Global Climate News

India plans to triple its nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32 to meet its net-zero target. The country is also developing thorium-based nuclear fuel and a prototype fast breeder reactor. However, challenges include high upfront costs, public opposition, and stringent liability laws.

US-based Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) hosted the 10th annual Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) workshop, attracting 365 participants. The workshop focused on advancements in MSR technology, including demonstration projects, reactor design, and international deployment strategies. ORNL's expertise in MSRs dates back to the 1950s, and the lab's involvement continues to shape the field, as evidenced by Kairos Power's recent groundbreaking on a demonstration reactor near the ORNL site.

Google has announced six initiatives to advance clean energy solutions in 2024. These include partnering with NV Energy and Duke Energy to develop new clean energy rate models, investing in solar capacity in Asia Pacific with BlackRock and New Green Power, partnering with Kairos Power for advanced nuclear power, collaborating with Microsoft and Nucor to scale reliable clean energy technologies, scaling procurement innovation to speed up clean energy deals, and reimagining data center power through co-location with Intersect Power and TPG Rise Climate. These actions aim to meet growing electricity demand sustainably and reliably.

US-based NuScale Power Corporation completed the redemption of its outstanding warrants, receiving $227.7 million in cash proceeds and issuing 19,800,548 shares of its common stock. The company is the industry-leading provider of small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology.

The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) released a report, FUTURE DESIGN 2040, outlining Chairman TOKURA Masakazu’s vision for Japan’s society by 2040. The report focuses on six policy pillars, including environment and energy, aiming to advance GX policies, contribute to global carbon neutrality, and ensure stable energy supply at internationally competitive prices. Keidanren advocates for maximizing decarbonizing power sources, including nuclear power, and achieving carbon neutrality through various measures.

Paraguay is enhancing cooperation with the IAEA on clean energy, sustainable mining, and food security. The IAEA is supporting Paraguay in developing climate-smart agricultural techniques, improving cancer care, and establishing a nuclear energy program. This includes providing equipment such as mammography units and linear accelerators, and supporting the development of a nuclear energy program implementation organization.

The IAEA and the Government of Belgium organized the world’s first Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels. The IAEA raised its projections for nuclear electrical generation for the fourth year in a row, highlighting the increasing global momentum for nuclear expansion. Nuclear energy is gaining momentum as countries strive to meet climate targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The US-based Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) awarded four vouchers to support the development of advanced nuclear technologies. Curio Solutions, Deep Fission, Inc., Kairos Power LLC, and NuCube Energy will collaborate with DOE national laboratories to advance nuclear fuel recycling, microreactor design, salt coolant monitoring, and carbon dioxide conversion technologies. GAIN vouchers provide access to national laboratory resources, with awardees responsible for a minimum 20 percent cost share.

US-based Oklo Inc. and Switch signed a non-binding Master Power Agreement to deploy 12 gigawatts of Oklo Aurora powerhouse projects through 2044. This is one of the largest corporate clean power agreements ever signed, aiming to provide clean energy for Switch’s data centers and support industry-wide decarbonization.

The UK government has published its response to the Climate Change Committee’s 2024 Progress Report, outlining steps taken to accelerate net zero and meet climate targets. Key actions include lifting the onshore wind ban, approving major solar projects, launching Great British Energy (£125m funding announced for 2025-2026), delivering a record-breaking renewables auction, and investing £21.7bn in carbon capture and hydrogen industries. The UK also announced an ambitious 2035 NDC target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% compared to 1990 levels.

US-based Antares Nuclear Inc. chose Manufacturo’s integrated software solution to enable the production of its microreactors for terrestrial and space applications. These microreactors will be a critical asset for the Department of Defense and will also play an important role in commercial markets for providing clean energy.

US-based NuScale Power Corporation opened a new Energy Exploration (E2) Center at The Ohio State University, co-funded by the university and a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The center offers hands-on learning opportunities in simulated nuclear power plant operation.

S&P Global Commodity Insights released its 2025 energy outlook, highlighting uncertainties in energy markets due to geopolitical factors and the impact of AI. The report projects increased energy demand outpacing clean energy supply growth, leading to higher emissions. Key themes include the impact of a second Trump presidency on US energy policy, the role of AI in electricity consumption, the potential for a nuclear energy comeback, and the competition between China and the West in clean technology.

The Indian government, through the Department of Atomic Energy, provided details on the country's atomic power plants, including their capacity, power output, and distribution. The average tariff of nuclear power in 2023-24 was Rs. 3.83 per kWh, comparable to conventional baseload power. Nine nuclear power reactors are under construction/commissioning, and twelve are in pre-project activities.

France and Japan have signed a cooperation agreement for Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFR) development. Framatome will collaborate with Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), and Mitsubishi FBR Systems (MFBR) on a 600 MWe demonstration reactor based on French pool-type reactor architecture. The agreement marks Framatome's contribution to Japan's new SFR development program.

The UK government has outlined its commitment to nuclear power as a key component of its clean energy strategy. The government has confirmed £2.7bn funding for Sizewell C development, announced contract negotiations for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition with four shortlisted companies, and welcomed the extension of four nuclear power stations (Heysham 1, Hartlepool, Heysham 2, and Torness) to operate until 2027-2030. The government projects electricity demand to increase by 50% by 2035 and 100% by 2050, emphasizing the need for nuclear power alongside other clean energy sources to achieve clean power goals by 2030.

Uzbekistan has announced plans to develop its nuclear power program, focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with six 55 MW reactors planned. The IAEA and Uzbekistan have signed an agreement to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, agriculture, water management, healthcare, and ecology. The project includes training specialists, strengthening national agencies, and establishing a new cancer hospital under the IAEA's Rays of Hope initiative.

Qatar has committed to invest £1 billion in UK climate technology through a landmark partnership with Rolls-Royce. The investment will support technology programs focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable fuels, and carbon emissions reduction. The partnership will create climate technology hubs across the UK and Qatar, generating thousands of jobs and accelerating development of climate-friendly technologies.

India is pursuing a three-stage nuclear power program to utilize its uranium resources and thorium reserves for long-term energy security. The government is working on expanding the nuclear energy sector, partnering with the private sector for research and development of Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) and Small Modular Reactors (BSMR), and aiming to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy generation by 2030 as pledged at COP26. The plan includes setting up 220 MW BSRs, with private entities providing land, cooling water, and capital, while NPCIL handles design, quality assurance, and operation & maintenance.

India has made advancements in nuclear technology for sustainable energy production. India has achieved mastery in all aspects of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, with reactors of various sizes in operation. Research and development is underway for pressurised water reactor technology, small modular reactors, and high-temperature thermochemical processes for hydrogen production. A capacity of 1400 MW was added in 2023-24, increasing the nuclear power capacity to 8180 MW.