New build
Italy's Senate has approved a government mandate to reintroduce sustainable nuclear power, marking a significant policy shift. This decision follows a three-year exploration into nuclear energy's potential and aims to enhance energy security, achieve decarbonization goals, and foster industrial development. The mandate includes developing a National Programme for Sustainable Nuclear Power and establishing an independent Nuclear Safety Authority.
Samsung C&T has committed up to USD100 million in investment and engineering services for Kairos Power's Hermes 2 demonstration plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This collaboration includes Samsung C&T joining Kairos Power's integrated engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) team, focusing on power-generation systems and balance-of-plant activities for the fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR) technology.
Bechtel will no longer be involved in TerraPower's Natrium power plant project in Kemmerer, Wyoming, following an inability to reach an agreement on the next project phase.
Nuward, a subsidiary of EDF Group, is advancing its small modular reactor (SMR) design with plans for a series of 10 units across five European countries. The project aims for commercialization by 2029, with construction starting in 2030 and initial production by 2035. This initiative aligns with the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs, which seeks to accelerate SMR deployment in Europe to achieve 17-53 GW capacity by 2050.
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is engaging with private companies to secure investment and facilitate the commercialization of its 300 MW Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-300). Discussions are underway with NTPC Limited, Reliance Industries Limited, Adani Group, and Larsen & Toubro Limited.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency (EA) have outlined their strategies to implement reforms aimed at accelerating nuclear project delivery across the United Kingdom. These plans respond to recommendations from the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, which called for a "radical reset" to reduce costs and timelines for new nuclear builds.
NTPC has revised its long-term nuclear power capacity target to approximately 50 GW by 2047, a significant increase from its previous 30 GW goal. This updated ambition contributes to India's national vision of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by the centenary of its independence.
NTPC Ltd, India's largest power producer, plans to develop 50 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, representing half of India's national nuclear objective. The company is engaging with international technology providers and building internal capabilities while evaluating Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies. Nuclear projects will operate under a cost-plus model to manage long gestation periods and substantial upfront costs.
ACME Solar Holdings Ltd has commissioned 66.68 MW of solar capacity and 300 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. This marks an expansion in both renewable generation and energy storage assets for the company.
The Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process has officially commenced for X-energy's Xe-100 advanced modular reactor in the United Kingdom. This follows a joint development agreement between Centrica and X-energy Reactor, aiming to deploy a fleet of up to 6 GWe of Xe-100 reactors, with Hartlepool identified as a preferred initial site.
An agreement for the Kishau Multipurpose Project has been signed, resolving a water dispute that had delayed the project for over eight years. The project involves constructing a 232.6-meter-high concrete gravity dam on the Tons River to generate 1,476 million units of hydropower and irrigate 97,000 hectares.
India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047, a significant increase from its current 8.8 GW. This expansion relies heavily on the deployment of indigenously developed Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs) in decentralized industrial settings. However, the ambitious goal faces substantial institutional, regulatory, and human resource challenges.