France's nuclear company Areva is to launch a solar power business on the basis of the acquisition of US-based Ausra, a specialist in concentrated solar power. The move "reflects Areva's strategic objective to be the world leader in concentrated solar power and will further strengthen and diversify its renewables portfolio," said the company. It comes after last month's reorganisation, which separated renewables activities from the nuclear reactor business, and the acquisition of a 30% stake in German wind technology specialist Repower two years ago.

The new fifth unit at India's Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) entered commercial operation on 4 February, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) announced. The 220 MWe pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) achieved first criticality on 24 November and was connected to the grid on 22 December. The commissioning of the reactor brings the total number of power reactors in commercial operation in India to 18 with a combined generating capacity of 4340 MWe. The sixth unit at RAPP - also a 220 MWe PHWR - achieved first criticality on 23 January and is currently undergoing statuary tests in preparation of its grid connection and commercial operation. The commissioning of the sixth unit will bring the site’s total installed capacity to 1180 MWe.

Urenco announced that it had successfully completed the first low-frequency centrifuge spin test at its new National Enrichment Facility (NEF) in Eunice, New Mexico. The test confirmed the electrical and mechanical readiness of the centrifuges employed at the plant, the company said. Gregory Smith, chief operating officer and chief nuclear officer at Urenco USA (formerly Louisiana Energy Services, LES), commented: "The test runs a series of complex checks to ensure everything from the drive systems to the mechanical and power systems are working as required." Reinhard Hinterreither, president and CEO of Urenco USA, said, "This is a tremendous success. It confirms that we are on target to bring our first cascade online." The first cascade is expected online in early 2010. Urenco is currently awaiting approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to commence commercial operation of the plant.