Nuclear Careers

Kazakhstan Builds Nuclear Fuel Cycle to Power Its Energy Future

From uranium mining to high-tech fuel assembly and reactor projects, the nation is positioning itself as a global leader in nuclear technology and innovation.

Kazakhstan is rapidly transforming its role in the global nuclear industry, moving beyond uranium mining to develop a full high-tech fuel cycle.

At the heart of this shift is the Ulba Metallurgical Plant in East Kazakhstan, which has recently undergone major modernisation. A new automated inspection line now checks uranium fuel pellets with micrometre precision at a rate of three pellets per second, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency.

Alongside this, fuel assembly production has expanded to 300 tonnes annually, while the Ulba-TVS facility has reached its design capacity of 200 tonnes of uranium per year. These upgrades position Kazakhstan as a reliable supplier of nuclear fuel for both domestic and international markets.

This progress aligns with the country’s long-term energy ambitions. Despite being the world’s leading uranium producer, Kazakhstan has historically lacked nuclear power generation. That is changing.

Plans are underway for several nuclear power plants, including a major project with Russia’s Rosatom featuring two Generation III+ reactors with a combined capacity of 2.4 GW, expected to launch around 2035. Additional projects with Chinese partners are also in development.

Safety remains a priority, with site selection in the Almaty region emphasising robust passive and active safety systems informed by lessons from Fukushima and Chernobyl. Efforts to minimise radioactive waste are integral to these plans.

Beyond power generation, Kazakhstan is building an innovation ecosystem. Two nuclear-focused science cities are planned in Almaty and Kurchatov, leveraging the expertise of the Institute of Nuclear Physics and the National Nuclear Centre.

The country is also expanding into nuclear medicine, exporting technetium-99 radiopharmaceuticals, and exploring fuel conversion and enrichment technologies. This strategy reflects a shift from volume to value, aiming to create a comprehensive nuclear hub that supports energy security and global decarbonisation goals.

For professionals in the nuclear sector, these developments signal a surge in opportunities, from fuel fabrication and reactor construction to research, regulatory compliance, and medical applications. Kazakhstan’s vision to 2050 is clear: to evolve from a uranium supplier into a global leader in nuclear technology and innovation.

Picture: Akorda

Eagle Energy Metals and Uranium Mining

US Uranium: A Strategic Comeback.

The US uranium sector is experiencing a resurgence, driven by energy security concerns, policy support, and a renewed focus on domestic supply chains. Companies like Eagle Energy are positioning themselves at the centre of this revival, leveraging administrative tailwinds and market dynamics to strengthen America’s nuclear fuel independence.

Key Drivers Behind the Uranium Revival include energy security: geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities have highlighted the need for reliable domestic uranium production. Policy momentum: federal initiatives and incentives are creating a favourable environment for uranium miners and nuclear fuel processors. And, finally, market opportunity: Rising global demand for nuclear power, both traditional reactors and emerging SMRs, requires stable fuel sources.

Eagle Energy’s leadership emphasises that this is not just about mining, it’s about building a strategic ecosystem that supports the next generation of nuclear technology. From exploration to enrichment, the US aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and secure its role in the global energy transition.

This shift opens doors for professionals across multiple domains:

Mining & Processing: Geologists, engineers, and environmental specialists will be critical in scaling sustainable uranium production.
Regulatory & Compliance: Expertise in safety standards and environmental stewardship will be in high demand.
Advanced Fuel Cycle Innovation: Scientists and technologists will drive breakthroughs in fuel fabrication for SMRs and advanced reactors.

The US uranium comeback is more than a market trend, it’s a career-defining opportunity for those ready to align with energy security and innovation.

As the US accelerates its uranium strategy to power the next wave of nuclear innovation, how will you position your skills to lead in this evolving landscape?

Picture: Eagle Energy Metals

Doel 2 in Belgium to Close

The End of an Era: Doel 2 Retires After 50 Years.

This month marks a historic moment in Europe’s energy landscape: Belgium has officially shut down the Doel 2 nuclear reactor after five decades of operation. Commissioned in 1975, Doel 2 has been a cornerstone of Belgium’s electricity supply, contributing to energy security and carbon reduction for half a century.

The closure is part of Belgium’s nuclear phase-out policy, which aims to gradually replace nuclear power with renewables. While this decision reflects political and environmental priorities, it also raises critical questions about energy resilience, skills transition, and the future of nuclear expertise in Europe.

Legacy and Lessons: Doel 2’s retirement underscores the durability and reliability of nuclear technology. Few energy assets operate effectively for 50 years.
Skills Challenge: As reactors close, experienced professionals face career crossroads. Their expertise in operations, safety, and maintenance is invaluable—but where will it go?
Global Contrast: While Belgium phases out, other nations are scaling up. China’s Xudabao 4 and the UK’s modular construction projects show nuclear innovation is thriving elsewhere.

The skills honed in traditional plants like Doel 2 remain relevant—but they must evolve to meet the demands of modular innovation. For professionals, this shift means new roles in design, off-site fabrication, logistics, and digital engineering.

The nuclear sector is at a crossroads. As some countries retire reactors, others invest in next-generation technologies. For talent, this is not the end—it’s a transformation. Those who adapt will lead the clean energy revolution.

As the industry pivots from legacy plants to modular builds and fusion breakthroughs, how will you position your career to stay ahead?

Picture: Electrabel

Xudabao 4 Modular Construction

What’s Happening at Xudabao 4?

Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant in Liaoning Province is advancing with Unit 4, which is part of a series of large-scale reactors using VVER-1200 technology supplied by Russia’s Rosatom.
Recent announcements highlight:
- Civil construction milestones: Reactor building and containment structures progressing rapidly.
- International collaboration: Russian technology integrated with Chinese project management and supply chains.
- Strategic energy goals: China is accelerating nuclear deployment to meet carbon neutrality targets by 2060.

Connecting to UK Modular Construction

While China is building gigawatt-scale reactors, the UK is pioneering modular construction through:

Hinkley Point C: Using modular assembly for major components to reduce on-site complexity.
Sizewell C: Expected to replicate modular efficiencies.
SMRs (Small Modular Reactors): Rolls-Royce-led program aiming for factory-built modules for faster deployment.

Why this matters for nuclear careers:

China’s approach shows the continued relevance of large-scale nuclear expertise globally.
UK’s modular trend creates demand for new skills: digital design, off-site fabrication, logistics, and advanced QA/QC processes.
Professionals who understand both traditional and modular methods will be highly sought after as the industry diversifies.

Global nuclear strategies are diverging, China is scaling up with mega-reactors, while the UK is innovating with modular builds. For professionals, this means opportunity: mastering modular construction techniques and digital workflows will be key to driving efficiency and sustainability in the next generation of nuclear projects.

Picture: Rosatom

First Light Fusion Diagnostics for UKAEA Programme

Fusion Diagnostics: A Leap Forward for the UK’s Clean Energy Future

First Light Fusion has successfully completed a reactor diagnostic feasibility study as part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s £55M Fusion Industry Programme. This milestone is more than a technical achievement, it signals the UK’s commitment to advancing fusion energy, a technology that promises limitless, carbon-free power.

The study focused on developing advanced diagnostic systems to monitor and optimise fusion reactions. These tools are critical for scaling fusion from experimental setups to commercial reactors, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Why does this matter for nuclear careers?
Fusion is no longer a distant dream; it’s becoming a career-defining frontier. Engineers, physicists, data scientists, and project managers will all play pivotal roles in transforming these breakthroughs into operational power plants. The UK’s investment in fusion innovation creates opportunities for professionals to shape the future of energy security and sustainability.

Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders and Job Seekers:

Diagnostics are the backbone of fusion progress, enabling precise control and performance optimisation.
The UK’s £55M programme demonstrates strong governmental and industrial support for fusion technology.
Careers in fusion will demand cross-disciplinary expertise, from nuclear engineering to AI-driven analytics.

Fusion is not just about science; it’s about building an ecosystem of talent ready to tackle the world’s most pressing energy challenges. Those who invest in skills today will lead the clean energy revolution tomorrow.

Picture: First Light Fusion

Dismantling the Dragon at Winfrith

Located in Dorset and constructed in the 1950’s as a centre of excellence for nuclear reactor research. Dragon was a 20-megawatt power output graphite moderated, helium cooled prototype reactor.

Seven of the nine experimental reactors have been dismantled, and the project is currently at the first of eleven phases to fully dismantle the core.

Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) are driving innovation forward with this project and Phoebe Lynch, NRS strategic innovation programme manager, said: “All the learning from the initial operational phase of using laser cutting for the Dragon reactor core provided valuable insights into the feasibility, reliability and safety of this technique.”

Over the next few years, the core will be packed into 6m3 concrete intermediate level waste storage boxes, and these will be taken to the Harwell Science & Innovation Park in Oxfordshire.

The long-term aim is that this highly radioactive waste will be permanently stored in the geological disposal facility (GDF) once it is available.

Picture: gov.uk

Virtual Power Plants & Sustainable Energy Systems

Virtual Power Plants (VPP’s) are digital platforms that aggregate multiple distributed resources including solar panels, battery storage, commercial/industrial/residential demands and funnel them into a single, coordinated network that operates like a traditional power plant.

There are many benefits to VPP’s and we’ve listed some below.

Cost-Effectiveness: More economical than traditional peaker plants as they can provide energy at a lower cost during peak times.

Grid Stability: They help balance supply and demand which reduces outages and also maintains voltage levels on the grid.

Consumer Incentives: Businesses and households who participate in VPP programmes often get financial benefits such as bill credits or direct payments for utilising their energy resources.

Environmental Impact: VPP’s utilise renewable energy resources and in turn they contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices.

Picture: solarreviews.com

Great British Energy 5-year Strategic Plan

A revitalising in oil & gas regions will help to revolutionise the energy sector while investing billions to shift to green energy.

A sustainable future and supporting over 10,000 jobs which will enable a transition away from fossil fuels and more focus on communities who have relied on oil & gas historically.

There are concerns when it comes to the pace of job creation. Roughly 1000 jobs per month are being lost in the oil & gas sector therefore, there’s a large disparity with GBE’s numbers and the realities people are facing.

Not all the workforce plans have been finalised; however, Aberdeen remains a focus and was key on the 2024 election campaign.

Aberdeen is emphasised as the corporate backbone with most employees being based here. There is a strong focus on the energy sector in this area hence it needing to be a driving factor in decision making.

Community ownership in projects, reinvesting profits and creating more jobs while empowering our energy future are vital for success.

Public funds to be invested with the aim to attract private finance over the long term. Using public land for wind and solar projects in order to produce profit for the community.

The energy transition needs to be strategic, sustainable, economic and environmental; the aim is a balanced energy transition.

For more visit; https://www.gbe.gov.uk/

Picture: Great British Energy

Thales UK Event: Drones & Cyber Security

Yesterday (04/12/25) we were at the Thales UK offices in Green Park, Reading. The event was arranged as part of the Digital Special Interest Group (DIGSIG) by the Nuclear Institute (NI).

Thales has 33,000 employees in all areas of the globe and 7,800 of those are based in the UK at numerous locations. 4,500 of the total UK number are highly skilled engineers working on a number of different defence related projects. A further 7,000 jobs are supported through the UK supply chain.

Speakers on the day included a graduate software developer looking at drone technology, Operational Technology (OT) Security professional, Security by Design & Supply Chain Lead, Head of Sales & Communications, CNI Account Lead, and a Cyber Security apprentice.

The topics on the day included C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System) and their different uses in places such as prisons and RAF bases. The use of OT systems in different industries including nuclear and defence. The investment and risk in cyber security and Secure by Design (SbD); people and culture have a lot to do with the adoption, running and impact of these systems. Retention and hiring and important aspects as company culture has to be right.

All in all, an interesting morning and lunchtime of conversations with people from EDF, Createc, and the NI – we’ll be looking out for more events of this kind in the future.

Picture: Thales UK

DOE Gives $1 billion loan to Three Mile Island

Constellation Energy is financing Crane Clean Energy Center, formerly known as Three Mile Island (TMI-1), via the Department of Energy (DOE).

It’s a big commitment from the DOE towards restarting the site as part of a 20-year power purchase agreement to power Microsoft’s data centres.

There is still a wait for state permitting, recommissioning work, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s approval.

DOGE downsizing has threatened staff jobs at the Loan Programme Office (LPO) and despite these challenges, the Trump administration is leveraging the LPO to move along his May executive orders.

Due to other positive plant restarts such as Palisades led by Holtec and Duane Arnold led by NextEra Energy, we are remaining optimistic that Crane will also be able to push forward with work.

Source:https://www.ans.org/news/2025-11-20/article-7570/crane-restart-boosted-by-1b-lpo-loan/

Picture: Constellation

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Kazakhstan Builds Nuclear Fuel Cycle to Power Its Energy Future