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Russia develops new generation of radiation-resistant cameras for NPPs
Roselectronics, part of Russian State Corporation Rostekh, has developed a new generation of industrial television systems with high radiation resistance. They are designed to control technological processes in the reactor zone, as well as visual monitoring of its condition. This is necessary to maintain the operability of the key element of the nuclear power plant and prevent emergency situations. Experimental samples will be tested until the end of 2024.
South Korea and US to cooperate on research reactor proliferation resistance
South Korea is to co-operate with the US in optimising nuclear proliferation resistance in its research reactors for export. A joint statement issued by the Korean Ministry of Science & ICT and the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) said the two countries plan to collaborate on designing research reactors and associated facilities developed by Korea under NNSA’s Proliferation Resistance Optimization-X (PRO-X) programme.
CNSC approves environmental assessment for SMR at Darlington
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has announced the Commission’s decision that the existing environmental assessment for the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) is applicable to the General Electric Hitachi BWRX‑300 reactor, the reactor technology selected by Ontario Power Generation (OPG). “It is important to note that this decision does not authorise the construction of a BWRX‑300 reactor for the DNNP,” CNSC said. “The Commission will hold a future public hearing to consider OPG’s application for a licence to construct one BWRX‑300 reactor at the Darlington nuclear site.”
China starts mass production of carbon-14 isotope
China has started the mass production of carbon-14 at a commercial nuclear reactor, according to the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The carbon-14 isotope (C-14) was produced by the Qinshan NPP in Zhejiang province, which is operated by a CNNC subsidiary, Qinshan plant general manager Shang Xianhe told Xinhua, according to the Chinese State Council Information Office. “It is expected that about 150 curies of carbon-14 isotopes can be produced annually,” said Shang. He expects that C-14 output should be able to “completely meet the market demand” of China ending China’s near-total reliance on imports of the isotope.
Framatome to start production of innovative fuel for German research reactor
Framatome and Germany’s Technical University of Munich (TUM) have signed a cooperation agreement to establish an industrial manufacturing process for molybdenum-uranium (U-Mo) monolithic fuel for TUM’s Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) research reactor in Germany. This low-enriched fuel will benefit from the highest uranium fuel density ever realised in Europe for research reactor operations.
Sheffield Forgemasters granted ASME status
UK-based Sheffield Forgemasters has been awarded a strategic nuclear qualification, which the company says positions it to support development and delivery of the next generation of civil NPPs. The nuclear qualification came after an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section III Division I NCA 3300 (NCA 3800), NCA 4000 and NQA-1 Code survey and audit, recommended it for Material Organisation (MO), and welding (NPT) accreditations.
Engineering and geological research completed for Yakutia SMR
Russian company Orgenergostroy has completed a complex of engineering and geological surveys to develop design documentation for the construction of a low-power NPP (ASMM – Atomnoi Stantsii Maloi Moshnosti) in the village of Ust-Kuyga in Yakutia. This project is the first ground-based low-power NPP in Russia based on the latest RITM-200N reactor plant. The RITM-200 reactor unit was previously used on atomic icebreakers and nuclear submarines, and has been adapted for use in a low-power NPP on land.
Ongoing drone attacks heighten concerns over nuclear safety at Zaporizhia NPP
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its latest update on the Zaporizhia NPP (ZNPP) said it was informed about a further attempted drone attack on the plant’s training centre, which caused no damage or casualties. It was the third reported attack targeting the training facility recently, following two such incidents the previous week. ZNPP told the IAEA team stationed at the site that the drone had been “neutralised”, without giving further details. The IAEA team heard an explosion at the same time that ZNPP subsequently reported the attempted drone attack took place. The team was denied access to the training centre just outside the ZNPP site perimeter to assess the incident, with the plant citing potential security risks.
AtkinsRéalis opens new technology centre in Washington
Canada-based AtkinsRéalis (part of the SNC-Lavalin Group) has opened its new $20m AtkinsRéalis Technology Center (ATC) in Richland, Washington state. AtkinsRéalis said the ATC will be used to further develop “innovative nuclear and environmental cleanup technologies, engineering net zero (ENZ) and hydrogen clean energy advancements, digital solutions and robotics implementation”.
WEC begins construction of heavy machining and nuclear fabrication facility
WEC Group, a key player in the UK’s subcontract manufacturing sector, has begun construction on a new state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq ft heavy machining and nuclear fabrication facility in Blackburn. This new development marks a significant milestone in the Group’s ongoing expansion strategy and cements its position as the premier subcontract manufacturing business in the UK.