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U.S. Fusion Energy Company CFS Completes $1 Billion Equity Financing

U.S. fusion energy startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) announced on July 30 that it has completed $1 billion in new equity financing. The company stated that this is one of the largest single-round financings globally for a fusion energy company since its $1.8 billion Series B round in 2021. To date, CFS has raised a total of $4 billion, accounting for nearly 30% of the cumulative global fusion industry financing. Headquartered in Devens, Massachusetts, CFS was founded in 2018. The company is primarily advancing the SPARC fusion demonstration device and the ARC commercial fusion power plant project. Fusion reactions release energy by combining light atoms such as hydrogen under extremely high temperatures and pressures, and are considered a potential low-carbon energy pathway. However, fusion reactors are still in the experimental and engineering validation stage, with related technologies facing challenges such as material resistance to neutron bombardment and improving reaction efficiency.

2026-07-30

Taishan Nuclear Power Launches First Batch of Independent Skill Level Certification

Recently, Taishan Nuclear Power carried out its first batch of independent vocational skill level certification, with a total of 16 individuals passing the assessment and obtaining corresponding skill level certifications. This certification marks the first batch conducted by the company after the implementation of the unified vocational skill level certification system under China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), signifying that the company's skill talent evaluation work has officially entered a new stage of standardization and systematization. The certification covered two job categories: Vocational Trainer (Level 1) and Radiation Monitoring and Protection Worker (Levels 2 and 3). A total of 20 individuals participated, with 16 passing. The certification process strictly followed three stages: written examination, practical operation, and comprehensive review, assessing the participants' professional knowledge, operational skills, and work performance...

2026-07-30

The Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, hosted the 2026 China-Korea Bilateral Workshop on Tungsten Metal First Wall and Plasma-Wall Interactions

Recently, the 2026 China-Korea Bilateral Workshop on Tungsten Metal First Wall and Plasma-Wall Interactions (2026 CN-KO  Workshop on W-based metal Wall and  Plasma-Wall Interactions) was held. This meeting, hosted by the Institute of Plasma Physics, is a series of conferences under the framework of bilateral science and technology cooperation between the Chinese and Korean governments. More than 40 researchers from institutions including the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, the Korea Institute of Materials Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Plasma Physics, the Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei University of Technology, and Beihang University participated...

2026-07-30

Hefei Compact Fusion Energy Experimental Device Accelerates Construction

On July 27, the Compact Fusion Energy Experimental Device (BEST), located in Sanshigang Township, Luyang District, Hefei City, Anhui Province, is accelerating its construction. From aerial footage, the construction at the project site is progressing in an orderly manner, with related work continuing to unfold. The BEST device is a follow-up project to the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) and will conduct further experimental validation based on the first-generation EAST device. As a key experimental platform for future fusion energy applications, BEST is expected to become the world's first compact fusion energy experimental device, providing support for the transition of fusion energy from scientific experiments to engineering applications. ...

2026-07-30

North China Regional Office of Nuclear and Radiation Safety Supervision, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Conducts On-Site Supervision of Main Pump Shaft Design and Manufacturing at Shanghai Electric KSB Nuclear Pump and Valve Co., Ltd.

To continuously enhance the localization quality of active equipment such as main pumps and the effectiveness of key technology improvements, the North China Regional Office of Nuclear and Radiation Safety Supervision (hereinafter referred to as the North China Office) of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment recently conducted on-site supervision of the wet winding main pump shaft design and manufacturing activities at Shanghai Electric KSB Nuclear Pump and Valve Co., Ltd. This supervision focused on the quality reliability of design improvement measures for main pumps, conducting detailed inspections on the standardization of design change processes, verifying key processes such as material acceptance, heat treatment, and hot sleeve assembly, with particular attention to the correlation between improvement measures and root cause analysis, the effectiveness of improved processes, and the compliance of various inspection and test results. It also required...

2026-07-30

Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company Successfully Completes Member Support Activity for Predictive Maintenance and Equipment Condition Monitoring

On July 24, Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company successfully completed the member support activity for predictive maintenance and equipment condition monitoring, laying the foundation for further optimizing the predictive maintenance and equipment condition monitoring management and technical systems of the High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) Demonstration Project, and promoting the transformation and upgrading of the equipment management model. The member support activity, lasting five days, was organized by the Nuclear Power Branch of the China Nuclear Energy Association, aiming to leverage the expertise of industry experts to drive the transformation of the equipment management model of the HTGR Demonstration Project from breakdown maintenance and periodic maintenance to data-driven predictive management, thereby strengthening the foundation of nuclear safety and operational economy. The expert team for this activity was led by Chen Lunshou, former Deputy Chief Engineer of Sanmen Nuclear Power Co., Ltd...

2026-07-30

Pre-registration Study Launch Meeting for Light Ion Therapy System Held in Hangzhou

On July 26, the pre-registration study launch meeting for the light ion therapy system was held at CAS Ion (Hangzhou) Medical Technology Co., Ltd. The meeting, themed "Focusing on Multi-ion Clinical Research, Empowering Precision Radiotherapy Innovation," discussed the frontier directions of multi-ion therapy, pre-registration study protocols for the therapy system, and related quality control work. The meeting was hosted by the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Particle Radiotherapy Equipment and CAS Ion Hangzhou Company, and co-organized by the Sun Yat-sen University–CAS Ion (Lanzhou Taiji) Joint Laboratory of Advanced Radiotherapy Technology and the China-Japan-Korea Tumor Prevention and Control Research Institute. Experts and scholars from fields including clinical radiotherapy, medical physics, equipment R&D, and testing and evaluation...

2026-07-30

Princeton University and PPPL Launch Collaborative Graduate Program in Plasma Science and Technology

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facility, and Princeton University recently launched the Collaborative Research Program in Plasma Science and Technology (CRPST). This two-year program, which began on July 1, 2026, aims to establish a more formal joint mentorship mechanism and expand opportunities for Princeton University graduate students in engineering, physics, and related disciplines to participate in research at PPPL. Under the program, selected students will be jointly mentored by a PPPL scientist and a Princeton University faculty member. Students will work at PPPL at least one day per week, participate in relevant research groups, and use laboratory facilities to advance their projects...

2026-07-30

SuperCritical Obtains Exclusive License for Uranium Extraction from Seawater Technology, Plans Industrial Deployment in the United States

SuperCritical Materials Corp., a U.S. developer of nuclear fuel and critical materials infrastructure, announced on July 24 that it has obtained an exclusive license from Battelle Memorial Institute for a patented uranium adsorbent technology used to extract uranium from seawater. The technology was originally developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and its research partners. Battelle Memorial Institute currently manages eight national laboratories for the U.S. federal government. SuperCritical stated that the technology has been verified to extract uranium from seawater...

2026-07-30

Superyacht Industry Explores Nuclear Power Transition, Calls for Early Safety and Regulatory Preparation

During the 2026 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, the application prospects of nuclear propulsion technology in the superyacht sector became a focal point of industry discussion. Experts attending the event believe that although nuclear-powered superyachts still have a long way to go before commercial application, the relevant discussions are no longer confined to the conceptual stage. The industry needs to start preparing early on issues such as design, safety, operation, and regulation. Engel-Jan de Boer, Global Yacht Business Manager at the UK-based maritime professional services organization Lloyd's Register, stated during the conference that with the rapid development of maritime nuclear technology...

2026-07-30

U.S. Department of Energy Selects Five States to Explore Building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Hubs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on July 28 that it has selected Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho as potential host states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Hubs. The DOE has signed memorandums of understanding with these five states and will continue to evaluate the conditions and plans for hosting the hubs in each state. On January 28 of this year, the DOE issued a Request for Information, inviting states to express interest in building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Hubs. The proposed hubs are intended to support full lifecycle activities for nuclear fuel, including fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, and waste disposal. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the hubs may also accommodate...

2026-07-30

Northwest Nuclear and Radiation Safety Supervision Station of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment Completes Routine Supervision and Emergency Assessment of Thorium-based Molten Salt Reactor

Recently, the Northwest Nuclear and Radiation Safety Supervision Station of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (hereinafter referred to as the Northwest Supervision Station) organized a supervision team to conduct routine nuclear and radiation safety supervision and comprehensive emergency drill assessment for the 2 MW Liquid Fuel Thorium-based Molten Salt Experimental Reactor (hereinafter referred to as the Thorium-based Molten Salt Reactor) of the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics). This supervision focused on the operational safety of the Thorium-based Molten Salt Reactor, effluent and environmental monitoring, radiation safety of nuclear technology utilization projects, and comprehensive emergency drills. The supervision team, through document review, on-site verification, and record tracing, primarily examined the effectiveness of the quality assurance program, personnel training and authorization, effluent and environmental monitoring records, emergency system documents, and the rectification records from previous inspections. At the same time, the supervision team observed the comprehensive emergency drill on-site and provided guidance based on actual conditions, conducting a full-process assessment of accident response procedures, cross-departmental coordination, and emergency response measures. In response to the issues and deficiencies identified during the supervision, the supervision team held a special communication meeting with the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics and proposed rectification requirements.

2026-07-30

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Meets ITER Organization Director-General

Starting at 4:50 p.m. on July 29, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi met with Pietro Barabaschi, Director-General of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Organization, who was visiting Japan. The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes. (Photo source: Japan Cabinet Public Affairs Office) Hayashi welcomed Barabaschi's visit to Japan. He stated that fusion energy has been listed as one of the 17 strategic areas in Japan's growth strategy. Japan looks forward to progress in the ITER project and believes it will play a significant role in advancing the realization of fusion energy and enhancing energy security. Hayashi...

2026-07-30

Russia Completes Manufacturing of Second RITM-200 Reactor Unit for Leningrad Nuclear-Powered Icebreaker

On July 29, Rosatom's ZiO-Podolsk Mechanical Plant in the Moscow Region completed the manufacturing of the second RITM-200 reactor unit for the Leningrad nuclear-powered icebreaker. With this, the manufacturing of all major equipment for the reactor compartment of this under-construction 22220-type universal nuclear-powered icebreaker has been fully completed. The Leningrad nuclear-powered icebreaker began construction in January 2024. The naming of the vessel is linked to the 80th anniversary of the lifting of the Siege of Leningrad, with veterans and survivors of the siege proposing that this new-generation nuclear-powered icebreaker be named Leningrad. Following Rosatom's tradition of naming reactor units, the two completed reactor units of the Leningrad have been named "Iskra" and "Grom," commemorating the operations that broke and ultimately lifted the Siege of Leningrad between 1943 and 1944.

2026-07-30

World Nuclear Association expects global large-scale nuclear power construction spending to peak between 2041 and 2045

The World Nuclear Association (WNA) expects global nuclear power industry spending to reach a phased peak between 2041 and 2045. At 2025 prices, approximately $1 trillion will be directed toward the construction of large nuclear power plants during this period. Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, stated that investment interest in the nuclear energy sector has significantly increased, with 50 countries having formulated relatively specific nuclear energy development plans. She believes that implementing these plans will require substantial financial support, with the required investment scale far exceeding current levels. According to the Association's estimates, in addition to large nuclear power plant construction, approximately $450 billion will be allocated globally to small modular reactor projects between 2041 and 2045, along with $84 billion for extending the operational lifetimes of existing reactors.

2026-07-30