In A Historic Shift, India Opens Uranium Mining to Private Sector

India is poised to make a historic shift in its nuclear energy strategy by allowing private firms to mine, import, and process uranium—ending a decades-old state monopoly, said a report by Reuters.

Key Highlights of the Policy Shift

• Private Sector Entry: Companies can now mine, import, and supply control systems for nuclear plants.
• State Retains Core Control: Government will manage spent fuel reprocessing and plutonium waste.
• Timeline: Policy expected to be announced in FY26.

Nuclear Expansion Goals

Metric	Current Status	2047 Target
Nuclear Power Capacity	8.8 GW	100 GW
Share of Electricity from Nuclear	~2%	5%
Uranium Demand Coverage (Domestic)	~25%	Remainder to be imported

Implications for Industry & Investment

• Legal Overhaul: Amendments needed in mining, electricity, and FDI laws.
• Foreign Participation: Minority stakes in nuclear plants to be allowed.
• Corporate Interest: Indian conglomerates preparing investment plans.

Global Context

Countries like Canada, South Africa, and the United States already allow private firms to mine and process uranium, offering international precedents for India’s move.

This shift is part of Prime Minister Modi’s broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aiming to make nuclear energy a cornerstone of India’s clean energy and energy security strategy.

HYLENR Secures $3 Mn Pre-Series A to Commercialize LENR-Based Carbon-Free Heat Systems

HYLENR, a clean energy startup harnessing patented Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR) to develop scalable, carbon-free heat energy systems for industrial heat and power, today announced the successful closure of around USD 3.0 Million strategic Pre-Series A funding round to accelerate product commercialisation.

The round was led by Valour Capital and Chhattisgarh Investments Limited, early-stage investors focused on deep-tech/energy transition technologies. Individual investors Karthik Sundar Iyer and Anant Sarda also participated. PwC served as the company’s advisor on the transaction, while Samvad Partners was their legal advisor.

The fresh capital injection enables HYLENR to fast-track from pilot to market launch, signaling growing investor confidence in LENR as a viable alternative to fossil fuels amid rising interest in its breakthrough heat energy amplification and scalable commercial systems.

Karan Goshar, Partner at Valour Capital, commented, “HYLENR’s LENR technology is disruptive; it represents a leap forward in redefining how the world approaches industrial heat and energy generation. What excites us most is the scalability and safety profile of their systems, coupled with the perfect mix of technological and entrepreneurial expertise within the team, which positions HYLENR to play a key role in the global energy transition. We are thrilled to back a team delivering transformative technology.”

“We believe LENR has the potential to be the safest and most energy-efficient thermal and electrical generation technology of the future,” said Siddhartha Durairajan, Chairman and Managing Director of HYLENR. Adding, “Our recent lab results show unprecedented energy gain ratios, and this round gives us the momentum to focus on our product roadmap. We have begun early proof-of-concept tests, with several government bodies and large corporations showing interest in our LENR systems. The next phase will focus on scaling manufacturing and expanding globally.”

“This round is a vote of confidence in both our technology and our mission,” expressed Ram Ramaseshan, Co-Founder, Executive Director and CEO of HYLENR. “We have moved beyond proof-of-concept into a phase where LENR can begin to address real-world energy challenges. This funding allows us to accelerate product development and market reach, addressing industry needs for clean, high-yield thermal and electrical energy solutions in the US, Europe, India and Japan markets.”

Pilot projects are already underway with leading government institutions and industrial players, aimed at replacing conventional fossil-based systems with sustainable, next-generation alternatives. The company’s product pipeline includes products ranging from 7.2KW for domestic consumption all the way to 1MW for large-scale industrial applications.

With its next fundraising round of USD 25 Million targeted with strategic investors and with Clean Energy focused funds from the U.S. and Europe, HYLENR aims to build on this momentum and expand its R&D, engineering, and international partnerships. The company is seeking mission-aligned investors who recognize LENR as a foundational pillar of the post-carbon energy era.

The inspiration for LENR technology comes from HYLENR’s Chief Innovation Officer, Padma Shri Dr. Prahlada, renowned as the Missile Man of India for his work on the Akash missile, and Dr. Varaprasad, the company’s Chief Scientific Officer.

About HYLENR Technologies

Founded in 2024 and based in Hyderabad, HYLENR Technologies is at the forefront of next-generation energy innovation. The company’s proprietary LENR-based hybrid heat systems aim to revolutionize thermal energy generation across industries such as manufacturing, oil & gas, district heating, and clean water desalination. Their breakthroughs in LENR are now protected by two patents — one for the product architecture, and another for the underlying process innovation. https://www.hylenr.com

About Valour Capital

Valour Capital is a venture capital firm backing breakthrough startups with the potential to create global impact. With a portfolio spanning cleantech, AI, biotech, and infrastructure, Valour is committed to investing in technologies that reimagine industries and reshape the future.

India's Nuclear Fuel Complex: 52 Years Since Its First Nuclear Fuel Bundle

A Legacy of Innovation Established in April 1971 , the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) in Hyderabad has been a cornerstone of India's nuclear energy program. It was conceived as a pivotal industrial arm of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to ensure self-reliance in nuclear fuel production—a vision championed by Dr. Homi Bhabha.

In June 1973 , NFC produced its first nuclear fuel bundle, marking a significant milestone in India's journey toward nuclear energy independence. At the time, Indira Gandhi was India's Prime Minister , and Raja Ramanna played a crucial role in India's nuclear advancements as a leading scientist within the Atomic Energy Commission. 

The Science Behind Nuclear Fuel

At the heart of NFC’s operations is the transformation of natural uranium —mined from Jaduguda, Jharkhand —into uranium dioxide (UO₂) pellets . These pellets, which undergo nuclear fission to generate energy, are encased in zirconium alloy tubes , ensuring containment of radioactive byproducts.

A 220 MW PHWR fuel bundle contains 15.2 kg of uranium dioxide , meticulously fabricated to withstand extreme conditions within nuclear reactors.

Manufacturing of Fuel Assemblies

NFC’s expertise extends beyond fuel production, supplying zircaloy-clad uranium oxide fuel assemblies and reactor core components to all 14 operating atomic power reactors in India.

Expanding India's Nuclear Capabilities

Over the decades, NFC has continuously expanded its production capacity. Initially designed to produce 250 tons of UO₂ per year, the Hyderabad facility is now scaling up to 600 tons annually to meet India's growing nuclear energy demands.

Beyond power generation, NFC plays a crucial role in defense and aerospace , supplying high-purity materials to the Indian Navy, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and other strategic sectors

The Road Ahead

As India accelerates its nuclear energy ambitions, NFC is poised to establish two new fuel fabrication facilities , ensuring a steady supply of nuclear fuel for upcoming reactors.

A new facility of NFC at Kota, where fuel tube production is already underway, and is expected later this year, with full commissioning of all fuel modules. 

With its legacy of innovation and commitment to self-reliance, NFC remains a pillar of India's nuclear energy program , driving the nation toward a sustainable and energy-secure future. Would you like me to refine any sections further or add more historical context?

China Achieves Historic First: Refueling a Running Nuclear Reactor

• China Revives Abandoned U.S. Nuclear Tech to Achieve Energy Breakthrough
• China now has world's first operational thorium nuclear reactor

Chinese scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in nuclear energy by reviving old research from the United States. They built a unique reactor in the Gobi Desert that runs on thorium, a different and safer fuel compared to uranium.

Unlike traditional reactors, the Chinese scientists built one that produces less nuclear waste. The most impressive part of their achievement is that they managed to refill the reactor while it was still running, something no one had done before.

Chinese scientists have successfully refueled an experimental thorium molten salt reactor without shutting it down—an unprecedented breakthrough in nuclear energy.

This technology was originally developed in the U.S. in the 1950s, but it was abandoned, leaving the research publicly available. China picked up where the U.S. left off and successfully made it work. If this innovation can be scaled up, it could lead to cleaner and safer nuclear power, helping the world transition to better energy solutions with less pollution. This marks a significant step toward sustainable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

As mentioned above, thorium reactors were originally developed in the United States in the 1950s, but the U.S. shifted focus to uranium-based reactors, leaving this research publicly available. Chinese scientists capitalized on this abandoned knowledge, refining it into a working prototype.

Comic Timing

The timing of China’s nuclear breakthrough is almost poetic, given the ongoing tariff war with the U.S. Right now, Washington and Beijing are locked in a tense trade battle, with the U.S. imposing up to 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, while China retaliates with 125% tariffs on American imports.

Against this backdrop, China’s successful revival of abandoned U.S. nuclear research feels like a strategic flex. It’s as if Beijing is saying, “You may have left this behind, but we’ve turned it into a game-changer.” The fact that the U.S. originally developed thorium reactor technology in the 1950s, only to abandon it, makes this moment even more ironic.

While trade tensions escalate, China is making strides in energy independence, potentially reducing reliance on foreign fuel sources. If thorium reactors prove viable on a large scale, China could strengthen its energy security, making it less vulnerable to external pressures—including economic sanctions.

It’s an interesting mix of scientific progress and geopolitical maneuvering.

Nuclear Technology

This reactor can generate 2 megawatts (MW) of energy, enough to power around 2,000 households, and it significantly reduces nuclear waste compared to conventional uranium reactors. Given China’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2060, this breakthrough could play a crucial role in its clean energy transition.

China’s breakthrough in nuclear energy revolves around a thorium molten salt reactor (TMSR), a next-generation nuclear system that operates differently from traditional uranium-based reactors. Here are the key technical details:

• Fuel Source: Instead of solid uranium rods, this reactor uses liquid thorium dissolved in molten salt.
• Refueling Innovation: Scientists successfully refueled the reactor while it was still running, a feat never achieved before.
• Safety Features: The molten salt system prevents overheating, making meltdowns nearly impossible.
• Efficiency: Thorium reactors extract more energy per unit of fuel compared to uranium reactors.
• Waste Reduction: Produces minimal long-lived radioactive waste, unlike conventional nuclear reactors.
• Self-Regulating Mechanism: If the reactor overheats, the molten salt expands, automatically reducing nuclear reactions.
• Emergency Shutdown System: A freeze plug at the reactor’s base melts in emergencies, draining the fuel into a safe storage chamber to stop reactions instantly.
• Power Output: The experimental reactor generates 2 megawatts (MW) of thermal power, enough to supply around 2,000 households

This breakthrough could redefine nuclear energy by making it safer, cleaner, and more sustainable. What’s your take on this? Comment below....

Hylenr and TakeMe2Space to Test & Experiment Low-energy Nuclear Reaction (LENR) Tech for Space-based Compute Infrastructure

(L–R) Ronak Kumar Samantray, Founder of TakeMe2Space and Siddhartha Durairajan Hylenr Founder and CEO

• Hylenr and TakeMe2Space to test LENR Powered Compute Modules
• Ink MoU to test and experiment Hylenr’s Low-Energy Nuclear Reaction (LENR) technology for space-based compute infrastructure

Hyderabad based startup Hylenr Technologies, a leader in clean energy innovation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TakeMe2Space, a pioneering space-tech company, to develop and test LENR powered compute modules in space.

TakeMe2Space is actively exploring multiple energy technologies, including LENR, to assess efficient methods for heat extraction and potential reuse in its compute-focused satellites. This technology could also be applicable for deep space missions which traditionally use radioisotope based thermoelectric generators (RTGs).

Hylenr The ASTROGEN 250 — a 250 kW space-based energy generator specifically engineered to operate in extraterrestrial environments (think: the Moon, Mars, deep space missions). It’s like the HYTHERM 250’s intergalactic cousin, but tailored for the harsh, no-nonsense conditions of outer space.

As the first step of this collaboration, Hyderabad based startup TakeMe2Space, which is building LEO satellite infrastructure will provide the satellite platform and subsystems required to test Hylenr’s LENR-based thermo-electric generator in space.

"Validating our LENR technology in space is a crucial milestone, and TakeMe2Space’s platform and expertise provides the perfect opportunity to test our system in a real operational environment," said Hylenr Founder and CEO Siddhartha Durairajan. "This could open new possibilities for long-duration missions and off-grid power solutions in space."

Ronak Kumar Samantray, Founder of TakeMe2Space, added,

We are actively exploring alternative energy solutions for our in-space compute infrastructure and are excited to take this first step with Hylenr to test their technology in space. We are particularly interested in assessing how this approach can be leveraged for efficient heat management and energy reuse in our satellites.

This partnership represents a step toward exploring LENR for space, with TakeMe2Space bringing expertise in space systems and Hylenr demonstrating the viability of its LENR-based power system.

Furthermore, accomplishing this goal, will help deliver a compact, long-lasting, and clean energy source for space-based computing, possibly enabling: Long-duration missions. high-power computing in space, reduced reliance on solar power or other energy sources.

About Hylenr

Hyderabad based Startup HYLENR’s has demonstrated world’s first and a ground-breaking cold fusion technology to generate Clean Energy. This innovation has received a patent from the Government of India for its Low Energy Nuclear Reactor Technology. HYLENR’s Low Energy Nuclear Reactor is a promising alternative for power generation, by amplifying input electricity to produce heat for Space Application (MMRTG), Steam generation for multiple applications, Room Heating across cold regions globally, Induction heating for Domestic and Industrial requirements. Also, HYLENR devices can drastically decrease the risk profile for space missions. For more information : https://hylenr.com/

NTPC and US-based Clean Core Collaborate for Using Thorium-based Nuclear Fuel Tech in India

NTPC Limited, India's largest integrated power company, has partnered with US based Clean Core Thorium Energy (Clean Core) to explore the development and deployment of ANEEL™ fuel for Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). This collaboration aims to leverage thorium-based nuclear fuel technology to enhance India's energy security and sustainability.

Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life (ANEEL™) is a new nuclear fuel developed by Clean Core, a Chicago-based company founded by Mehul Shah.

ANEEL™ is a mix of Thorium and Uranium enriched to a certain level, known as High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU).

The name ANEEL™ honors Dr. Anil Kakodkar, one of India's foremost nuclear scientists.

The collaboration aims to minimize the use of Uranium-235 by leveraging Thorium, which India has in abundance. ANEEL™ can be used in existing Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactors (PHWRs), which are a significant part of India's nuclear fleet.

It was in last month only when Clean Core announced that its patented ANEEL™ fuel has reached a groundbreaking burnup milestone in the Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Laboratory. With this, Clean Core's first-of-its-kind, thorium-based ANEEL™ fuel moves a step closer to commercialization.

ANEEL™ can fast-track India's transition to green energy by efficiently utilizing Thorium reserves. Spent ANEEL fuel cannot be used for weapons, enhancing nuclear non-proliferation efforts. It can help India achieve its net-zero target by 2070 and ensure energy security.

Key Objectives:

1. Development and Deployment: Explore the introduction of ANEEL™ fuel in India's PHWRs.
2. Indigenization: Promote local manufacturing and develop a domestic supply chain for ANEEL™ Fuel.
3. Supply Chain for HALEU: Establish logistics for High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU).
4. Uranium Supply with Sovereign Guarantee: Secure uranium supplies for India to support fuel requirements.

Benefits of ANEEL™ Fuel:

• Utilization of Thorium: Uses India's abundant thorium reserves in existing PHWR reactors.
• Waste Reduction: Significantly lowers nuclear waste.
• Energy Security: Enhances India's energy independence.
• Improved Safety: Boosts safety and proliferation resistance.
• Cost Efficiency: Delivers greater energy output while reducing operational costs.

This partnership reflects a commitment to fostering innovation in nuclear energy and ensuring energy sustainability and security.

Earlier in October, Larsen & Toubro also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to with Clean Core to collaborate on providing efficient solutions globally in clean energy through CCTE’s patented ANEEL™ fuel. 

India, Russia and China Plan to Develop Nuclear Power Plant on the Moon

India, Russia and China are planning to collaborate on developing a nuclear power plant on the Moon. This ambitious project is led by Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, and aims to establish a small nuclear reactor capable of generating up to half a megawatt of energy.

The nuclear power plant is intended to support future lunar base operations, providing a reliable energy source essential for sustaining long-term human presence and scientific research on the Moon.

This ground-breaking project, capable of generating half a megawatt of energy and expected to be operational by 2035, will see an initial step of installing a small reactor for essential power.

The plan positions the Global South at the forefront of lunar colonisation efforts. India's involvement aligns seamlessly with its ambitious plans for a manned lunar mission by 2040, potentially accelerating this timeline. The collaboration transcends terrestrial geopolitics, showcasing the Global South's growing influence in space technology and diplomacy.

Using nuclear power on the Moon offers several significant advantages. Unlike solar power, which is dependent on sunlight and affected by the lunar night (lasting about 14 Earth days), nuclear power can provide a continuous and stable energy supply.

Moreover, nuclear reactors have a high energy density, meaning they can produce a large amount of energy from a relatively small amount of fuel. This is crucial for supporting long-term missions and operations on the Moon.

Transporting a nuclear reactor to the Moon is a complex and multi-step process. Typically, the reactor will be designed to be compact and lightweight, ensuring it can be safely transported by a spacecraft. Once in lunar orbit, a specialized lunar lander will transport the reactor from the spacecraft to the Moon’s surface. This lander will need to be capable of safely landing the reactor in the designated area.

After landing, the reactor will be deployed and assembled on the lunar surface. This might involve robotic systems or astronauts, depending on the mission’s specifics.

India's involvement aligns with its plans for a manned lunar mission by 2040. This collaboration underscores the importance of International cooperation in space exploration and the development of sustainable energy solutions for extraterrestrial environments.

This collaboration between India, Russia, and China will likely leverage their combined expertise in space technology and nuclear engineering to achieve this ambitious goal.

Russia Offers India Deployment of Its Advanced Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) Technology

Russia has officially offered India the deployment of its advanced Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) technology. This proposal could significantly impact India's energy landscape, especially in terms of providing reliable power to remote regions and coastal areas. The announcement came in a ROSATOM press release following a meeting between top nuclear officials from both countries and encompasses multiple facets of nuclear energy cooperation.

FNPPs are self-contained, sea-based platforms housing small nuclear reactors. They are designed to be strategically positioned off the coast and can be connected to the onshore power grid, offering a flexible and relocatable energy source¹.

Russia has been a pioneer in the field of FNPPs. The Akademik Lomonosov is the world's first operational FNPP, which has been successfully powering the Chukotka region in the Arctic since 2019.

 

Akademik Lomonosov – World's Only Floating Nuclear Power Plant

The offer aligns with India's growing energy demands and its commitment to diversifying energy sources. FNPPs present a potential solution to the challenges of supplying reliable power to regions where traditional infrastructure may be lacking.

To recall, in November 2022, India's Science & Technology minister Dr Jitendra Singh had told that India is taking steps for development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR), with up to 300 MW capacity to fulfill its commitment to Clean Energy transition.

Last month, IndianWeb2 reported that BARC is working on a mobile nuclear reactor that uses a teleoperated system of a mobile robot, wireless network, and control stations. The mobile robot is Ackerman steered and has a mission time of 10 hours on a single charge.

Getting back to FNPPs, these are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and incorporate robust safety measures to prevent accidents. They also offer a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel-based power generation, contributing to India's sustainability goals. However, concerns regarding nuclear safety, waste management, and potential environmental impacts will need thorough consideration before any deployment.

The Russian offer extends beyond FNPPs, including serial construction of Russian-designed land-based nuclear power units, cooperation in nuclear fuel cycles, and exploration of non-power applications of nuclear technologies. This comprehensive approach underscores the depth of potential collaboration between the two nations in the nuclear energy sector.

For India, this presents an opportunity to bolster energy security and strengthen ties with Russia. However, India must carefully weigh this partnership against its existing energy collaborations and broader foreign policy considerations.

The global interest in FNPPs is growing, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has hosted discussions on the benefits, challenges, and regulatory implications of this emerging technology. It's a space that's garnering international attention for its potential to revolutionize energy supply in sustainable ways.

Related Video —

North India's 1st Nuclear Plant is Coming Up in Haryana

Representative Image [by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay] 

North India's first Nuclear Plant is coming up in Haryana in the town of Gorakhpur, which is about 150 km north of the national capital of New Delhi. This was disclosed today, by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.

Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, has also been given permission for forming joint ventures with PSUs for resources to opening up of atomic energy plants, which is an upcoming and promising sector, having potential to fulfill India’s all energy needs in times to come.

To recall, in November last year Dr. Jitendra Singh has invited participation of private sector and Startups for building Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Technology within India. India is taking steps for development of SMRs, with up to 300 MW capacity to fulfill its commitment to Clean Energy transition

Today, Dr. Jiteandra Singh said that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime, one of the major achievements would be the installation of Nuclear/ Atomic Energy plants in other parts of the country, which were earlier confined mostly to the South Indian States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh or in the west in Maharashtra.

Keeping in line with the priority to increase India’s nuclear capacity, a number of path breaking decisions were taken in last over 8 years. The minister added that a bulk approval of installation of 10 nuclear reactors has been given a nod by the Modi Government, the minister said.

It is to be noted that, on 13 January 2014, the foundation stone of the first phase of this Nuclear plant project dubbed as Gorakhpur Haryana Nuclear Power Project was laid by the then Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The plant is based on indigenous technology developed by Indian scientists. 

Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) having two units of 700 MWe capacity each of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) indigenous design is under implementation near Gorakhpur village in Fatehabad district in Haryana.

Till date, an amount of ₹4,906 Cr has been spent out of total allocated funds 20,594 Cr. (Total Financial progress is 23.8% as on date).

Construction of other Main Plant buildings/structures viz. Fire Water Pump House (FWPH), Safety Related Pump House (SRPH), Fuel Oil storage area-1&2 (FOSA-1&2), Ventilation stack, overhead tank (OHT), Switchyard Control Building, Safety related & Non-safety related Tunnel & Trenches, Retaining walls and Garland Drain is progressing well. Ground improvement in Turbine Building -1 & 2, 220 kV Switchyard and IDCT-1A is completed. Ground improvement in other areas IDCTs, 400kV Switchyard, Emergency makeup water pond and station roads are in progress. The contractors for IDCT package and Turbine Island Package have mobilized site.

Purchase orders for major long manufacturing cycle equipment/components like Primary Coolant Pumps, Calandria, Reactor Headers, Refuelling Machines Heads, Moderator and other D20 Heat Exchangers, etc. are already in place. End Shields and all Steam Generators for the first unit have been received at site. Manufacturing of other equipment is in various stages and delivery at site is expected well in time to meet the construction schedule.

Construction of Water Duct from Tohana to GHAVP for meeting operational cooling water requirements has been taken up through Haryana Irrigation & Water Resources Department (HI&WRD) as deposit work and progressing well.

World's first Hualong One reactor put into commercial operation

 

BEIJING, Jan. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Unit 5 of China's Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant, the world's first Demonstration project to adopt China's indigenous Generation III nuclear power technology Hualong One, also known as HPR1000, was put into commercial operation, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced on Jan. 30th.

The success marks a milestone for the development of China's nuclear power, making China the fourth country to master its indigenous Generation III nuclear power technology following the US, France and Russia.

Hualong One is CNNC's Generation III nuclear power technology with complete independent intellectual property rights, developed and designed by the corporation on the basis of more than 30 years of nuclear power research, design, manufacturing, construction and operation experiences.

Yu Jianfeng, chairman of CNNC, said that the corporation will accelerate the progress of mass constructing Hualong One reactors and developing new series technologies in a bid to promote the Hualong One to export and achieve the target of carbon neutrality.

Since the start of construction on the world's first Hualong One reactor, the project has progressed as planned and the safety and quality of it have been well under control.

With a design life of 60 years, Hualong One reactor adopts a 177-reactor core design that refueling the fuel every 18 months. It innovatively uses a combination of "active and passive" safety systems and a double-shell containment, which meets the latest international nuclear safety requirements.

The installed capacity of each Hualong One unit reaches nearly 1200 MWe, and each unit is able to generate nearly 10 billion kWh of electricity annually, meeting the demand of 1 million population within a moderately developed country.

The electricity generated by a Hualong One unit is an equivalent to reducing the consumption of 3.12 million tons of standard coal and emission of 8.16 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, as well as an equivalent to plantation of over 70 million trees annually.

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1429874/reactor_in_commercial.mp4

NuScale becomes 1st Nuclear Tech Firm to Receive US Govt.'s Design Approval for its Small Modular Reactors

Oregon, United States -based NuScale Power, that designs and markets small modular reactors (SMRs) -- nuclear reactors that generates generally 300 MWe equivalent of energy or less, has announced today that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed Phase 6 review—the last and final phase—of the Design Certification Application (DCA) for the company’s groundbreaking small modular reactor (SMR) with the issuance of the Final Safety Evaluation Report (FSER), which means the completion of the technical review and approval of the NuScale SMR design.

With this final phase of NuScale’s DCA now complete, customers can proceed with plans to develop NuScale power plants with the understanding that the NRC has approved the safety aspects of the NuScale design.

NuScale's SMR designs are for its 65 feet tall x 9 feet high reactor vessels that use conventional light water cooling methods and runs on low enriched uranium fuel assemblies based on existing light water reactor designs.

Earlier in April 2019, NuScale announced that it was developing a 1-10 MWe "simple and inherently safe compact heat pipe cooled reactor" that "requires little site infrastructure, can be rapidly deployed, and is fully automated during power operation." Partners include Additech, INL, and Oregon State University. The project follows solicitation of ideas and designs from the US Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. 

A diagram depicting a NuScale reactor. [ credit - NuScale / CC BY-SA ]

An artist’s rendering of NuScale Power’s small modular nuclear reactor plant. Photo courtesy of NuScale

NuScale’s DCA was completed in December 2016 and accepted by the NRC in March 2017. The review process demonstrated both the simplicity of NuScale’s SMR design and the thoroughness of the company’s application. As an example, during the rigorous Phase 1 review process, which included 115,000 hours spent reviewing the DCA, the NRC issued far fewer requests for additional information compared to other design certification applications. NuScale spent over $500 million, with the backing of Fluor, and over 2 million labor hours to develop the information needed to prepare its DCA application. The company also submitted 14 separate Topical Reports in addition to the over 12,000 pages for its DCA application and provided more than 2 million pages of supporting information for NRC audits.

This is a significant milestone not only for NuScale, but also for the entire U.S. nuclear sector and the other advanced nuclear technologies that will follow. This clearly establishes the leadership of NuScale and the U.S. in the race to bring SMRs to market. The approval of NuScale’s design is an incredible accomplishment and we would like to extend our deepest thanks to the NRC for their comprehensive review, to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its continued commitment to our successful private-public partnership to bring the country’s first SMR to market, and to the many other individuals who have dedicated countless hours to make this extraordinary moment a reality.

said NuScale Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Hopkins.

"Additionally, the cost-shared funding provided by Congress over the past several years has accelerated NuScale’s advancement through the NRC Design Certification process. This is what DOE’s SMR Program was created to do, and our success is credited to strong bipartisan support from Congress."

The simulator control room at NuScale Power's small modular reactor design facility in Oregon. Photo courtesy of NuScale

NuScale Power has developed a new modular light water reactor nuclear power plant to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, and other process heat applications. This groundbreaking small modular reactor (SMR) design features a fully factory-fabricated NuScale Power Module™ capable of generating 60 MW of electricity using a safer, smaller, and scalable version of pressurized water reactor technology. NuScale's scalable design—a power plant can house up to 12 individual power modules—offers the benefits of carbon-free energy and reduces the financial commitments associated with gigawatt-sized nuclear facilities. The majority investor in NuScale is Fluor Corporation, a global engineering, procurement, and construction company with a 60-year history in commercial nuclear power.

NuScale is headquartered in Portland, OR and has offices in Corvallis, OR; Rockville, MD; Charlotte, NC; Richland, WA; and London, UK.

NuScale competes with other similar SMR makers like Hyperion, Holtec, General Atomics, and Hybrid Power Technologies, among others.

Last year in June, Holtec signed a partnership agreement with Ukraines Energoatom and Ukraine's national nuclear consultant, State Scientific and Technical Centre for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (SSTC-NRS), to establish a consortium to explore the environmental and technical feasibility of qualifying a 'generic' SMR-160 system that can be built and operated at any candidate site in the country. This would establish a reactor design capability in Ukraine, with a view to it becoming a regional hub for selling such reactors in Europe, Asia and Africa.
~ with inputs from Businesswire