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Small Modular Reactors

All articles tagged with #small modular reactors

US-Hungary sign civil nuclear pact as Orbán deepens ties with Trump-era ally
world12 days ago

US-Hungary sign civil nuclear pact as Orbán deepens ties with Trump-era ally

The United States and Hungary formalized a civil nuclear cooperation agreement that will expand collaboration on civil nuclear energy, including small modular reactors and spent fuel management, with Hungary set to purchase U.S. nuclear fuel and Holtec International assisting on spent fuel; the pact diversifies Hungary’s energy away from Russia and strengthens U.S. influence in Europe ahead of elections, reflecting the close ties between Viktor Orbán and former President Donald Trump.

Amazon-backed X-Energy wins half-century U.S. nuclear fuel license
business14 days ago

Amazon-backed X-Energy wins half-century U.S. nuclear fuel license

X-Energy, backed by Amazon, just won the first U.S. nuclear fuel license in more than 50 years, allowing enriched-uranium fuel production at two Tennessee facilities for the next 40 years with production slated to begin in 2028; the license supports Amazon’s plan to power AI data centers with carbon-free nuclear energy and comes alongside a $500 million Amazon investment in X-Energy for SMR development.

Argentina’s Nuclear Pivot Sparks Local Fallout and US-Linked Uranium Plans
energy19 days ago

Argentina’s Nuclear Pivot Sparks Local Fallout and US-Linked Uranium Plans

Argentina’s Milei government is pushing a new nuclear strategy that restart uranium mining in Chubut, advance small modular reactors, and privatize part of the state utility, while courting uranium exports to the United States—a plan drawing ire from Indigenous communities, scientists, and environmentalists who warn it could undermine domestic energy needs, worsen environmental harm, and increase US influence in Patagonian resources.

Indiana urges residents to curb electricity use as power supply tightens, SMR option eyed
energy1 month ago

Indiana urges residents to curb electricity use as power supply tightens, SMR option eyed

Hoosier Energy warns of a serious regional power supply emergency in central/southern Indiana and parts of Illinois and urges immediate voluntary electricity conservation (turn off unnecessary lights, delay major appliances, set thermostats to 68°F or lower, and lower water heater settings) while state officials consider small modular reactors to meet growing demand.

Seven Tech Frontiers Set to Define 2026
technology1 month ago

Seven Tech Frontiers Set to Define 2026

Nature highlights seven technologies set to shape 2026, from xenotransplantation using CRISPR-edited animal organs to reduce immune rejection, to AI-powered weather forecasting and climate modelling, a renewed push in next-generation nuclear power including small modular reactors and fusion, and advances in light-microscopy brain mapping alongside a massive Vera C. Rubin Observatory sky survey that will catalog billions of celestial objects over a decade—portending gains in medicine, energy, climate science, neuroscience, and astronomy.

US invests $800M in small modular reactor development with TVA and Holtec
energy2 months ago

US invests $800M in small modular reactor development with TVA and Holtec

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected TVA and Holtec to support the deployment of small modular reactors in Tennessee and Michigan, with up to $800 million in funding, aiming to deliver new nuclear capacity by the early 2030s and strengthen domestic supply chains as part of a broader effort to expand America's energy independence and security.

Nuclear and Energy Stocks Surge Amid AI Industry Hype and Tech Shifts
technology4 months ago

Nuclear and Energy Stocks Surge Amid AI Industry Hype and Tech Shifts

Big tech companies are investing in nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors, to meet the growing power demands of AI and data centers, despite challenges like public perception, high costs, and waste management. While promising, these technologies are still in early stages and may only address future energy needs years down the line.

US Aims to Triple Nuclear Power Capacity by 2050
energy1 year ago

US Aims to Triple Nuclear Power Capacity by 2050

The Biden administration has unveiled a roadmap to triple the US's nuclear energy capacity by 2050, aiming to add 200 gigawatts of new capacity. This plan, which includes deploying small modular reactors and extending the life of existing plants, faces challenges such as high costs, aging infrastructure, and potential policy shifts under a Trump administration. Despite these hurdles, nuclear energy has gained bipartisan support and interest from big tech companies as a carbon-free power source.

"Nations Compete for Global Influence in New-Wave Nuclear Energy Race"
energy-technology2 years ago

"Nations Compete for Global Influence in New-Wave Nuclear Energy Race"

The US is investing heavily in small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution to cut fossil fuels and compete with China and Russia in the nuclear energy market. SMRs are smaller, less costly, and can be built in more places than traditional reactors, making them a promising option for countries seeking to decarbonize their energy systems. However, the US is facing challenges in proving the economic viability of SMRs, as demonstrated by the recent setback of a major SMR project. Despite this, the US is pushing to sell SMR technology to countries around the world, aiming to establish long-term relationships and strengthen its influence in the global energy market.

Illinois Governor Pritzker Opens Door to New Nuclear Technology
energy2 years ago

Illinois Governor Pritzker Opens Door to New Nuclear Technology

Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has signed legislation lifting a three-decade moratorium on the development of nuclear reactors in the state. Starting from January 2026, smaller nuclear reactors producing less than 300 megawatts of power will be allowed. The proposal's sponsor, Senator Sue Rezin, argues that nuclear power is crucial for the state's renewable energy portfolio. The law aims to utilize advancements in new nuclear energy technology, particularly small modular reactors. Critics argue that wind and solar power are sufficient to replace fossil fuels, but supporters highlight the need to keep two unprofitable nuclear plants operational to meet energy demands while closing coal-fired power plants by 2045.

US Abandons Plans for First Small Nuclear Reactor Plant
energy2 years ago

US Abandons Plans for First Small Nuclear Reactor Plant

The first planned small modular nuclear reactor plant in the US, known as the Carbon Free Power Project, has been canceled. The project, developed by NuScale Power and its primary partner Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, faced economic challenges as the cost of renewables dropped. The project lacked enough utility partners to continue, leading to its cancellation. This setback raises uncertainty about the future deployment of commercial reactors by NuScale and the overall prospects of nuclear power in the US.