Tag: Nuclear

Nuclear power & energy; fission and fusion. Low and no carbon emissions.

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ENEC-KEPCO to Advance Nuclear Energy & AI

An MoU has been signed between Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

This agreement will extend the cooperation between the two for the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) and the Republic of Korea’s civil nuclear fleets.

After successfully delivering the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant this new MoU will further their strategic relationship aiding towards joint assessment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), reactor systems, safety research, waste management, and fuel cycle transformation.

The AI and digital part of the agreement will include AI-driven maintenance, digital twins, machine learning, and plant optimisation.

Picture: ENEC

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NDA Delivering Green Energy Hub at Chapelcross

The NDA Group is working with CX Power as the strategic developer for the Chapelcross green energy hub.

The programme is privately funded and set to transform the region; it will produce several hundred highly skilled job roles, attract skills & investments while driving local economy growth.

The long-term plan will include AI data centres, advanced manufacturing, and hydrogen production.

CX Power is an entity comprising of GA Consultants and Global Mutual Properties Limited whose expertise will enhance planning and financing.

  • The £350m investment in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, from the UK and Scottish Governments, is made up of £150 million for Scotland (£85m from the Scottish Government and £65 million from the UK Government) and up to £200m for England from the UK Government. This will be supported by over £100m of funding from local partners.
  • The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was signed in March 2021 supporting over £450m worth of projects.

This is an exciting project for Scotland, and we look forward to following the developments. We have a strong network of talent who would be brilliant additions to this development.

Read more; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nda-working-with-private-developer-to-accelerate-chapelcross-hub

Picture: Magnox

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The Nuclear Space Race

The race to space is on!

The show case of power is for all to see as the U.S., Russia and China all flaunt their intentions to be the first to build a nuclear power plant on the moon.

NASA, Roscosmos and the CNSA are the names involved. The latter two are working in partnership to deploy a reactor to power their planned Lunar Research Station, and NASA’s plans would provide ~100kw of electrical power while heating a base camp for the crews of the lunar-landing Artemis missions.

There have been setbacks including NASA’s budget or lack thereof, which is of course a huge issue with a project of this size and complexity. Russia has old, but reliable technology, while China has new yet untested technology, so this pairing could be powerful.

As this race continues, there is also the large task of how we design and build new nuclear power plants on our home planet. There is also the focus on defence technology including the use of autonomous systems, quantum computing, and laser systems all while ensuring we are utilising sustainable practices.

Will this happen by the current 2030 timeline? We won’t hold our breath, but we look forward to seeing what’s next for human and nuclear space exploration.

“That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind” – Neil Armstrong

Sources: The American Nuclear Society, Space.com, Power Technology

Picture: Lockheed Martin

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UK Government Nuclear Taskforce Findings

The UK’s nuclear regulatory regime is highly effective at ensuring safety and is regarded as world-leading in many respects, particularly its goal-based approach, regulatory expertise, transparency, stakeholder engagement, and active international collaboration.

However, primary challenges include the following areas: 1. unnecessary slowness, inefficiency, and cost, 2. risk management & proportionality, 3. complexity of regulatory & planning landscape, 4. enabling delivery in the planning regime, 5. capacity, capability & culture, 6. international harmonisation, 7. insufficient understanding of the cost of delays.

  1. Feedback highlights systemic delays, bureaucratic overlap, and escalating costs that rarely provide meaningful safety or environmental benefits
  2. Interpretation of the ALARP (“As Low as Reasonably Practicable”) principle fosters a risk-averse culture and excessive conservatism. Similar issues exist in environmental assessments
  3. The multiplicity of regulators and overlapping obligations create costly duplication, inconsistent interpretations, and unpredictable outcomes.
  4. The current NSIP planning regime and related regulations are outdated, particularly in their treatment of emerging technologies like SMRs and AMRs. They lack flexibility and fleet-mode efficiency.
  5. There is a shortfall of SQEP (Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel), along with ageing workforce, over-reliance on consultants, salary challenges, and risk-averse organisational cultures
  6. Lack of alignment with international regulatory frameworks causes unnecessary costs and duplicative approval processes. The Taskforce plans to explore opportunities for recognition of overseas approvals.
  7. Regulatory decisions often overlook the significant financial and opportunity costs of delayed projects, leading to an imbalance between safety measures and project viability.

Next Steps and Priorities.

Strategic Government Direction – Ministers should provide clear strategic guidance to regulators and operators to ensure delivery is safe, efficient, and cost effective.

Consultation & Evidence Gathering – The Taskforce is holding engagement sessions and workshops to gather input on potential policy adjustments.

International Benchmarking – A detailed comparison with overseas systems will help identify where harmonisation could yield benefits.

Economic Impact Analysis – The costs and benefits of changes will be quantified to support the case for reform.

The interim report acknowledges a strong foundation in the UK’s nuclear regulation but calls for a once-in-a-generation reset across six core reform areas aimed at delivering faster, more cost effective, and scalable nuclear projects without compromising safety.

To view the full report; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nuclear-regulatory-taskforce/nuclear-regulatory-taskforce-interim-report

24/11/25 release; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/taskforce-calls-for-radical-reset-of-nuclear-regulation-in-uk

Picture: gov.uk

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Framatome’s Accident Tolerant Fuel Assembly

The first of its kind lead fuel assembly to operate in a commercial reactor has just completed four-years at Constellation Energy’s Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in Maryland.

“The performance of our technology continues to demonstrate the expertise of our people to develop safe, cost-effective solutions for our customers and our industry,” said Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president, Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. “The Constellation team has been instrumental in helping us reach this milestone, leading the industry integrating accident tolerant fuel characteristics into their operations.”

“This public-private partnership is helping to drive the fulfilment of national power demands and executive orders issued by President Trump,” said Frank Goldner, the federal program manager for the Accident Tolerant Fuel Program. “This fuel assembly will continue operating under commercial conditions, providing crucial data to support the nation’s energy objectives.”

These fuel tests are aimed at leading towards more economical and performance improvements with the aim being widespread commercial use by 2030.

Sources: https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/framatome-advanced-fuel-assembly-completes-second-fuel-cycle

Picture: Framatome

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Rebuilding Iran’s Nuclear Programme

The plan for Iran is to build eight new nuclear units in cooperation with Russia and supported by China. Iranian President Masoud Pezeskhian has talked about Iran’s need to produce medical technology, healthcare, and radiopharmaceutical products.

Pezeshkian said: “For our country, embracing advanced technologies and entering global competition is vital. Arrogant powers seek to deprive independent nations, including Iran, of access to modern technologies, keeping them dependent while they produce and sell medicines at exorbitant prices.

“Our products’ quality, effectiveness and affordability will make Iran a leader in this field,” he said, adding that the assassinations targeting Iranian scientists stem from the concern of major powers over Iran’s scientific and technological independence.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are barred from entering Iran and are also not allowed to monitor nuclear sites with cameras.

Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi said,

“We have no desire to hold direct negotiations with Washington, but an agreement can be achieved through indirect negotiations,” he stated.

He emphasised the peaceful intent of Iran’s nuclear activities, but insisted that uranium enrichment will continue, arguing that external pressure or conflict would not force Tehran to abandon its nuclear advancements. “What could not be achieved by war cannot be achieved through politics.”

US President Donald Trump previously warned that if Iran’s facilities resume operations, he could order new strikes. “If Tehran does not pursue peace – future strikes will be far more extensive,” he said.

Picture: Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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U.S. Disappointed with Rolls-Royce Build in Wales

As news of the first British site for Rolls-Royce SMR was announced, plenty of people celebrated while the U.S. was left disappointed by the decision.

We posted yesterday about this news, and although we want a strong bond between the UK and the U.S., British nuclear needs to plant its foot on home ground. We see no reason why other sites cannot be found elsewhere for future new builds; however, the site at Anglesey was something Westinghouse had their sights on.

The U.S. are interested in larger-scale nuclear projects, and utilising Westinghouse is seen as a faster, cheaper and already approved way to get cleaner, more affordable energy to the UK.

The AP300 leverages proven AP1000 tech for regulatory ease, offers simplified design for lower cost and faster construction with proven passive safety systems (gravity-fed cooling, natural circulation).

While everyone has their wants and needs over energy management and the nuclear future in Britian, we would do well to keep U.S.-UK relations strong, but really, only time will tell what’s next.

One thing’s for sure; a focus on skills and talent is going to be crucial. Britain has many nuclear and energy related infrastructure projects on-going and, in the future plans, the competition for top talent is rife and it’s only going to increase.

For those wanting to truly get ahead, we must address the skills gap at mid-career and look to succession plan up to the executive level. The sharing of expert knowledge and experience is crucial while transitioning talent into civil nuclear and energy. If we are to meet demand, we have to take our recruitment strategies seriously.

Picture: Getty Images

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Sizewell C Financial Closure

SZC becomes the first power plant to be funded by the UK’s Regulated Asset Based (RAB) model and is a debt raised financing of £5 billion.

Due to the company’s robust financial structure and being able to replicate the process at Hinkley Point C, the project was able to prove it could reduce cost & timelines hence gaining strong credit ratings from multiple agencies.

Once the site is operational it could create savings of £2 billion per year, leading to cheaper prices for consumers and utilising a low-carbon electricity system.

The project should lead to over 10,000 skilled, British job opportunities with thousands more within the supply chain and creating ~ 1,500 apprenticeships.

Importantly, SZC will supply 6 million homes with home-grown clean energy for 60 years+. The British economy is set to see a huge boost and an increase in energy security.

Sizewell C’s Joint-Managing Directors, Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, said:

“Sizewell C is a transformative project for Britain’s energy future, delivering reliable low-carbon power, tens of thousands of jobs, and a major boost to the UK economy.”

“In Sizewell C the UK has pioneered a model for financing new build nuclear which works for both consumers and private investors and has attracted considerable interest from other countries with nuclear power development plans.”

Full story here; https://www.sizewellc.com/news-views/sizewell-c-reaches-financial-close-with-5-billion-export-credit-backed-debt-raise-and-strong-investment-grade-credit-rating/

Picture: SZC

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Nuclear Component Manufacturing MoU Signed

BWX Technologies and Rolls-Royce SMR announce MoU signing for the manufacture of key nuclear components.

BWXT is in a powerful global position when it comes to enabling advanced nuclear developers to fulfil their growing demands. The Canadian subsidiary has been producing steam generators for over 60-years and has already supplied 315 steam generators around the world.

Each RR SMR reactor uses 3 steam generators to generate 470 MWe while utilising its pressurised water system. This MoU could include supporting the global roll out of Rolls-Royce’s SMR technology worldwide.

Collaboration is key when it comes to advanced technology and the nuclear industry. The power of a strong manufacturing partnership cannot be understated and with the increased focus on clean, reliable energy, this announcement could prove to be a pivotal move for both companies.

Official release; https://www.bwxt.com/bwxt-and-rolls-royce-smr-sign-agreements-advancing-key-nuclear-component-manufacturing/

Picture: BWXT

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UKAEA – Fusion of Talent

Fusion of Talent: Celebrating Women in Computing

On 4th November 2025, UKAEA hosted Fusion of Talent at Culham Campus—a one-day event spotlighting the diverse roles and contributions of women and underrepresented genders in computing. The programme featured:

  • Keynote by Alison Kennedy on diversity’s impact in computing.
  • Inspiring talks from early-career professionals.
  • A poster session showcasing research and experiences.
  • A panel discussion tackling barriers and opportunities for inclusivity.

The event fostered networking, collaboration, and open dialogue on how diversity drives innovation in sectors like high-performance computing and nuclear safety. It welcomed allies and advocates from academia, industry, and government, reinforcing the message: representation matters for the future of tech and energy.

UK Atomic Energy Authority – GOV.UK

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