Finland Eyes Nuclear Power to Hit Climate Targets

Along the pine-lined shores of Finland’s bucolic western coast, a clean energy vision of the Nordic country’s future is quietly taking shape. On the tiny island of Olkiluoto, workers are applying the finishing touches to a new Evolutionary Pressurised Reactor (EPR) set to supply 10% of Finland’s electricity needs. Like all nuclear power reactors, the massive …

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 …

Japan and USA enhance cooperation in nuclear energy

A memorandum of cooperation has been signed between Japan and the USA to “promote the global leadership role” of the two countries in civil nuclear energy. The memorandum was signed on 13 November by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the USA’s Department …

Russia’s Rosatom to start construction of 7th power unit at Chinese nuclear power plant — RT Business News

The construction of a new power unit at the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in China will begin in 2021, according to Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom. It’s the biggest joint NPP project between the two nations. Together with the Chinese partners, we have already built four power units at this site and thus have …

China likely to more than triple nuclear power capacity by 2030

China‘s total nuclear capacity is expected to reach 120-150 gigawatts (GW) in total by 2030, a senior industry official said on Thursday, more than triple the current rate but still lower than previous forecasts after a slowdown in new approvals. The prediction was made by Yu Jianfeng, chairman of the government-run China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), during …

Uranium Week: The Chase Is On

As interest from financial investors and ongoing producer purchases continue to push up the uranium spot price, utilities are now in a hurry to top up supplies before year end. As producer purchases of uranium continue to underpin spot prices, with Cameco now having specifically disclosed its purchase intentions through  2018-19 (See: Producer Power from …

Nuclear watchdog group causes stir with call to financially support existing nuclear plants

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) surprised environmental advocates and energy officials on Thursday when it called for keeping existing nuclear power plants open for as long as safely possible to provide a wider window for transitioning to renewable energy resources. The group has spent years criticizing the nuclear industry for its safety problems and …

Ernest Moniz cautiously optimistic about global response to climate change

Ex-US secretary of energy believes Paris accord was key first step but not enough to address global warming There are grounds for optimism on the global response to climate change, though most countries are “off the pace” required to fulfil their obligations under the Paris agreement, according to former US secretary of energy Dr Ernest …

India makes climate change case for nuclear power, suggests promoting it

India has declared that nuclear energy is vital for meeting the challenge of climate change and suggested supporting efforts to promote its public acceptance amid growing opposition to nuclear power and plans by some countries to phase out their atomic generation plants. “Nuclear power remains an important option to meet the challenges of increased energy …