First New Centrifuge of Centrus Energy Rolls Off Production Line, Boosting Uranium Enrichment Expansion

Recently, U.S. nuclear fuel enrichment company Centrus Energy announced that it has successfully completed the manufacturing of the first new centrifuge for its multi-billion-dollar uranium enrichment capacity expansion program and has officially launched interstate transportation of the equipment, shipping it from Tennessee to the Piketon enrichment plant in Ohio. It is reported that the new centrifuge was manufactured at Centrus Energy's facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and will undergo final assembly and testing upon arrival in Ohio. Centrus Energy plans to install multiple new centrifuge cascade arrays at the Piketon enrichment plant to achieve a comprehensive upgrade of commercial low-enriched uranium (LEU) and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) production capacity.

2026-10-30

IAEA Urges Countries to Turn Nuclear Energy Support into Action

Recently, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), issued a call at the opening ceremony of the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Energy held in Incheon, South Korea, urging governments to translate the current growing policy and public support for nuclear energy into concrete, implemented projects to meet surging electricity demand and strengthen energy security and economic efficiency. It is reported that this three-day international conference brought together ministers, senior government officials, and nuclear industry experts from multiple countries to jointly discuss next-step action strategies for expanding global nuclear power deployment. In his address, Grossi (Rafael Mariano Grossi) explicitly emphasized...

2026-10-30

Westinghouse Electric Company of the United States Launches Design Study for Slovak Nuclear Power Plant

Recently, Westinghouse Electric Company of the United States officially launched a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study for an advanced AP1000 nuclear reactor at the Bohunice Nuclear Power Plant in Slovakia, marking a breakthrough in Slovakia's new nuclear power project. It is reported that the project is being developed by JESS (Slovak Nuclear Energy Company), wholly owned by JAVYS (Slovak state-owned nuclear decommissioning company), and has received funding support from the U.S. Department of State. This six-month preliminary study will fully advance the project's engineering design, licensing approval, and overall construction planning. Slovakia...

2026-10-30

Russia's Nuclear Icebreaker Leningrad Completes Anti-Icing System Installation

Recently, the Baltic Shipyard, a subsidiary of Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation (ОСК), announced that it has successfully installed the anti-icing device turbo-compressor unit for the Leningrad, the sixth nuclear-powered icebreaker of Project 22220 currently under construction. It is reported that this domestically produced high-performance compressor can provide large-flow compressed air, forming an air-water curtain through underwater exhaust ports on the hull, thereby significantly reducing friction between the hull and ice and scouring away ice debris and accumulated snow. Combined with the 45 mm thick special steel used in the hull's ice belt, this anti-icing system can ensure that the nuclear-powered vessel maintains optimal navigation performance and structural safety when operating in the extreme cold latitudes of the Arctic. The Leningrad is Russia's...

2026-10-30

Russia's Kursk Nuclear Power Plant Loads Improved Nuclear Fuel for the First Time

Recently, Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) announced that the loading of the first batch of improved low-erbium-oxide-content nuclear fuel assemblies (TVS PSE) into the RBMK-1000 reactors of Units 3 and 4 at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant has been successfully completed, with official permission obtained from the Federal Service for Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Supervision of the Russian Federation. It is reported that the new fuel was developed and produced by the Machine-Building Plant (MSZ) in Elektrostal, a subsidiary of Rosatom. Denis Pereguda, Deputy Chief Engineer for Safety at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, stated that the fuel composition optimization scheme is based on independent calculations by leading nuclear research institutions such as NIKIET...

2026-10-30

UK Develops Carbon-14 Diamond Battery to Generate Trace Power from Nuclear Waste

Recently, the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) jointly announced a milestone achievement in the development of diamond micro-batteries (Diamond Battery) using the carbon-14 radioactive isotope. The device can convert nuclear waste into trace amounts of electrical energy, enabling continuous operation for up to 5,700 years without recharging. It is reported that the battery structure embeds a thin carbon-14-containing diamond layer within a non-radioactive carbon-12 diamond barrier. Electrons released during the decay of carbon-14 are captured by the diamond and directly converted into electric current, operating on a principle similar to nuclear-powered solar panels that generate electricity using β radiation, while ensuring...

2026-10-30

Russia-Africa Summit Concludes with Both Sides Agreeing to Strengthen Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Fertilizers

Recently, the third Russia-Africa Summit officially concluded in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin received nearly twenty African heads of state, and the two sides signed multiple cooperation agreements, agreeing to further deepen the strategic partnership in nuclear energy development and fertilizer trade. It is reported that in terms of nuclear energy cooperation, the priorities reached between Russia and multiple African countries cover the entire nuclear energy industry chain, including uranium mining and processing, construction of nuclear power plants of various power scales, and providing full-lifecycle operation and maintenance support for Africa's existing nuclear facilities. In addition to deep binding in the nuclear energy sector, both sides also committed to expanding trade in agricultural products and fertilizers,...

2026-10-30

U.S. Energy Secretary Visits Palisades Nuclear Plant Restart Site

Recently, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited Holtec International's Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan to inspect on-site the restart progress of this 805-megawatt retired nuclear unit and announced that the U.S. nuclear energy revival has taken a key step forward. It is reported that this restart project has received support from a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee, a special appropriation from the Michigan state government, and large-scale investment from Holtec International. Kris Singh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Holtec International, emphasized that...

2026-10-30

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Terminates Negotiations with Czech Unit Construction Consortium, Plans to Re-Tender for General Construction Contractor

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) officially announced on October 29 that, due to the breakdown of negotiations with the construction consortium formed by Daewoo Engineering & Construction and Doosan Enerbility over key subcontracting terms, it will initiate procedures to terminate the cooperation agreement and re-select a new construction contractor to advance the construction of two gigawatt-class advanced pressurized water reactor units at the Czech Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. The Czech government selected KHNP as the preferred bidder for the project in July 2024 and formally signed a general contracting agreement worth 26 trillion Korean won (approximately USD 19.4 billion) in June 2025. As early as 2018, Daewoo Engineering & Construction and Doosan Enerbility were selected as construction partners and participated throughout the bidding...

2026-10-30

Rosatom Plans to Export Floating Nuclear Power Plants to Four African Countries

Recently, Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, stated at the Third Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow that the company is in in-depth consultations with four African coastal countries—Egypt, Togo, Namibia, and Tanzania—regarding the deployment of 100 MW offshore floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). It is reported that the floating nuclear power plants offered by Rosatom to the African market are equipped with two RITM-200M reactors adapted for tropical climates, with a total installed capacity of approximately 100 MW and a design life of up to 60 years. The project plans to adopt a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) business model, with Rosatom responsible for...

2026-10-30

Texas Leverages Federal Subsidies to Build a U.S. Hub for Advanced Nuclear Reactors

Recently, the U.S. state of Texas is rapidly emerging as a core hub for advanced reactors and small modular reactor (SMR) innovation across the United States, backed by tens of billions of dollars in federal earmarked funding and tax credit policies. It is reported that at least 7 new nuclear reactor projects have been announced in Texas. Among them, X-Energy is awaiting federal approval to build a next-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactor with a cost exceeding $4 billion and a capacity of 320 megawatts at Dow's plastics plant in Seadrift; Natura Resources has partnered with Abilene Christian ...

2026-10-30

NEA Hosts Workshop on Regulatory Approaches for Non-Electric Applications of Nuclear Energy

Recently, the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) successfully held a workshop on regulatory approaches for non-electric applications of nuclear energy in Vantaa, Finland. The meeting aimed to promote in-depth exchanges among stakeholders on the safety regulation of non-electric fields such as nuclear district heating, industrial process heat supply, and hydrogen production. It is reported that the workshop was hosted by the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) and organized by the NEA Working Group on New Technologies (WGNT), bringing together approximately 50 representatives from nuclear regulatory bodies, industry, and academia from 17 countries and international organizations. The meeting conducted in-depth discussions around four core themes: first, organizational models and outsourcing management; second, the interface between nuclear and conventional facilities and safety interdependencies...

2026-10-29

IAEA Incheon Conference Calls for Accelerated Nuclear Energy Deployment

Recently, the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Energy, jointly hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD/NEA) and organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, officially opened in Incheon, South Korea. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi called on all parties at the opening ceremony to translate policy support into concrete nuclear energy construction outcomes. Bae Kyung-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, stated at the conference that this meeting provides a key dialogue platform for the international community to jointly address energy security and carbon neutrality challenges, and that South Korea will continue to promote the peaceful and safe application of future nuclear technologies, including...

2026-10-29

Iran and Russia Plan Joint Construction of Small Modular Reactors

Recently, Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), announced that Iran is currently at a critical stage of signing a cooperation agreement with Russia, aimed at comprehensively accelerating the joint construction and engineering implementation of small modular reactors (SMRs) between the two sides. It is reported that Kamalvandi made this announcement while attending the 6th Nuclear Energy Ministerial Meeting held in South Korea. He pointed out that in recent years, escalating global environmental challenges have further highlighted the urgency of expanding nuclear power generation. Currently, the total installed nuclear power capacity worldwide is approximately 400,000 MW, of which Iran's Bushehr ...

2026-10-29

US Company Deep Isolation Announces Start of Site Preparation for Texas Deep Borehole Demonstration Project

Recently, US-based nuclear waste disposal technology company Deep Isolation Nuclear announced that it has officially launched site preparation activities at its Deep Borehole Demonstration Center in Texas, marking the entry of deep borehole nuclear waste disposal technology into the pilot construction phase. It is reported that the project was selected for the Scaleup Ready program of the US Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) and received up to $40 million in federal funding support. This site preparation work includes building a calculated wellsite to provide the surface foundation for subsequent drilling, casing, and cementing operations of the demonstration borehole. The wellsite...

2026-10-29

US and Turkish Refining Giant Sign Agreement to Evaluate SMR Feasibility

Recently, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed an agreement with Tüpraş, Turkey's largest refiner, under which the U.S. side will fund a feasibility study to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of using small modular reactors (SMRs) to supply electricity, high-grade industrial heat, and steam to the refinery. It is reported that the study will conduct a comprehensive assessment of multiple leading U.S. reactor technologies, covering technical and economic feasibility, environmental performance, regulatory compliance, and industrial application scenarios, and will develop a specific roadmap for Tüpraş's subsequent decision on whether to deploy SMRs. USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy stated that the project will issue a public tender aimed at...

2026-10-29

Togo and Russia Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Recently, the Ministry of Energy of Togo and Rosatom signed a memorandum of understanding during the Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow, under which the two sides will jointly assess the feasibility of implementing nuclear power and nuclear technology projects in Togo. It is reported that Togo's Minister of Energy Robert Koffi Messan Eklo and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev jointly signed the agreement. In addition to assessing nuclear power construction, the memorandum will also explore the application of nuclear technology in non-power fields such as healthcare and agriculture, and includes content on cultivating nuclear energy talent in Togo and enhancing public awareness of nuclear energy...

2026-10-29

Ethiopian Prime Minister Announces Launch of Nuclear Power Program, Plans to Build Two Reactors

Recently, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali stated during an inspection visit to the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission that developing nuclear energy is the next chapter in Ethiopia's pursuit of technological progress and economic transformation, and that the country will be committed to converting its abundant natural resources into tangible drivers of prosperity. It is reported that Ethiopia plans to build two nuclear reactors with a unit capacity of 1,200 megawatts each. Abiy Ahmed Ali pointed out that although nuclear power requires high initial investment and a construction period of at least ten years, its high stability and high output characteristics, which are unaffected by seasonal fluctuations, offer irreplaceable and significant advantages over hydropower and solar energy...

2026-10-29

Hyundai Engineering of South Korea Partners with Two U.S. SMR Developers

Recently, Hyundai Engineering of South Korea announced the signing of memoranda of understanding with U.S. small modular reactor (SMR) developers NANO Nuclear Energy and ARC Clean Technology, marking a comprehensive push into the global small modular reactor and Generation IV advanced nuclear reactor markets. Under the cooperation framework with NANO Nuclear, Hyundai Engineering will integrate its comprehensive capabilities in engineering design, procurement, construction (EPC), supply chain management, and modular construction to jointly advance the KRONOS reactor energy system project at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The reactor is a 45...

2026-10-29

First Batch of Nuclear Fuel Delivered to Unit 2 of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh

Recently, Rosatom announced that the first batch of fresh nuclear fuel for Unit 2 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh has been successfully delivered to the project site and is currently being properly stored in a dedicated storage facility. It is reported that this batch of nuclear fuel assemblies was manufactured at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant, a production facility of Rosatom's TVEL Fuel Company, and was delivered through combined air and road transport. A joint inspection team composed of Bangladeshi experts, the general contractor, and manufacturing plant representatives is conducting mandatory incoming inspections at the site, including visual and instrumental testing, to ensure that the fuel fully complies with...

2026-10-29

Egyptian and Russian Heads of State Meet to Discuss Expansion of El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant

Recently, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin during the third Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow. El-Sisi stated that Egypt hopes to further expand strategic nuclear energy cooperation with Russia and explicitly proposed plans to build new nuclear reactors after 2030. It is reported that El-Sisi reaffirmed Cairo's firm commitment to the construction timeline and payment obligations of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project. The reactor pressure vessel for Unit 2 of the nuclear power plant was successfully installed on July 9 this year...

2026-10-29