI data centers using a hybrid energy system that integrates America’s largest private nuclear power complex, the nation’s biggest combined-cycle natural-gas facility, solar arrays, battery storage, and grid power. The campus is designed to deliver one gigawatt of power by the end of 2026, primarily consumed on-site by AI data centers rather than fed into the public grid. Central to the HyperGrid are four Westinghouse AP1000 pressurized-water nuclear reactors, for which the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has accepted Fermi America’s Combined Operating License Application, marking a record-speed review. Construction of the nuclear island is planned to start in 2026, with the first reactor expected to be operational by 2032.
energynuclear-powerAI-data-centersHyperGridrenewable-energybattery-storagecombined-cycle-natural-gasNuclear-powered hydrogen explored to fuel global clean energy shift
The article discusses First Hydrogen Corp.'s new initiative to design small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in collaboration with the University of Alberta, aiming to produce low-carbon “green” hydrogen at scale. This partnership focuses on optimizing SMR technology—compact, factory-built nuclear reactors producing up to a few hundred megawatts—to generate the heat and electricity needed for hydrogen production without carbon emissions. The project targets cost-competitive hydrogen generation to support growing energy demands, particularly from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, which Goldman Sachs predicts will increase power consumption by 160% by 2030 and could account for up to 4% of global electricity use. SMRs offer advantages such as modular construction, reduced accident risks, longer fuel cycles, and suitability for locations where large reactors are impractical. Canada, with its 60-year nuclear safety record and government backing, is positioning SMRs as a key element of future energy independence. Several provinces are advancing SMR projects, and Prime Minister Mark Car
energynuclear-powerhydrogen-productionsmall-modular-reactorsclean-energyAI-data-centerssustainable-energyChina escapes nuclear 'cost curse' with $2 per watt power plants
A recent study by researchers from Johns Hopkins University, Harvard, CUNY, and Stony Brook University highlights how China has significantly reduced the costs of nuclear power plant construction compared to the US and France. While new nuclear plants in the US can cost up to $15 per watt and French plants around $4 per watt, China’s highly standardized designs achieve costs as low as $2 per watt. This stark contrast is attributed to China’s strategic approach, which includes strict regulation, long-term planning, and a focus on indigenization—substituting expensive imports with domestically produced components to lower expenses and improve efficiency. The study notes that while the US and France have seen rising nuclear construction costs due to factors like increased regulation, lack of standardization, and complex reactor designs, China has managed to halve its costs since the early 2000s and maintain stability. China’s model involved initially importing foreign reactors for immediate deployment, then gradually shifting to domestic production of simpler components and relying on local
energynuclear-powerChina-energy-strategyclean-technologypower-plant-costssustainable-energyenergy-infrastructureUS to revive Palisades nuclear plant to power 800,000 homes
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved Holtec International’s request to restart the Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan, marking the first time a previously shut-down U.S. nuclear plant has been authorized to resume operations. The 800-megawatt reactor, which had been shut down in 2022, is expected to power approximately 800,000 homes once fully operational. The NRC’s approval permits the plant to receive new fuel and transition licensed operators back on shift, with ongoing testing, inspections, and maintenance ensuring a safe and reliable restart under federal oversight. Holtec emphasized the significance of this milestone for the company, the state of Michigan, and the broader U.S. energy landscape, highlighting the plant’s role in enhancing grid reliability and supporting local jobs and economic growth. Beyond the immediate restart, Holtec plans to expand the Palisades site by deploying two SMR-300 small modular reactors (SMRs), aiming for commercial operation by 2030
energynuclear-powerPalisades-plantHoltec-Internationalsmall-modular-reactorsenergy-gridUS-energy-policy6 million UK homes to get power from $51B nuclear plant approval
The UK government has approved the $51 billion Sizewell C nuclear power plant project, marking a significant investment in the country's clean energy future. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signed off on the deal, with the government becoming the largest shareholder at 44.9 percent, alongside partners such as France’s EDF, Centrica, and Canadian investment fund La Caisse. Sizewell C is expected to provide clean electricity to around six million homes for over 60 years, reduce carbon emissions by nine million tons annually, and generate system savings of approximately $2.7 billion per year once operational. The project aims to reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and support 10,000 direct jobs and thousands more in the supply chain, with 70 percent of construction value targeted for British businesses. The funding model for Sizewell C builds on lessons from the Hinkley Point C project, spreading costs among consumers, taxpayers, and private investors, with the government’s investment helping to limit consumer bill impacts to
energynuclear-powerclean-energyUK-governmentSizewell-Crenewable-energyenergy-investmentJapan plans new nuclear reactor, first since 2011 Fukushima crisis
Japan is planning to resume nuclear reactor construction for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, signaling a significant policy shift toward nuclear energy. Kansai Electric Power Co. has announced plans to conduct surveys for a potential new reactor at its Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui prefecture. This move comes amid rising electricity demand driven by power-intensive technologies like artificial intelligence and data centers, and reflects Japan’s urgent need to secure stable, carbon-free energy sources. The company aims to explore replacing the aging No. 1 reactor currently being decommissioned, though no construction timeline has been set. The announcement has been positively received by the market, with shares of Kansai Electric and related companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries rising sharply. Mitsubishi’s SRZ-1200 reactor model is considered the leading candidate for the project. Japan currently operates 33 nuclear reactors, but fewer than half are active due to regulatory, safety, and public acceptance challenges following Fukushima. However, public opinion is shifting in favor of
energynuclear-powerJapan-energy-policyclean-energycarbon-free-electricitynuclear-reactorenergy-infrastructureFrance’s Increase in Nuclear & Hydropower in 2024 Led to More Electricity Exports - CleanTechnica
In 2024, France significantly increased its electricity exports by 48%, rising from 70 TWh in 2023 to 103 TWh, with the largest export growth to Belgium and Germany, as well as increased exports to Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and Italy. This surge was driven primarily by a rise in nuclear and hydropower generation, while wind and natural gas-fired generation declined. Overall electricity generation in France increased by 45 TWh, while domestic consumption remained stable, leading to a 50% reduction in gross electricity imports. Notably, Spain shifted from being a net electricity exporter to a net importer from France. Nuclear power remains France’s dominant electricity source, accounting for the largest share of total production in 2024. Nuclear generation rose from 320 TWh in 2023 to 361 TWh in 2024, despite no increase in installed capacity until a new reactor was added in December 2024. This increase was attributed to EDF addressing
energynuclear-powerhydropowerelectricity-exportsrenewable-energyFrance-energy-policypower-generationSizewell’s Exploding Budget Exposes Europe’s Nuclear Blindspot - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the dramatic cost escalation of the UK’s Sizewell C nuclear power project, whose budget has nearly doubled from £20 billion in 2020 to almost £38 billion today. This surge is framed not as an isolated incident but as symptomatic of broader, systemic issues within Europe’s nuclear power development efforts. Despite Europe’s ambitions to expand nuclear energy to meet climate goals, the article argues that governments and utilities have repeatedly underestimated the complexity and scale required for successful nuclear deployment. Drawing on historical evidence and expert analysis, the article outlines seven critical factors for successful nuclear programs: a strategic national priority with consistent government oversight; integration with military nuclear objectives; use of a single, fully proven standardized reactor design; deployment of large-scale gigawatt reactors; comprehensive government-supported training programs; rapid and sustained deployment over decades; and construction of numerous reactors to realize economies of scale. When applied to Europe’s European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) program, these criteria reveal significant shortcomings. European nuclear efforts lack consistent
energynuclear-powerEuropeenergy-policynuclear-reactorsclean-energyenergy-infrastructureWorld's largest construction crane lifts 245-ton dome onto UK reactor
London-based EDF Energy has successfully lifted a 245-ton dome onto the Unit 2 reactor building at Hinkley Point C, a new nuclear power plant in Somerset, UK. Using "Big Carl," the world’s largest construction crane, the 14-meter-tall dome—comprising 900 welds—was positioned atop the reactor structure, which stands 44 meters tall. Hinkley Point C, featuring twin reactors, is the first nuclear plant built in Britain in 30 years and aims to provide zero-carbon electricity to over six million homes. The project employs prefabrication techniques to accelerate construction, with an expected operational date in 2031, five years later than initially planned due to pandemic-related delays. The total cost to UK taxpayers is approximately £26 billion ($33 billion). "Big Carl," named after the founder of its manufacturing company, is a massive crane with 96 wheels, powered by 12 engines, capable of moving along 6 kilometers of track and lifting up
energynuclear-powerconstruction-craneHinkley-Point-Cclean-energyrenewable-energyinfrastructureUK powers on supercomputer that runs 21 quintillion operations/sec
The UK has officially powered on its most powerful publicly accessible AI supercomputer, Isambard-AI, located at the University of Bristol. Named after engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the £225 million system can perform 21 exaFLOPs (21 quintillion floating-point operations per second), making it a significant asset for British AI research. Although it ranks 11th globally in processing power, Isambard-AI is a major step for the UK, supporting public-sector projects aimed at addressing climate change, enhancing NHS services, and driving medical and technological innovation. The supercomputer operates primarily on nuclear-powered electricity and costs nearly £1 million monthly to run, with the government emphasizing its long-term benefits, including regional development through AI Growth Zones in Scotland and Wales. Isambard-AI is already enabling impactful research projects, such as developing AI models to predict human behavior in real time using wearable cameras, which could improve safety in high-risk environments like construction sites and crowd management during
energysupercomputerAInuclear-powerhigh-performance-computingUK-technologycomputational-powerOhio PUC Sets New Rules For Data Centers - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the rapid expansion of massive AI-focused data centers by tech giants like Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, who is investing hundreds of billions of dollars into new facilities such as the Prometheus and Hyperion data centers, expected to be operational by 2026. These centers are designed to support Meta’s growing AI and advertising operations, with capital expenditures projected to reach up to $72 billion by 2025 to keep pace with competitors like OpenAI and Google. Despite the enormous scale and cost, Zuckerberg and other tech leaders have not addressed who will bear the financial burden of the necessary power grid upgrades to support these energy-intensive facilities. In response to concerns about the financial risks posed to utility customers, the Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has implemented new rules requiring data center operators to commit to funding at least 85% of the grid upgrades they claim they will need, even if their projected energy demand does not materialize. This policy aims to prevent data centers from avoiding financial responsibility for
energydata-centersMetaAI-campuspower-gridcapital-expenditurenuclear-powerSam Altman’s next-gen nuclear plant picks builder, eyes 2027 debut
Oklo, a nuclear energy company backed by Sam Altman, has selected Kiewit Nuclear Solutions as the lead constructor for its first commercial Aurora nuclear power plant at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The 75-megawatt advanced microreactor project, named Aurora-INL, aims to begin pre-construction in 2025 with commercial operations targeted for late 2027 to early 2028. Oklo secured access to its preferred site at Idaho Falls earlier in 2025 and has completed key site characterization work, including borehole drilling and preparations for a potential commercial radioisotope production facility at INL. Kiewit was chosen through a competitive process for its technical capabilities and experience in large-scale industrial construction, which complements the largely non-nuclear components of the Aurora plant. Oklo’s CEO Jacob DeWitte emphasized that Kiewit’s expertise is critical for efficient project delivery, cost reduction, and maintaining safety and quality standards. The Aurora reactor features a modular design,
energynuclear-poweradvanced-reactorsclean-energymicroreactorenergy-infrastructureenergy-technologyHitachi's metaverse for nuclear plants to boost design efficiency
Hitachi has launched a "Metaverse Platform for Nuclear Power Plants" aimed at enhancing design efficiency, safety, and maintenance operations within nuclear facilities. The platform recreates nuclear plants in a virtual metaverse environment using high-precision point cloud and 3D CAD data, allowing authorized users to navigate intuitively between plant floors and resume visits from previous locations. It supports simultaneous multi-user access for real-time communication and decision-making among geographically dispersed stakeholders, integrating engineering tools such as centimeter-level measurement, virtual meetings, annotations, and asset information linking to assist with precise planning and execution. The platform addresses challenges in nuclear plant operations, such as restricted access to controlled zones during operation and limited on-site surveys due to regulatory constraints. These factors complicate coordination among electric utilities, contractors, and other stakeholders. Additionally, Japan’s nuclear industry has faced workforce challenges, including retirements of skilled personnel and reduced training opportunities following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Hitachi’s metaverse platform aims to mitigate these issues by facilitating
energynuclear-powermetaverseAI-technologydigital-twinplant-maintenancedata-driven-power-plantClinch River site set for first-ever US SMR as NRC begins review
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has become the first U.S. utility to apply for a construction permit for GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s (GEH) BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has accepted TVA’s application to build a 300 MWe BWRX-300 reactor at the Clinch River site in Tennessee, marking a significant milestone as the first utility-led SMR project in the country. The NRC aims to complete its review within 17 months, and TVA may begin preliminary site preparation as early as next year. The Clinch River site already holds an early site permit, confirming its suitability from safety, environmental, and emergency planning perspectives. The BWRX-300 design is a water-cooled, natural circulation SMR with passive safety features, based on the licensed ESBWR boiling water reactor, and is the only boiling water SMR under development in the U.S. Its modular
energysmall-modular-reactorsnuclear-energyTVABWRX-300nuclear-powerenergy-securityUS: Vistra’s 1,268 MW nuclear power plant gets 20-year life extension boost
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a 20-year license extension for Vistra’s 1,268 MW Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Ohio, allowing it to operate until 2046. Originally licensed for 40 years since its grid connection in 1986, the plant now has a total operating license of 60 years. This extension follows Vistra’s 2023 application and marks the final life extension approval for all six reactors in Vistra’s fleet, enabling continued emission-free electricity supply. Perry is one of the largest boiling water reactors (BWR) in the U.S., with a licensed thermal output of 3,758 MWt after an upgrade in 2020. Located on a 1,100-acre site on Lake Erie, Perry Nuclear Power Plant powers approximately one million homes daily. Although initially planned to have two reactor units, only one was built, with the second canceled in 1994. Vistra officials emphasized the importance of nuclear power
energynuclear-powerpower-plantVistralicense-extensionelectricity-generationclean-energyUS: 345 MW nuclear reactor to get fast-track construction permit
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is expediting its review of TerraPower’s construction license application for the Natrium advanced nuclear reactor project, aiming to complete the safety and environmental evaluation by the end of 2025—eight months earlier than the previously scheduled August 2026. This project, backed by Bill Gates, represents the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the United States and involves building a 345-megawatt sodium-cooled fast reactor with a patented molten salt-based energy storage system in Kemmerer, Wyoming, on a retiring coal plant site. The storage technology can boost output to 500 MW when needed, and the plant is expected to be operational by 2031. The accelerated timeline is attributed to frequent collaboration between the NRC and TerraPower, though it depends on TerraPower’s timely resolution of outstanding issues. TerraPower was the first to submit a construction permit application for a commercial advanced reactor in March 2024. The NRC has already shortened the review
energynuclear-poweradvanced-reactorTerraPowerNatrium-projectenergy-storagesodium-cooled-fast-reactorFinal GOP bill kneecaps renewables and hydrogen, but lifts nuclear and geothermal
The recently passed Republican reconciliation act, approved by a narrow 218-214 vote and awaiting President Donald Trump’s expected signature, significantly rolls back key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) related to clean energy incentives. The bill reduces or eliminates tax credits for solar, wind, and clean hydrogen projects, while preserving some benefits for nuclear, geothermal, and battery storage technologies through 2033. Solar and wind developers must now either connect projects to the grid by the end of 2027 or begin construction within 12 months of the bill’s passage to qualify for tax credits, tightening timelines compared to previous legislation. This shift is likely to impact sectors reliant on rapid deployment of renewable energy, such as data centers and climate tech startups, with green hydrogen companies facing particularly steep challenges as their tax credits are set to expire by 2027—five years earlier than under the IRA. While geothermal, nuclear, and battery storage incentives remain largely intact, new restrictions related to “foreign entities of concern” could
energyrenewable-energyclean-energynuclear-powergeothermal-energyhydrogen-fuelenergy-policyTrump-backed DOME facility clears path for microreactor testing
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has launched the world’s first nuclear microreactor test bed, known as the Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments (DOME), aimed at accelerating the commercialization of advanced portable nuclear reactors. Backed by President Trump’s administration, which seeks to expand U.S. nuclear capabilities and global leadership, the DOME facility will enable private companies to conduct fueled reactor experiments as early as spring 2026. The Department of Energy (DOE) has conditionally selected Westinghouse and Radiant to test their innovative microreactor designs at DOME, leveraging streamlined regulatory processes introduced through recent NEPA reforms and an executive order to reduce bureaucratic delays. DOME repurposes the historic EBR-II dome at INL and benefits from priority status under the Defense Production Act, allowing experiments generating up to 20 megawatts of thermal energy. Westinghouse will test its eVinci Nuclear Test Reactor, a compact, transportable unit producing 5 meg
energynuclear-powermicroreactorIdaho-National-LaboratoryDepartment-of-Energyadvanced-reactor-technologyenergy-innovationGoogle’s data center energy use doubled in four years
Google’s data center electricity consumption has more than doubled from 14.4 million megawatt-hours in 2020 to 30.8 million megawatt-hours in 2024, reflecting rapid growth over the past decade with a seven-fold increase since 2014. Data centers now account for 95.8% of Google’s total electricity use, underscoring the challenge of meeting the company’s commitment to power all operations with carbon-free energy. Despite significant efficiency improvements, with Google's power usage effectiveness (PUE) nearing the theoretical ideal of 1.0, further gains have slowed, necessitating increased electricity supply. To meet its carbon-free goals amid soaring demand, Google is investing heavily in diverse energy sources including geothermal, nuclear (both fusion and fission), and renewables. Geothermal energy offers consistent power generation, while Google has committed to purchasing electricity from future nuclear fusion and small modular reactor projects, though these will not come online for several years. In the near term
energydata-centerscarbon-free-energyrenewable-energygeothermal-powernuclear-powerenergy-efficiencyBeyond CATF's Biased Analysis: Why Firm Power Isn't The Full Answer - CleanTechnica
The article critiques a recent report by the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) that argues for moving beyond Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) as the sole metric for evaluating energy technologies, emphasizing the need to account for system-level integration costs of intermittent renewables like solar and wind. While the article agrees that LCOE is incomplete—ignoring costs related to storage, flexibility, transmission, and capacity value—it contends that CATF’s favored alternatives, such as nuclear power, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), and carbon capture-equipped fossil plants, are presented with significant bias. These technologies, often labeled as ideal firm power sources by CATF, also have substantial integration challenges and costs that the report downplays or ignores. Specifically, nuclear power’s inherent inflexibility requires continuous operation at steady output to remain economically viable, necessitating costly supplementary flexibility services like pumped hydro storage to manage grid variability. Similarly, EGS depends on stable thermal reservoirs and high capacity factors, but its
energyrenewable-energynuclear-powergeothermal-energyenergy-storagegrid-integrationenergy-economicsUS to launch world’s largest power project using nuclear, solar, gas
Fermi America, a Texas-based energy company co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary and Texas Governor Rick Perry, has announced plans to build the world’s largest energy and data campus, called the “Hypergrid,” near the DOE’s Pantex nuclear weapons plant in Amarillo, Texas. Covering 5,800 acres, the facility will integrate multiple energy sources—nuclear, natural gas, solar, and wind—to power 18 million square feet of AI data centers with up to 11 gigawatts of IT capacity, sufficient to supply electricity to over 8.2 million homes. The project is launched in partnership with the Texas Tech University System and aims to address the growing U.S. demand for AI infrastructure while enhancing national energy security. The Hypergrid project is positioned as a strategic response to global energy competition, particularly highlighting the U.S. lagging behind China in nuclear reactor development. The site’s proximity to the Pantex DOE facility and major natural gas fields underscores
energynuclear-powersolar-energynatural-gasAI-data-centersenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energyNew York to build first nuclear plant in decades to power factories
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to build the state’s first new nuclear power plant in nearly four decades, aiming to develop a zero-emission facility with at least 1 gigawatt (GW) capacity. The New York Power Authority (NYPA), in coordination with the Department of Public Service (DPS), will immediately begin evaluating technologies, business models, and potential sites for the plant, focusing on factors such as public safety, community support, infrastructure compatibility, skilled labor availability, and financing options. This initiative supports New York’s broader goals of electrifying its economy, retiring fossil fuel plants, and attracting manufacturing jobs, while ensuring a reliable, affordable, and clean energy grid. Currently, New York’s existing nuclear capacity of 3.4 GW—generated by three plants operated by Constellation on Lake Ontario—provides about 20% of the state’s electricity and 42% of its carbon-free power. The new plant would increase total nuclear capacity to approximately
energynuclear-powerclean-energypower-gridNew-Yorkzero-emissionenergy-policyNew York State wants more nuclear power in a big way
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans for the state to develop a large new nuclear power facility designed to generate at least 1 gigawatt of electricity. Emphasizing the importance of nuclear energy in reducing fossil fuel dependence, Hochul directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to spearhead the project, though specific site and design choices remain undecided. The state intends to collaborate with private partners for development, finance construction, and purchase the plant’s output. Potential locations include existing nuclear plants in upstate New York. This initiative aligns with a broader trend of tech companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon investing in nuclear power to secure clean energy for their operations. Despite renewed interest, the nuclear industry faces significant challenges, including the absence of new nuclear plant construction in the U.S. for over 15 years and historical issues with cost overruns and delays. Hochul highlighted the need for federal regulatory and permitting reforms to expedite project timelines, noting that current barriers reside primarily in Washington
energynuclear-powerrenewable-energypower-plantsclean-energyenergy-policysmall-modular-reactorsNvidia wants in on the nuclear renaissance, invests in Bill-Gates backed TerraPower
Nvidia has made its first energy sector investment through its venture arm, NVentures, by participating in a funding round for TerraPower, a nuclear startup backed by Bill Gates and HD Hyundai. TerraPower is developing its Natrium reactor, designed to generate 345 megawatts of electricity, which positions it between large conventional reactors and smaller modular reactors. Unlike traditional water-cooled reactors, Natrium uses molten sodium as a coolant and incorporates a significant amount of sodium to store heat when electricity demand is low. This stored heat can then be used to generate electricity during peak demand, enabling the reactor to operate steadily while helping to balance intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind. TerraPower initially pursued a different reactor design but shifted to the Natrium design due to uncertainties. The company claims it can complete a reactor within three years after starting concrete work, although substantial site preparation is still required. While the Natrium reactor is expected to be cheaper than recent U.S. nuclear projects, costs remain high
energynuclear-powerTerraPowerNatrium-reactormolten-sodiumsmall-modular-reactorsenergy-storageEuropean firms partner to build 200 MW modular nuclear power plant
European firms Newcleo and Nextchem have formed a joint venture, NextCleo, to develop nuclear power plants based on Newcleo’s 200 MW lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR-AS-200) modular technology. Newcleo will focus on developing the nuclear reactor itself, while Nextchem will provide expertise in designing and managing the conventional island and balance of plant components necessary to convert nuclear energy into dispatchable electric power. Nextcleo will also offer integration services to other small modular reactor (SMR) and advanced modular reactor (AMR) technology providers. This collaboration aims to support decarbonization efforts, particularly by enabling low-carbon chemical production aligned with Nextchem’s e-Factory model. Nextchem will hold a 60% stake in Nextcleo, retaining operational control, while Newcleo will own 40%. Additionally, Nextchem will acquire an initial minority stake in Newcleo, increasing upon development milestones. The partnership plans to have a non-nuclear precursor prototype ready by 2026
energynuclear-powermodular-reactorssmall-modular-reactorsadvanced-modular-reactorsdecarbonizationenergy-transitionRussia: Israel strike on Iran nuclear site risks another Chernobyl
Russia has issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of an Israeli strike on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, cautioning that such an attack could lead to a "Chernobyl-style" nuclear disaster. The Bushehr facility, Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant, was constructed by Russia and currently employs hundreds of Russian specialists. Moscow has expressed serious concerns about the plant’s safety amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, with Russian officials noting that some personnel have already been evacuated, though many remain. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Israel had assured Russia that Bushehr would not be targeted, but Russia’s nuclear agency Rosatom remains prepared to evacuate workers on short notice if necessary. The conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified with mutual missile and bomb attacks. Israel accused Iran of using cluster bombs—munitions that disperse smaller bomblets posing long-term risks to civilians—in a densely populated area, marking the first reported use of such weapons in this war. Iranian missile
energynuclear-powernuclear-safetynuclear-plantRosatommissile-strikeIran-Israel-conflictNew evidence suggests Israel’s nuclear power may be underestimated
New evidence indicates that Israel’s nuclear arsenal may be significantly larger than previously believed, potentially comprising 200 to 300 warheads—about three times the widely accepted estimate of around 90. This reassessment is based on new analyses of Israel’s plutonium stockpile, production capacity, and satellite imagery of the Dimona nuclear facility. Experts estimate that Israel has produced between 750 and 1,110 kilograms of separated plutonium since the late 1960s, sufficient for 187 to 277 nuclear weapons depending on design. Israel maintains a policy of “nuclear ambiguity,” neither confirming nor denying its nuclear capabilities, and has historically conducted preemptive strikes to prevent regional adversaries from acquiring nuclear weapons. Amid escalating tensions with Iran, including Israel’s recent Operation Rising Lion targeting Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks, Israel’s nuclear capabilities have become a critical factor in regional security. Israel is believed to possess a full nuclear triad—land-based ballistic missiles (
energynuclear-powernuclear-weaponsnuclear-arsenalnuclear-proliferationnuclear-energynuclear-strategyGerman nuclear plant removes 1,200-ton generators without disassembly
The Unterweser nuclear power plant in Germany has successfully removed four massive steam generators, each weighing approximately 300 tons and standing 20 meters tall, using an innovative heavy lift system without disassembly. Operated by PreussenElektra, the plant was notable for holding world records in power generation before its shutdown in 2011 as part of Germany’s nuclear phase-out. The steam generators were lifted out with precision and high safety standards using Mammoet’s DHS-500 handling system, which allowed for efficient removal by combining with existing cranes and hydraulic skidding, avoiding more time-consuming transport methods. Following removal, the steam generators are scheduled to be shipped to Cyclife in Sweden in July for on-site dismantling and subsequent melting. PreussenElektra is also managing the decommissioning of several other German nuclear plants and has contracted Cyclife for dismantling 16 steam generators across multiple sites. The successful use of the DHS-500 system at Unterweser, building on prior experience
energynuclear-powersteam-generatorspower-plant-decommissioningheavy-lifting-technologyMammoet-DHS-500electricity-generationAmazon joins the big nuclear party, buying 1.92 GW for AWS
Amazon has joined a growing trend among major tech companies by securing 1.92 gigawatts of electricity from Talen Energy’s Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania to power its AWS cloud and AI servers. Unlike an earlier plan where Amazon intended to build a data center adjacent to the plant and draw power directly—bypassing the grid and transmission fees—regulatory concerns led to a revised agreement. The current deal positions Amazon as a grid-connected customer, paying transmission fees like other users, with the arrangement set to last through 2042. Transmission infrastructure upgrades are planned for spring 2026 to support this setup. Beyond the power purchase, Amazon and Talen Energy plan to explore building small modular reactors (SMRs) within Talen’s Pennsylvania footprint and expanding output at existing nuclear plants. Such expansions typically involve optimizing fuel enrichment, turbine upgrades, or other modifications to increase power generation. This move aligns Amazon with peers like Microsoft and Meta, who have also made significant investments in nuclear
energynuclear-powerAWScloud-computingsmall-modular-reactorsclean-energypower-purchase-agreementRussian firm advances Gen-V nuclear fuel loading for closed fuel cycle
Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has initiated the pilot operation of fifth-generation (Gen-V) nuclear fuel assemblies, designated TVS-5, by loading them into the VVER-1200 reactor core at the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Manufactured by the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant, these fuel bundles are designed for fully automated fabrication, enabling industrial-scale production critical for advancing a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The pilot phase will span three 18-month fuel cycles, using a regular enriched uranium dioxide fuel matrix under strict regulatory oversight by Rostechnadzor. This development marks a significant milestone in Russia’s strategic shift toward a dual-component nuclear power system that integrates thermal and fast neutron reactors with a closed fuel cycle. The closed cycle aims to reuse spent nuclear fuel by reprocessing uranium and plutonium, thereby improving resource efficiency and sustainability in nuclear power generation. Rosatom emphasizes that the TVS-5 fuel design and its automated manufacturing process are essential steps toward enabling the
energynuclear-fuelnuclear-powerautomated-fabricationclosed-fuel-cycleVVER-1200RosatomRolls-Royce to power 3 million UK homes with 1.5 GW nuclear reactors
Rolls-Royce has been selected by the UK government and the state-owned Great British Energy – Nuclear as the preferred bidder to develop the country’s first fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The project aims to generate 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, enough to power approximately 3 million homes. Unlike traditional nuclear plants built entirely on-site, these SMRs will be factory-manufactured in modules and then assembled at the final location, a method intended to reduce construction costs, complexity, and delays. Each Rolls-Royce SMR will produce 470 megawatts, with the technology expected to begin generating power by 2032 at the earliest. This initiative is part of a broader UK nuclear strategy that includes a £14.2 billion investment in the large Sizewell C power station and a £2.5 billion commitment to the SMR program during the current Spending Review period. The government highlights that SMRs are smaller, quicker to build,
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsRolls-Royceclean-energyUK-energy-strategypower-generationAmazon announces $20B nuclear-powered data center expansion in US
Amazon has announced a historic $20 billion investment to build two large data center complexes in Pennsylvania, marking the largest private sector investment in the state’s history. One complex is under construction near Philadelphia, while the other is planned adjacent to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in northeastern Pennsylvania. Amazon intends to power the latter data center directly from the nuclear plant, a move that has drawn federal scrutiny and is currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This direct power connection could provide Amazon with up to 960 megawatts—about 40% of the plant’s output—enough electricity to power over half a million homes, potentially at a premium price. The Pennsylvania governor, Josh Shapiro, emphasized that this investment aims to revitalize local communities and reverse the trend of young workers leaving the state for better opportunities. Amazon’s acquisition of the nearby data center and land from Talen Energy for $650 million last year enables the company to expand significantly on that site. This expansion is part of Amazon’s broader strategy, which has seen about $10 billion pledged in 2024 alone for data centers across several states, driven by the growing energy demands of AI technologies. However, the direct power deal raises concerns about grid fairness and energy access, as it may limit availability for others and bypass grid improvement fees, prompting ongoing regulatory review.
energynuclear-powerdata-centersAmazonenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energypower-gridUS firm plans 10 GW power from small reactors at retired nuclear site
Florida-based Holtec International, in partnership with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, plans to deploy advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) at the retired Palisades nuclear plant site in Michigan by 2030. The project, part of Holtec’s “Mission 2030” program, aims to build America’s first SMR-300 units—each a 300 MW advanced, passively safe, pressurized light water reactor—co-located with the existing 800 MW Palisades plant, which is currently being restarted after its 2022 shutdown. Holtec intends to build a 10-gigawatt fleet of SMR-300s across North America during the 2030s, leveraging the cost advantages of deploying SMRs at existing nuclear sites. Holtec is also exploring additional SMR deployments, including up to four units at the Oyster Creek site in New Jersey, where a 625 MW boiling water reactor is slated for decommissioning by 2029. The company sees significant growth potential for SMRs in the Mountain West region, particularly in Utah and Wyoming, supported by ongoing testing at Idaho National Laboratory and recent pro-nuclear legislation in Utah. Holtec’s SMR-300 design emphasizes passive safety features, such as gravity-driven safety systems, earning it a “walk-away safe” designation, and positions the company to compete globally against state-backed reactor vendors by offering comprehensive lifecycle services from construction to decommissioning. The Palisades SMR-300 project is intended to serve as a global benchmark for next-generation nuclear technology deployment, advancing U.S. leadership in clean energy innovation and unlocking worldwide opportunities for SMR adoption. Holtec highlights the project’s role in providing clean, reliable energy capable of powering hundreds of thousands of homes while maintaining high safety and operational standards.
energysmall-modular-reactorsnuclear-powerSMR-300clean-energypower-plantHoltec-InternationalUS' largest SMR simulator to advance nuclear science for clean energy
clean-energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsenergy-innovationVirginia-energyrenewable-energynuclear-engineeringMeta strikes 20-year nuclear power deal to fuel AI and save Illinois reactor
energynuclear-powerclean-energyAIdata-centerselectricity-demandrenewable-energyMeta buys a nuclear power plant (more or less)
energynuclear-powercarbon-accountingclimate-impactdata-centersrenewable-energytech-companiesInvestment Risk for Energy Infrastructure Construction Is Highest for Nuclear Power Plants, Lowest for Solar - CleanTechnica
energyconstruction-costsrenewable-energynuclear-powersolar-energyhydrogen-economyinfrastructure-projectsTrump signs executive orders to revive US’ nuclear power leadership
energynuclear-powerreactor-technologyAI-data-centersuranium-miningregulatory-reformrenewable-energyA Perfect Storm For Energy Is Coming To The US
energyclean-powernuclear-poweroil-and-gascoalrenewable-energyenergy-transitionThe Nuclear Company raises $51M to develop massive reactor sites
energynuclear-powerreactorselectricitydata-centerspower-generationrenewable-energyThe Nuclear Company raises $46M to develop massive reactor sites
energynuclear-powerreactorselectricitydata-centerspower-generationrenewable-energyGoogle inks deal to develop 1.8 GW of advanced nuclear power
energynuclear-poweradvanced-reactorsdata-centersrenewable-energysmall-modular-reactorspower-generationConnecticut Struggles To Reconcile The High Cost Of Electricity With A Push For Renewables
energyrenewable-energyelectricity-ratessolar-incentivesnuclear-powerenergy-legislationConnecticutFinland Could Be the First Country in the World to Bury Nuclear Waste Permanently
nuclear-wasteFinlandpermanent-disposalnuclear-powerspent-fuelenergy-policyenvironmental-sustainability