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UK’s National Physical Laboratory to collaborate with CERN
The UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Switzerland-based CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (formerly Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire). Under the MOU, NPL will join CERN’s neutron time-of-flight facility (n_TOF) for studies intended to benefit advanced nuclear reactors, fuel cycles and nuclear fusion.
Inner dome installed at China’s Lufeng 5
The inner containment dome has been installed at unit 5 of China’s Lufeng NPP in Guangdong province, according to China General Nuclear (CGN). It is the first of two HPR1000 (Hualong One) reactors under construction at the site (unit 5&6).
PPPL develops instrument to better control fusion reactions
Scientists at the US Department of Energy (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have developed ALPACA – a new plasma measurement instrument, or diagnostic, that could aid efforts to boost the heat of fusion reactions in tokamaks and potentially improve the power output of future fusion power plants.
NNSA collaborates with Japan on non-proliferation of research reactors
A Statement of Intent has been signed between the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology (MEXT). Under the agreement, NNSA and MEXT will collaborate to increase the proliferation resistance of research reactors in emerging nuclear power countries including the Asian region. They will also proceed with efforts to incorporate proliferation resistance concepts in the design stage of the new research reactor at the Monju Site, which will be used for education, training and research.
Production of ITER poloidal field coils completed
The manufacture of poloidal field coil No 3 (PF3) for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), which is being built in France has been completed. It is the final poloidal field coil and was produced for ITER at the Poloidal Field Coils Winding Facility at the construction site in Cadarache.
Thailand considers deployment of Seaborg molten salt reactor
Thailand’s Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Denmark’s Seaborg Technologies to investigate the potential deployment of its compact molten salt reactor (CMSR) Power Barge in Thailand. Under the MOU, GPSC, a subsidiary of Thai state-owned oil and gas company PTT Group, and Seaborg will assess how the CMSR Power Barge could support Thailand’s transition to net-zero. The four-year assessment will be used to develop an initial project on whether deployment of the CMSR Power Barge is feasible and commercially viable.
Japan postpones restart of Shimane
Japan’s Chugoku Electric Power Co is expected to postpone the restart of unit 2 at its Shimane NPP in Matsue in Shimane Prefecture. The initial restart schedule was set for August this year but is expected to be deferred until autumn or later. The reason for the schedule change is believed to be a delay in completing safety measures. Chugoku Electric Power originally said it would load fuel into the reactor in June, resume operation in August and begin commercial operation in September.
US Senate passes act banning imports of Russian enriched uranium
The US Senate has unanimously voted to approve legislation banning the import of enriched uranium from Russia. The Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act must be signed by President Biden before becoming law. It would bar US imports 90 days after enactment while permitting temporary waivers until January 2028. The House of Representatives adopted a similar bill by voice vote in December 2023. However, the legislation was stalled for some time in the Senate due to unrelated political differences.
G7 acknowledges need for nuclear despite differences on energy policy
The Group of Seven (G7) nations undertook to support the use of nuclear energy in countries that opt for its use, following a two-day Ministerial Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment in Italy. The G7 includes Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the USA as well as the European Union. The ministerial meeting was in preparation for the G7 summit planned for June.
KHNP and EDF submit updated bids for four new Czech units as EC approves state aid
Czech power company ČEZ and its Elektrárna Dukovany II (EDU II) subsidiary has received updated binding bids from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and France’s EDF for the construction of four new nuclear units in the Czech Republic. EDF is proposing its EPR1200 reactor, KHNP is proposing its APR1000.