Edition 22: Nuclear Pulse

In This Week’s Edition:

1. Top Global Nuclear Developments – The most significant nuclear news and policy updates from around the world.

2. Poll of the Week Results – Key takeaways from this week’s industry poll, reflecting expert and public opinion.

3. Q&A from the Audience – Addressing key questions from readers on nuclear energy, policy, and technology.

4. Plant Watch - A spotlight on operational nuclear power plants, exploring performance, milestones, and historical significance.

5. Engagement Question – A thought-provoking discussion to encourage insights and discussion within the community.

From significant investments in nuclear power to new partnerships and policy shifts, this week has been packed with significant developments in the nuclear sector.

In this edition, we cover the top global updates, analyse the latest poll results, answer key audience questions, spotlight an operational nuclear plant, and spark discussion with our engagement question.

1. Top Global Nuclear Developments

United Kingdom: GBP 14.2 billion committed to Sizewell C, mirroring Hinkley Point C. Rolls-Royce SMR selected to build the UK’s first modular reactors. The UK is also investing £2.5 billion in fusion energy.

World Bank: Ending its ban on nuclear funding, now supporting reactor life extensions and SMRs in developing countries.

France-Finland & Sweden: EDF and Fortum to continue collaboration on potential new nuclear projects.

France: Major industrial players, government, and unions sign strategic contract for reactor life extension and new builds.

Canada & France: AtkinsRéalis and EDF expand global partnership for new nuclear opportunities.

Thailand & South Korea: KHNP and Thailand’s Electricity Generating Authority sign MoU to explore SMRs.

Argentina: Deployment of four SMRs and restarting uranium mining and enrichment.

2. Poll of the Week Result

Question: How soon will fusion energy become a major part of the global energy mix?

• 22% believe it will happen within the next decade
• 39% expect fusion to take 20–30 years
• 30% think it’s still 50+ years away
• 9% say it will never become a key energy source

With 295 votes cast, the poll is now closed. Thank you for voting!

3. Q&A from the Audience

Q: Why is nuclear energy important for data centres?

A: Following the link to the post below

4. Plant Watch

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station

The Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in Pennsylvania remains a key player in U.S. nuclear energy. Owned and operated primarily by Talen Energy, this 2.5-gigawatt facility has been reliably supplying power since 1983.

Operational Highlights

• Two General Electric boiling water reactors (BWR-4, Mark II containment)
• Licensed through 2042 (Unit 1) and 2044 (Unit 2) following NRC extensions
• Produces enough electricity to power over two million homes

Data Centre Integration

The plant is not just about electricity - it’s also fueling the digital economy. In March 2024, Amazon Web Services acquired the Cumulus Data Centre connected to the Susquehanna facility for $650 million, ensuring stable, nuclear-powered energy for its operations.

With its high reliability, large-scale output, and integration with critical infrastructure, Susquehanna remains a cornerstone of nuclear energy and digital transformation.

5. Engagement Question

Small Modular Reactors

Are SMRs the future of nuclear energy?

• Absolutely – They offer flexibility and scalability.
• Promising – More development is needed before mass adoption.
• Uncertain – Cost and regulation could slow progress.
• No – Large reactors or renewables are better options.

Drop your thoughts below! 👇

That’s it for this week!

If this issue sparked a thought or raised a question, reply or DM me. Let's build this community together.

Don’t forget to participate in this week’s poll and share your thoughts on this week’s topics.

Until next time - stay informed, stay inspired!

– Ruan Steyn, Author, Nuclear Pulse