Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. (CHUBU) announced today that it has agreed to invest in NuScale Power (NuScale), a U.S. developer of small modular reactors (SMRs). The investment is subject to regulatory approvals.

NuScale was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The company is developing a modular nuclear reactor design that is smaller and more efficient than traditional nuclear reactors. NuScale’s SMR design has been certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

The investment by CHUBU is a vote of confidence in NuScale’s technology and its potential to play a role in the clean energy transition. CHUBU is a major electric utility in Japan and is committed to reducing its carbon emissions.

“We believe that SMRs have the potential to be a major contributor to decarbonizing the global energy system,” said Hiroki Sato, Division CEO of Global Business Division at CHUBU. “This investment is a way for us to support the development of this important technology.”

NuScale is currently seeking regulatory approval for its first SMR project in the U.S. The project is expected to be located in the state of Wyoming and is scheduled to begin operation in 2029.

The investment by CHUBU is a significant milestone for NuScale and its SMR technology. It is also a sign of the growing interest in SMRs as a clean energy option.

About NuScale Power

NuScale Power is a leading developer of small modular reactors (SMRs). The company’s SMR design is the only one in the world to have been fully certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). NuScale’s SMRs are designed to be safer, more efficient, and more affordable than traditional nuclear reactors.

NuScale’s SMRs are also scalable, which means that they can be built in clusters to meet the needs of different power markets. The company is currently seeking regulatory approval for its first SMR project in the U.S. The project is expected to be located in the state of Wyoming and is scheduled to begin operation in 2029.

About Chubu Electric Power

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. is a major electric utility in Japan. The company serves over 9 million customers in the Chubu region of Japan. CHUBU is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and is exploring a variety of clean energy options, including SMRs.

Xcel Energy announced today that it has received the necessary approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to extend operations of the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant through 2040.

The approval is a major step toward continuing to provide reliable, carbon-free energy for more than 500,000 customers across the Upper Midwest while meeting the state’s carbon reduction goals.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved Xcel Energy’s application to allow increased storage of spent nuclear fuel at the site, opening the door for at least 10 more years of operation.

“We thank the Commission, Minnesota Department of Commerce and other stakeholders for their careful review and recognition of the importance of the Monticello nuclear plant to our shared clean energy goals,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy – Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. “Nuclear power is crucial to achieving those goals because of its unique combination of reliability, affordability, and zero emissions.”

Together, the company’s Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear plants provide more than 30% of the electricity that the company’s customers use in the Upper Midwest. In 2022, the two plants together produced nearly 14,700 gigawatt hours of energy, a record for the sites. They’re among the company’s most reliable generating facilities, and key to reaching Minnesota’s goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.

As part of extending the use of the Monticello plant, Xcel Energy has also filed with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to request an extension of the plant’s operating license. The federal license review and approval process is extensive, and a decision from federal regulators is expected in late 2024.

In addition to the environmental benefits of nuclear power, the Monticello plant also provides a significant economic boost to the local community. The plant is Monticello’s largest employer and local taxpayer, and it supports hundreds of businesses and jobs in the region.

“The Commission’s decision helps ensure many high-quality jobs in our local community for years to come,” said Marcy Anderson, executive director of the Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The economic impact is tremendous. Workers live, shop and dine locally, contributing to a thriving Monticello community.”

The approval of the Monticello plant extension is a major victory for Xcel Energy and for the clean energy movement. It shows that nuclear power can be a key part of the solution to climate change, while also providing reliable and affordable energy to communities across the country.

In a significant move towards bolstering energy resilience and sustainability for national security infrastructure, the Defense Logistics Agency Energy has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a contract to Oklo Inc. The advanced energy company has been tapped to power and heat the Eielson Air Force Base through the Air Force’s micro-reactor pilot program.

The announcement sets off the procurement process, potentially culminating in a formal contract award to Oklo. Pending approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Oklo will construct and operate a power plant at the base, delivering both electricity and steam under a long-term power purchase agreement administered by the Defense Logistics Agency Energy.

“We are honored to be at the forefront of increasing resilience and reducing emissions, while driving national security forward,” commented Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo.

Originating from the mandates of the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, the Air Force’s micro-reactor initiative aims to identify military installations where micro-reactors could be sited, constructed, and operated.

Oklo’s technology uses a fast reactor design, a concept backed by a track record of successful operation. Notably, the technology can function autonomously from the main electrical grid, making it a particularly suitable option for military installations that are crucial to national security. This project is seen as a significant step towards modernizing the energy infrastructure that powers the nation’s defense apparatus.

TerraPower revealed Wednesday that it has finalized the acquisition of a parcel of land in Kemmerer, Wyoming, which will serve as the site for the Natrium Reactor Demonstration Project. Chris Levesque, TerraPower’s CEO and President, stated that the acquisition represents a progression in the company’s mission to deliver dependable, clean energy to the grid. He emphasized TerraPower’s commitment to collaboration with both local and statewide parties in Kemmerer.

The property’s former owner was PacifiCorp.

Wyoming, and specifically Kemmerer, are not new to the energy production sector. However, the Natrium technology, which combines advanced nuclear reactor technology with an energy storage system, will be Wyoming’s first foray into commercial nuclear power. Interestingly, the Natrium demonstration site is in close proximity to a coal facility slated for retirement. This makes the plant unique as the sole coal-to-nuclear project currently being developed globally. As projections suggest, the project could generate employment opportunities in western Wyoming for many years, with an anticipated peak of 1,600 construction jobs. Moreover, once operational, the facility is expected to require a workforce of 250 full-time employees.

This month has seen significant developments for the Natrium project. TerraPower recently publicized its inaugural series of supplier contracts in support of the Natrium reactor, a move poised to bolster the advanced nuclear supply chain across North America. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was confirmed between TerraPower and Centrus Energy Corp. in July. The MOU aims to guarantee the supply of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for the Natrium reactor, aligning with the target operational date in 2030.

Operating under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), the Natrium reactor demonstration initiative is a joint effort between public and private sectors. The upcoming plant will serve to validate the Natrium technology’s design, construction, and operational attributes. Central to the project is a 345MW sodium-cooled fast reactor, accompanied by a molten salt-based energy storage mechanism.

This energy storage solution has the capacity to augment the system’s output to 500MW as required. This is comparable to the energy demand of roughly 400,000 residential units. Furthermore, the inherent flexibility of the energy storage system facilitates seamless integration with renewable energy sources.

Mirion Technologies has recently entered into a design contract with X-Energy Reactor Company. The collaboration primarily involves Mirion offering comprehensive design support for the Xe-100 Burn Up Measurement System (BUMS), an essential component in the fuel cycle of the Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). 

Understanding the BUMS

The Burn Up Measurement System, specifically for the Xe-100, is a key component of the online reactor’s fuel management. Equipped with high-purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors, the BUMS emphasizes accuracy and aims to optimize nuclear fuel usage. This not only enhances system productivity but also aims to decrease waste. A unique feature of BUMS is its ability to measure specific gamma indicators to evaluate the burn-up level, initial fuel enrichment, and the plutonium/uranium ratio in each circulating fuel pebble.

A statement clarified that the BUMS is an essential part of the reactors, designed to meet fuel efficiency targets and maintain reliable operation. With Mirion’s well-established background in nuclear instrumentation, there’s an expectation to test the BUMS prototype by 2024 and initiate the production of operational units by 2025.

The Progression Path

The ongoing developmental phase sees X-energy and Mirion working on the BUMS system, integrating a Mirion HPGe detector. To align with the protective strategies of the Xe-100 and its fuel management, BUMS is set to undergo a qualification process to validate its functionality under stipulated conditions.

The advanced test reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory is the chosen venue for further testing.

Collaboration Highlights

In a noteworthy development last year, X-energy secured $1.2 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The grant is intended for the development, licensing, and establishment of an advanced reactor and fuel fabrication facility within the decade. Mirion, already a prominent name in radiation safety and measurements in global nuclear power facilities, has been in continuous discussions with various small modular reactor (SMR) stakeholders over the past year.

Mirion’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Logan, remarked on the collaboration, emphasizing their preparedness and expertise in ionizing radiation and nuclear power to support upcoming innovations in the field.

Quebec’s Energy Minister, Pierre Fitzgibbon, expressed his support on Monday for Hydro-Québec’s recent decision to explore the possibility of reactivating the province’s sole nuclear power facility.

The Minister’s comments came following the announcement by Hydro-Québec that they are considering restarting the Gentilly-2 reactor in Bécancour, Quebec, in response to the rising energy demands. Speaking in Montreal, Fitzgibbon emphasized the province’s transition away from fossil fuels and highlighted the importance of investigating all alternative energy options.

He stressed that dismissing nuclear energy without due consideration would be “irresponsible.” He further added that for any new energy projects to be undertaken, they should align with social acceptability and economic viability.

Hydro-Québec, under the leadership of its new CEO, Michael Sabia, has stated its willingness to remain open-minded about nuclear energy. The company’s plan includes assessing the current state of the plant, helping to guide decisions about the future energy resources of Quebec.

However, Hydro-Québec’s statement has been met with skepticism from environmental advocates like Greenpeace Canada and various opposition leaders, urging the provincial government to initiate a comprehensive dialogue on Quebec’s energy roadmap.

Recalling past decisions, in 2012, the Gentilly-2 reactor, situated on the St. Lawrence River’s south bank, was shut down. This decision was influenced partly by the hefty expenses involved in the plant’s upgrade, which had its inaugural operations in 1983.

However, the province’s energy dynamics have shifted over the years. Warnings have come from Fitzgibbon and other authorities about the rising electricity demands from corporate entities aiming to kickstart industrial ventures, surpassing Hydro-Québec’s existing capabilities.

Fitzgibbon hinted at a need for Quebec residents to trim their energy usage, though specific strategies for achieving this have yet to be revealed.

Addressing the existing disparity between energy supply and demand in the region, Fitzgibbon shared Sabia’s viewpoint on the situation, saying, “Sabia believes we must evaluate available energy resources, including nuclear. However, a final decision, be it from Hydro-Québec or the government, is yet to be made.”

In a partnership announcement, IP3 Corporation and Green Energy Partners, LLC (GEP) have declared their collective intentions to lead Virginia into a greener future. The two companies are coming together to inaugurate the Surry Green Energy Center, LLC. Their mission? To address Virginia’s industrial and baseload energy needs innovatively.

Central to their collaboration is a sophisticated land acquisition strategy that focuses on establishing green data centers. These plans also encompass potential future ventures into carbon-free hydrogen and nuclear energy production facilities.

To understand the magnitude of this initiative, one must consider that Virginia’s data centers are responsible for processing a staggering 70% of global internet data. The appetite for data storage and management in the state is booming, and these data centers consume roughly a quarter of Virginia’s energy, primarily derived from carbon-based fuels. Enter the Surry Green Energy Center — a revolutionary data center hub powered by pure green energy and enhanced with on-site small-modular reactors (SMRs). The blueprint entails a deployment of 4-6 SMRs that will not only power 20-30 data centers but also generate hydrogen fuel and offer backup power to Virginia’s grid.

Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the state’s relentless commitment to advancing energy-reliant sectors in the Virginia Energy Plan, noting the essentiality of consistent and cost-effective power.

The collaborative venture between IP3 and GEP is strategically situated in Surry County, Virginia, ensuring optimum services for digital infrastructure and future power supplies to government bodies and military bases from Washington, DC to Norfolk, VA. The projections estimate the creation of over 3,000 jobs in the Surry vicinity, promising a substantial surge in the local economy through annual revenue and salary distributions.

Delineating the partnership further, IP3 will spearhead project development, financing frameworks, and funding solutions. This holistic agreement encompasses all stages from inception to operation, aiming to magnetize private capital and avant-garde energy corporations to Virginia.

Michael Hewitt, Co-Founder and CEO of IP3, lauded Virginia’s proactive approach to its energy trajectory. Simultaneously, Mark Andrews, CEO of Green Energy Partners, emphasized the amalgamated strength of GEP and IP3 in leading an America-first strategy for low-carbon energy security.

In an endeavor to streamline the regulatory process for communities seeking low-cost and clean energy solutions, the State of Alaska has recently implemented new regulations concerning nuclear microreactor power generation.

These regulations were set in motion by the signing of Senate Bill (SB) 177 into law by Governor Dunleavy in 2022, which brought about updates to Alaska Statute (AS) 18.45.

The construction of any nuclear facility in Alaska demands both federal and state permits. While the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversees civilian nuclear safety, the state’s jurisdiction is primarily limited to the siting of these facilities.

Previously, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) could not issue a permit for siting a nuclear facility unless the Legislature designated the land and the local municipal government approved the permit. The 2022 updates to AS 18.45 have eliminated the requirement for legislative designation of land for a nuclear microreactor. In unorganized boroughs without municipal governments, the Legislature must approve the siting permit.

The new regulations also necessitate early public engagement in the permitting process by the applicants.

These changes aim to empower communities, granting them greater control over meeting local energy demands, and they create the groundwork for developers to employ reliable and carbon-free nuclear energy for powering operations in remote locations.

Governor Mike Dunleavy commented, “For rural Alaska villages that currently rely on diesel power generation, nuclear microreactors have the potential to be a gamechanger, reducing both electricity costs and carbon emissions. I envision all Alaskans having access to 10 cent power by 2030, and these regulations lay the foundation for achieving that goal.”

DEC Commissioner Jason Brune emphasized the importance of early and frequent stakeholder engagement, asserting that local governments’ participation in siting these facilities will be vital to the success of microreactors in Alaska. Additionally, microreactors could foster rural resource development projects, bringing economic opportunities to rural Alaska while safeguarding human health and the environment.

The U.S. Department of the Air Force has identified the Eielson Airforce Base (AFB) near Fairbanks as its preferred location for piloting the first microreactor. This project marks Alaska’s debut in the realm of microreactors, and the target for the Eielson AFB microreactor to be operational is 2027. It is anticipated that commercial microreactors will be made available to communities within the next decade.

Before the updates brought about by SB 177, Alaska’s statutes on atomic energy were crafted during a time when nuclear energy was mainly generated in large-scale power plants or onboard aircraft carriers and submarines. These large nuclear power plants in the Lower 48 grids typically averaged 1 gigawatt of power per plant. In contrast, nuclear microreactors are significantly smaller, with SB 177 defining them as advanced nuclear reactors capable of producing no more than 50 megawatts. The largest micronuclear reactor is approximately 95% smaller than the average full-scale nuclear reactor.

Microreactors possess the unique advantage of being able to operate independently from the existing power grid. Most commercially available microreactors come factory-assembled, with the reactor core transported to the site as a pre-fueled and sealed module, effectively acting as a nuclear “battery” that provides energy without the need for refueling for up to a decade. The small size of microreactor units makes them easily transportable. Moreover, the long-lasting energy from the reactor core eliminates the necessity of continually shipping diesel, which is the current fuel used for electricity generation in most of rural Alaska.

Steve Aumeier, Ph.D., Senior Advisor of Strategic Programs at Idaho National Laboratory, expressed his perspective on accelerating the deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies, affirming that it is key to improving the quality of life and enhancing competitive economic advantages for Alaskans. He emphasized that this translates to greater security for the nation in the face of global competition.

BWX Technologies, Inc. has been chosen to deliver a cutting-edge nuclear reactor engine and fuel for a revolutionary space project by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This collaboration signifies a significant milestone in space exploration, paving the way for advancements in propulsion technology.

At the vanguard of technological breakthroughs, DARPA, the U.S. Department of Defense’s research and development arm, has been spearheading advancements for years. Their visionary approach to space exploration encompasses the pursuit of revolutionary propulsion systems capable of vastly enhancing spacecraft efficiency and capabilities. By joining forces with BWXT, DARPA seeks to harness the immense potential of advanced nuclear technologies to propel space missions to unprecedented heights.

The integration of a nuclear reactor engine in space missions promises unparalleled efficiency compared to traditional chemical propulsion systems. The sustained and potent power output of nuclear reactors allows spacecraft to traverse vast distances in significantly shorter time frames, making deep-space exploration and interplanetary missions far more achievable.

Conventional propulsion systems often encounter limitations concerning fuel availability and onboard storage capacity. A nuclear reactor engine, on the other hand, can operate for extended periods without frequent refueling, ensuring prolonged mission durations and increased opportunities for scientific research.

The heightened efficiency of nuclear reactors results in reduced fuel mass requirements for long-duration missions. Consequently, spacecraft equipped with nuclear propulsion systems can carry larger payloads, including scientific instruments, communication equipment, and even crews, facilitating more comprehensive and ambitious space missions.

Nuclear reactor engines offer unparalleled flexibility in terms of trajectory and mission planning. The ability to adjust thrust levels and directions allows for optimized path adjustments during the journey, enabling spacecraft to navigate complex orbital maneuvers and reach their intended destinations with unprecedented precision.

BWXT’s collaboration with DARPA revolves around the development and delivery of a nuclear reactor engine specifically tailored for space missions. The reactor’s design incorporates cutting-edge safety features, ensuring the reliability and security during operation.

The deployment of nuclear technologies in space necessitates stringent safety protocols to mitigate potential risks. BWXT and DARPA are working hand in hand to implement robust safety measures, including fail-safe mechanisms and contingency plans. The reactor’s design is carefully engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of space, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Contrary to misconceptions, nuclear propulsion offers remarkable environmental benefits for space missions. Compared to traditional chemical propulsion, nuclear engines produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter. The long-term sustainability of nuclear technologies in space aligns with global efforts to explore the cosmos responsibly while preserving Earth’s environment.

The adoption of nuclear reactor engines has the potential to revolutionize space exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. Empowered by the extended range and capabilities of this advanced propulsion system, manned missions to distant planets, moons, and even interstellar travel become feasible possibilities. The prospect of human colonies on other celestial bodies takes a significant step closer to reality through the collaborative efforts of BWXT and DARPA.

The collaboration between BWX Technologies, Inc., and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency marks a pivotal moment in the annals of space exploration. The deployment of an advanced nuclear reactor engine opens up new frontiers for interplanetary missions, extended space expeditions, and groundbreaking scientific research. The unparalleled efficiency, safety measures, and environmental advantages of nuclear propulsion make it a cornerstone of future space endeavors.

In an announcement, Georgia Power has declared the commencement of commercial operation for Plant Vogtle Unit 3. This milestone marks the realization of a visionary investment in the State of Georgia’s clean energy future.

Kim Greene, the chairman, president, and CEO of Georgia Power, expressed deep pride in the achievement, remarking that the Plant Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment in building a reliable and resilient energy future for the state. Greene emphasized the importance of persevering with long-term investments to continue delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to the vast customer base of 2.7 million. The commencement of Vogtle Unit 3’s service signals the beginning of a remarkable 60 to 80-year journey during which it will furnish customers with sustainable and dependable energy.

Notably, Vogtle Unit 3 represents the first newly-constructed nuclear unit in the United States in over three decades, and its capacity can provide energy to approximately 500,000 homes and businesses. Once all four units at the Plant Vogtle site are operational, it will stand as the nation’s largest generator of clean energy, playing a pivotal role in supporting Georgia’s ongoing growth as various industries, businesses, and families flock to the state.

Chris Womack, the president and CEO of Southern Company, hailed this day as a historic moment for Georgia, Southern Company, and the entire energy sector, emphasizing the transformative shift in how millions of Americans will be powered. With the completion of Unit 3 and Unit 4’s advanced stages of construction and testing, this project showcases the pivotal role that new nuclear power will play in forging a clean energy future for the entire nation. The successful implementation of Unit 3 is a testament to the relentless dedication of Southern Company’s teams, the multitude of workers contributing to the project, and the strong collaboration with partners who have turned this dream into reality.

Nuclear energy, being the sole zero-emission baseload energy source currently available, offers unmatched reliability and efficiency, delivering power around the clock. It currently constitutes approximately 25% of Georgia Power’s overall energy mix, encompassing the existing units at Plant Vogtle and Plant Hatch, Georgia’s other nuclear facility situated in Baxley, Ga.

Tom Fanning, chairman of the Board of Directors for Southern Company, acknowledged the Vogtle expansion as an exemplary American energy success story, which owes its existence to the unwavering support of robust public and private partnerships. He expressed gratitude to all those who have championed the project at the local, state, and federal levels, affirming Southern Company’s deep-rooted commitment to leadership, safety, and quality. The achievement of Unit 3 at the Vogtle expansion site attests to this legacy, and Fanning expressed immense pride in the dedication exhibited by their teams in ensuring its successful completion.

As Vogtle Unit 4 nears its final stages of construction and testing, it is projected to be operational during the late fourth quarter of 2023 or the first quarter of 2024. The accelerated completion of hot functional testing for Unit 4, compared to Unit 3, is a testament to the team’s adeptness in applying best practices and learning from past experiences. Additionally, the Vogtle site has received the required nuclear fuel for Unit 4, with a total of 157 fuel assemblies.

Last week, Georgia Power announced the receipt of the 103(g) finding from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for Vogtle Unit 4. This finding, confirmed in an official letter received by Southern Nuclear, signifies that the new unit has been constructed in strict conformance with the Combined License and NRC regulations. No further NRC findings are necessary, allowing Southern Nuclear to proceed with fuel loading and the commencement of the startup sequence for the new unit.

Southern Nuclear, on behalf of co-owners Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power, and Dalton Utilities, will be responsible for operating the new units.