New build
NASA and the US Department of Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance nuclear technologies for space exploration. This collaboration aims to develop fission-powered spacecraft and lunar surface reactors, with a focus on stimulating the supply chain and building the necessary workforce.
Urenco USA is expanding its National Enrichment Facility in Eunice, New Mexico, to increase domestic uranium enrichment capacity. The expansion includes adding centrifuge cascades, refurbishing existing infrastructure, and constructing a new enrichment plant to meet the growing demands of the US nuclear industry and international partners.
India plans to expand its nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, with private sector involvement expected to contribute 30 GW and attract ₹7.5 lakh crore in investment. This initiative aims to meet rising electricity demand, enhance energy security, and diversify the power mix.
Akkuyu 1, Turkey's first nuclear power plant, has successfully completed cold hydraulic tests on its primary circuit. This milestone confirms the integrity and readiness of safety-critical components, moving the unit closer to physical startup and its goal of supplying electricity by the end of 2026.
Terrestrial Energy has submitted a Topical Report to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) seeking confirmation that the Thermal and Electric Facility (TEF) portion of its Integrated Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) plant is not classified as "nuclear construction" under US regulations. This submission aims to streamline the regulatory process, potentially allowing for faster deployment and financing of IMSR plants.
A new report from JAIF outlines the economic benefits of nuclear power plants, estimating a JPY4.3 trillion impact per plant over its lifecycle and highlighting high domestic procurement rates.
Poland's first nuclear power plant is moving into procurement. Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) has commissioned Westinghouse Electric Company to begin the procurement process for long-lead components for Poland's first AP1000 reactor at Lubiatowo-Kopalino. The scope covers six key nuclear islan...
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) has begun ordering long-lead components for the first AP1000 reactor in Poland, including the reactor containment vessel. This procurement, under the Engineering Development Agreement with the Westinghouse-Bechtel Consortium, aims to secure production capacity, mitigate delays, and ensure timely project completion. Polish companies meeting ASME NQA-1 quality standards are expected to compete for contracts.
Tianwan Unit 7, a VVER-1200 reactor, has connected to the grid in China, delivering its first electricity on October 8. This milestone follows the reactor achieving a self-sustaining controlled nuclear chain reaction. The unit will undergo further testing before commercial operation.
Westinghouse has contracted Hyundai E&C to conduct Front-End Engineering Design (FEED 1) studies for new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. This collaboration follows earlier contract awards to EDF and Westinghouse by the Nuclear Energy Organisation of the Netherlands (NEO NL) for design studies expected to last 12-18 months. The FEED 1 studies will proceed in two phases, with the initial phase (FEED 1a) being independent of the final plant location, allowing preparatory work to advance while site selection is finalized.
NTPC has identified three locations in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha for new nuclear power plants, aiming for 30 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. The company is exploring technology collaborations with international firms for pressurized water reactor projects.
The ITER Organization has received the ninth and final vacuum vessel segment, vacuum vessel sector #2, at its Cadarache site in southern France. This delivery marks the completion of major component arrivals for the core machine assembly, including the vacuum vessel, superconducting magnets, and cryostat.