The installation of steel columns next to Fukushima Daiichi unit 4 marks the start of construction on a cover that will aid in the removal of fuel. This is the second cover to get underway at the site.
Construction of a new reactor was started this week in China. The Russian-designed model is the fourth to be inaugurated since China resumed approvals for new plants at the end of October.
.jpg "Atucha 2 hot tests, January 2013 (67x48)")
Initial hot testing of the Atucha 2 nuclear power reactor in Argentina has successfully been completed. The 745 MWe pressurized heavy-water reactor is expected to begin generating electricity in June._69x48.jpg "Tianwan 3 first concrete (Rosatom) 69x48")
Construction of a new reactor was started this week in China. The Russian-designed model is the fourth to be inaugurated since China resumed approvals for new plants at the end of October._for_home_page_305.jpg)
_72x48.jpg "Ningde first power, 28 December 2012 (CGNPC) 72x48")
A landmark was reached at Ningde 1 on 28 December as the delivery of first power took the reactor from the construction phase into commissioning. Operator China Guangdong Nuclear Power Company said it was the beginning of the nuclear power plant creating value for society.
Construction of a nuclear-powered deep-sea research submarine has started in Russia. The sub will also be used in search and rescue operations.
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.
An application to build two new reactors at the Temelin plant has been submitted to the Czech State Office for Nuclear Safety by utility CEZ.