Press

Press Statements

Issued by the World Nuclear Association

“More uranium development needed to meet demands of growing nuclear fleet” – World Nuclear Association launches the Nuclear Fuel Report 2021 (8 September 2021)

World Nuclear Association has launched the 2021 edition of The Nuclear Fuel Report, concluding that the positive trend in nuclear generating capacity projections that began in the previous (2019) report continues.

Resilient nuclear generation ensures reliable electricity supply in 2020 (1 September 2021)

The performance of the world’s nuclear reactors in 2020 are set out in World Nuclear Association Performance Report 2021, which was published 1 September 2021.

World Nuclear Association and Women in Nuclear strengthen their partnership (25 August 2021)

A new Partnership Agreement has been signed today between World Nuclear Association and Women in Nuclear Global at a virtual ceremony.

G7 pledges to accelerate progress on nuclear for decarbonization (14 June 2021)

Leaders of the G7 countries have committed accelerate deployment of ‘zero emissions energy’ to achieve a decarbonized power system.

World Nuclear Association calls for all-hazards approach to nuclear power (27/05/2021)

World Nuclear Association has today published a new White Paper calling upon policymakers and regulators to adopt a science-based, all-hazards risk assessment and management system that holistically evaluates the contributions of different energy sources and sets a level playing field.

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Group of Vienna aims to tackle global challenges

Published: Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:19:00 GMT

Global nuclear industry leaders have agreed to work together with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency as the Group of Vienna to apply nuclear energy to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development.

Polish companies sign MoUs on SMR deployment and supply chain

Published: Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:08:25 GMT

Two separate agreements have been announced between Polish companies and North American small modular reactor vendors and suppliers. A memorandum of understanding between Cameco, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, GEH SMR Technologies Canada Ltd and Synthos Green Energy will see those companies evaluate a potential Canadian supply chain for a fleet of BWRX-300 reactors in Poland. Separately, NuScale Power, KGHM Polska Miedź SA and Piela Business Engineering are to explore the deployment of NuScale's SMR technology to repower or repurpose existing coal-fired power plants.

Normandy restates its support for EPRs at Penly

Published: Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:23:21 GMT

Local elected officials from the region around the Penly nuclear power plant in Normandy, northern France, have reiterated their support for the construction of two EPR2 reactors at the site. In a manifesto expressing their support, they say such a project - representing an investment of about EUR15 billion (USD17 billion) - would have a significant positive socio-economic impact on the region.

Companies sign agreement to increase Ukrainian power output

Published: Thu, 23 Sep 2021 13:20:36 GMT

Westinghouse Electric Company and Ukrainian company NT-Engineering LLC have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to implement maintenance optimisation and system repair projects for VVER reactors. They said the work will increase the safety levels and performance of Ukrainian VVERs, improving annual power output and reducing operational costs.

More funding needed to complete Central Asian remediation

Published: Wed, 22 Sep 2021 11:30:29 GMT

A renewed call has been made for additional donor funding in order to tackle the most urgent problems caused by radioactive and toxic waste at legacy uranium sites in Central Asia, with the International Atomic Energy Agency estimating an additional EUR40 million (USD47 million) is required. The call came as all parties directly involved in the project signed a revised Strategic Master Plan.

Uranium mining goes digital in Russia

Published: Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:58:41 GMT

'Digital' mining has started at the Khokhlovskoye uranium deposit in Russia, Rosatom subsidiaries announced. Operators have full information on the process and its environmental effects, as well as simulation of their options.

South Africa planning to start nuclear procurement

Published: Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:29:28 GMT

South Africa plans to issue a Request for Proposal for 2500 MWe of new nuclear capacity at the end of March 2022 and complete the procurement process in 2024, Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane told the International Atomic Energy Agency 65th General Conference. The country is also finalising its ratification of the amended Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

EU, IAEA extend cooperation in nuclear safety

Published: Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:06:13 GMT

The European Union and the International Atomic Energy Agency have extended a 2013 agreement to cooperate on nuclear safety. Their cooperation has already led to over one hundred nuclear safety review missions, environmental remediation at former uranium sites in Central Asia and more effective radioactive waste management in Africa.

Abu Dhabi launches clean energy certificate scheme

Published: Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:12:25 GMT

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy has issued a regulatory policy for implementing a clean energy certificates scheme it says will cater to a growing appetite among businesses and consumers to contribute to the fight against climate change. The scheme provides an accreditation system based on internationally recognised standards and lays the foundations for a market for trading renewable and nuclear energy attributes.

Trial of advanced fuel begins at Rostov

Published: Tue, 21 Sep 2021 14:43:34 GMT

Advanced fuel assemblies have begun an operational trial at Russia's Rostov nuclear power plant. Fuel manufacturer TVEL said if successful they would provide a higher level of performance and safety. "Fuel irradiation in a commercial reactor is an important step for the further commercialisation of this product," said Natalia Nikipelova, president of TVEL, adding: "It is symbolic that this milestone is achieved when TVEL celebrates its 25th anniversary."

Second Belarusian reactor nears operation

Published: Tue, 21 Sep 2021 14:59:29 GMT

Ostrovets 2 is at the hot test stage of commissioning and should begin generating electricity next year, Belarusian energy minister Viktor Karankevich said on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency's General Conference yesterday. "Nuclear and radiation safety is an unconditional priority for our country, and we strictly adhere to it, developing cooperation with our international partners on the principles of openness and transparency," Karankevich stressed in a speech at Belarus' exhibition stand.

International event focuses on nuclear supply chain

Published: Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:52:11 GMT

The nuclear industry will need to achieve even closer coordination among licensees, regulators and suppliers to ensure its supply chain can efficiently meet the needs of buyers, according to participants in an event held by Foratom and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Some of the changes instigated to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including remote working and the use of digital platforms, are here to stay.

New Orano research centre inaugurated

Published: Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:45:49 GMT

Orano's new Centre for Innovation in Extractive Metallurgy (Centre d'Innovation en Métallurgie Extractive, CIME) facility at its Bessines-sur-Gartempe site in the New Aquitaine region of France has been inaugurated by French Prime Minister Jean Castex. The new facility - one of the group's main R&D centres - will host industrial pilot tests for Orano projects under development, in particular for the recycling and recovery of radioactive and non-radioactive materials.

US DOD invites public comment on Project Pele draft EIS

Published: Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:30:48 GMT

The US Department of Defense, acting through the Strategic Capabilities Office and with the Department of Energy as a cooperating agency, has released a draft environmental impact statement for the construction and demonstration phase of a prototype mobile microreactor. A public comment period on the draft EIS will begin on 24 September.

Kursk II-1 reactor vessel delivered

Published: Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:12:28 GMT

The reactor pressure vessel for the first new reactor under construction at Russia's Kursk II nuclear power plant has been delivered to site. Made from nickel-free steel it can give the plant service life of up to 100 years, Rosatom said.

Leaders gather for pre-COP climate forum

Published: Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:31:42 GMT

With 44 days to go until the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, leaders from ten nations plus the European Commission, European Council and United Nations last week joined US President Joe Biden in a closed-door forum at which they underscored the urgency of strengthening climate ambition ahead of COP26 and beyond. The USA and the EU also announced a Global Methane Pledge to cut global methane pollution by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030 through collective action.

Nuclear AMRC teams up with K-TIG for waste containers

Published: Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:21:51 GMT

Australian welding technology specialist K-TIG has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK's Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to develop innovative automated fabrication techniques for decommissioning waste containers. Under the MoU, K-TIG will work with the Nuclear AMRC to design, develop and supply the robotic welding cell to be used in the fabrication of the 3-cubic-metre stainless steel boxes to be used to safely store the UK's decommissioning waste.

Gorleben shuts after exclusion from repository site search

Published: Mon, 20 Sep 2021 11:27:40 GMT

The former salt mine in Gorleben, Lower Saxony - previously considered a possible site for geological disposal of Germany's high-level radioactive waste - has officially closed, it was announced on 17 September. The site was excluded from a list of potential repository sites published last year by waste management organisation Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung.

IAEA assesses safety of upgraded Dutch research reactor

Published: Mon, 20 Sep 2021 13:09:28 GMT

The Reactor Institute Delft at the Delft University of Technology, the operator of the Hoger Onderwijs research reactor in the Netherlands, has prioritised safety during implementation of significant refurbishment and modernisation of the facility, according to an International Atomic Energy Agency team of experts. The team also found areas requiring further enhancements, including the organisational structure and safety procedures and documentation.

Doubling of nuclear capacity by 2050 requires 'concerted action', says IAEA

Published: Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:12:16 GMT

World nuclear generating capacity will double to 792 GWe (net) by 2050 from 393 GWe in 2020 under the high case scenario of the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest projections. Compared with last year's high case projection of 715 GWe by 2050, the estimate has been revised up by just over 10%, marking the first time since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident the IAEA has revised its projections upwards.

Czech lawmakers approve nuclear support

Published: Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:29:28 GMT

The Czech Republic's support framework for nuclear investment has been approved by the lower house of parliament. The Low Carbon Act should come into effect from 1 January 2022, the energy ministry said. "Currently, there are no market incentives for investment in new nuclear or other emission-free energy sources," noted Tomáš Ehler, the deputy minister of industry and trade, saying, "These market failures have been confirmed by the European Commission itself."

Successful test of recycled fuel

Published: Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:07:32 GMT

Recycled REMIX nuclear fuel has passed a five-year operational test in Russia and is ready for pilot operation, Rosatom fuel subsidiary TVEL has said. REMIX is designed to reduce uranium consumption and close the fuel cycle using mainstream light-water reactors.

Cameco, X-energy join up to support SMR deployment

Published: Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:03:33 GMT

Canadian companies Cameco and X-energy have entered a non-binding and non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding to explore possible areas of cooperation to support the potential future deployment, fuelling and servicing of Xe-100 small modular reactors in Canada and the USA.

Foronuclear warns of early Spanish nuclear exit

Published: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:02:10 GMT

Spain's nuclear power generating industry will not be able to continue operating if a draft law approved on 14 September by the Council of Ministers is enacted, according to the country's nuclear industry forum Foronuclear. The law, together with other proposed measures, would impose an "excessive tax burden" on the industry, which Foronuclear says would make the continued operation of nuclear power plants economically unfeasible. Under Spain's nuclear phase-out policy, its nuclear fleet is scheduled to shut down by 2035.

Trilateral partnership launches Australia nuclear submarine programme

Published: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:24:32 GMT

Australia is to acquire nuclear submarines as the first initiative under a new enhanced trilateral security partnership announced by the leaders of Australia, the UK and the USA. The submarines are to be built in Australia, but the country is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons or establish a civil nuclear capability, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

Illinois energy bill becomes law

Published: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:18:48 GMT

Exelon Generation Company has formally reversed its decision to retire the Byron and Dresden nuclear plants after Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed into law the state's new energy legislation package yesterday. The final version of the bill was passed by the Illinois Senate earlier this week.

Helium-3 to be extracted from Canadian tritium

Published: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:15:29 GMT

Tritium stored at Canada's Darlington nuclear power plant will be a source of helium-3 for applications in quantum computing, medicine and security. Laurentis Energy Partners plans to extract and commercialise the isotope from the end of this year.

Lithuania again blocks electricity from Ostrovets

Published: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:00:04 GMT

Lithuania has capped the amount of electricity that can enter its grid from Belarus as part of measures to avoid importing power from the Ostrovets nuclear power plant. Grid operator LitGrid said the interconnection would be limited to 262 MW, with throughputs calculated every day.

Regulator approves restart of Shimane 2

Published: Wed, 15 Sep 2021 12:34:43 GMT

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority today formally accepted a report concluding unit 2 of Chugoku Electric Power Company's Shimane nuclear power plant meets the country's new safety standards. The utility must still obtain local consent before the 789 MWe boiling water reactor can be restarted.

Terrestrial Energy doubles up its power plant

Published: Wed, 15 Sep 2021 14:09:26 GMT

Prospective small reactor vendor Terrestrial Energy has announced that its IMSR400 power plant configuration will include twin reactors and generators. The move is a response to utility requirements and will increase cost competitiveness, the Canadian company said.

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