US companies join forces to accelerate SMR deployment
A TVA-led coalition including BWRX-300 developer GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy is applying for federal funding to support the US deployment of small modular reactors. Subsidiaries of American Electric Power are also seeking funding for the early stages of SMR development at sites in Indiana and Virginia.
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The TVA-led coalition has submitted an application for USD800 million in funding from the US Department of Energy's Generation III+ SMR programme. As well as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the coalition includes Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, Electric Power Research Institute, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), American Electric Power company Indiana Michigan Power, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Sargent & Lundy, Scot Forge, other utilities and advanced nuclear project developers and the State of Tennessee.
"Nuclear power has a key role to play in reaching a cleaner and more secure energy future," Scott Strazik, CEO of GEH parent company GE Vernova, said. "Funding from this grant would play a critical role in the path forward," he added.
The Department of Energy (DOE) opened the applications for the grant funding to spur the first deployments of Gen III+ SMR in the USA last October. In the solicitation, a Gen III+ SMR is defined as a nuclear fission reactor that uses light water as a coolant and low-enriched uranium fuel, with a single-unit net electrical power output of 50-350 MWe, that maximises factory fabrication approaches, and the same or improved safety, security, and environmental benefits compared with current large nuclear power plant designs.
TVA is planning to deploy SMRs at Clinch River near Oak Ridge in Tennessee, for which it already has an early site permit. According to TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash, this funding would accelerate construction of an SMR at Clinch River by two years, with commercial operation planned for 2033. By working with these partners, the funding would also help establish a domestic supply chain and support future deployments of advanced nuclear units in the USA and beyond, he noted.
"We believe advanced nuclear technologies will play a critical role in our region and nation's drive towards greater energy security," Lyash said. "Enabling and accelerating this technology will take innovation and partnership, as well as discipline and hard work. Nuclear is the most reliable and efficient energy the world has ever known, and TVA is uniquely positioned to help drive this forward. We are committed to working with partners and this grant would expedite our work as we invest in America's nuclear future."
Duke Energy President Harry Sideris said the company's participation in the grant reflects its commitment to nuclear energy's role in its long-term generation strategy. "Public-private partnerships such as this accelerate technology development and increase our access to industry learnings and best practices, so we can deliver the best value for our customers, communities and investors," he said.
The coalition would work as a collective group to assess risks and foster US heavy manufacturing and supply chain capabilities that could result in cost reductions and collaboration across deployments, and would also seek input from local communities, including those impacted by retired fossil plants, Duke Energy said.
As well as its role in the proposed coalition, Duke also announced that it has entered into an agreement with GEH to invest in activities to advance the standard design and licensing for the BWRX-300. "This agreement, along with participation in the potential US SMR coalition, will provide another avenue for Duke Energy to exchange valuable insight and best practices with TVA and other collaborators as they implement GE Hitachi's SMR technology. This work will help inform Duke Energy's near-term evaluation and early development activities for new nuclear, which supports the company's energy transition and will deliver value to its customers and communities," the company said.
Indiana site identified
In addition to the coalition funding application, American Electric Power (AEP)'s company Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) announced it is also applying for USD50 million of federal funds under the same DOE programme to begin the early stages of SMR development at Rockport in Indiana. Another AEP subsidiary Appalachian Power has submitted a separate grant proposal requesting USD35 million to offset the costs of the work necessary for an early site permit for a SMR project at Joshua Falls in Virginia.
I&M has applied for the funding as a subrecipient under TVA's application, with GEH as the reactor technology provider. If awarded the funds, I&M said it will conduct early site permit activities, as well as a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report, for the construction of a BWRX-300 at Rockport in Spencer County. Local and state officials have expressed their support for the project, and the Indiana Office of Energy Development in November issued a siting report performed by Purdue University which identifies Rockport as a suitable site.
“We are excited that Indiana Michigan Power is exploring SMR technology and is looking at its Rockport generation site in Spencer County as its home,” said Indiana State Representative Steve Bartels and Indiana State Senator Daryl Schmitt in a joint statement. “An SMR here would mean hundreds of great jobs for the area, provide local fiscal support to enhance the quality of life, local services, and create educational opportunities for our young people to help them build a career in energy production.”
Rockport is the second site identified by AEP for potential construction of a SMR: in November, Appalachian Power announced plans to begin the early site permit application process for an SMR project at Joshua Falls in Campbell County, Virginia, with plans to file an application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission this Spring. The company has now applied for a federal grant to support the early site permit process, but has not yet identified a technology provider for the Virginia project, saying it is evaluating technology providers "to determine what is commercially viable at the site and aligns with Virginia's energy needs".
The DOE opened applications for funding to support the initial domestic deployment of Generation III+ small modular reactor technologies last October, with up to USD800 million to go to two "first-mover" teams and USD100 million to address so-called gaps that have hindered plant deployments.
Russia discussing new nuclear energy units with Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that progress on two reactors under construction is "going well" and the two countries are "now discussing the possibility of building additional units".
The comments came during a joint press conference following talks with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow and the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty.
Putin said: "Energy remains a crucial area of Russian-Iranian cooperation. The flagship joint project for the construction of two new units of the Bushehr nuclear power plant by Rosatom is making strides. Once implemented, this project will undoubtedly make a weighty contribution to enhancing Iran’s energy security, spur national economic growth, and provide affordable and environmentally friendly electricity for Iranian households and industrial enterprises."
Later, when asked more generally about energy links and "challenges" faced, he referred to gas supply volumes, saying "we believe we should start small with up to two billion cubic metres, but with an option to eventually increase annual shipments to Iran to up to 55 billion cubic metres of gas. The oil sector also offers opportunities for cooperation. We operate a major nuclear project. One unit is operational and things are going well, and we are now discussing the possibility of building additional units. Indeed, we have to push certain deadlines back, mainly due to payment and settlement issues. This is no secret.
"Nevertheless, work is being done and progress is being made. Thousands of people are working on these sites, with approximately 80% of the construction being carried out by local contractors. It is a massive and major effort, and we are moving forward despite some issues that need our attention. This is precisely why we get together to address such issues."
In the transcript of the press conference published by the Kremlin, Iran's president does not directly mention cooperation on nuclear energy, but does say that the treaty would lead to "expanded opportunities for the advancement of our bilateral relations ... particularly in trade and economic interactions between Iran and Russia".
The first unit at the Bushehr plant, which was connected to the grid in 2011, has generated more than 70 billion kWh and according to Russia's official Tass news agency, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev told reporters at the Kremlin event that construction of the second and third units continues "despite the sanctions and pressure" and, according to Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), he said negotiations for the construction of another nuclear power plant in Iran would begin "in the near future". He said there would also be cooperation on potential small modular reactors.
A Russian-designed VVER unit with a capacity of 915 MWe is already in operation at Bushehr, on the Persian Gulf coast. Two further units featuring VVER-1000 units are under construction - unit 2, which had first concrete poured in 2019 and the core catcher installed last year, had a scheduled installation of its reactor pressure vessel "30 months later", and physical start-up scheduled "55 months later", which would suggest 2029. That timeline was outlined by Iran at an event at the International Atomic Energy Agency's General Conference last September, when it as also said that the plan was for first concrete for unit 3 in the last quarter of 2024.
According to IRNA, the Head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Mohammad Eslami, said last week that the country had a target of having 20 GW of nuclear capacity by 2041, and that they were now in the "construction and operational" phase of the project for the second and third units at Bushehr.
Westinghouse reaches agreement on IP with Korean companies
Westinghouse, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Korea Electric Power Cooperation plan to collaborate on the deployment of new nuclear reactors around the world after agreeing to settle their intellectual property dispute.
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Westinghouse filed a case in October 2022 with the District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to prevent Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and its parent company Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) from exporting the APR1400 reactor design without its permission. The suit claimed that the APR1400 design includes intellectual property licensed by Westinghouse and requires its permission before being transferred for use in other countries.
In response, KHNP filed countersuits calling for Westinghouse to withdraw the case. It claimed that the US Atomic Energy Act grants authority to enforce the law exclusively to the US Attorney General and not to entities as a means of claiming rights through litigation.
In September 2023, the District Court for the District of Columbia accepted KHNP's argument and dismissed the case. However, a final ruling by the arbitration panel is not expected until late 2025.
Westinghouse has now announced a global settlement agreement with KEPCO and KHNP to resolve their intellectual property dispute. While details regarding the terms of the settlement remain confidential, Westinghouse said it "will work with KEPCO and KHNP to dismiss all current legal actions".
"This agreement allows both parties to move forward with certainty in the pursuit and deployment of new nuclear reactors. The agreement also sets the stage for future cooperation between the parties to advance new nuclear projects globally," Westinghouse said.
"Westinghouse is pleased to reach an agreement with KEPCO and KHNP on this important issue," said Westinghouse President and CEO Patrick Fragman. "As the world demands more firm baseload power, we look forward to opportunities for cooperation to deploy nuclear power at even greater scale."
"The two sides restored their traditional 50-year ties through this agreement," said KEPCO CEO Kim Dong-cheol. "Based on this, KEPCO can now take part in securing overseas nuclear power plant contracts more actively as the settlement resolves uncertainties due to legal conflicts."
KHNP President Hwang Joo-ho added: "This agreement will serve as an opportunity to build a closer cooperative relationship between KHNP and Westinghouse."
Canada's Cameco, one of world's largest providers of nuclear fuel, acquired Westinghouse in 2023 in a strategic partnership with Brookfield Asset Management and its affiliate Brookfield Renewable Partners and institutional partners.
"This is a positive outcome for both parties, which we believe facilitates bringing world-leading reactor technology and related competencies in engineering, construction services, maintenance, fuel supply, and training to the global market," said Cameco President and CEO Tim Gitzel.
"With more than 30 countries and over 100 companies pledging to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, the demand for nuclear power is undeniable. This agreement strengthens the industry's ability to provide carbon-free, reliable, dispatchable baseload electricity to help achieve climate, energy and national security objectives."
The agreement comes days after the USA and South Korea signed an agreement covering exports of nuclear technology. The Memorandum of Understanding on Principles Concerning Nuclear Exports and Cooperation finalised a provisional understanding reached in November.
US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm welcomed the agreement between Westinghouse, KEPCO and KHNP, saying it "marks an exceptional accomplishment which could pave the way for hundreds of billions of dollars in cooperative projects moving forward while creating and maintaining hundreds of thousands of jobs in the civil nuclear sector.
"US and Republic of Korea cooperation on civil nuclear energy can offer a highly competitive alternative on the global marketplace while upholding the highest non-proliferation standards. This commercial agreement, along with our signing last week of a government-to-government MoU on Principles Concerning Nuclear Exports and Cooperation, will promote civil nuclear energy cooperation as an exceptionally strong and enduring component of US–Republic of Korea relations."
In August 2024, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power was selected by the Czech government as its preferred bidder to build up to four new nuclear power units in the country. South Korea's APR1000 nuclear power plant is based on original technology from Westinghouse.
French-Italian collaboration on SMR deployment
France's EDF, its Italian subsidiary Edison and Italy's nuclear research organisation ENEA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the industrial applications of small modular reactors.
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In particular, the collaboration will focus on the analysis of thermo-hydraulic systems and passive safety systems, new technologies, integral system operation and the opportunity to provide electricity and heat in cogeneration mode for industrial needs. The agreement also provides for training activities and exchange of know-how between researchers and PhD students.
"Thanks to our collaboration with ENEA, one of Italy's leading players in the field of new nuclear research, we are taking a further concrete step towards the use of new nuclear technologies to support the Italian industrial system, by pooling technical and scientific expertise, experience in the management of nuclear plants, and a forward-looking vision," said Edison Executive Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development and Innovation Lorenzo Mottura.
Alessandro Dodaro, director of the nuclear department at ENEA - the Italian national agency for new technologies, energy and sustainable economic development - added: "The agreement with EDF and Edison will strengthen Italy's role in Europe in the development of innovative nuclear technologies, with the aim of supporting the Italian industry in penetrating the European SMR market and reinforcing ENEA's leadership in the field of innovative nuclear technologies, passive systems, and large-scale experimentation up to full-scale testing."
"This collaboration is a practical and effective way to overcome barriers to deploying small modular reactors in Europe," said EDF Group Chief Technical Officer and Head of EDF Research and Development Bernard Salha. "By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, we are committed to developing innovative solutions that will contribute to Europe's carbon neutrality goals. We look forward to working closely with ENEA and Edison to enable a decarbonised future for the industry."
In March 2023, EDF signed a Letter of Intent with Italy's Ansaldo Energia, Ansaldo Nucleare and Edison to assess potential industrial cooperation for the development of nuclear power in Europe, including in Italy, specifically in the field of SMRs. In particular, the companies plan to explore potential industrial cooperation, drawing on their respective skills.
In July last year, an MoU was signed between EDF, Edison, Federacciai, Ansaldo Energia and Ansaldo Nucleare aimed at promoting cooperation in the use of nuclear energy to boost the competitiveness and decarbonisation of the Italian steel industry. Through that MoU, the partners will consider co-investment opportunities in new nuclear energy and, in particular, in the construction of SMRs in Italy over the coming decade, making use of the SMR technology promoted by EDF, of Edison's expertise, and of the engineering and industrial capabilities of Ansaldo Energia and Ansaldo Nucleare.
Italy operated a total of four nuclear power plants starting in the early 1960s but decided to phase out nuclear power in a referendum that followed the 1986 Chernobyl accident. It closed its last two operating plants, Caorso and Trino Vercellese, in 1990.
In late March 2011, following the Fukushima Daiichi accident, the Italian government approved a moratorium of at least one year on construction of nuclear power plants in the country, which had been looking to restart its long-abandoned nuclear programme. In May 2023, the Italian Parliament approved a motion to urge the government to consider incorporating nuclear power into the country's energy mix. Italy's government included potential new nuclear capacity in its National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan, which was submitted to the European Commission on 1 July 2024.
New York State looks to advanced nuclear
As New York Governor Kathy Hochul announces a master plan for advanced nuclear development, the state's energy research and development authority has joined Constellation on a grant proposal to help it pursue an early site permit for advanced nuclear reactors at its Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center.
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The creation of a Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York is part of a USD1 billion proposal to achieve a "more sustainable and affordable future in New York State" was included in Hochuls' 14 January State of the State address. It will be guided by the newly published Blueprint for Consideration of Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The Blueprint - which was itself drawn up following public comments on a draft released at the Future Energy Economy Summit in September - envisages that the process to develop the Master Plan will take place over 2025 and 2026 and include opportunities for stakeholder involvement. A completed Master Plan is expected to be published by the end of 2026.
New York State will also co-lead a multi-state initiative facilitated by the National Association of State Energy Officials and the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) on advanced nuclear energy, anticipated to launch in February 2025, and support Constellation Energy Corporation in pursuing federal planning grant funding to support the exploration of the addition of one or more new advanced nuclear reactors at Nine Mile Point, NYSERDA said.
NYSERDA’s cost-share funding is a critical first step in helping to determine whether new nuclear can become a reality in New York, Constellation said. If granted, the DOE funding would be used to seek an early site permit for Nine Mile Point, which would approve the site for future development of a nuclear power plant. The permit is valid for up to 20 years, and the company can apply for a construction and operating licence at any time during the permit period. Decisions from DOE on the awardees are expected in early summer.
Constellation’s president and CEO Joe Dominguez said the company appreciated Hochul's leadership and New York’s ongoing support for nuclear energy, which produces more than 20% of the state’s energy. "Constellation has previously worked with NYSERDA to develop leading clean hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies using nuclear power. Now, NYSERDA and Constellation are once again joining together with a commitment to explore advanced nuclear energy technologies and continue the meaningful progress toward New York’s clean energy and economic development goals," he said.
New York has already supported the continued operation of Constellation’s three so-called upstate nuclear facilities - Nine Mile Point, RE Ginna and James A Fitzpatrick - explicitly recognising the zero-carbon contribution of the plants in its 2016 Clean Energy Standard as critical in enabling it to meet its climate change targets. Nine Mile Point, in Oswego, is home to two operating boiling water reactors, where the company began operating a first-of-its-kind 1 MW demonstration scale, nuclear-powered clean hydrogen production facility in 2023.
Last year, NYSERDA released a Request for Information to gauge community interest in activities to develop advanced nuclear energy technologies in the state.
Investment agreement signed for Mongolian uranium project
The agreement between the Orano Group and the Mongolian government for the development and operation of the Zuuvch Ovoo uranium mine has been signed at a ceremony in Ulaanbaatar.
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Badrakh Energy, a joint venture between Orano and Mongolia's state-owned MonAtom Group, will be responsible for the industrial operation of the major Zuuvch Ovoo and Dulaan Uul/Umnut deposits, which Orano says have estimated uranium resources of close to 90,000 tonnes.
The agreement was signed following ratification by the Mongolian government.
Mongolia has substantial known uranium resources but there has been no uranium mining in the country since 1995, when mining of the Dornod deposit by a subsidiary of Russia's Priargunsky Industrial Mining & Chemical Union came to an end. Orano has been involved in uranium exploration in the Gobi Desert since 1997, which led to the discovery of the Dulaan Uul deposit in 2002 and the Zuuvch Ovoo deposit in 2010. The company says these deposits place Mongolia 12th in the world in terms of countries with the most uranium reserves.
The project will use in-situ leach (ISL, also known as in-situ recovery, or ISR) methods: pilot operations carried out at Zuuvch Ovoo over 2021-2022 have demonstrated the project's technical, economic and environmental feasibility. Development is planned to take 4 years. The project will have a nominal production capacity of around 2,500 tU per year over a 30-year estimated lifespan.
Initial investment will be around USD500 million before the project comes on stream, and a further USD1.6 billion will be invested over the mine's lifetime, Orano said. The mine is expected to create 1,600 direct and indirect jobs, and the project includes "significant investment" in the training of a qualified local workforce. Under the terms of the investment agreement, more than 51% of the direct benefits generated by the project, secured through taxes, dividends and royalties, will be received by the Mongolian state.
Orano CEO Nicolas Maes said the investment agreement lays the foundations for a mutually beneficial long-term relationship for Orano and its Mongolian partners. "Uranium production in Mongolia will contribute both to low-carbon electricity generation and security of supply for our customers," he said.
Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai said the agreement supports economic growth and delivers on aims set out in the country's New Recovery Policy and Vision 2050. "This agreement is a significant step forward in boosting inward investment and employment opportunities for the Mongolian people," he said.
Zuuvch Ovoo is in Mongolia's southeastern Dornogovi province.
Brazil's INB gets approval for Caldas decommissioning
The first licence for the decommissioning of a uranium mine in Brazil has been issued to the Caldas Decommissioning Unit of Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil.
The licence has been issued by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), which is part of the country's environment ministry. Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) said the operating licence, issued on 14 January, followed in-depth analysis of the plans by specialists from the company and IBAMA.
Brazilian production of uranium began in 1982 in Caldas/Minas Gerais - it was the first ore extraction and processing unit in the country - and supplied the needs of the Angra 1 plant for 13 years before closing production in 1995 because of market conditions.
INB President Adauto Seixas said that obtaining the licence was "further evidence of our commitment to decommissioning, transparency and sustainable development" and ensures that the area of the unit in Caldas can be made available for other uses in the future.
INB said the next steps involve publishing the operating licence and "managing the requirements broken down into conditions in the license itself, to advance the decommissioning of the unit".
The Caldas Decommissioning Unit (UDC) covers an area of 1360 hectares. INB announced in September 2023 that the first stage of building demolition had been completed with 12 buildings demolished at the deactivated industrial plant, including offices, warehouse changing rooms, boiler control house and the water treatment plant control house. At that time, 500 tonnes of scrap metal had been disposed since 2019 during the decommissioning process.
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