Greetings!
In this issue we highlight China’s plans to expand nuclear energy production to reduce its reliance on coal, a reported breakthrough that could advance the development of fusion energy, and growing public support for nuclear energy amid forecasts of rising electricity prices. We also spotlight a recent report released in Canada that provides a road-map for the future of advanced reactors in the country.
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Changes to Nuclear News and Views
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Over the past year, our newsletter has grown in reach and readership, and through helpful comments from readers, we are introducing several changes to better capture the range and significance of activity in the nuclear community.
While we will continue to focus broadly on nuclear power and security, climate policy, geopolitics and advanced technologies, we will add new sections to highlight emerging areas. The Nuclear Collaboration section will feature international discussions and agreements that are advancing the nuclear dialogue around the world. The Nuclear Consensus section will cover articles about evolving public and institutional views on nuclear power and how communities and organizations are thinking about nuclear developments, often at the grassroots level. The Domestic Civil Nuclear section will highlight important updates on nuclear security, energy, and policy within the U.S.
We are grateful to our many readers for their feedback and interest in these issues. We are committed to presenting a timely, curated summary of news, research and commentary on nuclear energy, climate, security and technology. Thank you for your readership and support!
Partnership for Global Security Staff
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Nuclear Policy, Governance, and Geopolitics
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China is
introducing more generation III nuclear reactors, as the country tries to reduce its reliance on coal. According to China's National Energy Administration, more than 40 nuclear reactors are operating in the country as of the end of August.
Construction has
begun on the floating nuclear power plant (NPP) located near the Shandong Province in China. In 2016, the CNNC said that China plans to build 20 floating NPPs to assist with power and water supplies to the South China Sea islands.
The first reactor on Russia’s floating NPP is now
operational, with the second reactor expected to start up in the near future. Rosatom has
stated that this NPP will help push development in the northern region of Russia.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, over 90% of growth in global nuclear energy production through 2040 will be
driven by China and India.
Japanese company Toshiba
announced that it will
pull out from the construction of a NPP in the UK.
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Nuclear Security and Emerging Technologies
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A team from MIT have
revealed a breakthrough that they say could make future nuclear fusion energy production faster and cheaper.
Around 200 industry experts
attended the first small nuclear reactor (SMR) conference in Canada to discuss investment opportunities of SMRs.
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The UK and Canada
signed a bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA), which will allow the two countries to continue their “mutually beneficial” relationship after Brexit.
The U.S. and Ukraine have
signed a joint statement that will enhance cooperation in civil nuclear projects and improve safety procedures in Ukraine facilities.
Poland and the U.S. have
signed a Joint Declaration of Energy Security, which emphasizes the expansion of their cooperation in a variety of areas, including civil nuclear energy.
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Voters in Arizona
rejected a ballot initiative that would have
resulted in the closure of the state’s nuclear power plant, replacing it with fossil fuels.
The Bellefonte NPP, described as the biggest economic development in the history of Alabama, is at
risk of falling through as the company Nuclear Development has been given until Nov.30 to complete its purchase.
US nuclear suppliers are
worried that the new U.S. policy limits on nuclear exports will hinder their ability to enter into new contracts in China.
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The Union of Concerned Scientists, as well as
other environmental organizations,
repositioned their stance in supporting nuclear’s ability to achieve clean energy policy goals.
Japan is
working on revitalizing its nuclear power industry and many small towns are benefiting greatly from this policy.
There is growing voter
support for nuclear energy across the U.S., Asia, and Europe as electricity prices rise.
Nuclear power was
included in the Ministerial Conference of the International Forum of Energy for Sustainable Development for the first time.
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Spotlight
Canada
released
a
report outlining a roadmap for development and deployment of advanced reactors in Canada. This report offers over 50 recommendations on stakeholder engagement, regulatory readiness, and international partnerships.
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Union of Concerned Scientists, November 8
Scientific American, November 7
Mashable, November 1
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The Partnership for Global Security (PGS) is a recognized international leader and innovator in nuclear and transnational security policy developing actionable responses to 21st century security challenges by engaging international, private sector, and multidisciplinary expert partners to assess policy needs, identify effective strategies, and drive demonstrable results.
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