All articles tagged with #small modular reactors
The European Commission endorses deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) by the early 2030s as part of Europe’s aim for climate neutrality by 2050, with streamlined approval processes and a €200 million guarantee to attract private investment, hoping to supply low‑carbon electricity and heat for industry and enhance grid stability, while critics warn of costs, safety risks, and the unproven nature of SMRs.
The United States and Hungary formalized a civil nuclear cooperation agreement that will expand collaboration on civil nuclear energy, including small modular reactors and spent fuel management, with Hungary set to purchase U.S. nuclear fuel and Holtec International assisting on spent fuel; the pact diversifies Hungary’s energy away from Russia and strengthens U.S. influence in Europe ahead of elections, reflecting the close ties between Viktor Orbán and former President Donald Trump.
X-Energy, backed by Amazon, just won the first U.S. nuclear fuel license in more than 50 years, allowing enriched-uranium fuel production at two Tennessee facilities for the next 40 years with production slated to begin in 2028; the license supports Amazon’s plan to power AI data centers with carbon-free nuclear energy and comes alongside a $500 million Amazon investment in X-Energy for SMR development.
Argentina’s Milei government is pushing a new nuclear strategy that restart uranium mining in Chubut, advance small modular reactors, and privatize part of the state utility, while courting uranium exports to the United States—a plan drawing ire from Indigenous communities, scientists, and environmentalists who warn it could undermine domestic energy needs, worsen environmental harm, and increase US influence in Patagonian resources.
Hoosier Energy warns of a serious regional power supply emergency in central/southern Indiana and parts of Illinois and urges immediate voluntary electricity conservation (turn off unnecessary lights, delay major appliances, set thermostats to 68°F or lower, and lower water heater settings) while state officials consider small modular reactors to meet growing demand.
Nature highlights seven technologies set to shape 2026, from xenotransplantation using CRISPR-edited animal organs to reduce immune rejection, to AI-powered weather forecasting and climate modelling, a renewed push in next-generation nuclear power including small modular reactors and fusion, and advances in light-microscopy brain mapping alongside a massive Vera C. Rubin Observatory sky survey that will catalog billions of celestial objects over a decade—portending gains in medicine, energy, climate science, neuroscience, and astronomy.
Duke Energy has submitted an early site permit application to the NRC for a potential new nuclear site near Belews Creek in North Carolina, exploring small modular reactor technologies to meet future energy needs while reducing risks and costs, with plans to add 600 MW of nuclear capacity by 2037 if the project proceeds.
Ontario and New York have signed an agreement to collaborate on developing nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, to meet increasing energy demands, enhance reliability, and promote decarbonization, with a focus on technological innovation, trade, and workforce development.
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected TVA and Holtec to support the deployment of small modular reactors in Tennessee and Michigan, with up to $800 million in funding, aiming to deliver new nuclear capacity by the early 2030s and strengthen domestic supply chains as part of a broader effort to expand America's energy independence and security.
Big tech companies are investing in nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors, to meet the growing power demands of AI and data centers, despite challenges like public perception, high costs, and waste management. While promising, these technologies are still in early stages and may only address future energy needs years down the line.
The US and UK announced extensive nuclear power agreements, including building small modular reactors and securing uranium supplies, aiming to boost energy security, reduce dependence on Russian nuclear material, and promote a new era of nuclear energy cooperation during President Trump's visit to the UK.
The Biden administration has unveiled a roadmap to triple the US's nuclear energy capacity by 2050, aiming to add 200 gigawatts of new capacity. This plan, which includes deploying small modular reactors and extending the life of existing plants, faces challenges such as high costs, aging infrastructure, and potential policy shifts under a Trump administration. Despite these hurdles, nuclear energy has gained bipartisan support and interest from big tech companies as a carbon-free power source.
The US is investing heavily in small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution to cut fossil fuels and compete with China and Russia in the nuclear energy market. SMRs are smaller, less costly, and can be built in more places than traditional reactors, making them a promising option for countries seeking to decarbonize their energy systems. However, the US is facing challenges in proving the economic viability of SMRs, as demonstrated by the recent setback of a major SMR project. Despite this, the US is pushing to sell SMR technology to countries around the world, aiming to establish long-term relationships and strengthen its influence in the global energy market.
Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has signed legislation lifting a three-decade moratorium on the development of nuclear reactors in the state. Starting from January 2026, smaller nuclear reactors producing less than 300 megawatts of power will be allowed. The proposal's sponsor, Senator Sue Rezin, argues that nuclear power is crucial for the state's renewable energy portfolio. The law aims to utilize advancements in new nuclear energy technology, particularly small modular reactors. Critics argue that wind and solar power are sufficient to replace fossil fuels, but supporters highlight the need to keep two unprofitable nuclear plants operational to meet energy demands while closing coal-fired power plants by 2045.
Holtec International plans to seek federal approval to build two 300-megawatt small modular reactors (SMRs) at the closed Palisades Nuclear Power Plant site in Covert Township, Michigan. The company aims to restart the plant in 2025 and file construction plans for the new units in 2026.