Innovation rss

US brings accident-tolerant fuel target nearer

Uranium and Fuel

20 April 2018

The US Nuclear Energy Institute reported yesterday that coordination among the various entities involved in the development of accident-tolerant fuels has "progressed to the point that all stakeholders now agree on the feasibility of a 2023 timeline". Citing speakers at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's 12 April briefing on ATF, the NEI said US research, development and licensing frameworks "need to undergo a paradigm shift" to accelerate the way innovative nuclear technologies such as ATF are brought to market.

French soil decontamination tested in Fukushima

Waste and Recycling

13 April 2018

Testing of French soil decontamination process in Fukushima - 48A demonstration test of a process to decontaminate radioactive soil was successfully carried out last November in Japan's Fukushima Prefecture, France's Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission announced on 11 April. The technology was developed by CEA, Orano and Veolia.

Uranium operations look to improve performance

Uranium and Fuel

09 April 2018

Peninsula Energy Limited has formally submitted a request to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to amend its existing permit to allow the use of a low-pH recovery solution at the Lance uranium project in Wyoming, USA. This is expected to increase recovery rates and improve the cost profile of the project. Meanwhile, a study has highlighted the potential of membrane separation to improve economics at GoviEx Uranium's Madouela project in Niger.

IAEA tests drone to fight disease-carrying mosquitos

Energy and Environment

19 April 2018

Drone to suppress mosquitos - 48The International Atomic Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations have successfully tested releasing sterile mosquitos from drones as part of efforts to use a nuclear technique to suppress the insect that spreads Zika and other diseases. The IAEA said today that testing of the new system had been carried out in Brazil last month.

Council formed to support Canadian isotope production

Regulation and Safety

10 April 2018

Canadian science, health care and nuclear sector organisations have launched an initiative aiming to ensure the country remains a world leader in the production of medical isotopes following the final closure of the National Research Universal reactor. The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council aims to raise awareness and support long-term policies at the domestic and international level.

Agreement to study SMR use in northern Ontario

New Nuclear

09 April 2018

Bruce-Mirarco-Laurentian Uni MOU - 48The use of small modular reactors (SMRs) for remote communities and mines in northern Ontario will be studied following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Bruce Power, Laurentian University and Mirarco Mining Innovation. The five-year, CAD1 million (USD786,000)  research agreement will create an Industrial Chair position at Mirarco.