Largest Single-Site Reactor Deployment in U.S. History🎉

This is Nuclear Update. Just like a reactor core, we’re at the heart of the nuclear news – delivering critical information directly to you.

This is what we got for you this week:

• Largest Single-Site Reactor Deployment in U.S. History🎉

• World's Largest Fusion Reactor Completed, First Test 15 Years Away😴

• EU Approves Romania's New Nuclear Reactors 👍

• Taiwan to decommission nuclear plant, promises stable power🤦‍♂️

Largest Single-Site Reactor Deployment in U.S. History🎉

On July 1, 2024, a major milestone was achieved with the submission of the Regulatory Engagement Plan (REP) for the Aalo-1 reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This marks a critical step forward in securing regulatory approval for what will be the largest single-site reactor deployment in U.S. history.

The Idaho Nuclear Project aims to establish a fission-based power plant featuring seven (7) independent Aalo-1 reactors, with the potential to expand to fourteen (14) units. Once operational by 2029, this project will set a new benchmark for nuclear reactor clusters in the U.S., providing affordable, reliable electricity.

The REP outlines the communication framework between Aalo Atomics and the NRC, emphasizing safety, regulatory alignment, and risk management. Following the REP submission, the next steps include applying for official licensing in 2026, ensuring a smooth path to construction and operation.

World's Largest Fusion Reactor Completed, First Test 15 Years Away😴

The world's largest fusion reactor, ITER, has been completed but won't begin test runs until 2039, significantly delayed from its original 2020 schedule. ITER, designed to replicate the sun’s energy production process by fusing hydrogen atoms into helium, faces substantial challenges. The reactor uses 19 massive coils to generate a magnetic field 280,000 times stronger than Earth's, necessary to contain superheated plasma at temperatures far exceeding those in the sun's core.

Funded by a consortium of countries, ITER's budget has ballooned to over $27 billion due to technical hurdles and delays. The European Union covers about 45% of the costs, while the U.S., China, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea each contribute around 9%. Despite impressive scientific advances, practical, large-scale fusion energy remains at least 15 years away, casting doubt on its role in addressing near-term energy and climate challenges.

EU Approves Romania's New Nuclear Reactors👍

The European Commission has approved Romania's plan to build two new reactors at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. Managed by the state-owned Nuclear Electric Company, the plant will add two CANDU reactors, enhancing energy security with clean, zero-emission power. The Commission’s endorsement ensures compliance with Euratom Treaty safety standards. Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja emphasized the importance of this project for regional energy stability. The expansion will prevent 20 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and create over 19,000 jobs. Construction is set to start in 2024, with the reactors becoming operational in 2030 and 2031, increasing nuclear power's share in Romania's electricity mix from 20% to 30%​

Taiwan to decommission nuclear plant, promises stable power🤦‍♂️

Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo confirmed that the decommissioning of Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 will result in a 3-4% reduction in power distribution. However, this shortfall will be offset by the Taoyuan Datan (gas-fired) and Nanpu (coal-fired) Power Plants, ensuring no power shortages. Premier Cho Jung-tai announced that Unit 1 will be decommissioned on July 27. Kuo responded to concerns about power outages, stating that interruptions from Taiwan Power Company have decreased by over 70%, with the perceived increase due to media coverage. Premier Cho emphasized the government's commitment to the 2025 Nuclear-free Homeland Policy, ensuring a stable power supply. Kuo reassured that the loss from decommissioning will be compensated by other power plants, preventing future shortages.

Nuclear Nuggets🧽

Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of supercars and airplane engines, has unveiled a new mobile nuclear-powered reactor reminiscent of the one created by the Marvel superhero Iron Man aiming to revolutionize clean energy solutions for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.

South Korea's Mokpo National University has opened the world's first SMR Ship Research Institute, aiming to develop a global hub for SMR ship research and education. The move comes as Lloyd’s Register says the rise of small modular reactors points to a step change for nuclear applications in shipping if regulatory hurdles can be overcome.

AI boom leads to nuclear deals. Owners of roughly a third of U.S. nuclear power plants are in talks with tech firms to provide electricity to data centers to meet AI demands.

Meme of the week🤣

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