Greetings Patrick!

In this week’s issue, PGS President Ken Luongo analyzes the Trump Administration's nuclear energy strategy and offers ideas for how the United States can maximize its nuclear power competitiveness at home and abroad. We spotlight the passage of the House of Representatives’ budget reconciliation mega-bill and how its provisions, so far, impact the nuclear power sector. 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.

 A longer version of this article was published by The Center for the National Interest and it can be found here.

The Trump administration’s strategy for achieving America’s domination of the global nuclear energy market is coming into focus. But its ultimate effectiveness remains in question.

A first step has been the preservation (so far), in the Big Beautiful Budget Reconciliation Bill, of some key credits for nuclear power that originally were contained in Biden-era clean energy legislation. The second step is the imminent release of the administration’s nuclear energy executive orders.

The administration is hoping to preserve the momentum for nuclear energy that has steadily risen over the last half-decade, but do it in a less expensive way, particularly by streamlining nuclear regulation.

But focusing on regulatory reform won’t overcome the critical issue of private sector financing fears and it may exacerbate them.

Congress already has instructed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to streamline its safety standards to accommodate new small and advanced reactors. The agency is acting on this direction and working with over two dozen different reactor vendors.

Further slimming the regulatory process is unlikely to leapfrog small and advanced reactors forward before a 2030 timeframe because of fuel availability and technology limitations.

The administration plans to overcome these challenges by accelerating fuel availability and using federal land to build small reactors that can power artificial intelligence data centers. U.S. energy demand escalation is being driven by AI and the administration has made winning that technology race against China a top priority.

Demonstrating new reactor technologies on federal land may be a workaround that circumvents the need for NRC approval. But throwing regulatory caution to the wind can pose a danger to the overall nuclear renaissance the administration is trying to push forward. Public confidence is critical to deployment at scale, and one accident can kill global nuclear energy momentum, as was the case with Three Mile Island and Fukushima.

The real problem the administration faces is that it is unclear where the commercial drive and financing for already-licensed, large reactor expansion in America will come from. No nuclear power reactors are under construction in the United States and there’s no prospect of that changing in the near term.

Utilities are gun-shy about going all-in on nuclear energy because of the massive cost overruns and delays at the Vogtle plants in Georgia and the unknown costs of building a first-of-a-kind of any small reactor.

A monument to this fear is the two partially completed Westinghouse AP-1000 reactors in South Carolina at the Virgil C. Summer (V.C.) Nuclear Power Station. They have been mothballed for eight years after an investment of $9 billion.

Without a resurgence of nuclear deployment at home, there is little chance of market control abroad. And without both domestic and export cylinders aggressively cycling together, the dream of America’s global nuclear energy dominance will dissipate.

To realize its ambition, the administration will have to diversify its thinking beyond deeming deregulation as the singular silver bullet. That won’t be enough to move nuclear finance from virtue signaling to actual deployment support.

There are two additional actions the administration should consider.

One is to partner with foreign allies on nuclear projects in the United States. A South Korea-U.S. partnership (KORUS) could reduce the U.S. financial commitment to push forward domestic deployment of large and small reactors. It will bring into play not just Korean financial support but potentially petro-state financing from the Middle East.

Korea has cultivated nuclear energy engagement with both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. And Korea and the UAE have agreed to pursue “joint nuclear power projects abroad.” A potential U.S.-Saudi reactor deal adds another dimension and will necessarily include Korea.

A U.S-South Korea-Persian Gulf nuclear power alliance could be a powerful and financially sustainable counterweight to the state-financed nuclear dominance of Russia and China.

Second, the administration needs to bolster its overseas nuclear financing capability. Congress will soon have to reauthorize the Development Finance Corporation and the Export-Import Bank.

These organizations are supporting nuclear projects in Poland and Romania, but under current legislation, neither has sufficient funds to finance U.S. nuclear exports abroad at scale. Both of these agencies should be provided greater flexibility and financing to become stronger assets in nuclear export.

Ken Luongo, President, Partnership for Global Security

Spotlight

The House of Representatives’ passage of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” marked a major reshuffling of the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy incentives, but support for nuclear energy held strong. Many “technology neutral” tax credits, for wind, solar, and other renewables were pared back or accelerated for phaseout, now needing to be incorporated into the grid by 2028 rather than 2031. Nuclear energy, however, will continue to receive credits for projects that begin construction by the end of 2028, and the bill grants the sector exclusive access to “transferability,” which allows developers to transfer credits to third parties. Nuclear energy suffers some nicks in the current bill, but it still needs to pass the Senate where further changes may occur. The nuclear carve-outs reflect the administration’s focus on energy dominance and scaling the deployment of domestic nuclear energy to compete with Russia and China.

This legislative support reinforces the growing view that nuclear energy has a central role in U.S. energy security and economic competitiveness. Backed by Big Tech as a reliable, carbon-free power source, nuclear is increasingly seen as essential to meeting the surging energy demands of AI and data center infrastructure. While the IRA took a much broader hit, the protection of nuclear tax credits positions the industry as a viable alternative to other clean energy sources, which continue to face concerns over intermittency and reliability. The bill would also prevent Chinese companies from accessing IRA credits by the end of this year, aligning with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to localize supply chains and reduce U.S. dependence.

The House-passed bill removed provisions on land sales, the Ambler mining road, and oil and gas leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. However, it retains provisions to expand offshore and onshore drilling in areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Gulf of Mexico and includes language to promote coal mining. The bill also attempts to streamline permitting by allowing natural gas pipeline developers to pay a $10 million fee for expedited permitting. A similar fast-track measure for hydrogen and CO2 pipelines, favored by President Trump, was left out, despite his personal appeal to lawmakers.

As the bill moves through the Senate, the future of America’s energy mix is being reshaped. While renewables face new headwinds and fossil fuels regain ground, nuclear has emerged as the most protected and potentially the most politically viable source of clean energy. Though deployment challenges remain, the preservation of federal support sends a strong signal to utilities, investors, and technology developers that the U.S. is serious about scaling nuclear power and competing in the global energy race.

Emily Day, Della Ratta Fellow, Partnership for Global Security

Issues of Special Interest

Global AI and Data Center Energy

Talen Energy is now considering alternative arrangements to supply electricity to data centers after U.S. regulators pushed back on Talen’s plan to fuel an Amazon data center directly from its Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant in Pennsylvania. Talen CEO Mac McFarland said that is looking at other types of data center deals instead of co-location arrangements, including through traditional commercial power contracts. Independent U.S. power companies have been increasingly interested in striking deals to supply electricity to data centers, but rulings against some of these co-location arrangements by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) are leading some companies to consider alternate plans.

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

The European Commission has published a roadmap for the European Union to end its dependency on Russian energy by stopping the import of Russian gas and oil, as well as phasing out Russian nuclear energy. The REPowerEU Roadmap will take place in a “coordinated and secure manner” as the EU advances its energy transition. The commission added that it will make legislative proposals regarding these planned phaseouts next month. EU Member States will then be asked to prepare national plans by the end of the year setting out how they will contribute to phasing out imports of Russian gas, nuclear energy, and oil.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a drone struck the training center at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) this week, coinciding with bursts of gunfire heard by IAEA staff on site. This marks the third drone-related incident targeting the training center this year, though no casualties or major damage were reported. The IAEA has not yet been granted access to inspect the site and warned that frequent drone activity near nuclear facilities in Ukraine poses a serious safety and security risk.

The IAEA detailed the damage caused by a February drone strike and resulting fires at Chernobyl’s New Safe Confinement (NSC) shelter, which protects the remains of reactor unit 4. The attack left a 15-square-meter hole and further damaged roughly 200 square meters, while the emergency response created hundreds of additional openings. Key systems like the main crane remain inoperable, though safety systems are functioning, and no radiation release has been detected.

Russia is reportedly finalizing efforts to connect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to its own energy grid, with new power lines spotted in occupied areas of Donetsk Oblast. Between February and May, infrastructure, including a distribution hub and compressor station, was constructed, and one section of the network is already operational. According to local sources, full integration into Russia’s grid could occur within weeks.

Ukraine is preparing to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Officials say an agreement to begin the project could be signed soon, with the goal of using nuclear power to meet future energy demands and support post-war reconstruction. The plan is part of a broader national strategy to expand nuclear capacity, with 12 potential SMR sites identified across the country.

Russia

Russia's space agency Roscosmos and China's National Space Administration (CNSA) signed a memorandum of cooperation to build a nuclear power station on the moon by 2035 to support the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) near the lunar south pole. The reactor will enable long-term scientific exploration. The ILRS is viewed as a strategic rival to NASA’s Artemis program, which has plans to build an orbital lunar space station.

Russia is expanding its geopolitical influence in Africa, signing nuclear energy agreements with at least 20 countries. These nuclear deals, led by state-owned Rosatom, offer favorable financing packages. Recent agreements include deals with Burkina Faso, Guinea, and the Republic of Congo, but Russia has also made deals with Algeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, and others.

Russia and Uzbekistan launched a joint nuclear engineering school to train specialists for Uzbekistan’s emerging nuclear energy sector. The “Advanced Engineering School,” based at the Tashkent branch of Russia’s Moscow Engineering & Physics Institute (MEPhI), was formalized through a trilateral agreement with Rosatom and aims to support the country's first nuclear power plant. The initiative includes a full pipeline of workforce development, from school-level education to professional retraining and internships at Rosatom facilities.

Russia has completed the first RITM-400 nuclear reactor for the Rossiya icebreaker, set to become the world’s most powerful nuclear-powered vessel. The Rossiya will use two RITM-400 reactors to enable year-round navigation of the Arctic’s North Sea Route, expanding Russia’s commercial shipping capabilities. The RITM-400 marks a major upgrade over previous models, offering greater thermal power and icebreaking strength.

China

China has approved the construction of 10 new nuclear reactors worth $27.7 billion, aiming to become the world’s top nuclear power producer by 2030. The project includes Hualong One and CAP1000 reactors, adding 12,000 megawatts of capacity across several coastal provinces. This expansion is part of China’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, meet climate goals, and enhance energy security. Nuclear power is projected to make up 10% of the energy mix by 2040. Unlike the U.S. and Europe, where high costs and regulation slow progress, China’s state-owned firms are efficiently driving nuclear growth through centralized planning and investment.

China Huaneng has begun construction on the second Hualong One reactor at the Shidaowan nuclear power plant in Shandong Province, part of a broader plan to build four reactors with a total capacity of 4.8 GWe. This marks the full launch of Phase I of the project, which also includes a Guohe One (CAP1400) reactor and the already operational high-temperature gas-cooled HTR-PM. The site is positioned as China’s first integrated base for both third- and fourth-generation nuclear technologies, aimed at boosting clean energy output and reducing carbon emissions.

China’s Qinshan Phase III nuclear plant set a world record by operating continuously for 738 days, showcasing the efficiency of its CANDU-6 reactor technology, which allows for refueling without shutdown. This achievement saved 4.19 million tons of coal and cut carbon emissions by nearly 11 million tons, reinforcing the environmental benefits of nuclear power. Qinshan has a major refurbishment underway to extend reactor life by another 30 years.

Chinese researchers have developed a highly energy-efficient and low-cost method for extracting uranium from seawater, potentially supporting China's rapid nuclear power expansion. Using dual copper electrodes, their new electrochemical technique achieved 100% uranium extraction from seawater-like solutions at a cost of just $83 per kilogram—significantly cheaper than previous methods. The process also requires over 1000 times less energy than other electrochemical approaches. While industrial-scale deployment remains years away, the breakthrough brings China closer to securing a domestic uranium supply to fuel its growing nuclear fleet.

Europe

According to French officials, the German government has signaled to France that it will no longer object to treating nuclear power on par with renewable energy in European Union legislation. One official pointed to a recent joint editorial by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron in which the two leaders said their countries would realign their energy policies, while a German spokesperson declined to comment on the report. Germany and France have been in opposition over whether to promote nuclear power to achieve the EU’s carbon dioxide emissions targets, which has delayed policymaking on tackling climate change.

The European Commission has asked the Czech Republic to postpone signing its $18 billion contract with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to build new nuclear power reactors as the commission investigates the use of foreign subsidies in the deal. This request adds another potential hold-up to the nuclear power tender shortly after a Czech regional court temporarily blocked CEZ from signing its contract with KHNP until the court handles Électricité de France’s (EDF) complaint related to the tender process. In response, the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade has claimed that the courtesy letter sent by the European Commission is not legally binding.

Orano announced it has begun serial production of ten 30B-10 cylinders designed for the transport of low-enriched uranium (LEU+) enriched up to 10% uranium-235 at the World Nuclear Supply Chain conference in Warsaw. Orano’s 30B-10 cylinder equips the innovative DN30-X package which combines the properties of the existing DN30 overpack with the new cylinder. The Type 30B cylinders that are currently used to transport uranium hexafluoride (UF6) between fuel cycle facilities around the world are only certified for uranium enriched up to 5%, despite nuclear fuels with higher enrichment being developed globally.

Following an earlier funding round, Électricité de France (EDF) and private equity specialist Siparex announced a second round of funding to strengthen strategic companies in France’s nuclear supply chain. The first round of funding, known as the Fonds France Nucléaire (FFN), was launched in 2021 and raised €100 million ($112 million) in investments in 11 nuclear companies. The second round of funding is seeking a target of €800 million with the aim of supporting companies with significant expertise in the nuclear sector. 

According to French nuclear waste agency Andra, France’s new Cigeo nuclear waste storage project is now expected to cost between €26 billion and €37.5 billion which is an increase from the previous estimate of about €25 billion. A decree from the French Ministry of Industry is expected by the end of the year, finalizing the costs, which will serve as a reference until the next assessment. The Cigeo project is expected to become the country’s first long-term storage site for its nuclear waste, and it is due to start development in 2027 despite protests from nearby residents.

Électricité de France (EDF) and engineering consultancy Egis Industries are expected to finalize a preliminary technical study of the potential use of civil nuclear power in Serbia by the end of the second quarter this year. The study will review institutional and infrastructural issues that Serbia will have to address if it chooses to develop a nuclear program, as well as include an analysis of available technologies such as conventional nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMR). The construction of nuclear power plants was prohibited since a ban passed in 1989, but Serbia’s government reversed this ban last November.

The UK's Atomic Energy Authority and Italy’s Eni have begun constructing the world’s largest tritium fuel-cycle facility in Culham, England, to support the future of commercial fusion power. The H3AT Tritium Loop Facility, expected to be completed by 2028, will test continuous fuel-loop systems to process, store, and recycle tritium.

Belgium’s parliament voted to repeal the country’s planned nuclear phaseout in order to strengthen the resilience of its energy sector. Belgium passed a law for the gradual phaseout of nuclear energy in 2003 which stipulated that its nuclear power plants were to be closed by 2025 at the latest and prohibited the construction of new reactors. However, Belgium delayed the phaseout by 10 years in 2022 in response to the European energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Belgium currently has two nuclear power plants that comprise 40% of the country’s power generation.

Belgium’s Nuclear Research Centre and the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC) announced the start of a formal preliminary consultation on an innovative small modular reactor (SMR) using lead-cooled technology. The preliminary consultation is part of the development of a lead-cooled SMR within the European EU-SMR-LFR project. The EU-SMR-LFR project is being carried out by a consortium of European partners such as Italy’s Ansaldo Nucleare and Romania’s RATEN, focusing on research into lead-cooled fast reactor technology and the commercialization of the technology.

Infrastructure company Costain has been selected by Urenco to carry out the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the United Kingdom’s first high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) advanced fuels facility. Costain said it expects to complete the FEED study in 2027, which will inform Urenco’s plans for its new advanced fuel enrichment technologies facility. Last year, the British government awarded $245 million to Urenco to build a uranium enrichment facility with the capacity to produce up to 10 tons of HALEU per year by 2031.

Westinghouse Electric Company announced the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoU) with seven Bulgarian suppliers to support the construction of two AP1000 reactor units at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. The MoUs establish the potential for supplying a variety of products and services such as cranes, logistics and transportation, electrical and industrial equipment. Westinghouse is currently working to build two AP1000 reactors at Bulgaria’s Kozloduy Power Plant as Bulgaria aims to reduce its dependence on Russian nuclear technology and fuel.

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said that Türkiye is in talks with Canadian company Candu Energy and other companies regarding the country’s plans to build its second and third nuclear power plants. Alparslan stated that the Turkish government is negotiating with Russian, South Korean, and Chinese companies along with Candu Energy, although Candu did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Türkiye is currently building its first nuclear power plant at Akkuyu in collaboration with Russian nuclear agency Rosatom, and it also has plans to build a second and third nuclear power plant in the future.

The Danish Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities, Lars Aagaard, said that Denmark is considering lifting its 40-year-old ban on nuclear power to enhance its energy security. The Danish government will analyze the potential benefits of new nuclear power technologies, with a report expected to be ready next year. Traditional nuclear power has been banned in Denmark since 1985, and Aagaard stated that Denmark subsequently has no recent experience with nuclear power.

Sweden's parliament has passed a law to fund a new generation of nuclear reactors, aiming to bolster energy security and meet net-zero emissions targets by 2045. The plan includes building four large-scale reactors or equivalent small modular reactors, with a capacity of about 5,000 MW. Half are expected to come online by 2035.

A full-scale model of Newcleo’s TL-40 lead-cooled fast reactor for maritime applications is being displayed at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in Italy. The exhibit is a joint project between Newcleo, Italian design company Pininfarina, and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The TL-40 lead-cooled reactor is designed for powering large maritime vessels, with Newcleo working with both Fincantieri and Pininfarina collaborating to study using the TL-40 for naval propulsion and developing a nuclear fuel research and development center.

Italian power group Enel, defense company Leonardo, and Ansaldo Energia have set up a new company to study new-generation nuclear technologies: Nuclitalia. Nuclitalia will be in charge of assessing innovative and mature designs of new sustainable nuclear power, with an initial focus on water-cooled small modular reactors. Enel will hold a 51% stake in the company, with Ansaldo owning 39% and Leonardo 10%. The Italian government approved a law this February that will allow a return to nuclear energy almost 40 years after it was banned by a referendum.

Asia & The Pacific

According to data from South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, nuclear power became the largest source of energy in the country’s power generation sector last year. Nuclear power generation accounted for 31.7% of total power in 2024, while gas and coal tied for second by contributing 28.1% of total power generation each. Senior ministry official Cho Ik-no said the government will continue to expand zero-carbon energy sources such as nuclear power in order to meet the demand for advanced industries.

South Korea is steadily reviving its nuclear power sector and is well positioned to capitalize on the projected $9 trillion global reactor market. It is emerging as the strongest counterweight to Russia and China. This is expected to drive economic growth through job creation and technological innovation. By focusing on reactor technologies and expanding exports, South Korea seeks to become a global leader in clean, sustainable nuclear energy.

Vietnam and Russia have agreed to quickly negotiate and sign agreements on building nuclear power plants in Vietnam. The joint statement added that the development of the plants with advanced technology will be strictly compliant with nuclear and radiation safety regulations, and the two sides will also facilitate the expansion of their energy companies in each other’s territories. Vietnam has restarted plans to develop nuclear power plants that were suspended nearly a decade ago, with some officials stating that the expectation is for the first nuclear power plants to be online between 2030 and 2035.

India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approved the siting of four 700 MWe pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) at the Mahi Banswara site in Rajasthan, marking a key step in the development of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP). This siting consent follows extensive technical and environmental reviews and requires further environmental clearance. The project is part of India’s broader “fleet” approach, which includes ten PHWR units across multiple states to boost domestic nuclear capacity. MBRAPP will be developed by Ashvini, a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and NTPC, made possible by amendments to India's Atomic Energy Act allowing public sector joint ventures.

Tata Power is positioning nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), as a key component of its clean energy strategy, contingent on forthcoming regulatory reforms in India. CEO Praveer Sinha has expressed interest in deploying SMRs to provide reliable, low-carbon power to industrial clients such as Tata Steel and Tata Motors, complementing the company's existing renewable energy portfolio. This initiative aligns with India's broader energy objectives, including the government's Nuclear Energy Mission, which aims to support SMR development through policy amendments and financial incentives. Tata Power is also planning to divest $1 billion in non-core international assets to concentrate on domestic energy projects.

Taiwan has disconnected unit 2 of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, its last operating nuclear plant. This shut down follows a promise by the Democratic Progressive Party in 2016 to phase out nuclear power in the country, and Maanshan Unit 2 is due to be fully decommissioned following the expiry of its 40-year operating license. However, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan recently passed a proposal for a referendum on restarting the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant with the support of the opposition Kuomintang party and the Taiwan People’s Party.

Taiwan’s legislature passed an amendment to allow its nuclear power plants to apply for licenses to extend operations beyond the existing 40-year limit. The government said that it has no immediate plans for any future nuclear power projects, but Premier Cho Jung-tai indicated the government would not oppose the restoration of decommissioned reactors if the amendment passed. While this change will not halt the planned closure of its last operating reactor at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, the amendment passes doubt over the government’s previous opposition to nuclear power.

Taiwan’s National Atomic Research Institute (NARI) launched a four-year, $3.3 million research initiative focused on small modular reactors (SMRs), signaling a potential shift in nuclear policy despite the government's continued plan to decommission its last major nuclear plant, Maanshan. President William Lai has expressed conditional openness to advanced nuclear technologies, emphasizing safety, waste management, and public acceptance. However, Taiwan faces a nuclear expertise gap due to years of phase-out policies, prompting the government to invest in training programs and international collaboration to rebuild capacity in anticipation of possible SMR deployment by 2030.

Japan’s Kyushu Electric Power Company says it is currently considering designs including innovative light-water reactors, small modular reactors (SMR), and high-temperature gas reactors as it aims to develop a “next-generation innovative reactor”. In its Strategic Vision 2035 document, the company says it will consider the development and installation of new, innovative reactors that incorporate novel safety mechanisms. Kyushu Electric Power Company currently operates four nuclear power plants, including the Sendai 1 and 2 power plants.

The 205-ton ingot of special alloy to be used in the production of a planned small modular reactor (SMR) in Uzbekistan has been cast at AEM-Special Steels in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Steel casting is the start of the process of creating a nuclear reactor, and machine builders will use the first steel to create a flange for the RITM-200N reactor vessel. In 2024, Uzbekistan signed a contract with Rosatom for the construction of a nuclear power plant based on six units of the RITM-200N water-cooled SMR. The first unit is scheduled to go critical in late 2029.

Africa

Russia is expanding its influence in Africa by signing nuclear energy deals with at least 20 countries, offering attractive, state-backed contracts that include technology, fuel supply, and long-term financing. Its largest project is the $28.75 billion El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt, which will be Africa’s second nuclear power station and is largely financed by Russia. This push comes as the U.S. scales back energy investments in Africa, creating a gap Russia is eager to fill through nuclear partnerships that can politically bind countries to Moscow for decades. While nuclear power offers Africa a stable, low-carbon energy source, critics warn that large, centralized plants may not be the most resilient or modern solution for the continent’s growing energy needs.

The Middle East

Two sources with knowledge of the matter report that the United States is no longer demanding Saudi Arabia normalize ties with Israel as a condition for progress on nuclear cooperation talks. Dropping this demand would be a major concession by the United States, as Saudi Arabia is reported as saying it would not recognize Israel without a Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia and the United States have been in negotiations regarding a nuclear cooperation deal, although these talks have faced multiple hurdles that have prevented the signing of an agreement thus far.

Iran stated it is willing to increase inspections and provide assurances on its nuclear program, but will not agree to halt uranium enrichment. Foreign Ministry officials emphasized that enrichment is essential for the country’s nuclear industry and a non-negotiable legal right. The announcement highlights ongoing tensions in nuclear negotiations with the U.S., which insists on ending enrichment as a condition for any future deal, despite recent talks in Oman described as both difficult and encouraging.

South & Central America

Brazil and Russia are preparing to collaborate on developing small modular reactors (SMRs), with Russia’s Rosatom expected to engage soon with Brazil’s government to advance the project. This builds on existing cooperation, including Russia supplying enriched uranium to Brazil’s Angra nuclear plant and exploring floating SMR options. Brazil’s Energy Minister highlighted the importance of nuclear energy for the country’s energy security and decarbonization goals. Meanwhile, Russia continues to develop SMR technology both domestically and internationally, with its first export project underway in Uzbekistan.

North America Nuclear Collaborations and Policy

United States

The Trump administration is reportedly considering several executive orders aimed at speeding up the construction of nuclear power plants to help meet rising electricity demand. The draft orders call for a “wholesale revision” of federal safety regulations to make it easier to build new plants, envisioning the Department of Defense taking a prominent role in ordering reactors and installing them on military bases, and setting a goal of quadrupling the size of the nation’s fleet of nuclear power plants by 2050. The draft orders are currently marked as “pre-decisional” and “deliberative”, and it is unclear which of them might be issued.

Senators from both major parties introduced a bill aimed at offsetting China and Russia’s growing influence on international nuclear energy development. The International Nuclear Energy Act would support an office to boost nuclear exports, financing, the harmonization of regulations, the standardization of licensing, as well as set up a fund for financing projects crucial to national security. While the United States still has the largest nuclear power capacity of any country in the world, China has been quickly developing domestic reactors, and Russia has arranged deals with numerous countries to build nuclear power projects.

The Trump administration is considering an executive order that would reduce the autonomy of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) according to two U.S. officials who declined to speak publicly. A draft order calls for the reform of the NRC which would include the reduction of the NRC’s staff, shortening the time to review reactor designs, and a “wholesale revision” of its regulations in coordination with the White House and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The NRC would also be required to send new rules regarding reactor safety to the White House, where they will be reviewed and possibly edited.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has submitted its application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a permit to build GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor at its Clinch River site in Tennessee. This makes TVA the first utility in the United States to submit a construction permit application for the BWRX-300 SMR technology. TVA has invested in the standard design of the BWRX-300 as part of a technical collaboration agreement with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Synthos Green Energy, and GE Hitachi. TVA also holds an early site permit for SMRs at Clinch River and states preparation for the SMR could begin as soon as 2026.

NuScale Power CEO John Hopkins stated the company is in advanced discussions with several potential customers for its small modular reactor (SMR) technology and could deliver an operating power plant by 2030. Hopkins added that NuScale remains on track for an expected July approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its uprated 77-megawatt electric design and is confident in a firm customer order for its SMR by the end of the year. Additionally, manufacturing partner Doosan has 12 NuScale modules currently in production and could deliver 20 per year.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepted Dow’s construction permit application to build X-energy’s first advanced small modular reactor (SMR) plant to power its manufacturing facility in Seadrift, Texas. Dow submitted its application to the NRC in late March to build the Long Mott Generating Station, which includes four Xe-100 reactors at the company’s chemical plant. If approved, this would be the first advanced nuclear facility at an industrial site in the United States. The facility is part of the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP).

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) published its final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed subsequent license renewal for the Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Station Unit 1. The final statement examines the environmental report submitted by Dominion Energy as part of its license renewal application, and the NRC will consider the safety and environmental reports when making a final decision on extending the license. Dominion Energy is seeking a second licensing term to extend the reactor’s operations from 60 years to 80 years.

EnergySolutions and WEC Energy Group have agreed to explore new nuclear energy generation at the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant site in Wisconsin. EnergySolutions said it plans to begin initial planning and scoping activities to support the pursuit of an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant began commercial operations in 1974 but shut down in 2013. EnergySolutions bought the shuttered nuclear power plant in 2022.

Production of enriched uranium has begun in the first new gas centrifuge cascade installed as part of Urenco USA’s expansion of its plant in New Mexico. The new cascade is the first of several that are planned to come online by early 2027 as the National Enrichment Facility undergoes a 15% increase in its capacity or 700,000 separative work units (SWU). Urenco USA is currently the only commercial producer of enriched uranium in the United States, and the company completed installation of its first new centrifuges last year.

Advanced nuclear reactor developer Oklo announced it has completed borehole drilling for site characterization work at its Idaho National Laboratory (INL) site, marking a pivotal milestone for the construction of the company’s Aurora Powerhouse reactor. The INL site will feature Oklo’s first commercial deployment and may shape the company’s fleet strategy. Oklo’s Aurora Powerhouse is a compact fast-spectrum reactor derived from its Experimental Breeder Reactor-II that uses liquid sodium coolant and metallic high-assay low-enriched uranium.

NANO Nuclear Energy completed the retrofitting of its multi-million-dollar nuclear demonstration and testing facility in New York. The facility is now ready to support the non-nuclear mechanical and thermal test work necessary to develop its ZEUS microreactors and commercial products, such as its Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP). NANO plans to separately commercialize ZEUS and ALIP in the coming years, with testing at the facility and data generated contributing to the final design and integration strategy for ALIP.

Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) has commenced uranium enrichment demonstration testing at its test loop facility in Wilmington, North Carolina. The technology readiness level-6 (TRL-6) program is expected to be a pivotal validation of large-scale enrichment performance under operationally relevant conditions, with GLE expecting to generate hundreds of kilograms of enriched uranium during the demonstration period. GLE was one of six companies selected by the Department of Energy in 2024 to produce low-enriched uranium for U.S. nuclear energy facilities.

Canada

Ontario approved the construction of the first GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington nuclear site. This first-of-its-kind project in the West is expected to be operational by the end of the decade and serve as a global benchmark for SMR deployment. With four total reactors planned, the initiative aims to address Ontario’s rising electricity demand while creating thousands of jobs and generating significant long-term economic benefits.

Aecon Kiewit Nuclear Partners secured a $934 million contract from Ontario Power Generation to lead construction of Canada’s first grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project. The project, featuring GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 reactor, is slated for completion by 2030 and will be North America’s first commercial SMR deployment. Aecon will manage project planning and execution under an Integrated Project Delivery model, building on its experience with Ontario’s major nuclear refurbishment efforts.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) selected five vendors to help design and plan Canada’s first deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel in northwestern Ontario. The chosen firms—WSP Canada, Peter Kiewit Sons ULC, Hatch, Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada, and Kinectrics—will collaborate on engineering, construction, and nuclear systems design as part of a co-located project team. Construction will begin only after federal and Indigenous-led regulatory processes are completed.

Nova Scotia added uranium to its critical minerals list and opened bids for exploration at three known deposit sites in Pictou, Annapolis, and Hants counties. The move follows the repeal of a decades-long ban on uranium mining and is aimed at positioning the province for long-term economic and energy opportunities. The province also added silver and tellurium to the critical minerals list, which are used for solar panels and thermoelectric devices.

Mexico

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New Research

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ForoNuclear, May 9

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The Breakthrough Institute, May 19

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The Financial Post, May 15

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Nuclear Engineering International, May 15

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The Washington Post, May 15

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ABC15 Arizona, May 14

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E&E News, May 14

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J.P. Morgan, May 14

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Oklo Stock Is Soaring. The “Pivotal Step” Behind the Move.

Barron’s, May 13

Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear Prospects in an Era of Strategic Competition

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Golfing on Saturdays: Lessons for Nuclear Collaboration

The National Interest, May 13

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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