Physical protection accounts for a significant portion of a nuclear power plant’s operational costs. As the U.S. moves toward smaller and safer advanced reactors, similar protection strategies could prove cost prohibitive. For tomorrow’s small modular reactors and microreactors, security costs must remain appropriate to the size of the reactor for economical operation.
NRC asks for comments on its FY 2025 fees proposal
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is looking for feedback on its proposed rule for fees for fiscal year 2025. The proposal was published in the February 19 Federal Register. The federal...
Idaho successfully tests robot to help retrieve radioactive waste
A team with the Department of Energy’s Idaho Cleanup Project successfully tested robotic equipment being developed to retrieve radioactive calcine, a granular solid waste, at the Idaho...
NRC report updates decommissioning cost guidance
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has updated its guidance for nuclear power plant owners and operators in estimating the cost of decommissioning their reactors. Licensed power reactor...
ANS responds to “antiscientific” op-ed
The Hill recently published an opinion piece by Cindy Folkers and Amanda Nichols entitled “They won’t tell you these truths about nuclear energy.” Sadly, after the first sentence, their...
Arizona utilities trio looks to add nuclear power
The top three utilities in Arizona are teaming up to explore opportunities to add nuclear generation facilities in the state.Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), and Tucson...
INL joins with Idaho universities on advanced projects
New Strategic Understanding for Premier Education and Research (SUPER) agreements signed by Idaho National Laboratory, Boise State University, and University of Idaho will foster collaboration...
NRC issues final EIS for Oconee's subsequent license renewal
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has published its final environmental impact statement for the proposed subsequent license renewal (SLR) for Oconee nuclear power plant's Units 1, 2, and 3....
Texas A&M looks to host 4 SMR projects
Texas A&M chancellor John Sharp has announced that the university could soon become a home to small modular reactors from four advanced nuclear companies: Kairos Power, Natura Resources,...
New Swedish test facility paves the way for first SMR
An official ground breaking on Monday for Swedish nuclear company Blykalla’s advanced reactor testing site marked a pivotal step in putting decades of research into action....
NRC issues Palisades’ draft environmental review, seeks public comment
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is asking for public comments until March 3 on its environmental assessment (EA) and draft finding of no significant impact at Michigan’s Palisades nuclear...
