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US-based Thea Energy Unveils Helios Stellarator Fusion Power Plant Design

On September 9, 2026, Thea Energy, Inc., a fusion energy company based in Kearny, New Jersey, announced that 16 peer-reviewed papers on its Helios fusion power plant design had been published in a special issue of Fusion Engineering and Design (FED). The special issue, titled "Thea Energy's Helios Stellarator Power Plant Design," presents the Helios architecture and its key engineering solutions. According to Thea Energy, Helios is a stellarator fusion power plant architecture oriented toward commercial deployment requirements, integrating magnet coils that can be controlled by software to adapt to actual operating conditions, a stellarator divertor exhaust system for continuous fusion power generation operations, and a sectorized maintenance scheme supporting long-term operation...

2026-09-10

Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan to Reconsider Literature Survey for Final Disposal Site of High-Level Radioactive Waste

The Hitachiota City Council in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, held a closed-door meeting on September 9 to hear council members' opinions on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's request for the city to conduct a literature survey for selecting a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste. After the meeting, sources said that two council members expressed support and two expressed opposition, and the city council failed to reach a consensus, deciding to hold another meeting on September 16 for discussion. The closed-door meeting was initiated by Hitachiota Mayor Sadayuki Suzuki, with the aim of providing reference for the city government to judge whether to accept the literature survey. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry made the request to the city on August 31. Suzuki previously said he would "actively consider" conducting the literature survey and hoped...

2026-09-10

NRA Commissioner Inspects Radiation Management at Shimane Nuclear Power Station

Reiko Kanda, a Commissioner of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) of Japan, visited Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, from September 7 to 8 to inspect radiation level management and on-site inspection work at the Shimane Nuclear Power Station. The NRA has a dedicated inspection team stationed at the Shimane Nuclear Power Station and conducts a related inspection once a year to confirm that resident inspectors can properly manage and monitor radiation levels. On September 8, the NRA inspected the emergency response center used by the nuclear power station in the event of a severe accident, focusing on confirming the inspectors' emergency response procedures. Reiko Kanda observed the inspection process on site. Reiko Kanda stated that the inspection work was carried out properly and that this inspection will serve as a reference for the NRA's future work.

2026-09-10

Finland's Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant Signs 22-Year Power Purchase Agreement with Google

On September 9, 2026, Google announced that it will invest at least 13 billion euros in Finland over the next two years for artificial intelligence infrastructure construction. The investment includes building and expanding data centers in Finland, along with supporting energy projects. Among them, Google signed a 22-year power purchase agreement with Finnish energy company Fortum to purchase up to 50% of the electricity generated by the Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant. Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat stated that this arrangement is Google's first nuclear energy deal outside the United States. Google said this investment is its largest single investment in Europe, and the related infrastructure will support services including Gemini, Search, Maps, and YouTube. Lovi...

2026-09-10

Shidaowan High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Demonstration Project Launches Mobilization and Deployment for Second Major Overhaul

On September 9, Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company held a mobilization meeting for the second major overhaul of the High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Demonstration Project, deploying the overall arrangements and control requirements for the HS-OT002 overhaul. Zhang Yanxu, Chairman and Party Committee Secretary of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company, delivered a mobilization speech. Chang Chongxi, Overhaul Commander-in-Chief, General Manager, and Deputy Party Committee Secretary, presided over the meeting. Members of the leadership team attended the meeting. Zhang Yanxu stated that the High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Demonstration Project is a landmark project of China's independent innovation in fourth-generation nuclear power, and its safe and stable operation has drawn attention from relevant departments, the nuclear power industry, and employees of Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company. The demonstration project has operated safely and stably for 473 consecutive days, during which multiple...

2026-09-10

Construction Site Leveling and Excavation Kicks Off for Hualong One Version 2.0 Demonstration Project of Zhejiang Jinqimen Nuclear Power Phase II

On the morning of September 9, Zhejiang Jinqimen Nuclear Power held a mobilization meeting for high-quality construction of the Hualong One Version 2.0 demonstration project of Phase II, marking the full launch of site leveling and excavation work for Phase II. At the event, Yao Zhaohong, General Manager of Jinqimen Nuclear Power, presented the flag to the Party Member Commando Team for High-Quality Commencement of the Demonstration Project. Zhong Hua, Party Secretary and Chairman of Jinqimen Nuclear Power, delivered a mobilization speech and announced the start of site leveling and excavation work. At 11:11, the first blast for the main excavation of Phase II was successfully detonated, marking that the project construction has entered a stage of accelerated advancement. The mobilization meeting stated that Jinqimen Nuclear Power undertakes the task of constructing the Hualong One Version 2.0 demonstration project, and all participating units and builders must fulfill safety and quality responsibilities, adhere to safety first and quality first, steadily advance project construction, and build a high-standard "New Quality Hualong Demonstration Project."

2026-09-10

Kansai Electric Revises Site Survey Plan for Additional Units at Mihama Nuclear Power Station

On September 9, 2026, Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) announced a revision to its voluntary site survey plan for additional units at the Mihama Nuclear Power Station, extending the completion of the preliminary survey from March 2027 to March 2028, while the detailed survey remains scheduled for completion in 2030. Kansai Electric stated that it resumed the voluntary site survey, which had been suspended since March 12, 2011, on November 5, 2025, for the potential additional units at the Mihama site. Under the original plan announced on September 17, 2025, Kansai Electric first conducted a broad preliminary survey both inside and outside the plant site, then selected a more advantageous area based on geological conditions, and carried out a detailed survey in that area...

2026-09-09

KEPCO Nuclear Fuel and On-Site Partners Advance Full-Cycle Resource Circulation

On September 9, 2026, KEPCO Nuclear Fuel (KNF) announced that it has signed a business agreement on the practice of full-scope resource circulation with its on-site partner companies, jointly promoting waste reduction initiatives and the implementation of a resource circulation culture across relevant business processes. The agreement aims to support the Korean government's plan to promote the transition to a plastic-free circular economy, strengthen the management of the entire waste process from generation, sorting, to recycling, and establish a resource circulation system covering both employees and on-site partner companies. Under the agreement, all parties will focus on three areas: source reduction, recycling, and the conversion to reusable products, including reducing packaging materials and single-use items...

2026-09-09

Canada and UK Nuclear Institutes Sign Reciprocal Membership Agreement to Strengthen Nuclear Professional Cooperation

On September 8, 2026, the Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) and the UK's Nuclear Institute (NI) announced the signing of a cooperation agreement at the Canada-UK Nuclear Day, establishing a reciprocal membership mechanism and promoting closer collaboration between the two professional organizations. Under the agreement, members of either organization can join the other free of charge and enjoy corresponding membership benefits, including registering for conferences and events hosted by the other organization at member discount rates. The arrangement aims to facilitate skills exchange, knowledge sharing, and professional networking between nuclear professionals in Canada and the UK, while supporting the career development of members in both countries. CNS President Daniel Gammage stated that the Canadian Nuclear Society is...

2026-09-09

UK Tokamak Energy completes testing of Demo4 fusion high-temperature superconducting magnet system

On September 9, 2026, Tokamak Energy of the UK announced the completion of a 14-month testing campaign for its Demo4 fusion magnet system, validating the company's capabilities in the design, manufacture, integration, and operation of complete high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet systems. The technical experience gained from Demo4 testing is now being applied to the collaboration between Tokamak Energy and UK Fusion Energy (UKFE), supporting the development of HTS magnet systems for the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) fusion program. The results also target HTS commercial applications beyond fusion, and...

2026-09-09

Toshiba Energy Systems Selected for Next-Generation Innovative Reactor Core Structure R&D and Demonstration Project

On September 9, 2026, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS) announced that it has been selected for the second round of public solicitation under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's FY2025 supplementary budget project "Support Program for Technology Development and Supply Chain Construction for Next-Generation Innovative Reactor Development and Construction," undertaking the "Next-Generation Innovative Reactor Core Structure R&D and Manufacturing Demonstration Project (Phase 2)." Figure: Image of iBR internal structure Following this selection, Toshiba Energy Systems will further expand its R&D efforts in reactor internal structures, building on the six projects previously selected in the first round. The company plans to collaborate with suppliers to...

2026-09-09

Estonia expects to identify preliminary nuclear power plant site by spring

Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications expects that by spring, the site selection analysis for a nuclear power plant will have progressed sufficiently to identify preliminary candidate sites. Currently, authorities are evaluating six potential locations in the coastal areas of Kunda and Lüganuse-Toila, with three candidate sites in each area. Agnes Lihtsa, adviser to the ministry's Land and Spatial Policy Department, stated that relevant authorities have developed a site evaluation framework containing 40 indicators, drawing on recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The evaluation covers nuclear safety requirements, geological and hydrological conditions, cooling water availability, potential impacts on the natural environment, and socio-economic factors. Lihtsa said that cooling water conditions are a key factor in site selection.

2026-09-09

United States and Colombia Sign Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding

On September 8, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Blas Escobar attended the signing ceremony of two memoranda of understanding in Barranquilla, Colombia. The related report was published and updated on September 9, 2026. Under the signing arrangement, the first document is a framework memorandum of understanding between the U.S. government and the Colombian government on securing the mining and processing supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements; the second document is a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. government and the Government of the Republic of Colombia on strategic civil nuclear cooperation. Following the signing ceremony, Rubio stated that the United States and Colombia...

2026-09-09

West Virginia Joins Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Center Program

On September 9, 2026, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that the state has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to join the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Center (NLIC) program, becoming the sixth participating state. Earlier this year, the DOE had identified Idaho, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma, and Louisiana as potential host states. With West Virginia's addition, the state will work with the DOE to evaluate potential sites and advance possible host agreements. According to reports, the NLIC program aims to support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle...

2026-09-09

Indian, Russian Leaders to Meet Ahead of BRICS Summit; Talks on New Nuclear Power Plants on Agenda

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on September 8 that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet this Friday, ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit scheduled for September 12-13 in New Delhi. Peskov stated that Russia is awaiting negotiations with India on new nuclear power plants. He also noted that the two leaders maintain close contact and are able to discuss sensitive issues in bilateral relations in an open and constructive manner. The Indian side has not yet issued an official statement regarding the bilateral meeting between Modi and Putin. India holds the presidency of the 2026 BRICS Summit. This year's summit will be held at the India Exposition Centre in New Delhi under the theme "Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development." During the summit, participants will exchange views on shared priorities and related global and regional issues.

2026-09-09