🔥Spain To Reverse Nuclear Phaseout

🔥Spain To Reverse Nuclear Phaseout🔥

The Spanish Congress has approved a proposal urging the government to reverse the nation’s nuclear phase-out.

Currently, Spain’s seven operating reactors supply about 20% of its electricity, yet under existing plans, all are slated to shut down by 2035.

The proposal, presented by the right-wing People’s Party and passed with 171 votes in favor, calls not only for extending reactor lifespans, but also calls for the government to "ensure the economic sustainability of nuclear facilities, recognizing the key role of this technology in the energy transition as it guarantees a secure and stable electricity supply and contributes to lower electricity market prices and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions".

It also recommends engaging with local communities affected by the shutdowns and repealing restrictive laws on uranium exploration and nuclear fuel cycle permits to take advantage of opportunities under the EU Net-Zero Industry Act.

There are four active nuclear phaseouts in the world: Germany, Taiwan, Belgium, and Spain. As previously reported, Belgium is taking steps to reverse its nuclear phase-out—and now Spain is following. Will we see Germany and Taiwan follow next?

⚛️Cool Links

🤦‍♂️Trump administration tries to rehire fired nuclear weapons workers in DOGE reversal.
On Thursday, the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) terminated over 300 employees responsible for managing the nation’s nuclear stockpile, seemingly unaware that this agency oversees America’s nuclear weapons. On Friday, officials began to reverse the terminations.

🤖Google says U.S. is facing a power capacity crisis in AI race against China
"The US is facing a power capacity crisis as the tech sector races against China to achieve AI dominance. Golin said Google turned to nuclear power after realizing utilities were investing in natural gas to back up renewables"

🚀The debate is ‘over’ Trudeau says at Paris AI summit: Nuclear ‘must be part of the solution’
“Let me say this once and for all: As an environmentalist, the debate is over,” Trudeau told the summit delegates. “Large-scale nuclear reactors must be part of the solution for the future because if we’re not willing to embrace nuclear now then coal-powered AI from other parts of the world will shape the coming decades for the worse.”

🚨Check out this 3-minute video published by Financial Times: West faces era of uranium scarcity.
“Production is forecast to stay below global reactor requirements from now to 2030 and beyond. Uranium markets could soon face a new era of scarcity.”

😨Russian Drone attack on Chernobyl Nuclear Plant😨

At Chernobyl, a Russian drone struck the roof of the New Safe Confinement shelter—a massive structure built to encase the remains of the reactor destroyed in 1986.

IAEA staff confirmed that while flames were observed at the impact site on the metal roof (designed to protect against rain and weather), the inner containment remains intact and radiation levels inside and outside are normal and stable.

Fire safety crews responded within minutes, ensuring the situation is under control.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that this incident, along with recent military activity near other nuclear sites, underscores the need for constant vigilance.

Despite the damage to the cladding, the shelter continues to serve as a critical barrier against radioactive exposure.

The strike was caught on camera here:

🥳Trump wants denuclearization talks🥳

In an Oval Office press conference, U.S. President Trump announced plans to discuss denuclearization with Russia and China.

Trump emphasized his intent to lead efforts to cut military spending, noting that the U.S. spends nearly a trillion dollars on defense while already possessing enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world many times over.

He stated that once "things settle down," he will meet with both China and Russia to explore reducing their nuclear arsenals.

Both the U.S. and Russia hold significant amounts of Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU)—not assembled in active warheads but reserved for potential weaponization if needed.

The proposal would involve downblending this material into High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) or Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU).

HALEU, which is used to fuel SMRs and next-generation nuclear designs, could significantly reduce proliferation risk while bolstering energy security.

Watch the announcement here:

🦟Nuclear Pest Control🦟

This week in Atomic Alternatives, we explore how to use nuclear technology for pest control in agriculture.

Known as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), this method involves exposing pests to controlled doses of gamma radiation (typically from Cobalt-60) to sterilize male insects without affecting their ability to fly or feed.

When these sterile males are released over defined areas, they mate with wild females but produces no viable offspring, gradually reducing the pest population over time.

This natural, chemical-free approach reduces pest populations over time and helps protect crops without the need for harmful pesticides.

SIT has been successfully used in various countries to combat pests like fruit flies and moths, significantly reducing crop damage and boosting yields.

😂Meme of the Week

Thanks for tuning in to Nuclear Update! Until next time, peace, love, and stable isotopes.

Fredrik