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Four decades after Chernobyl, a generational divide reshapes Italy's nuclear debate

Four decades after Chernobyl, a generational divide reshapes Italy's nuclear debate

Nearly 40 years after Italy abandoned nuclear power following the Chernobyl disaster, Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government is laying the groundwork for a return to atomic energy
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Italy Moves to Revive Nuclear Power Decades After Chernobyl

Italy Moves to Revive Nuclear Power Decades After Chernobyl

Italy is preparing to reintroduce nuclear power, four decades after the Chernobyl disaster led to its abandonment. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is pushing for legislation to establish a legal framework for next-generation nuclear reactors. This move is driven by concerns over energy security, increasing electricity demand, and climate goals. Despite growing support among younger Italians, the initiative faces challenges related to costs, waste management, and public acceptance.
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Small Modular Reactors Proposed to Address Maryland's Energy Crisis

Small Modular Reactors Proposed to Address Maryland's Energy Crisis

Developers are considering small modular reactors (SMRs) as a solution to Maryland's energy crisis. These reactors, which use TRISO fuel, offer a potential path to sustainable and reliable energy. However, commercial deployment remains years away, as regulatory and technical challenges need to be addressed. The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate nuclear energy into the state's energy mix, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.
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Canada Advances Nuclear Energy with First Small Modular Reactor

Canada Advances Nuclear Energy with First Small Modular Reactor

Canada Advances Nuclear Energy with First Small Modular Reactor
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Antares Secures $470 Million for Military Base Reactor Development

Antares Secures $470 Million for Military Base Reactor Development

Antares Secures $470 Million for Military Base Reactor Development
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U.S. District Court Overturns IRS Rules on Wind and Solar Tax Credits, Impacting Renewable Projects

U.S. District Court Overturns IRS Rules on Wind and Solar Tax Credits, Impacting Renewable Projects

U.S. District Court Overturns IRS Rules on Wind and Solar Tax Credits, Impacting Renewable Projects
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Britain Extends Life of Aging Nuclear Reactors Amid Safety Concerns

Britain Extends Life of Aging Nuclear Reactors Amid Safety Concerns

EDF has extended the operational life of two Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs) in Britain, Hartlepool and Heysham 1, by two years to March 2030. These reactors, originally designed to last 25 years, have been operational since 1983. The extension is the sixth since 2010, despite the reactors facing issues such as graphite brick cracking, which is critical for reactor safety. The decision aims to maintain energy supply and jobs, but it highlights the challenges of managing aging nuclear infrastructure.
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Armenia's Commitment to Small Modular Reactors Raises Geopolitical Questions

Armenia's Commitment to Small Modular Reactors Raises Geopolitical Questions

Armenia has committed to replacing its Metsamor nuclear facility with Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. This decision is seen as a geopolitical move, potentially favoring American technology over Russian alternatives. However, industry expert Henry Tillman suggests that Armenia might also consider Chinese SMRs and Thorium reactors. The U.S. SMRs are criticized for being experimental, with no operational plants yet. Meanwhile, China and Russia are advancing in this field, with China expected to release its first commercial SMR by 2026. Armenia's decision is significant given its reliance on nuclear power for 35% of its energy needs and its limited budget of $9 billion.
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Bipartisan House Bill Would Streamline Licensing for Small Hydrokinetic Projects

Bipartisan House Bill Would Streamline Licensing for Small Hydrokinetic Projects

A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to streamline the licensing process for small hydropower projects, like the RivGen Power System in Alaska. This turbine, located on the Kvichak River, has been providing electricity to the village of Igiugig since 2019. The bill, known as the FLOWS Act, seeks to create a new category for 'micro hydrokinetic energy projects' with capacities under 5 megawatts, offering a simplified permitting pathway. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support renewable energy projects that do not require large-scale infrastructure like traditional dams.
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission Proposes Changes to Radiation Safety Standards Amid Trump’s Nuclear Expansion

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Proposes Changes to Radiation Safety Standards Amid Trump’s Nuclear Expansion

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to eliminate the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, a longstanding radiation safety standard, while maintaining maximum radiation exposure limits. This proposal comes as President Trump seeks to quadruple domestic nuclear energy production to meet rising electricity demand. The NRC aims to replace ALARA with a 'graded approach' that requires facilities to implement more rigorous radiation protection measures as they approach dose limits. This change is intended to provide clearer guidelines for new reactor designs and expedite nuclear reactor development.