Regulators across multiple states are advancing efforts to improve distribution system planning, aiming to enhance grid reliability, accommodate the changing generation mix, and streamline infrastructure projects to better meet customer needs.
The Government of Canada on March 5 announced the signing of a preliminary contract with AtkinsRéalis to lend $304 million for four years for the development of a novel, large-scale, natural uranium–fuelled Canadian deuterium uranium, or CANDU, nuclear reactor. The objective is to innovate the nascent nuclear reactor technology further and deploy the design for…...
State lawmakers and utility commissions across the U.S. are moving swiftly to address surging energy demand from data centers, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence applications. As these facilities proliferate, regulators are taking proactive steps to ensure utilities can accommodate massive new loads without straining the grid or increasing costs for existing customers.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Feb. 7 issued its final environmental review for Units 1, 2, and 3 of the Oconee Nuclear Power Station in South Carolina. The environmental assessment will enable Duke Energy to obtain a second license renewal for the power plant, extending the station’s operations for another 20 years. The commission found…...
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed an order, directing the U.S. Department of Energy to take actions to advance President Trump’s energy agenda. The department outlined a number of actions to implement President Trump’s executive orders including expanding energy production, advancing energy innovation, enabling next generation nuclear power technology, and strengthening grid reliability. As part…...
The U.K. government on Feb. 6 announced plans to revise existing nuclear planning regulations to reduce red tape and accelerate the approval and construction of nuclear reactors. The changes will support the development of smaller nuclear reactors and allow more flexible siting for projects. A more efficient, timely approval process will allow nuclear developers in…...
As electricity demand soars, nuclear power is emerging as a key solution to ensure grid stability and achieve net-zero emissions goals. More recently, increasing demand, particularly from data centers, is fueling the push to restart previously shut-down nuclear plants.
U.S. nuclear generators utilized 32 million pounds of imported uranium concentrate and 0.05 million pounds of domestically uranium concentrate during 2023, according to an Jan. 30 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Imports of uranium concentrate accounted for 99 percent of the nuclear generator’s requirements. Foreign producers mainly supply the U.S. front end…...
South Carolina’s state-owned utility, Santee Cooper, issued a request for proposals for potential buyers to acquire and complete the development of two partially constructed nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station, according to a Jan. 22 press release. The move comes in response to growing interest in new nuclear power to help meet rising…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Dec. 10 announced the selection of six companies to procure domestic Low-Enriched Uranium or LEU. The department will sign contracts with American Centrifuge Operating LLC, General Matter Inc., Global Laser Enrichment LLC, Louisiana Energy Services LLC, Laser Isotope Separation Technologies Inc., and Orano Federal Services LLC. The minimum value of…...