Articles tagged with "nuclear-reactors"
Nuclear reactors may soon power offshore construction vessels
The NuProShip II research project, led by VARD (a Fincantieri Group subsidiary), has demonstrated the technical feasibility of integrating small fourth-generation nuclear reactors into offshore dynamic positioning (DP) construction vessels. The project developed a concept design based on an existing vessel, incorporating a helium gas-cooled nuclear reactor as the primary power source. This design meets stringent safety and redundancy standards required for DP2 and potentially DP3 power architectures, promising enhanced operational safety, reliability, and emissions-free power for extended offshore operations without the need for refueling. The study also explored advanced energy storage options like supercritical CO2 turbines and thermal batteries to complement nuclear power. In addition to technical validation, NuProShip II addressed radiological safety, containment, and risk management to meet civilian nuclear regulations, emphasizing transparency and public acceptance. The initiative, funded by the Research Council of Norway, reflects the country's commitment to sustainable maritime innovation and will conclude in 2026. Post-completion, research will continue under the
energynuclear-poweroffshore-vesselsmaritime-innovationclean-energynuclear-reactorssustainable-shippingUS approves large-scale nuclear digital safety upgrade for reactors
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a pioneering large-scale digital safety upgrade for the Limerick Clean Energy Center, marking the first authorization of a comprehensive digital retrofit at an operating nuclear plant. This upgrade replaces multiple legacy analog safety systems with a single advanced digital plant protection system for Limerick’s Units 1 and 2. The modernization is expected to improve the plant’s reliability, diagnostic capabilities, and cybersecurity, setting a regulatory precedent that could enable similar upgrades across the US nuclear fleet. The project aligns with Pennsylvania’s goals to expand carbon-free energy, as Limerick currently generates 2,317 megawatts—enough to power 1.7 million homes—and supports growing regional energy demands. The installation will occur in phases during scheduled refueling outages, providing a significant economic boost to Montgomery County through increased demand for local services and skilled labor. Supported by the US Department of Energy’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program, the upgrade is seen as vital to national energy security
energynuclear-energydigital-modernizationplant-safety-systemsenergy-infrastructureclean-energynuclear-reactorsRussian ship with nuclear reactor for North Korea torpedoed in 2024
In December 2024, the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in international waters near Cartagena, Spain, after sustaining hull damage consistent with an external attack, likely from a supercavitating torpedo. The vessel, part of Russia’s “ghost fleet,” was secretly transporting undeclared nuclear reactor components—specifically casings for two VM-4SG nuclear reactors—believed to be destined for North Korea’s port city of Rason. Spanish authorities uncovered discrepancies between the declared cargo and the actual contents, noting the presence of heavy cranes aboard the ship, which would facilitate offloading at Rason, a port connected to Russia by rail but with limited handling capacity. The ship’s unusual route from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok via the Mediterranean further raised suspicions, as overland transport of such heavy equipment would have been impractical. Spanish investigators recorded underwater shockwaves consistent with an external explosion and found a 50 by 50 cm hole in the ship’s starboard hull with
energynuclear-reactorsmaritime-transportinternational-sanctionsNorth-KoreaRussianuclear-materialsUSS Nimitz reactors may fuel AI data centers after retirement
The USS Nimitz, the U.S. Navy’s oldest active nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has recently completed its final deployment and entered a lengthy decommissioning process. Central to this process is the challenge of dismantling its two nuclear reactors, which provided the ship with near-unlimited endurance at sea. The decommissioning is complex, costly—expected to exceed $1 billion—and will unfold over multiple phases spanning potentially decades. Preparations are already underway, with Huntington Ingalls Industries awarded a contract to begin inactivation and defueling of the reactors. In light of the Nimitz’s retirement, a novel proposal has emerged to repurpose retired naval nuclear reactors to power artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Texas-based HGP Intelligent Energy LLC suggests using these reactors to supply 450 to 520 megawatts of electricity for AI workloads, potentially at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This approach could be more cost-effective than building new civilian nuclear plants, leveraging existing naval reactor technology, supply chains,
energynuclear-reactorsAI-data-centersUSS-Nimitzenergy-recyclingnuclear-powerdecommissioningUS ramps up nanofluids research for molten salt nuclear reactors
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a grant to Solidion Technology Inc., a Dallas-based battery technology company, to scale up production of carbon nanospheres used as anti-corrosive additives in molten salt heat transfer fluids for advanced nuclear reactors. This project, conducted in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, focuses on developing nanofluids—colloidal suspensions of hollow carbon nanoparticles in molten salts—to enhance heat transfer efficiency and reduce corrosion in molten salt reactors (MSRs) and small modular reactors (SMRs). By addressing these challenges, the technology aims to improve reactor safety, lower operational costs, and accelerate commercialization of cleaner nuclear energy systems. Solidion, traditionally focused on advanced battery materials, is expanding into nuclear energy research with this grant, marking its second recent DOE award following funding from ARPA-E for biomass-derived graphite production. The company holds over 525 patents related to energy storage technologies and plans to leverage this new funding to contribute to US efforts in advancing low-carbon
energynuclear-reactorsmolten-salt-reactorsnanofluidscorrosion-resistancethermal-performanceadvanced-materialsWhy refueling a nuclear submarine can take more than three years
Refueling a nuclear submarine is an exceptionally complex and time-consuming process that can take up to three years or more. Unlike conventional refueling, nuclear submarine refueling involves removing the vessel from water, powering it down, and accessing the reactor core, which is deeply embedded within the submarine’s hull and shielded for radiation protection. This requires dismantling major components, including shielding, panels, cables, and bolts, all meticulously logged and inspected by a specialized team of experts in radiation safety, nuclear engineering, and naval architecture. The intricate nature of this operation, combined with the need for a radiation-shielded facility, contributes to its high cost and lengthy duration. The actual refueling involves replacing the highly enriched uranium fuel in the reactor core, but this is not the primary reason submarines resurface, as a small amount of fuel can power them for decades. Instead, refueling periods are often used to perform extensive overhauls and upgrades to the submarine’s systems to keep pace with evolving military technologies
energynuclear-energysubmarine-technologynuclear-reactorsnaval-engineeringnuclear-propulsionreactor-refuelingFukushima nuclear wastewater discharge exceeds 130,000 tons in Japan
Japan has completed its 17th discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, releasing a total of approximately 133,000 tons of treated wastewater into the ocean since August 2023. The water, contaminated primarily with radioactive tritium, is stored on-site and released in controlled rounds despite international concerns. TEPCO, the plant operator, plans seven more discharges totaling about 54,600 tons in fiscal 2025. The Fukushima plant, severely damaged by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, still contains about 880 tons of molten nuclear fuel debris inside its reactors, with cleanup efforts expected to take 12 to 15 years. In parallel with managing Fukushima’s aftermath, Japan is moving to revive its nuclear energy program. The Niigata prefecture recently approved restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world’s largest, which had been shut down after the 2011 disaster. TEPCO aims to react
energynuclear-energyFukushimaradioactive-wastewaterTEPCOnuclear-reactorsnuclear-cleanup-roboticsJapan approves restart of world’s largest nuclear plant after 15 years
Japan has approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Niigata, marking a significant step in reviving the country’s nuclear energy program nearly 15 years after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), the plant is the world’s largest nuclear facility and was among the 54 reactors shut down following the Fukushima incident. TEPCO plans to reactivate the first of seven reactors on January 20, which could boost Tokyo’s electricity supply by 2%. This restart is notable as it is the first for a TEPCO-operated facility since the disaster, reflecting the government’s push to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhance energy security. Despite the government and local authorities’ support, including Governor Hideyo Hanazumi and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, public opposition remains strong. Around 300 protesters voiced concerns about nuclear safety, recalling the Fukushima tragedy, and surveys indicate that a majority of Ni
energynuclear-powerJapanTEPCOelectricity-supplyenergy-securitynuclear-reactorsNuclear reactors to get a boost from US tech that also reduces waste
Researchers at the University of Mississippi, led by Associate Professor Samrat Choudhury, have developed a novel approach to improve nuclear reactor fuel by embedding metallic fission fuel with uranium nitride nanoparticles. This innovation aims to enhance the lifetime and safety of nuclear fission reactors by trapping fission products within the fuel matrix, thereby preventing damage to the reactor’s cladding—a protective layer that degrades over time due to contact with swollen metallic fuel. By capturing fission gases and byproducts, the nanoparticle-enhanced fuel can remain in the reactor longer, increasing fuel burnup and efficiency while reducing the generation of radioactive waste. Nuclear fission, despite its ability to produce large amounts of carbon-free energy on a small land footprint compared to renewables, faces adoption challenges largely due to concerns about radioactive waste. The new technology could slow the accumulation of spent fuel and extend reactor lifetimes, making nuclear energy more attractive and sustainable. However, the researchers must still validate their nanoparticle-laced fuel under
energynuclear-energynuclear-reactorsradioactive-waste-reductionuranium-nitride-nanoparticlesfuel-efficiencyclean-energy-technologyChina adds new reactor to world’s most deployed nuclear fleet
China General Nuclear (CGN) has commenced full-scale civil construction for Unit 6 of the Ningde nuclear power plant in Fujian province, marked by the pouring of the first concrete for the nuclear island on December 16, 2025. This follows the earlier start of construction on Unit 5 in July 2024, with Unit 5 expected to begin commercial operation in 2029 and Unit 6 in 2030. The Ningde site, already hosting four operational CPR-1000 reactors, is now expanding with two new units employing the advanced Hualong One (HPR1000) third-generation pressurized water reactor design. Each Hualong One unit is capable of generating over 10 billion kilowatt-hours annually, sufficient to power about one million people, and incorporates enhanced safety features informed by lessons from past nuclear incidents like Fukushima. The Hualong One technology has seen broad global deployment, with around 41 units in operation and a strong safety record, including
energynuclear-powerHualong-Onenuclear-reactorsclean-energycarbon-emission-reductionpower-generationFrontier supercomputer powers first nuclear-specific AI for reactors
The article discusses the development of the first nuclear-specific artificial intelligence (AI) models powered by the Frontier supercomputer, the world’s second-fastest and first exascale machine, located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Developed by tech startup Atomic Canyon, the Neutron platform leverages Frontier’s immense computational power to train AI capable of accurately searching and interpreting complex nuclear industry documents, including regulations, maintenance logs, and engineering records. This innovation aims to drastically reduce the time, labor, and resources traditionally spent on navigating vast nuclear documentation, which can consume tens of thousands of staff hours annually at plants like California’s Diablo Canyon. The initiative originated from the challenges faced by Diablo Canyon, California’s only operational nuclear plant, which had to extend its license to 2030 and manage a massive regulatory application under tight deadlines. Existing commercial AI tools lacked the precision needed to handle nuclear-specific jargon and abbreviations, prompting Atomic Canyon to build a dedicated AI model from scratch. Using 20,000 GPU hours on Frontier
energyartificial-intelligencenuclear-powersupercomputerAI-modelsenergy-industrynuclear-reactorsNew super steel could protect nuclear reactors from lead corrosion
A breakthrough study by researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology has revealed the rapid and severe corrosion mechanism of AISI 316L stainless steel when exposed to liquid lead at high temperatures (up to 800°C or 1472°F). Contrary to previous assumptions that a protective iron oxide layer forms, the study found that an ultra-thin liquid lead film—only one micron thick—triggers nickel leaching from the steel. This nickel dissolves into the lead, leaving behind a weak, porous ferritic structure prone to being eroded by flowing lead coolant, resulting in metal loss measured in millimeters per year rather than microns. Because this corrosion process fundamentally attacks the steel’s composition, simply modifying the alloy is unlikely to prevent degradation. Instead, the researchers propose a layered composite solution using alumina-forming ferritic steels (FeCrAl), which develop a self-healing alumina (Al2O3) film that resists lead corrosion even at extreme temperatures. When combined with conventional
materialsstainless-steelcorrosion-resistancenuclear-reactorssuper-steelhigh-temperature-materialsmetal-corrosionUK's 10,200-ton nuclear submarines to get Rolls-Royce reactors
Rolls-Royce Submarines has entered a £400 million long-term partnership with engineering firms Assystem, AtkinsRéalis, and Frazer-Nash to support the UK’s expanding nuclear-powered submarine programs under the AUKUS trilateral security pact with Australia and the United States. This Capability Assured Strategic Partnership (CASP) aims to strengthen the industrial base behind the Royal Navy’s future fleet and the wider Defense Nuclear Enterprise amid rising demand. The collaboration builds on over 20 years of cooperation and focuses on delivering next-generation nuclear propulsion systems, including the enhanced PWR3+ pressurized water reactor and single pumpjet propulsion for the upcoming SSN-AUKUS class submarines. The SSN-AUKUS program, confirmed in the UK Strategic Defence Review of June 2025, plans to replace the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines with up to 12 new vessels beginning in the late 2030s, alongside at least eight submarines for the Royal Australian Navy in
energynuclear-reactorssubmarine-propulsionRolls-Roycedefense-technologyindustrial-partnershipAUKUS-submarinesWorld's largest private energy grid opts for hybrid cooling system
Fermi America has partnered with Hungarian power-cooling specialist MVM EGI to develop advanced hybrid cooling systems for its planned 11 GW energy campus and data center in Amarillo, Texas. The collaboration, formalized through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 1, will focus initially on engineering and feasibility studies for indirect hybrid cooling towers designed to support up to 6 GW of natural gas generation and four AP1000 nuclear reactors. These 450-foot towers will employ a hybrid dry-wet cooling approach that combines air cooling with closed-loop water circulation to significantly reduce evaporative water loss, with additional plans to explore recycled water and solar-covered retention ponds to enhance water conservation. Project Matador, situated on Texas Tech University land, aims to become one of the world’s largest data center campuses, spanning 18 million square feet and integrating multiple energy sources including natural gas, solar, wind, and nuclear power. The project has secured key energy agreements, such as a pipeline connection with Energy
energyhybrid-cooling-systemwater-conservationpower-generationdata-center-energynatural-gasnuclear-reactorsUS nuclear reactor construction to become faster, cheaper with Google-Westinghouse team-up
Westinghouse and Google Cloud have partnered to deploy a custom AI platform aimed at optimizing and accelerating the construction of nuclear reactors in the US. This collaboration leverages specialized AI models and integrates Westinghouse’s extensive proprietary nuclear data, including its “Hive” infrastructure and “Bertha” generative AI assistant, with Google’s predictive tools and Westinghouse’s 3D digital twin system, WNEXUS. The platform predicts bottlenecks, optimizes task sequencing, dynamically adjusts staffing, and accounts for supply chain constraints, addressing the historical delays and high costs—where construction accounts for 60% of a reactor’s total price—associated with nuclear reactor development. This technological advancement supports Westinghouse’s strategic goal to have 10 AP1000 reactors under construction by 2030, which would generate enough clean, reliable power to electrify about 7.5 million households, roughly the combined population of the five largest US cities plus several data centers. The initiative is critical as the
energynuclear-energyAI-optimizationGoogle-CloudWestinghousenuclear-reactorsclean-energyHow Navy nuclear veterans maintain reactor safety that powers US energy innovation
US Navy nuclear veterans have transitioned from operating submarine reactors to managing the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), one of the world’s most advanced neutron sources. HFIR, operated by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science in Tennessee, plays a critical role in producing isotopes for medical and industrial applications. The facility recently reached a milestone by being entirely staffed by graduates of the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program, whose rigorous training and operational experience in naval reactors equip them to ensure HFIR’s safe and efficient operation. Candidates entering HFIR undergo a demanding multi-year training pipeline in the Navy, including academic coursework equivalent to two years of undergraduate STEM education and hands-on reactor operation. Many serve several years on naval vessels before transitioning to civilian roles at ORNL. The veterans bring not only technical expertise but also values of integrity, trust, and judgment essential for nuclear safety. While some face challenges due to lacking formal degrees, ORNL supports their advancement through education
energynuclear-reactorsUS-Navy-veteransHigh-Flux-Isotope-ReactorOak-Ridge-National-Laboratoryisotope-productionreactor-safetyMIT study could unlock next-gen cooling for nuclear cores, spacecraft
MIT doctoral candidate Marco Graffiedi is researching advanced cooling techniques that could revolutionize thermal management in next-generation nuclear reactors and spacecraft. His work focuses on enhancing the quenching process—a highly efficient heat transfer method—by accelerating the collapse of the insulating vapor film known as the Leidenfrost effect during cryogenic cooling. This advancement aims to enable faster and more efficient in-orbit refueling, addressing a critical challenge faced by NASA and SpaceX, particularly in preventing cryogenic fuel boiloff that leads to fuel loss and tank overpressurization during space missions. Beyond space applications, Graffiedi’s research also explores immersion cooling for data centers using dielectric fluids, which currently have lower critical heat flux (CHF) than water. He demonstrated that applying high electric fields can increase CHF and enable gravity-independent boiling, which is crucial for cooling in electric vehicles and high-performance computing environments. Efficient cooling solutions are increasingly important due to rising energy demands driven by AI and data processing, with some proposing orbital data
energynuclear-reactorsspacecraft-coolingcryogenic-fuelthermal-managementin-orbit-refuelingdata-center-coolingNew microsensors for nuclear reactors can endure 1,832°F, radiation
Researchers at the University of Maine have developed innovative microelectronic sensors capable of withstanding extreme conditions inside advanced nuclear reactors, including temperatures up to 1,832°F (1,000°C) and intense nuclear radiation. These sensors represent a significant advancement over existing commercial sensors, which cannot operate reliably at such high temperatures. The new microchips can measure critical reactor parameters like power output and neutron flux in real time, enabling faster issue detection and reducing maintenance costs for nuclear power plants, which supply about 20% of the U.S. energy. After two years of development and extensive testing, including a successful week-long trial at Ohio State University’s Nuclear Research Laboratory, the sensors demonstrated stable performance under simultaneous high heat and radiation exposure. The research team plans to enhance the technology further by incorporating wireless connectivity powered solely by interrogation signals, eliminating the need for batteries. This breakthrough aims to overcome current technological barriers in monitoring advanced reactors, such as microreactors, and positions the University of Maine as a leader in
energynuclear-reactorsmicrochipssensorshigh-temperature-electronicsradiation-resistant-materialspower-plant-monitoringWeapons-grade plutonium could be turned into nuclear fuel in US
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced plans to repurpose weapon-grade plutonium from Cold War-era stockpiles into nuclear reactor fuel, aiming to reduce reliance on uranium imports, particularly from Russia. The DOE will allow American nuclear companies to request up to 19 metric tons of this plutonium, primarily plutonium-239, which is both a key material in nuclear weapons and a principal fuel in fast neutron reactors. This initiative is expected to bolster the domestic nuclear industry and support the development of advanced nuclear reactors that can meet growing clean energy demands. The DOE intends to select the first group of companies eligible to access the plutonium by the end of December 2025, with potential additional awards thereafter. Being chosen could expedite Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing for these companies. Notably, firms such as Oklo and Newcleo are anticipated to apply for access to the stockpile, with recent collaborations aimed at establishing advanced fuel fabrication infrastructure in the U.S. This move represents a significant step
energynuclear-energynuclear-fuelplutoniumDepartment-of-Energynuclear-reactorsclean-energyManhattan Project site to host world’s first nuclear reactor factory
Radiant, a California-based nuclear startup, plans to build the world’s first factory for mass-producing portable nuclear generators on historic Manhattan Project land in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The factory, named R-50, will be located on portions of the former K-27 and K-29 sites, part of the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant used during World War II for uranium enrichment. Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with the goal of delivering the first Kaleidos nuclear generators by 2028 and scaling production to 50 reactors annually in subsequent years. Radiant’s CEO, Doug Bernauer, emphasized the symbolic significance of transforming the original Manhattan Project site into a hub for next-generation nuclear technology. The Kaleidos microreactor, Radiant’s flagship product, is a 1-megawatt failsafe nuclear microreactor designed for reliable, portable power without frequent refueling. It targets diverse applications including remote communities, critical infrastructure, military operations, and data
energynuclear-energyportable-nuclear-generatorsManhattan-ProjectOak-Ridgenuclear-reactorsclean-energy-innovationNuclear reactor fears eased as US lab clears graphite of safety risk
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have resolved a decades-old debate regarding the impact of microscopic pores in graphite used in nuclear reactors. Their study, published in the journal Carbon, confirms that the natural porosity within graphite blocks does not affect the material’s atomic vibrations or its fundamental neutron moderation properties. This finding is significant because graphite has been a key component in nuclear reactors since the first reactor in 1942, valued for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and slow down neutrons to sustain controlled nuclear chain reactions. The research provides greater confidence in the safety and design of current and next-generation reactors, including very high-temperature reactors (VHTRs) and molten salt reactors. The study addressed a critical flaw in previous models that treated graphite porosity by randomly removing atoms, which artificially distorted the material’s vibrational properties and led to overestimations in reactor criticality calculations. Using advanced neutron scattering experiments combined with machine-learned atomic potentials, the ORNL team demonstrated that the increased neutron
energynuclear-reactorsgraphitematerials-scienceneutron-scatteringreactor-safetyhigh-temperature-reactorsArgonne studies 3D-printed steels for next-gen nuclear reactors
Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have conducted studies on 3D-printed stainless steels to support the development of next-generation nuclear reactor components. Using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), an additive manufacturing technique, they produced samples of two key alloys: 316H, a conventional stainless steel used in reactors, and Alloy 709 (A709), a newer alloy designed for advanced nuclear applications. The LPBF process creates unique microstructural features due to rapid heating and cooling, including numerous dislocations that can both strengthen the steel and increase its susceptibility to fracture. Heat treatments are applied to relieve stress by allowing atomic rearrangement, but some dislocations may be retained to enhance performance. The studies revealed significant differences between 3D-printed and conventionally wrought steels, particularly in how the printed materials respond to heat treatments. For 316H, experiments using advanced microscopy and in situ X-ray diffraction showed that nano oxides—common defects in 3D-printed
materials3D-printingadditive-manufacturingstainless-steelnuclear-reactorsheat-treatmentlaser-powder-bed-fusionEurope bets on lead-cooled nuclear reactors to decarbonize sea vessels
A Swiss technology company, ABB, and Swedish nuclear firm Blykalla have expanded their partnership to accelerate the deployment of small modular lead-cooled nuclear reactors (SMRs) for large maritime vessels, aiming to decarbonize the shipping industry responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Their collaboration focuses on integrating Blykalla’s Generation IV Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER)—a 55 MWe passively safe, lead-cooled SMR originally designed for remote Arctic applications—into commercial deep-sea ships. The SEALER reactor’s design emphasizes inherent safety, high thermal efficiency, and minimal operator oversight, making it well-suited for maritime propulsion. ABB will leverage its expertise in system integration, automation, and power distribution to adapt the SMR technology for shipboard use, ensuring seamless integration with onboard power grids, control systems, and propulsion architectures. The partnership includes plans for feasibility studies, regulatory engagement, and classification society collaboration to prepare for deployment. This initiative aligns
energynuclear-reactorssmall-modular-reactorsmaritime-energyclean-energydecarbonizationshipping-industryNuclearn 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-reactorsReal-time 3D imaging shows nuclear materials corroding under stress
MIT researchers have developed a novel real-time 3D imaging technique that uses focused high-intensity X-rays combined with a silicon dioxide buffer layer to observe nanoscale corrosion and strain in nuclear reactor alloys, specifically nickel-based metals. This method overcomes previous challenges by stabilizing samples and allowing phase retrieval algorithms to capture the dynamic failure processes inside materials under conditions simulating those in nuclear reactors. By watching corrosion and cracking as they happen, scientists can better understand material degradation, which could lead to designing safer, longer-lasting nuclear reactors. An unexpected outcome of the research was the ability to tune strain within crystals using X-rays, a finding with potential applications beyond nuclear engineering, including microelectronics manufacturing where strain engineering improves device performance. The team plans to extend this technique to study more complex alloys relevant to nuclear and aerospace industries and investigate how varying buffer thickness affects strain control. Experts highlight the significance of this work for advancing knowledge on nanoscale material behavior under radiation and the importance of substrate effects in strain relaxation.
materialsnuclear-materialscorrosion3D-imagingX-ray-imagingnuclear-reactorsmaterial-scienceAmazon to deploy X-energy's nuclear reactors to power AI data centers
Amazon has partnered with X-energy, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP), and Doosan Enerbility to develop advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) in the U.S. to power AI data centers. The collaboration focuses on deploying X-energy’s Xe-100 SMRs, which use TRISO-X fuel, known for its high safety standards. This initiative addresses the rapidly growing energy demands of data centers, projected to consume between 214 TWh and 675 TWh annually by 2030—up to 2.6 times the 2023 levels. SMRs offer a reliable, low-emission, and grid-independent power source that can be sited near data centers, reducing transmission losses and enabling efficient energy management. Amazon’s plan includes a 5 GW SMR roadmap featuring 12 Xe-100 units at the Energy Northwest site, with additional reactors planned for Seadrift, Texas, pending regulatory approval. Each partner contributes unique strengths: X-energy provides advanced reactor technology,
energynuclear-reactorssmall-modular-reactorsdata-centersAI-power-demandcarbon-free-energyAmazon-AWSLiDAR scans decommissioned nuclear reactors at Hanford for safety
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management at the Hanford Site has employed Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to conduct detailed inspections of six cocooned, decommissioned nuclear reactors. Unlike previous annual drone inspections that focused on the exterior of the storage enclosures, this new approach uses LiDAR to create precise 3D models of the reactors’ interior structures. This advancement allows engineers and safety specialists to better assess the condition of the enclosures, identify potential issues, and enhance long-term safety and risk reduction measures. The inspections are part of ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of these structures as Hanford continues its decades-long cleanup mission. Hanford Site, established in 1943 for plutonium production during the Manhattan Project, played a critical role in the U.S. nuclear weapons program until its last reactor shut down in 1987. Since then, the site has focused on environmental remediation, including soil and groundwater treatment and waste management. The introduction of
energyLiDARnuclear-reactorssafety-inspection3D-imagingenvironmental-managementinfrastructure-monitoringMIT study could help predict graphite lifespan in nuclear reactors
A recent MIT study has advanced understanding of how graphite, a critical material in nuclear reactors, behaves under radiation. Graphite is widely used as a neutron moderator and reflector in reactors, playing a key role in sustaining controlled nuclear chain reactions. However, radiation exposure causes graphite to deform through swelling, shrinking, and cracking, complicating predictions of its lifespan. The MIT team applied a statistical method called the Weibull Distribution alongside X-ray scattering techniques to analyze irradiated graphite samples from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Their research revealed unexpected pore behavior: initially, pores fill as graphite degrades, but over prolonged irradiation, a recovery or annealing process occurs where new pores form and existing pores smooth and enlarge, influencing the material’s volume changes. This discovery sheds light on graphite’s complex composite structure—comprising crystalline filler particles, a less crystalline binder matrix, and pores ranging from nanometers to microns—that affects its radiation response. The study’s findings could lead to more accurate, non-destructive predictions of graphite’s
materialsgraphitenuclear-reactorsradiation-damagematerial-lifespancomposite-materialsenergy-materialsThese 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-plantsUS reshores uranium processing with new enrichment facility deal
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has signed a lease agreement with General Matter Inc. to establish a new private-sector uranium enrichment facility on a 100-acre parcel of federal land at the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) site. The PGDP, operational from 1952 to 2013, was originally used for enriching uranium for nuclear weapons and later for commercial nuclear fuel. This initiative aims to repurpose the site to support America’s goal of becoming a leader in nuclear energy by reshoring and expanding domestic nuclear fuel supply chains, which are critical for national security, commercial power generation, and scientific research reactors. General Matter, one of four companies selected by DOE in October 2024 to provide uranium enrichment services, plans to begin construction in 2026 and start uranium enrichment operations by the end of the decade. The lease includes access to 7,600 cylinders of uranium hexafluoride, which will be reprocessed to support reenrichment
energynuclear-energyuranium-enrichmentDepartment-of-Energydomestic-supply-chainnuclear-fuelnuclear-reactorsUS scientists to test dampers to make nuclear reactors quake-proof
Researchers at the University of Wyoming, led by Assistant Professor Ankit Saxena, are developing a new technology to make nuclear reactors and other infrastructure more resistant to earthquakes. Funded by a $199,064 National Science Foundation grant through July 2027, the project focuses on using particle dampers—devices containing entrapped particles that dissipate vibrational energy through collisions—to protect nuclear power plants from seismic activity. The team aims to optimize the design of these dampers using topology optimization, an advanced iterative engineering technique, to tailor them for effectively absorbing or reflecting earthquake frequencies. While the primary goal is seismic protection for nuclear reactors, the research has broader applications across aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, robotics, defense, and other energy sectors. The technology involves embedding box-like containers with particle dampers around reactors, with materials customized based on local soil and seismic conditions. This approach could also safeguard other energy infrastructure such as wind turbines, coal plants, and hydroelectric projects. Although Wyoming’s upcoming Natrium reactor
energynuclear-reactorsseismic-protectionparticle-dampersvibration-dampingtopology-optimizationearthquake-safetyUS lab taps Amazon cloud to build AI-powered nuclear reactors
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a leading U.S. Department of Energy nuclear research facility, has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to leverage advanced cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) for the development of autonomous nuclear reactors. This collaboration aims to create digital twins—virtual replicas—of small modular reactors (SMRs) ranging from 20 to 300 megawatts. Using AWS tools such as Bedrock, SageMaker, and custom AI chips (Inferentia, Trainium), INL plans to enhance modeling, simulation, and ultimately enable safe, self-operating nuclear plants. The initiative is designed to reduce costs, shorten development timelines, and modernize the nuclear energy sector, which has historically faced regulatory delays and high expenses. This partnership is part of a broader U.S. government strategy to integrate AI into nuclear energy infrastructure, supporting faster, safer, and smarter reactor design and operation. It follows a similar deal between Westinghouse and Google Cloud, signaling AI’s growing
energyartificial-intelligencenuclear-reactorsdigital-twinscloud-computingautonomous-systemssmall-modular-reactorsTough alloy tested at 1112°F to replace steel in nuclear reactors
Researchers at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) are investigating high entropy alloys (HEAs) as potential replacements for stainless steel in nuclear reactors, aiming to improve materials that withstand extreme heat and radiation. HEAs differ from conventional alloys by combining five or more metals in roughly equal atomic proportions, resulting in a stable solid solution with a distorted lattice structure that imparts unique properties such as high strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and radiation tolerance. The study focused on an HEA composed of iron, manganese, chromium, and nickel, chosen for its stability at high temperatures and manufacturability. Using the ultrabright synchrotron light at the Canadian Light Source, the team exposed the HEA to high-energy protons at 752°F (400°C) and 1112°F (600°C) under varying radiation doses. They observed the formation of small defects called Frank Loops, which increased with temperature, and noted elemental segregation within the alloy at higher temperatures. While the HEA demonstrated better
materialshigh-entropy-alloysnuclear-reactorsradiation-resistancesuperalloysenergy-materialscorrosion-resistanceSlovakia clears 7,400 tons of radioactive waste from Soviet reactors
Slovakia has completed the decommissioning and dismantling of two Soviet-era VVER-440 V1 reactors at the Bohunice nuclear power plant, removing nearly 7,400 tons (6,700 tonnes) of radioactive and contaminated materials. This milestone, confirmed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), marks the end of the main decommissioning phase and clears the site for redevelopment by 2027. The project was carried out by a consortium led by Westinghouse and Slovak firm VUJE under the EBRD-managed Bohunice International Decommissioning Support Fund (BIDSF), which received €638 million (USD 745 million) from the EU and various donor countries. The dismantling involved advanced robotic decontamination and cutting techniques to safely handle both primary and secondary radioactive waste. The two reactors, commissioned in the late 1970s and originally built with Soviet technology and Czechoslovakian assistance, were Slovakia’s first
energynuclear-energyradioactive-wastedecommissioningSlovakianuclear-reactorsenvironmental-cleanupSizewell’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-infrastructureUS supercomputer unlocks nuclear salt reactor secrets with AI power
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a novel artificial intelligence (AI) framework that models the behavior of molten lithium chloride with quantum-level accuracy but in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods. Utilizing the Summit supercomputer, the machine-learning model predicts key thermodynamic properties of the salt in both liquid and solid states by training on a limited set of first-principles data. This approach dramatically reduces computational time from days to hours while maintaining high precision, addressing a major challenge in nuclear engineering related to understanding molten salts at extreme reactor temperatures. Molten salts are critical for advanced nuclear reactors as coolants, fuel solvents, and energy storage media due to their stability at high temperatures. However, their complex properties—such as melting point, heat capacity, and corrosion behavior—are difficult to measure or simulate accurately. ORNL’s AI-driven method bridges the gap between fast but less precise molecular dynamics and highly accurate but computationally expensive quantum simulations. This breakthrough enables faster, more reliable
energyAInuclear-reactorsmolten-saltsmachine-learningsupercomputingmaterials-scienceUS strikes spared Iran’s nuclear reactors, satellite images reveal
Recent satellite images and reports reveal that U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, conducted during Operation Midnight Hammer, caused significant damage but notably spared Iran’s most sensitive nuclear reactors. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that three key reactors at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology and Research Centre, including a Chinese-built miniature neutron source reactor using highly enriched uranium, remained undamaged. Officials suggest this was a deliberate decision by military planners to avoid potentially catastrophic radioactive leaks and global precedent from hitting operational reactors. The IAEA has raised concerns about the difficulty of monitoring Iran’s nuclear program amid ongoing military actions and is pressing Iran to disclose the locations of its enriched uranium stockpiles. Satellite imagery shows that the Fordow enrichment facility, built into a mountain near Tehran, sustained heavy damage with multiple large craters and blocked tunnel entrances, though the extent of internal damage remains uncertain. Experts note ambiguity over whether some damage was caused by strikes or preemptive Iranian measures. Overall, while the
energynuclear-energyuranium-enrichmentnuclear-reactorssatellite-imageryinternational-atomic-energy-agencyIran-nuclear-programRussia to use submarines with nuclear reactors to supply gas via Arctic
Russia is developing nuclear-powered submarines equipped with three Rhythm-200 nuclear reactors to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in the Arctic. These submarines, designed by the Kurchatov Institute, aim to reduce transit times from 20 to 12 days by traveling at speeds of about 17 knots beneath the ice, enabling year-round gas transportation from Arctic terminals. The project is seen as a potential alternative to traditional surface LNG carriers and pipelines, with Russian officials and President Vladimir Putin endorsing its feasibility and efficiency. Despite the ambitious plans, analysts express skepticism about Russia's ability to deliver the submarines due to capacity constraints in nuclear submarine design and the impact of Western sanctions on investment and infrastructure development along the NSR. Significant upgrades to Arctic ports and related facilities are necessary for the route to become competitive. The Russian government plans to increase the Arctic Basin's port capacity by over 34 million tons by 2030, reflecting a broader
energynuclear-reactorsLNG-transportationArctic-shippingsubmarinesNorthern-Sea-Routemaritime-energy-transportStandard Nuclear emerges from the ashes of a failed startup
Standard Nuclear has launched with $42 million in funding to develop advanced nuclear fuel, building upon assets acquired from the bankruptcy of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) for $28 million. The new company’s CEO, Kurt Terrani, was formerly USNC’s vice president. The funding round was led by Decisive Point, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz and others. Standard Nuclear has secured $100 million in non-binding fuel sales projected for 2027 and is collaborating with customers such as Nano Nuclear Energy and Radiant Industries. The company acknowledges that acquiring USNC’s assets accelerated its timeline. USNC had focused on commercializing TRISO fuel—uranium pellets coated with carbon- and ceramic-based layers—which is considered safer and more meltdown-resistant than traditional nuclear fuel, though it has not been widely used since its development in the 1950s. USNC’s history was marked by a broad and ambitious business model, including two reactor designs, nuclear propulsion, and spacecraft heating systems, but it was primarily funded by a single investor, Richard Hollis Helms, who invested over $100 million plus loans. Helms, a former CIA Arabist, founded USNC after retiring from intelligence work. Despite efforts to raise more capital in 2022, USNC struggled financially and declared bankruptcy in October 2024 amid mounting debts and payroll issues. Standard Nuclear, led by Decisive Point founder Thomas Hendrix, purchased USNC’s fuel-related assets in a bankruptcy auction completed in February 2025, establishing its operational base and continuing the development of TRISO fuel technology.
energynuclear-energyadvanced-nuclear-fuelTRISO-fuelstartup-fundingnuclear-materialsnuclear-reactors10 nuclear reactors to power 500,000 US homes with 1,000MW output
The article discusses Westinghouse’s plan to deploy 10 large-scale nuclear reactors in the US, each with a 1,000 MW output, aiming to power approximately 500,000 homes. This initiative aligns with former President Donald Trump’s executive orders issued in May 2023, which call for quadrupling US nuclear capacity by 2050 and initiating construction of 10 full-sized reactors by 2030. Westinghouse, leveraging its AP1000 pressurized water reactor design—already licensed and operational globally—is positioned as the primary candidate to fulfill this mandate. The company highlights its modular construction expertise, a stable supply chain, and lessons learned from previous projects, including the Vogtle site in Georgia and deployments in China, as key advantages. Discussions with the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office are ongoing to secure necessary financing. The estimated cost for building these reactors could reach $75 billion, excluding potential overruns, which remains a significant hurdle given the US utilities’ cautious stance after past cost escalations. Westinghouse faces limited competition in the large reactor market due to political and strategic factors sidelining foreign vendors and other domestic companies focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs). Meanwhile, SMR developers like NuScale and Holtec International are gaining attention by promoting smaller, modular units that can be co-located to match the output of large reactors with potentially lower costs and faster construction timelines. Despite the executive order’s emphasis on large reactors, SMRs are emerging as a competitive alternative in the evolving US nuclear energy landscape.
energynuclear-reactorsWestinghouseUS-energy-policymodular-constructionAP1000-reactornuclear-capacity-expansionNuclear reactors, semiconductors to get smarter with next-gen US plasma tech
energyplasma-technologynuclear-reactorssemiconductor-manufacturingcomputational-physicsindustrial-processessimulation-toolsNext-gen nuclear reactors rely on solar salts for better heat control
energynuclear-reactorsthermal-energy-storagemolten-saltsadvanced-materialsradiation-resistancereactor-safety