Global Nuclear News archive — page 7
Safety Analysis Approved: The Next Gates for Last Energy's Pilot Reactor
Last Energy announced on October 7, 2026 that DOE approved its pilot reactor DSA; the next steps are a readiness review of plant, procedures and staff, then startup approval and staged testing at hold points.
Hydrostatic Test, First Grid Power, Commercial Operation: The Milestones Before a New Reactor Truly Starts Up
Akkuyu Unit 1 passed its primary circuit hydrostatic test at about 24.5 MPa and Tianwan Unit 7 first supplied the grid at 02:11 on October 8, 2026; power ascension through about 25%, around 50% and rated power precedes commercial operation.
What Does a Radioactive Materials License "Exemption" Actually Exempt? Reading the NRC's Direct Final Rule
The NRC published a direct final rule on October 5, 2026 (FR 2026-20336) that links Schedule B to Part 20 Appendix C and sets a contractor training exemption; it takes effect December 21 unless significant adverse comments arrive by November 4.
A Korean Builder in Dutch Nuclear Design: What the AP1000 "FEED 1" Contract Covers and What Comes Next
Hyundai E&C signed a FEED 1 contract with Westinghouse on October 7 for two new large reactors in the Netherlands; NEO NL also has a FEED 1 contract with EDF, expects FEED to take 12 to 18 months, and will pick the final supplier through formal procurement.
How National Laboratory "Vouchers" Help Nuclear Startups
GAIN's fourth FY 2026 round, announced October 5, pairs BNNT Materials, Tam Fortis Solutions and Ur-Energy USA with ORNL, Argonne and PNNL, with each company covering at least 20% of the cost.
Where Does the Uranium Left Over From Enrichment Go? Storing Depleted Uranium and the Prospect of Reuse
Urenco commissioned its Gronau U3O8 storage facility on October 6, with depleted UF6 deconverted in France and the UK, while an October 8 MoU with Thorizon explores enrichment, fuel salt supply and future use of depleted uranium.
AI Diagnostics for Nuclear Plant Equipment: What Should We Check Before Trusting It?
ANS published a post-event account on October 15 of its Nuclearn Equipment AI webinar. This article distinguishes the supplier demonstration from accuracy evidence, false-positive rates and independent verification.
Buying the Paperwork vs. Running the Plant: Where the US Uranium Fuel Supply Chain Stands
General Matter's Paducah enrichment application went public on October 5, NANO Nuclear's subsidiary agreed to buy the inactive SUB-1011 deconversion licence and design assets pending NRC consent, and DOE cut the first fissile converter in Paducah's C-337 building.
Watching Tritium in Groundwater in "Real Time"
Jefferson Lab and Canary Instruments signed a CRADA on October 5 to commercialize SCREM, an in-well monitor that reads light from scintillating fiber with silicon photomultipliers, with fusion facilities as the first market under review.
How an AI Company Buys Nuclear Power: Reading Google's 890 MW Uprate Deal
A 20-year PPA for 890 MW of uprates at 11 units in Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, backed by more than $4.3 billion of planned investment, with first output targeted by 2028.