Having already improved on-site emergency protection measures, Switzerland's Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate is now ordering nuclear power plant operators to ensure that off-site measures are also boosted.

The UK can only be a competitive player in the global nuclear market if the government commits to a program of research and development (R&D) aimed at advanced reactor and fuel cycle technologies, as well as developing a skilled workforce, the Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board suggests.

A memorandum of understanding to collaborate in the development of a skilled workforce for the UK's nuclear power industry has been signed between the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board and the Nuclear Institute.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) could be about 10% smaller in 2020 on a "declining interest" in nuclear power in the USA. The projection is contained in the Project Aim 2020 report the agency released yesterday.

Russia and Hungary have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the training of nuclear energy personnel.

The UK has agreed to extend the secondment of a senior nuclear inspector to Vietnam's Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety as part of their continued cooperation. Meanwhile, US-based GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy has agreed to cooperate in training for nuclear safety analysis while Russia will help promote nuclear energy in the country.

Operations have resumed at all three of Tokyo Electric Power Company's (Tepco's) nuclear power plants in Japan following the deaths of two contractors last month in industrial accidents. The company has introduced measures to improve worker safety at its sites.

Vattenfall will bring in a new organisational structure and executive management team. The changes - which will take effect on 1 April - are part of the state-owned Swedish utility's current review of its group-wide strategy.

Teollisuuden Voima, the Finnish nuclear power company, plans to restructure its operations amid low wholesale electricity market prices.

Philippe Knoche and Philippe Varin have been appointed CEO and chairman of Areva's newly created board of directors. Varin also becomes an EDF executive board member.

A new full-scope simulator at unit 1 of Brazil's Angra nuclear power plant has passed final acceptance tests and declared "ready for training." It is expected to be commissioned in June 2015.

A team of international experts led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed a review of the corporate performance of French utility EDF. The team noted several good practices at EDF and proposed suggestions to strengthen some safety measures.