Nuclear Energy Bulletin | April 2024
Suleyman Turkes Dedeci
Nuclear Bullettin Writer | Researcher at AAE | Executive Assistant at TESPAM | Undergraduate Nuclear Engineering Student at Hacettepe University
Japan Court Allows Five Nuclear Reactors in Mihama and Takahama to Continue Operating | April 1, 2024
A Japanese district court on Friday (March 29) rejected residents' petitions and allowed five commercial nuclear reactors in western Japan to resume operations.
Residents had asked the Fukui District Court to halt the operation of five reactors, one at the Mihama nuclear power plant and four at Takahama, citing inadequate safety measures.
In their petition, the plaintiffs claimed that the basic earthquake ground motions designed for the Mihama and Takahama stations were unreasonably low given the severity of past earthquakes in Japan.
But presiding judge Yasushi Kato said regional differences should be fully taken into account when assessing earthquake ground motions and found no problems with Kansai Electric's research or the Nuclear Regulation Authority's (NRA) review.
Europe needs a "new level of political consensus" on nuclear issues | April 2
A new level of political consensus is needed in Europe to support the return of nuclear power to the construction phase and maintain a competitive global position, the nuclear power industry said at a roundtable at the opening of the Nuclear Energy Summit (NES) in Brussels on March 21.
"At Cop28, countries agreed that nuclear energy is part of the solution to climate change, and at the same time we need to accelerate the sector," Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said at the NES. This may seem bureaucratic at first glance, but it is not, because many political decisions depend on the opinion of governments and 'supporting' or 'not opposing' are two different positions."
"Energy efficiency, renewable energy and nuclear power are key to meeting carbon targets, but we need to generate more capacity. 9 GW [of new nuclear power] is already on the way in France and another 14 GW could be added on top of that."
"We need to innovate, this is a big concern. SMRs and AMRs are key for innovation, because we need to decarbonize the industry, so these [technologies] are important in doing that," he added.
Luc Remont, CEO of EDF, told NES that they will try to maintain and operate the French fleet for as long as possible. "I don't see any reason why each of our reactors should operate for less than 60 years, moreover I think each of our reactors can go beyond 60 years. In Europe 20 to 40 years ago we could build five or six reactors a year. EDF was building five reactors a year in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Europe as a whole needs to get back to this construction phase and EDF has a responsibility to lead the way," he said.
Yves Desbazeille, director general of Brussels-based industry association nucleareurope, told NucNet on March 22 that the European Industrial Alliance for SMRs "has already received over 100 applications, which will be approved by April 12."
Underlining the need to finance new nuclear power, Desbazeille added that the World Bank could potentially create an option for such financing.
New DOE guidance on coal-to-nuclear transition opportunities | April 2
The Department of Energy this week issued new guidance on converting coal-fired power plants to nuclear units, an idea that has gained traction in recent years as the US seeks to reduce carbon emissions.
A DOE study in 2022 found that there is potential for more than 300 coal-to-nuclear conversions across the country. While the process is complex, it will bring significant environmental and reliability benefits to the grid. The role of advanced reactors: The DOE points to the smaller physical size of advanced nuclear reactors as a good fit for retiring coal sites.
Small modular reactors have lower construction costs and improved safety features compared to older large-scale nuclear plants. DOE's 2022 study found that new nuclear plants could save up to 35 percent in construction costs through the reuse of coalfield assets such as electrical equipment and civil infrastructure.
Bangladesh considering two more nuclear units at Rooppur | April 3
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that the country is planning to build two more units at the Rooppur nuclear power plant currently under construction.
He said during a meeting with Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev that they are "interested" in building more nuclear power units at Rooppur "if there is the possibility". Likhachev confirmed that "new projects are being discussed" at the Rooppur NPP site, including the construction of two more power units, and that "the possibility of building a multi-purpose high-power research reactor is also under review."
Axpo considers extending the operating period of the Beznau plant | April 3
Swiss utility Axpo has announced that it is assessing the technical feasibility of operating the two-unit Beznau nuclear power plant beyond the currently planned 60 years.
The two 365 MWe Westinghouse pressurized water reactors at the Beznau plant are the oldest power reactors in Switzerland. Unit 1 was commissioned in 1969 and unit 2 in 1972. In addition to providing power, both units also produce district heating.
Axpo said that there are no lifetime restrictions for nuclear power plants in Switzerland and that they can continue to operate as long as it is safe to do so.
The Beznau plant generates around 6 TWh of electricity annually, meeting the needs of 1.3 million four-person households. "Nuclear power is particularly important for security of supply as it can be generated during the winter months, when almost half of the electricity generated in Switzerland comes from nuclear power," Axpo said.
Change of Nuclear Regulator in France Nears Completion After Parliamentary Approval | April 4
The current regulatory body and the technical and research agency will merge into a single body known as the ASNR.
The restructuring of nuclear safety regulation in France has taken a major step forward with the approval by both houses of the French parliament of a bill that will merge the current regulatory body and the technical and research agency into a single body to be known as the Autorité de S?reté Nucléaire et de Radioprotection.
The new agency, to be known by the acronym ASNR, is expected to come into force on January 1, 2025. The current regulatory structure includes a main regulator, the Autorité de S?reté Nucléaire (ASN), which serves as the primary nuclear safety regulator in France, but bases its decisions at least in part on the technical advice of a second body, the Institut de Radioprotection et de S?reté Nucléaire (IRSN).
Rosatom has shipped steam generators for Akkuyu-3 Nuclear Power Plant | April 4
The steam generators are shipped from Atommash's plant in Volgodonsk, southwestern Russia. Russian nuclear equipment manufacturer Atommash, part of the state nuclear corporation Rosatom, has shipped a complete set of steam generators for Unit 3 of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant being built in southern Turkey.
The set includes four steam generators for the VVER-1200 PWR design. These serve as heat exchangers where water carrying the heat generated from the nuclear reaction is used to convert demineralized water into steam.
India must have net zero nuclear power, report says | April 5
According to a new in-depth report prepared for the Indian government, India can achieve clean, affordable electricity and r
ach net zero by 2070, but will require significant nuclear and renewable energy.
Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net Zero for India: Affordable and clean energy for all, was launched on April 3 by Ajay Kumar Sood, chief scientific advisor to the Government of India.
The 224-page report was prepared by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) as part of a project approved by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) of the Government of India in November 2021. The aim of the project was to conduct a comprehensive study examining methods to minimize the cost of energy on the consumer side and create an optimal mix for all energy sources to achieve net zero emissions.
Report Link: https://psa.gov.in/CMS/web/sites/default/files/publication/ESN%20Report-2024_New-21032024.pdf
Serbian President Says Nuclear Is The Only Way To Deal With The Problem Of Rising Electricity Consumption | April 5
Aleksandar Vucic: 'Solving the problem is only possible by building large and small nuclear power plants'
Faced with rising electricity consumption, Serbia must start working to end the moratorium on nuclear energy, a problem that can only be solved by building large and small nuclear power plants, President Aleksandar Vucic said.
Vucic has called for changing regulations on new nuclear power plants and starting work to end the moratorium that has been in place since 1989.
"I want you to know that by 2050 we will be consuming four times more electricity than today. Whatever we do, however we do it, we have no chance if we don't start addressing this problem quickly," Vucic said at a government session on April 4. He said.
At the inaugural Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels last month, Vucic said Serbia was interested in building "at least four small modular reactors (SMR) capable of replacing 1,200 megawatts of capacity".
Fourth Korean APR-1400 starts commercial operation | April 8
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) announced that unit 2 of the Shin Hanul nuclear power plant in South Korea has entered commercial operation. The unit is the second of two APR-1400 reactors at the site, with two more planned.
Shin Hanul 2 received an operating license from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission on September 7 last year and subsequently completed a preliminary inspection by the regulator. Loading of 241 fuel assemblies into the reactor's core took place between September 11 and 18. High temperature functional tests were then carried out.
The 1350 MWe pressurized water reactor reached first criticality (continuous chain reaction) on December 6 and was connected to the grid on December 21. After seven months of commissioning tests, including step-by-step power ramp-up tests and performance tests of the reactor and turbine generator, Shin Hanul 2 was declared in commercial operation on April 5.
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China's new reactor starts powering up | April 11
China General Nuclear (CGN) announced the grid connection of Fangchenggang unit 4, the second demonstration Hualong One (HPR1000) reactor at the site in Guangxi Autonomous Region, China.
The 1180 MWe (gross) pressurized water reactor was successfully connected to the grid at 8:29 a.m. on April 9, "demonstrating that the unit is capable of power generation and taking another important step towards its goal of commercial operation," the company said.
CGN noted that a series of subsequent tests will be carried out to further validate the various performances of the unit with commercial operating conditions. The reactor is expected to go into "high-quality production" in the first half of this year, it said.
China's National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) granted CGN an operating license for Fangchenggang 4 on February 27, allowing fuel loading to begin in the reactor's core. Fuel loading was completed on March 2. The reactor reached the first critical level on April 3.
Commissioning work begins at Turkey's first nuclear power plant | April 11
The first unit of Akkuyu, Turkey's first nuclear power plant, has started the commissioning process. According to Russia's state atomic energy company Rosatom, the plant is expected to start supplying energy to the country next year.
"This year we will thoroughly check all systems, including the primary circuit, conduct hydraulic tests and load fuel simulators directly into the reactor. We are doing everything to ensure that next year the first unit of Akkuyu [nuclear power plant] will become part of the energy system of the Republic of Turkey."
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, commissioning is the process of making the unit's systems and components operational, testing and monitoring these parts, and verifying that they meet the required safety and performance criteria. Likhachev said they hope to have the first unit operational this year. When completed, the 4,800 MWe power plant will generate about 10 percent of Turkey's electricity.
Kazakhstan sheds light on the future of nuclear energy | April 16, 2024
As Kazakhstan, the world's largest uranium producer, prepares to hold a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant, national policymakers and stakeholders presented their vision for Kazakhstan's civil nuclear program at the World Nuclear Spotlight Kazakhstan event in Almaty.
The April 15 event, organized by the World Nuclear Association in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was held to provide support and insights ahead of the upcoming referendum. The event brought together senior representatives from Kazakhstan's government, industry and institutions with international industry leaders to brief and exchange views on Kazakhstan's nuclear energy deployment requirements and opportunities to advance the country's nuclear energy plans.?
Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yessimkhanov told delegates that nuclear energy is already a critical component of its identity in Kazakhstan, which is home to three research reactors and one fast reactor already in operation. "Kazakhstan is a uranium producing and exporting country, so we have to use this advantage to the maximum extent," he said.
Gulmira Mursalova, Deputy Director of the Department of Atomic Energy and Industry of Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry, said Kazakhstan is a resource-rich country, such as coal, which many regions rely on, but it is working hard on decarbonization and is making rapid progress in developing renewable energy as well as moving towards nuclear energy.
Last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant. Tokayev said the date of the referendum was not yet known and would depend on a presidential decree that has yet to be issued.
IAEA promotes nuclear energy with G20 | April 24
The International Atomic Energy Agency this week launched a collaboration with the Group of 20 to highlight the key role nuclear energy can play in achieving energy security and climate change goals.
This first-of-its-kind partnership with the G20, the world's largest economic grouping, aims to build momentum for nuclear energy. This is the first time the IAEA is making a presentation on nuclear energy at the G20.
According to the IAEA, for the world to reach net zero, investments in nuclear energy would need to be more than double current levels - more than $100 billion annually. This estimate is in line with guidance issued by the International Energy Agency.
"The global transition to clean energy requires nuclear power, that is absolutely clear," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. "Over the past months, the world has embraced this reality at many milestones, including the inclusion of nuclear in the first Global Stocktake at COP28; the commitment of more than 20 countries to triple nuclear capacity; and our landmark Nuclear Energy Summit last month."
Report: Small modular reactor market expected to reach $295 billion by 2043 | April 25
IDTechEx expects the installation rate of small modular reactors (SMRs) to increase significantly from the end of the decade and contribute significantly to solving the climate crisis.
These findings, contained in the latest report published by IDTechEx titled Nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) 2023-2043, show that the global market for SMRs is expected to reach $72.4 billion by 2033 and $295 billion by 2043, representing a CAGR of 30% over this period.
The report summarizes the potential level of SMRs with twenty-year forecasts outlining the expected rise of SMRs as decarbonization tools. The report identifies additional business models to energy supply from the grid as key motivations for uptake - in 2024, with the ongoing AI boom intensifying demand here.
SMRs aim to leverage assembly line manufacturing to reduce cost and construction time compared to the large reactors that make up the bulk of today's nuclear fleet. Their smaller size and frequent use of advanced fourth-generation reactor designs also make them more flexible than today's reactors, opening up uses beyond direct power to the grid.
SMRs based on the Gen IV reactor design also have the potential to provide process heat directly to hard-to-decarbonize industries without the need to generate electricity. Compared to most existing reactors, the higher operating temperatures of Gen IV designs greatly enhance their compatibility with industrial processes, including demanding ones such as steel production. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency recently outlined to IDTechEx its ongoing project to retrofit its existing demonstration HTGR (High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor) to steam reform methane for hydrogen production, demonstrating the potential here.
Report Link: https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/nuclear-small-modular-reactors-smrs-2023-2043/934
United Arab Emirates Plans Four New Nuclear Reactors | April 29
The United Arab Emirates plans to shortly launch a tender for the construction of a new nuclear power plant that would double the number of the Gulf country's commercial nuclear power reactors. Construction could start as early as this year, according to an unconfirmed report.
Sources said the UAE aims to win the tender and start construction later this year so that the new plant can meet projected energy needs.
The three commercially operating Units at Barakah already generate more than 30 TWh, or just over 12% of the UAE's electricity generation.
Europe Approves €300 Million State Aid Program for French SMR Project | April 29
The European Commission has approved a €300 million ($320 million) support plan for French state-owned small modular reactor developer Nuward, the European Union's executive body said in a statement.
The support will be in the form of direct grants of up to €300 million to cover research and development for front-end design related to the SMR project until 2027, the Commission said. Nuward will be a Generation III pressurized water reactor plant, combining two 170 MW reactor modules for a total power of 340 MW. A key feature of the plant will be the integration of proven pressurized water reactor technology into a compact modular configuration.
Italian Energy Minister Announces Plans to Join European Industrial Alliance on SMRs | April 30
Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin chaired a meeting of energy ministers from the G7 countries in Turin on April 29.
Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, who chaired a meeting of energy ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries in Turin on April 29, said ahead of an event on nuclear energy that Italy will join the European Industrial Alliance for Small Modular Reactors to develop such reactors.
"The contribution of nuclear energy in our energy mix will help Italy a lot in achieving the net zero target by 2050," Pichetto Fratin said. Fratin was speaking at an event on "the role of nuclear energy in the energy transition" on April 28. He also highlighted the role of SMRs as they can reduce costs and help decarbonize highly polluting sectors such as steel production.
Speaking about Italy's national efforts towards decarbonization, Pichetto Fratin said that Italy is ready to bring forward the date for closing coal-fired power plants as a way to convince other G7 partners (the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada and Japan) to agree on a target date for phasing out the most polluting fossil-fueled generation.
Nuclear's role in meeting climate goals recognized by G7 | April 30
According to a statement released at the end of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment in Turin, Italy, the Group of Seven (G7) countries have committed to support the use of nuclear energy in countries that choose to use nuclear energy.
"Countries that choose to use or support the use of nuclear energy recognize its potential as a clean/zero-emission energy source that can reduce dependence on fossil fuels to address climate crises and improve global energy security," the document reads.
"These countries accept nuclear power as a baseload power source that provides grid stability and resilience and optimizes the use of grid capacity, while countries that do not use or support the use of nuclear power prefer other options to achieve the same objectives, taking into account their assessment of the risks and costs of nuclear power."
The ministers drew attention to the declaration issued by 25 countries during the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in December last year, which aims to triple global nuclear generating capacity by 2050. The declaration said ministers "recognize that nuclear energy will play a role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, supporting the transition to net zero and ensuring energy security for those countries that choose to use it, while other countries will choose other energy sources to achieve these goals."
Ministers committed to support multilateral efforts to strengthen the resilience of nuclear supply chains and to continue cooperation on building a robust nuclear supply chain within the framework of the G7 and the Nuclear Energy Working Group established in Sapporo.
The G7 will "promote the responsible use of nuclear energy technologies, including advanced and small modular reactors, including micro reactors, and work together to share national best practices, including responsible waste management, provide greater access to project financing instruments, support sectoral cooperation, design licensing procedures, and strengthen coordination on the development of commercial projects between relevant G7 members and third markets," the declaration said.
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