💰IEA's Nuclear Push Set for Davos

Welcome to Nuclear Update! We’re about to fuse fresh findings, fiery facts, and fission-focused fundamentals into a formidable fusion!

This is what we got for you this week:

• 💰IEA's Nuclear Push Set for Davos

• 🎊World’s First Grid-Scale Commercial Fusion Plant

• 😡EU Interferes with Poland’s Nuclear Plans

• 👏Spain Grants 10-Year Lifespan to Trillo-1 Plant

💰IEA's Nuclear Push Set for Davos

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is planning a significant nuclear energy push at the World Economic Forum in Davos, anticipating an upcoming report on small modular reactor (SMR) economics.

IEA director-general Fatih Birol noted SMR costs may fall faster than expected, following extensive discussions with SMR developers.

Despite nuclear’s resurgence, Birol highlighted challenges such as delays, cost overruns, and limited financing solutions.

The IEA report, set for January, will propose “creative” financing mechanisms to help nuclear projects overcome large upfront capital requirements.

🎊World’s First Grid-Scale Commercial Fusion Plant

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) will build the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant, known as Arc, in Virginia’s Chesterfield County.

The Arc plant is projected to produce around 400 MW—enough for large industrial sites or approximately 150,000 homes.

CFS is also constructing Sparc, a high-field, net fusion energy prototype in Devens, Massachusetts, expected to generate its first plasma in 2026 and demonstrate net fusion power shortly after.

By combining strong magnetic fields and compact designs, CFS plans to prove a commercially viable fusion model that can meet clean energy goals while boosting local economic development.

😡EU Interferes with Poland’s Nuclear Plans

The European Commission has launched a thorough investigation into Poland’s financial support for the construction of the Lubiatowo-Kopalino nuclear power plant by state-owned Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ).

Valued at EUR 45 billion, the project aims to deliver 3,750 MW of electricity by 2030, enhancing Poland’s energy security and aiding in the decarbonization of its energy sector.

Poland’s aid package comprises a EUR 14 billion equity injection covering 30% of the costs, state guarantees for 100% of PEJ’s debt, and a 60-year contract for difference (CfD) to ensure revenue stability.

The European Commission is assessing whether this support aligns with EU state aid rules, which seek to maintain fair competition within the internal market.

Preliminary findings indicate that the aid package might exceed what is strictly necessary, prompting a detailed review of its appropriateness and its impact on the EU’s energy landscape.

⚛️Nuclear Nuggets

Westinghouse and Aecon announce partnerships to develop AP1000 reactors in Canada, with an economic impact estimated at 20 billion CAD and thousands of jobs at stake.

The Nuclear Company, which is deploying 6 gigawatts of fleet-scale nuclear power across America, announced the issuance of a solicitation of interest to contractors in engineering, procurement and construction to support its first fleet.

France demands nuclear-friendly replacement for Renewable Energy Directive. “France encourages the European Commission to establish a clear path to adequately reflect the role of nuclear energy in all its communications and legislative proposals,” the French minister said during an EU Council energy summit in Brussels.

South Korea’s embrace of nuclear energy has been thrown into doubt as President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment case raises the possibility of the opposition coming to power and overhauling the nation’s broader energy strategy.

😂Meme of the Week

💪Review of the Week

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research