🛑US Regulator blocks Amazon’s Nuclear Deal

Welcome to Nuclear Update! If you're ready for an atomic adventure, this week's news will have you buzzing with energy!

This is what we got for you this week:

• 🛑US Regulator Blocks Amazon’s Nuclear Deal

• 😂We Are Officially A Cult Now

• ⚠️World’s Largest Transformer Maker Warns Of Supply Crunch

• 👨‍💼JD Vance Pushes Nuclear Energy to Cut Carbon

• 📴Japan’s Recently Restarted Reactor Shuts Down Again

🛑US Regulator blocks Amazon’s Nuclear Deal

The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected Amazon’s proposal to increase power usage from Talen Energy’s Susquehanna nuclear plant for its data center.

The decision reflects concerns that increasing Amazon’s power allotment from 300 to 480 megawatts could set a risky precedent, impacting grid reliability, fairness, and potentially leading to higher electricity rates for the public.

Utility companies also opposed the proposal, fearing it might strain resources and increase costs for consumers.

However, the move highlights a positive shift for nuclear energy, as growing competition over energy sources signals strong demand. This demand could push tech companies like Amazon to fund the restart of dormant nuclear plants solely for their own needs, bypassing public grid requirements, since the restart would be privately funded rather than publicly financed.

PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, warned about potential energy shortfalls by 2030, emphasizing that large, localized loads could disrupt reliable planning across the eastern U.S.

😂We Are Officially a Cult Now😂 

⚠️World’s Largest Transformer Maker Warns Of Supply Crunch

Hitachi Energy, the world’s largest transformer maker, warns of a severe supply crunch due to surging demand from AI data centers and renewable energy grid upgrades.

CEO Andreas Schierenbeck explained that transformer manufacturers are overwhelmed, with production unable to scale quickly enough to meet demand. Utilities face delays in infrastructure projects, and existing equipment may need extended use to cope with the shortfall.

Transformers, essential for power transmission, are labor-intensive to produce and require years to build, making ramping up production challenging.

To address the shortage, Hitachi Energy plans to invest $6 billion and hire 15,000 workers.

👨‍💼JD Vance Pushes Nuclear Energy to Cut Carbon

During a recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance advocated for nuclear energy as a key solution to reducing carbon emissions, countering environmentalists’ concerns about nuclear waste.

He argued that the risk of radioactive waste is less pressing than the existential threat of climate change, making nuclear a viable option for carbon-free electricity.

Vance criticized environmentalists for opposing nuclear while pushing for carbon reduction, suggesting this contradiction undermines their stance.

Additionally, he raised concerns about the aging U.S. electrical grid, proposing federal investments to protect against major disruptions, including hypothetical threats like an electromagnetic pulse attack.

Billionaire Elon Musk also commented on the podcast via X (formerly known as Twitter):

📴Japan’s Recently Restarted Reactor Shuts Down Again

Unit 2 at Japan’s Onagawa nuclear plant, which recently restarted after a 13-year shutdown following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, was shut down again on November 3 due to an equipment malfunction.

The reactor, which had resumed operations on October 29, experienced a fault in a neutron-related device.

Tohoku Electric Power Co., the plant operator, reported no radiation leaks but decided to shut down the reactor for further inspections to address safety concerns.

⚛️Nuclear Nuggets

Citi forecasts uranium prices will surge to $110 per pound by 2025/26 and rates Yellow Cake Plc, an investment fund offering direct exposure to physical uranium, with a "Buy" rating and a price target of £7.50

A consortium led by the Belgian engineering firm Tractebel has created a detailed technology plan to develop nuclear electric propulsion for space exploration.

China has achieved another major nuclear milestone as the first reactors at Shidaowan has been connected to the grid. These reactors are the first in the country to be entirely made with domestically manufactured components.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said Korea is entering a "nuclear power renaissance" through the expansion of its nuclear energy industry at a groundbreaking ceremony for new nuclear power plants in North Gyeongsang on Wednesday.

😂Meme of the Week

💪Review of the Week

That’s a wrap for Nuclear Update! Like isotopes in a reactor, we’re going to keep things stable for now—but get ready for the next wave of nuclear news!

Fredrik

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