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Romanian Army Deploys on the Danube to Protect Nuclear Power Plant Operations

The Romanian Ministry of National Defense announced that the Romanian Army has been mobilized to protect the operation of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant and conduct hydrographic measurements on the Danube River. The Ministry stated that this measure was taken in response to the current critical situation on the Danube to ensure the safe operation of the nuclear power plant. The military action aims to obtain the technical data required for the construction of a mobile weir that will redirect a portion of the Danube's flow into the Old Danube. Naval forces are conducting measurements at kilometers 345 to 346 of the Danube, in the area where the Bala branch converges, to determine the parameters needed for implementing the weir. Military experts are analyzing the riverbed and water depth, and transmitting the collected data to the relevant administrative authorities. The Ministry emphasized that these measures...

2026-08-02

EDF's Performance Declines as Nuclear Plants Affected by High Temperatures

EDF faced pressure in its first-half results, with net profit down 4.4% year-on-year to €5.2 billion. Despite an increase of approximately 8 TWh in French nuclear output, revenue still fell 3.3% to €57.45 billion. The company's half-year EBIT stood at €14.1 billion, with total electricity generation of 262.1 TWh, of which French nuclear plants contributed 189.9 TWh. Meanwhile, EDF also bore an additional €500 million in taxes, mainly related to the contribution on excess profits. Weak market prices reduced the value of electricity sold by EDF, while the company, fully state-owned, needs to fund capital-intensive industrial projects. As of end-June, EDF's net debt reached €51.5 billion, flat compared to the level at end-2025...

2026-08-01

Changwon National University and Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute Join Forces to Promote Korea-Vietnam Nuclear Power Industry Synergy

Changwon National University announced that a delegation from the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute recently visited the university for in-depth discussions on the development of Vietnam's nuclear power industry and cooperation plans in the field of small modular reactors (SMRs). The delegation was led by Dr. Phan Viet Cuong, Deputy Director of VINATOM, among others. The visit came at a time when the Vietnamese government has been comprehensively promoting the introduction of SMRs as a core national energy strategy since 2024. Through the consultations, both sides reached a consensus on close cooperation to strengthen Vietnam's nuclear power technology competitiveness and foster the next-generation SMR industry. In particular, centered on Changwon National University's "SMR² Platform National Research Institute," customized educational programs will be operated for Vietnamese researchers and students...

2026-08-01

Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam Publishes Revised List of 22 Administrative Procedures in the Field of Radiation and Nuclear Safety

The Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee recently issued Decision No. 2017/QD-UBND, publishing the revised and supplemented list of administrative procedures in the field of radiation and nuclear safety within the functional management scope of the Bac Ninh Provincial Department of Science and Technology. The list comprises a total of 22 administrative procedures, covering specific matters such as licensing for radiation operations, registration of nuclear technology application services, and license renewal and modification. This serves as the provincial-level implementation and localization of authority delegated or adjusted by central ministries (such as Decision No. 2607/QD-BKHCN of the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology issued in May 2026). According to the requirements of the Decision, the Bac Ninh Provincial Department of Science and Technology will take the lead, in coordination with relevant agencies and the People's Committees of districts and cities, to review and improve the electronic processing workflows and structures within administrative procedures, relying on the one-stop and integrated one-stop mechanisms. At the same time, the procedure contents will be publicly posted at public administrative service centers in communes and townships, as well as at points for receiving administrative procedures and returning results, and will be strictly processed online in accordance with the regulations published on the National Public Service Portal (https://dichvucong.gov.vn). This arrangement aims to unify the service guides, document checklists, and processing timelines for radiation and nuclear safety matters into a digital window, reducing the need for in-person visits.

2026-08-01

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority Begins Revising Seismic Motion Evaluation Guidelines

In response to the data falsification issue at Chubu Electric Power's Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant, Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has initiated the revision of seismic motion evaluation guidelines. The falsification involves seismic motion evaluation data that underpins the safety of nuclear power plants, carrying significant implications. The NRA has stated it will treat this matter with utmost seriousness, aiming to establish stricter standards and monitoring systems through the guideline revision. Chubu Electric Power's data tampering is a grave issue that undermines public trust in nuclear power plant safety. Seismic motion evaluation is an extremely critical element in assessing the seismic resistance of nuclear power plants, and data accuracy is fundamental to safety. This incident has called into question the safety of the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant, necessitating a thorough investigation and re-evaluation by regulatory authorities. In the revision work...

2026-08-01

Russia's MEPhI Electrospray Ionization Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Listed in Russia's Key Scientific Instrumentation Projects

According to the 2025 activity report recently released by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization developed by the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) has been listed as one of the 8 successful projects under the federal program "Development of Domestic Civil Instrumentation for Scientific Research." The mass spectrometer, developed under the guidance of MEPhI Professor Alexey Sysoev, is primarily used for quantitative analysis and identification of chemical substances, particularly suitable for identifying relevant components in complex mixtures. Previously, all such instruments on the Russian market were imported. This independently developed chromatography-mass spectrometry system can handle...

2026-08-01

Leidos Australia to Design Floating Dry Dock for Nuclear Submarines

Leidos Australia will design a floating dry dock for nuclear-powered submarines to support the maintenance and operational readiness of Australia's future fleet. This project is a key component of the optimal pathway under the AUKUS Pillar One, aimed at ensuring mission readiness, continuity, and resilience, leveraging Leidos' decades of expertise in submarine and maritime engineering. Under the oversight of the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), this floating dry dock will become a vital part of the nation's naval infrastructure for nuclear submarines, enabling underwater system inspection, maintenance, and repair. The design is highly complex due to its involvement with specialized nuclear safety and security requirements. Leidos Gibbs & Cox...

2026-08-01

"Nuclear-Solar Complementarity"! CGN Ningde 200MW Offshore Solar Project Achieves Full-Capacity Grid Connection

According to China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), on July 31, the CGN Ningde 200MW offshore solar project achieved full-capacity grid connection and power generation. This project is one of the mobilized offshore solar projects in Fujian Province and also CGN's first "nuclear-solar co-siting" offshore solar project, holding significant demonstration value for promoting the green transformation of the local energy structure, building a new energy system, and driving the region to create a zero-carbon demonstration park. Located within the water area of the Ningde nuclear site in Tailaoshan Bay Village, Fuding City, the project utilizes the marine resources surrounding the nuclear power base to achieve three-dimensional development combining nuclear and solar energy. The total site area is approximately 3,020 mu, with an installed capacity of 200MW, supported by a 20MW/40MWh backup system. The project's operational period is 25 years...

2026-08-01

Japan's Nuclear Plant Renewal Faces Labor Shortage Challenges

Japan is planning to replace its aging nuclear reactors to enhance the nation's energy independence. However, the key issue is that labor shortages are threatening the progress of this effort. According to reports, up to 70% of related companies have reported difficulties in recruiting personnel, placing greater strain on an already tight schedule. The government has approved plans to build up to five new nuclear reactors by 2040, but the human resource bottleneck at the operational level is becoming an increasingly serious problem. The labor shortage not only affects the progress of new projects but also puts pressure on the safe operation and maintenance of existing nuclear power plants. As aging reactors are gradually...

2026-08-02

Illinois Restarts Nuclear Power in Bid to Address Energy Challenges

Illinois is actively exploring nuclear energy to address potential electricity shortages. Governor Pritzker signed an executive order requiring agencies to study adding at least 2 gigawatts of energy supply, enough to power 2 million homes or 20 large data centers. Earlier, in January of this year, the state passed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordable Act, lifting a nearly four-decade ban on building new large-scale nuclear plants. This move aims to ensure stability of power supply and affordability of prices, especially amid growing energy demand. Illinois's nuclear development is not without challenges. For a long time, the United States has lacked a solution for safely storing nuclear waste...

2026-08-02

Romania Stands by NuScale SMR Project Amid Growing Controversy

The Romanian government and state-owned nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica have been progressively advancing plans since 2021 to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by the U.S. company NuScale, with the site located at Doicesti. Following the failure of NuScale's first U.S. project and an increase in cost estimates for the Doicesti project, doubts have emerged over Romania's choice, which would involve six 77 MW SMRs. Earlier this month, Romania's Ministry of Energy—the largest shareholder of Nuclearelectrica—reaffirmed its partnership with NuScale and rejected Nuclearelectrica's request to reassess the supplier selection. Nevertheless, the project still...

2026-08-02

Italy Moves to Approve Advanced Nuclear Legal Framework, Paving Way for Small Modular Reactors

Italy's parliament is expected to approve a bill next week establishing a legal framework for advanced nuclear technologies, covering next-generation nuclear solutions such as small modular reactors (SMRs). If passed, the bill would authorize the government to formulate specific rules within one year on reactor licensing, safety regulation, radioactive waste management, and site selection. Italy's Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, stated that the government's current responsibility is to create the necessary conditions so that entities responsible for future construction decisions can proceed in accordance with the law. In June this year, the Italian Chamber of Deputies...

2026-08-02

Russian State Expert Review Authority Approves Design Changes for Ufa Radionuclide Therapy Center

Russia approves design changes for the Ufa Radionuclide Therapy Center, which will employ the latest technologies and equipment. The new center, located in the Republic of Bashkortostan, is expected to become a significant force in the local fight against cancer. With a floor area exceeding 6,000 square meters, the facility is a G-shaped three-story building with a basement. Its internal framework uses monolithic reinforced concrete to ensure stability and safety. The project's design strictly adheres to medical technology standards, aiming to create a modern and innovative treatment institution. At the core of the center is the radionuclide therapy department, which includes 24-hour inpatient wards, featuring a radionuclide supply area, a 20-bed "active" ward, and common areas. Additionally, it includes service and administrative zones to support the center's daily operations...

2026-08-01

Thor Medical Launches Commercial Production of Lead-212 at AlphaOne Facility

Thor Medical ASA announced on July 31 that commercial production has commenced at its industrial-scale AlphaOne production facility located in the Herøya industrial park. The facility will produce lead-212 (Pb-212) and its precursors thorium-228 (Th-228) and radium-224 (Ra-224) to support demand related to radiopharmaceuticals and targeted cancer radiotherapy. According to the company, Thor Medical has signed supply agreements with multiple types of customers across the radiopharmaceutical value chain, including startup biotechnology companies, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), and global pharmaceutical companies. The company expects the AlphaOne facility to deliver its first products to customers in August 2026. AlphaOn...

2026-08-01

Brazilian research team uses stable isotope analysis to trace Amazon timber origins

Brazilian researchers are developing a timber traceability tool based on stable isotope analysis to help identify the origins of illegally logged wood in the Amazon region. Illegal logging is reported to be one of the major causes of deforestation in the Amazon. Local environmental and law enforcement agencies currently typically determine timber origins through plant anatomical characteristics, tree species distribution, and official records such as forest origin documents, but these methods are not always sufficient to prove that timber comes from legal areas. A research team at the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo (CENA-USP) is mapping the isotopic distribution of Amazon trees. The method analyzes the ratios of different isotopes of elements such as oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and strontium in wood cellulose to narrow down the potential harvesting areas of timber. Team leader Luiz Antonio Martinelli stated that stable isotopes are difficult to forge artificially, offering the potential to provide federal police with a more tamper-resistant technical tool.

2026-08-02