Several European powers are rapidly progressing plans to expand their nuclear energy sectors, despite a lack of support from major EU powers, such as Germany. The U.K. recently announced plans for its biggest nuclear expansion in 70 years, as well as plans to extend the life of several existing facilities. …
Read More »China Hits 5.2% Growth Target despite Population Challenges
China faced a complex economic landscape as its economy expanded by 5.2% in 2023, while the population saw a decline of 2 million. These contrasting figures underscored the ongoing challenges posed by a slowing property market and demographic pressures on the world’s second-largest economy. Official data released on Wednesday revealed …
Read More »UK Plans to Build Third New 3.2 GW Nuclear Plant
The United Kingdom government said it is considering a third new-generation nuclear plant with the same power capacity as the under-construction Hinkley C and the approved Sizewell C. The third plant is part of the Civil Nuclear Roadmap announced by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Thursday, …
Read More »World’s Largest Uranium Miner will Miss Production Targets
The world’s largest uranium miner issued a dire warning on Friday concerning its production outlook for 2024, sparking fears that nuclear fuel supply could be at risk. London-based Kazatomprom—the largest uranium miner in the world—said on Friday that sulfuric acid shortages and construction delays at newly discovered deposits could lead …
Read More »France Outstrips Plans, to Build Additional Nuclear Plants beyond 6
France is set to build eight new nuclear plants on top of six already announced, the energy minister has said, arguing more reactors are needed to hit carbon reduction targets. A draft law set to be presented soon recognizes that “we will need nuclear power beyond the six first European …
Read More »China’s First Nuclear Power Plant Sets New Record
The Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, China’s first indigenous nuclear power plant set a record high in 2023 of 96.8 percent in its unit capability factor (UCF), based on statistics provided by the World Association of Nuclear Operators, known as WANO. The power plant is located in Haiyan County, east China’s …
Read More »Spain Confirms 2035 Nuclear Phase out Deadline
Spain has just confirmed that it will go ahead with plans to close all its nuclear plants by 2035, while Europe remains divided on whether nuclear energy should be part of the climate change solution. The management of radioactive waste and dismantling of the plants will cost about 20.2 billion …
Read More »Fukushima Nuclear Plant Worker Exposed to Radiation
A plant worker at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex may have ingested radioactive materials after his face was exposed to the substances, the plant operator said Monday. The operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. said the man in his 20s was wearing a protective full-face mask and suit …
Read More »China Launches World’s First Fourth-Generation Nuclear Reactor
China has taken a step ahead of competitors in civil nuclear energy technology as it started up the world’s first fourth-generation nuclear reactor this week. As many countries are starting to recognize that nuclear power generation will play an important role in the energy transition by providing additional net-zero electricity, …
Read More »China’s First Next-Gen Nuclear Reactor Enters Commercial Operations
China’s nuclear power ambitions received a boost Wednesday as the country’s first next-generation reactor entered into commercial operations. China Huaneng Group Co.’s 200-megawatt unit at Shidao Bay is the world’s first high temperature gas-cooled reactor, the National Energy Administration said in a WeChat post. The reactor was given permission to …
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