Edition 30: Nuclear Pulse

Welcome to this week’s edition of Nuclear Pulse - your trusted snapshot of what’s shaping the future of nuclear energy. From global investments and breakthrough technologies to shifting policies and community perspectives, this newsletter distils the week’s most important developments into ten essential sections:

1. Global Nuclear Briefing – Top headlines and strategic decisions shaping the future of nuclear energy worldwide.
2. Poll of the Week Results – A snapshot of expert and public opinion on the industry’s most pressing questions.
3. Audience Q&A – Your questions answered - clear, insightful responses to the issues that matter most.
4. Plant Watch – A focused look at a landmark nuclear facility and its impact on energy, policy, and community.
5. Engagement Question – A space for bold ideas, reflections, and dialogue from across the nuclear community.
6. Top post of the Week - The most engaging or impactful post of the week - highlighting key insights, reactions, or conversations that sparked attention.
7. Infographic of the Week - A visual breakdown of key nuclear energy concepts, data, or developments.
8. Term of the Week - Demystifying nuclear jargon - one term at a time.
9. University Spotlight - Highlighting academic research and student contributions to nuclear innovation.
10. Conference Watch - Upcoming events, keynotes, and opportunities to connect with the global nuclear network.

Whether it’s business development, technology, or a passion for clean energy, this edition brings the insight and inspiration needed to stay informed - and one step ahead.

1. Global Nuclear Briefing

USA: A request has been filed to reclaim interconnection rights from the shut-down Duane Arnold nuclear plant for future use.

South Africa: Environmental approval upheld for a new nuclear station at Duynefontein.

India: Government outlines Nuclear Energy Mission aiming for 100 GWe by 2047, including large and SMR reactors.

Slovakia: MoU signed to explore SMRs; PM hints at 1250 MW unit for Bohunice.

Kazakhstan: Engineering surveys begin near Ulken for a future large-scale nuclear power plant.

SMR Developments

USA: Denver International Airport explores SMR deployment to become energy independent.

Uranium

Major uranium producers confirmed their production outlook for the remainder of 2025 in recent first-half results announcements.

USA: Lease signed for new uranium enrichment facility at former Paducah site.

2. Poll of the Week Result

Question: Which region do you think will lead the next wave of nuclear innovation?

Current results from 250 votes:

Asia-Pacific – 46%

North America – 29%

Europe – 20%

Middle East & Africa – 6%

Thank you to everyone who’s voted so far! There are 3 days left - have your say and help shape the conversation around the future of nuclear innovation.

At this stage, Asia-Pacific is ahead - reflecting strong investment and momentum in countries like China, India, and South Korea. But with advanced reactor designs and policy shifts, North America and Europe could still shape the next wave.

3. Audience Q&A

Q: Why are electricity prices in France still high, even though most of the country’s power comes from nuclear energy?

A: Despite nuclear power supplying around 70% of France’s electricity, prices remain high due to market pricing mechanisms. In Europe’s wholesale electricity market, prices are set by the marginal cost - the cost of the last unit of electricity needed to meet demand. This is often from gas or coal-fired plants, especially during peak times. Even though nuclear energy is relatively low-cost and consistently available, the final price is influenced by more expensive gas and coal fuels, which drive up electricity costs.

4. Plant Watch

China: First concrete poured for Jinqimen unit 1; construction licence issued for units 1 & 2.

Bangladesh: Steam pipeline blowdown completed at Rooppur unit 1.

South Korea: Operation of Kori Unit 4 suspended pending decision on extending reactor lifespans beyond 40 years.

5. Engagement Question

If you had €1B to secure Europe’s AI energy future, where would you put it?

• Nuclear baseload
• Solar + Wind / storage
• Grid & transmission upgrades
• Imports/PPAs

Cast your vote and join the conversation

6. Top post of the week

7. Infographic of the Week

8. Term of the Week

Baseload Power

Baseload power refers to the minimum level of electricity demand that is consistently required over time. Nuclear energy is ideal for baseload generation due to its reliability and ability to operate continuously.

9. University Spotlight

A New Generation of University Reactors

Recent research from leading U.S. universities is sparking renewed interest in advanced nuclear technologies. Abilene Christian University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), and Penn State are each developing next-generation research reactors using innovative coolants and designs.

• ACU is building a molten salt reactor, the first of its kind in the U.S. since the 1960s, housed in its new Dillard Science and Engineering Research Centre.
• UIUC is preparing to deploy a helium-cooled micro modular reactor, with plans to integrate it into campus energy systems and explore applications like hydrogen production and direct air capture.
• Penn State is partnering with Westinghouse to develop the eVinci microreactor, aiming to support research in isotope production, industrial heat, and data centre energy needs.

These projects reflect a growing ambition among universities to not only train the next generation of nuclear professionals but also to contribute directly to energy innovation and climate solutions.

10. Conference Watch

Thanks for exploring this week’s Nuclear Pulse. As the global energy landscape evolves, curiosity and engagement continue to drive progress.

• Cast a vote in the latest poll
• Share a thought on this week’s engagement question
• If something sparked a new idea - or a new question - feel free to reach out

Until next time, stay curious, stay bold, and stay tuned!

– Ruan Steyn, Author, Nuclear Pulse