Unit 4 of Leningrad NPP Phase II completes installation of first major equipment
Unit 4 of Russia's Leningrad NPP Phase II recently completed the installation of the core melt catcher vessel. This is the first major equipment of the unit to enter the installation stage, and also the first passive safety system equipment to be installed. The steel structure weighs 157 tonnes, and the installation was carried out using a heavy crawler crane, taking about one work shift of approximately 8 hours, nearly 3 months ahead of the original schedule. Valery Zhemchugov, Acting Director of Leningrad NPP, stated that the installation of the core melt catcher vessel is a key milestone in the construction of Unit 4, a VVER-1200 pressurized water reactor unit, and that the relevant work was completed in accordance with quality requirements, providing more time for subsequent reactor building civil and installation works.
2026-07-31
German state of Lower Saxony approves production of Russian-designed VVER nuclear fuel at Lingen plant under additional strict conditions
The government of Lower Saxony in northwestern Germany has approved a nuclear project linked to Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom. The project, operated by French company Framatome, aims to produce Russian-designed nuclear fuel rods and fuel assemblies in the city of Lingen, with key components to be supplied by Rosatom's subsidiary TVEL. Nevertheless, to address potential security risks, particularly threats of espionage and sabotage from Russian participants, the approval was granted with strict conditions. Under the terms of the approval, employees of Rosatom and TVEL will be barred from entering the facility, except in exceptional circumstances and when accompanied by nuclear regulatory authorities. Additionally, all...
2026-07-31
UK's largest nuclear power station Sizewell B placed on standby due to nearby wildfire
On July 30, the UK's largest nuclear power station, Sizewell B, was placed on "standby" status due to a heathland fire at Dunwich Heath, less than 5 kilometers from the plant site. There is currently no risk of the fire spreading toward the facility given wind direction. EDF stated it is "continuously monitoring, with no threat to facility safety," but approximately 120 firefighters and 18 fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze in the Liston area. Suffolk Fire Service assessed the fire as "active and changing," warning it could last two days, with hundreds of homes evacuated. Suffolk Fire Service warned the fire is expected to last two days and described it as an active and evolving situation. Hundreds of properties have been evacuated as firefighters continue to battle the raging forest fire. Experts noted...
2026-07-31
Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant Faces Full Shutdown Due to Record Low Danube Water Level
Affected by persistent drought and high temperatures, the water level of the Danube River at the Budapest section dropped to 23 cm (fixed datum reading, a record low), restricting cooling water intake at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. Starting Wednesday, July 29, Unit 3 was the first to be shut down; the operator, MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant Ltd, subsequently stated on its official website that all four units would inevitably be disconnected within the next 24 to 72 hours, with power generation coming to a complete halt. MVM explained that the existing water volume of the Danube is still sufficient to cool the reactors, but the intake pumps can no longer draw water because the riverbed is exposed and the pump inlets are too far from the water surface—an equipment failure rather than an absolute shortfall in cooling water volume. To this end, the Hungarian side deployed 4 pumping barges and 2 floating cranes near the plant as an emergency measure, but with water levels expected to continue falling, a preventive full shutdown remains unavoidable.
2026-07-31
France's Golfech nuclear power plant shut down for third time this summer due to high temperatures
France's Golfech nuclear power plant has been shut down three times this summer. Located approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Toulouse, the plant is operated by Électricité de France (EDF). On the evening of July 29, one of its reactors was shut down again due to extreme heat. EDF had previously shut down the reactor twice, from June 23 to July 3 and from July 9 to 27, to prevent cooling water discharged into the Garonne River from exceeding the 28-degree Celsius limit set by a 2006 decree. The Golfech nuclear power plant is located in the Tarn-et-Garonne department, and its cooling water is discharged into the Garonne River. Currently, another reactor at the plant is also shut down for maintenance and refueling. France has experienced its fourth heatwave since the start of summer...
2026-07-31
IAEA Training Course for Owner/Operator Organizations of New Nuclear Power Projects Concludes in Russia
On July 30, the Interregional Training Course on the Establishment of Owner/Operator Organizations for New Nuclear Power Projects, jointly organized by Rosatom and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), concluded at the Rosatom Technical Academy. Eighteen experts from 15 countries in Asia and Africa completed the five-day training. The participants were primarily from national nuclear energy institutions, regulatory bodies, and relevant competent authorities responsible for nuclear infrastructure development in their respective countries. The course focused on the establishment and capacity building of owner/operator organizations for new nuclear power projects, covering topics such as license applications, change management, feasibility study preparation, personnel competency development, organizational structure design, and contract management.
2026-07-31
Vietnam and Russia Join Forces to Accelerate Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center Project
On the afternoon of July 30, Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan received a delegation led by Ilja Vergizajev, General Director of Rosatom Construction Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom), in Hanoi. During the meeting, the Vietnamese side put forward three specific requests: accelerating the construction of the Vietnam Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center (CNST); supporting Vietnam in gradually mastering small modular reactor (SMR) technologies; and training human resources for Vietnam in the fields of atomic energy, radiation, and nuclear safety. Both sides confirmed that nuclear cooperation holds strategic significance and has long been a focus of high-level attention between the two countries. The CNST has been defined by the Vietnamese side as a...
2026-07-31
Crusoe and Aalo Atomics Forge Strategic Partnership: First Nuclear-Powered AI Facility Planned
U.S.-based Crusoe and Aalo Atomics have reached a strategic partnership aimed at deploying the first nuclear-powered artificial intelligence facility. This commercial collaboration builds on Aalo's recent criticality achievement, underscoring U.S. leadership in AI and energy. Crusoe's Spark modular AI data centers will be co-located with Aalo Atomics' nuclear reactor buildings at Idaho National Laboratory. The project aims to validate the effectiveness of nuclear energy for AI workloads. Cully Cavness, co-founder, president, and chief strategy officer of Crusoe, stated that next-generation AI infrastructure requires reliable, abundant, clean, and scalable power, and Aalo's reactors are designed precisely for that purpose. Crusoe's core value is "bending the energy arc toward sustainability," guided by the principle of leveraging its market position to support and accelerate energy innovation...
2026-07-31
South Korea Confirms Operating Nuclear Power Units Unaffected by Strong Earthquake in Kyushu, Japan
Following the strong earthquake in the Kyushu region of Japan, related aftershock signals have been detected in southern South Korea. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) of South Korea stated that inspections confirmed all operating nuclear power units within the country remain unaffected. The NSSC noted that after the earthquake, inspections were conducted on all 27 operating nuclear power units, including the Kori Nuclear Power Plant in Busan and the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant in Gyeongju, with no significant abnormalities or safety issues found. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) also stated that no reports of damage to nuclear facilities have been received so far. The NSSC will continue to monitor the operational status of nuclear power plants to respond to potential subsequent aftershocks....
2026-07-31
NuAlaska Initiative Launched: Long-Life Nuclear Microreactors Target Remote Alaskan Regions
An initiative in Alaska called NuAlaska is working to bring long-life nuclear microreactors to remote areas. This collaboration, co-launched by NuCube Energy Inc. and the Alaska Fund, aims to develop, finance, own, and operate advanced nuclear energy projects in Alaska. The plan combines NuCube's NuSun-1 micro-modular reactor technology with the Alaska Fund's mission to support projects that meet Alaska's unique energy and infrastructure needs. The initiative targets remote communities, mines, military installations, and other isolated locations where harsh weather, long transportation routes, and reliance on imported diesel fuel...
2026-07-31
Mangoceuticals to Merge with Nuclea to Advance Morpheus Microreactor to Market
Mangoceuticals announced on July 30 that it has signed a definitive business combination agreement with advanced nuclear technology company Nuclea Energy Inc., aiming to bring the latter's Morpheus microreactor to the public capital markets. Nuclea was founded in August 2023 and is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, focusing on the development of lead-cooled, factory-fabricated micro-modular reactors. Under the agreement, a newly formed subsidiary of Mangoceuticals will merge with Nuclea, and the combined company will operate as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Mangoceuticals. Upon completion of the transaction, holders of Nuclea common shares will receive...
2026-07-31
EDF plans to bring in investors for Nuward small modular reactor project by end of 2026
French utility EDF said on July 30 that it plans to bring in investors for its Nuward small modular reactor project by the end of 2026. The company stated that the related financing arrangements will be centered around European customers and industrial partners to support the development of a batch of initial reactors better aligned with user needs. Small modular reactors have not yet entered large-scale commercial production, but multiple companies worldwide are advancing the deployment of related technologies. Supporters believe that compared with traditional large nuclear power units, small modular reactors offer greater flexibility in deployment methods, application scenarios, and low-carbon energy supply. EDF is a state-owned French power company operating 57...
2026-07-31
ZiaCore Microreactor Achieves Criticality in High-Temperature Zero-Power Experiment
Los Alamos National Laboratory announced on July 30 that its ZiaCore microreactor design has completed a high-temperature zero-power criticality proof-of-principle experiment at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC) in Nevada, successfully achieving initial criticality. ZiaCore is an advanced nuclear energy microreactor design that uses low-enriched uranium dioxide fuel. The experiment lasted approximately four weeks from April to May this year, advancing the ZiaCore system to zero-power criticality under high-temperature conditions. According to the reactor design and verification process, zero-power criticality experiments can be used to validate the effectiveness of reactor physics designs, providing key benchmark data for subsequent engineering development.
2026-07-31
Unit 2 of Romania's Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant not to shut down temporarily due to low Danube water level
Romania's National Nuclear Power Company (Nuclearelectrica) stated on July 30 that Unit 2 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant will continue to operate connected to the grid. Previously, the company had warned that the unit, located in Constanța County in southeastern Romania, might need to shut down due to the low water level of the Danube River. The company said that based on an operational analysis completed the previous night, experts believe the currently obtained relevant parameters allow Unit 2 to continue operating under safe conditions. Therefore, the unit will remain connected to Romania's national power system. Nuclearelectrica also stated that technical personnel will continuously monitor and analyze the plant's operating parameters. Given the subsequent hydrological forecasts for the Danube water level...
2026-07-31
Third fuel debris retrieval test at Fukushima Daiichi Unit 2 postponed due to robotic arm malfunction
The robot used by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) for the third experimental fuel debris retrieval at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 malfunctioned during an on-site operational test, forcing the cancellation of the plan originally scheduled to start after July 2026 if all went well. The company stated it will reassess the relevant procedures. The malfunction occurred in part of the large robotic arm equipment used to collect fuel debris. During an operational test in the reactor building of Unit 2, TEPCO found an abnormality in one of the motors driving the robotic arm, causing the brake to fail to release and the arm to be unable to extend. The company is currently studying the replacement of the faulty motor. The third experimental retrieval plan was to use a large robotic arm...
2026-07-31
Restart of Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 Delayed to After End of 2027
Hokkaido Electric Power Co. announced on July 30 that the restart of Unit 3 at the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant will be significantly delayed compared to earlier expectations, with the earliest possible date being the end of 2027 or later. Previously, the company had set a target of restarting as early as possible within 2027, but due to delays in the seawall construction project and the fact that the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has not yet completed its review of the relevant design and construction plans, the timeline for the unit's return to operation remains uncertain. Hokkaido Electric Power President Susumu Saito stated at a press conference that the seawall at the Tomari plant was originally scheduled for completion in the spring of 2027, but is now expected to be finished by mid-August 2027 due to additional work such as seismic reinforcement of the wharf and liquefaction countermeasures...
2026-07-31
Nuclear power companies in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, selected for SMR advanced manufacturing technology project
Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, announced on the 30th that local nuclear power companies and research institutions have all been selected in a government project solicitation, and will participate in developing three key technologies to shorten the manufacturing cycle of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This project is organized and solicited by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment of South Korea and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP), with a focus on innovative SMR manufacturing technologies. These technologies are considered helpful in improving the manufacturing efficiency of key reactor components and compressing production cycles. According to the arrangement, Doosan Enerbility...
2026-07-31
U.S. Nuclear Power Consulting Firm EXCEL Services Officially Enters Vietnamese Market
U.S. nuclear power technology consulting firm EXCEL Services Corporation has established a subsidiary in Vietnam and is actively collaborating with domestic partners, coinciding with the restart of Vietnam's nuclear power projects. This move marks further development of bilateral cooperation in the nuclear energy sector. Currently, Vietnam is restarting its nuclear power development plans, attracting attention from numerous international partners. On July 28, EXCEL Services Corporation announced the establishment of its Vietnamese subsidiary and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Innovation Center (NIC) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, while actively advancing more cooperation agreements with Vietnamese government agencies and enterprises. James Voss has been appointed as...
2026-07-30
Serbia and France Sign Nuclear Energy Cooperation Partnership Agreement
Serbia and France are deepening cooperation in the nuclear energy field, with both sides signing a significant partnership agreement. Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović-Handanović announced via social media that the agreement was signed jointly by the Republic of Serbia, French electricity company EDF, and the French Development Agency AFD, aiming to lay the foundation for Serbia's peaceful nuclear energy projects. This cooperation will focus on strengthening Serbia's expertise, talent pool, and organizational capacity in the nuclear energy sector, while providing a scientific basis for future energy decisions. This partnership follows the Serbian government's reception of an EDF delegation and French Ambassador to Serbia Florence Ferrari...
2026-07-30
Malaysia Calls on ASEAN to Prioritize Nuclear Energy for Regional Energy Transition
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on ASEAN countries at a regional energy conference not to overlook nuclear energy in the process of energy transition. He pointed out that as the region seeks stable, economical, and reliable energy supplies, nuclear energy deserves greater attention. Currently, although ASEAN member states are actively developing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, the focus on nuclear energy is notably insufficient, which is considered a regret. Malaysia has sufficient management experience and technical capabilities to explore options that can contribute to common energy goals. Prime Minister Anwar emphasized that nuclear energy can play a key role in supporting the objectives of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation, especially in...
2026-07-30
Vietnam-Hungary Industrial Education Cooperation Seminar Held, Vietnam Plans to Send Students to Study Nuclear Energy Technology in Hungary
On July 29, a delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade held a seminar with the Hungarian Rectors' Conference and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), focusing on promoting educational cooperation in the industrial sector, particularly in Hungary's advantageous disciplines such as mechanical engineering, semiconductors, nuclear energy, and information technology. Dr. Nguyen Van Thien, Vice President of Hanoi University of Industry, proposed that BME provide short-term or long-term training courses for lecturers from his university. Associate Professor Nguyen Xuan Hoan, President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, expressed hope to send 3 to 5 graduate students to study at BME this year or next year through government scholarships, with the expectation that they would return to work in Vietnam after graduation. The Vietnamese delegation also stated that, in preparation for the upcoming nuclear power project, it hopes to send students to Hungary to study nuclear energy technology starting this year.
2026-07-30
Germany's Hesse to Build National Laser Fusion Center, Plans Commercial Laser Fusion Power Plant at Biblis
The German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Aerospace (BMFTR) announced on July 29 that Hesse will become the site of Germany's National Laser Fusion Center. The center is one of three national fusion capability centers established under Germany's Fusion 2040 program and the High-Tech Agenda, aiming to promote the coordinated development of fusion research, industry, and infrastructure. According to the arrangement, Focused Energy will play a core role in the construction of the center. The project is located at the site of the former Biblis nuclear power plant in Hesse, where Focused Energy plans to build a laser fusion industrialization park and promote the construction of what it claims will be the world's first commercial laser fusion power plant. Germany's...
2026-07-30
Reading Ranking
- 1 Unit 2 of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant disconnected from the grid due to an electrical equipment malfunction.
- 2 Kazakhstan and Russia will jointly formulate a personnel training plan for the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant.
- 3 IAEA Launches New Project to Advance Research Network on Small and Medium-Sized Fusion Devices
- 4 DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and REV Advance Shared Fusion Test Platform Construction
- 5 SuperCritical Obtains Exclusive License for Uranium Extraction from Seawater Technology, Plans Industrial Deployment in the United States
- 6 Two UK nuclear power plants approved for life extension until March 2030
- 7 Multiple meetings focus on the *Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage* as the global nuclear liability regime continues to advance.
- 8 The IAEA says it has not yet received a request to verify nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
- 9 Site survey work for Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant is nearing completion.
- 10 Hungary replaces head of Paks II nuclear power project company.
- 11 A member of Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority inspects safety management at the Takahama Nuclear Power Plant.
- 12 Rosatom states that the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is just months away from commissioning.
- 13 Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant states that water supply from wells is sufficient to maintain equipment cooling and nuclear safety.
- 14 Chugoku Electric Power Submits Third Amendment to Reactor Installation Change Permit Application for Shimane Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 to Regulatory Authority
- 15 Europe Completes Manufacturing of JT-60SA Pellet Centrifuge Accelerator