🎉Trump Fast-Tracks Uranium Production

U.S President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at supercharging domestic mineral production, and uranium is a key focus.

The move is part of a broader strategy to reduce America's heavy reliance on foreign suppliers and boost the country’s energy dominance.

Federal agencies are now required to fast-track permits for critical mineral projects and prioritize their use of federal lands over other potential purposes. This includes uranium, copper, potash, gold, and potentially even coal.

The Defense Production Act will be used to ramp up production, with funding allocated through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation in partnership with the Department of Defense.

The U.S. imports 99% of the uranium concentrate used to make reactor fuel. With uranium being critical for both energy and defense, this order is designed to strengthen supply chains and support new mining projects on American soil.

As the U.S. races to secure essential minerals for nuclear power, electric vehicles, and agriculture, this order could be the catalyst for a domestic mining boom.

🔗 Read the executive order here: Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production

⚛️Cool Links

👍Indian Railways bets on nuclear power to meet net zero goal
Indian Railways is collaborating with the Department of Atomic Energy and power ministry to establish small modular reactors for its energy needs, aiming for net zero emissions by 2030.

🔋Japan develops uranium-based battery to reuse radioactive waste
Japan's national nuclear research institute has developed a uranium-based rechargeable battery with a voltage of 1.3V. The prototype, which uses uranium-containing electrolyte for the negative electrode and iron-containing electrolyte for the positive electrode, was charged and discharged 10 times with minimal performance loss.

⚠️Iberdrola chairman warns of power price inflation due to nuclear shutdown
Iberdrola chairman warns of power price inflation The chair of Iberdrola, the Spain's largest power company, just warned that electricity prices may surge by 30% once the government starts mandating nuclear reactor shutdowns in 2027.

🥇The Golden Age Of Nuclear Energy Is Here
The U.S. is on the brink of a nuclear energy revolution, but outdated regulations and ideological opposition are holding back progress. With advanced nuclear technology and small modular reactors (SMRs) emerging as game changers, Trump’s administration aims to drive down energy costs and ensure energy security.

🤑World Bank Looks to Lift Nuclear Ban

World Bank President Ajay Banga is urging the lender’s board to reconsider its long-standing ban on funding nuclear power projects.

Speaking at an event in Washington, Banga stated that the board is discussing the shift as part of a broader energy policy update.

The proposed change could unlock funding for nuclear power alongside other energy sources like geothermal, hydropower, and natural gas.

Banga emphasized that nuclear energy, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), offers a clean, reliable solution for developing countries struggling to meet growing energy demands.

This potential policy shift comes as nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia express increasing interest in nuclear energy to enhance their energy security.

If approved, it would mark the World Bank’s first major investment in nuclear power since supporting a plant in southern Italy back in 1959.

The World Bank has been financing coal and gas projects in the developing world for decades. Funding a clean, reliable source makes far more sense.

😎“The Future of Nuclear Energy is Bright.”

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is making waves with his optimism about nuclear energy's future. Check it out!👇

💪World's First Thorium Reactor Reaches Full Power

China has officially brought the world’s first operational thorium molten salt reactor (TMSR-LF1) to full power in Gansu Province, and confirmation of this achievement has just been received—marking a major milestone in nuclear innovation.

This experimental reactor uses thorium instead of uranium—a more abundant fuel source that creates less harmful waste—and operates with molten salt technology that promises greater efficiency and stability.

The TMSR-LF1 achieved full operational power of 2 MW in June 2024 after reaching criticality in October 2023. Notably, it was recently confirmed that the reactor successfully demonstrated thorium breeding in October 2024, proving its ability to produce more fissile material (uranium-233) than it consumes.

Thorium reactors like TMSR-LF1 are designed to operate at lower pressure, with passive safety features that prevent runaway reactions. They also produce less long-lived radioactive waste, making them a cleaner alternative to conventional nuclear power.

China’s ambitious plans don’t stop here. The nation is already working toward building a larger-scale thorium reactor in the Gobi Desert by 2029, with a projected power output of 60 MW. This facility will also contribute to hydrogen production, further boosting China’s green energy ambitions.

🧐The Nuclear Detective You Didn’t Know About

Welcome back to Atomic Alternatives, where we explore unconventional applications of nuclear technology—beyond energy generation.

This week, we’re diving into how radioisotopes are used as industrial tracers—the Sherlock Holmes of the industrial world. 🧐

🔍 What Are Radioisotopes and Why Are They Used?

Radioisotopes are atoms with unstable nuclei that emit radiation as they decay. In the industrial world, these atoms act like high-tech breadcrumbs, allowing engineers and researchers to trace the flow of materials, detect leaks, and improve manufacturing processes with pinpoint accuracy.

📸 How It Works

The process is actually pretty genius. A small amount of a radioisotope is injected into a system—like a pipeline, ventilation duct, or even an underground water supply. Because these isotopes emit detectable radiation, specialized equipment can track their movement with impressive precision.

For instance, if engineers want to check for a leak in a pipeline, they introduce a radioisotope and monitor the radiation along the pipe. If there's a sudden drop in detected radiation, that’s the leak’s location.

⚙️ Applications Everywhere

Industrial tracers are used across various sectors:

• Oil and Gas: Checking for blockages or leaks in pipelines.

• Water Management: Mapping underground water sources and detecting leaks in reservoirs.

• Chemical Processing: Ensuring consistent mixing of materials.

• Manufacturing: Monitoring wear and tear in machinery parts.

🌍 Why This Matters

Using radioisotopes as tracers is incredibly efficient and environmentally friendly. Since only tiny amounts are needed, and they decay rapidly, they don’t pose a health or safety risk when handled properly. And the precision they offer? Absolutely unmatched.

Nuclear technology is not just about energy. It’s also about keeping everyday systems running like a well-oiled machine.
🔦💡

😂Meme of The Week

Stay charged, stay critical (like a reactor), and stay bright!😎

Fredrik
[email protected]