nuclear power

Heat and drought conditions are currently restricting nuclear output across Europe. As a result, Romania faces the possibility of a reactor shutdown, while France is actively reducing its electricity generation.

The article details how nuclear power has propelled American defense services for over 70 years, supporting assets like attack submarines and ballistic missiles. This piece is part of a limited series celebrating American defense technologies born from wartime, running to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

Heatwaves impact power generation sources like nuclear, gas, wind, and solar, with France's nuclear reactors shutting down during a 2026 heatwave. Extreme heat reduces nuclear efficiency due to cooling challenges, lowers gas plant efficiency, and decreases wind speeds, while increased electricity demand strains networks.

The Dry Danube River is threatening nuclear power operations in Romania and Hungary. Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant is operating at 10% capacity due to insufficient cooling water, while Romania's military detonated a rock outcrop to enhance water flow to the Cernavoda plant.

Hungary is shutting down a nuclear reactor due to drought and rising temperatures, which have lowered water levels needed for cooling. The reactor was intended to provide energy for half the country, highlighting challenges nuclear power faces amid climate-related environmental stressors.

Italy’s Giorgia Meloni supports a nuclear power revival due to rural opposition to renewables that 'spoil the landscape,' despite decades of reactor shutdowns.

DARPA's Rads to Watts program is funding seven teams to develop a miniature power cell the size of an AA battery that can operate for years or decades without recharging.

Italy's government, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, is advancing legislation to reintroduce nuclear power after decades of public opposition, focusing on small modular reactors and advanced technologies. The shift aims to address energy security, climate goals, and rising electricity demand, despite historical resistance linked to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and a 2011 referendum against nuclear energy.

Nearly 40 years after Italy abandoned nuclear power following the Chernobyl disaster, Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government is laying the groundwork for a return to atomic energy. The shift reflects a generational divide in Italy's approach to nuclear energy.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to eliminate the ALARA radiation safety principle, which has required minimizing radiation exposure for 50 years, replacing it with a 'graded approach' based on potential radiation doses. This move aligns with President Trump's efforts to expand nuclear energy production amid rising demand from data centers and AI, while the Energy Department has already stopped using ALARA. The NRC claims safety standards remain unchanged, focusing on clarifying regulations rather than lowering them.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposes eliminating the ALARA principle, a 50-year-old radiation safety standard requiring radiation exposure to be as low as reasonably achievable. This change aligns with President Donald Trump's efforts to expand nuclear energy production amid increased electricity demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. The NRC claims safety standards remain unchanged, while the Department of Energy has already stopped using ALARA.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing to eliminate a 50-year-old radiation safety principle that has minimized public radiation exposure in the U.S. and been adopted globally. Trump is promoting nuclear power, which may influence this regulatory change.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore outlined a plan to address rising energy bills by advocating for a diverse energy strategy, including nuclear, solar, wind, and battery storage. He emphasized the need for faster approval of energy projects, modernized regulations, and bipartisan cooperation to meet growing demand and stabilize costs.

South Africa's nuclear regulator confirmed no radiation leak into the environment during three contamination events at the Koeberg Power Station. The incidents, caused by power loss to ventilation during maintenance, were contained, with worker exposure below levels from a dental X-ray. The plant, Africa's only nuclear facility, remains operational with extended reactor lifetimes as the country plans to expand nuclear energy.

South Africa's nuclear regulator confirmed no radioactive material leaked into the environment during three 'contamination' events at Koeberg Power Station, Africa's only nuclear plant. The incidents, caused by power loss to ventilation units during maintenance, were contained, with worker exposure levels below those from a dental X-ray. The plant, located near Cape Town, is part of South Africa's plans to expand nuclear energy amid growing electricity demands.

Bangladesh is being considered as a test case for nuclear power development among developing nations. A nuclear plant is located on the banks of the Padma river in western Bangladesh.

NASA is planning a nuclear-powered mission to Mars, the Space Reactor-1 Freedom, set for launch by December 2028. The mission is described as the first nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft.

Germany's right-wing AfD seeks to revive coal and nuclear power while restricting non-EU immigration. Businesses in eastern Germany caution that these policies may negatively impact the economy.

Colorado Springs Utilities outlined plans for grid upgrades and explored the potential of nuclear power to address growing energy demands. CEO Travas Deal emphasized infrastructure improvements, including new substations, and highlighted the need for energy consumption management to avoid rising costs.

The article criticizes Vermont Governor Phil Scott for promoting nuclear power as 'clean' to meet carbon commitments, arguing it is neither clean nor green. It highlights concerns about radioactive waste stored near the Connecticut River and opposes H.601, a bill redefining 'clean' energy to include nuclear.

Minnesota is launching a study to assess whether to lift its moratorium on new nuclear power plants. The Prairie Island Indian Community, located near stored nuclear waste, expressed concerns about potential impacts on their land and cultural sites, while supporters argue nuclear energy is a clean and efficient power source.

New York State has released a policy roadmap proposing up to $23.9 billion in public subsidies for building nuclear power to strengthen the electric grid and expand emission-free energy supply.

A Nebraska utility is considering four potential sites for a new nuclear power plant, including Gage County, where a former wind energy opponent now supports nuclear power. Local leaders in the four candidate communities generally express openness to nuclear projects, contrasting with recent public backlash against wind and solar energy.

Pakistan's energy sector saw hydel, renewable, and nuclear sources surpass thermal power in installed capacity for the first time, contributing 50.8% of 49,651MW total capacity. The Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) facilitated 102 IPPs, attracting $35 billion in foreign investment, while solar projects and Thar coal initiatives advanced energy security.

NextEra Energy plans to acquire Dominion Energy in a $67 billion merger, combining control of New England’s nuclear power plants, including Seabrook in New Hampshire and Millstone in Connecticut. The merger could reshape the region’s energy supply, which relies on nuclear power for 25% of energy and 50% of carbon-free power. Connecticut’s energy procurement process and state laws requiring inter-state coordination on nuclear contracts may influence the deal’s impact.

Italy’s lower house approved a return to nuclear power after nearly 40 years. The decision aims to reverse a long-standing atomic energy ban, with Meloni seeking success where Berlusconi previously failed.

The North Carolina House approved a bill to regulate data centers and promote nuclear power, aiming to address rising electricity costs and grid reliability. The legislation, titled the Ratepayer Protection Act, faced bipartisan discussion, with Democrats expressing concerns about over-reliance on nuclear energy and advocating for solar, wind, and battery storage as alternatives.

Rising electricity demand driven by data centers, manufacturing, and electrification is outpacing supply, causing higher bills. Exelon attributes 75% of recent bill increases to generation costs, not delivery, and warns of potential summer shortages. The article emphasizes the need for increased power production and an 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy.

North Carolina House lawmakers are fast-tracking a bill to regulate data centers, mandate nuclear power for replacing baseload plants, and expedite permitting for new facilities. The rewritten Senate Bill 730, titled the 'Ratepayer Protection Act,' aims to require data centers to conduct noise and water impact studies while ensuring grid reliability.

India Inc is opening nuclear power to the private sector. Tata Power and Adani Group are among the conglomerates seeking approval to construct nuclear plants.

French power prices have surged due to a heatwave, raising concerns over nuclear energy reliability. The Bugey nuclear power station, located on the River Rhône in Bugey, France, is among the facilities impacted by the extreme weather conditions.

The US is emerging as a global energy superpower, with nuclear power taking center stage, after years of efforts by radical environmental groups to strangle America's oil, gas, and coal industries. The nation is shifting away from costly wind and solar alternatives. This energy comeback is expected to have significant implications.

X-energy's stock surged 27% on its first day of trading on the Nasdaq following an upsized initial public offering (IPO). The nuclear power startup attracted significant investor interest, reflecting strong market confidence in its prospects.

X-energy, a nuclear startup backed by Amazon, raised $1 billion in its IPO, exceeding initial targets by 20% as demand for nuclear power grows.

The Chernobyl disaster site is being studied as a unique laboratory to learn lessons for the future of nuclear power. A podcast on science and technology highlights how the world's worst nuclear accident informs advancements in the field.

Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) discusses the intersection of energy and artificial intelligence, America's competitive stance against China in AI development, and the role of nuclear power. The interview highlights strategic priorities in technology and international rivalry.

Nuclear power in the United States has achieved a minor advancement, marking progress in its development despite ongoing challenges. The step forward suggests potential growth in energy production through nuclear technology.

Investors are increasingly funding British nuclear and fusion startups to meet the energy demands of expanding AI datacenters in the UK. Market analysts report significant capital inflows into atomic and fusion energy solutions as a response to rising energy requirements for datacenter infrastructure.

Japanese nuclear reactor manufacturers are projecting record sales as the country experiences a resurgence in nuclear power demand. This reflects a global shift toward nuclear energy as countries seek reliable low-carbon power sources.