World’s only floating nuclear power unit to begin commercial production in Russia

After a series of successful and comprehensive tests, including on its twin KLT-40 reactor system, the unique floating nuclear power unit (FPU) “Akademik Lomonosov” is ready to start commercial operations. The FPU’s reactors, No.1 and No.2, were successfully brought up to 100% capacity on the March 31. These tests confirmed the operational stability of the …

Industry looks to small ‘plug and play’ power plants as the future of nuclear

THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY GETS SERIOUS ABOUT SMALL ‘PLUG AND PLAY’ POWER PLANTS: As the hulking nuclear power plants of the past are being forced to shut down under the weight of their own finances, the future of the industry looks to be smaller, less-costly “plug-and-play” power plants. The industry is seeking to prove a number …

Bill Gates ‘thrilled’ by legislative boost for nuclear

The Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA), bipartisan draft legislation which aims to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies and re-establish US leadership in nuclear energy has been re-introduced to the US Senate. NELA was submitted on 27 March by a group of 15 senators led by Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. It was previously …

Nuclear Jobs Outlook Hinges on Advanced Designs’ Success, Existing Plants

Photo: In October 2018, workers clear debris from a house destroyed by Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla. Hurricane recovery work has increased competition for construction workers, making it more difficult for the nuclear construction industry to hire people. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) The U.S. nuclear industry faces a reckoning over whether existing nuclear plants …

As the US nuclear fleet ages, one lab group hopes to give it a second wind

Nuclear power provides roughly 20 percent of the United States’ electricity and about half of its low-carbon electricity. Whether you think nuclear power is a good or a bad thing, the fact is that the existing nuclear power fleet contributes a significant amount of energy to the US grid, and all that capacity is rapidly approaching …

Canada targets higher nuclear returns, longer lifespans at new test facility

Canada’s new reactor research center will use advanced inspection technologies and micro materials testing to improve maintenance and ageing management programs, industry experts told Nuclear Energy Insider. Last month, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) launched a new Centre for Reactor Sustainability (CRS) to support the long-term operation of nuclear power plants. The new facility will help …

Canada Poised to Lead the Deployment of Next-Generation Nuclear Technology

The Government of Canada recognizes that innovation in the nuclear sector plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and delivering good, middle-class jobs as Canada moves toward a low-carbon future. The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today welcomed the release of the Canadian Small Modular Reactor Roadmap, which he described …