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Greetings!
In this week’s issue, we offer a perspective on some of the critical issues for nuclear power, global security, and energy geopolitics in 2026. We spotlight a report from the Energy Innovation Reform Project (EIRP) which advocates for stronger relations between the United States and South Korea on nuclear energy deployment and international nuclear energy markets. 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, Mackenzie Hansen and Gabriela Zanko.
| | A Nuclear Power Perspective for 2026 | | |
A longer version of this article was published by The Center for the National Interest and it can be found here.
The United States’ approach to nuclear energy in 2025 was characterized by typical Trumpian bravado. It offered expansive executive orders, a dose of new reactor rugged individualism, and a warm embrace of government-financed projects.
But the cold reality is that the American nuclear build-out is not building much so far. In 2026, President Donald Trump needs to demonstrate results that can anchor success for the future.
Lagging Europe and Asia on Large Reactors
The lowest-hanging fruit is the Westinghouse AP-1000 reactor. It is licensed and has been built domestically and abroad. The Trump administration has promised to provide “at least $80 billion” for new Westinghouse reactors to be built at scale.
However, the announcement of the government’s financial commitment was not paired with a plan for actual deployment. It was a commitment to a result without a roadmap for success. There are deployment options in America but the lack of certainty at this point is a liability.
By contrast, nations in Eastern Europe and Asia are moving forward with large new reactors. Poland and Westinghouse continue to make progress on the deployment of three AP-1000s. The Czech Republic is moving forward on a contract for two South Korean APR-1400 reactors. South Korea has three reactors under construction. And Slovakia seems to be on the verge of committing to the AP-1000, along with a new agreement for nuclear cooperation with the U.S.
Even under ideal circumstances, the construction time for a gigawatt-sized reactor is eight years. So, the United States needs a much better large-reactor domestic deployment strategy that can quickly result in an order book.
Playing Catch-Up on SMRs
Small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors are also lagging the international competition, but substantial federal government financial backing, creativity in the Trump executive orders, and collaboration with Canada could close that gap over this decade.
Despite the desire for a fusillade of fission from the Reactor Pilot Project on the nation’s 250th anniversary, the United States is well behind Russia and China on small modular and advanced reactor development and deployment. Russia has already deployed a floating SMR and is making progress on its first land-based version. China will begin commercial operation of its first SMR in 2026.
There is only one US-licensed SMR: the NuScale 77-megawatt (MW) Power Module. It is expected that there will be 25 new SMR license applications in the next five years, but many of these reactors are pursuing exotic fuel cycles that, while offering important benefits, could create problems in the reactor demonstration and licensing process.
The BWRX-300 reactor, which runs on standard light water reactor fuel, could be a shortcut to success. Canada has issued a license to construct the reactor and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has submitted a U.S. construction application. Because U.S. and Canadian regulators have been working together on eliminating overlap in SMR reviews, Canadian deployment approval could fast-track construction in America by the end of the decade.
Decoding Hyperscaler Hype
The Silicon Valley hyperscalers (Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta) are making a commitment to nuclear energy to power their AI data centers. But the nature of the commitment is curious, with a glaring gap between existing and next-generation reactors.
All these companies have signed deals with emerging reactor companies, but these won’t be operational before the mid-2030’s. Most are also committed to purchasing nuclear power from operating or resurrected reactors. These can produce data center power in the near term but also raise energy costs.
None of these companies has committed substantial funds to the AP-1000, despite the U.S. government’s financial incentive. This raises questions about whether risking capital on new construction without a government-guaranteed cost overrun backstop is an impediment to private sector support. That is something the administration needs to tackle.
Overcoming Fuel Concerns and Foreign Competition
There are two persistent headwinds facing the administration— foreign competition and nuclear fuel supply.
The challenges from Russia and China are well known and the Trump executive orders are designed to allow for more effective competition with these countries.
The other U.S. competitor is South Korea. While a strong ally and an essential partner in all AP-1000 reactor projects, the South Korean government and its nuclear industry are determined to carve out an international role for its reactors. This has led to friction between the U.S. and Korean industries and governments.
Now there is an opportunity for the Korean industry to partner on constructing reactors in America. But it is unrealistic for Korean leaders to persist in their belief that these will bear their flag. The administration, therefore must incentivize Korean cooperation in the U.S. which can then lead to other critical collaborations overseas, including potentially in Saudi Arabia.
The task of rebuilding the American nuclear fuel supply chain has been fully embraced by the Trump administration. But the process is slow because the supply chains are degraded and the market signals are muddled for prized High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel.
Many next-generation reactors will run on HALEU. But it is in short supply outside of Russia and China. America has produced almost one metric ton of it, but projections are that 40 tons will be required by the end of the decade, and 3,500-7,200 metric tons (MT) by 2050. So, fuel for advanced reactors is increasingly viewed as a critical bottleneck, and expanding production in 2026 is an important objective. The administration is pumping money into the problem, but the question is whether it can accelerate the results.
| | Ken Luongo, President, Partnership for Global Security | | | | |
Spotlight
The Energy Innovation Reform Project (EIRP) published a report summarizing its recent workshop with the Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF) on strengthening U.S.-South Korean nuclear energy relations. The report argues that the United States can advance its national interests and accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy domestically and internationally by cooperating with South Korea. Similar to the United States, South Korea has a strong domestic civil nuclear sector that is positioned to benefit from growing global interest in nuclear energy and it also faces competition from Russia and China in global nuclear energy markets.
In November of last year, the EIRP and KAIF held a joint workshop for U.S. and Korean civil nuclear energy professionals to identify opportunities for strengthening bilateral civil nuclear cooperation. Some of the opportunities to foster collaboration between both countries’ nuclear sectors included enabling company-to-company partnerships, preparing nuclear newcomer countries for civil nuclear projects, assessing firms’ capabilities at each state of project design, and strengthening workforces and professional relationships.
| | Patrick Kendall, Program Director, Partnership for Global Security | | Issues of Special Interest | | Global AI and Data Center Energy | | Meta has struck deals with Oklo, Vistra, and TerraPower to supply up to 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power for the technology company by 2035. Meta’s deal with Oklo advances plans to develop a 1.2 GW power campus in Ohio to support Meta’s data centers in the region such as its Prometheus AI supercluster. Meta’s deal with Vistra involves 20-year agreements to purchase more than 2.1 GW of power from Vistra’s Beaver Valley plant in Pennsylvania and Davis-Besse nuclear plants in Ohio. The company’s deal with TerraPower will provide funding to support the development of two Natrium sodium fast reactors. | | The Impact of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine on International Nuclear Affairs | | |
The IAEA is engaging Russia and Ukraine in consultations aimed at establishing a temporary ceasefire zone at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant following military activity on January 2nd that led to the last remaining back-up 330 kV line being disconnected. The IAEA has previously negotiated three temporary ceasefire agreements to allow for necessary repairs to be performed at the plant. Following increased military activity at various Ukrainian power plants and overall power infrastructure, director Grossi announced that the IAEA will be organizing another expert mission to Ukraine’s electrical substations.
An aerial video from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant of Russian military trucks parked in the facility has been widely shared among Ukrainian telegram groups dedicated to war footage. The video was also shared by Vladyslav Voloshyn, a spokesperson for the Defense Forces of Ukraine, who claims that Russia stores military equipment at the plant knowing it is safe from attacks, and uses the plant as a training ground for UAV operators. If verified, the video would provide evidence of violation of the Geneva Conventions, where under Article 56 of Additional Protocol I parties in armed conflict are required to “endeavor to avoid placing military objectives, such as troops, weapons or military vehicles, in or near nuclear power plants.”
| | Global Nuclear Developments, Geopolitics, & Governance | | |
The first new Kursk II unit was connected to the electrical grid on December 31st. The VVER-TOI pressurized water reactor design capacity is 1,250 MW, making it more powerful than earlier Russian VVER models and incorporating both passive and active safety systems along with a core meltdown localizer. The new plant is intended to replace the aging RBMK-1000 reactors at the original Kursk site, which is scheduled to shut down by 2031. The current target date to have all four units of the Kursk II plant in operation is 2034.
The final peripheral cavity shell has been installed at the BREST-OD-300 reactor construction site in Seversk. With this installation, the reactor pressure vessel is now roughly 70% assembled, and upcoming work will focus on finishing the lead coolant circuit, pouring concrete, and fitting major internal components. The peripheral cavities, together with the previously installed central section, will create a sealed loop for the lead coolant that will eventually contain steam generators and circulation systems.
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The ACP100 small modular reactor (SMR) demonstration project at the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant passed its non-nuclear turbine test run on the first attempt. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) described the project as the world’s first commercial land-based small modular reactor, with the test run being a critical milestone in the SMR’s construction. CNNC originally announced the launch of a project to build an ACP100 SMR at Changjiang back in 2019, and China plans to start commercial operation of the reactor in the first half of this year.
China General Nuclear (CGN) announced the start of nuclear fuel loading at Unit 1 of the Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant in Guangdong province and Unit 1 at the San’ao plant in Zhejiang province, both Hualong One (HPR1000) reactors. This milestone marks a key step toward initial criticality and first electricity generation expected in the first half of 2026, following completion of hot functional tests at each site. Construction of Taipingling-1 began in 2019 and of San’ao-1 in 2020, with the two reactors completing hot functional testing in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Unit 2 of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant has entered commercial operation after completing a series of commissioning tests. The loading of nuclear fuel into Zhangzhou 2 began in October of last year and the reactor was connected to the grid the following month. Zhangzhou 2 is the second of six Hualong One reactors planned at the site, and it is expected to provide over 60 billion kilowatt-hours of nuclear energy annually once all six units are completed.
The first concrete has been poured for the nuclear islands of Bailong Nuclear Power Plant unit 1 and Lufeng Nuclear Power Plant unit 2, marking the official start of construction of the two reactors. The construction of units 1 and 2 of the Bailong plant was among approvals for 11 new reactors granted by China’s State Council in 2024, with State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) planning to build two CAP1000 pressurized water reactors as the first phase of the plant. The proposed construction of four CAP1000 reactors at Lufeng was approved back in 2014.
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Poland’s Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (PEJ) has signed an amendment to its Engineering Development Agreement with the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium that enables the implementation of the next stage of work for the project to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant. The amended scope of the agreement provides for the continuation of design works covering the nuclear island and the balance of the plant, as well as further in-depth geological survey campaigns. Last year, Polish President Andrzej Duda signed a bill designating funds for the construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant, with the aim of entering the first reactor into commercial operation in 2033.
Ukraine and Poland held talks about potential cross-border environmental impacts from the two proposed AP1000 reactor units at Ukraine’s Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant. The Ukrainian officials asserted they provided the necessary materials and clarifications to the Polish side’s questions. Ukraine originally notified several European countries about the project to expand the Khmelnitsky power plant, with all but one agreeing to participate in consultations.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Slovakia will sign an agreement with the United States on nuclear power cooperation. Slovakia has been in talks with the United States since last year to build a large nuclear power plant and approved an intergovernmental deal in October for the construction of a new Westinghouse-designed nuclear reactor unit. Slovakia currently operates five reactors at the Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants, and it is moving towards deploying additional nuclear power units with assistance from other countries such as the United States.
Slovakia appointed Rothschild & Co as the financial advisor for its planned new nuclear power project. The consultant’s role includes helping design and defend the project’s financial structure in EU state aid reviews, drawing on experience from large nuclear developments such as the UK’s Sizewell C and Czech nuclear plants, and assisting preparation for the financing and implementation stages. This follows official approval of plans for a roughly 1.2 GW state-owned reactor near the existing Bohunice plant, and an intergovernmental agreement framework with the United States on constructing the unit.
The European Commission has launched an investigation into the Czech Republic’s proposed funding scheme for building two new nuclear reactors at the Dukovany site, amid concerns it may not fully comply with EU State aid rules. The Czech plan includes a low-interest repayable State loan, two-way contract for difference, and protections against future policy changes, all designed to ensure stable financing for the project. Czech authorities say the review process is a normal part of EU state aid approval and expects approval for its funding plan by early 2027.
England’s Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Plant received the reactor pressure vessel for its second EPR unit, marking another major construction milestone in the project. This key component will house the reactor core, internal structures, and coolant pathways essential for the unit’s operation. Work on Unit 2 is now focused on completing its buildings after its containment dome was lifted into place last year, while Unit 1 continues outfitting with piping and equipment. Construction of the Hinkley Point C units began in 2018, but the project has regularly dealt with delays and cost overruns.
French innovative reactor developer Newcleo has submitted the safety options dossier for its lead-cooled fast neutron reactor to the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR). The ASNR’s independent review will enable Newcleo to identify safety improvements and to strengthen its application for authorization to construct the facility. Newcleo submitted its Safety Option File to France’s nuclear safety regulator in 2024, and its delivery roadmap aims for the first non-nuclear precursor prototype being ready by 2026 and the first reactor operational as early as 2032.
The turbine generator stator for Turkey’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 has been transported into the turbine hall and lifted into its preliminary design position as part of ongoing installation work. Preparations such as reinforcing the turbine hall floor and careful rigging were needed before the stator could be moved. The project is part of Turkey’s first nuclear power station, where four Russian‑designed VVER‑1200 reactors are being built under a build‑own‑operate model (BOO). Akkuyu aims to begin operation of its first unit in 2026.
Sweden’s government received its first application for state aid to support investment in new nuclear power. The proposal, submitted by Videberg Kraft AB outlines plans for either five GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 units or three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors at the Ringhals site with about 1,500 MW of capacity. The state aid framework allows government loans and two-way contracts for difference. Swedish finance officials will now review the application and negotiate terms of support, while maintaining ongoing dialogue with the European Commission about compliance with EU state aid rules.
Bulgarian small modular reactor (SMR) company Blue Bird Energy signed a Letter of Intent with Poland’s Synthos Green Energy to establish a joint venture aimed at building a fleet of up to six BWRX-300 reactors in Bulgaria. The joint venture will work to select and prepare deployment sites, facilitate site and design licensing, manage construction and project development, and coordinate project funding. Synthos Green Energy plans to expand its SMR business to Central and Eastern Europe using the GE Vernova BWRX-300 water-cooled SMR.
A study commissioned by the Province of Zeeland in the Netherlands will examine how small modular reactors (SMRs) might fit into the region’s future energy mix. The SMR Zeeland 2050 report projects that commercial deployment could happen around 2035–2040 and notes that while industry interest is strong, government leadership will be essential to move plans forward. It recommends a phased strategy beginning in 2026–2027 focused on building public–private cooperation, updating planning frameworks, starting site surveys, and later tackling technical studies and permitting.
Finnish energy firm Helen is establishing a subsidiary company, Helen Ydinvoima Oy, to investigate the prerequisites for building nuclear power facilities in Helsinki and to prepare the project for an investment decision. The new subsidiary will begin operations at the beginning of February. Helen launched the first phase of its nuclear power program in 2024, aimed at building a small nuclear power plant for producing heat for Helsinki. The first phase is due to be completed sometime this year and will also evaluate small modular reactors (SMR).
Russia’s Rosatom has outlined progress on enhancing safety and reliability of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, as well as confirming the feasibility of operating the facility for an extended period. Rosatom said that work carried out by plant operators in 2025 included the technical condition and remaining service life of safety-critical systems and components, building structures, and nuclear power plant facilities. The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant comprises two Russian-built VVER reactors, with Unit 2 currently undergoing safety improvements.
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South Korea launched an interagency team to coordinate its bid to secure uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing facilities ahead of negotiations with the United States. The consultative group comes as the United States has signaled it will give the green light for South Korea to pursue both processes for peaceful purposes following summit talks between Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. Under the countries’ existing 123 Agreement, South Korea is prohibited from enriching uranium above 20% without written U.S. consent.
South Korea’s Nuclear Safety and Security Commission has issued an operational license for Saeul Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) said it now plans to begin fuel loading, followed by approximately 8 months of performance testing, with the goal of commercial operation in August. KHNP received the original construction license for the unit in 2016 and originally applied for an operating permit in 2020, but progress has been affected by South Korea’s previous nuclear phase-out policy.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Kazakhstan announced that the two countries are expanding their partnership in civil nuclear energy with a new educational initiative about small modular reactors (SMR). The U.S. State Department’s FIRST program will provide the Kazakhstan Institute of Nuclear Physics with an SMR classroom simulator which will serve as a regional training hub designed to facilitate the deployment of SMRs in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Kazakhstan currently has agreements with Russia and China to build large nuclear reactors that are scheduled for completion by the mid-2030s.
Indian state-run power producer NTPC is scoping at least 30 locations across the country where it could build new nuclear power plants. The sites are reportedly spread across 6 states such as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, but the company declined to share the exact locations due to the fear revealing them could trigger local protests. The company hopes to solidify its selections sometime this year. NTPC is sharpening its nuclear energy ambitions as part of India’s goal to reach 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047
Japan’s Muroosystems Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Uzbek nuclear agency Uzatom for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The focus will be on nuclear safety, regulatory support, technical consulting, and owner’s engineering services for nuclear projects. Muroosystems said it is also supporting a data center project in Uzbekistan based on the use of small modular reactors (SMR). Uzbekistan is currently in the process of developing its first nuclear power plant with Russian assistance.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated he wants talks with Russia to build a nuclear power plant to wrap up this month after Japan pulled out from the planned second nuclear power plant project. Pham urged government officials to find new partners that could revive Vietnam’s nuclear plant deployment plans. Vietnam resumed its nuclear power program last year after halting it in 2016, but progress has not been as expected due to several obstacles such as the slow pace of negotiations on cooperation agreements.
Russian ambassador to Mongolia Alexey Evsikov stated that Mongolia is considering Rosatom’s proposal to build a small nuclear power plant. Evsikov added that other joint venture projects are being discussed, including uranium and rare earth element mining. Mongolia currently generates the majority of its electricity from coal and natural gas but has been reviewing Rosatom’s proposal for nuclear power since 2024. This includes a potential nuclear power plant being built for the proposed new capital city of New Kharkhorum.
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Namibia’s Foreign and Trade Minister, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, held talks with Russia about growing cooperation in a number of areas such as nuclear energy. Ashipala-Musavyi met with Rosatom official Nikolay Spassky and reportedly discussed prospects for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including joint work on uranium deposits and preparations for the signing of a framework intergovernmental agreement. Namibia is a major producer of uranium globally, and its government is currently considering adopting nuclear energy.
Ethiopian and Russian officials met in Moscow to discuss advancing plans for a large-scale nuclear power plant in Ethiopia. As part of these talks, the two sides signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement and outlined a roadmap of next steps toward what would be Ethiopia’s first nuclear power facility, building on earlier cooperation agreements and action plans. Following the signing of an action plan between Rosatom and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation, a working group was established to plan for a feasibility study and intergovernmental agreement.
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The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran announced that the third tier of the inner containment building of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 has been installed. Work is now taking place to connect and weld the sections, with the fourth ring of the building set to be installed later this year. The first unit of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was connected to the grid in 2011, with two further VVER-1000 units currently under construction. Rosatom and the AEOI recently signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the building of small modular reactors in Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran does not want war with the United States or Israel, but emphasized that the country is ready to defend itself if attacked, reflecting ongoing regional tension following military strikes and diplomatic pressure. Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and said negotiations with the U.S. are acceptable only if conducted with mutual respect and without coercion. His remarks came during a visit to Beirut aimed at strengthening regional relationships and discussing broader Middle East security issues, including the conflict involving Hezbollah.
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Argentina’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority and Brazil’s Naval Secretariat for Nuclear Safety and Quality signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on developing regulations for the use of nuclear reactors on ships and in river environments. The agreement aims to harmonize regulatory approaches, facilitate technical cooperation, and support safe and transparent use of nuclear technology for maritime applications, reflecting growing interest in emerging reactor technologies such as small modular reactors and floating platforms. Officials emphasized that the cooperation builds on decades of nuclear non-proliferation collaboration between the two countries.
Argentina and Brazil continue with major multipurpose research reactor projects aimed at strengthening domestic nuclear capabilities and expanding medical isotope supply. Argentina’s 30 MWt RA-10 reactor is progressing toward commissioning in 2026 and full operation in 2027, with construction, systems installation, and pre-operational testing largely complete, and is intended to ensure national self-sufficiency while enabling exports of key medical radioisotopes. In Brazil, authorities say construction of the Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor (RMB) is expected to begin in the first half of 2026, following renewed engineering discussions with Invap.
| | North America Nuclear Collaborations and Policy | | |
The U.S. government is awarding $2.7 billion to Centrus Energy, General Matter, and Orano SA as part of its efforts to restart the domestic production of uranium. The funding will go toward the development of next-generation nuclear fuel in the form of task orders to purchase both low-enriched uranium (LEU) used by traditional reactors and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for SMRs.
Standard Nuclear has received its first shipment of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) feedstock at its facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under the Department of Energy’s initiative to fast-track the fuel supply chain for advanced reactors. The HALEU feedstock will be processed by Standard Nuclear into tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel for Radiant’s advanced reactor demonstration that is scheduled for this year. Standard Nuclear said it is the first company to both receive authorization from the DoE and physically receive HALEU for production of advanced TRISO fuel.
President Donald Trump has appointed recently approved commissioner Ho Nieh as the new chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), replacing previous commissioner David Wright. Nieh joined the NRC after his appointment passed through the U.S. Senate in December, and Wright will continue to serve as a member of the commission until his term ends in 2030. Nieh previously led regulatory affairs at electricity corporation Southern Company and served as director of the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation from 2018 to 2021.
The Department of Energy announced the establishment of the Center for Used Fuel Research at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), designating INL as its leading institution for critical research, development, and demonstration efforts concerning used nuclear fuel (UNF) management. The new center is designed to be a national and international hub for applied research on the management of UNF that maintains compliance with safety standards. INL will coordinate with other national laboratories, leading universities, and key industry partners.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released guidance for how NRC staff can weigh in during safety reviews at the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. The document enables staff to observe, ask questions, and submit input during the other departments work. This guidance is in line with President Donald Trump’s May executive order to expedite the pathways for commercially licensing nuclear power technologies. The order also gave the DoE and DoD greater involvement in commercial nuclear licensing, which has historically been reserved for the NRC.
Holtec International announced it submitted the first major licensing application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a dual-unit SMR-300 power plant which is planned to be adjacent to the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan that HOLTEC is refurbishing. This submittal is the first part of an application for a construction permit application (CPA) and also includes a request for a limited work authorization and multiple exemptions to authorize certain construction activities prior to the issuance of a full CPA. Holtec has requested that the NRC review and approve its CPA Part 1 application by the end of the year.
Holtec International has pushed back the anticipated restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan by four months, aiming for the first reactor to start supplying power to the grid by March of this year. The original completion data was scheduled for October of last year. Skeptics have criticized the announcement as being evidence of the realities of cost and time overruns for nuclear power plant projects. The Palisades Nuclear Power Plant went offline in 2022 before Holtec acquired the facility and announced plans to restart operations.
Terrestrial Energy and Oklo Inc. executed agreements with the Department of Energy for a pilot reactor that will support Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) plant development and a radioisotope plant respectively. The agreement with Terrestrial establishes a streamlined collaboration to review and authorize the design and safe operation of the TETRA molten salt-fueled reactor. Terrestrial’s Project TETRA was among 11 advanced reactor projects selected by the DoE in August for the Advanced Reactor Pilot Program.
U.S. energy infrastructure solutions provider Amaresco has signed a memorandum of understanding with NANO Nuclear Energy to explore the potential deployment of micro-modular reactors on federal and commercial sites. Under the agreement, the two companies will explore the potential integration of NANO’s suite of advanced modular reactors with Amaresco’s engineering, procurement, and construction capabilities. The collaboration will evaluate the pathways for the siting, development, and deployment of NANO microreactors.
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a case that asked for the justices to overturn the authorization of Holtec International’s planned nuclear waste repository facility in New Mexico. The justices rebuffed Beyond Nuclear’s petition that had asked the court to address how the United States should temporarily store spent nuclear fuel in the absence of a permanent waste repository. Once completed, the Holtec repository is slated to store up to 173,600 tons of privately and federally owned spent nuclear fuel as U.S. policymakers continue to deliberate on a permanent solution for storing nuclear waste.
Scientists at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) launched full-scale production of enriched fuel salt for the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE), achieving a historic breakthrough in advanced nuclear energy. The MCRE is a collaboration project between the Department of Energy and numerous companies to demonstrate advanced nuclear technologies. It is the first planned reactor experiment to be hosted at the Laboratory for Operation and Testing in the United States (LOTUS) test bed.
The Department of Energy and NASA announced a renewed commitment to their partnership to support the research and development of a fission nuclear power system for use on the Moon and future NASA missions on Mars. This follows up on a recently signed memorandum of understanding to deploy nuclear reactors on the moon and in orbit, including the development of a lunar surface reactor by 2030. The two agencies anticipate deploying a fission surface power system capable of producing plentiful electricity that will be able to operate for years without needing to be refueled.
Duke Energy has submitted a technology-neutral application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for an early site permit for potential small modular reactors (SMR) near the Belews Creek Steam Station in North Carolina. Duke said its application includes six potential reactor technologies, including four SMR designs and two non-light-water designs. The existing Belews Creek station is currently co-fired on coal and natural gas, but Duke Energy is seeking to repurpose the site for nuclear power generation.
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Ontario Power Generation has formally started the impact assessment process for the New Nuclear at Wesleyville Project, a proposed development that could deliver up to 10,000 MW of new nuclear capacity. No specific reactor technology has been selected yet, but the project is moving into site licensing and environmental assessment. The current timeline for the project outlined in the Initial Project Description envisages site preparation beginning in 2030 and the first unit coming online in 2040.
Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) published the initial project description for the country’s proposed deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel. The document describes the deep geological repository’s purpose, need and expected benefits, and provides a preliminary assessment of potential impacts and describes measures to avoid or mitigate them. The proposed project site would be 43 kilometers northwest of Ignace, Ontario, and would provide permanent storage for some 5.9 million bundles of used nuclear fuel.
Denison Mines Corporation announced it is ready to make a final investment decision and begin construction of the Phoenix In-Situ Recovery uranium mine, with first production expected by mid-2028. The company has also issued an updated estimate of post-final investment (FID) initial capital costs for the project: $437 million. In-situ recovery (ISR) has not been used in Canadian uranium operations thus far, but Denison has been investigating the potential use of ISR at the Phoenix deposit and other Canadian projects including the Heldeth Túé uranium deposit.
| | There are no new updates for this region. | | |
Why Japan Is Right to Restart Its Nuclear Reactors
Asia Times, January 14
Is the US Uranium Market About to Go Nuclear in 2026?
Reuters, January 14
Are Nuclear Power Projects Finishing Faster Than in the 1970s and ‘80s?
Engineering News-Record, January 13
Meta Does Is Right with Nuclear Power
Real Clear Energy, January 13
2026 Will Be the Year of Space Nuclear Power and Surviving the Lunar Night
Space News, January 13
How Next-Generation Nuclear Reactors Break Out of the 20th-Century Blueprint
MIT Technology Review, January 12
Why America’s Nuclear Future Depends on Its Fuel Supply Chain
POWER Magazine, January 12
The High Stakes of Sensible Regulation for New Nuclear Power
Real Clear Energy, January 12
Nuclear Startups Are Back in Vogue with Small Reactors, and Big Challenges
TechCrunch, January 11
For U.S. Nuclear Energy Future, Fuel Supply Must Not Be Overlooked
Stanford Energy, January 9
To Stave Off Energy Price Hikes, Keep Moving Nuclear Energy Forward
The Hill, January 7
Is Burying a Nuclear Reactor Worth It?
Heatmap, January 6
Optimism About Nuclear Energy Is Rising Again. Will It Last?
The New York Times, January 6
Georgia Plant Shows Nuclear Energy’s Potential – And Risks in Meeting AI Power Demand
CoStar, January 4
Trump, Atoms, AI, and the Texas Data Center Gusher
Politico, January 4
No, The United States Does Not Need a Costly National Cancer Study Near Nuclear Reactors
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, January 2
Microsoft Wants to Resurrect Three Mile Island. It Will Never Happen.
The Hill, January 2
Nuclear Power Is Making a Comeback! Where Is America At?
Eurasia Review, December 30
Seizing the Moment for U.S. Nuclear Energy Dominance
Real Clear Energy, December 30
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News items and summaries compiled by:
Patrick Kendall, Program Director, Partnership for Global Security
Mackenzie Hansen, Della Ratta Fellow, Partnership for Global Security
Gabriela Zanko, Della Ratta Fellow, Partnership for Global Security
| | 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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