Nuclear sector advances across multiple fronts

· Energy · China · Turkey

Several nuclear power developments emerged. China National Nuclear Corporation connected unit 7 at the Tianwan plant to the grid. In Turkey, hydraulic tests of primary circuit systems at Akkuyu unit 1 were completed, clearing the way for hot functional tests. Japan's Atomic Industrial Forum estimated the lifecycle economic impact of a single 1,200 MWe nuclear plant at about JPY4.3 trillion ($27.2 billion). Framatome and EDF renewed a long-term service agreement for Sizewell B in England. In the US, the Department of Energy approved Last Energy's Documented Safety Analysis for its Texas A&M-RELLIS micro-reactor pilot, moving it to readiness review, and Terrestrial Energy submitted a topical report that could let part of its molten salt plant be built as a conventional industrial project.

Why it matters：Grid connections, licensing milestones and new reactor designs show nuclear capacity is expanding and regulatory pathways are being tested globally, affecting fuel supply chains and long-term decarbonization plans.

Key points

  • Tianwan 7 in China has been connected to the grid.
  • Akkuyu 1 in Turkey completed hydraulic tests ahead of hot functional testing.
  • US DOE cleared Last Energy's Texas micro-reactor safety analysis to move to readiness review.

Sources (original reporting)

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