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IAEA praises Fukushima decommissioning approach

05 December 2013

Japan has adopted a more proactive approach towards addressing the many complex challenges posed by the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, an international expert mission has concluded.

The 19-member team assembled by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited Japan between 25 November and 4 December at the request of the country's government. The main purpose of the mission was to review efforts to plan and implement the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi plant. The same team made an earlier visit in April.

Megatons to Megawatts program concludes

11 December 2013

The arrival of the final shipment of low-enriched uranium from Russia to the USA marks the successful completion of the Megatons to Megawatts program to downblend weapons-grade uranium.

Arrests following Mexican source theft

10 December 2013

Six suspects, apparently unharmed, have been arrested following the theft of a truck carrying a medical radioactive source in Mexico. The source was later found but had been removed from its container.

Slurry spill at Ranger

09 December 2013

Ranger 48A leaching tank has failed at the Ranger uranium mine in Australia, releasing a large volume of acidic slurry mixture. However, owner Energy Resources of Australia reported that the spill has been contained within the mine's processing area.

Life extension for South Ukraine unit 1

10 December 2013

South Ukraine (South Ukraine NPP)_48Ukraine's nuclear regulator has approved a ten-year licence extension for unit 1 at the South Ukraine nuclear power plant following major upgrade work. The unit is now licensed to operate beyond its original 30-year design lifetime.

Nuclear to remain Korean mainstay

10 December 2013

Hanbit (KHNP)_48Nuclear power should account for up to 29% of Korean generation capacity by 2035, according to draft long-term energy plans submitted to the government. Previous plans called for 41% nuclear by 2035.

China and France strengthen nuclear collaboration

09 December 2013

Ayrault in China (CGN)_48French nuclear company Areva has signed a series of agreements with Chinese companies during a state visit to China by French prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault marking the 30th anniversary of nuclear cooperation between the countries.

Industry Talk

AEP clinches Leningrad II contract

Moscow-based AtomEnergoProekt (AEP) has officially been named as the principal contractor for the second phase of the Leningrad nuclear power plant (Leningrad II). St Petersburg AtomEnergoProekt (SPb AEP) was originally given the contract in 2007, but this was passed to Titan-2 in 2011 and then to Spetsstroy of Russia in 2012. SPb AEP, now VNIPIET, remains as architect general.

Olkiluoto arbitration claim revised

The Areva-Siemens consortium building Finland's Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant has amended an error in its 29 October claim against TVO. The consortium is now seeking a total of €2.7 billion ($3.7 billion) for damages up to the end of June 2011 through the International Chamber of Commerce, not €2.6 billion ($3.5 billion) as originally filed.

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