Articles tagged with "nuclear-power"
German nuclear plant removes 1,200-ton generators without disassembly
The Unterweser nuclear power plant in Germany has successfully removed four massive steam generators, each weighing approximately 300 tons and standing 20 meters tall, using an innovative heavy lift system without disassembly. Operated by PreussenElektra, the plant was notable for holding world records in power generation before its shutdown in 2011 as part of Germany’s nuclear phase-out. The steam generators were lifted out with precision and high safety standards using Mammoet’s DHS-500 handling system, which allowed for efficient removal by combining with existing cranes and hydraulic skidding, avoiding more time-consuming transport methods. Following removal, the steam generators are scheduled to be shipped to Cyclife in Sweden in July for on-site dismantling and subsequent melting. PreussenElektra is also managing the decommissioning of several other German nuclear plants and has contracted Cyclife for dismantling 16 steam generators across multiple sites. The successful use of the DHS-500 system at Unterweser, building on prior experience
energynuclear-powersteam-generatorspower-plant-decommissioningheavy-lifting-technologyMammoet-DHS-500electricity-generationAmazon joins the big nuclear party, buying 1.92 GW for AWS
Amazon has joined a growing trend among major tech companies by securing 1.92 gigawatts of electricity from Talen Energy’s Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania to power its AWS cloud and AI servers. Unlike an earlier plan where Amazon intended to build a data center adjacent to the plant and draw power directly—bypassing the grid and transmission fees—regulatory concerns led to a revised agreement. The current deal positions Amazon as a grid-connected customer, paying transmission fees like other users, with the arrangement set to last through 2042. Transmission infrastructure upgrades are planned for spring 2026 to support this setup. Beyond the power purchase, Amazon and Talen Energy plan to explore building small modular reactors (SMRs) within Talen’s Pennsylvania footprint and expanding output at existing nuclear plants. Such expansions typically involve optimizing fuel enrichment, turbine upgrades, or other modifications to increase power generation. This move aligns Amazon with peers like Microsoft and Meta, who have also made significant investments in nuclear
energynuclear-powerAWScloud-computingsmall-modular-reactorsclean-energypower-purchase-agreementRussian firm advances Gen-V nuclear fuel loading for closed fuel cycle
Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has initiated the pilot operation of fifth-generation (Gen-V) nuclear fuel assemblies, designated TVS-5, by loading them into the VVER-1200 reactor core at the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Manufactured by the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant, these fuel bundles are designed for fully automated fabrication, enabling industrial-scale production critical for advancing a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The pilot phase will span three 18-month fuel cycles, using a regular enriched uranium dioxide fuel matrix under strict regulatory oversight by Rostechnadzor. This development marks a significant milestone in Russia’s strategic shift toward a dual-component nuclear power system that integrates thermal and fast neutron reactors with a closed fuel cycle. The closed cycle aims to reuse spent nuclear fuel by reprocessing uranium and plutonium, thereby improving resource efficiency and sustainability in nuclear power generation. Rosatom emphasizes that the TVS-5 fuel design and its automated manufacturing process are essential steps toward enabling the
energynuclear-fuelnuclear-powerautomated-fabricationclosed-fuel-cycleVVER-1200RosatomRolls-Royce to power 3 million UK homes with 1.5 GW nuclear reactors
Rolls-Royce has been selected by the UK government and the state-owned Great British Energy – Nuclear as the preferred bidder to develop the country’s first fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The project aims to generate 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, enough to power approximately 3 million homes. Unlike traditional nuclear plants built entirely on-site, these SMRs will be factory-manufactured in modules and then assembled at the final location, a method intended to reduce construction costs, complexity, and delays. Each Rolls-Royce SMR will produce 470 megawatts, with the technology expected to begin generating power by 2032 at the earliest. This initiative is part of a broader UK nuclear strategy that includes a £14.2 billion investment in the large Sizewell C power station and a £2.5 billion commitment to the SMR program during the current Spending Review period. The government highlights that SMRs are smaller, quicker to build,
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsRolls-Royceclean-energyUK-energy-strategypower-generationAmazon announces $20B nuclear-powered data center expansion in US
Amazon has announced a historic $20 billion investment to build two large data center complexes in Pennsylvania, marking the largest private sector investment in the state’s history. One complex is under construction near Philadelphia, while the other is planned adjacent to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in northeastern Pennsylvania. Amazon intends to power the latter data center directly from the nuclear plant, a move that has drawn federal scrutiny and is currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This direct power connection could provide Amazon with up to 960 megawatts—about 40% of the plant’s output—enough electricity to power over half a million homes, potentially at a premium price. The Pennsylvania governor, Josh Shapiro, emphasized that this investment aims to revitalize local communities and reverse the trend of young workers leaving the state for better opportunities. Amazon’s acquisition of the nearby data center and land from Talen Energy for $650 million last year enables the company to expand significantly on that site. This expansion is part of Amazon’s broader strategy, which has seen about $10 billion pledged in 2024 alone for data centers across several states, driven by the growing energy demands of AI technologies. However, the direct power deal raises concerns about grid fairness and energy access, as it may limit availability for others and bypass grid improvement fees, prompting ongoing regulatory review.
energynuclear-powerdata-centersAmazonenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energypower-gridUS firm plans 10 GW power from small reactors at retired nuclear site
Florida-based Holtec International, in partnership with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, plans to deploy advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) at the retired Palisades nuclear plant site in Michigan by 2030. The project, part of Holtec’s “Mission 2030” program, aims to build America’s first SMR-300 units—each a 300 MW advanced, passively safe, pressurized light water reactor—co-located with the existing 800 MW Palisades plant, which is currently being restarted after its 2022 shutdown. Holtec intends to build a 10-gigawatt fleet of SMR-300s across North America during the 2030s, leveraging the cost advantages of deploying SMRs at existing nuclear sites. Holtec is also exploring additional SMR deployments, including up to four units at the Oyster Creek site in New Jersey, where a 625 MW boiling water reactor is slated for decommissioning by 2029. The company sees significant growth potential for SMRs in the Mountain West region, particularly in Utah and Wyoming, supported by ongoing testing at Idaho National Laboratory and recent pro-nuclear legislation in Utah. Holtec’s SMR-300 design emphasizes passive safety features, such as gravity-driven safety systems, earning it a “walk-away safe” designation, and positions the company to compete globally against state-backed reactor vendors by offering comprehensive lifecycle services from construction to decommissioning. The Palisades SMR-300 project is intended to serve as a global benchmark for next-generation nuclear technology deployment, advancing U.S. leadership in clean energy innovation and unlocking worldwide opportunities for SMR adoption. Holtec highlights the project’s role in providing clean, reliable energy capable of powering hundreds of thousands of homes while maintaining high safety and operational standards.
energysmall-modular-reactorsnuclear-powerSMR-300clean-energypower-plantHoltec-InternationalUS' largest SMR simulator to advance nuclear science for clean energy
clean-energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsenergy-innovationVirginia-energyrenewable-energynuclear-engineeringMeta strikes 20-year nuclear power deal to fuel AI and save Illinois reactor
energynuclear-powerclean-energyAIdata-centerselectricity-demandrenewable-energyMeta buys a nuclear power plant (more or less)
energynuclear-powercarbon-accountingclimate-impactdata-centersrenewable-energytech-companiesInvestment Risk for Energy Infrastructure Construction Is Highest for Nuclear Power Plants, Lowest for Solar - CleanTechnica
energyconstruction-costsrenewable-energynuclear-powersolar-energyhydrogen-economyinfrastructure-projectsTrump signs executive orders to revive US’ nuclear power leadership
energynuclear-powerreactor-technologyAI-data-centersuranium-miningregulatory-reformrenewable-energyA Perfect Storm For Energy Is Coming To The US
energyclean-powernuclear-poweroil-and-gascoalrenewable-energyenergy-transitionThe Nuclear Company raises $51M to develop massive reactor sites
energynuclear-powerreactorselectricitydata-centerspower-generationrenewable-energyThe Nuclear Company raises $46M to develop massive reactor sites
energynuclear-powerreactorselectricitydata-centerspower-generationrenewable-energyGoogle inks deal to develop 1.8 GW of advanced nuclear power
energynuclear-poweradvanced-reactorsdata-centersrenewable-energysmall-modular-reactorspower-generationConnecticut Struggles To Reconcile The High Cost Of Electricity With A Push For Renewables
energyrenewable-energyelectricity-ratessolar-incentivesnuclear-powerenergy-legislationConnecticutFinland Could Be the First Country in the World to Bury Nuclear Waste Permanently
nuclear-wasteFinlandpermanent-disposalnuclear-powerspent-fuelenergy-policyenvironmental-sustainability