We round up the recent news and updates from the world of Nuclear.
Westinghouse to be sold in $7.9-bln deal as interest in nuclear power grows, by Reuters: “Cameco Corp and Brookfield Renewable Partners said on Tuesday they would acquire nuclear power plant equipment maker Westinghouse Electric in a $7.9-billion deal including debt, amid renewed interest in nuclear energy. The deal for one of the most storied names in the American power industry at an equity value of $4.5 billion comes at a time when nuclear power is seeing an uptick in interest amid an energy crisis in Europe and soaring crude oil and natural gas prices.”
Step forward for proposed small nuclear power plant in Wales, by New Civil Engineer: “The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cwmni Egino to support their development of the project at Trawsfynydd in Snowdonia. The NDA site at Trawsfynydd is currently home to a Magnox station which is being decommissioned by Magnox Ltd, a subsidiary of the NDA. The NDA also owns land outside the Magnox site boundary which could be used for a new nuclear development. Cwmni Egino is the development company established by Welsh Government in 2021 to drive future development at Trawsfynydd and to promote regional economic and social regeneration.”
Kyushu applies for 20-year extensions for Sendai 1 and 2, by World Nuclear News: “Kyushu Electric Power Co says that following inspections it is seeking permission from the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) to extend the operation of the two Sendai reactors in south west Japan to 60 years.”
Renewed US interest in nuclear energy could stimulate collaboration with EU, by Science Business: “Experts expect nuclear energy to take a more prominent role in EU and US efforts to reach carbon-free goals, which are proving difficult to meet in the face of surging demand for electricity. US President Joe Biden has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050. The European Climate Law adopted by the EU in June 2021 sets the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and to reach net zero by 2050.”
Britons are becoming more positive towards nuclear energy, by YouGov: “New YouGov tracker data reveals that Britons are increasingly supportive of nuclear energy, even though perceptions of its safety remain unchanged. From late 2019 to summer 2021, Britons were divided on using nuclear power. Around four in ten over that time period supported doing so, while a similar number opposed it. Since then, support has been on the rise. Almost half (48%) of Britons now back the use of nuclear energy, compared to 31% who are opposed.”
