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Greetings Patrick!
In this week’s issue, we document the most recent 123 nuclear cooperation agreements signed between the United States and three international partners. It represents an important expansion to nations in Asia. We spotlight an article from the Center on Global Energy Policy which examines how the Department of Energy can effectively advance nuclear energy and advanced technologies during the Trump administration. 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 Fellows, Emily Day and Jocelyn Livier.
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During the past year, the United States has expanded its range of civil nuclear cooperation agreements to three important Asian nations, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Known as 123 agreements, in reference to a section of the Atomic Energy Act, these agreements are necessary for the U.S. to be able to export nuclear reactors and related export-controlled technology to foreign nations. Currently the U.S. has 26 nuclear cooperation agreements that cover 52 countries (Euratom agreement includes multiple nations).
Singapore
Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Singapore’s minister of foreign affairs Vivian Balakrishnan met on July 31, 2024, to sign the agreement. It went into effect December 12, 2024, with an expiration date of December 12, 2054. Singapore has no nuclear energy facilities yet but plans to build a pool of nuclear experts to assess potential future deployment.
Thailand
The 123 agreement was signed by U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec and Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) Supamas Isarabhakdi, on January 14, 2025. Thailand's latest 2024 Power Development Plan includes plans for two 300 MW SMRs, expected to begin operation by 2037.
Philippines
Department of Energy Secretary, Raphael P.M. Lotilla, signed the 123 agreement for the Philippines as Chair of the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEPIAC), while former-Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken signed on behalf of the United States. The signing took place on November 16, 2023. The agreement went into effect on July 2, 2024, and expires in 2054. The Philippines’ Department of Energy's clean energy scenario envisions nuclear power as part of a diversified energy mix, targeting 4,800 MW of nuclear capacity by 2050.
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Jocelyn Livier, Della Ratta Fellow, Partnership for Global Security | | |
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Spotlight
Matt Bowen, a Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy and former DoE official, published a new analysis of How the Energy Secretary Can Achieve His Goal of Next-Generation Nuclear Energy Deployment. In a February secretarial order, Secretary Wright issued a directive to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. However, the Department of Energy (DoE) does not regulate commercial nuclear energy activities. Therefore, Bowen suggests two pathways for the DoE to advance the deployment of these nuclear energy technologies. The first is through collaborating with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to push forward its small modular reactor (SMR) project, and the second is to leverage a private-sector partnership model.
Global interest in advanced nuclear technologies has been driven by the goal of reducing emissions, the need for energy security, to meet energy load growth, and to fuel AI-driven industries. Bowen points to two reactor designs that could help address these challenges. SMRs offer reduced construction timelines and lower upfront costs, making them potentially more attractive than traditional large-scale reactors. They also have the potential to replace retiring coal plants, due to their size, and could utilize existing infrastructure and help to ease transition costs. The second reactor design that Bowen points to are high-temperature reactors, which could help to support heating as well as electricity generation. These reactors would allow industries to further reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. One example of this is X-energy’s agreement with Dow Chemical, which would deploy the Xe-100 reactor to provide electricity and heat for manufacturing purposes.
Bowen outlines two policy options to help accelerate nuclear deployment. First, DOE could work with the TVA, a veteran federal partner and the only utility with an early site permit for an SMR, to construct the Clinch River project that TVA has been planning. Second, the department could utilize a performance-based funding model, similar to NASA’s approach in the early 2000s with SpaceX. This would partner the department with private companies under a milestone funding program to advance new nuclear technologies. Furthermore, Secretary Wright could move to renegotiate existing cost-share agreements that have been given to high-temperature reactors developers in 2020, such as TerraPower, X-energy, and Kairos Power, to fit this milestone funding. By securing power purchase agreements or structuring financial incentives, DOE could create the conditions needed to advance next-generation nuclear technologies while reinforcing the U.S. position as a global leader in nuclear innovation and exports.
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Emily Day, Della Ratta Fellow, Partnership for Global Security | |
Issues of Special Interest | |
Global AI and Data Center Energy | |
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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) launched a review of issues related to co-locating large loads at power plants in the PJM Interconnection, including data centers. FERC aims to approve new co-locating rules for PJM this year, with the agency expecting to vote on a PJM proposal within 3 months of one being filed with the commission. FERC’s effort to clarify co-location rules comes amid a surge in data center development across the United States and follows a FERC rejection of an interconnection agreement between Amazon and the Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant last November.
Arizona Republicans introduced legislation that would waive certain state regulations to allow large industrial energy users like data centers to build small modular reactors (SMR) in rural areas. House Bill 2774 would let a “large industrial energy user” place an SMR in their facility without having to get a certificate of environmental compatibility. Arizona House Majority Leader Michael Carbone stated that the SMRs are needed to make the state competitive and allow the United States to beat out foreign adversaries in the advancement of data centers.
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The Impact of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine on International Nuclear Affairs | |
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As of February 20th, efforts to fully extinguish smoldering fires on the roof of Chernobyl’s New Safe Confinement, which were caused by a drone strike on February 14, were ongoing. The strike damaged up to 200 square meters of the external and internal cladding of the structure, which was built to enclose the remains of the 1986 accident. The shelter contains the molten core of the reactor as well as 200 tons of radioactive material, however the IAEA has reported that radiation levels remain normal.
Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been relying on a single off-site power line for over a week after losing its last remaining backup line. Prior to the conflict, the plant had ten power lines. In the latest incident, the plant's sole 330 kilovolt back-up line was disconnected due to the activation of the electrical protection system. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation while also reporting explosions near the plant, though no damage has been reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to expand Ukraine’s Khmelnytsky Nuclear Power Plant during his speech at the Munich Security Conference. The expansion, with the support of Westinghouse, aims to reinforce the country's energy independence amid continued Russian attacks on its power sector. The project includes completing units 3 and 4 and constructing two new units using Westinghouse’s AP1000 technology. Zelenskyy also highlighted nuclear energy as a priority in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring Ukraine’s deepening energy partnership with the United States.
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Global Nuclear Developments, Geopolitics, & Governance | |
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Russia announced that site preparation for the construction of Beloyarsk unit 5, a BN-1200M sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor, will begin in the summer of 2025. Engineering surveys are already underway, and the project will involve extensive earthworks, logging, and the construction of temporary facilities to support the workforce. Atomstroyexport, the project's general contractor, anticipates employing up to 9,000 workers.
Ethiopia and Russia signed a three-year roadmap to expand cooperation in nuclear technology, building on a previous agreement from 2023, which covered exploring development of a nuclear power plant. Under the new roadmap, Russia and Ethiopia will establish an investment fund this year, to be used in joint projects. The two countries are also discussing cooperation on trade, education, and technology transfers as Ethiopia aims to integrate nuclear technology into key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and energy.
Russian state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom is in talks to build another nuclear power plant in Iran. This follows Iran’s push to expand its nuclear power capacity amid nationwide electricity shortages. Rosatom is already involved in expanding Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, while Iran is also developing a separate 300-MW reactor in Khuzestan, which is scheduled to come online in 2030.
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China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) has begun construction on Unit 1 of the Lufeng nuclear plant in Guangdong, featuring a 1.2 GW CAP-1000 reactor with advanced modular and digital construction technologies. The site will eventually host six reactors, including two Hualong One units already under construction, contributing to an expected annual output of 52 TWh. As of late 2023, China had 56.9 GW of nuclear capacity and generated nearly 435 TWh, with plans to expand to 200 GW by 2035, reinforcing its commitment to nuclear energy growth.
The reactor pressure vessel for unit 1 of the Lianjiang Nuclear Power Plant has arrived at the construction site in the Guangdong province. The vessel will house the nuclear reactor and is the core of a nuclear power plant. China is currently constructing two 1250 MWe CAP1000 reactors at the Lianjiang site, with the China State Council approving construction back in 2022. Lianjiang unit 1 is expected to be completed and put into operation in 2028.
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Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) secured the most votes in the recent elections, placing leader Friedrich Merz in line to become the country’s next chancellor. While Germany has recently been the primary country opposing nuclear power in the European Union, the CDU’s more positive position on nuclear and its interest in advancing research into emerging nuclear technologies could have a huge influence on the deployment of nuclear power throughout Europe. Merz himself called Germany’s nuclear phaseout a “grave strategic mistake” during the 2022 energy crisis but has also stated that restarting Germany’s shuttered reactors is unlikely.
Munich-based Proxima Fusion and its partners have published a peer-reviewed paper presenting Stellaris, the world’s first integrated concept for a commercial fusion power plant designed to operate reliably and continuously. Proxima Fusion says the Stellaris concept is a major milestone for the fusion industry and advances the case for quasi-isodynamic stellarators as the most promising pathway to a commercial fusion power plant. The company plans to demonstrate its demo stellarator Alpha in 2031 and aims to deliver fusion energy to the grid in the 2030s.
The European Union Nuclear Alliance issued a declaration arguing in favor of nuclear energy being included in the European Commission’s upcoming Affordable Energy Action Plan. The Nuclear Alliance states that low-carbon baseload energies such as nuclear stabilize the EU’s common grid, arguing that the Commission should work on a facilitating framework for the development of nuclear energy in Europe. The European Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan will set out concrete short-term measures to deliver on competitiveness, affordability, security, and sustainability.
European Union Court of Justice advocate-general Laila Medina said that the Court should rule in favor of Austria in its appeal against the European Commission’s decision to approve Hungary’s state aid for the expansion of its Paks atomic plant. Medina stated that the Commission should have examined whether the direct award of the construction contract to Russian company Nizhny Novgorod Engineering was compatible with EU procurement rules. Austria sued the EU executive in 2018 for its approval of Hungary’s plan to build two new reactors at its Paks nuclear site with Russian help.
French reactor developer Newcleo announced it has started the land acquisition process for its demonstration LFR-30 small modular reactor in western France. The company has initiated constructive discussions and procedures with the Chinon Vienne et Loire community of municipalities on siting the reactor, with Newcleo adding it will soon refer the matter to the National Commission for Public Debate. According to Newcleo’s delivery roadmap, the first non-nuclear precursor prototype of its reactor is expected to be ready by 2026 and the first reactor operational by the end of 2031.
France’s Hexana has formed a strategic partnership with Belgian engineering firm Tractebel to support the development of its sodium-cooled fast neutron energy platform. Under the agreement, Hexana aims to develop a sodium-cooled fast neutron small modular reactor (SMR) while Tractebel will define the conceptual design for the engineering and utilities of the nuclear island buildings and special nuclear handling systems. Meanwhile, Swedish and French reactor developers Blykalla and Newcleo have agreed to jointly research and develop materials for lead-cooled fast reactors.
French scientists managed to maintain raging-hot plasma in a fusion reaction for a record 22 minutes, a crucial milestone in the road towards nuclear fusion. The WEST tokamak machine managed to maintain plasma for 1,337 seconds, beating the previous record set in China by 25%. In the coming month, the WEST tokamak is aiming to achieve even longer plasma durations. The goal is to prepare the ground for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) being built in France.
U.S. microreactor developer Last Energy has formally entered the United Kingdom’s nuclear site licensing process for its plans to develop four 20 MWe microreactors at the site of the Llynfi coal-fired power station in Wales. The company said its entry into licensing underscores the viability of privately financed projects. Last Energy announced plans for four microreactor plants at the Llynfi site in October, with Last Energy estimating the entire project representing a capital investment of $393 million. The aim is to deliver its first microreactor in Wales in 2027.
The European Commission has approved a revised Belgian support measure for the lifetime extension of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors following an in-depth investigation. In 2024, Belgium notified the Commission of its plan to support the lifetime extension of these two reactors, with the Commission opening an in-depth investigation to assess the need and appropriateness of the measure. Although Belgium had previously sought to phase out nuclear energy by 2025, the Belgian federal government decided to keep Doel 4 and Tihange 3 open for an additional 10 years in 2022.
Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček said that the Czech Republic and South Korea are looking at further investments and trade relations in addition to the proposed new capacity at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. Following a meeting with acting Korean Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, Vlček said the selection of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) as the preferred supplier for the new nuclear units at Dukovany opens up new possibilities for Czech-Korean nuclear technological cooperation. The Czech government announced KHNP as the preferred bidder in 2024, with contract negotiations set to take place by the end of March.
An application for a permit to determine the location of the planned 8th unit at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant has been submitted to Bulgaria’s Nuclear Regulatory Agency. The submission came on the same day that Bulgaria’s Energy Minister, Zhecho Stankov, held talks with European Union Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen in which the government’s priorities were explained as working to develop nuclear energy and green technologies. Westinghouse Electric is working on building two new units at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, with the aim for them to be operational in 2035 and 2037 respectively.
Croatia has established a new Working Group for Nuclear Energy to prepare studies on potential locations for the development of nuclear power capacity. The key task of the working group is to develop a legislative framework, as well as the establishment of an independent regulatory body for nuclear energy in the country. Croatia does not currently have any nuclear power facilities, but it co-owns the Krško Nuclear Power Plant with Slovenia that provides about 16% of Croatia’s electricity needs.
The first backup diesel generator has been commissioned at Unit 1 of Türkiye’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Russia's Rosatom specialists launched the first installation and are preparing to test the generator’s performance under load. Unit 1 is expected to begin operation in 2025. Each reactor at Akkuyu will have three backup generators to maintain power in case of external grid failure, supporting the plant’s safety systems and reactor shutdown procedures.
The Plenary Session of the Spanish Congress approved a proposal calling for the government to implement a series of measures that would reverse the country’s decision to phase out nuclear power. The text of the approved proposal urges the government to extend the operational life of existing nuclear power plants in Spain, as well as calling for the government to ensure the economic sustainability of these facilities. Spain currently has seven operating nuclear reactors but is currently scheduled to have all of these reactors shut down by 2035.
Swedish small modular reactor (SMR) developer Kärnfull Next has secured land rights for the project to build, signing a new cooperation agreement with Latona Group. The Valdemarsvik project will now advance to dialogue with the municipality, regional stakeholders, and strategic partners such as Samsung C&T. Kärnfull Next has been conducting site selection and feasibility studies in several municipalities since 202, stating that Valdemarsvik site was appealing for co-location with energy-intensive industries such as AI data centers.
Swedish reactor technology developer Blykalla and Norwegian nuclear project developer Norsk Kjernekraft have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the deployment of Blykalla’s SEALER small modular reactor (SMR). Under the MoU, the two companies will assess the business case for integrating the SEALER into power plant projects currently under development by Norsk Kjernekraft, evaluating site suitability, regulatory pathways, and economic feasibility for deployment in Norway.
Swiss nuclear companies Axpo Power and Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG signed a contract with Kazatomprom for the supply of natural uranium concentrates for the Beznau and Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plants. Kazatomprom stated that this contract opens a new chapter in its cooperation with nuclear power plant operators in Europe. In 2024, Axpo announced plans to invest a further $400 million to enable the Beznau Nuclear Power Plant to operate until 2033. Nuclear power from four nuclear units accounts for about 29% of Swiss energy generation.
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South Korea has scaled down its plans for nuclear power following the impeachment of the pro-nuclear President Yoon Suk Yeol. In the revised government plan, South Korea aims to add 3.5 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2038, down from the previous target of 4.9 gigawatts. The opposition party’s push for more renewable energy has led to the cancellation of one planned large-scale reactor. However, the new plan also includes a smaller, 700-megawatt modular reactor and a reduction in coal and natural gas use.
South Korea is engaging in high-level discussions with Turkey and Saudi Arabia to explore new nuclear power projects, marking a renewed push for energy cooperation. The visit, led by South Korea's senior Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy official, aims to strengthen ties with Turkey after a 13-year hiatus and pave the way for potential involvement in new NPPs in the Sinop and Thrace regions. The visit also aims to position South Korea as a key partner in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 energy strategy, exploring cooperation in NPP construction, power grid expansion, and clean hydrogen.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear cooperation through the US-India Energy Security Partnership, pledging to advance the construction of large-scale U.S.-designed reactors in India and collaborate on small modular reactors (SMRs). When it comes to nuclear policy, they announced their commitment to fully realize their 123 agreement, with plans to work together to build US-designed nuclear reactors in India through large scale localization and possible technology transfer.
Indian natural resources and technology conglomerate Vedanta is inviting companies to express interest in the construction and supply of 5000 megawatts electrical (MWe) of nuclear power capacity. In its invitation, Vedanta is looking for a globally recognized company with a proven track record of designing, building, and operating nuclear plants to deliver an end-to-end turnkey project. The request for Expressions of Interest comes weeks after India’s government promised amendments to legislation to encourage private sector participation in nuclear projects.
Indian state power company NTPC announced plans to invest $62 billion in developing 30 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity over the next two decades, tripling its initial target. The company aims to lead India’s nuclear energy expansion, with identified sites across various states, despite local opposition and land acquisition challenges. NTPC is also seeking to partner with foreign firms like EDF and General Electric to build small modular reactors (SMRs), in line with India’s goal to reach 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.
According to the government’s latest Basic Energy Plan, Japan is planning to make maximum use of nuclear energy, aiming to generate 20% of electricity from nuclear power by 2040. In order to accomplish this increase in nuclear generation, the government has suggested that the majority of existing reactors will need to remain online operational along with the construction of next-generation advanced reactors. This Basic Energy Plan is in stark contrast to previous plans that called for reducing the dependence on nuclear energy following the 2011 Fukushima meltdown.
Unit 7 of Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant is set to face a prolonged delay in its restart as Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is unlikely to complete the required anti-terrorism measures by the October deadline. TEPCO was originally aiming to resume operations at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa unit 7 as soon as possible, but this goal has been postponed until 2029 due to a shortage of construction workers. Although a previous ban on transporting and loading of reactor fuel stored at the plant was lifted in 2023, the operation of the No. 7 reactor still requires local consent.
Japan and France have expanded their collaboration on MOX fuel recycling, doubling the amount of used nuclear fuel to be reprocessed from 200 to 400 tonnes. Kansai Electric Power will send 20 tonnes of used MOX fuel and 380 tonnes of used uranium fuel to Orano in France, aiming to enhance technical knowledge for future reprocessing. While Japan has faced delays in developing domestic reprocessing facilities, its partnership with France reinforces its commitment to advanced fuel recycling.
IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi arrived in Japan to inspect Fukushima’s vast storage sites containing 13 million cubic meters of contaminated soil removed after the 2011 nuclear disaster. Japan plans to recycle 75% of the soil for infrastructure projects while disposing of the rest outside Fukushima by 2045, but challenges remain in determining final storage sites. Grossi’s visit also coincides with international scrutiny over Japan’s release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima plant, a move backed by the IAEA but criticized by its neighbors.
A Japanese court rejected a lawsuit by around 3,000 residents seeking to suspend operations at the Sendai nuclear power plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, stating there was no specific risk of a severe accident from natural disasters. The plant, operated by Kyushu Electric Power Co., is located near active volcanoes and an active fault, but the court upheld its continued operation. This decision comes as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet approved a new energy plan which aims to have nuclear power supply 20% of Japan’s electricity by 2040, requiring the restart of nearly all 30 reactors nationwide.
Kazakhstan’s government has selected the Zhambyl district of Almaty region as the location for its proposed nuclear power plant, with ministers saying the aim is to select a technology supplier this year. In an update, Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev said a national strategy for the nuclear industry up to 2050 was under development and is planning to select a technology supplier among partners including China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Électricité de France (EDF), Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and Rosatom. While Kazakhstan is the world’s leading producer of uranium, it does not currently use nuclear energy.
Kazakhstan’s national atomic company, Kazatomprom, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jordan Uranium Mining Company (JUMCO) to collaborate on uranium exploration and mining in Jordan. The agreement, signed during Kazakh President Tokayev’s visit to Jordan, aims to assess the feasibility of developing uranium deposits using heap leaching technology. For Kazakhstan, the world’s largest uranium producer, this partnership represents an opportunity to expand its global presence, while Jordan seeks to accelerate its path toward commercial uranium production.
Emirates Global Aluminum plans to explore alternative clean energy development in Indonesia after previously denying the company planned to build a nuclear power plant in the country. Indonesia’s economic affairs ministry issued the amended statement, with an EGA spokesperson adding that the company is “not in the nuclear business so, with all respect, the account of this aspect…is inaccurate.” Indonesia does not currently have any nuclear power plants but has recently considered building floating power plants.
In his Budget 2025 speech, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans to explore the potential of nuclear power and build the country’s capabilities in the field. Although a 2012 pre-feasibility study deemed nuclear energy unsuitable, advancements in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have made this reconsideration possible. SMRs, which are safer and more compact, and Singapore aims to assess their viability as part of its clean energy transition. If successful, nuclear power could contribute up to 10% of Singapore's electricity by 2050.
French nuclear fuels company Orano is looking to increase output of uranium from new mines in Mongolia and elsewhere in order to meet rising demand from the nuclear power industry. This announcement follows a recent preliminary agreement between Orano and Mongolia to develop the Zuuvch Ovoo mining project. The mine is expected to begin production in four years with a potential output of 2,600 metric tons of uranium a year by 2044.
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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed its first-ever site and external events design (SEED) review mission in Ghana, endorsing the country's nuclear site selection process. Ghana has identified two potential sites for its first nuclear power plant: one in the Western Region and the other in the Central Region. The IAEA reviewed Ghana's adherence to international guidelines for site selection, including safety and environmental factors like earthquake susceptibility and flooding risks. This marks an important step as Ghana looks to become the second Sub-Saharan African country to deploy nuclear power commercially.
GoviEx Uranium Inc and the Republic of Niger have agreed to temporarily suspend ongoing arbitration proceedings while discussions over the disputed Madouela uranium project continue. The parties have agreed to a “structured roadmap” detailing a mutually acceptable plan for negotiations, with the current suspension set to remain in place until a resolution is reached or until it is determined that no settlement is possible. Since the 2023 coup d’etat, Niger has withdrawn operating permits of foreign companies for uranium mines in the country.
A draft decree adopted by Niger’s Council of Ministers grants Niger-owned Compagnie Minière de Recherche et d’Exploitation (COMIREX SA) a permit for the Moradi uranium mine. It was one of two adopted decrees by the Council that transform already-granted “semi-mechanized” mining permits into permits for small-scale mining. Under the terms of the mining agreement, COMIREX’s project is expected to produce an average of 300 tons of uranium over a period of five years.
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Brazil's government remains divided over whether to complete the Angra 3 nuclear plant, which has been under construction for over 40 years. While Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira supports finishing the project, citing its potential to provide reliable energy, the economic team argues that the costs—estimated at an additional 23 billion reais —are too high. The decision, which has been delayed multiple times, rests with the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE), with further discussions expected.
The IAEA conducted its Integrated Safety Assessment Mission for Research Reactors mission to Bolivia at the request of Bolivia’s Nuclear Energy Agency (ABEN). The team visited the RB-01 research reactor under construction in Bolivia to verify agency safety standards are being followed, and to recommend further measures. The reactor is a central part of the Centre for Research and Development in Nuclear Technology and is scheduled to start up in 2025.
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North America Nuclear Collaborations and Policy | |
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The U.S. Navy has awarded a $2.1 billion contract to BWX Technologies (BWXT) for the procurement of nuclear reactor components for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. BWXT will manufacture components for the Columbia and Virginia class submarines, as well as for the Ford class aircraft carriers, from its facilities in Ohio and Indiana. BWXT was previously awarded a $300 million contract in 2024 to produce and supply nuclear reactor fuel and support services to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
Holtec International signed a strategic agreement with Hyundai E&C to build a 10-megawatt fleet of small modular reactors (SMR) in North America, including two SMRs at the currently shuttered Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. Holtec’s SMR design aims to reduce the capital costs and long construction timelines that have plagued large nuclear projects. Holtec is aiming to bring the Palisades Power Plant back online in October subject to approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which would make it the first restart of a closed nuclear plant in U.S. history.
President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk fired less than 50 workers from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) after far wider layoffs were quickly rescinded. Previous sources told Reuters that 325 workers at the agency had been sent notice that they had been laid off, with one NNSA official saying this confusion distracted NNSA workers and managers from their work. The NNSA cuts are part of a broader purge across the federal government by the new administration.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has completed its draft safety evaluation for TerraPower’s Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 a month ahead of schedule. According to the NRC, the final safety evaluation is now targeted for June 2026, with the environmental review remaining separately on track for completion in May 2026. TerraPower’s Kemmerer power station is taking shape in Wyoming with the help of up to $2 billion in authorized funding under the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP).
Constellation President and CEO Joe Dominguez stated that the revival of the Three Miles Island Nuclear Generating Station is on schedule. Dominguez stated that major maintenance and upgrades are proceeding ahead of schedule, new equipment has been ordered, and Constellation is making progress on hiring and training skilled workers to operate the plant. Constellation entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft in 2024, necessitating the reopening of Three Mile Island Unit 1 with a targeted restart date of 2028.
Advanced nuclear technology company Oklo announced its participation in the Department of Energy’s Voucher Program, which is expected to support the evaluation and testing of advanced structural materials for Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse. The collaboration leverages DOE-funded vouchers to conduct advanced material characterization and real-world testing to validate high-performance materials that will support Oklo’s fast reactor designs. The Voucher Program aims to enhance efficiencies in manufacturing, supply chain, and overall scalability of advanced reactors.
A team from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy visited Carolina Fabricators in South Carolina to launch the fabrication process for the primary coolant system of the MARVEL microreactor. After the coolant system, the next components scheduled for fabrication are the reactor support frame and the reactivity control system. The MARVEL microreactor is a planned sodium-potassium-cooled reactor which is expected to be installed at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex in 2027.
A Senate measure allowing for the temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel in Wyoming from nuclear microreactors failed to pass a House committee. Senate File 186 failed in the House Minerals Business and Economic Development committee due to too many unanswered and insufficient public outreach to gain a buy-in from Wyoming’s communities. The bill was created in response to recent interest from a handful of companies to set up nuclear microreactor manufacturing in Wyoming, including from Radiant Industries and BWXT Advanced Technologies.
British maritime nuclear innovative company Core Power has launched a U.S.-anchored maritime civil nuclear program that aims to bring floating nuclear power plants to market by the mid-2030s. Core Power CEO Mikal Boe said the program will unlock a floating power market worth $2.6 trillion, and shipyard construction of nuclear power will deliver on time and on budget. The first part of the program will see the mass production of floating nuclear power plants, while the second will involve developing nuclear propulsion for civil ships.
The Kentucky Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee passed a bill that would create a grant program designed to advance and attract nuclear energy development. Senate Bill 179 would set aside $10 million from existing appropriations to the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (KNEDA) for grant funding, building on other state efforts to create opportunities for Kentucky to pursue investments in nuclear energy. The bill will now go to the full Senate for a vote before reaching Governor Andy Beshear’s desk.
The Utah Senate Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee passed a bill that would form a Utah Energy Council, create energy development zones, and create a nuclear energy consortium. The consortium would be tasked with making decisions on the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technology based on what is most appropriate for the state of Utah. Utah has been identified as a “first mover” state by the Idaho National Laboratory’s Frontier Project, which indicates that Utah is well positioned to deploy nuclear power.
A group of Wisconsin lawmakers have proposed a new plan for nuclear power plants to meet the state’s future power needs. Representatives David Steffen and Shae Sortwell and Senator Julian Bradley introduced two pieces of legislation that focus on adding new nuclear power stations. The first part would be a siting study to see where Wisconsin could build new nuclear plants, and the second piece of legislation would host a Wisconsin Nuclear Power Summit to “showcase” Wisconsin’s leadership in the nuclear industry. Wisconsin currently has one nuclear power plant: the Point Beach facility.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking public comment on its proposed fee rule for the fiscal year 2025 which includes proposed changes to implement Section 201 of the ADVANCE Act. The proposed fee rule includes revisions to implement Section 201, which includes the establishment of two hourly rates. The agency will also update the final fee schedule as appropriate, including updates to reflect an enacted appropriation, and using $20 million in carryover funds.
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Saskatchewan’s SaskPower is advancing plans to build a small modular reactor (SMR) in southern Saskatchewan, identifying Boundary Dam and Rafferty Reservoir near Estevan as top site choices. The utility is in an eight-year planning phase, with a final investment decision expected in 2029 and the first reactor projected to be operational by the mid-2030s. SaskPower is considering all energy options to meet the province's net zero goal by 2050.
The Nova Scotia government has introduced a bill to lift long-standing bans on uranium exploration and hydraulic fracking, aiming to become more self-reliant amid potential U.S. tariffs. The bill would repeal the Uranium Exploration and Mining Prohibition Act and make changes to the Petroleum Resources Act. Premier Tim Houston argues that the changes will strengthen the province’s economic resilience and help tap into Nova Scotia’s natural gas and mineral wealth.
Bruce Power successfully completed the replacement of all eight steam generators at Unit 3 of the Bruce Nuclear Power Plant in Ontario, marking a major milestone in its ongoing Major Component Replacement (MCR) project. The $10 billion Life Extension Program, which began in 2016, aims to extend the life of Bruce Power’s reactors by 30-35 years, with Unit 3 expected to return to service in 2026. The large-scale effort, involving a joint venture between Aecon and SGT (which includes Framatome, Canada Ltd and United Canadian Operations Ltd), is part of Ontario’s largest clean-energy infrastructure project.
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China Is On the Cusp of Building a Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier – And Taking Control of the Pacific
Popular Mechanics, February 26
Can US Revamp Shipbuilding Sector by Turning to Nuclear-Powered Ships?
Offshore Energy, February 25
Data Centers May Hold Key to Future Nuclear Energy in Illinois
S&P Global, February 25
Constellation and Other Nuclear Stocks Live and Die on AI News Now. It Is a Problem.
Barron’s, February 24
Tariffs Can’t Help an International Nuclear Industry
The Breakthrough Institute, February 24
Time to Make Nuclear Energy Great Again
Real Clear Energy, February 24
Texas Wants to Be a Nuclear Power
Inside Climate News, February 24
Companies Are Coming to Texas to Develop a New Generation of Nuclear Reactors
The Texas Tribune, February 24
What to Know About AI and the Nuclear Power Trade
The Wall Street Journal, February 23
Is The West Losing the Race for Uranium?
Oil Price, February 22
Trump Just Assaulted the Independence of the Nuclear Regulator. What Could Go Wrong?
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, February 21
The Small Reactor Revolution Can Transform African Energy Systems
The Atlantic Council, February 20
Big Tech Contracts Inject Life into New Nuclear
Reuters, February 19
How to Streamline Nuclear Power Plant Construction
Bipartisan Policy Center, February 18
Why China Is Winning the Nuclear Energy Race
Oil Price, February 17
Trump’s Energy Agenda: Separating Signal from Noise
Latitude Media, February 14
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News items and summaries compiled by:
Patrick Kendall, Program Manager, Partnership for Global Security
Emily Day, Della Ratta Fellow, Partnership for Global Security
Jocelyn Livier, Della Ratta Fellow, Partnership for Global Security
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For twenty-five years the Partnership for Global Security (PGS) has developed actionable responses to global security challenges by engaging international, private sector, and multidisciplinary expert partners to assess policy needs, identify effective strategies, and drive demonstrable results.
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