New build
Saskatchewan has released a new plan, "Delivering Energy Security Through Nuclear Power," detailing its strategy for establishing a nuclear power program. The plan, which supplements the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan, focuses on building electricity capacity, integrating large nuclear reactors, continuing development in Estevan, and leveraging existing nuclear capabilities. The province aims to bring its first large reactor online by 2042 and is advancing plans for small modular reactor (SMR) deployment.
Polimex Mostostal has secured a contract to build two assembly halls for the construction of three Westinghouse AP1000 units in Poland. These facilities are crucial for the modular construction approach of the reactors, enabling on-site assembly of large components. The contract highlights the increasing involvement of Polish companies in the domestic nuclear supply chain, with over PLN2.2 billion (USD570 million) in contracts already awarded to Polish firms for the Lubiatowo-Kopalino project.
The Bailong nuclear power plant in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has commenced construction on its second unit, Bailong 2, with the pouring of first concrete. This milestone follows the approval of 11 new reactors by China's State Council in August 2024, which included the Bailong plant's Phase I units. The project, involving an investment of approximately CNY40 billion (USD5.6 billion) for its initial two units, is expected to take 56 months to construct.
The United Kingdom is transitioning its fusion energy sector from research to industrial and commercial development, backed by significant government investment. This shift emphasizes building industrial capability, supply chains, and a skilled workforce for future commercial fusion plants, drawing lessons from the established fission industry.
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) have emerged as a rapid fundraising mechanism for advanced nuclear developers, securing hundreds of millions of dollars quickly. However, this path to public markets also exposes these capital-intensive companies to significant valuation volatility and market sentiment fluctuations.
NTPC and EDF Power Solutions India have established a 50:50 joint venture to develop and operate various energy projects, including pumped storage, hydropower, and other renewable energy initiatives. The partnership aims to support decarbonization efforts in India and neighboring countries.
India and France recently discussed the deployment of European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) technology in India, focusing on localizing the nuclear supply chain and regulatory reforms.
TRISO-X, a subsidiary of X-Energy, has announced that its TX-1 fuel fabrication facility is moving into the interior buildout phase, including the installation of fuel fabrication equipment. This development follows the granting of a 40-year Special Nuclear Material License by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, enabling commercial manufacturing of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel. The facility is designed to produce 700,000 TRISO-X fuel pebbles annually, sufficient to fuel up to 11 Xe-100 reactors.
Nearly 200 cities in Madhya Pradesh are pooling their power demand for a new floating solar-battery project. The initiative, valued at approximately ₹1,300 crore, aims to provide affordable clean energy for municipal services and reduce recurring electricity costs.
Illinois has set a goal to add 2 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2033, following the lifting of restrictions on new reactor construction. The state currently operates 11 commercial reactors, representing the largest nuclear capacity in the United States.
Kairos Power and Samsung C&T Engineering and Construction Group have signed a binding term sheet to collaborate on Kairos's Hermes 2 demonstration plant. The agreement includes a financial commitment of up to $100 million from Samsung C&T, combining direct investment and in-kind engineering services. Samsung C&T has also joined Kairos's engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) team to support the Hermes 2 project and future reactor technology deployments.
🇮🇹 Italy is preparing to return to nuclear power after almost 40 years. The Italian Senate has given final approval to the government's plan to restart nuclear power generation, with advanced modular reactors expected to play a role in the country's future energy mix. The next step is implement...