Nuclear Pulse #34: Uranium supply-demand, European Investment Bank grid modernisation investment & Heysham 1 + Hartlepool operational life extension

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

Top Headline:

The 2025 World Nuclear Symposium highlighted growing concerns over future supply-demand gaps in nuclear fuel, with calls for timely investment to support projected capacity growth.

European-specific headline:

EDF has completed the Technical Feasibility Study with GEN Energija for the JEK2 new reactor project at the Krško power plant in Slovenia.

EDF, European Investment Bank signed a €500 million agreement to modernise France’s power grid.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development signals openness to funding SMRs and advanced reactors.

Franco-Belgian Alliance: French and Belgian nuclear industry groups sign a cooperation agreement to share best practices and promote cross-border collaboration.

US-UK: Six new MoUs signed with UK suppliers to support global deployment of AP1000 and AP300 reactor technologies.

Other headlines of interest:

The Open Group launches a collaborative initiative, the Industrial Advanced Nuclear Consortium, to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear heat and power for industrial use.

Large energy consumers are teaming up with nuclear developers to create self-powered infrastructure.

Fuel and uranium

United States: New initiatives aim to strengthen domestic nuclear fuel capabilities. Efforts include recycling used fuel for fast reactors at Oak Ridge and evaluating a new uranium refining and conversion facility to boost supply chain resilience.

Malawi: The Kayelekera project has produced its first dried and drummed U₃O₈, marking a key step in re-establishing the country’s role in global uranium production.

Fusion

ITER: The first of 24 gyrotrons installed at the Cadarache site, France.

2. Poll of the Week Result

Question: Grid constraints are increasingly part of the conversation, and with the rise of self-powered infrastructure, even the DOE has raised concerns about behind-the-meter dynamics.

Who should take the lead in navigating this transition?

Poll results are in:

1. Governments - 38%

2. Private sector - 19%

3. Public-private partnerships - 38%

4. Private capital from PE, VCs - 5%

Poll results show a split between government leadership and public-private partnerships, each receiving 38% support. This reflects a shared belief that navigating grid constraints will require coordinated action across sectors.

3. Audience Q&A

Q: Can legacy coal sites be repurposed for nuclear development?

A: Yes, retiring coal stations offer grid access, cooling infrastructure, and skilled labour - making them ideal candidates for nuclear redevelopment.

4. Plant Watch

Romania: Nuclearelectrica begins civil works for the Cernavoda Unit 1 refurbishment.

UK: EDF extends operations at Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by 12 months, now set to operate until March 2028.

5. Engagement Question

What’s the best way to engage communities near proposed nuclear sites?

Option 1: Town halls and discussion sessions

Option 2: Educational campaigns

Option 3: Local business group discussions

Option 4: Other

Cast your vote in the comment section and join the conversation

6. Top Post of the week

7. Infographic of the Week

8. Term of the Week

Dunkelflaute

A German term meaning “dark doldrums,” used to describe periods of low wind and solar output. These events - common in Northern Europe - underscore the need for reliable baseload power, such as nuclear, to maintain grid stability during seasonal lulls.

9. University Spotlight

Imperial College London - Materials Innovation for Nuclear Safety

This week, Imperial College London is hosting the 2025 Nuclear Academics Discussion Meeting (NADM), bringing together leading researchers and institutions to explore cutting-edge developments in nuclear materials.

The university is at the forefront of research into corrosion-resistant alloys and accident-tolerant fuel designs, both of which are critical for enhancing reactor safety and extending operational lifetimes. These innovations aim to improve performance under extreme conditions, reduce maintenance needs, and strengthen the resilience of nuclear systems. The meeting also features lab tours, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions focused on the future of nuclear materials science.

10. Conference Watch

Benchmark Nuclear Innovation Summit (16–17 Sept, Oak Ridge): A two-day event spotlighting advanced nuclear technologies through keynotes, investor sessions, and lab tours.

Nucleus 2050 (1 October, Paris): Hosted by SFEN Jeune Génération in partnership with ENS-YGN and IYNC, this one-day event brings together senior and young professionals to shape the future of nuclear. Through plenary sessions, workshops, and networking, participants will tackle key themes like education, innovation, financing, and public acceptance - all aimed at building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking nuclear workforce. Register here

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

• Share the newsletter with colleagues

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

– Ruan Steyn, Author, Nuclear Pulse

Ps. If something sparked a new idea - or a new question - feel free to reach out