Russia develops robot linked with virtual reality for high radiation environments

Avtomatika Concern, an affiliate of the Russian state-run corporation Rostec, has developed the Gipnoz (Hypnosis) robotic equipment control system to perform extreme tasks in the environment of radiation, high and low temperatures and poor visibility. The Hypnosis system uses artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies, Rostec said on 3 July. The system can be used …

Saskatchewan sets up nuclear secretariat to plan for reactors

The provincial government unveiled its plans Wednesday to establish an office to co-ordinate nuclear policy and program work within the Climate Change and Adaptation Division of the Ministry of Environment. The new nuclear secretariat is mandated to develop and execute a strategic plan for the deployment of “clean-energy small modular reactors” in the province. No …

X-energy receives $6mn grant from the US Government

Nuclear reactor and fuel engineering company X-energy has announced that it will receive USD$6mn in funding from the US Department of Energy (DoE) Nuclear reactor and fuel engineering company X-energy has announced that it will receive USD$6mn in funding from the US Department of Energy (DoE). Led by a team with a diverse range of experience, including “engineering, policy, …

IEA recovery plan proposes investment in nuclear

Investing in existing nuclear power plants, new nuclear build and supporting innovation in small modular reactors (SMRs) are among measures set out to support a broad range of clean energy technologies in an energy-focused COVID-19 economic recovery plan released today by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Its emphasis for nuclear investment, however, is on existing …

Making nuclear energy cost-competitive

Three MIT teams to explore novel ways to reduce operations and maintenance costs of advanced nuclear reactors. Nuclear energy is a low-carbon energy source that is vital to decreasing carbon emissions. A critical factor in its continued viability as a future energy source is finding novel and innovative ways to improve operations and maintenance (O&M) …

Nuclear Infrastructure Development to Reap the Benefits of Research Reactors

Research reactors can be used for a variety of purposes, from training nuclear engineers and conducting scientific research, to producing radioisotopes and developing advanced materials. But before a country can embark on a new research reactor project, it must first have in place the proper infrastructure. “The IAEA provides guidance on issues in establishing and implementing …

Russia commissions its floating nuclear plant

Russia’s controversial floating nuclear power plant, the Akademik Lomonosov, has been fully commissioned at a port in Siberia’s Far East, despite widespread environmental and safety concerns, the nuclear utility Rosenergoatom reported on Friday. In a statement, Andrei Petrov, the company’s head, said that that construction of the floating plant “could be considered complete,” and the Akademik …

Canadian partnership to provide low cost nuclear power to remote areas

RWT Growth and StarCore Nuclear Canada have announced a partnership  to bring low cost, clean nuclear energy to remote locations and industries that rely on less environmentally friendly sources power, such as diesel generators. StarCore said the deal represents a benchmark investment both in terms of scale and innovation. StarCore Nuclear Canada utilises technology similar …