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France Authorizes CEA to Dismantle the Pégase Research Reactor Facility at Cadarache

The French Official Journal published a decree on August 23 authorizing the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) to carry out dismantling operations on the Pégase (Pégase) nuclear facility located at the Cadarache site in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, Bouches-du-Rhône department. The facility is classified as Basic Nuclear Installation No. 22 (INB 22). The decree specifies the implementation phases for the partial dismantling of the Pégase research reactor and authorizes the CEA to build the equipment required for the dismantling operations. Under the decree, the boundaries of the Pégase facility will be adjusted to provide the necessary space for the layout of dismantling equipment and the temporary storage of waste generated during the dismantling process. The dismantling scope covers the Pégase facility itself, including the main building housing the storage and treatment...

2026-08-25

US TRISO-X TX-1 Advanced Nuclear Fuel Facility Enters Next Construction Phase

TRISO-X, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-energy, announced on August 24 that its TX-1 advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has entered the next construction phase. With the vertical structure of the facility nearing completion, the project will transition to auxiliary building construction, interior finishing, and equipment installation. The facility is positioned as the first commercial facility in the United States dedicated to producing tristructural isotropic fuel for advanced reactors, and will provide fuel support for X-energy's Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor in the future. X-energy is collaborating with Dow to advance the first deployment of the Xe-100 reactor...

2026-08-25

Expansion Project Advances at Centrus Energy's Uranium Enrichment Facility in Piketon, Ohio

Centrus Energy said on August 24 that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, JobsOhio CEO J.P. Nauseef, along with state, federal, and local stakeholders, visited the company's uranium enrichment facility in Piketon, Ohio, to discuss the development of the U.S. domestic nuclear fuel supply chain and Ohio's role in it. In September 2025, Centrus Energy announced a multi-billion-dollar expansion of the Piketon uranium enrichment plant. Currently, the expansion...

2026-08-25

Fukui Prefecture in Japan Likely to Approve KEPCO's Dry Storage Facility for Spent Nuclear Fuel

According to multiple officials of Fukui Prefecture, Japan, Governor Takato Ishida of Fukui Prefecture is expected to approve Kansai Electric Power Company's (KEPCO) construction of a dry storage facility for spent nuclear fuel at its nuclear power plants within the prefecture. If completed, this would mark the first adoption of such an on-site interim storage facility at KEPCO's nuclear power plants. A dry storage facility is used to store spent nuclear fuel discharged from reactors. The basic approach involves placing spent fuel into dedicated metal containers and cooling them naturally through air circulation, without relying on electrical systems. Since the containers themselves can be transported by ship or trailer, subsequent off-site transfer is relatively convenient; even in the event of a power outage, the associated accident risk is considered low. Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC) and Shikoku Electric Power Company operate nuclear power plants that have already adopted this storage method.

2026-08-25

Belarus and Russia Approve Program to Address Chernobyl Accident Consequences

The Council of Ministers of the Union State of Belarus and Russia recently approved a new Union State program to jointly carry out work from 2026 to 2030 to address the long-term negative consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. According to the resolution published on the website of the Permanent Committee of the Union State, the total funding for the program is set at 1,998.321 million Russian rubles, with funds sourced from the Union State budget. Of this amount, Russia's maximum contribution is 1,297.9904 million Russian rubles, while Belarus's maximum contribution is 700.3306 million Russian rubles. The program will support joint actions by the two countries in managing the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear accident...

2026-08-25

Northeast Regional Office of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment Conducts Construction Quality Dialogue for Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant

Recently, the Northeast Regional Office of Nuclear and Radiation Safety Supervision of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (hereinafter referred to as the Northeast Office) held a construction quality dialogue with CNNC Liaoning Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the Operating Unit) for the Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant, aiming to promote the implementation of nuclear safety responsibilities and ensure the effective operation of the quality assurance system. China National Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. and relevant construction participating units attended the event. The dialogue reviewed the Operating Unit's presentation on quality issues related to nuclear safety-related structures, systems, equipment, and design, systematically identified management shortcomings, analyzed root causes, and developed improvement measures. The Northeast Office pointed out that construction quality issues reflect that various units still have inadequacies in fulfilling nuclear safety responsibilities and quality assurance responsibilities, with insufficiently effective transmission of responsibility pressure. All units must deeply recognize that the Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant is at a critical stage with two reactor types and four units under simultaneous construction, where civil construction, installation, and commissioning tasks overlap, marking a high-risk period for construction quality. The primary nuclear safety responsibility of the Operating Unit must be firmly consolidated, and the corresponding nuclear safety responsibilities of all units must be reinforced.

2026-08-24

UK Wylfa SMR project early works package valued at up to £1.1 billion

Great British Energy–Nuclear (GBE-N) has launched market engagement for an early works package, with the proposed scope covering civil engineering, infrastructure, building and mechanical & electrical engineering, and earthworks. According to the prior information notice published on 20 August, the contract is estimated to be worth between £730 million and £1.1 billion. The notice states that the package falls within GBE-N's owner's scope of work, primarily intended to prepare the site for subsequent main construction and support technology partners in installing and commissioning small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Related preparatory activities include planning, permitting, design, and construction. ...

2026-08-24

Xingtu Helium Energy's First Satellite "Xingtu-1" Passes Feasibility Review

On August 23, 2026, Beijing Xingtu Helium Energy Space Technology Co., Ltd. organized a feasibility review meeting for the Xingtu-1 lunar probe. Experts from aerospace research institutes, renowned universities, and leading commercial space companies formed a review expert panel to evaluate the project plan. At the meeting, the Xingtu Helium Energy model development team presented the "Xingtu-1 Lunar Probe Feasibility Plan Report," covering the probe's technical scheme, project progress, and subsequent implementation arrangements. The review expert panel affirmed the technical scheme, project progress, and commercial value of Xingtu-1, while offering optimization suggestions for key challenges in engineering implementation. Xingtu Helium Energy...

2026-08-24

SPIC Thorium-Based Energy Technology Company Visits College of Nuclear Science and Technology at Harbin Engineering University for Cooperation Exchange

On August 20, Tang Chuntao, interim head of the Overall Technology Department and R&D Design Department of SPIC Thorium-Based Energy Technology Co., Ltd., led a delegation to the College of Nuclear Science and Technology at Harbin Engineering University for an exchange meeting. The two sides discussed topics including technical breakthroughs, research collaboration, and talent cultivation related to the National Major Science and Technology Project on thorium molten salt reactors. Dean Tan Sichao and Vice Dean Xia Genglei attended the meeting. Tan Sichao welcomed Tang Chuntao and his delegation. He noted that the College of Nuclear Science and Technology, leveraging the university's distinctive advantages in the "Three Seas and One Nuclear" strategy, has established a multidisciplinary layout in nuclear engineering, nuclear technology, and nuclear chemical engineering with deep academic accumulation. As the sole entity of SPIC Group for the thorium fuel cycle, Thorium-Based Energy Company undertakes the R&D and construction of advanced Generation IV nuclear energy systems. The two sides have complementary strengths and broad prospects for cooperation. He expressed hope that this exchange would serve as an opportunity to deepen joint research, platform co-construction, and talent co-cultivation, jointly serving the nation's high-quality nuclear energy development.

2026-08-24

Xu Dabao Nuclear Power Plant Completes On-Site Comprehensive Emergency Exercise Before First Fuel Loading of Unit 3

On August 20, Liaoning Nuclear Power conducted an on-site comprehensive emergency exercise before the first fuel loading of Unit 3, honing nuclear emergency response capabilities through practical drills. The exercise was carried out under the full guidance and supervision of the Northeast Regional Office of Nuclear and Radiation Safety Supervision under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, with a total of over 300 participants from Liaoning Nuclear Power, the supervision company, the general contractor, and various construction units. The exercise successively completed responses across all emergency preparedness levels, including emergency standby, building emergency, site area emergency, and off-site emergency, with plant recovery efforts initiated during the emergency termination phase. The exercise activated key emergency facilities such as the emergency command center, mobile power garage, and fire station, comprehensively testing the organizational command, comprehensive response, and multi-party coordination capabilities of Liaoning Nuclear Power's nuclear emergency system, as well as the reliability and availability of various emergency facilities and equipment.

2026-08-22

Brive in France Tests Sterile Insect Technique Using X-Ray Irradiation to Control Tiger Mosquitoes, Preliminary Results Show Nearly 60% Sterility Rate in Mosquito Eggs

The city of Brive-la-Gaillarde in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France is using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to control tiger mosquitoes. Since May 2025, the city has been working with the Montpellier-based company Terratis, releasing male mosquitoes that have been treated with X-ray irradiation and rendered incapable of reproduction, in order to reduce the tiger mosquito population. The core of this method is to allow sterile males to mate with wild females, causing the females to lay eggs that cannot hatch. Although it may appear that mosquitoes are still being released in active mosquito areas, the released individuals are males, which do not bite humans. As of October 31, 2025, Brive has deployed nearly 11 million sterile male mosquitoes across 58 release points covering more than 100 hectares, with a weekly release volume of approximately 400,000...

2026-08-23

Argentina advances uranium mine restart to support nuclear power program

The Argentine government is incorporating the resumption of domestic uranium mining into its nuclear energy development plan. The government of Javier Milei proposed a nuclear program in June this year, covering uranium resource development, support for the operation of existing nuclear power units, and the construction of modular reactors. Argentina has a long history of uranium mining. According to data, the Huemul uranium mine in Mendoza Province operated from 1955 to 1975, and the Sierra Pintada uranium mine operated from 1975 to 1997. Since then, Argentina has relied mainly on imports for the uranium fuel needed to operate its nuclear power plants. Currently, nuclear power accounts for about 7% of the country's electricity generation. Argentine official data shows that the country has identified recoverable uranium resources of 34,250 tonnes.

2026-08-23

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Strengthen Nuclear Safety Cooperation Dialogue

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan recently held working talks on nuclear safety, radiation safety, and environmental safety, during which the two sides exchanged views on technical and environmental issues related to the construction and future operation of Uzbekistan's nuclear power plant, and discussed strengthening cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Central Asia. The talks were attended jointly by representatives of relevant Uzbek ministries and agencies and a Kazakh delegation. The Kazakh delegation was led by Mansur Oshurbayev, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan's atomic energy agency...

2026-08-22

Restart Plan for Unit 3 of Japan's Tomari Nuclear Power Plant May Face Uncertainty Due to Supplementary Review and Accident

Hokkaido Electric Power Co.'s Unit 3 of the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant was originally scheduled to restart in 2027, but the plan may face uncertainty due to additional review items and a fatal accident at the construction site. The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) announced on August 20 that it will hold a supplementary review meeting on September 3 to deliberate on the approval of construction plans related to the restart of Unit 3 at the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant. This review requires new confirmation of fire safety measures. Hokkaido Electric Power stated that it will explain the construction plans at the September meeting and continue to work toward the 2027 restart target. Additionally, during the seawall construction at the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant, a...

2026-08-23

Japan Explains Plan for Spent Fuel Interim Storage Facility in Kaminoseki Town

Japan's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy recently held an explanatory meeting with the Kaminoseki Town Assembly regarding the Chugoku Electric Power Company's plan to construct a spent fuel interim storage facility in Kaminoseki Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The briefing covered the Japanese government's nuclear fuel cycle policy, facility safety, and related subsidy systems. The meeting was held on the 19th at the Kaminoseki Town Assembly. Previously, the Japanese government had decided to revise guidelines related to nuclear energy policy and included the Kaminoseki Town spent fuel interim storage facility plan within them. At the meeting, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy stated that interim storage facilities are essential to supporting...

2026-08-23