Regulation and policy
Poland has revised its nuclear power program, delaying the commercial operation of its first unit to 2036 and outlining plans for a second plant. The updated program emphasizes domestic industry participation, workforce development, and regulatory strengthening.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the differing Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) commitments of India and Iran, emphasizing India's non-signatory status while Iran is bound as a signatory. He also addressed the global impact of volatile energy markets and supply chain disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict.
The Odisha government has extended its Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021, until December 31, 2026, to promote green mobility and local manufacturing of EVs and their components. The policy includes financial incentives for manufacturing industries, purchase subsidies, and tax exemptions.
Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL) has called for renewed open-access surcharge exemptions in Chhattisgarh to sustain renewable energy growth and attract industrial investment. The company emphasizes the need for reliable, round-the-clock power through energy storage and hybrid solutions.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the United States has introduced legislation, the 'American Leadership in Fusion Act,' proposing a $10 billion investment to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy and establish a dedicated Office of Fusion within the Department of Energy.
Holtec has submitted the Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its Pioneer 1 & 2 SMR-300 units planned for the Palisades site. This marks the second phase of the Construction Permit Application process, which began in December 2025.
Holtec has submitted the Preliminary Safety Analysis Report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its Pioneer 1 and 2 SMR-300 small modular reactors at the Palisades site. This submission is a key step in establishing the regulatory framework for the project, which aims to bring the reactors online in the early 2030s.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued the first construction permit for a commercial small modular reactor (SMR) in the United States to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). This permit allows TVA to construct the BWRX-300 SMR at its Clinch River site, marking a significant step for advanced nuclear technology in the country.
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has established a committee to evaluate the effects of data centers on India's power system and grid stability, alongside potential cybersecurity risks. The committee will also examine operational, policy, and regulatory aspects of large data centers.
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.
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.
India's non-fossil energy capacity has surpassed 300 GW, prompting a new power policy to address evolving sector challenges such as grid management and transmission expansion. The government is also promoting open access and domestic smart meter technology.