Regulation and policy
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.
The Indian government has directed the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to develop a roadmap for the indigenization of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, aiming to eliminate imports by 2030. This initiative addresses concerns about supply chain disruptions and national energy security due to reliance on foreign technologies for critical power infrastructure.
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.
India's Central Electricity Authority has published a roadmap to localize production of supervisory control and data acquisition systems for the national power grid, aiming to eliminate import dependence by 2030.
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.
A memorandum of cooperation between the United States Department of Transportation and Core Power establishes a framework to develop nuclear propulsion for commercial vessels, targeting first construction starts in 2028.
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.
The Department of Energy established a new research center in January 2026 to generate performance data on used nuclear fuel storage and transportation, addressing regulatory and operational needs across the U.S. nuclear fleet.
Singapore has signed a memorandum of understanding with China to develop independent technical and safety assessment capabilities for advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.
First American Nuclear Co has submitted a regulatory engagement plan to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel fabrication facility designed to supply its EAGL-1 advanced reactor and other customers.
India's new nuclear legislation consolidates regulatory oversight and opens the sector to private participation, with a 4 September deadline for stakeholder feedback on implementing rules.
Draft licensing and safety rules enable private and foreign participation in nuclear energy development, with operators required to demonstrate financial and technical capabilities across the fuel cycle.