Latest News

Filters

Filter by tags: International Atomic Energy Agency Sweden Clear all tag filters

65 news articles found


The Slovak Republic is committed to the safe and effective management of radioactive waste and used fuel, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded. The team commended Slovakia for its decommissioning activities while noting opportunities to enhance preparations for geological disposal.

Date: Saturday, 04 March 2023
Original article: world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/IAEA-assesses-Slovakia-s-radwaste-programme

In a wide-ranging interview for the World Nuclear News podcast GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s President and CEO Jay Wileman explained why nuclear has a key role in achieving carbon reduction targets, and how regulatory harmonisation between different countries could help speed that process.

Date: Tuesday, 21 February 2023
Original article: world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/In-Quotes-GE-Hitachi-s-Jay-Wileman-on-regulatory-h

‘No technical arguments’ for shutting down nuclear plants after 40 years Unit 2 at the Tihange nuclear power station in Belgium is scheduled for permanent shutdown this week. Courtesy Electrabel. Belgium should repeal its 2003 nuclear exit law as it looks for ways to deal with the energy crisis sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and resulting gas and electricity price increases, the Brussels-based Belgian Nuclear Forum said.

The underlying argument of the 2003 law is that a nuclear plant is obsolete after 40 years and should be decommissioned, the forum said.

“Nothing could be further from the truth: there are no technical arguments for definitively shutting down a nuclear power plant after 40 years of operation, but only political arguments,” it added.

The forum issued the statement as owner and operater Engie Electrabel prepares to permanently shut down the Tinhange-2 nuclear power plant on 31 January. The 1,008-MW pressurised water reactor unt began commercial operation on 1 June 1983 and has been online for 40 years.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the last couple of decades have witnessed increased interest in the extension of the operating life of nuclear power plants. Extending the life of a plant is more economical than building a new one, and where it makes business sense. The agency says about 90% of US plants have already renewed their licences to extend their operation to 60 years, with additional extensions for a total of 80 years being considered. In Europe, plants are regularly seeking lifetimes of 60 years.

Date: Tuesday, 31 January 2023
Original article: nucnet.org/news/as-tihange-2-approaches-closure-industry-group-calls-for-repeal-of-2003-nuclear-exit-law-1-1-2023

While many agree the benefits of using nuclear energy to fight climate change and build energy security are clear, there is still a major hurdle to overcome before it is widely accepted as a safe and clean part of the energy mix: the perception that the nuclear industry has a waste "problem", writes Laurie Swami, president and CEO of Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO).

Date: Friday, 20 January 2023
Original article: world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Viewpoint-It-s-time-to-let-the-world-know-we-can-s

Proposals would remove limits on reactor construction New legislation being put forward by Sweden’s centre-right coalition government removes obstacles to the potential construction of small modular reactors and will help the country in “reaching a climate neutral society with high robustness”, the secretary-general of the Swedish Atomic Forum said.

Carl Berglöf said on social media that the legislation will remove from existing law the maximum limit of 10 reactors. It will also remove a clause that says new reactors can only be built at existing site. “This proposal paves the way for SMRs in Sweden,” he said.

Mr Berglöf said that specifically, the government wants to remove article 6a of chapter 17 (“article 17.6a”) in the country’s environmental act. This article prohibits the government from giving permit to a reactor that is not replacing an existing reactor that has been permanently shut down.

Date: Friday, 13 January 2023
Original article: nucnet.org/news/nuclear-legislation-removes-obstacles-to-smr-deployment-says-head-of-atomic-society-1-4-2023

Even oil-rich companies of Middle East are eying reactors, as more nations announce plans for SMRs Russian troops occupied the Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, which was damaged by shelling. File photo courtesy IAEA. 2022 was a year of mega milestones for nuclear energy.

Countries around the world turned to nuclear as a reliable low-carbon energy source as they looked for ways to wean themselves off Russian imports and lower carbon emissions.

New plants began operating, deals for small modular reactors were signed and countries announced ambitious plans for new-build.

On the political front, US president Joe Biden signed into law new legislation that will help to finance struggling nuclear reactors and could save dozens from being shut down early. In Europe, the nuclear industry celebrated when members of the European parliament decided to “follow the science” and support legislation which includes nuclear in the bloc’s sustainable finance taxonomy for green investment.

Date: Tuesday, 10 January 2023
Original article: nucnet.org/news/five-major-developments-that-are-setting-the-stage-for-2023-and-beyond-1-1-2023

In a wide-ranging interview for the World Nuclear News podcast, World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) CEO Ingemar Engkvist: Explained how its members share ideas and tips with each other
Discusses the impact of events in Ukraine
Outlines WANO's new Action for Excellence initiative
Predicts a bright future for the nuclear sector

Date: Friday, 09 December 2022
Original article: world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/In-Quotes-WANO-s-Ingemar-Engkvist-on

Sweden has a comprehensive regulatory infrastructure for nuclear and radiation safety and the protection of people and the environment, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded. The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission team identified areas for possible improvements.

Date: Thursday, 01 December 2022
Original article: world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/IAEA-sees-Swedish-commitment-to-nuclear-safety

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team has said Sweden has a comprehensive regulatory infrastructure for nuclear and radiation safety and the protection of people and the environment. The team also identified areas for possible improvements, such as ensuring that the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM), the national regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety, has sufficient qualified staff to fulfil all statutory and regulatory functions.

Date: Wednesday, 30 November 2022
Original article: neimagazine.com/news/newsiaea-says-sweden-is-committed-to-a-high-level-of-safety-10394018