Latest news with #ModularReactors
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
RVNL in talks with Russia's Rosatom to build nuclear reactors for its 4 big railway projects
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), a public sector undertaking (PSU) of the Ministry of Railways, is in discussion with Russia's state-owned atomic energy company Rosatom to build Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to fulfill the energy requirements of its four ongoing mega projects, including the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line. A senior RVNL official said that a meeting was held on Thursday with the Russian company in this regard. He further said that push towards nuclear energy is part of this year's Budget announcement to develop SMRs to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and Indian Railways' target to achieve net-zero by 2030. SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit and require less area for installation. The official said SMRs are also part of RVNL's plan to expand its interest and work in the energy sector. 'The process is very much at preliminary stage. We held a detailed meeting with Rosatom on Thursday. Some senior officials from the Russian Embassy were also present in the meeting. They have put up a proposal to build nuclear reactor of 55 MW. We have asked them to provide cost analysis in comparison to existing system of electricity supply for Railway traction. Rosatom will also submit logistical details, timeline, etc. The Russian company is among the leaders for SMRs. Because of this, RVNL initiated the dialogue with Rosatom,' said the official quoted above. The official added that a total of four projects has been identified for electricity supply by SMRs. 'If everything works out, we have decided to build SMRs for the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line, Bhanupali-Bilaspur railway line, Yavatmal-Nanded railway line and Indore-Budni Railway line. Under the existing system, we have to build many substations and lay transmission lines for the operation of trains. It involves a significant expenditure per project. If the SMRs will be built for this purpose, the preliminary analysis shows that it will save cost and provide green energy,' said the official. Rosatom has proposed to build a total of eight SMRs of 55 MW each for these four Railway project. 'These four projects have been identified on the basis that they are new line project and comparatively larger projects. Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line is of strategic importance. It will take an area of 15 acres for a single reactor, which is much less than the larger nuclear reactor. Also it will not have any impact in the area which falls in seismic zone such as Rishikesh project,' said the official. Union Budget 2025-26 launched a Nuclear Energy Mission, which is focused on research and development (R&D) of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The government has allocated Rs. 20,000 crore for this initiative, aiming to develop at least five indigenously designed and operational SMRs by 2033. The government has set an ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, positioning nuclear energy as a major pillar in India's energy mix. Indian Railways have also shown interest in Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)'s bid to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), which is 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a proven safety and performance record. Dheeraj Mishra is a Principal correspondent with The Indian Express, Business Bureau. He covers India's two key ministries- Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. He frequently uses the Right to Information (RTI) Act for his stories, which have resulted in many impactful reports. ... Read More
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prime Minister unlocks land for new nuclear development in West Cumbria
PRIME Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to unlock land at Moorside for new nuclear power generation following a year-long campaign by MP Josh MacAlister. Writing exclusively for this paper, the Prime Minister revealed that land at Moorside will be freed up to be leased and marketed by a local development corporation to pave the way for a new nuclear power plant. This 'Pioneer Park' will seek to attract Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the energy intensive industry they could power. The news formed part of a broader announcement by the Prime Minister giving the go-ahead to other major new nuclear projects across the country ahead of the Spending Review. These decisions are also expected to benefit Cumbria through investment in the nuclear supply chain. Campaigners say unlocking land at Moorside has been the biggest barrier to securing new nuclear power generation in West Cumbria since the collapse of the NuGen deal in 2018. Josh MacAlister MP with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband during discussions about future nuclear use of the land at Moorside (Image: Submitted) Cumberland's four MPs, the leader of Cumberland Council and the leaders of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd set up the Cumberland Nuclear Future Board last year. Multiple meetings have been held with Ministers to try to resolve the issues with use of and access to the land. Agreement has now been reached and work is underway to make the land available. A market engagement process with nuclear and other clean energy developers will be launched this summer. Writing for The Whitehaven News, the Prime Minister said: "Cumbria has always been at the heart of Britain's energy story. From Calder Hall to Sellafield, this region has powered the nation with world-class expertise and a proud industrial heritage. "And with this government, Cumbria will be at the front and centre of our plans, this time building a clean, secure energy future. We're doing things differently. No more dithering or delay. We're backing builders, not blockers – cutting through red tape and making bold decisions to get Britain moving. "That means backing our nuclear industry not just in Sizewell or through Small Modular Reactors, but right here in Cumbria. It's why we're taking decisive action to unlock the Moorside site for a new clean energy development. "Whether it becomes home to a fleet of SMRs or another major clean energy project, it will be led by a local development corporation – working with industry, unions, and the community to deliver jobs, growth, and energy security. "This is more than a policy. It's a drive to restore pride, create high-quality jobs, and rebuild Britain's industrial base. Nuclear power, alongside renewables, is central to our plan to decarbonise the grid and end our reliance on volatile fossil fuels. "All of this shows that this government is serious about developing clean energy projects. We're ready to get Britain building again – with steel, with confidence, and with communities like Cumbria central to that." Josh MacAlister MP on land at Moorside (Image: Submitted) Josh MacAlister, the MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: 'I made a promise at the General Election to do everything possible to unlock land at Moorside for new nuclear. Some people thought it was a dead-end or a cynical promise that would be broken after the election. It hasn't been easy, but we've done it. 'Having the Prime Minister's backing is a real vote of confidence in West Cumbria and our people and I know we will rise to the challenge. 'Now we have the government behind us and an agreement on use of the land we can motor ahead to deliver Pioneer Park at pace. I can't promise we will get new nuclear, but unlocking this land gives us our best chance since the collapse of NuGen. 'What I can promise is I will do everything in my power to secure our nuclear future. We deserve nothing less. 'I'd also like to put on record my thanks to my fellow MPs, Cumberland Council, the NDA and Sellafield for working together so constructively to get this over the line. When Cumbrians are united, there's nothing we can't do." Markus Campbell-Savours MP, Michelle Scrogham MP, Julie Minns MP, Josh MacAlister MP and Cumberland Council leader Cllr Mark Fryer following a meeting of the Cumberland Nuclear Future Board with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (Image: Submitted) Cllr Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: 'A clean energy development at Moorside is great news for Cumberland and West Cumbria in particular as it would help grow and diversify our future economy. 'The main driver for me is generating enough power at Moorside, by whatever means, to attract industry and technology to Cumberland that will sustain our economy and create jobs for west Cumbrians long after the inevitable downturn in decommissioning at Sellafield. 'While I am open to all clean energy developments that benefit our community, new nuclear build, in the form of Small Modular Reactors, would unquestionably provide us with the most power capacity for the size of land being made available and give us our best chance of achieving our ultimate goal of attracting industry, technology and jobs into our community. 'The council is fully committed to working with the NDA to understand how we can deliver maximum value and benefit from the land at Moorside for the local community.' Cllr Joseph Ghayouba, who represents Bransty on Cumberland Council, said: "This announcement is welcome news after years of jam tomorrow promised by Tory governments. This puts us in control of our own destiny for that site and I will be working with the MP and within the council to bang the drum for jobs and investment." The plan also has the backing of Cumberland's other MPs. In a joint statement, Julie Minns MP, Markus Campbell-Savours MP and Michelle Scrogham MP said: 'We've all been part of the Cumberland Nuclear Future Board from the beginning because of the benefit that would be felt right across the area from new nuclear development in West Cumbria. 'We stand fully behind the plan to unlock land at Moorside and welcome the Prime Minister's backing to drive this forward at pace. 'We'll be working through the board to ensure Pioneer Park is a success and delivers real and lasting benefits from Carlisle to Barrow.' Mr MacAlister is hosting a public meeting to discuss his plan for new nuclear in West Cumbria on Thursday, June 26 at 6pm in Whitehaven. Anyone wishing to attend can sign up at or by calling his office on 01946 458023 and leaving your full name and address. Venue details will be provided following registration.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE sets global benchmark in peaceful nuclear energy development
The UAE continues to cement its status as a global role model in developing a peaceful nuclear energy programme that adheres to the highest standards of safety, transparency, and international cooperation. This comes at a time when the world is increasingly turning to reliable energy sources that can support the transition to climate neutrality. From the outset, the UAE adopted a collaborative and open approach, forging robust international partnerships, most notably with the Republic of Korea and the United States, to drive forward its nuclear ambitions. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), highlighted the international stature of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy programme. He highlighted the country's success in developing a global model for integrating nuclear power into a diverse and innovative energy portfolio. Al Hammadi noted that this achievement is rooted in the visionary leadership of the UAE, a clearly defined roadmap, and a firm commitment to the highest standards of safety and transparency, underpinned by strong international cooperation. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Hammadi added that the UAE has been a pioneer in international cooperation and coordination within the nuclear energy sector. He pointed to the country's significant efforts in this vital field, which culminated during the COP28 with over 30 nations pledging to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of the drive toward climate neutrality. Additionally, nearly 120 companies and banks worldwide committed to supporting this ambitious goal. He also highlighted the innovative model of international cooperation between the UAE and the U.S, which addresses the demands of the modern era and its rapid technological advancements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and data centres. Al Hammadi emphasised that securing clean and reliable energy sources, such as nuclear power, is essential to support initiatives like the ''Stargate UAE'' project. Launched by a consortium of tech companies, the initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global AI revolution. For their part, key UAE entities, led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), play a central role in advancing the UAE's nuclear programme. Through a robust network of strategic and technical international partnerships, these institutions have facilitated knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and the development of specialised human capital. Cooperation with the Republic of Korea has served as the cornerstone for the successful development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant . Over time, this partnership has expanded to include new investment opportunities in international ventures, including the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). On the regulatory front, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) maintains agreements with its Korean counterpart covering joint inspections and capacity building. These ties are further strengthened through regular meetings to monitor technological advancements and regulatory developments. With the United States, the UAE has signed a series of strategic agreements aimed at advancing nuclear innovation and sustainability. These include a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop solutions for producing hydrogen, water, and steam at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The UAE has also partnered with TerraPower to support the development of advanced reactors, and signed an MoU with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company, to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply. Most recently, a partnership was announced with GE Vernova to jointly evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology internationally. As part of its efforts to expand its network of strategic partnerships, the UAE is actively exploring avenues of cooperation with China in the development and operation of nuclear power plants, both domestically and in third countries. Areas of collaboration include the operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities, the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear fuel supply chains, and investment opportunities. In parallel, FANR has strengthened its ties with counterpart agencies through agreements that enhance cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and capacity building, further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global nuclear governance. In a move that underscores the expanding international footprint of the UAE's nuclear programme, ENEC has signed a cooperation agreement with Romania. As part of the agreement, the UAE will support the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Romania, backed by an investment of $275 million. The UAE continues to affirm its leadership as a regional model for countries pursuing nuclear energy as a strategic option. UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have concluded the first bilateral cooperation initiative in the nuclear regulatory industry. The cooperation follows the 2019 agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy between the two nations. This was followed by regulatory partnerships focused on exchanging expertise, enhancing legislative frameworks, and strengthening emergency preparedness. Further expanding its regional outreach, the UAE and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COP28. The MoU sets the framework to explore opportunities for cooperation in advancing the use of peaceful nuclear energy and knowledge exchange.
Sharjah 24
06-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
UAE emerges as global leader in peaceful nuclear energy
This comes at a time when the world is increasingly turning to reliable energy sources that can support the transition to climate neutrality. A collaborative and transparent approach From the outset, the UAE adopted a collaborative and open approach, forging robust international partnerships, most notably with the Republic of Korea and the United States, to drive forward its nuclear ambitions. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), highlighted the international stature of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy programme. He highlighted the country's success in developing a global model for integrating nuclear power into a diverse and innovative energy portfolio. Visionary leadership and a defined roadmap Al Hammadi noted that this achievement is rooted in the visionary leadership of the UAE, a clearly defined roadmap, and a firm commitment to the highest standards of safety and transparency, underpinned by strong international cooperation. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Hammadi added that the UAE has been a pioneer in international cooperation and coordination within the nuclear energy sector. He pointed to the country's significant efforts in this vital field, which culminated during COP28 with over 30 nations pledging to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of the drive toward climate neutrality. Additionally, nearly 120 companies and banks worldwide committed to supporting this ambitious goal. Innovation and technological advancements He also highlighted the innovative model of international cooperation between the UAE and the U.S, which addresses the demands of the modern era and its rapid technological advancements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and data centres. Al Hammadi emphasised that securing clean and reliable energy sources, such as nuclear power, is essential to support initiatives like the ''Stargate UAE'' project. Launched by a consortium of tech companies, the initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global AI revolution. Institutional leadership and knowledge transfer For their part, key UAE entities, led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), play a central role in advancing the UAE's nuclear programme. Through a robust network of strategic and technical international partnerships, these institutions have facilitated knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and the development of specialised human capital. Strategic partnership with South Korea Cooperation with the Republic of Korea has served as the cornerstone for the successful development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Over time, this partnership has expanded to include new investment opportunities in international ventures, including the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). On the regulatory front, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) maintains agreements with its Korean counterpart covering joint inspections and capacity building. These ties are further strengthened through regular meetings to monitor technological advancements and regulatory developments. Expanding ties with the United States With the United States, the UAE has signed a series of strategic agreements aimed at advancing nuclear innovation and sustainability. These include a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop solutions for producing hydrogen, water, and steam at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The UAE has also partnered with TerraPower to support the development of advanced reactors and signed an MoU with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company, to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply. Most recently, a partnership was announced with GE Vernova to jointly evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology internationally. Exploring cooperation with China As part of its efforts to expand its network of strategic partnerships, the UAE is actively exploring avenues of cooperation with China in the development and operation of nuclear power plants, both domestically and in third countries. Areas of collaboration include the operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities, the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear fuel supply chains, and investment opportunities. Strengthening nuclear governance In parallel, FANR has strengthened its ties with counterpart agencies through agreements that enhance cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and capacity building, further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global nuclear governance. Expanding international presence In a move that underscores the expanding international footprint of the UAE's nuclear programme, ENEC has signed a cooperation agreement with Romania. As part of the agreement, the UAE will support the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Romania, backed by an investment of $275 million. Regional leadership and partnerships The UAE continues to affirm its leadership as a regional model for countries pursuing nuclear energy as a strategic option. The UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have concluded the first bilateral cooperation initiative in the nuclear regulatory industry. The cooperation follows the 2019 agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy between the two nations. This was followed by regulatory partnerships focused on exchanging expertise, enhancing legislative frameworks, and strengthening emergency preparedness. Cooperation with Egypt Further expanding its regional outreach, the UAE and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COP28. The MoU sets the framework to explore opportunities for cooperation in advancing the use of peaceful nuclear energy and knowledge exchange.
Al Etihad
06-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE sets global benchmark in peaceful nuclear energy development
6 June 2025 20:12 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE continues to cement its status as a global role model in developing a peaceful nuclear energy programme that adheres to the highest standards of safety, transparency, and international comes at a time when the world is increasingly turning to reliable energy sources that can support the transition to climate the outset, the UAE adopted a collaborative and open approach, forging robust international partnerships, most notably with the Republic of Korea and the United States, to drive forward its nuclear Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), highlighted the international stature of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy highlighted the country's success in developing a global model for integrating nuclear power into a diverse and innovative energy Hammadi noted that this achievement is rooted in the visionary leadership of the UAE, a clearly defined roadmap, and a firm commitment to the highest standards of safety and transparency, underpinned by strong international statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Hammadi added that the UAE has been a pioneer in international cooperation and coordination within the nuclear energy sector. He pointed to the country's significant efforts in this vital field, which culminated during the COP28 with over 30 nations pledging to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of the drive toward climate neutrality. Additionally, nearly 120 companies and banks worldwide committed to supporting this ambitious also highlighted the innovative model of international cooperation between the UAE and the US, which addresses the demands of the modern era and its rapid technological advancements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and data Hammadi emphasised that securing clean and reliable energy sources, such as nuclear power, is essential to support initiatives like the ''Stargate UAE'' project. Launched by a consortium of tech companies, the initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global AI their part, key UAE entities, led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), play a central role in advancing the UAE's nuclear programme. Through a robust network of strategic and technical international partnerships, these institutions have facilitated knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and the development of specialised human with the Republic of Korea has served as the cornerstone for the successful development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Over time, this partnership has expanded to include new investment opportunities in international ventures, including the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).On the regulatory front, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) maintains agreements with its Korean counterpart covering joint inspections and capacity building. These ties are further strengthened through regular meetings to monitor technological advancements and regulatory the United States, the UAE has signed a series of strategic agreements aimed at advancing nuclear innovation and sustainability. These include a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop solutions for producing hydrogen, water, and steam at the Barakah Nuclear Energy UAE has also partnered with TerraPower to support the development of advanced reactors, and signed an MoU with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company, to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy recently, a partnership was announced with GE Vernova to jointly evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology part of its efforts to expand its network of strategic partnerships, the UAE is actively exploring avenues of cooperation with China in the development and operation of nuclear power plants, both domestically and in third countries. Areas of collaboration include the operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities, the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear fuel supply chains, and investment parallel, FANR has strengthened its ties with counterpart agencies through agreements that enhance cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and capacity building, further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global nuclear a move that underscores the expanding international footprint of the UAE's nuclear programme, ENEC has signed a cooperation agreement with Romania. As part of the agreement, the UAE will support the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Romania, backed by an investment of $275 UAE continues to affirm its leadership as a regional model for countries pursuing nuclear energy as a strategic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have concluded the first bilateral cooperation initiative in the nuclear regulatory industry. The cooperation follows the 2019 agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy between the two was followed by regulatory partnerships focused on exchanging expertise, enhancing legislative frameworks, and strengthening emergency preparedness. Further expanding its regional outreach, the UAE and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COP28. The MoU sets the framework to explore opportunities for cooperation in advancing the use of peaceful nuclear energy and knowledge exchange.
