New build
The outer dome of Xudabao Unit 1, a key component of its shielded building, has been installed. This milestone signifies the near completion of large steel structure modules for the unit, utilizing modular construction techniques inherent to the CAP1000 reactor design. The project, with an investment exceeding CNY48 billion (USD6.6 billion) for units 1 and 2, is being developed by Liaoning Nuclear Power Company Ltd, with China Nuclear Power Engineering Company Ltd serving as the general contractor.
NuCore Energi, a company established by Fortum, has submitted an application for state aid to the Swedish government for a new nuclear power project in Oskarshamn. The project proposes a capacity between 1,200 MW and 3,400 MW, encompassing both small modular reactors (SMRs) and large-scale reactors. This application is one of several recently filed by various companies seeking government financing for new nuclear builds in Sweden.
A new draft framework in India, intended to open the nuclear sector to private companies, may impose additional approval requirements on foreign reactors, potentially limiting investment and the flow of expertise. This could impact the country's goal of nearly tenfold nuclear capacity growth.
Pacific Fusion has initiated construction on its Research and Manufacturing Campus in New Mexico, aiming to advance fusion energy technology and establish a domestic fusion manufacturing industry. The facility will house a Demonstration System designed to achieve net facility gain by 2030 and will also expand manufacturing of modular components.
The Nuclear Energy Organisation of the Netherlands (NEO NL) has initiated Front-End Engineering Design (FEED 1) studies with EDF and Westinghouse for two new nuclear power plants. These studies, divided into two phases, will assess reactor designs against Dutch regulatory requirements and prepare detailed proposals for construction. This follows earlier feasibility studies and aims to ensure a robust procurement process for the planned 1000-1650 MWe reactors, expected to be operational by 2035.
Egypt and Russia's Rosatom are discussing the potential expansion of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant with two additional units and exploring cooperation in small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. Discussions also covered the progress of the four-unit El Dabaa project, including construction rates, fuel supply, and operational support.
The lead-cooled reactor developer has filed a second site application as Sweden's state-aid framework for new nuclear projects gains traction among multiple vendors.
Westinghouse has achieved zero-power criticality for its eVinci heat pipe-cooled microreactor, validating core design and models ahead of commercial deployment.
Site work for a small modular reactor (SMR) project in Myanmar could commence in 2027, following an intergovernmental agreement and the establishment of a comprehensive contractual framework. The project aims to develop a 110 MW facility with two RITM-200N pressurized water reactors, with potential expansion to 330 MW.
A full-scope control room simulator has been commissioned at the Xudabao nuclear plant in China, enabling operator training for the first two units before their entry into service.
Two RITM-200 reactors have been installed on the nuclear-powered icebreaker Leningrad, currently under construction at the Baltic Shipyard. These reactors, each weighing over 147 tonnes, are integral to Russia's strategy for developing the Northern Sea Route.
Major Indian utilities are adopting locally designed pressurised heavy water reactors to overcome project delays and leverage established domestic supply chains as the country pursues an elevenfold increase in nuclear capacity.