Greetings Patrick!

In this week’s issue, we examine the search for an assured supply of HALEU fuel for advanced reactors and the potential complications created by TerraPower’s deal with South Africa’s ASP. We spotlight the IAEA’s International Conference on Small Modular Reactors and Their Applications, as well as the advancement of the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative. Finally, we highlight key nuclear technology, security, and geopolitical developments, reports, and analyses.

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

The search for secure sources of HALEU fuel sent a shockwave through the commercial and governmental advanced nuclear reactor network this week when the U.S. company TerraPower signed an agreement with South Africa’s ASP Isotopes for the commercial production of the high-density fuel.

ASP has traditionally been known for producing medical isotopes. But in early 2024 it spun-off a wholly owned subsidiary, Quantum Leap Energy. The business model for QLE is to produce HALEU fuel using proprietary uranium enrichment technology.

At the very least, the deal with TerraPower can be viewed as a hedge against potential supply adequacy and delay associated with the U.S. government’s recent decision to invest $2.7 billion in four companies to produce HALEU – Centrus, Orano, Urenco, and a mystery company, General Matter.

These awards are in addition to recent contracts the Department of Energy has signed for HALEU deconversion that will allow the enriched uranium to be converted to fuel.

A previous cost-share investment with Centrus was designed to provide 900 kilograms of HALEU fuel per year. The Nuclear Energy Institute has estimated that there may be a requirement for a total of 3,000 metric tons of HALEU by 2035.

DoE also has created a HALEU Consortium that will track advancements on the fuel and work in concert with its members.

The need for assured supply of HALEU fuel has been underscored by a spate of deals between advanced reactor developers and Silicon Valley, industrial, and other corporate giants.

Currently, HALEU is produced in Russia. But the U.S. ban on imports of uranium products from Russia, as well as an unwillingness to rely on adversarial nations for the fuel, has sparked a flood of government cash for new uranium enrichment services.

X-energy’s TRISO-X has broken ground on the first advanced nuclear fuel facility at Oak Ridge. Other advanced reactor companies, like Oklo, are exploring the processing of spent fuel to produce the equivalent of HALEU fuel without relying on new enrichment.

An adequate and sustained HALEU fuel supply is central to the goal of widely deploying advanced reactors for climate, geopolitical, energy security, and power purposes. These objectives have been consistently identified as high priorities by Biden administration officials.

The goal of the U.S. government’s actions on HALEU has been to build a secure supply chain in the country and among trusted allies. The Sapporo Five, the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, and France, have agreed to work together to ensure a stable fuel supply. But this “friend-sourcing” may be upset by the deal with ASP.

The state of the U.S.-South Africa relationship is strained. This is evidenced by the fact that the U.S.-South Africa nuclear cooperation agreement, originally signed in 1997 and then renegotiated in 2022, has lapsed despite its approval by the U.S. government.

South Africa also is a leader of the nonaligned movement and has supported Russia’s war in Ukraine and recently signed a nuclear fuel MOU with that nation.

Further, the recent non-aligned BRICS meeting, chaired by Russia, established the Nuclear Energy Platform, with the membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. The objective of this new organization is to focus on energy and non-energy uses of peaceful nuclear technologies in BRICS and BRICS+ nations.

The end of 2024 is witnessing the transition of the value of advanced nuclear power from the theoretical to the deployable.

But this advancement is exposing possible frailty in the political contract that has assumed domestic primacy in advanced nuclear energy and fuel in exchange for massive investment by the U.S. government and its allies.

The commercial world is questioning the durability of this deal and the assurance of U.S. and allied nation HALEU fuel supply. That concern has moved a well-capitalized American company like TerraPower to align with an uncertain U.S. ally in South Africa, exposing possible flaws in the foundation of the advanced nuclear status quo.

Ken Luongo, President, Partnership for Global Security

Spotlight

The IAEA hosted the International Conference on Small Modular Reactors and Their Applications. Over the course of five days, the conference organized numerous topical groups covering issues such as SMR designs and technology, security and safeguards, and considerations to facilitate the deployment of SMRs globally. The conference also convened multiple side events pertaining to IAEA activities on SMRs, the role of SMRs in ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future, as well as a meeting of the SMR Regulators’ Forum.

Just a few days before the IAEA’s recent conference, the IAEA also held a plenary meeting that announced the agency’s initiative to streamline small modular reactor (SMR) deployment, the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI), is moving on to the implementation phase following its third plenary meeting held in Vienna. The meeting covered progress made thus far and discussions on the suggested direction for the next phases of the initiative. The NHSI aims to converge different types of SMR technologies, as well as their regulatory approaches to facilitate the global deployment of SMRs and advanced reactors.

Patrick Kendall, Program Director, Partnership for Global Security

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost its only remaining 330 kV back-up power line for the second time in October, leaving it reliant on a single 750 kV line for essential functions. The IAEA team stationed at the plant reported that the line was disconnected for more than 26 hours due to unspecified damage across the Dnipro River; before the conflict, the plant had access to four 750 kV and six 330 kV lines. During site assessments, IAEA team members conducted walkdowns, observed the testing of an emergency diesel generator for reactor unit 4, and held discussions with staff on topics including control system upgrades for the EDGs and updated radiation protection procedures.

The IAEA reported daily military activity around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), with explosions occurring nearby but no recent damage to the facility. IAEA experts stationed at ZNPP are focused on assessing the plant’s maintenance needs and conducting regular safety checks, including monitoring cooling systems and radiation levels, which remain normal. The team also noted that ZNPP staffing efforts are underway to expand personnel amid ongoing challenges in the active conflict zone.

The IAEA reported that nuclear safety is being maintained at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants despite ongoing conflict and regular air raid alarms. The safety of operating NPPs depends on a stable grid connection, a situation that has become increasingly precarious in recent months, with IAEA teams stationed at all Ukrainian plants to monitor conditions closely. IAEA teams are supporting Ukraine with equipment deliveries and infrastructure assessments, including recent repairs at South Ukraine NPP, to uphold essential safety measures amid challenging conditions.

At a recent summit, a top Ukrainian official called for stronger efforts to ensure nuclear safety, citing Russia's occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, highlighted the risks posed by Russia's militarization of the plant, which “has been transformed into a military base” under constant threat. France, hosting the meeting, emphasized the importance of international action to address these security risks, with support from the IAEA as a path toward Ukraine's future reconstruction.

Westinghouse will facilitate the construction of new nuclear power units in Ukraine to enhance its energy independence. Using advanced technology, this partnership with Energoatom aims to strengthen Ukraine's role in the global energy market and complete Units 3 and 4 of the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. The project, pending parliamentary approval, would help offset lost output from the Zaporizhzhia plant by adding 2 gigawatts to the grid.

A Russian Shahed UAV flew dangerously close to a power unit at Ukraine's Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. Ukrainian state nuclear energy company Energoatom reported that Russian forces are escalating threats to Ukraine's energy infrastructure as the colder season begins. Such actions, described by Energoatom’s CEO as "outright terrorism," risk nuclear and radiation safety across the region, with similar drone incursions recently reported near other Ukrainian nuclear sites.

Italy is in discussions with Westinghouse and Électricité de France (EDF) as potential partners for a state-backed company to build advanced nuclear reactors, according to Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin. Despite past referendums banning nuclear power, the government plans to introduce regulations by year’s end to permit new nuclear technologies, focusing on small and advanced modular reactors. The Meloni administration believes that nuclear power could support decarbonization in heavy industries like steel and glass, potentially saving Italy €17 billion in its 2050 decarbonization efforts.

The Czech anti-monopoly office (UOHS) has temporarily blocked the signing of a contract with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) for a new nuclear power unit due to appeals from Westinghouse and Électricité de France (EDF). This preliminary measure follows a September review of challenges to KHNP’s selection as the preferred bidder. South Korean lawmakers also questioned the deal. Despite this, the Czech government and utility CEZ aim to finalize negotiations by March, as they seek to replace coal-fired plants and aging nuclear reactors with new nuclear and renewable energy sources.

Russia and Mongolia are nearing an agreement to construct a low-power nuclear power plant near Mongolia's planned capital, New Karakorum, with a signing expected in early 2025. This project, with a planned capacity of up to 330 megawatts, aims to foster cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy, while the two countries are also exploring broader nuclear projects in power generation, medicine, and agriculture. Following recent discussions during President Putin’s visit, Russia’s Rosatom and Mongolia’s Mon-Atom are assessing site viability, funding, and technical conditions to advance Mongolia’s clean energy and industrial goals.

U.S.-based Terrestrial Energy partnered with the United Kingdom’s Viaro Energy to advance the deployment of its Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology for industrial applications, including powering data centers for AI. Terrestrial's IMSR, a 4th generation reactor, uses molten salt as fuel and coolant, providing heat or generating power with low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. The collaboration will begin by evaluating siting, regulatory, and economic factors in the U.K. before progressing to site selection, with Terrestrial leading nuclear development and Viaro providing infrastructure and funding, aiming for a final investment decision by 2030.

The United States is engaging Southeast Asian nations in talks to deploy small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) as interest grows in low-carbon energy solutions. Southeast Asia is turning to nuclear power to address its fast-growing energy demands and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Philippines plans to launch its first nuclear plant by 2032, while Vietnam and Indonesia are also evaluating the technology’s potential. Discussions with officials from the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand reflect the region's potential for SMRs, which are quicker and more cost-effective to deploy than traditional reactors, though still in early development by U.S. companies.

TerraPower and Seaborg signed agreements with South Korea's South Gyeongsang Province at the Gyeongnam Small Modular Reactor International Conference to collaborate on next-generation nuclear plant design, aiming to position the region as an SMR industry leader. In May, Seaborg also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute to advance nuclear technology, reinforcing South Korea’s commitment to innovation. South Gyeongsang is investing $11.5 million through 2026 to build a comprehensive support center for the nuclear power manufacturing industry.

Jamaica signed a memorandum of understanding with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to advance nuclear technology adoption. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized this partnership as key to diversifying Jamaica's energy mix with safer, adaptable options like small modular reactors. With 85% of Jamaica's energy currently from fossil fuels, the collaboration aims to build local nuclear expertise and reduce dependency on oil, enhancing energy stability.

Turkey and Niger signed a provisional agreement to boost cooperation in mining, marking Turkey's interest in Niger's uranium resources amid global competition. The agreement follows high-level visits and discussions involving Turkish companies in Niger's mining sector, though it remains uncertain whether Niger’s junta-led government, in power since last year’s coup, is considering granting Turkey access to undeveloped or existing uranium mines. With Niger recently revoking uranium permits from French and Canadian firms, Turkey joins other nations, like Russia, vying for access to Niger's substantial uranium reserves to support its nuclear ambitions.

Global engineering firm ABB signed a memorandum of understanding with Swedish SMR developer Blykalla to advance the SEALER-E lead-cooled small modular reactor project. Their initial focus is on building a pilot SMR facility near Oskarshamn to test the technology's feasibility before expanding to larger projects. Blykalla has plans for a demonstration SEALER-D reactor, which will have a thermal output of 80 MW and fuel rods cooled by 800 tonnes of liquid lead, as well as plans for its first 140 MWt SEALER-55 commercial reactor to be operational in the early 2030s.

Framatome signed a contract to supply nuclear fuel to Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant, supporting its four VVER-440 reactors starting in 2027. This agreement follows a 2023 memorandum of understanding between Hungary and Framatome to strengthen nuclear cooperation, emphasizing fuel diversification and strategic energy independence. The initiative aligns with EU efforts to reduce reliance on Russian fuel, providing a secure, European-made fuel solution for VVER reactors across the European Union.

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vulin held discussions with Rosatom about expanding cooperation in non-energy applications of nuclear technologies. The two sides also discussed the involvement of Russian companies in projects in Serbia as well as the participation of Serbian companies in projects taking place in third countries. The construction of nuclear power plants and nuclear fuel facilities has been forbidden in Serbia since 1989, but the current Serbian government is aiming to reverse this ban and aims to win public support for nuclear power in the country.

The intergovernmental BRICS organization is creating the Nuclear Energy Platform, which is intended to share experience and support the development of nuclear technologies among BRICS+ member countries. Rosatom director general Alexei Likhachev said that the main aim of the platform is to develop and implement best practices relating to energy and non-energy use of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes in BRICS and BRICS+ markets. BRICS member countries currently have 390 gigawatts electrical (GWe) of operable nuclear power production, with a further 66 megawatts electrical (MWe) under construction.

Singapore is taking new steps to pave the way for deploying nuclear technologies and will launch a roadmap later this year to power grid upgrades. Among the steps taken, Singapore has signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States, which will enable Singapore to deepen its cooperation on advanced nuclear energy technologies. Additionally, Singapore aims to build a pool of about 100 nuclear safety experts in the medium to long term.

Italy’s government plans to present a new state-backed company that will build advanced nuclear reactors in the country before the end of the year. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso added that the entity might also be capable of exporting advanced nuclear reactors to other countries. The current Italian government believes small modular reactors (SMR) and advanced reactors can help decarbonize the country’s most polluting sectors. Nuclear power plants are currently prohibited in Italy following referendums in 1987 and 2011.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol commemorated the completion of units 1 and 2 of the Shin Hanul Nuclear Power Plant and underscored the need to amend the system to allow nuclear plants confirmed to be safe to continue operating. Yoon emphasized the importance of establishing a system to safely use existing nuclear plants longer and introducing future innovative nuclear plants. Shin Hanul Units 1 and 2 are the first nuclear reactors to be comprehensively completed under President Yoon’s term as president, with construction ongoing at units 3 and 4 at the plant.

Westinghouse Electric has extended its agreement with Bulgaria’s Kozloduy NPP-Newbuild for the construction of two new AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant site. The extension is for the front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract, which is pivotal for the project’s advancement. Following this phase, the project will progress to engineering services ahead of construction. Kozloduy began its partnership with Westinghouse in 2023 with an initial FEED contract aimed at evaluating infrastructure at the site for deploying the two AP1000 reactors.

France has granted €300 million ($330 million) to uranium enrichment company Orano and increased its stake in the company to 90.3%. The money will be used to finance projects such as the extension of the Georges-Besse II enrichment plant which will increase Orano’s enrichment capacity by one third, demonstrating the French government’s commitment to contribute to Orano’s uranium enrichment projects and the expansion of its capabilities. Orano is currently the fourth largest uranium enrichment company in the world, comprising 12% of the world’s enrichment capacity.

Vietnam is amending its national power development plan (PDP8) to include options for nuclear energy and hydrogen, which would raise the country’s total installed power generation capacity from 80 gigawatts to 150 gigawatts by 2030 if approved. Officials have said that Vietnam has discussed the potential construction of small modular reactors (SMR) with a number of countries such as South Korea, Canada, and Russia. Vietnam had previously approved plans to develop its first two nuclear power plants in 2009, but these plans were shelved in 2016 due to budget constraints and the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.

Czech Republic nuclear power operator CEZ Group has taken a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR and said it hopes to begin work on rolling out a fleet of small modular reactors (SMR) in the Czech Republic. The agreement between the two companies will see the work on plans for the deployment of SMRs providing up to 3 gigawatts of capacity in the Czech Republic, with early works expected to commence as soon as 2025. CEZ will also support Rolls-Royce SMR to deploy SMR projects across Europe and build an international supply chain to sustain these reactors.

Nuclear reactor company TerraPower and ASP Isotopes signed a deal to produce high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for the expected next generation of nuclear power plants. Numerous countries have recently been looking to produce HALEU for advanced reactors, with Russia currently the only major supplier of HALEU globally.

Tohoku Electric Power Company has restarted its Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant unit 2, the 13th Japanese reactor to be restarted since the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011. Onagawa was the closest nuclear power plant to the epicenter of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami but was not significantly damaged. Tohoku applied to the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) in 2013 for a safety assessment of Onagawa 2, and the NRA approved its final screening report in 2020, paving the way for the unit to resume operations.

Slovenian lawmakers voted to cancel a referendum on building a new nuclear power plant after environmental groups and experts filed complaints questioning its legality at the constitutional court. Lawmakers stated there were valid doubts about whether voters could make an informed and responsible decision on this issue. Previously, Slovenia’s parliament decided to call a referendum on whether voters should support the implementation of the JEK 2 nuclear power project, which was scheduled to take place in November of this year. However, Slovenia’s government added that this cancellation does not mean a referendum won’t take place at a later date.

India has announced plans to support the construction of up to 50 small modular reactors (SMR) through public-private partnerships. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) will construct, manage, and operate these facilities for private players, which will provide the funding and land for the project. This marks the first time nuclear power will be accessible to private companies in India for commercial use. India’s primary aim is to deploy a large fleet of small nuclear reactors to power industries such as steel, as well as provide power for power companies and data centers.

Swiss nuclear startup Deep Atomic unveiled its MK60 small modular reactor (SMR) design to provide power and cooling for data centers, including those supporting traditional cloud services, cryptocurrency operations, and AI applications. Deep Atomic says it has already begun to engage with regulators and potential customers as it moves forward with development. The MK60 is a light-water SMR that generates up to 60 megawatts electrical (MWe) and an additional 60 megawatts of cooling capacity.

Orano has decided to suspend its activities at the Arlit uranium mine in Niger in response to major financial difficulties facing SOMAÏR, its subsidiary that operates the mine. Niger’s border with Benin, Orano’s primary corridor through which Arlit’s uranium concentrates are exported, has remained closed since last year’s military coup. Additionally, Niger’s government shareholder in the mine, SOPAMIN, has not paid any of its debts to SOMAÏR for the past 15 months.

Egypt completed construction on the first level of the inner containment building for unit 2 of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. The inner containment building is a reinforced concrete structure which houses the nuclear reactor and the primary circuit equipment of the plant. The first segment was installed in September and the final section installed on October 24. El Dabaa will be Egypt’s first nuclear power plant, consisting of four Russian-designed VVER-1200 units.

Sweden’s Land and Environmental Court has granted radioactive waste management company Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB (SKB) an environmental permit for the construction and operation of a final repository for used nuclear fuel in Forsmark and an encapsulation facility in Oskarshamn. The permit applies to radioactive waste from the 12 reactors that are currently part of Sweden’s nuclear power program. SKB added that the construction of the nuclear fuel repository will begin two years before that of its encapsulation facility.

Bangladesh has completed the reactor assembly process for the first unit at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The reactor assembly process included the installation of reactor internals, the loading of dummy fuel, and the installation of a protective pipes unit. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will feature two Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors as part of the initial contract for the project back in 2015. Construction of the second unit began in 2018.

Orano has created two specific “sharing groups” which will bring together the main designers of innovative fast neutron reactors (FNR) in France. The first FNR mixed-oxide fuel group brings together Orano, Hexana, Newcleo, and Otrera to work on the developments necessary for the production of the mixed-oxide fuel used in fast neutron reactors. The second group consists of Orano, Naarea, Stellaria, and Thorizon. Orano added it has signed two collaboration charters, thereby allowing the sharing groups to pool start-ups’ needs relating to the development of fuels.

The Department of Energy awarded $2.7 billion to four firms for high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) production contracts, funded under the Inflation Reduction Act. The companies selected are Louisiana Energy Services, Orano Federal Services, General Matter, and American Centrifuge Operating. Under these four contracts, the selected companies will bid on future work to produce and store HALEU in the form of uranium hexafluoride gas to eventually be made into fuel for advanced reactors. The Department of Energy estimates that more than 40 metric tons of HALEU will be needed by 2030 with additional amounts required each subsequent year to meet the United States’ net-zero emissions target for 2050.

Micro modular reactor and TRISO fuel company Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition and is seeking to run a sales process. USNC added that it has obtained debtor-in-possession financing that will help ensure it will maintain full operational continuity across its current work, such as the deployment of its micro modular reactor systems and the fulfillment of its ongoing projects with U.S. government agencies. It added that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Standard Nuclear for USNC’s fuel-related assets and technology development contracts.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is publishing its proposed rule for a new technology-inclusive and performance-based licensing pathway for advanced nuclear reactors in the Federal Register. The proposed rule, known as 10 CFR Part 53, updates a previous version to remove a second proposed regulatory framework and eliminate quantitative health objectives for nuclear plant risk analyses. According to the NRC, Part 53 would result in net savings of $53.6 million to $68.2 million per license relative to the existing licensing pathways.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has kicked off the process to consider Constellation Energy’s plans to restart its retired Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant in an initial public meeting, with Constellation making its case before the NRC. Members of the NRC requested details about the emergency evacuation plans for the restarted plant and information about Constellation’s commercial deal with Microsoft. Constellation announced last month that it had signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft that would enable reopening the unit 1 reactor at Three Mile Island.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is undertaking an agency-wide effort involving nearly all of its branch offices to implement the ADVANCE Act. The committee held a public comment session for stakeholders and representatives to offer their feedback on numerous issues, and the NRC will also hold public meetings on some of its initiatives, including on its fusion licensing framework, non-electric uses of nuclear power, and brownfield site regulations. The recently passed ADVANCE Act directs the NRC to enhance its nuclear technology licensing process and expedite its reviews of technology license applications.

Amazon has announced plans to develop four nuclear reactors along the Columbia River in Washington state. While there were no details on when the reactors will be installed, Amazon stated that reactors will be small modular reactors (SMR) and produce 320 megawatts of nuclear energy near the existing Columbia Generating Station. Amazon’s vice president of global data centers, Kevin Miller, said the company is increasingly investing in nuclear energy to help power the company’s operations and provide sources of carbon-free energy.

Framatome’s GAIA fuel assemblies, loaded with PROtect Enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel technology, completed their third 18-month fuel cycle at Plant Vogtle in Georgia. These were the first full-length PROtect Enhanced Accident Tolerant fuel rods to be placed in an operating pressurized water reactor, having been loaded into Vogtle Unit 2 back in 2019. The U.S. Department of Energy has been supporting the development of accident tolerant fuels since 2012, with the aim of seeing these advanced fuel concepts being brought to market by 2025.

During the 2024 election cycle, Democratic Party candidates have increasingly embraced nuclear energy as a way to shore up the country’s electrical grid. Among candidates pitching nuclear power include Ruben Gallego in Arizona, Elissa Slotkin in Michigan, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in Florida, and Colin Allred in Texas.

NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum said his company is considering the restart of the Duane Arnold nuclear station in Iowa as it sees increasing interest from data center customers. NextEra is conducting an engineering assessment of the plant and is working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and local stakeholders on evaluating a possible restart. The Duane Arnold Energy Center ceased operations in 2020 after more than 40 years in service, with its potential restart part of a growing trend of shuttered U.S. nuclear facilities considering the resumption of energy production.

The North Carolina Energy Policy Council voted to approve its draft 2024 Biennial Report, which provides official recommendations to the state’s elected leaders, policymakers, and regulators. Among the numerous recommendations included, the Council expressed its support for advancing North Carolina’s nuclear capacity through small modular reactors (SMR) and recommended the creation of a Nuclear Energy Authority to serve as the central body for all nuclear-related projects in the state. The report will be open to public comment until November 11, after which the council will consider any changes and vote for official approval and submission.

Wyoming has approved a Uranium Energy Corp. application to double the uranium oxide production capacity at its Irigaray plant in the Powder River Basin. This gives UEC the capacity to process 12.1 million pounds of uranium nationwide, setting up UEC to be the top uranium producer in the United States. UEC has also been working elsewhere to increase its uranium production capacity, such as its purchase of Rio Tinto’s uranium assets in Wyoming, which includes a licensed processing mill.

Third Way and the Energy for Growth Hub released the latest update to its map of the global market for advanced nuclear power that tracks both readiness of country markets for advanced nuclear and project energy needs by 2050. Since 2020, Third Way has noted a steady progress in international demand and readiness for nuclear energy, with new developments such as artificial intelligence increasing market demand even further. In analyzing U.S. advanced nuclear deployment, the report found that Central and Eastern Europe have been the focal points of international interest in U.S. advanced nuclear technologies. To fully capitalize on these developments, Third Way recommends the United States establish a coordinated federal strategy on exports, complete advanced nuclear demonstrations, and provide tools to export financing agencies.

The IAEA published the 2024 edition of the Climate Change and Nuclear Power report on the margins of the Clean Energy Ministerial in Brazil, which highlights the need for a significant increase in nuclear power investments. The report suggests that global investment in nuclear energy must increase to $125 billion annually to achieve the IAEA’s high case projection for nuclear capacity by 2050. This investment would help spur the 2 ½ times increase of the current nuclear capacity that will be necessary to achieve net zero emissions by the mid-century. The new report also examines ways to unlock private sector finances.

The United Kingdom’s Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) issued its annual review of nuclear waste management in the United Kingdom between 2023 and 2024. The report highlights key areas of progress and achievements made by the government-affiliated organization during the past year. These include the safe and secure operation of the low-level repository in Cumbria, diverting 98% of waste from disposal at the Cumbria site and saving $78 million for the year, and working with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and the wider nuclear sector to develop innovative ways to treat problematic nuclear wastes and harness new technologies.

Three Mile Island, Notorious in Nuclear Power’s Past, May Herald Its Future

The New York Times, October 30

What It Will Take to Restart Decommissioned US Nuclear Plants. A Primer

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, October 29

To Sell Americans on Nuclear, This Campaign Highlights Rising Support for the Energy Source

Adweek, October 29

Sweden’s Nuclear Revival Questioned as Green Projects Falter

BNN Bloomberg, October 29

The Rise and Fall of NuScale: A Nuclear Cautionary Tale

The Oregon Capital Chronicle, October 29

Can Big Tech Revive Nuclear Power?

E&E News, October 28

Can Europe Get Fired Up to Compete Globally on Nuclear Fusion?

Euractiv, October 28

Nuclear Energy, Kazakhstan’s Golden Opportunity to Engage the West

Euractiv, October 28

Small Modular Reactors Could Give Developing Countries Access to Nuclear Energy

Voice of America, October 28

Could Nuclear Energy Power the Ocean State?

ecoRI News, October 24

The Global Tech Giants Choosing Nuclear

World Nuclear News, October 23

China Tension Highlights Risk of Taiwan’s Nuclear Phase-Out Plan

The Japan Times, October 22

What Are Microreactors and How Soon Could We See One in Operation?

Power Mag, October 22

With Palisades and Three Mile Island Units Set to Restart, Could More Retired Reactors Follow?

Utility Dive, October 22

How Nuclear Power Could Be a Game Changer for Puerto Rico

The Huffington Post, October 21

Britain’s Heading for a Nuclear Power Crunch. Blame the French.

Politico, October 21

Can America Keep Up with AI’s Energy Appetite in the Race with China?

Utility Dive, October 21

Power Plant Rule Avoids SCOTUS Pause. Will It Survive Surging Energy Demand?

E&E News, October 18

Advanced Nuclear Must Be Part of New York’s Energy Plans

The Times Union, October 16