'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.

Call for support for LEGO nuclear power plant

Published: Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:37:43 GMT

A LEGO fan has designed a model of a nuclear power plant - complete with features including a used fuel pool, control room, steam turbine and cooling system as well as the reactor and operators - and put it forward as a candidate for possible production by the LEGO Group.

Second Belarus unit's trial connection to grid 'in March/April'

Published: Fri, 03 Feb 2023 11:47:26 GMT

A test link-up to the grid of the second unit at Belarus's nuclear power plant in Ostrovets is scheduled for March or April, according to the country's deputy energy minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk.

European Parliament calls for Russia sanctions to include nuclear

Published: Fri, 03 Feb 2023 10:34:28 GMT

The European Parliament has urged European Union leaders to extend the sanctions introduced as a result of the war with Ukraine to include nuclear energy.

Polish universities launching nuclear courses, as PKN Orlen plans 79 SMRs

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2023 14:26:59 GMT

Six Polish universities, energy firm PKN Orlen and the Ministry of Education have signed a letter of intent for the roll-out of new nuclear energy-related courses to begin in the coming academic year. It comes with Orlen's CEO outlining large-scale plans for adoption of small modular reactors.

Darlington ready to produce medical radioisotope

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:49:23 GMT

Ontario Power Generation's nuclear power plant is set to produce molybdenum-99 after Laurentis Energy Partners and BWXT Medical Ltd completed the installation and initial commissioning of an innovative isotope system.

ČEZ increases investment in Dukovany, 16-month fuel cycles

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:41:50 GMT

Czech utility ČEZ says it will invest more than CZK2.3 billion (USD105 million) at the Dukovany nuclear power plant, mainly aimed at ensuring "safe and reliable operation until at least 2047". All four units are also switching to 16-month fuel cycles.

French regulator supports safety options for EPR1200

Published: Thu, 02 Feb 2023 14:06:28 GMT

France's nuclear safety regulator, the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire, at the request of the government, has issued an opinion on the safety options file for EDF's EPR1200 pressurised water reactor design. It said its opinion on the safety options for the design - intended for export - is broadly similar to that it gave in July 2019 on those of the EPR2 reactor, from which it is derived.