🤯Belgium Reverses Nuclear Phaseout, Operator Refuses

🤯Belgium Reverses Nuclear Phaseout, Operator Refuses🤯

In a dramatic policy shift, Belgium’s new federal government has scrapped the 2003 nuclear phase-out law and is now aiming to extend the lifespans of key reactors.

The coalition agreement mandates that Doel 4 and Tihange 3, remain operational until 2045—doubling the previous extension from 10 to 20 years.

This reversal comes as Belgium seeks to secure half of its power from nuclear energy, the cheap, reliable backbone of its grid, while also exploring possibilities for new nuclear projects.

However, Engie—the French natural gas company that owns these reactors—has strongly rejected the extension.

CEO Vincent Verbeke described further investments in nuclear energy as “unthinkable,” arguing that the company wants to move away from nuclear energy.

The clash underscores the challenges of balancing national energy strategy with corporate priorities in today’s evolving energy landscape.

⚛️Cool Links

UAE launches bid to become global nuclear power. 
After successfully building a large, 4-unit nuclear plant, at a relatively low cost, on it's soil, the UAE wants to get involved with nuclear construction projects all over the world, including the US, the UK, and the Philippines.

Invest in the future of nuclear energy.
This is something that should attract the interest of anyone invested in the uranium space. The Roundhill Uranium ETF $UX started trading last week as the first U.S. listed ETF designed to track the price of physical uranium.

Darlington Nuclear Generating Station is now producing medical isotopes.
The recently refurbished unit 1 reactor at Darlington Nuclear Generating Station is now producing cobalt-60 (Co-60) isotopes for world distribution, as well as providing clean reliable electricity. Co-60 is used to sterilise 30% of the world’s single-use medical devices, as well as certain food products.

🚀Trump Tariffs Ignite Uranium Price Boom🚀

President Trump has announced 25% tariffs (10% on energy and energy resources, such as uranium) on Canadian mineral imports as part of his broader strategy to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals.

This policy change is set to have significant repercussions on the global uranium market. Canada supplies roughly 25% of the uranium needed by U.S. nuclear utilities—primarily through Cameco—and while tariff expenses are already passed on via pre-arranged contracts, U.S. buyers may increasingly turn to the spot market to secure uranium, likely driving prices higher.

Additionally, Bank of America released a report last week predicting uranium prices will hit $120 per lb. this year.

Although the tariffs aim to curb dependence on China, they might inadvertently catalyze a bullish shift in uranium prices and accelerate domestic energy initiatives.

😎Check out this cool initiative by United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory😎

“If nuclear energy powered your entire life - the fuel would fit inside this can.”

🏁The Global Nuclear Power Race Continues🏁

Last week alone, several major nuclear buildouts was announced. Across the globe, nations are ramping up their nuclear ambitions as part of an urgent shift toward reliable, low-carbon energy.

In Thailand, policymakers proposing the introduction of two small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Northeast and Southern regions under the new Draft Power Development Plan (2025–2037). This move aims to diversify Thailand’s energy mix, which is currently dominated by natural gas and coal.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is joining the nuclear revolution with plans to construct power plants that will generate approximately 4.3 gigawatts of capacity—a critical step for a country heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

And over in Kazakhstan, a comprehensive strategy for building three nuclear power plants is expected to be finalized by Q2 2025, with the first unit potentially coming online within eight years.

🌙Nuclear Battery Rockets for Lunar Missions🌙

It is time for Atomic Alternatives, a new weekly segment exploring unconventional and groundbreaking uses of nuclear technology beyond traditional power generation.

This week, we’re taking a giant leap into outer space with the groundbreaking work of the PULSAR consortium.

Led by Belgian engineering firm Tractebel, the project has unveiled a conceptual design for a plutonium-238-fueled nuclear battery for lunar missions.

Conventional nuclear batteries, or Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), require large amounts of fuel and add considerable weight. In contrast, the PULSAR design harnesses an advanced Stirling engine to boost thermo-electrical conversion efficiency to around 20%.

Engineered to power lunar rovers or cargo carriers needing 100–500 watts, the system features a modular, resilient design complete with robust safety measures for launches from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.

Let me know by commenting below if you enjoyed this segment and would like to read more content like this!

😂Meme of the Week

I’m pulling the control rods for now—thanks for fueling your curiosity at Nuclear Update!

Until next time, stay glowing!

Fredrik