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Unit 2 of Romania's Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant not to shut down temporarily due to low Danube water level

Romania's National Nuclear Power Company (Nuclearelectrica) stated on July 30 that Unit 2 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant will continue to operate connected to the grid. Previously, the company had warned that the unit, located in Constanța County in southeastern Romania, might need to shut down due to the low water level of the Danube River. The company said that based on an operational analysis completed the previous night, experts believe the currently obtained relevant parameters allow Unit 2 to continue operating under safe conditions. Therefore, the unit will remain connected to Romania's national power system. Nuclearelectrica also stated that technical personnel will continuously monitor and analyze the plant's operating parameters. Given the subsequent hydrological forecasts for the Danube water level...

2026-07-31

Third fuel debris retrieval test at Fukushima Daiichi Unit 2 postponed due to robotic arm malfunction

The robot used by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) for the third experimental fuel debris retrieval at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 malfunctioned during an on-site operational test, forcing the cancellation of the plan originally scheduled to start after July 2026 if all went well. The company stated it will reassess the relevant procedures. The malfunction occurred in part of the large robotic arm equipment used to collect fuel debris. During an operational test in the reactor building of Unit 2, TEPCO found an abnormality in one of the motors driving the robotic arm, causing the brake to fail to release and the arm to be unable to extend. The company is currently studying the replacement of the faulty motor. The third experimental retrieval plan was to use a large robotic arm...

2026-07-31

Restart of Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 Delayed to After End of 2027

Hokkaido Electric Power Co. announced on July 30 that the restart of Unit 3 at the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant will be significantly delayed compared to earlier expectations, with the earliest possible date being the end of 2027 or later. Previously, the company had set a target of restarting as early as possible within 2027, but due to delays in the seawall construction project and the fact that the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has not yet completed its review of the relevant design and construction plans, the timeline for the unit's return to operation remains uncertain. Hokkaido Electric Power President Susumu Saito stated at a press conference that the seawall at the Tomari plant was originally scheduled for completion in the spring of 2027, but is now expected to be finished by mid-August 2027 due to additional work such as seismic reinforcement of the wharf and liquefaction countermeasures...

2026-07-31

Bulgarian Expert Says Belene NPP Restart Technically Feasible

Bulgarian energy expert Bogomil Manchev recently stated that the long-dormant Belene NPP project remains technically viable for restart. If Bulgaria and Ukraine jointly participate in financing and establish a co-ownership mechanism, the project could become a new nuclear power project built through bilateral cooperation. Manchev believes that Ukraine will still face significant electricity demand for a long period in the future. If funding can be secured for the project, Bulgaria could proceed with nuclear power plant construction at the original Belene site. His proposed options include joint financing and co-ownership by both countries, or Ukraine signing a long-term power purchase agreement to support project financing...

2026-07-23

Xinhua Exclusive Interview | China Makes Significant Contributions to the "Artificial Sun" Project — Interview with Alain Bécoulet, Deputy Director-General and Chief Scientist of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Organization

On July 26, 2027, Xinhua News Agency published an exclusive interview with Alain Bécoulet, Deputy Director-General and Chief Scientist of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Organization, on China's significant contributions to the "Artificial Sun" project and its role in accelerating global fusion research. Bécoulet noted that China plays a fundamental role in supplying ITER components (superconducting technology, cables, magnet manufacturing, cryostats, etc.), and that the tokamak installation work undertaken by the Chinese consortium "exceeded expectations in terms of time and cost." He also stated that facilities such as EAST, HL-3, and BEST provide ITER with experimental predictions, component testing, and technical twin validation. He believes that through sustained investment and international cooperation, China has begun to play a leading role in the global fusion field.

2026-07-27

U.S. Confirms Order for Nine Virginia-Class Block VI Nuclear Submarines

The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that it has signed a contract modification agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat to order nine Virginia-class Block VI multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines. The statement said the contract is an incentive-based modification, and the submarines will be used by the U.S. Navy. Despite delays in General Dynamics' previous orders, both parties have moved forward with this new contract. On July 15, U.S. President Donald Trump had asked the company's management to accelerate the construction progress of U.S. Navy submarines. In addition to the Virginia-class submarines, the U.S. Department of Defense has also ordered five Columbia-class Type II ballistic missile nuclear submarines from Newport News Shipbuilding. Under the contract arrangement, related work is expected to be completed before July 2038...

2026-07-31

China Fusion Energy Co., Ltd. Holds 2026 Mid-Year Work Conference and Semi-Annual Economic Operation Analysis Meeting

On July 29, China Fusion Energy Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as China Fusion or the Company) held its 2026 mid-year work conference and semi-annual economic operation analysis meeting to thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and all previous plenary sessions, earnestly implement the spirit of the 2026 mid-year Party Leadership Group (Enlarged) Meeting of China National Nuclear Corporation, solidly advance the study and education on establishing and practicing a correct view of political achievements, comprehensively summarize the progress and effectiveness of the Company's operations and reform and development in the first half of the year, study and deploy work for the second half of the year, continuously promote the "Pursuing Excellence · Breaking New Ground through Reform" annual special action, and strive for a high-quality start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The Company's Party Secretary and Chairman, and the Party Secretary of the Southwestern Institute of Physics (hereinafter referred to as SWIP)...

2026-07-31

China Isotope & Radiation Corporation (CIRC) Conducts Cooperation Exchange with Guangzhou Tianhe District

On July 29, a delegation led by Tan Minghe, Secretary of the Guangzhou Tianhe District Party Committee, visited China Isotope & Radiation Corporation (CIRC) and held a meeting with Xiao Yafei, Secretary of the CIRC Party Committee and Chairman. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on the establishment of CIRC's isotope and irradiation subsidiaries in Guangzhou's Tianhe District. Tan Minghe introduced the economic and social development of Tianhe District. He stated that as the central urban area and the top economic district of Guangzhou, Tianhe has ranked first in Guangzhou and among the top in the country for several consecutive years. Tianhe District has clearly included life and health as a key development track in modern urban industry, with nuclear medicine as a key focus area, which is highly aligned with isotope-related industries. Tianhe District will fully support the relocation of CIRC's isotope and irradiation subsidiaries to Guangzhou, providing high-quality business environment for their establishment and development. Yuan Xiaoyi, Deputy District Mayor of Tianhe, provided a detailed introduction on the development of the medical industry in Tianhe and the high compatibility of future industries such as nuclides and nuclear drugs with Tianhe's resources.

2026-07-31

South China Regional Office of the National Nuclear Safety Administration Conducts Special Supervision and Inspection of Changjiang Units Under Construction

As the South China region enters the main flood season with concentrated typhoons and heavy rainfall, nuclear facilities face significant pressure in resisting meteorological disasters, and safety control responsibilities are critical. To rigorously prevent nuclear safety risks triggered by natural disasters during the flood season and to reinforce the primary responsibility of operating entities for safety production, the South China Regional Office of the National Nuclear Safety Administration (hereinafter referred to as the South China Regional Office) made advance deployments and carried out a special supervision and inspection of typhoon and flood prevention for the Changjiang units under construction in an unannounced manner. This inspection comprehensively verified the effectiveness of control measures, tightened the primary responsibility of the operating entity, and effectively built a safety barrier for nuclear facilities during the flood season. Inspectors went deep into the construction sites of Units 3 and 4 of the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant and the small modular reactor demonstration project, focusing on checking nuclear...

2026-07-31

U.S. Nuclear Power Consulting Firm EXCEL Services Officially Enters Vietnamese Market

U.S. nuclear power technology consulting firm EXCEL Services Corporation has established a subsidiary in Vietnam and is actively collaborating with domestic partners, coinciding with the restart of Vietnam's nuclear power projects. This move marks further development of bilateral cooperation in the nuclear energy sector. Currently, Vietnam is restarting its nuclear power development plans, attracting attention from numerous international partners. On July 28, EXCEL Services Corporation announced the establishment of its Vietnamese subsidiary and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Innovation Center (NIC) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, while actively advancing more cooperation agreements with Vietnamese government agencies and enterprises. James Voss has been appointed as...

2026-07-30

The 7th National Nuclear Regulatory Conference of Vietnam Convened: Improving the Legal Framework to Serve the National Nuclear Program and Sustainable Development

The 7th National Nuclear Regulatory Conference of Vietnam was held in Quang Ninh Province, with the theme of national management of radiation and nuclear safety serving socio-economic development. The conference brought together leaders from the government, ministries, and industry sectors, local officials, as well as over 400 delegates and experts from international organizations including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This conference aimed to comprehensively assess the achievements of national governance in the field of radiation and nuclear safety over the past period, unify directions, clarify tasks, and formulate key solutions for development from 2026 to 2035. The conference took place at an important time when Vietnam's nuclear program is being restarted, supporting the peaceful use of atomic energy, ensuring radiation and nuclear safety, and strengthening national scientific and technological capabilities...

2026-07-30

Terrestrial Energy Signs Engineering Services Agreement with Zachry Group to Advance IMSR Plant Development in Texas

Advanced nuclear energy developer Terrestrial Energy Inc. announced on July 28 that it has signed an engineering services agreement with Zachry Group, a North American provider of engineering, construction, maintenance, turnaround, and manufacturing services. Under the agreement, Zachry Group will support Terrestrial Energy in advancing work related to the Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) plant at the Texas A&M University RELLIS campus (Texas A&M-RELLIS). The agreement covers nuclear engineering services for civil structures, mechanical and electrical systems, to support the project's design, development, and licensing activities. Both parties stated that this collaboration...

2026-07-30

Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency Holds Meeting on Uranium Mining Enterprise Regulation Implementation in Shymkent

On July 29, 2026, Deputy Director of the Atomic Energy Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan G.E. Sergazin conducted a working visit to Shymkent and held a meeting with heads and representatives of uranium mining enterprises to discuss the recently adopted amendments to national regulatory documents in the field of atomic energy use. The meeting focused on interpreting key changes in the new regulations, including modernized approaches to radioactive waste treatment, strengthened requirements for atomic energy use and radioactive waste management, and enhanced efficiency of the national regulatory mechanism. Participants also discussed the practical implementation of the new norms in the daily operations and compliance management of uranium mining enterprises. The meeting was conducted in an open dialogue format. ...

2026-07-30

Annual outage maintenance of Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant begins on August 2

Fortum, the Finnish state-owned energy company, announced that the annual outage maintenance of the Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant will commence on August 2, starting with Unit 2 and then transitioning to Unit 1. The maintenance is scheduled to continue until October 18. During this period, the two units will be taken offline for maintenance in rotation, with the other unit remaining in operation. As planned, Unit 2 will undergo a major annual overhaul conducted every eight years. During the maintenance, staff will unload the reactor fuel, inspect and pressure test the reactor pressure vessel, replace approximately one-quarter of the fuel, and complete a series of equipment maintenance and servicing tasks. Unit 1 will undergo a shorter routine annual maintenance, primarily involving fuel replacement and related maintenance work.

2026-07-30

South Korean Study Confirms Low-Dose CT Arthrography Reduces Radiation Exposure in Shoulder Examinations

A research team led by Professor Choi Jeong-ah from the Department of Radiology at Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital in South Korea has recently confirmed that low-dose CT arthrography can reduce patient radiation exposure by approximately 31% while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy, with diagnostic performance comparable to 3T magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI). The findings have been published in the international musculoskeletal imaging journal *Skeletal Radiology*. Rotator cuff tears and superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions are significant causes of shoulder pain; if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, they may lead to arthritis or decreased shoulder joint function. Currently, 3T MRI is commonly used for precise examinations, but it has drawbacks such as high cost, long examination times, and the potential for claustrophobia in some patients;...

2026-07-30