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Uzbekistan progresses plans for NPP construction
Rosatom and Uzbekistan nuclear utility Uzatom are working on a contract for the construction of a NPP in Uzbekistan. Rosatom is also ready to offer Uzbekistan options for low-power NPPs. “Rosatom and the Uzatom agency are working on a draft general contract for the construction of nuclear power plants; this is an extensive and multifunctional work, Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Ministry of Industry & Trade Denis Manturov said on the sidelines of the international exhibition, Innoprom – Central Asia. “At the same time, Rosatom is ready to offer additional proposals to Uzbekistan, including for low-power nuclear power plants.”
Ghana and China to co-operate on HPR 1000 nuclear project
Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) Overseas Limited signed a cooperation and framework agreement on the margins of the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam for the construction of a HPR-1000 (Hualong One) Nuclear Power Project and the upgrade of Ghana’s grid. Ghana restructured its nuclear programme in 2008 to meet the expected increase in energy demand. Nuclear Power Ghana was established in 2018 as the Owner/Operator of Ghana’s first proposed NPP.
IAEA submits report on nuclear energy to G20
The IAEA has submitted a report to the G20 on nuclear energy’s role in achieving energy security and climate change goals. The Agency has launched its participation with the G20 (Group of Twenty) under the Presidency of Brazil as an invited organisation in the Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) ahead of the next G20 leaders’ summit, in Rio de Janeiro in November. The IAEA report laid out how policy shifts and better access to financing mechanisms are essential for nuclear power deployment to scale up to the level needed for the world to reach net zero by 2050. This was the first time the IAEA had made a presentation to the G20 on issues related to nuclear power, following on from successful prior engagements on the value of nuclear techniques for fighting plastic pollution.
Taking Non-destructive Evaluation to the next generation
Non-destructive Evaluation (NDE) is widely used in the nuclear power industry for routine maintenance, asset management and in-service assessments. The NDE industry is constantly evolving its tools and techniques with the integration of new and emerging automation technology.
Idaho National Laboratory’s future focus
For more than 70 years the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been at the forefront of reactor research and continues to pioneer novel designs and fuels to power them. Dr Jess C. Gehin, Associate Laboratory Director of Nuclear Science & Technology tells NEI about the cutting edge of nuclear research.
By Judith Perera.
CA01 ‘super module’ installed at Lianjiang 1
The CA01 super module has been installed at unit 1 of the Lianjiang NPP in China’s Guangdong Province, according to the Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute (SNERDI). The 1,066-tonne concrete and steel CA01, which houses the main components of the power unit, is 27 metes long, 29 metres wide and 24 metres in height. It consists of 47 cells in which the reactor vessel, steam generators and other components of the power unit will be located. As such large components cannot be transported using available modes of transport, it was assembled at the plant site. Lifting the module into place took 3 hours and 18 minutes. In November 2023, another large module, the CA20 was installed at this unit.
Framatome and KHNP to assess feasibility of medical isotope production at Wolsong
France’s Framatome and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to demonstrate the feasibility of producing non-carrier added lutetium-177 (Lu-177) at South Korea’s Wolsong NPP. Framatome and KHNP will jointly perform this technical assessment at the plant using Framatome’s isotope production technology. This has been successfully implemented on a commercial production level at the Bruce Power NPP in Canada.
Westinghouse fuel licensed for use at Kozloduy
Bulgaria’s Nuclear Regulatory Agency (AYaR – Agentsiyata za Yadreno Regulirane) has licensed the use of Westinghouse fuel for unit 5 of the Kozloduy NPP. Loading of the new fuel, which has already been delivered to the site, will begin during the next scheduled repair and maintenance outage, due to begin at the end of April. The first 42 cartridges of the new American fuel arrived at Kozloduy NPP by ship from Sweden, where they were manufactured.
IAEA reports enhanced safety at Dutch research reactor
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Safety Assessment for Research Reactors (INSARR) team said the operator of the Hoger Onderwijs Reactor (HOR) in the Netherlands has enhanced safety since a previous review mission in September 2021. The team also found the need to address recommendations related to operational radiation protection and commissioning, following major modifications to the research reactor.
EDF report on Hinkley Point C project emphasises training
A recent report by EDF, Hinkley Point C Socio-Economic Impact Report 2024, says 7,885 people have already trained at Centres of Excellence for welding, mechanical, electrical and construction skills, with 1,307 currently in training as a result of the Hinkley Point C construction project. The 23-page report notes that 1,320 apprentices have been trained so far, in areas including hospitality, accountancy and project management. EDF adds that productivity for the nearby town of Bridgwater is now 10% higher than other surrounding towns.