EU opens door to ‘green’ nuclear-derived hydrogen

 The European Commission published rules on Monday that could allow some hydrogen produced in nuclear-based energy systems to count towards EU renewable energy goals, signalling a win for pro-nuclear France. Hydrogen is central to Europe’s plans to decarbonise heavy industry, and the rules aim to incentivise investors and industries to shift from hydrogen produced from …

Japan Adopts Plan to Make Maximum Use of Nuclear Power

The Japanese government adopted a plan Friday to make maximum use of nuclear power, in a bid to realize a carbon-free society while ensuring stable electricity supplies. Amid an energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the basic plan for green transformation marks a departure from Japan’s policy of reducing its dependence on nuclear …

California Energy Commission Analysis Determines Diablo Canyon Extension “Prudent” to Ensure Reliability

A new analysis released today by the California Energy Commission (CEC) found that continuing to pursue an extension of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant (DCNPP) would be prudent given grid reliability risks projected to persist in California over the course of the next decade. According to the analysis, California’s energy grid will continue to face significant …

As Minnesota decarbonizes, bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to study future of nuclear

A bipartisan band of legislators wants to study the impact of developing new nuclear power technology in Minnesota to inform their future policy decisions. Minnesota since 1994 has had a moratorium on construction of new nuclear power facilities, though it allows the state’s two existing plants to generate energy. Nuclear power qualifies as one of …

Baltic Shipyard signs contract for two more nuclear-powered icebreakers

The agreement signed between the Baltic Shipyard and Atomflot is for two more nuclear-powered icebreakers as part of Russia’s Project 22220. Atomflot, operator of the fleet, said the contract says the first of the two new icebreakers is scheduled for commissioning in December 2028, and the second one for December 2030. Metal cutting for the first one is …

Fermi Energia Selects GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor for Deployment in Estonia

The GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) has been selected by Fermi Energia for potential deployment in Estonia. “We are honored that our small modular reactor technology has been selected by Fermi Energia to help Estonia fulfill its energy security and climate goals,” said Jay Wileman, President & CEO, GEH. “This …

France, India and UAE announce cooperation roadmap

The foreign ministers of the three nations have formally announced a trilateral initiative which will focus on solar and nuclear energy, as well as the fight against climate change and the protection of biodiversity, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. The UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, France’s …

French ministerial council prepares for nuclear revival

The Nuclear Policy Council (Conseil de Politique Nucléaire, CPN) – headed by President Emmanuel Macron – met on 3 February to “take stock of the entire French nuclear dossier, both in the short and long-term”. The council has called for a new skills development programme, as well as studies into how radioactive waste will be …