All articles tagged with #nuclear technology
U.S. President Donald Trump announced he has approved South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics, with Seoul also seeking permission for nuclear fuel reprocessing, raising questions about proliferation and U.S.-South Korea relations.
Experts warn that US investors are taking significant risks by gambling on unproven nuclear technology, highlighting concerns over the potential for financial loss and safety issues.
The EU's $750 billion energy purchase pledge from the US, tied to a trade deal with Trump, faces skepticism due to unrealistic targets and logistical challenges, with much of the agreement being political rather than legally binding, and uncertainties around actual implementation and market impact.
Oklo Inc. has been designated as the preferred provider to deliver a nuclear microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, aiming to enhance energy resilience for the U.S. Department of Defense using advanced fast reactor technology.
NuScale Power, a utility firm specializing in small modular reactor technology, is laying off 28% of its workforce, amounting to 154 full-time employees, in a cost-saving effort expected to yield $50-60 million in annualized savings. Despite receiving design certification for its SMR technology, NuScale has faced financial challenges and recently terminated a project in partnership with a Utah power company. The company's shares fell over 3% following the announcement, and it expects to incur a $3 million charge related to severance costs in the first quarter.
Microsoft is reportedly exploring the use of nuclear technology, specifically microreactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to power its energy-hungry AI systems and data centers. The company has posted a job listing for a program manager in Nuclear Technology, indicating its interest in integrating nuclear power into its infrastructure. While the details of Microsoft's plans remain unclear, the move highlights the significant energy requirements of AI and the challenges faced by tech companies in meeting those demands sustainably. Microsoft has been investing heavily in AI and recently signed a power purchase agreement with nuclear fusion startup Helion.
The US Department of Energy has warned Russia's state-owned nuclear energy firm Rosatom not to touch US-origin nuclear technical data that is export-controlled by the United States Government at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The plant is currently controlled by Russian forces, and while it is still physically operated by Ukrainian staff, Rosatom manages it. The Energy Department warned Rosatom in the letter that it is "unlawful" for any Russian citizens or entities to handle the US technology.