The Nuclear Renaissance is Real💥

This is Nuclear Update. We’re the control room for your nuclear news – ensuring every update is critical yet under control.

This is what we got for you this week:

• Japan Extends Lifespan of 2 More Reactors 👴✨👶

• Russia to Build 6 SMR Nuclear Reactors in Uzbekistan👷 

• US Advances Domestic Nuclear Industry⚛️

• EU Commissioner Calls for Rapid SMR Development💨

Japan Extends Lifespan of 2 More Reactors 👴✨👶

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has approved a 20-year extension for units 3 and 4 at Kansai Electric Power's Takahama nuclear power plant. These reactors, which will reach 40 years of operation in 2025, have passed special inspections verifying their integrity. Takahama units 1 and 2 were the first to receive such extensions. Kansai plans to replace steam generators during scheduled outages in 2026-2027. The approval makes units 3 and 4 the seventh and eighth Japanese reactors allowed to operate beyond 40 years. A new rule, effective June 2025, will permit reactors to run beyond 60 years by excluding offline inspection periods from their total service life. Japan aims to maximize existing reactors' use, restart many, and develop advanced reactors to enhance energy security and decarbonization.

Russia to Build 6 SMR Nuclear Reactors in Uzbekistan👷 

Russia and Uzbekistan have signed an agreement to build a six-unit small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region, with construction starting this summer. The plant, with a total capacity of 330 MW, will be built by Russian state corporation Rosatom, with local companies also involved. Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, Director of Uzbekistan's nuclear agency Uzatom, emphasized the importance of this project for meeting the country’s growing energy needs and supporting economic development. The project, based on the RITM-200N water-cooled reactor, promises advanced safety standards and a 60-year service life. This marks Rosatom's first export contract for a small nuclear power plant, reflecting a global interest in SMRs. Additionally, Rosatom is also considering building a large nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan.

US Advances Domestic Nuclear Industry⚛️

The Biden-Harris Administration is taking major steps to bolster the U.S. nuclear industry, aiming for a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035. Nuclear power, a significant source of clean energy, supports nearly 60,000 direct jobs and hundreds of thousands indirectly. The Administration is hosting a White House Summit on Domestic Nuclear Deployment to advance clean, reliable nuclear energy. Initiatives include creating a working group to manage nuclear projects, releasing a Request for Information for advanced reactors for Army sites, and launching a Nuclear Power Project Management and Delivery working group. Additionally, the DOE is providing significant funding and support for nuclear projects, including the Palisades plant in Michigan and Diablo Canyon in California. The U.S. aims to develop new reactor designs and extend the life of existing reactors. These efforts are part of the largest push for nuclear energy in five decades, reinforcing the Administration's commitment to clean energy and economic security.

EU Commissioner Calls for Rapid SMR Development💨

Europe must expedite the development of a supply chain for small modular reactors to stay competitive internationally, warned Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Industrial Alliance on SMRs in Brussels on May 29, Simson emphasized the importance of building a competitive European SMR industry for a sustainable, cost-effective, and secure energy system. She highlighted the EU's goal to reduce emissions by 90% by 2040, offering significant opportunities for the clean tech and nuclear sectors. Simson urged the alliance to focus on concrete projects and technologies, moving beyond R&D to address supply chain, financing, skills, safety, and waste management challenges. Over 300 applications have been received to join the alliance, and collaboration with international allies like the UK, US, and South Korea is planned. The alliance aims to complement conventional nuclear technologies and support European climate goals by providing reliable, low-carbon energy.

Nuclear Nuggets🧽

Unit 4 of the Fangchenggang nuclear power plant in Guangxi Region (China) has entered commercial operation, China General Nuclear (CGN) announced.

South Korea wants 4.9 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity. Nuclear would account for a larger share of electricity generation under a proposed new energy strategy.

US slows plans to retire coal-fired plants as power demand from AI surges.  New technologies are straining power supplies and forcing a shift in plans to reduce use of the fuel source.

US Secretary of Energy Calls for Hundreds More Nuclear Reactors💯

Meme of the week🤣

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