Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor design completes second step of regulatory assessment

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have announced today that they are progressing to the next step of their assessment of Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd’s 470 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design. The Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process allows the regulators to begin assessing the safety, security, safeguards …

PH must diversify nuke energy tech to meet 1,200 MW goal by 2032

As the country races towards its target of generating 1,200 megawatts of nuclear energy by 2032, executives from Manila Electric Company (Meralco) raised the urgent need to diversify technology beyond micro modular reactors (MMRs) to hit its energy goals. Meralco executive vice president and chief operations officer Ronnie Aperocho said in a press briefing in …

Uranium contract prices soar on uncertain supply, AI-led power demand

Long-term uranium contract prices have hit over 16-year highs on supply uncertainty and higher demand from utilities scrambling to secure the radioactive fuel to aggressively expand their capacity to power mushrooming AI data centers. Term prices are now around $79 per pound, the highest since 2008, and estimated to rise further in coming months. “With …

Orano gives update on Niger situation

Orano’s income has been affected by the situation in Niger, with logistical issues continuing to cause blockages to uranium sales. But the group has confirmed its financial outlook for 2024, targeting stable revenue and a positive net cash flow, and says it still wants to talk to the government about continuing the Imouraren project. “At …

Construction starts on several projects at nuclear power plants, accelerating China’s clean-energy development

Construction or upgrading began recently on several projects at nuclear plants in China, a significant development in the country’s nuclear power and clean energy landscape. Construction began on Sunday at a new unit of the Ningde Nuclear Power Plant in East China’s Fujian Province. The first concrete pour for the nuclear island of Unit 5 …

Jabiluka uranium mine to close after Australia rejects bid from Rio Tinto unit

Energy Resources of Australia said on Friday the Northern Territory government has rejected its request to renew the uranium mining lease for the Jabiluka deposit. The company, in which Rio Tinto has a majority stake, had applied to extend the lease for another 10 years, with the current lease due to expire in August. The Jabiluka uranium deposit, near …

Spain’s 1 GW Trillo nuclear power plant gets 10-year license renewal

Spain’s Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) has approved the extension of the operating license of the 1,000 MW (1,066 MW gross) Trillo nuclear power plant for a 10-year period. The Trillo nuclear power plant is located in the province of Guadalajara (Spain) and is set to celebrate 40 years of operation in 2028, when it will enter into Long-Term Operation (LTO) status. …

Data center renewables demand drives strong Q2 for NextEra Energy Resources

The 200-MW Bronco Plains II wind farm in Kit Carson County, Colorado, owned by NextEra Energy Resources. The company  signed deals for more than 3 GW of renewable energy during the second quarter, including an 860 MW agreement with Google. Courtesy of Holy Cross Energy NextEra Energy’s development arm signed deals for more than 3 GW of renewable …