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BWXT joins GE Vernova Nuclear’s newly established SMR supplier group
GE Vernova’s Nuclear business, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has established a group of qualified supply chain companies to advance the global deployment of the BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR). The purpose of the supplier group is to help ensure a reliable, cost effective and innovative process for the manufacture and commercialisation of the BWRX-300. Suppliers who meet pre-defined criteria, customer requirements and demonstrate a willingness to invest in BWRX-300 supply chain capabilities are eligible for selection to the group. The first company to join the group is BWXT Canada Ltd, a subsidiary of BWX Technologies.
Cutting decontamination costs
Collaborative research is helping Sellafield manage and treat radioactive effluents from its large and complex site. By exploring radionuclide, mineral and microbial behaviour in waste pond environments and during effluent treatment processes, the projects are helping to cut the costs of decontamination.
Moore’s Law and nuclear computing
Nuclear has benefited from the computational power of High-Performance Computing (HPC) with its ability to analyse complex data, simulate intricate processes, and optimise operations. Despite facing several challenges, Owen Thomas, founder of Red Oak Consulting, argues that the nuclear sector will continue to thrive as HPC invariably moves to the cloud.
UAE to launch tender for four new nuclear reactors
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will tender shortly for the construction of a new nuclear power plant that would double its nuclear capacity, Reuters has reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter. The UAE plans to seek bids this year, possibly within the next few months, to build four new reactors, the sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, requesting anonymity to discuss details that are still private.
Terrestrial Energy and Schneider Electric to collaborate on advanced reactor deployment
US-based Terrestrial Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Schneider Electric to jointly develop commercial opportunities and advance the deployment of Terrestrial’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology for industrial heat and power supply. Schneider Electric systems automate and optimise energy management for improved performance, efficiency, and contribute to the commercial and sustainability goals of its customers.
Life extension work under way at Tarapur
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has engaged Mumbai-based EPC contractor CORE Energy Systems to replace the primary recirculation piping at units 1&2 of the Tarapur Atomic Power Plant (TAPS) in Palghar district, in Maharashtra state. The refurbishment should extend plant life by 10 years.
Key equipment for Paks II completed
One of the two pieces of equipment for the Paks II NPP project – the core melt trap – has already been completed, and production of the reactor pressure vessel has now begun in St Petersburg, “which is a real milestone for the expansion of Paks” Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó told a press conference in Budapest. The melt trap had been completed ahead of schedule and would be delivered to Hungary in the summer, he added.
European Commission approves state aid for Nuward SMR
The European Commission (EC) has approved, under European Union (EU) state aid rules, a €300m ($320m) French measure to support Electricité de France’s (EDF) subsidiary Nuward in researching and developing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). The EC said the measure will contribute to the achievement of the strategic objectives of the European industrial strategy and the European Green Deal.
IAEA concludes safety review at Japan’s Mihama NPP
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) team has completed a review of long term operational safety of unit 3 at the Mihama NPP in Japan. The review mission was requested by the plant’s operator, Kansai Electric Power Company.
First concrete poured for Lianjiang 2
First concrete has been poured for the nuclear island of unit 2 at China’s Lianjiang NPP in Guangdong province. State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) said it expected to pour a total of about 6,615 cubic metres of concrete over a 57-hour period.