Technology Archives - Nuclear Careers

Last Energy Secures $100M Series C

Last Energy Secures Oversubscribed $100M Series C to Accelerate Microreactor Commercialisation.

Last Energy, a fast‑growing developer of modular micro‑nuclear reactors, closed an oversubscribed Series C round in December 2025 exceeding $100 million, marking one of the most significant recent investments in next‑generation nuclear deployment. The round was led by the Astera Institute with participation from JAM Fund, Gigafund, The Haskell Company, AE Ventures, Ultranative, Galaxy Interactive, and Woori Technology Co., Ltd.

This new capital positions the company to fully fund its U.S. DOE pilot reactor, accelerate commercialisation of its PWR‑20 microreactor, and expand its U.S. manufacturing footprint, demonstrating growing investor confidence in factory‑built nuclear solutions. A Major Milestone for the Microreactor Market

Last Energy describes this raise as transformative for its transition from demonstration to commercial power plant deployment. According to CEO Bret Kugelmass, the funding will support their DOE pilot and help prove out “how factory fabrication will unlock the scalability that the energy market demands.”

For an industry increasingly focused on energy security, electrification of heavy industry, and clean baseload power, Last Energy’s modular approach, centred on 5–20 MWe reactors, offers a scalable nuclear product designed for real‑world, near‑term deployment.

Advancing the PWR‑5 Pilot and Commercial PWR‑20 Reactor

Following the Series C round, Last Energy is prioritizing three major initiatives:

1. Completing the PWR‑5 Pilot Reactor: The PWR‑5, a 5 MWe demonstration reactor physically identical to the commercial PWR‑20 but scaled down, will serve as the proving ground for Last Energy’s factory‑fabricated approach.

2. Accelerating PWR‑20 Commercialisation: The PWR‑20 is the company’s flagship 20 MWe microreactor designed for industrial off takers such as data centres, manufacturing facilities, and ports.

3. Expanding Manufacturing Capacity in Texas: The new funding allows Last Energy to strengthen its Texas manufacturing footprint and deepen local partnerships to support serial production.

Regulatory Progress in the U.S. and UK

United States: DOE Pilot and First‑of‑its‑Kind Agreements

In August 2025, Last Energy was selected for the U.S. DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program, secured a long‑term lease at the Texas A&M–RELLIS campus, and signed the first known Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) between DOE and a reactor developer. This positions the company for an anticipated 2026 criticality demonstration.

United Kingdom: Leading the Race for Microreactor Licensing

Last Energy is also the only company with a regulator‑confirmed pathway toward a potential 2027 UK site license decision, having completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) with the ONR, Environment Agency, and NRW.

Its recognition by the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy further underscores the UK’s support for U.S.–UK collaboration on small reactor deployment.

Investor Confidence in Next‑Gen Nuclear

Investors highlighted the transformative nature of Last Energy’s productised, modular approach:

Astera Institute emphasised the company’s “ambitious” product mindset and transformative potential for power generation.
Galaxy Interactive pointed to the essential role of clean, reliable power for enabling industrial and economic growth, calling Last Energy’s model one of the “most capital‑efficient” approaches in the nuclear space.

Key Insights for the Nuclear Sector

Microreactor investment momentum continues to accelerate as private capital seeks scalable clean‑energy solutions.

Last Energy’s factory‑built PWR‑20 microreactor is positioned as a leading candidate for rapid industrial deployment.

Strong progress along both U.S. and UK regulatory pathways makes Last Energy one of the most advanced microreactor developers globally.

The company’s expansion into Texas manufacturing highlights growing demand for domestic nuclear supply chain capacity.

A Defining Moment for Microreactor Commercialisation

Last Energy’s oversubscribed $100M Series C underscores the growing confidence in modular nuclear reactors as essential infrastructure for the next generation of clean energy systems. With regulatory traction, industrial partnerships, and new capital in hand, the company is now positioned to deliver commercial microreactors in the second half of the decade, an inflection point for the global nuclear workforce and supply chain.

Picture: Last Energy

NASA’s Focus on Nuclear Tech in Space

NASA’s Renewed Push into Space Nuclear Propulsion: What It Means for the Future Workforce

NASA has quietly crossed a threshold that the space and nuclear industries have awaited for decades; the first full‑scale testing of flight‑like nuclear rocket hardware since the 1960s. Recent cold‑flow test campaigns, conducted at the Marshall Space Flight Center using full‑scale, non‑nuclear reactor prototypes, mark a major inflection point in the revival of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) technologies

Across more than 100 tests, engineers demonstrated stable propellant flow, validated fluid‑dynamic behaviour, and confirmed reactor designs that resist destructive oscillations and pressure waves—issues that historically hindered earlier programs like NERVA. These results provide some of the most detailed performance data seen in over half a century.

But the significance goes far beyond a technical milestone; NASA is building the foundations for a new operational era in deep‑space travel. Nuclear propulsion promises dramatically shorter transit times, enhanced mission endurance, and larger payload capacities, critical enablers for human exploration of Mars and sustained operations in cislunar space.

At the same time, industry partners such as BWX Technologies and General Atomics are advancing reactor components and fuels capable of withstanding extreme hydrogen‑rich, high‑temperature environments. Some materials have now demonstrated survivability up to 3000 K, paving the way for engines two to three times more efficient than conventional chemical rockets.

While the cancellation of the DARPA–NASA DRACO in‑orbit NTP demonstration represents a near‑term setback for flight testing, the technical momentum has not slowed. NASA’s internal propulsion programmes and private‑sector innovators continue to build on the mature design data emerging from these recent campaigns.

Why This Matters for Nuclear Careers

Nuclear propulsion, once a historical footnote, is resurging as one of the most transformative technical domains for the next generation of engineers, scientists, and policy specialists.

Here’s what this means for our sector:

1. A New Talent Horizon

The integration of nuclear systems into human‑rated spacecraft requires nuclear engineers fluent in both terrestrial reactor principles and space‑environment constraints. Materials science, thermal‑hydraulics, radiation effects, and high‑temperature fuel fabrication are suddenly skills in high demand.

2. An Era of Cross‑Disciplinary Acceleration

Space nuclear propulsion is inherently multidisciplinary. Reactor physicists are collaborating with aerospace engineers; metallurgists are working with propulsion designers; regulatory thinkers are engaging with mission planners. Careers at this interface will define the next decade of innovation.

3. A Strategic Inflection Point

As travel times shrink and mission capabilities grow, nuclear propulsion becomes a strategic asset for national space ambitions. The workforce that develops, validates, and governs this technology will shape how quickly humanity reaches Mars and how sustainably we operate once we get there.

The Takeaway

NASA’s recent reactor test campaigns signal more than technological progress; they mark the re‑emergence of nuclear propulsion as a central pillar of exploration strategy. For professionals entering or advancing within the nuclear field, this is an unprecedented moment. The skills, creativity, and leadership developed within today’s nuclear workforce will directly influence humanity’s reach across the solar system.

This is not just about building rockets – it’s about building the future talent and expertise that will power the next leap forward.

Picture: zugtimes.com

AI, Nuclear, and the Next Decade of Infrastructure

Why Delivery Discipline Will Decide the Winners

Artificial intelligence has accelerated energy demand faster than any previous technology cycle, shifting the bottleneck for digital growth from chips to clean, round‑the‑clock electricity. The tech sector’s pivot toward nuclear power is not a passing headline; it is the logical response to AI’s need for firm, carbon‑free baseload that can be sited near data centres and scaled reliably.

What matters now is execution: turning promising agreements, restarts, and advanced designs into electrons on the grid—on schedule and within budget.

Across the nuclear lifecycle, AI is already reshaping how plants are planned, operated, and decommissioned. The industry has struggled with delays and overruns on first‑of‑a‑kind megaprojects; AI‑driven optimisation tools are starting to change that, allowing developers to simulate thousands of build sequences, stress‑test labour and supply constraints, and re‑plan in real time when conditions shift. This is not abstract theory, it’s being applied to address workforce scarcities, sequencing of safety windows during decommissioning, and dynamic site logistics, with measurable impacts on schedule risk.

The most consequential near‑term trend is the “restart revolution.” Rather than waiting a decade for new capacity, hyperscalers and utilities are reviving retired reactors, combining digital refurbishment strategies with long‑term power purchase agreements to bring firm, zero‑carbon capacity back to the grid.

Google and NextEra’s plan to return Iowa’s 615‑MW Duane Arnold Energy Center to service under a 25‑year agreement is emblematic: existing steel, skilled operators, and proven regulatory pathways reduce risk and compress timelines, while private offtake capital underwrites the restart economics. Similar moves are underway in Pennsylvania and Michigan, signalling a pragmatic, delivery‑first mindset from energy buyers.

Big Tech’s interest goes beyond revivals. Companies are aligning with advanced reactor developers to secure clean, reliable power through the 2030s. Deals to purchase output from small modular reactors reflect a strategic hedge: SMRs promise factory‑built repeatability, smaller site footprints, and potential co‑location near data centres, if licensing and first‑unit delivery stay on track.

The timing mismatch remains real, many AI loads are arriving in the next three to five years, while new nuclear typically needs longer, but the combination of restarts now and advanced builds later offers a credible portfolio approach for hyperscale electricity demand.

Inside operating fleets, AI is raising performance by moving plants from periodic, reactive maintenance to continuous, predictive optimisation. Algorithms trained on sensor streams are catching failure modes earlier, trimming forced outages, and fine‑tuning reactor conditions for efficiency gains measured in fuel savings and megawatt‑hours delivered. Case studies from U.S. reactors show seven‑figure annual benefits per unit from machine‑learning tools that cut analysis time and improve outage planning, practical enhancements that compound across a fleet. These advances are complemented by AI‑enhanced operator training and digital twins that improve response readiness and standardise best practice.

Regulators and policymakers are beginning to treat digital capabilities as core to nuclear competitiveness. Cloud‑native licensing workflows, AI‑assisted design verification, and automated supply‑chain assurance are moving from pilot projects to strategy, but policy frameworks must catch up. Restart pathways, advanced reactor approvals, cyber resilience rules, and export controls were built for an analogue era; adapting them to software‑defined systems will be decisive for national and sectoral competitiveness. The fastest‑moving jurisdictions will not only deploy capacity more quickly; they will also attract talent and capital in the nuclear‑digital nexus.

At the macro level, AI’s electricity appetite is transforming nuclear from a climate‑led aspiration into an economic imperative. Data‑centre load growth is outpacing historic grid planning cycles, and the combination of security, reliability, and decarbonisation has narrowed the list of viable solutions. Leaders in industry and international institutions are now explicit: the scale and speed of AI all but compel a partnership with nuclear if economies want clean, 24/7 power at density and durability sufficient for hyperscale computing. That alignment of incentives; climate, competitiveness, and grid stability, has moved nuclear to the centre of the energy strategy for the AI age.

Still, credibility hinges on delivery. Even with restarts and SMRs, the sector must demonstrate that lessons from past cost escalation have been internalised. This is where AI‑native project controls, digital twins for construction, and integrated workforce planning can become the difference between an on‑time unit and a cautionary tale. AI‑optimised scheduling can surface critical paths and resource clashes early; predictive analytics can manage welding, rebar, and concrete skill bottlenecks; and real‑time dashboards can tie safety windows and security requirements to executable work plans. When applied consistently, these tools don’t just shave weeks—they change the risk posture of nuclear delivery.

For nuclear‑careers.com readers, the career implications are profound. The most valuable profiles will be bilingual across atoms and algorithms—engineers and project managers who can translate between reactor physics, regulatory constraints, and AI‑enabled decision systems. Operators with experience in data‑driven maintenance will lead reliability programmes; licensing professionals versed in digital workflows will unlock permitting speed; cybersecurity experts will harden increasingly software‑centric control systems; and construction leaders comfortable with AI‑guided logistics will own the critical path. This convergence is not a niche; it is the operating model for the next generation of nuclear deployment.

The opportunities extend beyond electricity. As nations explore nuclear‑enabled hydrogen, industrial heat, and desalination, AI will optimise multi‑product operations and dispatch across markets. For utilities, coupling nuclear with AI‑enhanced forecasting and demand flexibility adds further value to firm generation. For communities, restarts offer near‑term job creation and long‑term economic stability; in Iowa, for example, projected benefits from bringing Duane Arnold back online include hundreds of high‑quality jobs and billions in state‑level economic impact, anchored by a technology that aligns with net‑zero commitments.

The bottom line is simple. AI is forcing an honest conversation about energy systems, and nuclear has emerged as the credible backbone for clean, reliable, high‑density power. The next decade won’t be won by press releases; it will be won by delivery discipline, teams that fuse nuclear expertise with AI‑driven planning, regulators that modernise rules for digital realities, and businesses that commit to the long view. Those who execute will set the pace for the intelligence economy. Those who hesitate will be managing shortages. The future of AI will be decided not by microchips, but by megawatts and nuclear is ready to provide them, if we choose to build with precision.

Author’s Note — Laura, Director at Nuclear Careers

We are entering a phase where project delivery expertise will be the defining competitive advantage for countries and companies alike. The talent market is already signalling what comes next; hybrid roles that blend engineering with data science, licensing with digital workflows, and construction leadership with AI‑guided logistics.

If you’re building a career in this field, invest in that bilingual skillset of atoms and algorithms.

If you’re hiring, prioritise teams that can execute at speed without compromising safety.

The AI era will reward those who can turn credible plans into grid‑connected reality.

Sources: neimagazine.com, nuclearbusiness-platform.com, aimagazine.com, www.technologyreview.com, www.cnbc.com

Picture: unite.ai

Rolls‑Royce and Amentum Propel Europe’s SMR Revolution

Amentum and Rolls‑Royce SMR Forge a Defining Partnership for Europe’s Nuclear Future

A major step toward a revitalised nuclear landscape in Europe is taking shape as Rolls‑Royce SMR and Amentum formalise a partnership designed to deliver the first wave of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the UK and the Czech Republic.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the sector, uniting Rolls‑Royce SMR’s advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities with Amentum’s global expertise in programme delivery and complex nuclear infrastructure. Together, the companies are positioning SMRs as a cornerstone of future clean‑energy systems across Europe.

Rolls‑Royce SMR’s appointment of Amentum as its programme delivery partner places Amentum at the heart of Europe’s first SMR deployments. The company will play a central role in integrating and overseeing all major elements of delivery, governance, construction management, and multi‑disciplinary programme execution.

With a well‑established footprint in the UK and deep technical expertise across the full nuclear life cycle, Amentum is set to guide these projects from inception to grid integration, ensuring they remain on schedule and on budget. The UK stands to benefit enormously from this union.

Rolls‑Royce SMR expects to provide up to 1.5 GW of low‑carbon power to the national grid while supporting national net‑zero ambitions. Beyond energy contributions, the programme is expected to generate more than 8,000 skilled long‑term jobs, creating significant opportunities across engineering, construction, and the wider nuclear supply chain.

Czechia will also see major investment through the deployment of up to 3 GW of new SMR‑based capacity, reinforcing the region’s commitment to clean, reliable nuclear energy.

Both organisations emphasise the strategic value of the partnership. Rolls‑Royce SMR underscores that combining its advanced manufacturing leadership with Amentum’s proven delivery capabilities will allow multiple international projects to be executed with confidence and consistency.

Amentum, meanwhile, highlights the collaboration as a catalyst for strengthening European energy security and accelerating the transition to resilient, low‑carbon infrastructure. The shared commitment reflects a vision not only to deploy early SMR projects but to lay the groundwork for a fleet‑based approach that can scale rapidly across global markets.

This next generation of nuclear technology is designed around factory‑built precision and modular construction, an approach that dramatically reduces on‑site work, minimises cost risk, and avoids the lengthy timelines that have historically challenged large nuclear builds.

Approximately 90% of each Rolls‑Royce SMR unit will be manufactured in factory conditions before being transported for assembly, enabling repeatable, standardised deployment in diverse environments.

Retaining a 470 MWe output and a service life of at least 60 years, each reactor provides reliable baseload power while benefiting from modern engineering enhancements, including innovative seismic protection systems under development in partnership with engineering specialists such as Skanska.

For the nuclear workforce, supply chain partners, and future entrants into the sector, this collaboration signals the emergence of a new industrial era. The programme will expand opportunities in advanced manufacturing, civil engineering, regulatory oversight, systems integration, digital design, and project management, fields that will underpin SMR deployment for decades to come.

As the UK and Czech Republic begin to realise their first SMR projects, the Rolls‑Royce SMR–Amentum partnership is not only reshaping the energy landscape but also redefining the scale of opportunity available to the nuclear profession.

This alliance demonstrates the powerful role that SMRs can play in strengthening energy resilience, supporting decarbonisation, and revitalising nuclear capability across Europe.

With delivery partners now aligned and early development milestones underway, the stage is firmly set for a new chapter in nuclear innovation, one driven by collaboration, standardisation, and a shared commitment to a clean‑energy future.

Picture: Rolls Royce SMR

Bulgaria Bets Big on SMRs for a Clean Energy Future

Bulgaria is charting a bold course in its nuclear landscape by embracing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) not just as power plants, but as catalysts for energy security, decarbonisation, and high-tech growth. The spotlight is on the BWRX‑300 design from GE Vernova Hitachi, and several recent developments make this an especially exciting moment for the sector.

A Strategic Joint Venture to Launch SMRs

New JV is linked to Poland’s Synthos Green Energy (SGE) and Bulgaria’s Blue Bird Energy (BBE), a consortium anchored by Glavbolgarstroy and Asarel‑Medet, have signed a letter of intent to create a joint venture targeting up to six BWRX‑300 units in Bulgaria.

These 300 MWe reactors, harnessing passive safety and natural circulation, leverage the proven design lineage of the conventional ESBWR, offering a compact yet robust addition to Bulgaria’s nuclear fleet.

The JV’s mandate is extensive and incorporates site selection and licensing to construction, funding, and operation, designed to jumpstart a domestic SMR ecosystem.

There’s high-level momentum & global backing for Bulgaria as well as diplomatic synergy from Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov engaged with GE Vernova’s Roger Martella, first in New York and later in Sofia, to explore partnerships.

These discussions followed an MoU from August 2024 between Bulgarian Energy Holding and GE Hitachi, laying a groundwork for BWRX‑300 development

With cross-border cooperation with a U.S.–Bulgaria intergovernmental agreement, signed during an IAEA conference, includes provisions for civil nuclear support, U.S. lab participation in feasibility studies, and potential funding via the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

And why does Bulgaria’s Embracing of SMR’s Matter?

Energy stability with low emissions, economic & industrial uplift, and supply chain integration will all see a productive impact.

Bulgaria already generates ~⅓ of its electricity with two VVER‑1000 units and is building two AP1000 reactors at Kozloduy. SMRs will deliver reliable, clean baseload power while supporting grid flexibility.

These reactor platforms can energise new data centres, AI hubs, gigafactories, and hydrogen facilities, turning Bulgaria into a regional innovation powerhouse.

With local industry players in the JV, Bulgarian firms are poised to join the global SMR value chain, boosting domestic jobs and capabilities.

GE Vernova’s BWRX‑300 is already under construction in Canada, and the technology is attracting interest in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Romania, underscoring its momentum across Europe.

Bulgaria’s approach is both balanced and strategic, maintaining large-core reactors at Kozloduy while advancing agile, low-carbon SMRs to complement and diversify its nuclear capacity.

With active engagement from U.S.-based U.S. national labs and financial channels, Bulgaria is aligning global nuclear expertise with local readiness, ensuring a well-rounded deployment pathway.

In conclusion

Bulgaria’s nuclear vision is crystal clear – harmonising legacy nuclear strengths with cutting edge SMR innovation to forge a resilient, clean, and future-ready energy system. With its cross-border partnerships, industrial leadership, and technology-forward mindset, Bulgaria is positioning itself to become a beacon of nuclear excellence in Southeastern Europe and a potential model for global SMR deployment.

If you want a deeper dive into BWRX‑300 safety features, licensing trajectories, or how SMRs integrate with national energy frameworks, we’d love to hear from you.

Sources: nucnet.org, bta.bg, gbs-bg.com, neimagazine.com, economic.bg, world-nuclear-news.org

Picture: Bulgarian Energy Ministry

Oxford Sigma Make Powerful Mark at IAEA Meeting

At the inaugural IAEA Technical Meeting on Experience in Codes and Standards for Fusion Technology, held in Vienna this November, Oxford Sigma made a powerful mark.

Dr Alasdair Morrison, CTO of Oxford Sigma, delivered a compelling presentation highlighting the importance of supply‑chain and materials frameworks in fusion-specific codes and standards. He emphasised current applications and the future evolution of materials within voluntary, consensus-based standards.

This landmark event, convened by the IAEA following preparatory consultations in 2023–25, brought together industry leaders, research institutions, fusion developers, and academia. Its mission: to bolster global collaboration on safety, efficiency, and technical rigor in fusion plant development.

A major achievement was the creation of a unified knowledge base of existing and emerging codes and standards across the fusion sector. Oxford Sigma’s contributions, especially through presentations and panel sessions, amplified the critical role of materials readiness in the supply chain.

Highlighted themes included:

- The expansion of fusion-specific standards within major bodies like ISO and ASME Division 4, co-chaired by Oxford Sigma co-founder & CEO, Dr Thomas Davis.
- Clarifying the varied requirements for demonstration versus full-scale fusion plants.
- Establishing clear, common terminology to accelerate global collaboration across the fusion ecosystem.

By blending deep materials expertise with a strategic supply-chain perspective, Oxford Sigma is not just participating but leading the evolution of the standards framework essential for building safe, scalable, and commercially viable fusion power plants.

Original release; https://oxfordsigma.com/updates/news/oxford-sigma-present-at-iaea-technical-meeting-on-codes-and-standards/

Picture: Oxford Sigma

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

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

Microsoft is First tech Firm to Join WNA

Microsoft joins the World Nuclear Association (WNA), and this seems like a huge milestone for the nuclear sector. When it comes to carbon-free energy technology utilisation, this is exciting!

When you think of one of the world’s leading, most highly thought of and expert tech companies, you combine that with the nuclear sectors’ track-record of delivery, it’s a brilliant strategic moment.

To meet the demands and needs of the digital economy there really is only one energy source that will keep pace, nuclear. We have ambitious climate goals coupled with an increasing demand where technology usage is concerned, and not enough power for renewable alone to handle.

Nuclear energy will be the main, consistent and reliable source for us to rely on, and we will wait to see who else follows Microsoft’s lead.

Picture: World Nuclear Association

Philippines Uses Nuclear Tech to Fight Plastic Pollution

During the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International High-Level Forum, Filipino President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., talked about his commitment to addressing plastic issues through nuclear technology.

“It affects biodiversity, public health, supply chains, and the lives of our coastal and urban communities. Addressing it requires going beyond regulation and advocacy. It requires technology that is credible, scalable, grounded in rigorous science,” he said.

The work is part of a global initiative by the IAEA called the Nutec Plastics Initiative, and the Philippines are transforming low-value plastic into reliable, commercially viable materials under the Post-Radiation Reactive Extrusion of Plastic Wastes Project (PREx).

Full story; https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/11/26/news/national/philippines-leverages-nuclear-technology-in-fight-against-plastic-pollution/2231044

Picture: Philippines Presidential Communications Office

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Tag: Technology

Last Energy Secures $100M Series C

Last Energy Secures Oversubscribed $100M Series C to Accelerate Microreactor Commercialisation.