The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has granted a site licence for EDF Energy's planned Hinkley Point C power station. It is the first new site licence to be awarded for a UK nuclear power station in 25 years, although further consent will be needed before construction can begin.
France's first EPR is still on schedule for operation in 2016 but factors including new regulatory requirements and lessons learned from Fukushima have pushed the calculated costs of the project up.
Russian leaders have affirmed the strategic and economic importance of nuclear technology to the country, announcing that spending will rise and a major development program will be accelerated._36x48.jpg "mPower cutaway (BandW) 36x48")
The Babcock and Wilcox mPower small modular reactor (SMR) has been selected as the winner of a US government program intended to help accelerate the pace at which this new class of power plant is brought to market.
Reactor vendors can increase their competitiveness as they bid for projects in the post-Fukushima world if they address a number of key factors to bring together their strengths and good practices, a new report from Ernst & Young suggests.
The Czech Republic will work to cut its reliance on coal and increase nuclear to supply half of its energy needs under a new long-term energy policy unveiled by prime minister Petr Necas..jpg "Vogtle welding (80x48)")
The official start of construction at Vogtle 3 and 4 has drawn nearer with permission for a change in the concrete to be used, while Chinese engineers have agreed to share their experience of AP1000 construction.