Search Results

UK Nuclear Industry Association and Ukrainian Nuclear Forum Sign Nuclear Energy Cooperation Memorandum

On September 10, 2026, the UK Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) and the Ukrainian Nuclear Forum signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation in areas including decommissioning of complex nuclear facilities, deployment of small modular reactors, and securing "trusted partner" status under the EU's Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). Nuclear energy is an important source of Ukraine's wartime electricity supply, accounting for approximately 55% of the country's electricity supply. This cooperation builds on existing UK-Ukraine nuclear fuel cooperation. Urenco, one-third owned by the UK government, has supplied Ukraine with...

2026-09-12

South Korea's KNR System Develops Heavy-Duty Bipedal Robot for Nuclear Facility Decommissioning Applications

South Korean robotics company KNR System recently announced the completion of the lower-body development and basic locomotion verification for its large-scale industrial "super-humanoid" robot. The robot's leg structure can support loads of up to 3 tons and move at a speed of 3 to 4 kilometers per hour. The company plans to release the full model by the end of 2026 and has already initiated whole-body system integration work. KNR System is developing a super-humanoid robot design. Image source: KNR System According to reports, the newly developed robot legs stand approximately 2.9 meters tall, with a maximum load capacity of 3 tons and a dual-arm payload of 600 kilograms. Each side is equipped with 12 joints, utilizing 10,000 Nm-class high-output hydraulic rotary actuators...

2026-09-07

UK JET Decommissioning Project to Trial Asset-Based Decommissioning Approach

The JET Decommissioning and Repurposing (JDR) project recently announced that it will trial an asset-based decommissioning approach in three areas of the JET facility during the next phase of work. These areas were once part of the power supply infrastructure during JET plasma operations. This trial work will support the overall development of the Culham Campus and, in conjunction with the Strategic Investment and Development for Energy and AI (STRIDE) programme, facilitate land remediation to create conditions for the installation of a fourth supergrid transformer. JDR has signed a contract with Ramco UK to undertake the relevant trial work. JDR Engineering Integration Manager Steve...

2026-08-28

JAEA Plans to Adjust Decommissioning Plan for Monju Fast Breeder Reactor

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) announced on August 21 that it plans to adjust the decommissioning plan for the Monju fast breeder reactor in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. Under the revised plan, the remaining neutron shielding layers and other components inside the reactor, along with 227 dummy fuel assemblies, will no longer be removed separately in the current phase as originally planned, but will instead be handled together during the subsequent reactor pressure vessel dismantling phase. Monju is currently in the decommissioning process. Previously, JAEA had planned to proceed with the removal of internal reactor components within the current fiscal year, but due to two equipment failures, the related work was temporarily suspended, and the overall schedule is expected to be delayed by approximately one year. As of May 25, 595 shielding layers and related components in the reactor...

2026-08-22

Rosatom and Lomonosov Moscow State University to Co-Host Seminar on Radioactive Waste Safety Barriers

From October 19 to 22, 2026, Lomonosov Moscow State University will host a scientific and technical seminar on the creation and monitoring of safety barriers at its sports complex. The event is jointly organized by Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Russian National Operator for Radioactive Waste Management (FSUE NO RAO), a subsidiary of Rosatom, and the Pilot Demonstration Center for Decommissioning of Uranium-Graphite Nuclear Reactors (JSC PDC UGR). The seminar focuses on the development of technologies for the creation, reconstruction, and control of engineered safety barriers. Topics include the evolution of design concepts for engineered safety barriers, selection and justification of barriers for special radioactive waste disposal and storage facilities, patterns of clay barrier material transformation and their role in safety justification for long-term radioactive waste disposal, incoming inspection of clay barrier materials during nuclear facility decommissioning, and surveys of completed barriers using various geophysical methods. Experts will also exchange views on new technologies and materials required for safety barrier construction.

2026-08-14

Accelerating Nuclear Facility Decommissioning Can Drive Redevelopment of Legacy Nuclear Sites

Amentum recently proposed in a report on nuclear facility decommissioning financing and site regeneration that decommissioning should not be viewed solely as a cost item for reducing environmental and radiological risks. As a wave of nuclear reactors worldwide enters shutdown phases, shortening cleanup timelines, unlocking land value, and creating conditions for new industry attraction are becoming shared priorities for the nuclear industry and local economies. The report notes that traditional decommissioning models often leave facilities in long-term surveillance and maintenance status, which, while deferring some expenditures, also delays land reuse, industry attraction, and community benefits. In contrast, accelerated decommissioning can eliminate environmental liabilities earlier, reduce...

2026-08-10