Destination Nuclear’s Post

UK nuclear jobs up 60% in a decade as major new projects revitalise the sector 📈 Our 2024 Jobs Map - the nuclear sector’s major annual jobs report released today - shows a huge increase in the number of people working across the industry, driven in large by major new infrastructure projects. Here are the highlights: 👷♀️ There are close to 87,000 people working in the UK nuclear sector, an increase of over 32,000 since 2014, and more than at any other point in UK history. 🏗 England is reaping the benefits of new nuclear projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, which are helping to drive a 65% increase in the number of sector jobs in England. Hinkley Point C has helped triple the number of nuclear workers in the South West of England, up from 8,500 a decade ago to over 27,000 today. ⚛ The North West has the most sector jobs out of any UK region - 8% up on last year. The region boasts 370 new jobs in nuclear fuel, as allies turn to UK to replace Russian supplies. Sellafield employs close to 12,000 people in Cumbria with 5,000+ people in Warrington working across in new build and decommissioning. 📉 A decade of decline in Wales sees 500 fewer jobs, a 40% fall compared to a decade ago, despite having best nuclear site in Europe. Ynys Môn – home to Wylfa - sees a 57% fall, the biggest of any UK constituency. A new project at Wylfa would reverse this trend, generating jobs and clean power across Wales. 🚫 Nuclear jobs in Scotland continue to flatline. Only 6% of all UK nuclear jobs are now in Scotland, down from 10% in 2014. After the country's last remaining station - Torness - closes in 2028, Scotland will have no nuclear power generation for the first time in 70 years. 📢 Tom Greatrex, CEO Nuclear Industry Association: “As well as tens of thousands of high-skilled, well-paid jobs, nuclear also gives you 24/7 clean power, energy security and significant investment in communities, no other industry can say that... “...We can have lots more of these jobs and opportunities for the next generation if we get on with committing to new projects by supporting Sizewell C to a Final Investment Decision, progressing the development of Small Modular Reactors and a new nuclear project at Wylfa, for more secure, reliable and home grown power.” Access the 2024 Jobs Map ⏩ https://lnkd.in/eEgyttqS Read our Media Release ⏩ https://lnkd.in/eyKqM2sX #JobsMap24 #Nuclear #Netzeroneedsnuclear

Get them into fusion. Best invest in Building and talking about Fusion power, space, maritime propulsion systems and industry as data centres are. Great Headline, Guardian on Nuclear fission. https://lnkd.in/g8sMZtpR People talk about Nuclear (meaning Fission) and fail to discuss fusion. https://lnkd.in/ge_aeX7M The nuclear fission industry is ignorant of what's happening around it. It must pull its collective uranium heads out of the sand and prepare to enter the commercially growing fusion energy industry. Fission is moving towards obsolescence at an ever-increasing pace, as it is "out of step, out of time, out of place, and soon to be out of Fuel" and merely temporary. https://lnkd.in/gbd_mZqk By 2028, Helion is expected to start producing electricity from its first fusion commercial power plant, which will provide electricity to Microsoft. The plant will produce at least 50 MWe after an initial ramp-up period. https://lnkd.in/gY9J3MQY Now, see what is happening in the world of the fusion industry. https://lnkd.in/g9hMBD7a As fission trebles, fuel shortage is increasingly real, https://lnkd.in/gze5rwpr

Best invest in Building and talking about Fusion power, space, maritime propulsion systems and industry as data centres are. Great Headline, Guardian on Nuclear fission. https://lnkd.in/g8sMZtpR People talk about Nuclear (meaning Fission) and fail to discuss fusion. https://lnkd.in/ge_aeX7M The nuclear fission industry is ignorant of what's happening around it. It must pull its collective uranium heads out of the sand and prepare to enter the commercially growing fusion energy industry. Fission is moving towards obsolescence at an ever-increasing pace, as it is "out of step, out of time, out of place, and soon to be out of Fuel" and merely temporary. https://lnkd.in/gbd_mZqk By 2028, Helion is expected to start producing electricity from its first fusion commercial power plant, which will provide electricity to Microsoft. The plant will produce at least 50 MWe after an initial ramp-up period. https://lnkd.in/gY9J3MQY Now, see what is happening in the world of the fusion industry. https://lnkd.in/g9hMBD7a As fission trebles, fuel shortage is increasingly real, https://lnkd.in/gze5rwpr

Nuclear Power: The Hidden Gem in India's Energy Future Amid #budget discussions, one key theme is the focus on nuclear power. Prime Minister #Modi's recent visit to Russia has sparked talks about building six nuclear power units in India. Indian companies have been active in the nuclear power sector, driven by support for nuclear as a low-carbon energy source. Uranium prices have tripled since the end of 2020. India is also involved in constructing the Rooppur nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. Earlier this year, we highlighted promising #nuclear power stocks in India. The sector has seen new developments, with companies entering the field. Nuclear energy is the fifth-largest electricity source in India, contributing 3% of the total generation. The government's plan aims to triple this capacity to 22,480 megawatts (MW) by 2031, aligning with its net-zero targets. Private investments worth ₹2.16 trillion are being sought, with discussions underway with major power sector players. The nuclear energy industry presents a tremendous growth opportunity for companies involved. However, it's crucial to approach nuclear power companies with caution. Finance Minister #Nirmala #Sitharaman stated, "Nuclear energy is expected to form a very significant part of the energy mix for #Viksit Bharat." The country is set to develop small reactors and research small modular reactors (SMRs). In a groundbreaking announcement, the private sector will be allowed to partner in setting up nuclear plants for the first time. Currently, the Indian Atomic Energy Act 1962 does not permit private sector participation in nuclear energy generation. However, new possibilities are emerging. Dr. Saraswat mentioned that an enabling policy and legal environment would soon be created for private sector contributions. Only public sector undertakings like National Thermal Power Corporation were allowed to partner with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to set up atomic plants. The inclusion of the private sector will open new financing avenues. India has an installed nuclear power capacity of 6,780 MW, with 22 operating reactors. If the budget proposals are accepted, India will also develop small modular reactors with the private sector. These factory-made units can be assembled on-site, making them ideal for industries like cement and steel. Stocks to Watch: Larsen & Toubro #LT Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited #BHEL Hindustan Construction Company #HCC National Thermal Power Corporation #NTPC #AdaniPower #TataPower Vedanta #VEDL #Reliance Industries #PowerMechProjects #Walchandnagar Industries The nuclear power sector in India is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by government support and private sector involvement. This presents a unique opportunity for investors looking to tap into a promising and clean energy source. Keep an eye on the stocks mentioned above as the industry evolves. Learn Technical Analysis: www.prorsi.com

Challenges Faced by Britain in Nuclear Power Development: The British government is keen on expanding its nuclear power capacity to combat climate change. However, the journey has been fraught with delays and escalating costs. I've summarised below an article written by Stanley Reed - who has closely followed the Hinkley Point C reactor project for over a decade - that was published in The New York Times yesterday. 𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗖: 𝗔 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 The Hinkley Point C project represents a significant milestone as it aims to be the first commercial nuclear power station built in Britain since the mid-1990s. The recent installation of a massive rust-coloured dome, lifted into place by a giant yellow crane, symbolises progress. However, completion remains years away, despite more than a decade of construction efforts. 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀 Électricité de France (EDF (UK), the French state utility responsible for constructing Hinkley Point C, has issued warnings about further delays. The initial start date, originally set for 2027, has been pushed to the end of this decade or even 2031. These delays come at a steep price – the estimated cost has ballooned to £47.9 billion (approximately $60 billion), significantly higher than the £18 billion projected in 2016. 𝗡𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 Despite these challenges, nuclear power is gaining favour as a low-carbon energy source. The British government recently announced the “biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years.” However, the track record of nuclear energy in Western Europe and the soaring costs at Hinkley Point C underscore the complexities of reviving the industry.

AI Energy Hogs, Nuclear Safety & Risk — Big Tech Eyes Nuclear Revival — Microsoft’s push to restart the Three Mile island reactor reflects industry hopes for a climate friendly way to fuel data centres⚠️☢️⛔️☠️⚠️ Reuters - Laila Kearney & Timothy Gardner: US nuclear plants won't power up Big Tech's AI ambitions right away. Summary: - Resurrecting Three Mile Island will take years - Nuclear revival faces regulatory hurdles, local opponents - Potential uranium supply obstacle looms - Regulators' busy workload may delay permitting - Potential uranium supply obstacle looms - Regulators' busy workload may delay permitting "Nobody has done this before," said Kate Fowler, global nuclear energy leader for Marsh, an energy insurance broker & risk advisor, about Three Mile Island's attempted restart. "There's going to be challenges that pop up." The Three Mile Island plant made global headlines in 1979 with a partial meltdown at its Unit 2 reactor, the worst nuclear incident in US history. The reopening plan covers the Unit 1 reactor at the Pennsylvania plant, which operated safely for decades before being closed 5 years ago. The $1.6-billion planwould restart Unit 1 by 2028 to offset Microsoft's data-center power consumption in the region. A plan by Microsoft to use the restart of a Three Mile Island nuclear reactor to help power its expanding data centers reflects the tech industry's hopes nuclear energy can be a quick & climate-friendly answer to its massive electricity needs. But it will be tough to swiftly meet soaring power demand from the data centers behind artificial intelligence with new or resurrected nuclear reactors, as companies will face high regulatory hurdles, potential fuel supply obstacles, & sometimes stiff local & environmental opposition. Microsoft & Constellation Energy, announced a deal to restart a unit at the plant in Pennsylvania on Friday, in what would be the first-ever restart for a data center. At the announcement, Constellation’s CEO Joe Dominguez called nuclear power the only energy source available that is both climate-friendly & reliable enough to support Big Tech’s needs, implying weather-dependent wind & solar energy may not be up to the task. The announcement follows a similar agreement in March in which Amazon, purchased a nuclear-powered datacenter from Talen Energy, & other nuclear contracts for data centers are in the works, power industry sources say. The needs these deals aim to fill are huge. U.S. data center power use is expected to roughly triple between 2023 & 2030 & will require about 47 gigawatts of new generation capacity, according to Goldman Sachs estimates, which assumed natural gas, wind & solar would fill the gap. Climate conscious investors & regulators are keen to ensure this spike does not trigger a huge rise in greenhouse gas emissions. For Microsoft & Constellation, at least, the deal is likely to be challenging to bring to fruition. Image: Royalton, Pa., REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

Constellation Energy and Microsoft plan to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, hoping they have scored a quick source of enough climate-friendly energy to power rapidly expanding data centers for artificial intelligence (AI). U.S. power generation capacity through the end of the decade could rise by about 2.4% to 2.7%, according to an analysis of the most recent available U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, from late 2022. Data center power use is expected to more than double by 2030 to consume about 9% of all the country's electricity. Tech companies are scrambling to meet a surge in energy demand from data centers to power generative AI. But tapping the nuclear system involves regulatory hurdles, possible supply-chain snags, sometimes stiff local opposition and scrutiny from water authorities concerned about healthy reservoirs. In March, 1979, Three Mile Island made global headlines with a partial meltdown at its Unit 2 reactor. The reopening plan covers the Unit 1 reactor at the Pennsylvania plant, which operated safely for decades before being closed five years ago. The $1.6-billion plan would restart Unit 1 by 2028 to offset Microsoft's data-center power consumption in the region. It is the latest deal between a technology company and a nuclear-power provider. In March, Talen Energy agreed to sell a data center to Amazon next to Talen's nuclear plant, which operates elsewhere in Pennsylvania. More nuclear contracts for data centers are in the works, power industry sources say. But each tech-nuclear deal is unique and comes with its own challenges. "Nobody has done this before," said Kate Fowler, global nuclear energy leader for Marsh, an energy insurance broker and risk advisor, about Three Mile Island's attempted restart. "There's going to be challenges that pop up." Supply-chain bottlenecks have cropped up since Three Mile Island shut its Unit 1 in 2019, Fowler said. Washington slapped restrictions on enriched uranium following Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Securing licenses from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will also be challenging, as will negotiating with local opponents. "The NRC currently really has a full plate," said Sola Talabi, a nuclear engineer and president of energy risk consultancy Pittsburgh Technical, noting license applications for different types of reactors the agency has never considered before, including high-tech modular plants and another decommissioned reactor in Michigan. Even though President Joe Biden recently signed legislation to streamline the NRC's licensing process, consideration of the queue of new projects by the timelines laid out by companies will challenge NRC personnel and technical resources, Talabi said. While Constellation seeks NRC operating approvals for Three Mile Island, the public comment period could prolong the processes. It could also take years to reconnect the project to the regional grid.

NUCLEAR ENERGY? HELL YES! AUSTRALIA CAN BUILD NUCLEAR REACTORS & AN INDUSTRY IN 8 to 10 YEARS! IF THEY CAN'T I CAN, JUST GIVE AUTHORITY TO A CAPABLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION! The Australian Labor party suggests that reactors proposed by the Liberal National Party on existing Coal Fired Plant locations would cost over $AUD 690 Billion? Canada recently completing a new reactor forUS 8.6 Billion. We need to telescope the program including Nuclear legislation which must be upgraded as will soon procure 6 Nuclear Subs and may have Subs in Australian ports from the USA and UK. The UK and Canadian Nuclear Legislation could be cribbed entirely as they have Westminster Democratic Parliamentary systems and their legislation is very similar. The initial legislation for compliance in a few months, then upgraded a few years later. To telescope the project management of these nuclear reactors with an aim to have them powering up in 8 to 12 years, that is the entire first 7 reactors. Australia could also float reactors into ports like Gladstone and moore them there for their economic life before being towed back to a central facility for refurbishment in 30 years. The Canadians have offered their technology and assistance, as have the UK and USA. Are we as smart and capable as the Canadians? I think we are! Australia needs legislation to maintain and protect the existing coal fired energy plants as they are in private hands. Gas fired Turbines are required across Australia to KEEP THE LIGHTS ON! This should have been a priority from the beginning. We need to end all subsidies for Wind and Solar which distort the market and drive prices skywards. The current cost of a new nuclear reactor in Canada was US$ 8.6 Billion. As they are to be initially built on old Coal Fired Plants we do not have to replace our substantial transmission infrastructure. The first nuclear reactor must include the cost of a revamped Nuclear Energy Agency, which we must do anyway as we shall have 6 or more nuclear subs in Australia. Australia should also build floating nuclear plants to be bring them here faster to be moored permanently then at end of life floated back for refurbishment. Australia could take the UK nuclear legislation wholes bolus and change all references to UK with 'Australia' or use the Canadian legislation. It takes four years to plan and eight years to build, which may be on a telescoped timeline. A well organised project management organisation can deliver the first nuclear reactors in 8 to 10 years. If you can't, I can and I would. So the ALP analysis is biased and entirely incorrect. Fact Check what the costings and the timelines are. Are Australians as capable of procuring a nuclear reactor as the Canadians, and they offered us their assistance? We are going Nuclear and the sooner the better. Wind turbines destroy our environment and should never have been approved! The Labor / Greens / Teals will not deliver nuclear reactors but we can!

The UK government has said it is working on making sites available for new nuclear power stations, amid reported talks with the owner of the Wylfa facility in north Wales. Hitachi owns the site on the island of Anglesey or Ynys Môn, but its future has been uncertain since 2020, when the Japanese company formally abandoned its own effort to build a new reactor there after failing to agree financial support with the government. The government is in early-stage discussions with Hitachi to acquire the land, with the intention of finding a partner to develop a nuclear power station there. The government has in recent years committed to expanding nuclear power generation and launched Great British Nuclear, despite significant delays and enormous cost overruns on existing projects at Hinkley Point C in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk. The government laid out plans in January for what it described as Britain’s biggest nuclear power expansion in 70 years, building reactors capable of producing 24 gigawatts of power by 2050. That would meet a quarter of the UK’s energy demand while producing zero carbon emissions. Those plans will depend on moving forward nuclear projects on the relatively few sites deemed suitable for new reactors. The Wylfa site has been valued at £200m, according to the Financial Times, which first reported the talks between Hitachi and GB Nuclear. Read more ➡️ https://buff.ly/3wcSSsW The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is here to support your business - reach out to share your views, concerns and opportunities. #SCCnews #businesssupport #businessnetwork #businessvoice #businessleader Sign up for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce enewsletter at https://buff.ly/3CpsQnu

Credit to Ira P. Pedrasa March 19, 2024 The tricky road to PH’s nuclear future https://lnkd.in/gNCNqi3x Tucked in the middle of Quezon City is a zero-power nuclear reactor, its small body busily churning out dozens of information for 30 or so Filipinos researching about neutron dynamics and the pureness of honey, among others. About 200 kilometers away, only ghosts of the past roam the halls of an empty giant concrete structure described by some as the “monster of Morong.” It’s these two facilities that describe the state of nuclear power in the Philippines, or the lack of it, as the country embarks on an energy program to cleanse its electricity grid of dirty sources while making sure it is stable enough to meet the demands of a growing population. Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin said the Philippines should have its “first” nuclear plant already up and running by 2032—and that while “very ambitious” and “very tight,” it can be done. Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin said, but qualifying that the government is not closing its doors on refurbishing it and finally making it part of the country’s generation solution or just turning it into a research facility of sorts. Canada has already decommissioned all its coal plants, choosing renewables and the carbon-free nuclear route to sustain the needs of its grid. Small ZModular Reactor (SMR)s will therefore come in handy. It is this same technology that is on the radar of private companies such as Aboitiz Power. “What’s interesting [for us] is the BWRX 300 (a type of SMR), because the size matches our grid. It’s very interesting and they (Canada) will be the first one, and then we’ll have the opportunity to observe how they will perform in one or two years,” AboitizPower Thermal Power Generation Group chief operating officer Felino Bernardo told the Inquirer. Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee, which is chaired by the Department of Energy (DOE). The committee was created during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s time to look into nuclear power’s possible entry into the country’s energy mix. Today, its goal is to have the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act passed into law. It will create the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) that will have “sole and exclusive jurisdiction to exercise regulatory control for the peaceful, safe and secure uses of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the