Uzbekistan Updates Licensing Rules for Nuclear Energy and Ionizing Radiation Sources

The Uzbek government recently approved new licensing procedures for nuclear energy utilization and activities involving ionizing radiation sources, establishing updated safety, radiation monitoring, personnel qualification, and technical requirements as the country advances its nuclear energy industry. According to a resolution adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on July 30, the regulations apply to licensing of nuclear energy utilization activities and matters related to the handling of ionizing radiation sources. The framework was developed pursuant to a presidential decree issued on January 9, 2024, with the aim of reducing mandatory requirements on enterprises and simplifying licensing and approval processes. The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027. Existing license holders must...

2026-08-03

Annual maintenance outage begins at Finland's Loviisa nuclear power plant, spanning August 2 to October 18

The annual maintenance of Finland's Loviisa nuclear power plant began on August 2. Energy company Fortum stated that this annual maintenance will be carried out from August 2 to October 18. During the maintenance period, several modernization projects related to extending the plant's service life will also be launched. The maintenance will first be carried out on Unit 2, followed by Unit 1. Fortum stated that while one unit is under maintenance, the other unit will continue normal power generation. The maintenance of Unit 2 is a large-scale annual inspection conducted once every eight years, which includes removing fuel from the reactor for inspection and pressure testing of the reactor vessel, as well as replacing...

2026-08-03

Serbia Launches Nuclear Program: Experts to Train in France for 17 Months, First Nuclear Power Plant Expected by 2040

The nuclear cooperation agreement signed between Serbia and France officially launched the first phase of the country's nuclear energy program on July 29. Under the agreement, Serbian experts will travel to France over the next 17 months for training, seminars, and professional visits to acquire the new knowledge and experience needed to advance the nuclear program. Radoš Popadić, Assistant Minister at Serbia's Ministry of Mining and Energy, stated that nuclear energy could become a realistic and viable solution within Serbia's energy mix. The primary task of the first phase is to assess existing capabilities and identify what additional resources are needed as the process moves forward. According to the plan, Serbia needs to strategically...

2026-08-03

Behind India's Nuclear Power Expansion: Where Does Radioactive Waste Go? Government Details Management Process in Parliament for First Time

India is rapidly advancing its nuclear power expansion, but the safe disposal of radioactive waste is the least-publicized challenge. The government has for the first time detailed in Parliament how it handles hazardous waste. In a written reply, the Department of Atomic Energy disclosed that all nuclear power plants in India generate an average of 0.15 cubic meters (approximately 150 liters) of solid radioactive waste per megawatt (MW) of capacity annually, including waste from operational and decommissioning phases, equivalent to about 1.5 household bathtubs in volume; radioactive waste quantities and disposal records are regularly reported to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants generate various types of radioactive waste, including spent filter cartridges, protective clothing, tools, equipment, and other items that come into contact with radioactive materials. Waste is categorized into gaseous...

2026-08-03

India's First Draft Rules for SHANTI Nuclear Energy Act Prepared, in Consultation with Ministries and Industry

The Indian government is formulating implementation rules for the SHANTI Act (Sustainable Harmonious Advancement of Nuclear Technology in India Act), aimed at fundamentally transforming the country's nuclear energy sector. The Act is expected to open up the previously tightly controlled nuclear industry to private companies. Relevant departments have already sought comments on these draft rules, but final publication may still take several months, as issues involving multiple agencies require careful consideration. The SHANTI Act is crucial for India's goal of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047. It will bring about significant structural changes to India's nuclear energy policy, integrating regulation, implementation processes, civil liability, and dispute resolution mechanisms...

2026-08-03

Rosatom Expects Revenue of $43.2 Billion in 2026

Rosatom expects its revenue to reach $43.2 billion in 2026, driven primarily by new products, international operations, and expansion in nuclear energy, technology, and logistics. The company plans to continue scaling up in the coming years, targeting consolidated revenue of approximately $50.8 billion by 2028, with businesses related to new technologies expected to grow by about 50%. To support this growth target, Rosatom will maintain an investment program exceeding $11.4 billion, focusing on projects that yield the best financial returns. Rosatom is actively implementing cost control and efficiency improvement measures, aiming to increase productivity by 12% annually and achieve a 10% wage increase...

2026-08-03

Dutch ULC-Energy and US McDermott sign cooperation agreement to advance Rolls-Royce SMR deployment in the Netherlands

Dutch nuclear development company ULC-Energy and US engineering and construction firm McDermott announced on August 2 the signing of a cooperation agreement to support the project development of Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in the Netherlands. The cooperation includes integrating SMR energy supply solutions with energy-intensive industrial processes, leveraging McDermott's experience in energy transition and industrial decarbonization (low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel, carbon capture and utilization), combined with ULC-Energy's nuclear project development capabilities. The two parties previously collaborated in 2023 to study industrial hydrogen production using "Rolls-Royce SMR + solid oxide electrolyzer," with ULC coordinating and McDermott providing engineering design and cost information for thermal integration/plant layout systems. McDermott's Senior Vice President of Low Carbon Solutions, Rob Shaul, stated that the agreement consolidates the existing relationship and reflects a shared commitment to advancing low-carbon energy in the Netherlands; the company has a long-standing presence in the country with its Hague center supporting projects across Europe. ULC-Energy CEO Dirk Rabelink noted that nuclear energy is effective when integrated into the energy system, and that SMRs flexibly supply electricity, heat, and hydrogen, with earlier cooperation having demonstrated this pathway, expressing hope to expand to other applications.

2026-08-03

Argentine President Javier Milei Appoints Former Bariloche Mayor Gennuso as Vice President of the Atomic Energy Commission

Argentine President Javier Milei has appointed Gustavo Gennuso as the new Vice President of the Argentine National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) through Decree No. 673/2026. Gennuso previously served as Mayor of San Carlos de Bariloche (2015–2023), and this appointment brings the former mayor into a key institution in Argentina's nuclear sector, also reflecting the political expansion of the ruling party "La Libertad Avanza" in Río Negro Province ahead of the 2027 elections. Former Vice President Luis Alfredo Tomás Rovere has stepped down, as part of the restructuring published in the Official Gazette. Decree No. 655/2026 shows the CNEA undergoing major reorganization...

2026-08-03

Spain's two major nuclear power holders, Iberdrola and Endesa, paid approximately €360 million in taxes and fees for nuclear power in the first half of the year

Spain's two major nuclear power holders disclosed to the CNMV: Iberdrola's expenditure on the "production tax on spent fuel and radioactive waste derived from power generation" in the first half of 2026 was €52 million (compared to €56 million in the same period last year), plus €117 million in Enresa radioactive waste management fees (levied based on each unit's monthly gross nuclear generation) (compared to €118 million in the same period last year), totaling €169 million. Endesa paid €56 million in nuclear tax items during the same period (up €3 million year-on-year), and €135 million in radioactive waste treatment fees (up €7 million year-on-year). Due to its controlling stake in Catalan nuclear units, it also paid €76 million in the Catalan environmental tax, totaling €267 million; the two companies' combined nuclear-related taxes and fees for the first half of the year amounted to approximately €336 million (text...

2026-08-03

Progress and Cost Performance Management of the ITER Project Enhancement

The ITER Organization reported on July 29 that, regarding the construction progress and cost control of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the project team has established a more detailed monthly tracking mechanism, and regularly reports key performance indicators, updated estimates at completion, and milestone trend analyses to the ITER Council. The ITER project is large in scale with complex interfaces; management efforts involve not only overall schedule and budget but also continuous assessment of thousands of activities including design, manufacturing, component installation, commissioning, and operational readiness. For tasks on the critical path, even delays of a few weeks can have cascading effects on multiple construction work packages. To identify...

2026-08-03

South Korea's Trade Minister Meets Governors of 11 U.S. States to Expand Nuclear Power and Shipbuilding Cooperation

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated on August 2 that the Trade Negotiation Minister attended the 2026 National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City from July 30 to August 1, during which he held a series of meetings with governors from 11 states including Tennessee, Colorado, Wyoming, North Carolina, Delaware, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah, Maryland, South Dakota, and Vermont, calling for expanded cooperation in high-tech and strategic industries such as nuclear power, shipbuilding, and batteries, and requesting support from state governments for Korean companies' investments and local operations in the U.S. Reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Energy is advancing the Nuclear Life-cycle Innovation Campus (NLIC) project, and on the 28th of last month...

2026-08-03

Philippine DOE launches nuclear power plant site screening with IAEA support

The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) recently stated that it has begun preparing nuclear power plant site screening work in accordance with internationally recognized safety standards. Collaborating with experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the DOE is wrapping up an intensive workshop on site and external event design this week to strengthen the country's nuclear power plant site screening process. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that selecting the right site is one of the most critical decisions in developing a nuclear power program, and that close collaboration with the IAEA ensures every step is guided by the highest international standards of science, rigorous technical assessment, and resilient public safety protection. The workshop brought together technical experts from the DOE and partner agencies alongside specialists from the IAEA's External Events Safety Section to share recognized methodologies for assessing potential sites against earthquakes, floods, volcanic activity, extreme weather, and other natural and human-induced risks.

2026-08-03

Romania Blasts Rocks in Danube to Secure Nuclear Power Plant Water Supply

Romania is conducting blasting operations on rocks in the Danube River to ensure the water supply for the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The Ministry of National Defense has launched related actions aimed at altering the river's flow, diverting part of the water from the Bala branch to the Old Danube branch. Initial blasting operations began on Sunday, involving over one hundred military personnel and sixteen pieces of military equipment. According to Navy Reserve Commander Marcel Neculae, the first two explosions failed to completely destroy the target rock, which proved harder than expected. Navy divers are currently assessing the blasting results, after which explosive charges will be gradually increased to continue the operation. Romania's water resources authority has also noted the complexity of the project and warned that it may not succeed.

2026-08-03

Utah Finalist for DOE Nuclear Fuel Cycle Site, with Great Salt Lake Rescue as Bargaining Chip

Utah is seeking an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hoping to secure federal nuclear hub status while also gaining assistance in addressing the Great Salt Lake crisis. Governor Spencer Cox and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed a memorandum agreeing to collaborate on realizing the full value of the nuclear fuel cycle. However, this agreement does not mean Utah has decided to build the nuclear hub, and the state will decline if it is deemed unsafe or disadvantageous. Currently, Utah is one of five states competing for the federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Park, which aims to consolidate all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle in one location, including fuel fabrication, enrichment,...

2026-08-03

Radiation protection expert Peter Bryant to lead University of Liverpool's Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation

The University of Liverpool has announced that Professor Peter Bryant has been appointed as the Director of the newly established Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation, with his tenure officially commencing in September 2026. The Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation is named after Nobel laureate Sir James Chadwick, who served as Head of the Physics Department at the University of Liverpool and is renowned for his discovery of the neutron. The Institute will leverage the University of Liverpool's research expertise, innovative facilities, and strategic partnerships in the nuclear energy sector to advance research and talent development in nuclear innovation. Bryant has long been engaged in work related to the civil nuclear fuel cycle, with his research and management portfolio encompassing radiation protection, environmental permitting, radioactive waste...

2026-08-03

Japanese Poll: 76% of Respondents Support Maintaining the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles"

The Tokyo Shimbun, citing a national poll conducted by the Kyodo News-affiliated survey organization from June to July among 3,000 people aged 18 and above, reported that 76% of Japanese support maintaining the Three Non-Nuclear Principles of not manufacturing, not possessing, and not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons; 77% oppose nuclear-sharing arrangements (i.e., the U.S. stationing nuclear weapons in Japan and operating them jointly). Given that Japan is the only country to have suffered atomic bombing in war, the results highlight strong anti-nuclear sentiment, while debate over whether to revise the principles is intensifying. Support for Japan joining the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons before the first review conference in November stands at 55%, down 5 percentage points from the previous year; opponents account for 42%, of whom 56% believe that joining would not lead to nuclear disarmament. Regarding recent U.S. actions...

2026-08-03

Bulgaria Approves Decommissioning Licenses for Units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant

On August 1, the Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA) issued a 10-year license to the State Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management (SERAW), authorizing it to carry out the decommissioning of Units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. The license was presented to SERAW Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mladenova by NRA Chairman Tsanko Bachiski. The license is held by SERAW's specialized department responsible for the decommissioning of Units 1 to 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. SERAW Management Board Chairman Sergey Tsochev attended the license award ceremony. According to the license requirements, the decommissioning of Units 3 and 4 must comply with Bulgaria's Law on the Safe Use of Nuclear Energy and relevant implementing regulations.

2026-08-03

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Signs Memorandums of Understanding with Coast Guard and Marine Minerals Administration to Strengthen Offshore Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Recently, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the newly established Marine Minerals Administration (MMA), respectively, aimed at strengthening coordination and cooperation on civilian offshore nuclear projects. These initiatives come at a time of growing interest in nuclear technology within the commercial shipping sector, including projects such as nuclear-powered vessels and floating nuclear power plants. The agreement with the Coast Guard updates a previous agreement signed with the Atomic Energy Commission in 1973, aiming to modernize regulatory processes and ensure effective management of the design, construction, operation, and oversight of civilian nuclear reactors at sea. Meanwhile, the NRC's cooperation with the MMA focuses on clarifying jurisdictional issues for any potential nuclear projects on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

2026-08-03

Adani Group Proposes Two Nuclear Power Plants in India's Odisha State

The Adani Group has submitted a proposal to the Government of Odisha to build two nuclear power plants in the state, with a planned total installed capacity of 5,600 MW and an estimated investment of approximately ₹1.5 trillion. The proposal is seen as a significant move to expand private sector participation in India's civil nuclear energy sector. According to disclosures, Subrat Tripathy, President of Business Development at Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, led a delegation to meet Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo in Bhubaneswar...

2026-08-03

Global Nuclear Power Construction Accelerates, Asian Countries Lead the Way

Global nuclear power construction is accelerating, particularly in the Asian region. China is currently the most active country in nuclear power construction worldwide, with more than twenty nuclear reactors under construction, far surpassing other nations. This large-scale investment reflects China's emphasis on energy security and reducing carbon emissions. India follows closely behind, also actively expanding its nuclear power capacity to meet growing electricity demand and achieve climate goals. Beyond Asia, several European countries are also increasing their nuclear power capacity. Although France already possesses a large number of existing nuclear power plants, it is also advancing the construction of new nuclear reactors, aiming to maintain the share of nuclear energy in its energy mix. The United Kingdom is likewise committed to developing nuclear power, with plans to build new...

2026-08-03

UK Poll Shows Nearly Half of Public Support Nuclear Energy Development

A new UK opinion poll shows that nearly half of respondents support the country's development of nuclear energy to address climate change and energy security challenges. Although public concerns over nuclear power plant safety persist, with growing awareness of the intermittency of renewable energy and rising calls to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the role of nuclear energy in the UK's energy mix is attracting increasing attention. The survey results show that 48% of respondents consider nuclear energy an important component of achieving net-zero emission targets, while 29% hold opposing views. The main reasons for supporting nuclear energy include its reliability and low-carbon characteristics. Unlike renewable sources such as wind and solar, nuclear power plants...

2026-08-03