Policy & people

The US Department of Energy has extended a conditional loan commitment to Constellation under its new UPRISE initiative, potentially financing up to 80% of eligible uprate costs at nine facilities totalling nearly 1.1 GWe of additional capacity.

India’s Department of Atomic Energy has issued draft Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act (SHANTI) rules covering licensing for building through decommissioning, with provisions for negotiations with reactor technology suppliers and sourcing foreign reactor technology subject to regulatory approval.

South Korea's nuclear regulator has granted operating licence extensions to Kori units 3 and 4, clearing the way for Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to restart both Westinghouse pressurised water reactors in the first half of 2027 following a four-year safety review.

Singapore's Energy Market Authority has formalised partnerships with AtkinsRéalis, China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas and X-energy, while unveiling three structured programmes to build the national expertise needed to assess advanced nuclear energy technologies.

The Haryana government plans to appeal a decision by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) that granted a parallel electricity distribution license to Eleven Power Private Limited for the Gurugram and Nuh districts. The private company intends to invest ₹4,717 crore in the distribution network over five years.

Eleven Power has been granted a 25-year parallel electricity distribution license by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) for the Gurugram and Nuh revenue districts. The company plans a capital investment of ₹4,717 crore over five years, with electricity supply projected to begin in FY28.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) faces rising electricity demand and decarbonization goals, prompting interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). However, fragmented regulatory frameworks across member states pose a challenge to their deployment. Regional regulatory convergence is proposed to streamline licensing, enhance safety, and improve project bankability.

India's upcoming National Strategy for Sustainable Secondary Steel (NSSS) aims to support decarbonization measures in the secondary steel sector, addressing financial and technological barriers for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The strategy will focus on renewable energy integration, material efficiency, and alternative fuels.

Thorizon and TNO have initiated a materials program to validate the structural integrity and operational lifespan of components within Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs). This program aims to provide data for regulatory approval and support the commercial deployment of Thorizon's MSR technology.

The power ministry has finalized a national electricity data sharing framework, set to launch this month. The framework aims to standardize electricity sector data, enhance privacy, and provide consent-based access for various industry applications.

Poland has initiated work on its second nuclear power plant, with Bełchatów and Konin identified as preferred locations. This development follows an agreement between the Ministry of Energy, Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), and Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE) to coordinate the project and conduct preliminary studies. The country is also progressing with its first nuclear plant, which will utilize Westinghouse's AP1000 technology.

India is developing a new policy for data centers to address growing concerns over electricity consumption and its potential impact on consumer costs. The initiative aims to manage the sector's rapid growth, which the government views as a significant economic opportunity.

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy have signed an agreement to advance maritime nuclear applications. This collaboration focuses on floating power solutions, nuclear-powered vessels, and the necessary infrastructure for their development and sustainment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.