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Six nations join pledge to triple nuclear power by 2050 at COP29

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During the World Climate Action Summit at COP29, six countries—El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Nigeria, and Türkiye—endorsed the global commitment to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, bringing the total to 31 signatory nations.  Initiated by France with 20 countries at COP28, the pledge underscores nuclear energy’s critical role in limiting global warming to 1.5°C per the Paris Agreement. World Nuclear Association (WNA) Director-General Sama Bilbao y León celebrated the new signatories, emphasizing nuclear energy’s…

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EDF in talks to source nuclear power for 1 GW data centre projects in France

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Électricité de France (EDF) is negotiating with three suppliers to secure power for its planned 1 GW data centre projects in France, with a focus on nuclear energy as a clean power source for tech firms amid the rising energy demands driven by AI.  EDF executive director Marc Benayoun confirmed the ongoing discussions but withheld details on the companies involved, noting that site selection for the projects is still in progress. EDF expects to export…

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Westinghouse and Hyundai sign contract for reactors in Bulgaria

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A consortium of Westinghouse Electric Company and South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction has secured an engineering services contract with Bulgaria’s Kozloduy NPP-Newbuild.  This contract advances the project beyond the front-end engineering and design phase towards the construction of two AP1000 nuclear reactors at the Kozloduy site. The AP1000, a Generation III+ reactor known for its passive safety systems and modular design, will play a central role in Bulgaria’s energy diversification and security efforts.  The…

Power Sector News Roundup for November 4, 2024

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Global: IEA report forecasts US$2 trillion clean energy market growth, challenging oil industry dominance. Germany to bury nuclear waste, but toxic dispute remains unresolved. UK Government confirms rise in oil and gas headline tax alongside investment in clean energy. Asia to spend over USD 20 billion on EVs, according to a report. Moroccan government partners with Total Energies H2 for the ‘Chbika’ green hydrogen project. Blykalla and ABB partner to develop an SMR pilot facility…

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Viaro Energy and Terrestrial Energy partner to develop IMSR nuclear project in the UK

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British energy company Viaro Energy and US-based Terrestrial Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) nuclear project in the UK. The partnership aims to deliver reliable, emission-free, and cost-competitive nuclear energy using advanced reactor technology. Terrestrial Energy CEO Simon Irish emphasized that both companies share a vision for expanding nuclear energy to achieve energy security and net zero goals. They aim to deploy small and modular power…

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L&T partners with US firm for global nuclear power deployment

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Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US-based Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) to provide efficient clean energy solutions globally.  The partnership focuses on deploying nuclear power, especially in developing countries needing substantial carbon-free electricity. The collaboration will utilize CCTE’s ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life) fuel, designed for pressurized heavy water reactors like CANDU. This fuel combines thorium and high assay low-enriched uranium, aiming to cut operating costs…

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Dominion Energy and Amazon sign MoU for SMR development in Virginia

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Dominion Energy Virginia has entered into a partnership with Amazon to explore the advancement of small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology within Virginia.  The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop innovative structures for SMR projects, aiming to bring new sources of carbon-free energy to the state. Kevin Miller, Amazon’s global data centers vice-president, emphasized that nuclear energy’s safety and reliability align with Amazon’s goal to achieve net zero carbon by 2040….

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US commits $900 million for Gen III+ SMR technologies

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The US Department of Energy (DOE) has committed $900 million to advance the development and deployment of Generation III+ small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. This funding, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 and President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is aimed at accelerating the domestic nuclear industry and supporting national climate goals. The funding is divided into two categories. Tier 1, managed by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), allocates up to $800…

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Ontario Power to operate Pickering nuclear units until 2026

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The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has granted Ontario Power Generation (OPG) an extension to operate units 5 to 8 of the Pickering nuclear generating station (PNGS) until the end of 2026, extending the previous deadline of December 31, 2024. The extended permit allows OPG to run these units up to 305,000 equivalent full power hours (EFPH), an increase from the previous 295,000 EFPH limit. The amended licence includes a requirement for OPG to maintain…

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Seaspan to manufacture SMR components for Westinghouse

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Westinghouse Electric has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Seaspan to produce essential components for its AP1000 and AP300 small modular reactors (SMRs). This partnership will support nuclear new-build projects in Canada and globally, including the manufacturing of components like pipe spools and steel structures. Seaspan’s expertise in large-scale custom fabrication positions the company to enter the nuclear sector. For each AP1000 unit built outside Canada, Westinghouse estimates a contribution of nearly C$1 billion…