Greetings Patrick!

In this week’s newsletter, we examine the implications of political chaos in South Korea and how it needs to be overcome to cement U.S.-Korea cooperation on nuclear power and emerging technologies. We spotlight an article from the Global America Business Institute that examines the prospects for nuclear power going into the new year and a second Trump administration.

Finally, we debut a reorganized newsletter format that focuses on regional nuclear technology, security, and geopolitical developments, as well as issues of special interest, recent reports, and analyses. We hope you like it!

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.

South Korea’s descent into yet another political disaster is ill-timed and will reverberate beyond the peninsula, potentially derailing the country’s nuclear energy expansion plans at a time when energy and international security are paramount global concerns.

The impeachment and detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol throws into question the ability of the country to follow through on its aggressive domestic and international nuclear energy commitments.

The Yoon policy was developed to counteract the predecessor administration, led by Moon Jae-in, and its opposition to nuclear power.

The Yoon plan called for an increase in domestic nuclear energy from 30% to 36% by 2038 through existing reactor life extensions, and support for the completion of two reactors under construction plus two more.

Globally, Yoon sought the construction of 10 new Korean reactors by 2030.

If the country’s constitutional court validates Yoon’s impeachment, a new election will be held, which Yoon’s party will have a hard time winning.

One result is the potential that the opposition party, led by Lee Jae-myung, would halt domestic nuclear expansion. That was his campaign position when he narrowly lost the presidential race to Yoon in 2022.

The impact of Lee’s election on nuclear exports is less clear but raises additional questions about Korea’s ability to deliver on its current and future international nuclear power deals.

The export of Korean reactors has been impacted for years by an intellectual property fight between the country’s top nuclear corporations, KHNP and KEPCO, and America’s Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

This has just been resolved but the dispute dates back to the previous Trump administration and was related to components in a Korean reactor that Westinghouse claims it owns and that are export controlled by the U.S.

The resolution of the disagreement clears the way for this Summer’s Czech Republic-South Korea $17 billion deal to build two new reactors.

But Yoon’s political problems may undercut his ability to provide support for that agreement.

Korean international nuclear project funding deeply entwines the corporate and governmental sectors. While not state owned, like nuclear corporations in Russia and China, the Korean government is significantly involved in providing finance for nuclear energy exports.

Yoon’s political opposition has questioned whether the Korean consortium that bid on the Czech reactors offered a too-low bid that could require a taxpayer bailout if construction costs rise.

This has led the Czech government to raise concerns about whether a political reversal in South Korea could undermine the reactor deal.

Beyond Europe, a looming question is what will happen with the civil nuclear ambitions of Saudi Arabia. The first Trump administration negotiated with the kingdom on a nuclear cooperation agreement. That would be necessary for the export of American reactors.

There was little chance that a Democratic Congress would approve this agreement if it were presented, and it wasn’t as there were numerous technical and security issues that remained unresolved.

The Biden administration, however, pursued a trilateral deal that included Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel in return for U.S. military and nuclear energy assistance. The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel tanked that agreement.

But in light of the recent changes in the Middle East, and with a new Hamas-Israel agreement in the offing, the Saudi agreement could be resurrected.

South Korea would be an integral partner with the U.S. on Saudi nuclear energy development. The two nations already rely on one another for components and expertise for their own reactor designs and construction. This was a proven partnership in the UAE reactor construction.

If the U.S. is unable to complete a nuclear cooperation agreement with the kingdom, Korean technology would be the best substitute, particularly compared to Russia or China.

But South Korea has to be a reliable political partner in this process.

Yoon’s impaired authority makes him a weak ally with the new Trump administration if he survives. And if he is replaced there will be political uncertainty regarding the new Korean president.

But there are big differences between the anti-nuclear Moon reign which began in 2017 and today with which a President Lee will have to contend.

One is the commitment of South Korea, along with two dozen other countries, to triple nuclear energy by 2050 as part of achieving global carbon reduction goals.

Also, as AI emerges as the most powerful technology of the immediate future, cutting edge technology companies are demanding guaranteed power. Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have already made deals for various nuclear technologies to cleanly power their AI data centers, including supporting small and advanced fuel cycle reactors. Korean and other tech companies are sure to follow.

U.S.-Korean cooperation on the next-generation of reactors is, therefore, the underpinning of a bilateral nexus of future-shaping issues. This partnership is essential but it can’t be built on political instability or inconsistency from either side.

Ken Luongo, President, Partnership for Global Security

Spotlight

The Global America Business Institute just released a piece by Paul Murphy that does a Look Ahead for 2025 for the U.S. Nuclear Industry, drawing powerful trends coming out of 2024 (the hyperscalers), the transition to Trump 2.0, and the continuing geopolitical competition among the United States, Russia, and China in the civilian nuclear industry. The article notes the challenges of nuclear project development and of the 3x by 2050 goal for the global and U.S. domestic nuclear industries; however, it notes the domestic imperative (and the nuclear industry’s alignment with Trump 2.0’s larger ambitions) to support geostrategic goals, the latter being a key component of Trump 1.0. The last theme of the article is one of continuity and stability, even with the emergence of new technologies (SMRs and Advanced Reactors). The author ends with 9 concluding thoughts for 2025, to include the importance of industry-government collaboration and the need to move beyond a Team USA approach to a Team Friends & Allies approach in order to counter Russian and Chinese offerings.

Issues of Special Interest

Global AI and Data Center Energy

U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order to accelerate the development of data centers to enable artificial intelligence while also ensuring the new facilities are powered by emissions-free electricity. The order directs the Department of Defense and Department of Energy to select sites where the private sector can build gigawatt-scale AI data centers and power generation facilities, as well as to facilitate data center infrastructure’s interconnection to the electric grid. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, the growth of AI could lead data centers to consume 9% of the United States’ electricity by 2030.

The United Kingdom announced plans to establish "AI Growth Zones", special districts for advancing AI and data center infrastructure, starting with Culham, home of the United Kingdom’s Atomic Energy Authority. These zones will focus on streamlined planning processes and enhanced electricity access. The government will also form an AI Energy Council that will explore the possibility of powering data centers with small modular reactors. The initiative aligns with recommendations from the Tony Blair Institute, which highlighted nuclear power’s potential to drive AI growth.

Constellation Energy announced a $27 billion deal to acquire Calpine, creating the largest clean energy provider in the United States. The merger will combine Constellation’s nuclear fleet with Calpine’s low-carbon natural gas and geothermal operations, positioning the company to meet rising electricity demand fueled by AI data centers and re-shoring manufacturing. The U.S. power system is facing a historic surge in demand, with consulting firm ICF predicting nearly 20% growth in power consumption by 2033.

The Impact of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine on International Nuclear Affairs

The Biden administration has targeted senior officials of Russian nuclear agency Rosatom as part of an eleventh round of sanctions against those involved in Russia’s nuclear energy sector. These officials include Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and members of Rosatom’s management board. These new sanctions bring the total number of Rosatom-related designations by the United States to nearly 70 subsidiaries and related individuals, with the State Department stating that these subsidiaries have provided the Russian defense industry with military-applicable armaments, components, and advanced technologies.

The Ukrainian Rivne Nuclear Power Plant received eight critical reactor drives from Czech firm Škoda JS to support the stable operation of two VVER 440 reactors. Škoda JS, now owned by Czech utility ČEZ, is the only non-Russian supplier of these components and is exploring further collaborations with Ukraine to modernize and expand its nuclear energy capacity. This includes potential contracts for modernized drives for the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant and participation in the planned expansion of the Khmelnytskyi Power Plant.

In a report from early January, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported loud blasts near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, including an alleged drone attack on its training center. While there were no reported casualties or impact on equipment, the IAEA noted an escalation in military activity around the site, including explosions and gunfire. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reiterated calls for restraint and adherence to safety principles to protect the plant amid the ongoing conflict.

Ramil Galiyev, the newly appointed General Director of the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), outlined plans to obtain an operating license for Unit 1 by the end of 2025 and ensure readiness for safe operations despite ongoing military conflict. While Rosatom has no immediate plans to restart the plant’s six units currently in cold shutdown, Galiyev emphasized maintaining equipment readiness, extending unit lifespans, and addressing critical issues like replenishing the cooling pond's water supply. His leadership involves reorganization efforts to align Zaporizhzhia with Rosenergoatom’s standards, including structural changes, personnel adjustments, and preparation for future operations once conditions allow.

Russia

Vietnam and Russia signed an agreement to expand cooperation on nuclear energy during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to Hanoi. The agreement, involving Russia’s Rosatom and Vietnam Electricity (EVN), aligns with Vietnam's efforts to revive its nuclear energy plans to achieve energy self-sufficiency and reduce greenhouse emissions by 2050. Vietnam shelved plans to build two nuclear power plants back in 2016 due to increasing costs and safety concerns.

Rosatom is preparing legal action against German manufacturer Siemens Energy over delayed delivery of equipment critical to Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. The delays, attributed to prolonged export approval processes in Germany, have led Rosatom to procure substitute components from China to avoid further construction setbacks. Siemens Energy is permitted to fulfill contracts signed prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and should it obtain the export license from Germany's BAFA, it can deliver the equipment without violating EU sanctions on Russia.

Russia has begun pilot operations at its new fuel fabrication facility in Seversk, designed to support the Brest-OD-300 lead-cooled fast reactor as part of its Generation IV Experimental Demonstration Energy Complex (ODEK). The plant will include on-site nuclear fuel cycle facilities to produce mixed uranium-plutonium nitride fuel and a module for reprocessing irradiated nuclear fuel. The Brest reactor is expected to become operational in 2027, and the construction of the reprocessing unit is planned for commissioning in 2030. Once all three of the ODEK facilities are in operation, they will comprise the world's first nuclear power plant with a fast reactor and on-site closed nuclear fuel cycle.

Russia has shipped the reactor vessel for the sixth unit of India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The reactor vessel was produced at AEM-Technology’s Atommash production site in Volgodonsk, where it is now taking its lengthy journey by sea. The Kudankulam power plant is already home to two operating Russian-VVER 1000 pressurized water reactors: Kudankulam 1 has been in commercial operation since 2014 and Kudankulam 2 since 2017.

China

China has connected Unit 1 of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant to the grid, the first of six third-generation Hualong One reactors planned at the site. The Hualong One technology represents China's rapid advancement in nuclear energy, with 33 reactors either operational or under construction globally, according to the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The Chinese government has allocated a $14 billion budget to the Zhangzhou plant—making it one of the most ambitious nuclear power projects in the world—and aligning with its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

China’s major nuclear power operators reported their nuclear output figures for 2024. In an announcement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, China General Nuclear (CGN) said its power generation for 2024 totaled about 242.2 terawatt hours (TWh), which was an increase of 6.08% from the previous year. Meanwhile, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced that its nuclear power units generated a total of 183.1 TWh, a year-on-year decrease of 1.8%. China has a total fleet of 58 operable nuclear reactors.

The CA01 super module has been installed at unit 2 of China’s Lianjiang Nuclear Power Plant, making it the second CAP1000 reactor in Guangdong province. The 1100-tonne module will house critical components such as the reactor pressure vessel, steam generators, and other parts. The Lianjiang plant, SPIC’s first nuclear project in Guangdong, will feature advanced technologies, including seawater secondary circulation cooling and a super-large cooling tower, with unit 1 scheduled for completion in 2028.

Excavation work has begun for the foundation of unit 1 at China’s Bailong Nuclear Power Plant in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The first phase will feature two CAP1000 reactors, with plans for four larger CAP1400 reactors in later phases. Using "vertical slope" construction technology, the project requires removing 66,000 cubic meters of earth, with the foundation pit expected to be completed by March 2025.

Europe

The United Kingdom has promised a record £410 million ($501.4 million) investment in nuclear fusion which could help construct a world-leading fusion power project on the site of the decommissioned West Burton coal plant in Nottinghamshire. The funding will include the development of the prototype power plant at the site and repurposing the UK’s fusion machine at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. This investment follows the British government’s promise of significant support for nuclear fusion research in its previous autumn budget statement.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) renewed its partnership with the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) as an IAEA Collaborating Centre for another four years. This collaboration focuses on advancing research in future fuels, sustainable fuel cycles, and supporting the development of advanced nuclear reactors, including SMRs. The IAEA is working with multiple global nuclear institutions, designating them as Collaborating Centres, to advance the practical use of nuclear technologies.

The Czech Republic has submitted its updated National Energy and Climate Plan to the European Commission, which features large renewable and nuclear energy capacity increases. The plan calls for the share of renewable electricity to rise from 16.5% in 2023 to 28% of total generation in 2030, as well as for nuclear electricity to increase to 44% by 2030 and to 68% by 2040. The Czech Republic currently has six nuclear reactors which generate about one third of the country’s electricity, with additional plans to build new four large power units and several more small modular reactors (SMR).

Sweden began building its final storage facility for spent nuclear fuel where highly radioactive waste can be stored for 100,000 years. The Forsmark repository will be the final home for 12,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel, encased in 5 meter long, corrosion-resistant copper capsules that will be packed in clay and buried. Sweden’s Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) said the facility will take its first waste in the late 2030s but will not be completed until around 2080 when the tunnels will be backfilled and closed.

Dutch nuclear energy development company ULC-Energy BV and United Kingdom-based Chiltern Vital Group (CVG) have signed a Letter of Intent to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) at industrial parks, starting with the Berkeley Science and Technology Park and Yorkshire Energy Park in the UK. The collaboration aims to create a "net-zero supercluster" investment zone, integrating Rolls-Royce SMRs with other clean energy technologies to power advanced facilities, including AI hubs and medical isotope production.

France’s Court of Auditors released a report stating that France is “far from ready” to begin an estimated €50 billion ($51.5 billion) project to build six new nuclear reactors. The report found that due to financing uncertainties, the supply chain has been unable to prepare for the massive construction project, raising the risk of failure. In 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a plan for state-owned utility Électricité de France (EDF) to build six European pressurized reactors (EPR) beginning in 2027.

Poland’s government greenlit as much as $14.7 billion in funding for its first nuclear power plant project while it awaits approval from the European Union to go ahead with construction. Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s cabinet adopted a draft bill that allows it to increase the capital of Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (PEJ), as well as transfer bonds as cash to the state nuclear company. Poland plans to complete its first nuclear power plant in 2036 as the European Commission is still investigating the country’s proposal for financial aid to the project.

French nuclear company Newcleo signed framework agreements with Slovakian radioactive waste management company JAVYS and engineering company VUJE. The agreement with JAVYS establishes a joint venture tasked with developing and constructing an Advanced Modular Reactor-based nuclear power plant of up to four LFR-AS-200 reactors at the Jaslovske Bohunice V1 site. The deal with VUJE establishes a framework for technical and commercial operation which seeks to leverage VUJE’s experience in nuclear power plant construction and commissioning.

Estonia’s Fermi Energia applied for state spatial planning approval to build a 600 MW nuclear power plant featuring two GE Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs). The project, part of Estonia's long-term energy strategy, aims to enhance the country's energy infrastructure by complementing renewable resources and providing reliable, controllable power. Following six years of planning and community engagement, the company envisions starting construction in 2031, with the first reactor operational by 2035.

A Dutch consortium comprising Demcon, Thorizon, and VDL Group formalized plans to develop and test molten salt reactor (MSR) technologies, aiming to create a testing facility for MSR components and deliver prototypes within 2 ½ years. In December, the consortium submitted a grant application to the Province of Noord-Brabant, which in 2021 launched an innovation coalition to leverage local manufacturing and research capabilities. Thorizon is advancing its 250 MWt/100 MWe Thorizon One reactor targeting industrial customers, with construction expected to begin around 2030 as part of broader European support for nuclear technologies.

French microreactor Naarea announced a strategic partnership with advanced energy management platform QGEMS to optimize Naarea’s energy production and distribution. In addition, Naarea said using QGEMS’ advanced energy management system would extend the applications of its reactor to data and AI centers, commercial properties, and industrial facilities. Naarea is currently working on its ultra-compact molten salt fast neutron reactor (the XAMR), with the first units expected to be produced by 2030.

The Financial Times reported that Great Britain could need as much as £40 billion ($49 billion) for the planned Sizewell C Nuclear Power Plant in England, nearly double Électricité de France’s (EDF) initial estimate. The report cited one senior government official and two well-placed industry sources whom it said called the revised figures a reasonable assumption in terms of 2025 prices. The cost of the Sizewell C project has continued to increase over the past few years beyond the initial estimated cost of £20 billion.

Électricité de France (EDF) is simplifying the design of its small modular reactors (SMR) after a recent design setback. EDF was forced to ditch its more complex design six months ago after reaching a technological roadblock that could have taken years to overcome. The new Nuward SMR design is expected to deliver 400 megawatts of power and offer an option for co-generation of heat that could be used in industrial processes. EDF hopes to finalize the reactor concept by 2026 and have a marketable product by the 2030s.

Asia & The Pacific

Westinghouse Electric Company has reached an agreement with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) that resolves its years-long intellectual property dispute with the two companies. Implementation of the settlement agreement establishes a framework for additional nuclear reactor deployments to the mutual benefit of Westinghouse, KEPCO, and KHNP. Previously, Westinghouse claimed that components of KHNP’s reactors were Westinghouse technology and export controlled. Arbitration of the dispute has been underway and Westinghouse had appealed decisions by countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic to select KHNP as the preferred bidder for nuclear reactor projects.

South Korea and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on nuclear exports and cooperation. This is a government a corollary to Westinghouse-KHNP-KEPCO agreement. The government agreement provides a framework for collaboration on expanding nuclear power in third countries and streamlining export control procedures, particularly relevant for South Korea’s role in building the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. This MoU is expected to ease intellectual property and export consent issues, strengthening both nations’ position in the global nuclear market while supporting energy security and climate goals.

The United States is finalizing steps to lift long-standing restrictions on civil nuclear cooperation with India, according to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The move builds on the 2008 civil nuclear agreement and reflects confidence in India's progress on nuclear safeguards and transparency, enabling closer collaboration on clean energy and technological innovation. These restrictions, initially imposed after India’s 1998 nuclear tests, have been gradually eased, with the Biden administration now aiming to unlock opportunities for U.S. and Indian energy companies despite challenges such as India's nuclear liability laws and non-membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

The United States and Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance strategic civil nuclear cooperation, building on their 2024 Agreement for Cooperation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration on nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation while fostering engagement among government, industry, and academic experts. This agreement strengthens U.S.-Singapore ties, supports zero-carbon energy development, and aligns with shared climate and energy security goals.

The Philippines is considering reviving the long-mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to address soaring electricity costs following the International Atomic Energy Agency's confirmation that the country meets initial requirements to develop nuclear energy. Built during the 1980s, the $2.3 billion plant, designed to produce 621 megawatts of electricity, was shuttered due to corruption allegations and safety concerns, particularly after the Chernobyl disaster. While the revival could fast-track the adoption of nuclear energy, concerns over safety, corruption, and environmental risks remain significant obstacles.

South Korean engineering firm Doosan Enerbility signed an agreement with the International Nuclear Non-proliferation and Cooperation Centre (INC), part of KEPCO’s International Nuclear Graduate School, to enhance global nuclear exports and non-proliferation efforts. The partnership will focus on developing export policies, strengthening ties with the U.S. on nuclear security, advancing small modular reactor (SMR) technology, and supporting the domestic supply chain to meet growing energy demands. South Korea has goals of growing nuclear energy's share beyond the current 30% of its energy mix and exporting 10 nuclear power plants by 2030.

KEPCO KPS signed a memorandum of agreement with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) to participate in the 2.8 trillion won ($1.92 billion) facility improvement project at Romania's Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant. This initiative, secured by a KHNP-led consortium, aims to enhance the plant's operational efficiency and safety, with KEPCO KPS handling critical upgrades such as reactor pressure tube replacements. The project is expected to strengthen KEPCO KPS's presence in the international nuclear maintenance market.

Kazakhstan’s national atomic company, Kazatomprom, announced an updated development strategy for the next 10 years. This is a continuation of its 10-year strategy implemented in 2018, which Kazatomprom said it has updated because of fundamental changes in the nuclear industry and the early achievement of key strategic goals. Among Kazatomprom’s strategic objectives are to enhance focus on uranium mines as its core business, expanding the company’s footprint in the nuclear fuel cycle, continue to diversify sales and further enhance trading functions, and develop and expand its rare-earth metals.

The Kazakh-Chinese joint venture Ulba-TVS LLP has reached its design capacity of producing 200 tons of low-enriched uranium fuel assemblies annually. Ulba-TVS is the only company in Central Asia to specialize in the production of nuclear fuel and supplies nuclear power plants in China. The Kazakhstan-China partnership helps to position Ulba-TVS as an important player in the global nuclear fuel market.

India plans to deploy a fleet of 40-50 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to replace coal-fired power plants in heavy industries as part of its decarbonization strategy. These reactors, based on India’s existing IPHWR-220 design, will be developed under a public-private partnership model, with private companies constructing the reactors and state-owned NPCIL operating them. NPCIL stated it will help industries secure economic benefits from savings in carbon emission-related taxes, enhancing the global competitiveness of their products, but the timeline for deploying 40-50 units could span two decades or longer.

The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) received a construction license from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) for the 1.2 gigawatt Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5) in Punjab, featuring advanced Chinese Hualong (HPR1000) reactor technology. This reactor, equipped with active and passive safety systems, will be the largest electricity-producing nuclear plant in Pakistan and the third Hualong-designed reactor in the country. The project highlights continued nuclear collaboration between China and Pakistan, with C-5 marking the seventh nuclear unit China has exported to Pakistan.

Africa

Egypt has approved the construction of a nuclear waste storage facility at the El-Dabaa power plant, using advanced dry containment technology for secure, long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel for up to 100 years. Scheduled to begin construction in 2025, the facility will support Egypt's growing nuclear energy program, ensuring adherence to global safety and environmental standards. The El-Dabaa plant, developed in collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom, will feature four VVER-1200 reactors.

Zimbabwe announced plans to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Russian investors to establish nuclear energy, aiming to address chronic power shortages and achieve 4,000 megawatts of capacity by 2035. The government is focusing on small modular reactors and is also considering other renewable energies, such as solar, wind, and mini-hydro stations.

Namibia is seeking Chinese investment to develop nuclear power, leveraging its position as one of the world’s largest uranium producers. The country has emphasized the peaceful development of nuclear energy and is looking to expand its partnership with China in emerging technologies, infrastructure, and tourism. This initiative builds on existing Chinese investments in Namibia, including in uranium mines and a $161 million desalination plant.

The Middle East

Saudi Arabia announced plans to enrich and sell uranium, including producing yellowcake, raising concerns due to enriched uranium's potential use in weapons development. This announcement is a part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to monetize minerals, expand its nuclear program, and diversify the country's energy mix. At the end of 2024, Saudi Arabia shifted from light-touch oversight of its nuclear facilities to regular nuclear safeguards with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The reactor pressure vessel for unit 3 of Türkiye's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant has been successfully installed. Produced by Rosatom’s machine production division, the 350-tonne vessel was delivered in late 2023 and installed using an efficient "open top" method. Additionally, nuclear fuel for unit 2 has been delivered to the site, further advancing the project, which aims to meet 10% of Türkiye’s electricity needs once all four units are operational by 2028.

Türkiye plans to build three nuclear power plants by 2035, including the Akkuyu plant and two additional facilities in Sinop and the Thrace region, according to Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, set to begin electricity generation in 2025, will ultimately supply 10% of the country's electricity needs and save $3 billion annually by reducing natural gas imports. The two additional plants will increase Türkiye’s nuclear energy capacity to 7,200 megawatts.

South & Central America

There are no new updates for this region.

North America Nuclear Collaborations and Policy

United States

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has signed a ten-year, $840 million contract for Constellation Energy to supply electricity to federal facilities, as well as support license extensions and capacity uprates and Constellation’s nuclear plants. The agreement will supply an estimated 10-million-megawatt hours (MWh) over the contract’s term to 80 federal facilities, supplying power to more than 13 government agencies and perform energy savings and conservation measures at five GSA-owned facilities. The agreement will also see GSA purchase 2.4 million TWh of nuclear capacity via license extensions and uprates over the contract’s life.

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to head the Department of Energy, Chris Wright, stated during his confirmation hearing that his first priority is expanding domestic energy production, including through liquefied natural gas and nuclear power. Wright told the U.S. Senate, “To compete globally, we must expand energy production, including commercial nuclear and liquefied natural gas, and cut the cost of energy to Americans. In addition to his support for fossil fuels, Wright has previously supported alternatives such as small nuclear power reactors and geothermal power.

The Biden administration finalized a guidance that expands a tax credit which previously only applied to wind and solar power to a range of other energy technologies such as nuclear, geothermal, and hydroelectric energy. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrote in a statement that the guidance is meant to continue America’s clean energy investment boom and strengthen energy security. The guidance is one of several last-minute actions taken by the Biden administration as it seeks to get as much of its energy policy agenda across the finish line as possible.

The Department of Energy’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) has awarded its first four vouchers for the fiscal year 2025 to support the development of advanced nuclear technologies and spent fuel recycling processes. The companies chosen for these vouchers are Curio Solutions, Deep Fission, Kairos Power, and NuCube Energy. Under the GAIN initiative, selected companies are granted access to specific capabilities and expertise in the Department of Energy’s national laboratory complex, such as the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Idaho National Laboratory.

The Department of Energy announced up to $13 million is available to the nuclear industry through a new Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Shared Grant Program. The Department will offer funding to support both earlier stage activities, as well as review activities that occur after a formal license application has been docketed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The competitive funding opportunity seeks to help defray the cost of licensing fees for companies attempting to bring advanced reactors to market, and the DoE will announce awardees later this year.

The Wyoming Industrial Siting Council granted a construction permit to nuclear startup TerraPower for its Natrium Nuclear Power Plant near Kemmerer. The permit allows for the construction of all non-nuclear portions of the Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 plant. However, TerraPower is still waiting for approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) before it can begin work on the nuclear energy-related facilities at the site, aiming for the facility to begin generating electricity in 2030.

Bechtel Plant Machinery has landed a $175.6 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy for the production of naval nuclear propulsion components. The Naval Sea Systems Command will allocate an initial amount of $168.9 million from the Navy’s 2025 procurement funds and $6.8 million from its shipbuilding conversion funds. The project is set to be completed by September 2033, with the Department of Defense stating that Bechtel will be performing its work on the modifications at its facilities in Pennsylvania and New York.

NANO Nuclear Inc. completed its $85 million acquisition of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) and has rebranded USNC’s nuclear technology as the KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor (MMR). The acquisition also includes the Pylon Transportable Reactor Platform, as well as contracts and collaborations associated with USNC projects. The Micro Modular Reactor is a 15 MW electrical high-temperature gas-cooled reactor which uses TRISO uranium fuel in prismatic graphite blocks.

The U.S. Treasury published its final rules on the 45V hydrogen tax credit which prompted a notable increase in multiple nuclear energy stocks. The new regulation allows nuclear power and natural gas producers to qualify for the clean hydrogen production tax credit of up to $3 per kilogram, which could potentially unlock billions of dollars in funding for their respective industries. In response to this news, the stocks for nuclear energy companies Constellation Energy, Vistra, Oklo, NuScale, and NANO Nuclear Energy significantly gained in value.

The Department of Energy and NASA has selected Westinghouse Electric to continue development on a space microreactor through the Fission Surface Power (FSP) project. The contract will build on the successful design work Westinghouse completed during Phase 1 to optimize its contributions to the design of FSP systems and their configuration. The FSP project is focused on developing concept designs for small, electricity-generating nuclear fission reactors that could provide astronauts a reliable power supply for use on planetary surfaces.

The states of Texas and Utah, along with microreactor developer Last Energy, are challenging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) over its adaptation of the Utilization Facility Rule to small modular reactors (SMR) and test reactors. The plaintiffs say the rule imposes complicated, costly, and time-intensive requirements on even the smallest and safest of SMRs and microreactors, making the construction of such facilities unfeasible in the United States. Under the Utilization Facility Rule, all U.S. reactors are required to obtain NRC construction and operating licenses regardless of their size, the amount of material they use, or the risks associated with their operations.

Virginia-based Commonwealth Fusion Systems announced plans to build the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant at the James River Industrial Park in Virginia. As of now, a CFS spokesperson told Construction Dive that the firm has just announced these plans and therefore has not selected any contractors nor determined a project timeline or size. The project has already raised more than $2 billion in capital and received $16.5 million in grants from the Department of Energy.

Canada

The Ontario government has asked Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to explore opportunities for new nuclear energy generation at the Wesleyville site after the municipality and Indigenous communities express their support. As a first step, OPG and the Province of Ontario announced that they will have funding so that the municipality and Indigenous Nations have the necessary resources to participate in the multi-year process to assess the site. Wesleyville is one of three sites where OPG is exploring the potential for new generation and has the potential to be an ideal site for as much as 10,000 MW of nuclear generation based on OPG’s early assessments.

BWX Technologies (BWXT) has agreed to acquire Canadian company Kinectrics Inc. for approximately $525 million. This acquisition will enable an expanded portfolio and services from BWXT to current and new customers in the global nuclear power industry, as well as further strengthen BWXT’s position both in the Canadian reactor market and international markets. Kinectrics Inc. has historically provided commercial power services for all stages of the nuclear power plant life cycle, specifically for Canadian-manufactured CANDU reactors.

Canadian uranium company Cameco announced that its Inkai uranium mine in Kazakhstan has suspended operations. Cameco attributed the closure to the delayed submission of certain documents to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, so Kazatomprom directed the Inkai LLP joint venture to shut down the mine in order to avoid violating Kazakhstan’s legislation. Cameco owns 40% of the Inkai mine, which was expected to contribute about 169 million pounds of uranium this year (4% of global uranium production).

Mexico

There are no new updates for this region.

New Research

A New Era for Nuclear Energy Beckons as Projects, Policies, and Investments Increase

International Energy Agency, January 16

Nuclear Fusion Cannot Balance Fluctuating Renewables – German Parliament Report

Clean Energy Wire, January 9

Eight Indiana Coal Sites Offer ‘Intriguing Opportunities’ For Nuclear Plants, Per New Purdue Study

Indiana Capital Chronicle, January 8

Op-Eds & Articles

What Trump’s Energy Secretary Nominee Had to Say on Hanford’s Nuclear Waste, National Lab

Tri-City Herald, January 15

Can Nuclear Energy Expansion Be a Climate Gamechanger?

DW, January 14

What’s Next for Nuclear Power?

MIT Technology Review, January 14

Russia, China Turn Nuclear Fuel into Bargaining Chip with the West

Nikkei Asia, January 14

Small and Advanced Nuclear Reactors: Closing the Fuel Cycle?

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, January 13

Trump Can Power the US Into the Future with a Muscular Nuclear Energy Policy

Fox News, January 13

Flagship Nuclear Reactor Finally Set to Open in France After Being Delayed for Over a Decade – Here’s Why America Should Be Paying Attention

The Cool Down, January 13

Inside the Push to Restart Three Mile Island’s Aging Nuclear Reactor

The Wall Street Journal, January 13

Nuclear Fusion Could Be the Future of Clean Energy If It Can Overcome These Hurdles

Fast Company, January 12

US-South Korea Nuclear Deal Could Clear Way for End to Reactor Dispute with Westinghouse

NucNet, January 10

Utah Wants Small Nuclear Reactors. It’s Suing the Federal Government to Make Them Less Regulated.

The Salt Lake Tribune, January 10

Five Energy Translation Lessons for 2025

Bloomberg, January 9

Biden Boosted Investment in the Electric Grid. What Will Trump Do?

E&E News, January 9

Caught In a Climate Bind, New York State Is Reconsidering Nuclear Power

Inside Climate News, January 9

Will The World Fall in Love With Nuclear Power Once More?

Grist, January 7

Nuclear Has Changed. Will the U.S. Change with It?

The Harvard Gazette, January 7

What’s Ahead for Nuclear Energy in 2025 and Beyond?

S&P Global, January 7

What A Second Trump Administration May Mean for the Saudi Nuclear Program

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, January 6

A Lawless NRC Obstructs Safe Nuclear Power

The Wall Street Journal, January 5