MPC lid welding passes US regulatory inspection

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has for the first time accepted a single dry run inspection of multi-purpose canister (MPC) lid welding representing used fuel loading at multiple nuclear power plant sites. The welding dry run was conducted by Holtec International and Exelon Generation in support of Exelon's implementation of Holtec's dry cask storage systems at its Peach Bottom nuclear power plant. The systems are also planned for use at its Limerick, Ginna, Nine Mile Point and Calvert Cliffs plants.

Regulation & Safety 27 May 2020

Decommissioning application submitted for Garoña

Spanish decommissioning firm Enresa has submitted an application to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge for the transfer of ownership of the Garoña nuclear power plant and the first phase of its dismantling. The single-unit plant was shut down in mid-December 2012.

Waste & Recycling 26 May 2020

Nuclear regulators examine response to pandemic

The nuclear sector has reacted quickly and effectively to the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic without compromising safety, security or non-proliferation, panellists in a webinar hosted by the UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said yesterday. They also considered how to apply lessons learned in the post-pandemic era.

Covid-19 20 May 2020

Ukraine passes bill to secure Euratom loan

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s upper house of parliament, has adopted a draft law on nuclear safety that enables state-run nuclear power plant operator Energoatom to secure a EUR200 million (USD220 million) loan from Euratom. The parliament said yesterday it had approved "in the second reading and as a whole" draft law №2373 On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on the Safety of Nuclear Energy Use.

Regulation & Safety 20 May 2020

Novovoronezh II-1 passes load following checks

Russian regulator Rostechnadzor has verified load following mode at unit 1 of the Novovoronezh II plant - Russia's first VVER-1200 reactor.

Regulation & Safety 18 May 2020

Regulator confirms safety of Japanese reprocessing plant

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority today approved a draft report concluding Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited's reprocessing plant at Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture meets new safety standards. The approval brings the plant, construction of which began in 1993, closer to starting up.

Regulation & Safety 13 May 2020

Onagawa 2 upgrade faces further delay

The completion of safety countermeasures at unit 2 of the Onagawa nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture, in Japan, will not be completed until March 2023, two years later than previously scheduled, Tohoku Electric Power Company announced on 30 April. Japan's nuclear regulator concluded in February the unit meets revised safety standards, clearing the way for it to resume operation.

Regulation & Safety 04 May 2020

Viewpoint: Regulators are adapting to an unprecedented challenge

As the COVID-19 pandemic makes governments and international organisations consider new ways of conducting business and protecting communities, we need to turn the recovery into an opportunity to safeguard the future, writes Christer Viktorsson, director general of the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.

"Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in December 2019, and the World Health Organisation declared it a pandemic in March, it has triggered shock waves across the globe, locking down over 190 countries and affecting every-day life. The world is experiencing unprecedented challenges."

Perspectives 11 May 2020

Finland performs remote inspection of new nuclear plant project

Finnish nuclear regulator STUK has carried out a scheduled inspection of RAOS Project Oy - a subsidiary of Russia's Rosatom - via Skype, in line with social distancing restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Covid-19 29 April 2020

UAE regulator outlines its role in COVID-19 response

The United Arab Emirates' Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said today it is working with healthcare facilities and authorities at home and abroad to support efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, protect the community and ensure their radiation protection and safety.

Covid-19 27 April 2020