Belgium considers extended use of older reactors

Published: Tue, 07 Feb 2023 14:24:49 GMT

The Belgian government has asked Engie to investigate whether the operation of the country's three oldest reactors - Doel units 1 and 2 and Tihange 1 - can be extended until 2027. The reactors are currently scheduled to shut down in 2025.

'No damage' reported at Akkuyu site after Turkey earthquakes

Published: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:36:53 GMT

Updated Tuesday 10:30 GMT: There have been no reports of damage to the Akkuyu nuclear power plant after two large earthquakes struck Turkey. Following safety checks, construction is continuing, the project team says.

Four nations call on Iran to comply with its obligations

Published: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:31:08 GMT

France, Germany, the UK and the USA have called on Iran to comply with all its legally-binding international obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement after the International Atomic Energy Agency reported changes to the configuration of centrifuges at Iran's Fordow plant.

French ministerial council prepares for nuclear revival

Published: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:38:49 GMT

The Nuclear Policy Council - 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 managed, in order for a nuclear new-build programme to be launched.

Tokamak completes set of HTS magnets

Published: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:40:59 GMT

Tokamak Energy of the UK announced it has built a world-first set of new generation high temperature superconducting magnets to be assembled and tested in fusion power plant-relevant scenarios.

France, India and UAE announce cooperation roadmap

Published: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:01:46 GMT

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.

IAEA chief's fresh Zaporizhzhia talks, Ukraine brings in nuclear sanctions

Published: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:55:39 GMT

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi is expected in Russia this week for more talks on establishing a safety and security zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

'No crisis' for Koeberg fuel supply as South Africa continues loadshedding

Published: Fri, 03 Feb 2023 11:34:03 GMT

South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has said there is "no immediate crisis" from the expiry of the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement between South Africa and the USA. Utility Eskom is relying on the return to service of Koeberg 1 later this year to help tackle ongoing capacity constraints.

Demolition of Biblis cooling towers begins

Published: Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:24:07 GMT

The first of four 80-metre-high cooling towers has been demolished at the Biblis nuclear power plant in Germany. The two-unit plant was shut down in March 2011 in response to the accident at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant.

China, Pakistan mark completion of Karachi 2&3 project

Published: Fri, 03 Feb 2023 12:11:15 GMT

A ceremony has been held to mark the inauguration of unit 3 of the Karachi nuclear power plant in Pakistan. China National Nuclear Corporation said the two Hualong One reactors at the site have now both officially been delivered to Pakistan and put into operation.