Greetings Patrick!

In this week’s issue, we showcase the viewpoint of a new Nuclear Nexus analyst. We spotlight the nuclear-related developments coming from the recent COP29 climate conference. Finally, we highlight key nuclear technology, security, and geopolitical developments, reports, and analyses.

This issue of Nuclear News and Views was produced by PGS Program Director, Patrick Kendall, and Della Ratta Energy and Global Security Fellow, Emily Day.

PGS has been at the forefront of creating and developing the Nuclear Nexus policy agenda, where the issues of nuclear energy, climate change, global and energy security, and geopolitics intersect. This agenda has been building over the past eight years, but its future is dependent on the development of a cadre of non-siloed multi-disciplinary specialists. This next generation of experts will need to understand how the energy, climate, and global security pieces all fit together to support nuclear power’s inevitable role in carbon reduction and energy security, while preventing nuclear weapons proliferation, and avoiding nuclear war. This will help to create a nuclear policy community built for the future.

As part of the effort to create and sustain the pipeline of students and early career professionals on the Nuclear Nexus Agenda, PGS features occasional New Voices on the Nuclear Nexus commentary pieces written by those committed to assessing and responding to the new spectrum of nuclear policy and technology issues.

The announcement by META that it seeks 4 GW of nuclear energy to power its data center growth is the latest example of artificial intelligence pushing forward a possible nuclear power renaissance. META now joins Amazon, Google, and Microsoft as technology titans that are seeking clean, reliable nuclear power for the AI revolution.

In 2024, data centers accounted for 3% of global energy consumption. By 2030, this demand is expected to double to 35 gigawatts (GW) from 17 GW in 2022. Just one generation of OpenAI’s ChatGPT required over 50 gigawatt-hours to train. Nuclear energy has the capability to deliver a clean, around-the-clock source of energy to meet these expanding energy demands.

In 2023 Microsoft struck a deal with Constellation Energy to use carbon neutral energy in powering its Virginia data centers. This year, it announced its intent to revive Unit 1 of the dormant Three Mile Island Plant in Pennsylvania, with an expected restart of the plant in 2028.

While Microsoft’s approach has been to contract for power from large reactors, small modular (SMR) and advanced reactors have become particularly attractive to tech investors.

Google recently signed an agreement with Kairos Power to bring their advanced reactor online by 2030, with additional deployments through 2035, to fuel its AI activities. Amazon similarly announced a partnership with X-energy to expand SMR production to support its data centers.

Open AI’s CEO Sam Altman’s also is backing the small reactor nuclear start-up Oklo, which, in September, finalized an agreement with the Department of Energy to begin site investigations for the construction of its first facility in Idaho.

This trend also promises to kickstart research and development efforts into the highly elusive goal of creating nuclear fusion. Altman said in January that fusion is critical to meet AI’s ever-growing energy needs.

In February 2024, Princeton University researchers found AI to be a possible solution for a plethora of plasma instabilities that plague nuclear fusion experiments through its ability to accurately and quickly predict outcomes according to past data.

AI also has the potential to benefit the nuclear energy industry.

At least in the planning stage, small reactors have the potential to quell concerns about bloated construction costs that have historically held back nuclear power developments in the U.S., as smaller footprints and modular construction could cut costs. Machine learning is already being applied to reduce costs in nuclear power plants by increasing precision and optimizing human oversight.

Of course there are cautions regarding the AI-nuclear power relationship.

A 2022 IAEA AI Report cited the need for widespread data-sharing across laboratories to prevent duplicate efforts and streamline the model training process. Institutional security policies and intellectual property fears are halting the experimental and simulation data sharing necessary to train and validate Machine Learning/AI models that could benefit fusion experiments. In assuming a “data stewardship” role, the IAEA hopes to progress fusion science using AI by maintaining centralized data repositories.

Also, in the scramble to deploy AI technology, environmental concerns can be obscured.

Mostly hidden is the fact that the data centers consume significant amounts of fresh water for cooling. By 2027, the need for that water may surpass the yearly water use of half of the United Kingdom.

Also, small and large reactor expansion can require substantially more mined uranium and can expand the amount of nuclear waste that needs to be managed.

Uranium mining is plagued by occupational hazards that expose workers to cancer-causing radioactive material. Nuclear fission, the atom-splitting process data centers would rely on, produces radioactive waste that requires proper storage.

Also, the financing of a substantial nuclear renaissance remains in limbo.

Despite nuclear energy being crucial for the nation's ambitious climate goals, the commercial backing necessary for its revitalization has been slow to materialize at the necessary scale.

The U.S. has taken numerous steps to financially support the expansion of nuclear power. Just recently, the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act streamlined the approval processes for new plant construction, with the objective of cutting costs for new developers.

Similarly, the Department of Energy announced a $900 million investment into Generation III+ SMR deployment as part of the Biden administration’s expansion into clean energy.

But government ambitions haven’t yet been able to secure substantial private investment.

There is an undercurrent of concern and some skepticism that the necessary surge in investment will yield the tangible results that are being sought. The Big Tech deals announced to date don’t cover the massive price tag necessary for plant construction.

In addition, a number of the proposed small reactor designs rely on high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). While this fuel currently is produced by Russia, the U.S. and UK are investing substantial sums to create friend-shared HALEU.

Further, enduring public concerns about safety have yet to be addressed, and the projects still have to undergo the lengthy permitting and regulatory approval processes.

The surge of big-tech interest and investment in nuclear energy is undoubtedly a step in the right direction towards combating climate change and re-establishing the United States as a nuclear energy powerhouse. Challenges remain to be overcome, but the symbiotic relationship between AI and nuclear power has the potential to revolutionize energy as we know it.

Spotlight

The United Nations hosted the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The primary announcement at the conference was the adjustment of the figure that would be provided by developed countries to help developing countries with adaptation and mitigation measures (from $100 billion to $300 billion). However, more developments and initiatives are anticipated for COP30 as countries will be submitting their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) in the period between now and the next conference.

When it comes to nuclear energy, there was no text within COP29 which referred to nuclear energy specifically or the Global Stocktake from COP28. On the other hand, there were several nuclear energy developments that occurred on the sidelines. Six more countries signed up for the Net Zero Nuclear goal to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050: El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Nigeria, and Turkey. Additionally, the United States and Ukraine signed an agreement on small modular reactors (SMR), and Finland and the United Kingdom also signed a nuclear energy agreement. The United States also set out a proposed roadmap to hit their 200-gigawatt nuclear capacity goal.

Patrick Kendall, Program Director, Partnership for Global Security

The U.S. and Ukraine agreed to partner on building small modular reactors (SMRs) according to an announcement at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Baku. The collaboration includes developing a roadmap to modernize and decarbonize Ukraine's steel industry and transitioning coal plants to SMR-based nuclear power, leveraging existing infrastructure and workforce retraining. This initiative is part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to rebuild its energy infrastructure, which has been severely damaged by the Russian invasion, while also embracing cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

Argonne National Laboratory will spearhead efforts to rebuild Ukraine’s clean energy infrastructure postwar, focusing on small modular reactor (SMR) applications to enhance energy security and decarbonize key industries. Argonne’s work with Ukraine supports the Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program and under the Department of State’s NEXT initiative, Argonne will support two flagship projects: “Clean Fuels,” which aims to produce hydrogen and ammonia using SMRs, and “Clean Steel,” which will modernize Ukraine’s steel industry.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) reported the automatic shutdown of its 750 kV Dneprovskaya power line, shifting its energy needs to the 330 kV Ferroalloy-1 line while maintaining safety and radiation standards. No explanation for the shutdown was given, but Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev noted increased attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces using barrel artillery in the plant operators’ town of Enerhodar. Amid ongoing maintenance of critical safety systems and challenges posed by frequent power outages, the IAEA team continues monitoring nuclear safety, though access to key areas remains restricted.

The IAEA reported that Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine's power grid by targeting critical substations connected to nuclear plants, posing severe risks to nuclear safety. The agency stated that Russian strikes hit electrical substations crucial for Ukraine’s three operational nuclear plants to transmit and receive power; while no direct damage to reactors was reported, all reduced output as a precautionary measure, with one disconnected from the grid.

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has urged Russia to cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, citing serious humanitarian concerns as winter sets in. Recent missile and drone strikes have caused widespread blackouts. The OHCHR emphasized that these attacks raise concerns regarding Russia's adherence to international humanitarian law and called for investigations and accountability.

The IAEA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine's nuclear safety at the recent Board of Governors meeting, highlighting its 155 missions and continued presence at all nuclear power plant sites. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed concerns over Ukraine's unstable power grid, critical for ensuring safety at its three operating nuclear plants, following repeated attacks on energy infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Ukraine, with IAEA assistance and over €12.4 million in support, continues to implement repairs and safety measures to mitigate risks.

The backup power supply line, Ferroalloy-1, at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been restored after an automatic shutdown, with the main power line remaining operational and no security violations reported. The temporary shutdown's cause was not disclosed. Meanwhile, Russia criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for not attributing safety threats at ZNPP to Ukraine, accusing the agency of political bias during its latest Board of Governors meeting.

Ukraine has called for an extraordinary meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors on 12 December in response to Russian attacks on substations critical to its nuclear power plants' safety and security. These substations, identified by the IAEA as vital for maintaining nuclear safety, were damaged during recent Russian strikes in November. Ukraine warns that continued attacks on its power grid could result in an emergency at one of its three operational nuclear power plants.

France’s Framatome and Argentina’s Nucleoeléctrica Argentina SA (NA-SA) partnered to conduct a pre-feasibility study on producing lutetium-177 (Lu-177), a medical isotope used for cancer treatment at Argentina's Atucha I, Atucha II, and Embalse nuclear power plants. The study, spanning two stages over a year, will assess the technical and economic viability of isotope production. This collaboration aligns with Argentina’s broader strategy to expand its radioisotope production capabilities, with the upcoming RA-10 30 MWt open pool type reactor expected to supply 20% of global demand by 2026.

French reactor developer Newcleo submitted its LFR-AS-200 small modular lead-cooled fast reactor design for the United Kingdom’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA). If approved by the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the GDA process will take approximately two years, starting in early 2025. This marks a significant milestone in Newcleo’s roadmap, which includes deploying a first-of-its-kind 30 MWe lead-cooled fast reactor in France by 2030 and a commercial 200 MWe unit in the UK by 2033, supported by investments in MOX fuel production.

​​Finland and the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration on nuclear energy, focusing on new and emerging technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear applications. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on nuclear energy projects, regulatory alignment, fuel supply diversification, and skills development. The UK's export credit agency offered up to £4 billion for Finland-based projects using British goods and services.

The United States and the United Kingdom signed a new framework agreement to continue their collaboration in the Generation IV International Forum (GIF), focusing on the development of advanced nuclear technologies while excluding Russia from future participation. Signed at COP29, the agreement aims to facilitate information-sharing, research, and development for next-generation nuclear systems, with the goal of deploying fourth-generation reactors by 2030. In total, 11 current GIF members are expected to sign the new framework agreement, though Australia, which does not have nuclear power, will remain an observer.

Great British Nuclear (GBN) started negotiations with four shortlisted companies—GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse—for the United Kingdom’s small modular reactor (SMR) program. Final tenders will be submitted ahead of a decision in the spring, while two initial bidders, Électricité de France (EDF) and NuScale Power, were excluded, with EDF opting to focus on proven technology and NuScale facing challenges after canceling its first SMR project in the U.S. due to rising costs.

China has shipped the systems and equipment for the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) that will be built at the Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) said the ceremony held at its Institute of Atomic Energy marked the official entry of the Thai microreactor project into the construction phase, as well as a major advancement in nuclear energy cooperation between Thailand and China. The MNSR is a small research reactor that will be used for neutron capture therapy.

The United States and Lithuania signed an agreement to cooperate on the development of Lithuania's civil nuclear program, focusing on the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). This partnership aligns with Lithuania’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by the 2050s, addressing a projected sixfold increase in electricity consumption. The agreement includes a comprehensive technology assessment by the U.S., expert exchanges, and collaboration on safety, financing, workforce development, and decommissioning practices, supporting Lithuania's decision on SMR deployment by 2028.

Romania’s Nuclearelectrica subsidiary, Energonuclear, signed an engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contract with joint venture FCSA, comprising Fluor BV, Fluor Energy Transition Inc, Wilmington Bucharest Branch, AtkinsRéalis, Ansaldo Nucleare, S&L Engineers Ltd, and Sargent & Lundy Energie, for two new Candu reactors at the Cernavodă nuclear power station. The project, valued at €3.2 billion, will progress in two phases: a 24 to 30-month limited notice to proceed (LNTP) phase followed by an 80 to 84 month final notice to proceed (FNTP) phase, pending a final investment decision.

​​The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) signed a letter of intent to provide $980 million in financing for Poland’s first nuclear power plant at Lubiatowo-Kopalino. The project, which will feature three Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, is part of Poland’s effort to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on Russian energy imports, with the first unit expected to begin operations in 2033. This support follows similar commitments from the US Export-Import Bank and the Polish government.

Canada-based Laurentis Energy Partners signed a $40 million agreement with Poland’s ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) to prepare a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) for deploying GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs) in Poland. The PSAR is a licensing document required by Poland's National Atomic Energy Agency, covering safety, environmental conditions, and operational plans, with completion expected by mid-2026.

Norway's Norsk Kjernekraft signed an agreement with X-energy to explore deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in Norway, leveraging X-energy's advanced Xe-100 reactor technology and South Korea's DL Group for construction expertise. The collaboration includes a feasibility study for a power plant at the Mongstad oil refinery, with a target for completion by the mid-2030s. This initiative aligns with the Norwegian government’s decision to appoint a committee earlier this year to review and assess the potential for establishing nuclear power in the country, with findings expected by early 2026.

Indonesia is in talks with the United States and Russia to acquire nuclear technology as it aims to deploy nuclear power plants by 2036, seeking to reduce its heavy reliance on coal, which currently powers over half of its electricity generation. The country is exploring both small modular reactors and conventional nuclear options and Indonesia is planning to attract international investors to build 75 GW of renewable energy over the next 15 years. However, slow disbursement of the $20 billion pledged under the G7's Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) has hindered progress, with only $217.8 million in grants approved so far, alongside $6.1 billion in loans for grid upgrades and renewable energy development.

Canada invited Indonesia to collaborate on nuclear power plant development as part of broader energy and clean technology partnerships under the newly finalized Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA). While there haven't been official nuclear energy development talks between the two, Indonesia plans to integrate nuclear energy into its power grid, aiming to operationalize its first nuclear power plant by 2032 with an initial capacity of 250-500 megawatts.

Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy cooperation talks with the United States have stalled due to Riyadh’s refusal to sign a 123 Agreement, which would prohibit uranium enrichment. This deadlock has pushed Saudi Arabia to explore alternatives for its commercial nuclear energy program, including partnerships with France, India, or China, though U.S. restrictions may complicate some options, such as South Korea. India, with its experience in building PHWRs that do not require enriched uranium, emerges as a viable partner, avoiding nonproliferation concerns while leveraging strong trade ties with Saudi Arabia.

U.S.-based investment firm C5 Capital and South African mining group Sibanye-Stillwater formed a partnership to advance nuclear energy opportunities in South Africa, the US, and globally. The collaboration will focus on developing uranium projects and production facilities to support the growing demand for small modular reactors (SMRs), leveraging Sibanye-Stillwater's uranium resources. C5 had previously announced its intent to build the first privately owned SMR in South Africa and has completed a feasibility study. This partnership aligns with South Africa's renewed focus on SMRs, including a recent proposal to revive the Pebble-bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) program.

U.S.-based NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Togolese government to explore deploying advanced nuclear technologies. The collaboration will focus on creating off-grid energy solutions to power industries, remote communities, and essential infrastructure in Togo, leveraging NANO Nuclear’s microreactor designs, “ZEUS” and “ODIN”.

Rosatom inked a contract with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation & Technology to develop a feasibility study for a Centre for Nuclear Science & Technology (TsYaNT) in Ethiopia. The project will analyze Ethiopia's non-energy sectors, assess technological needs, and identify potential sites for the center. This initiative highlights growing cooperation between Ethiopia and Rosatom in the peaceful use of atomic energy, with plans for long-term collaboration on nuclear infrastructure, personnel training, fuel supply, and waste management.

Officials from Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) announced that the country is on track to start construction of its first nuclear power plant by 2027. At a recent parliamentary hearing, the agency added that the facility would begin generating power by 2034 and that officials are still working on a regulatory framework for nuclear energy in Kenya. Kenya’s government is aiming to generate at least 1 gigawatt of nuclear power by 2031, with two coastal locations currently being considered as potential sites for Kenya’s first nuclear plant.

Serbia’s National Assembly has passed amendments which would end the country’s 35-year prohibition on the construction of nuclear power plants. The Serbian Energy Strategy to 2040 includes the potential use of nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy strategy and climate change commitments. While lifting the ban does not necessarily mean the country will take a decision to build nuclear energy plants, it does allow for feasibility studies currently being carried out to inform a future decision to do so. Nuclear power plant construction has been banned in Serbia since 1989, three years following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine.

Électricité de France (EDF) will extend the life of four of its British nuclear power plants and invest $1.64 billion in its British fleet over 2025 to 2027. As part of these plans, the Heysham 2 and Torness plants will be extended for an additional two years, while the Heysham 1 and Hartlepool plants extended for an additional year. The four sites have a combined capacity of 4.6 gigawatts and can generate electricity to power around 7 million homes in Great Britain.

Belarusian Energy Minister Denis Moroz stated that a feasibility report will be drawn up next year on the options of a third unit at the Ostrovets Nuclear Power Plant or a second nuclear power plant. Moroz stated that they are currently working intensively, studying the prospects of a new nuclear reactor, and examining the trends of rapid growth in electricity consumption. Moroz added that the government expects a final decision to be made during the period of the feasibility study. Belarus currently has one operating nuclear power plant at Ostrovets, which contains two Russian-built VVER-1200 reactors.

Iran announced that it would initiate the operation of a substantial number of uranium centrifuges following the IAEA Board of Governors’ resolution on the country’s nuclear program. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said that during his visit to Tehran, Iran had signaled its willingness to consider halting the expansion of its stockpile of enriched uranium. In contrast to Grossi’s favorable assessment, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement accusing Iran of departing further from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and stating that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium was now over 32 times the limit it had committed to.

Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority has been given another one-year extension to complete its review of Posiva Oy’s operating license for a used nuclear fuel repository at Olkiluoto, which would be the world’s first repository for used fuel. Posiva originally submitted its application to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in 2021 for an operating license for a used fuel encapsulation plant and final disposal facility currently under construction as Olkiluoto. The repository is expected to begin operations in the mid-2020s, but a positive opinion by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) will be required before the government can make a final decision on the application.

French nuclear company Orano stated that Nigerien authorities have taken operational control of the Arlit uranium mine and the company running the mine: SOMAÏR. Orano added that decisions taken at SOMAÏR board meetings are no longer being applied as the Nigerien government has been expanding direct control of the country’s uranium mines. SOMAÏR has been facing financial difficulties following 2023 coup d'etat in Niger and has been unable to resume uranium sales since.

Turkey has made major construction progress at its Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, with the reactor shaft’s main components for unit 4 successfully installed. The installation included the reactor’s dry shielding and support beam, which are both critical for the unit’s operation and safety. Turkey is currently building its first nuclear power plant at Akkuyu, with Russian nuclear agency Rosatom leading the construction and financing of the project.

Sweden’s Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) approved Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB’s (SKB) safety report for its nuclear waste repository at Forsmark. With this approval, SKB can now begin excavation works to extend the existing SFR final repository for low and intermediate-level waste. The SFR repository began operations in 1988 and currently has a total final disposal capacity of about 63,000 cubic meters of waste. The current expansion project is expected to take about six years to complete.

The Director General of Slovenian state company GEN energija, Dejan Paravan, said that they will continue work on the proposed JEK2 nuclear plant project, as well as seek more detailed information from small modular reactor companies. GEN energija added that it is continuing to prepare everything necessary for a final investment decision on the JEK2 project to be taken by 2028. The JEK2 project is for a new nuclear power plant to be built next to Slovenia’s existing Krško Nuclear Power Plant, but a referendum on that project that was due to be held this November was recently cancelled as a result of political differences.

Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed an agreement to evaluate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMR) to support the country’s energy diversification strategy. The agreement will also examine the use of excess heat from the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant for ADNOC’s oil and gas operations. The United Arab Emirates has one operational nuclear power plant at Barakah, which currently generates 40 terawatt hours of electricity annually.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has received an order from Shikoku Electric Power Company to supply 24 mixed oxide (MOX) fuel assemblies for unit 3 of the Ikata Nuclear Power Station. MOX fuel will enable Shikoku to utilize plutonium extracted by reprocessing spent fuel, and MHI will contribute to the steady promotion of Shikoku’s “Plu-Thermal” plan through the supply of MOX fuel. MHI has previously supplied 57 MOX fuel assemblies to Japanese utilities.

The IAEA conducted its Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) mission to Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant. The team stated that Paks’ operator has shown a commitment to safety, stating that the plant was well prepared for safety issues and cooperated with IAEA experts during the mission. The IAEA also provided some suggestions to further improve safety, such as considering enhanced measures to maintain measurement equipment and considering enhanced procedures and practices to provide personnel with the necessary instructions in the industrial areas of the plant. The Paks Nuclear Power Plant has been operational since 1987 and produces about half of Hungary’s electricity.

French nuclear company Orano raised its 2024 sales forecast to €5.8 billion, €1 billion more than previously expected, following contracts for the repatriation of Japanese nuclear waste stored in France. These contracts will facilitate the transfer of materials processed between 1981 and 1999 currently stored at the La Hague Nuclear Power Plant in France back to Japan. This period saw Orano sign agreements with ten Japanese nuclear operators for the treatment of 2,793 tons of spent fuel, of which 97% has already been returned to Japan.

The IAEA and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation on nuclear safety, clean energy, and capacity building, announced during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The partnership will focus on supporting countries in developing energy strategies, governance, and financing frameworks to achieve net-zero goals, while also addressing nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, and facility decommissioning.

Uzbekistan and the IAEA agreed on a roadmap to enhance cooperation in peaceful nuclear development, focusing on legal frameworks, institutional capacity, and sectoral advancements. This agreement was reached during a meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, emphasizing priorities like workforce development and applications in energy, agriculture, and healthcare.

Brazil’s National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) has approved the long-term operation of the Angra-1 Nuclear Power Plant to 2044, with Eletronuclear planning to invest $550 million in the facility between 2023 and 2027. During this period, Eletronuclear will conduct safety improvements such as upgrades to control systems, physical protection structures, and radioactive waste management protocols. These improvements will be implemented during upcoming maintenance and fuel refill shutdowns. Angra-1 is a Westinghouse pressurized water reactor that has been operational since 1985.

The United Kingdom finished fitting a new reactor into the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, with hundreds of workers putting the 500-ton steel equipment into place over several days. Hinkley Point C is the first nuclear power plant to be built in Great Britain for 30 years and is owned by Électricité de France (EDF) subsidiary Framatome. The station’s cost has risen to £46 billion since 2017 and is expected to begin operations in 2030.

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced that unit 1 of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant has been connected to the grid. The unit is the first of four Hualong One (HPR1000) reactors currently under construction at the site, with this connection marking a major milestone for CNNC’s mass production of Hualong One reactors. The Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant first received approval to use AP1000 reactors in 2014, but CNNC later decided to develop its own Hualong One units for the power plant, with construction on the first unit beginning in 2019.

Technology conglomerate Meta is seeking as much as 4 gigawatts of new nuclear energy as the company looks for a reliable electricity source for its data centers. The company is asking developers to submit proposals to deliver 1 to 4 gigawatts of reactor capacity beginning in the early 2030s, with Meta adding that it is considering both large conventional reactors and small modular reactors (SMR). Meta is among numerous technological giants that are now seeking to use nuclear power to fuel their data centers and operations, joining companies such as Amazon and Alphabet Inc.

TerraPower has secured a deal with ASP Isotopes to receive laser-enriched uranium for its planned nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. This deal will see ASP Isotopes use atomic vapor laser isotope separation (AVILIS) and molecular isotope separation (MLIS) to enrich uranium. Lasers had been used to produce enriched uranium during the 1970s and 1980s but never on a commercial level. TerraPower has been active in securing multiple contracts and memoranda of understanding with companies for various parts of its nuclear supply chain such as high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) production.

Senator Jim Risch has proposed the Accelerating Reliable Capacity (ARC) Act, which would dole out as much as $3.6 billion to numerous next-generation nuclear reactor projects that have gone over budget. The funding would come from repurposing Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and bipartisan infrastructure law spending in order to solve cost overruns and unexpected cost increases impacting proposed and ongoing nuclear construction projects. Nuclear power has increasingly become an area of bipartisan support on Capitol Hill, with Congress passing the ADVANCE Act earlier this year to jump-start a new generation of nuclear reactors.

Terrestrial Energy is partnering with environmental remediation specialist EnergySolutions on the siting and deployment of Terrestrial’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) plants at sites owned by EnergySolutions. EnergySolutions CEO Kenneth Roebuck stated that the IMSR is uniquely positioned to meet the anticipated growth in demand for clean heat and electricity driven by data centers and artificial intelligence. Terrestrial has been active in signing agreements to deploy its IMSR, previously signing another agreement with Schneider Electric to collaborate on developing energy for Schneider’s industrial facilities and data centers.

The Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council delivered its first report to guide the state in advancing nuclear energy innovation and driving continued investment to create a nuclear energy ecosystem that’s among the best in the United States. The report includes 19 recommendations in 5 key areas that reinforce Tennessee’s leading position in the nuclear industry, as well as enable deployment of critical baseload energy. The council’s activities and report complement Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Supply Chain Investment Fund, which received an additional $10 million to continue expanding the state’s nuclear workforce and provide further economic incentives for nuclear projects.

Centrus is moving ahead with manufacturing centrifuge enrichment technology at its facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, through its own $60 million investment over the next 18 months. Centrus is planning to ship centrifuges from its Oak Ridge center to its enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio. Centrus produced the first amounts of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for the United States in 2023 through a Department of Energy demonstration grant, and Centrus is one of four companies selected by the DoE to receive at least $2 million in work orders for HALEU fuel.

Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers performed the United States’ first critical experiment using high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) based fuel in over two decades. Researchers adapted a critical assembly machine to accommodate a new graphite core and cups to hold HALEU-based fuel pellets that contained TRISO particles to demonstrate the criticality of the system. The experiment ties into a larger effort by the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide new design and safety related data on the use, storage, and transportation of HALEU.

Westinghouse Electric and CORE POWER are partnering for the design and development of a floating nuclear power plant using the eVinci microreactor. Under the agreement, Westinghouse and CORE POWER will advance the design of this floating nuclear plant using Westinghouse’s reactor and its heat pipe technology. Their announcement stated that the eVinci reactor is perfectly suited for floating nuclear power plants as it requires minimal maintenance and can operate for 8 years at full power before refueling.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved construction permits for Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 Demonstration Plant. The facility will include two test reactors that use molten salt to cool the reactor cores and will be built at the Heritage Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Hermes 2 is the first electricity-producing Generation-IV nuclear plant to be approved for construction in the United States and will be Kairos Power’s second demonstration facility to be built that seeks to advance the deployment of Kairos’ molten salt advanced reactor technology.

In response to the recent re-election of Donald Trump as president, industry officials and analysts predict a continued support for nuclear energy and domestic uranium production from the U.S. government. Analysts at Citi Research said they do not believe the proposed cuts to credits for renewable energy would impact nuclear energy or nuclear fuel funding, although there are questions about whether future budgets will include continuing support for nuclear projects. Additionally, some within the industry are pleased with Trump’s choice of Chris Wright as Energy Secretary because he sits on the board of directors for advanced reactor developer Oklo.

Holtec International is hosting an open house meeting during which the public can ask questions about its planned restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan. Company officials will be available to discuss ongoing activities to prepare for the planned restart. Federal nuclear regulators are still considering whether to allow Holtec to restart the facility, which could become the first nuclear power plant in the United States that would return to service after beginning the decommissioning process. The Department of Energy previously provided a $1.52 billion loan guarantee for the reopening effort this year.

The Center for Strategic Energy and Resources published a report on the potential for Malaysia and Singapore to adopt nuclear energy and collaborate on a nuclear power plant. The report makes numerous recommendations, including for both countries to adopt nuclear energy as part of their industrialization plans, build a strategic ownership arrangement to help facilitate nuclear project development via the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, and include nuclear energy in the scope of Energy Exchange Malaysia (ENEGEM) and in the ASEAN energy taxonomy. Adopting these measures would cater to the project energy needs of both countries as well as address their decarbonization goals.

S&P Global published a thought leadership report on nuclear energy in Europe and the possibilities for a nuclear renaissance. S&P Global estimates that the total cost for new nuclear builds could be up to €15 million per megawatt, which is well above most other clean energy costs, as a result of overnight costs, cost of capital, and the time taken to build new nuclear power plants. In order to confront these challenges, the report argues that managing the risks posed by construction cost overruns will be key to attracting investors while protecting consumers. More European countries have decided to build more nuclear reactors following the energy crisis in 2022, including the Czech Republic, France, and Sweden.

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change released a report analyzing the perceptions surrounding nuclear energy and nuclear power plant construction. The Institute argues that public perceptions of nuclear safety and accidents have hindered the expansion of nuclear energy over the past few decades, with just 194 reactors connected to the grid since the Chernobyl nuclear accident as opposed to 409 reactors connected in the 32 years before. According to the report, the world could have saved 28.9 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions since 1991 if the ambitious approach to nuclear energy deployment before Chernobyl had continued. The Institute concludes by stating that a new nuclear era is beginning, but whether it continues will depend on whether governments can better handle public opinion surrounding nuclear power.

The Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA) released the second update to its Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technology: A Company Compendium report and a third update to its Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technology: A Primer. These updated reports provide information, resources and insights into advanced nuclear technology innovation and commercialization and seek to serve as resources for investors, policymakers, and regulators who want to learn more about advanced nuclear technologies. The Company Compendium provides an introduction to the advanced reactor business ecosystem for potential investors while the Primer explains the characteristics of the most common advanced reactors and leading designs.

South Korea Just Saved Itself – And Its Nuclear Energy Industry

Forbes, December 4

Nuclear Progress, But Not Much Else, From COP29

American Nuclear Society, December 3

Yes to Reviving VC Summer Reactors. No to SC Ratepayers Footing the Bill Again.

The Post and Courier, December 3

The Nuclear Moment: Clean Energy Source Produces Minimal Greenhouse Gases

The Washington Times, December 2

It’s Time for Germany to Admit Its Mistake on Nuclear Energy

Bloomberg, December 1

Uranium Mining Revival Portends Nuclear Renaissance in Texas and Beyond

Inside Climate News, December 1

Nuclear Power Is Making a Comeback in the U.S. But Not in Maine

Portland Press Herald, December 1

Nuclear Energy Wins New Fans – Even In New York State

Barron’s, November 30

How GE Vernova Plans to Deploy Small Nuclear Reactors Across the Developed World

CNBC, November 30

Is China Striding Past Europe, America, and Japan on Nuclear Fusion?

Euractiv, November 30

America’s Nuclear Renaissance Will Fuel Trump’s Goal of Energy Independence

The New York Sun, November 29

This Startup Is Getting Closer to Bringing Next-Generation Nuclear to the Grid

MIT Technology Review, November 28

Nuclear Energy May Be Seeing a Renaissance

NPR, November 27

Why Businesses and the Government Are Turning to Nuclear Reactors for Our Increasing Energy Demands

Power Mag, November 26

The US Is On the Cusp of a Nuclear Renaissance. One Problem: Americans Are Terrified Of the Waste.

CNN, November 25

The Inside Story of Google’s Quiet Nuclear Quest

IEEE Spectrum, November 25

Why Nuclear Power Is So Hot Right Now

CBC News, November 24

Maryland Needs Nuclear Power

Maryland Matters, November 24