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Japan's Monju Fast Breeder Reactor Sodium Coolant Overseas Transport Planned to Start in Fiscal 2028

Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology plans to include 23.7 billion yen in its fiscal 2027 budget request to advance decommissioning work for the Monju fast breeder reactor in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, including preparation costs for overseas transport of sodium coolant. The amount represents an increase of 4.9 billion yen over the previous fiscal year's budget, including supplementary budgets. Under the plan, overseas transport of sodium coolant from the Monju reactor will begin in fiscal 2028. Unlike conventional light water reactors, Monju uses metallic sodium rather than water as a coolant to remove heat from the reactor. Sodium has a boiling point of approximately 880 degrees Celsius and does not easily pressurize at high temperatures, but it can burn upon contact with water or air, making handling and management highly difficult...

2026-09-11

Decommissioning of Unit 1 at Japan's Ikata Nuclear Power Plant Proposed to Move to Phase 2

On the 11th, Ichiro Ogi, Mayor of Yawatahama City in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, reported to the prefectural government that he has agreed to the decommissioning work of Unit 1 at the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant of Shikoku Electric Power Company entering Phase 2. Ichiro Ogi requested that Shikoku Electric Power thoroughly implement relevant measures during the subsequent decommissioning process to prevent the spread of radioactive materials, control the radiation exposure dose of workers, and protect the surrounding environment of the nuclear power plant. Unit 1 at the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant ceased operation in 2016, and since 2017, decommissioning work has been carried out in four phases, with a planned duration of more than 40 years. Currently, the decommissioning work of this unit is still in Phase 1. According to the safety agreement arrangements, Shikoku Electric Power has submitted a prior consultation application to the Ehime Prefectural Government...

2026-09-11

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to Invest KRW 238.6 Billion in Dedicated Plant for Manufacturing Major SMR Equipment

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced on September 10 that it will invest KRW 238.6 billion to build a dedicated plant for manufacturing major equipment for small modular reactors (SMRs). The plant will be built on the site of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan Shipyard, with the goal of commencing operations in 2029. SMRs are regarded as one of the next-generation nuclear power technologies. Compared with conventional nuclear power units, SMRs have lower output power, and their major equipment can be configured in a modular manner, combining features such as stable power supply and reduced carbon emissions. As AI data centers requiring round-the-clock, large-scale power supply increase rapidly, SMRs are attracting more attention. According to projections by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), by 2050, the global SMR market is expected to grow to 150G...

2026-09-10

Turkey and Danish Developer Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Thorium-Based Molten Salt Reactor Research

On September 9, 2026, the Turkish Ministry of Energy stated that the Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mining Research Institute (TENMAK) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Danish advanced reactor developer Copenhagen Atomics (CA), under which the two parties will conduct collaborative research on the application of thorium as a potential nuclear fuel for molten salt reactors. Tenmak and Copenhagen Atomics signed the memorandum of understanding on September 7. Photo courtesy of the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The Turkish Ministry of Energy stated that the cooperation aims to advance research in areas related to thorium as a potential fuel for nuclear reactors, with a focus on assessing...

2026-09-10

First concrete poured for turbine building foundation of Unit 3 VVER-1200 at Leningrad NPP Phase II

On September 9, 2026, concrete pouring began for the foundation of the turbine building of Unit 3 VVER-1200 at Leningrad NPP Phase II in Russia. Construction workers have completed the pouring of the central section of the future foundation, with concrete consumption approaching 5,000 cubic meters. This pour is the first stage of construction of the foundation structure for this building. According to the plan, the contractor will use nearly 5,000 tonnes of rebar and more than 20,000 cubic meters of high-strength concrete to build a monolithic foundation slab 2.5 meters high and more than 8,000 square meters in area. The related operations are currently being carried out simultaneously in 7 construction zones. Konstantin Khudyakov, head of the Leningrad NPP project at TITAN-2 Holding (TITAN-2), said that the foundation construction of the turbine building places high demands on concrete quality, pouring technology and curing conditions, especially in the first few days after pouring, when it is necessary to focus on controlling on-site temperature and humidity and preventing mechanical damage. After the concrete reaches design strength, the contractor will, together with the owner, use non-destructive testing methods to inspect the structure, including ultrasonic testing; at the same time, specimens made from the same batch of concrete will also be subjected to compressive tests on a hydraulic press to confirm that the foundation is capable of bearing the loads of walls, floors, piping and large operating equipment.

2026-09-10

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Releases New 2026 Guidelines for Stress Testing in SPECT and PET Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) has recently developed and released the "2026 ASNC Guidelines for Stress Testing in SPECT and PET Myocardial Perfusion Imaging." The guidelines have been published online in the Journal of Nuclear Cardiology and will replace the 2016 version to reflect changes in the field of nuclear cardiology over the past decade in terms of technology application, examination workflows, and clinical assessment. The new guidelines focus on stress testing in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging, updating recommendations on patient preparation, selection of stress testing modalities, safety management, protocols for different imaging modalities, image interpretation, and report writing. The guideline chair and lead...

2026-09-10

U.S. Plans to Deploy Navy's First Shore-Based Advanced Microreactor in Indiana by 2028

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced on September 9, 2026, that it plans to install an advanced nuclear Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) at Naval Weapons Station Crane (NWS Crane) in Indiana no later than September 2028. This is Indiana's first nuclear reactor project for power generation and an early project of the U.S. Department of Defense to advance advanced nuclear energy deployment at military installations. According to the announcement, the project is jointly advanced by the U.S. Army's Janus Program, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and Indiana...

2026-09-10

Finland's Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant Signs 22-Year Power Purchase Agreement with Google

On September 9, 2026, Google announced that it will invest at least 13 billion euros in Finland over the next two years for artificial intelligence infrastructure construction. The investment includes building and expanding data centers in Finland, along with supporting energy projects. Among them, Google signed a 22-year power purchase agreement with Finnish energy company Fortum to purchase up to 50% of the electricity generated by the Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant. Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat stated that this arrangement is Google's first nuclear energy deal outside the United States. Google said this investment is its largest single investment in Europe, and the related infrastructure will support services including Gemini, Search, Maps, and YouTube. Lovi...

2026-09-10

Shidaowan High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Demonstration Project Launches Mobilization and Deployment for Second Major Overhaul

On September 9, Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company held a mobilization meeting for the second major overhaul of the High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Demonstration Project, deploying the overall arrangements and control requirements for the HS-OT002 overhaul. Zhang Yanxu, Chairman and Party Committee Secretary of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company, delivered a mobilization speech. Chang Chongxi, Overhaul Commander-in-Chief, General Manager, and Deputy Party Committee Secretary, presided over the meeting. Members of the leadership team attended the meeting. Zhang Yanxu stated that the High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Demonstration Project is a landmark project of China's independent innovation in fourth-generation nuclear power, and its safe and stable operation has drawn attention from relevant departments, the nuclear power industry, and employees of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company. The demonstration project has operated safely and stably for 473 consecutive days, during which multiple...

2026-09-10

Construction Site Leveling and Excavation Kicks Off for Hualong One Version 2.0 Demonstration Project of Zhejiang Jinqimen Nuclear Power Phase II

On the morning of September 9, Zhejiang Jinqimen Nuclear Power held a mobilization meeting for high-quality construction of the Hualong One Version 2.0 demonstration project of Phase II, marking the full launch of site leveling and excavation work for Phase II. At the event, Yao Zhaohong, General Manager of Jinqimen Nuclear Power, presented the flag to the Party Member Commando Team for High-Quality Commencement of the Demonstration Project. Zhong Hua, Party Secretary and Chairman of Jinqimen Nuclear Power, delivered a mobilization speech and announced the start of site leveling and excavation work. At 11:11, the first blast for the main excavation of Phase II was successfully detonated, marking that the project construction has entered a stage of accelerated advancement. The mobilization meeting stated that Jinqimen Nuclear Power undertakes the task of constructing the Hualong One Version 2.0 demonstration project, and all participating units and builders must fulfill safety and quality responsibilities, adhere to safety first and quality first, steadily advance project construction, and build a high-standard "New Quality Hualong Demonstration Project."

2026-09-10

Global nuclear power generation hits record high; World Nuclear Association says 2050 capacity target still requires project support

On September 8, 2026, the World Nuclear Association (WNA) stated in its newly released World Nuclear Outlook Report 2026 that global nuclear power generation reached 2,702 TWh in 2025, a record high. The Association said that if national nuclear expansion plans are implemented, global nuclear installed capacity could exceed the level corresponding to the nuclear tripling target by 2050. The report shows that global nuclear power generation in 2025 increased by 35 TWh compared with the previous record set in 2024. The average capacity factor of operating nuclear units worldwide was 83.7%, continuing the strong operational performance seen since 2000. The World Nuclear Association stated that with national targets achieved, identified...

2026-09-09

Vietnam's Petrovietnam and Korea Electric Power Corporation Advance Cooperation on Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Project

On September 7, 2026, Vietnam's National Industry and Energy Group (Petrovietnam) and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) are accelerating cooperation in nuclear power research and development. On September 8, a delegation led by Petrovietnam General Director Le Manh Cuong held a working meeting in Seoul, South Korea with a delegation led by KEPCO Chairman and CEO Kim Dong-cheol, with both sides focusing on the implementation of the cooperation agreement in the nuclear power sector. Le Manh Cuong stated that Vietnam is taking measures to create conditions for the implementation of nuclear power projects. Previously, Petrovietnam and KEPCO signed a cooperation agreement witnessed by high-level leaders of both countries, demonstrating that nuclear power has become a key area of Vietnam-Korea cooperation...

2026-09-09

Serbian President Says China to Participate in Uzbekistan's Second Nuclear Power Plant Project

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated on September 8 at the Uzbekistan-Serbia Business Forum held in Belgrade that China will participate in Uzbekistan's second nuclear power plant project. He said the information came from a private conversation with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev earlier that morning. Vučić relayed that Mirziyoyev briefed him on two nuclear energy projects in Uzbekistan, one implemented in cooperation with Russia and the other planned to advance with China. Vučić quoted Mirziyoyev as saying: One nuclear power plant is being built in cooperation with the Russians, and another is being built in cooperation with the Chinese...

2026-09-09

Alpha-9 Oncology Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial of GRPR-Targeted Radiotherapy, First Patient Dosed

Alpha-9 Oncology, a U.S. clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company, recently announced that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating two GRPR-targeted radiopharmaceuticals. The study involves the actinium-225-labeled compound 225Ac-A9-0642 and the lutetium-177-labeled compound 177Lu-A9-0631, primarily enrolling patients with breast cancer and other solid tumors, with data expected to be released by the end of 2027. According to the company, both 225Ac-A9-0642 and 177Lu-A9-0631 target the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR). GRPR is considered a solid tumor-associated target with potential clinical value in breast cancer and other solid tumors. 225Ac-A9-0642 is Alpha-9's first actinium-225 GRPR-targeted compound to enter clinical evaluation...

2026-09-09

South Korea's Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 Shut Down Upon Expiration of Design Lifespan

South Korea's Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 will cease operation upon the expiration of its 40-year design lifespan. Following the shutdown of this unit, two of the six units at the Hanbit plant will have been taken offline due to reaching the end of their design lifespans. Unit 2 of the Hanbit plant received its operating license on September 12, 1986, and commenced commercial operation on June 10, 1987. Based on a 40-year design lifespan, the unit's operating license remains valid until September 11, 2026. The operator plans to conduct periodic inspections and planned preventive maintenance after the unit is shut down. In accordance with relevant regulations, once a unit reaches the end of its design lifespan, it may not resume operation until its application for continued operation is approved, and it must undergo legally required inspections and maintenance, and...

2026-09-09