Rosatom selects SNIIP as chief design organization for radiation control systems, overseeing standardization of radiological instrumentation and import substitution assurance at nuclear facilities

Rosatom has selected the Research Institute of Scientific Instruments (SNIIP) as the chief design organization for radiation control systems. The institute, which is part of Rosatom's automation control and electrical equipment division, has been granted this status for a range of similar products in radiation control equipment and systems, including automated radiation control systems and radiation environment monitoring. SNIIP's status as chief design organization means it will be responsible for ensuring Russia's technological autonomy in this field and for developing radiation control instruments and systems. SNIIP General Director Alexey Nikitin stated that this recognition is a testament to the years of work, experience, and professional expertise of the institute's employees...

2026-08-06

Kazakhstan Welcomes Its First Cohort of Nuclear Industry Specialists

On August 5, the inaugural graduation ceremony was held in Almaty for the first cohort of students at the Kazakhstan branch campus of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (НИЯУ МИФИ). Timur Zhantikin, Vice Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency of Kazakhstan, attended the ceremony and presented diplomas to the graduates. In his address, he noted that as Kazakhstan's atomic energy industry enters a new phase of development, the demand for specialized professionals continues to grow, and the targeted training programs offered by the branch campus are crucial to filling this gap. The graduation of this first cohort marks the beginning of Kazakhstan's establishment of an independent domestic nuclear talent cultivation system. For a long time, Kazakhstan's nuclear industry has relied on overseas education or on-the-job training to supplement its engineering workforce...

2026-08-06

Belarus Plans Construction of New Nuclear Power Plant

Belarus plans to build a third unit at its existing nuclear power plant and is planning a second nuclear power plant. The Belarusian nuclear power plant has become a flagship project of the Union State and a symbol of cooperation between Belarus and Russia. However, the country does not intend to stop there. The President of Belarus has made an important decision: to build a third unit at the existing nuclear power plant, while studying the possibility of constructing a second nuclear power plant in the Mogilev region. Energy Minister Denis Moroz discussed the significance of this initiative, its timeline, and the direction of energy development over the next 15 years in the "Economic Environment" program. In 2008, the President of Belarus made the strategic decision to build a nuclear power plant, at a time when other countries were shutting down...

2026-08-06

World Nuclear Association: Global Nuclear Power Investment Must Reach $250 Billion Annually to Support Tripling of Installed Capacity by 2050

Global nuclear power investment is expected to see significant growth, with annual investment needs potentially exceeding $250 billion by 2050 to meet rising world energy demand. According to a report by the World Nuclear Association (WNA), this investment scale aims to at least triple global nuclear power installed capacity and is supported by 38 countries. This represents a potential investment opportunity of up to $6 trillion for the nuclear power industry, attracting widespread attention. In addition to government funding, private sector capital participation is crucial to the comprehensive development of nuclear power. The report emphasizes that investment should not only focus on new nuclear power plant construction but also expand the nuclear fuel cycle to support large-scale operations, ensure energy supply...

2026-08-06

Petrovietnam Calls for Synchronized Regulation and Development in Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Project

Petrovietnam has proposed adopting a synchronized coordination mechanism in the development of the Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power project. The Group believes that for this nuclear power plant project, regulatory, licensing, and inspection procedures should proceed in parallel with the project development process during the investment preparation phase. This approach can enhance document quality, control risks, and ensure the project is implemented safely and in compliance with standards. Petrovietnam emphasized that nuclear power projects require regulatory work (including licensing, assessment, and review) to be integrated into all stages of the project lifecycle, rather than being treated as a subsequent step. The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group proposed that, to effectively advance project preparation, regulatory capacity building should be strengthened...

2026-08-06

UK Energy - Nuclear joins World Association of Nuclear Operators

Great British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N) has joined the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) as a new member of its fifth membership category. This membership category is open to organizations worldwide that are planning, constructing, or preparing to operate new nuclear facilities. By joining WANO, GBE-N will gain access to the association's global professional network, operational experience feedback, and tailored support for new nuclear projects. WANO can provide assistance in the construction, commissioning, operational readiness, startup, and long-term safe and reliable operation of new nuclear plants. GBE-N, a UK government-owned entity, is advancing plans to deploy Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors in Gwynedd, North Wales (formerly known as Wylfa).

2026-08-06

South Korea Moves to Legislate Advance Ordering Rules for Key Nuclear Equipment

The South Korean government and the ruling party are pushing to revise nuclear-related regulations, aiming to codify the advance ordering mechanism for key nuclear power plant equipment into law. The initiative seeks to clarify the legal basis for ordering certain long-lead-time manufactured equipment before the licensing process is completed, reducing disputes over the timing of equipment orders during nuclear plant construction. According to sources from the National Assembly and the government, Democratic Party lawmaker Heo Seong-mu has drafted an amendment to the Nuclear Power Plant Regulatory Act that includes provisions allowing advance ordering of critical components needed for nuclear plant construction. The amendment is currently gathering co-signatures from ruling party lawmakers and will be submitted for parliamentary review once the required quorum is reached. The amendment's progress...

2026-08-06

Changwon City Advances SMR Industry Support System

Changwon City in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, is advancing a local nuclear industry support system centered on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and will formulate its first mid-to-long-term nuclear industry plan. Changwon City announced on August 5 that it plans to conduct consulting services for the "Changwon City Nuclear Industry Development Plan (2027–2030)" from October this year to April next year. The project, with a budget of 45 million KRW, will be entrusted to the Changwon Industry Promotion Agency, focusing on systematically supporting the local nuclear industry and improving the relevant institutional framework. The "Changwon City Nuclear Industry Promotion and Support Ordinance," which underpins this effort, was enacted in 2023. South Korea has recently designated SMRs as one of its national strategic directions. In February of last year, the South Korean government proposed in the "11th Basic Plan for Power Supply and Demand" to achieve commercialization of a 0.7 GW-class SMR demonstration unit by 2035. Meanwhile, the "Special Act on SMRs," passed by the National Assembly, is expected to take effect next month. On the 4th, the government also revised the "Special Tax Limitation Act" and its enforcement decree, designating SMRs with an output of 300 MW or less, as well as Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs) of 20–30 MW class and below, as national strategic technologies. In addition to existing projects, Changwon City also plans to conduct research on "Strategy Formulation for an SMR R&D Special Zone" in cooperation with relevant agencies. The city hopes to create synergies with the "Changwon Second National Industrial Complex," which is currently attracting investment, and to promote the establishment of an SMR industry manufacturing hub. Changwon City is home to Doosan Enerbility and its cluster of partner companies, with Doosan Enerbility being one of South Korea's major manufacturers of nuclear power plant key components. In terms of infrastructure, the "Gyeongnam Nuclear Industry Comprehensive Support Center," which provides office space for businesses, broke ground in February of last year and is scheduled for completion in September next year; the "Small Modular Reactor Robot Manufacturing Support Center," which will handle R&D support and workforce training, is planned for completion by December 2028; and the "Small Modular Reactor Manufacturing Parts Testing and Inspection Support Center," which received national funding in April of last year with a budget of 27.4 billion KRW, is currently undergoing conceptual architectural design and is scheduled for completion by December 2029.

2026-08-06

Vietnam Issues 470 International Nuclear Energy Standards Covering the Full Chain of Nuclear Power Plants, Research Reactors, SMRs, and Radiation Protection

Vietnam is preparing for nuclear energy development, with the Ministry of Science and Technology recently issuing a list of 470 international and foreign standards directly applicable to the atomic energy sector. These standards cover multiple aspects including safety, design, operation, equipment, personnel, radiation protection, nuclear security, and accident response, aiming to ensure the safe and reliable operation of nuclear facilities throughout their entire lifecycle. The list encompasses requirements across a wide range of fields, from nuclear power plants and research reactors to fuel technology, monitoring systems, radioactive waste management, and nuclear security. For nuclear power plants, the standards cover analysis, safety assessment, design, commissioning, equipment classification, accident management, aging management, maintenance...

2026-08-06

TAE Technologies and Black Moon Energy Sign Helium-3 Supply Cooperation Agreement

On August 5, local time, fusion energy company TAE Technologies announced a cooperation agreement with Black Moon Energy Corporation (BMEC). The two parties will collaborate on helium-3 (He-3) fuel supply solutions and commercial development needed for the future commercialization of fusion energy. Under the agreement, Black Moon Energy will supply helium-3 fuel to TAE Technologies. TAE Technologies CEO Michl Binderbauer stated that the agreement helps accelerate the company's energy goals through alternative fuel supply solutions. The company noted that its fusion technology pathway offers high flexibility in fuel cycle selection, allowing it to choose more cost-competitive fuel cycles based on long-term fuel market changes.

2026-08-06

Bulgaria's Kozloduy Units 5 and 6 VVER-1000 Continue Stable Power Generation

Bulgaria's Ministry of Energy confirmed on August 4 that Units 5 and 6 (both VVER-1000) at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant remain stably connected to the grid despite record-low Danube River water levels and an ongoing heatwave. Professional assessments indicate that even if the river level continues to decline at the current rate, no power reduction will be required for the next three weeks. Bulgarian authorities have confirmed that they maintain continuous contact with relevant institutions in Serbia and Romania to coordinate and monitor the situation on the Danube waterway. The stable operation of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant comes at a time when neighboring operators along the Danube have been forced to reduce output or cease operations. Due to the sharp drop in water levels and rising river water temperatures, Hungary has had to significantly reduce power output and shut down the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which supplies more than 40% of the country's electricity.

2026-08-06

Site Handover for Poland's First Commercial Nuclear Power Plant to Bechtel

New progress has been made in the construction of Poland's first commercial nuclear power plant. The Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in the Pomerania region of northern Poland has been handed over to Bechtel of the United States, and earthworks at the project site are underway. Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), Poland's state-owned project company, stated that Bechtel has replaced PEJ as the site coordinator for the project. Under the Polish government's earlier arrangement, the nuclear power plant will feature three Westinghouse Electric Company AP1000 pressurized water reactor units. In 2023, Westinghouse Electric Company and Bechtel formed a consortium to jointly advance project implementation. The nuclear power plant is sited in the Lubiatowo-Kopalino area along the Baltic Sea coast in Poland.

2026-08-06

Czech industrial valve manufacturer MSA expands into the full nuclear energy supply chain

Czech industrial valve manufacturer MSA is actively expanding its business, aiming not only to participate in the construction of the Dukovany nuclear power plant but also to enter the supply chains related to small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear submarine projects. The company is one of the representatives of Czech industrial valve manufacturers, with years of industry experience and technical expertise. MSA specializes in the manufacture of industrial valves designed for the control of media such as liquids and gases. Its products have a long history and have undergone significant technological advancements. Modern industrial valves have become a highly specialized field, relying on contemporary research, innovative materials, and stringent technical and legal requirements. In particular, valves used in nuclear power plants must meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational reliability...

2026-08-06

Smolensk NPP Passes Special Safety Inspection by Rosenergoatom

A team of experts from Rosenergoatom has recently completed a special safety inspection at the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant. The inspection results will be used to further enhance safety management at the plant and at other NPPs operated by the company. The inspection was carried out by a commission comprising representatives from Rosenergoatom's headquarters and the Leningrad, Rostov, and Balakovo NPPs. Similar special inspections are conducted at Russian nuclear power plants on a regular basis, with methodologies referencing the relevant standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), to assess compliance of the plants with domestic and international safety requirements...

2026-08-06

Construction of inner containment begins at Unit 4 of Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant II

Construction of the inner containment of the reactor building at Unit 4 of the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant II in Russia has commenced. The unit features a VVER-1200 reactor, and the inner containment is a key component of the unit's passive safety system, as well as part of the plant's confinement safety system. Construction workers have installed the first tier of vertical sealed steel liner to its design position. The steel structure weighs approximately 97 tonnes, and the lifting and positioning operations were carried out using a heavy crawler crane, with the entire installation process lasting about 7 hours. The contractor, TITAN-2 Holding Company, stated that the preparatory work took several months, including component fabrication, protective coating application, on-site assembly and welding, and structural quality inspection...

2026-08-06

Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant Avoids Full Shutdown as Danube Rises 2 cm, Now Operating at Only 240 MW

From the night of August 4 to the early morning of August 5, Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant (about 100 km south of Budapest, commissioned in 1982, never fully shut down in its history) nearly disconnected from the grid due to low Danube water levels—3 of its 4 units had been sequentially shut down, leaving only one turbine operating at about 240 MW (normal output near 2,000 MW), supplying roughly half of Hungary's electricity. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that the river level rose about 2 cm overnight, allowing the final unit's cooling to be maintained and averting the first full shutdown in 44 years; temperatures are still expected to exceed 40°C in the coming days, with cooling and rainfall only anticipated around Friday (approximately August 8). To alleviate energy pressure, Prime Minister Magyar thanked those who voluntarily...

2026-08-06

Novovoronezh NPP Unit 6 Exceeds 79 Billion kWh in a Decade of Operation

Since Unit 6 of Russia's Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant was first connected to the grid in 2016, it has delivered over 79 billion kWh of electricity to the Unified Energy System of Russia. The unit is the world's first Generation III+ nuclear power unit equipped with a VVER-1200 reactor, and also the first new nuclear unit built from scratch in Russia under the NPP-2006 project. The Novovoronezh NPP currently operates four units, namely Units 4, 5, 6, and 7. Unit 6 accounts for 31.2% of the plant's total electricity generation from operating units. The unit entered commercial operation in February 2017. Its construction began in 2007, with about 200 contracting organizations involved in the project. Russia...

2026-08-06

Temelín Nuclear Power Plant in Czech Republic Records Second-Highest Monthly Generation in July

Despite prevailing high temperatures, the Czech Temelín Nuclear Power Plant achieved its second-highest monthly electricity generation this year. In July, the plant delivered 1,603,637 MWh of electricity to the transmission grid, nearly matching the May record of 1,617,093 MWh. This is sufficient to cover the electricity needs of all Czech households for more than one month. Thanks to its cooling tower system, the Temelín plant was unaffected by the hot and dry weather. In contrast, some nuclear power plants abroad were forced to reduce output or even shut down due to falling river levels and rising water temperatures. However, Temelín's closed cooling cycle and its cooling towers enable it to operate independently of direct water source suppl...

2026-08-06

Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology and Canada's Saskatchewan Province Strengthen Cooperation on Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology

Vietnam and Canada's Saskatchewan Province are cooperating on the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Officials from both sides met in Hanoi on August 5, 2026, to discuss directions for cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in advanced nuclear technology. The Vietnamese side stated that as Vietnam's energy demand grows, ensuring a stable, green, and clean energy supply is of paramount importance, expressing strong interest in research on small modular reactors (SMRs) as well as CANDU reactor technology. During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening cooperation among regulatory agencies, legal departments, and research organizations in the nuclear technology field, covering legal framework development, technical standards, nuclear safety and safeguards assessment licensing, accident response, and...

2026-08-06

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Licenses Cryogenic Fuel Pellet Technology to Type One Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has licensed a suite of cryogenic fuel pellet injection technologies to Type One Energy to advance fuel supply capabilities needed for high-performance fusion plasma operations. The two parties signed the licensing agreement on August 5 in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. The license covers four ORNL inventions, primarily related to the design and operation of cryogenic fuel pellet injection systems. The technology forms solid hydrogen isotope fuel pellets at cryogenic temperatures near absolute zero and injects them into fusion plasma at high speeds. Compared with methods such as gas injection, pellet injection is more effective at delivering fuel deeper into the plasma...

2026-08-06

Russia Says Bushehr Nuclear Plant Expected to Operate by Next August

Sergey Kiriyenko, head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said the Iranian Bushehr nuclear power plant, being built by Russia, is expected to become operational by August next year, with construction progressing smoothly. Kiriyenko stated that the Bushehr plant would not threaten the nuclear non-proliferation regime in any way, and that sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program are also unrelated to the Bushehr plant. Construction of the Bushehr reactor began 15 years ago, and once completed, it will become Iran's first nuclear power plant. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed surprise at the news and criticized Russia's plans to push forward with the plant's launch.

2026-08-06