Nuclear Energy Week 38 Summary (September 15-21, 2025)

nuclear Sep 21, 2025

69th IAEA General Conference Achievements

The 69th IAEA General Conference concluded successfully in Vienna from September 15-19, 2025, bringing together over 3,000 participants from 153 of the 180 IAEA member states, including 57 ministers and 37 vice-ministers[1][2]. The conference established the policy framework for the IAEA's activities in the coming year through comprehensive discussions on nuclear safety, security, and peaceful applications[1].

Slovakia's Ambassador Peter Burian was elected as President of the 69th General Conference session, with Nuclear Regulatory Authority Chairman Marta Žiaková delivering Slovakia's national statement highlighting progress on the Mochovce nuclear power plant Units 3 and 4, and Slovakia's engagement in small modular reactor development[3]. The conference elected 11 countries to serve on the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors for the 2025-2026 period: Belgium, Chile, Jordan, Lithuania, Niger, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia and Togo[1].

The conference demonstrated growing global engagement with nuclear technology, as the number of participants from non-governmental organizations more than doubled since 2021, showing expanded IAEA outreach worldwide[1]. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized the IAEA's unique mandate spanning from reducing nuclear weapons proliferation risks to advancing nuclear science applications in feeding families, lighting cities, and treating childhood cancer[1].

The Scientific Forum focused on water research, highlighting how studying water at an atomic level can improve global water resource management for future generations[4]. Over 10,500 people joined the conference proceedings online, demonstrating international interest in nuclear energy development and policy discussions[4].

Russia's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Russia announced ambitious nuclear expansion plans during the IAEA General Conference, with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev revealing intentions to add 38 new nuclear reactors to the existing fleet in coming years[5]. This development would approximately double Russia's current nuclear power capacity, which currently operates 36 reactors according to World Nuclear Association data[5].

President Vladimir Putin has mandated increasing nuclear power's share in Russia's total electricity generation from approximately 20% to 25%, though no specific timeframe was provided for achieving this target[5]. Five new large reactors are currently under construction in Russia, complementing the world's first floating nuclear power plant operational since 2022 supplying the remote Siberian town of Pevek[5].

The expansion announcement comes amid Russia's continued occupation of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility with seven reactors[5]. International concerns persist regarding nuclear safety and security implications of military activities near nuclear installations, as highlighted in various IAEA reports and member state statements during the General Conference[6][7].

UK-US Nuclear Partnership and Commercial Developments

The United Kingdom and United States formalized the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy during President Trump's state visit on September 16-18, 2025[8][9]. The partnership aims to accelerate nuclear project deployment by streamlining regulatory processes, aligning safety standards, and reducing bureaucratic barriers traditionally associated with nuclear development[8].

Five major commercial deals were announced in conjunction with the partnership, including plans for a new nuclear power plant in Hartlepool using advanced modular reactor technology with up to 960 MW capacity[8]. The facility will replace the existing Hartlepool plant scheduled for closure in 2028, utilizing innovative AMR technology to demonstrate next-generation nuclear capabilities[8].

Additional announced projects include advanced data centers powered by small modular reactors in Nottinghamshire, and an £11 billion initiative to create advanced data centers powered by SMRs at the former Cottam coal power station involving US firm Holtec International, France's EDF, and real estate partner Tritax[9]. Prime Minister Keir Starmer characterized these developments as positioning the UK for a "golden era of nuclear energy" that will ultimately reduce household energy costs[9].

The partnership builds upon the UK's recent commitment of £14 billion toward the Sizewell C plant and ongoing plans for Rolls-Royce to manufacture Britain's first small modular reactors[9]. Energy companies from both countries expect the agreement to facilitate faster project approvals and cross-border investment flows supporting nuclear expansion objectives[8].

Uranium Market Dynamics and Supply Constraints

Uranium markets demonstrated resilience during week 38, with prices holding above $76 per pound despite volatility concerns from major producer announcements[10][11]. Canada's Cameco, the world's second-largest uranium miner, reduced annual production guidance due to expansion delays at its McArthur River mine in Saskatchewan, removing approximately 3.5 million pounds from expected output[10][12].

Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom announced a 10% output reduction for 2026, citing volatility in the spot uranium market and strategic positioning considerations[10]. These production constraints occurred amid President Trump's exemption of uranium and selected metals from country-specific tariffs as of September 8, alleviating capacity pressures for domestic utilities[10].

The World Nuclear Association's projection of 28% uranium demand growth by 2030 continues supporting long-term price fundamentals, reflecting government preferences for nuclear power to achieve energy security goals and increasing data center demand from AI applications[10][13]. Industry analysts project uranium requirements could exceed 150,000 metric tons annually by 2040, compared to approximately 67,000 tons in 2024[13].

Uranium's performance has outpaced most base metals in 2025, with copper declining 8% and zinc falling 12% while uranium markets showed resilience[14]. The structural supply-demand imbalance continues supporting bullish long-term scenarios, with Bank of America forecasting prices reaching $135/pound by 2027[15].

Nuclear Fusion Breakthroughs and Investments

Nuclear fusion achieved significant technological milestones during week 38, with General Atomics completing ITER's superconducting fusion magnet system representing a critical component for the world's largest fusion experiment[16]. The magnet completion enables continued progress toward ITER's operational timeline targeting hydrogen and deuterium-deuterium plasmas by 2036[16].

Durham University scientists advanced ITER reactor development through landmark superconductor studies, while researchers demonstrated "Super-X" design advantages for handling fusion energy's hot exhaust[16]. The US Department of Energy announced $134 million in targeted fusion research funding to advance American leadership in fusion energy innovation[16].

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory received approval for a billion-dollar nuclear fusion research facility proposal, expanding capabilities beyond the National Ignition Facility's achievements[16]. The facility will support continued development of inertial confinement fusion following successful ignition demonstrations achieved in December 2022[17].

Fusion industry surveys indicate approximately 75% of developers worldwide anticipate launching commercially viable pilot plants capable of generating net energy by 2030-2035[17]. Technology companies including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have committed investments or entered preliminary power purchase agreements with fusion developers such as Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Helion, and TAE Technologies[17].

The fusion sector benefits from escalating data center power requirements facilitating fusion establishment as a viable and scalable energy solution according to TAE Technologies officials[17]. Commercial progress continues with multiple successful ignition replications at Lawrence Livermore, achieving increased fusion yields in seven additional experiments following the December 2022 breakthrough[17].

Advanced Reactor Licensing and DOE Pilot Program

The Department of Energy's pilot reactor program advanced significantly with 11 companies selected for fast-track nuclear reactor development targeting criticality by July 2026[18]. Selected companies include Aalo Atomics, Antares Nuclear, Atomic Alchemy, Deep Fission Inc., Last Energy, Oklo, Natura Resources LLC, Radiant Energy, Terrestrial Energy, and Valar Atomics[18].

The program operates under DOE authority through the Atomic Energy Act, bypassing Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing requirements for test reactors while maintaining pathways for future commercial licensing[19]. Each company assumes full responsibility for costs associated with designing, manufacturing, constructing, operating, and decommissioning their test reactors[18][19].

Three US states are positioned to host Deep Fission's underground SMR technology, while British firm Advanced Nuclear Innovation acquired ODIN microreactor design for development[20]. Construction began on a Belgian disposal facility, and Canadian SMR projects received federal fast-track consideration demonstrating international SMR advancement[20].

Standard Nuclear became the first company conditionally accepted into DOE's fuel line pilot program supporting advanced reactor development[18]. The company will expand, build, and operate advanced fuel fabrication facilities for TRISO fuels in Tennessee and Idaho, demonstrating domestic nuclear fuel supply chain capabilities[18].

Nuclear Waste Management and Innovation

UK Nuclear National Laboratory (UKNNL) launched strategic disposal research initiatives aligned with accelerating the UK's net-zero objectives through cutting-edge innovation in radioactive waste management[21]. The disposal theme addresses nationally significant geological disposal facility requirements for permanently isolating radioactive waste from human intrusion[21].

Advanced treatment technologies gained commercial application with innovative waste processing systems achieving significant volume reduction capabilities[22]. Mobile and off-site processing facilities provide cost-effective solutions for utilities with limited waste volumes, enabling regional centralized facilities serving multiple nuclear plants[22].

The IAEA published comprehensive guidance on innovative waste treatment and conditioning technologies, identifying high-efficiency processes deserving wider evaluation and implementation[22]. Technologies include metal melting systems, supercompaction, and advanced conditioning methods achieving superior performance compared to predominant approaches[22].

UKNNL's collaboration with the University of Bristol advanced reactor chemistry and corrosion research supporting water-cooled reactors (PWR and SMR) and advanced reactors using novel coolants[21]. Research outputs directly impact EDF's safety cases for lifetime extension and new reactor construction while supporting fusion reactor coolant circuit development[21].

The 40th Annual Decommissioning & Radioactive Waste Summer School provided educational opportunities for nuclear professionals, emphasizing four decades of experience in shaping the nuclear landscape through waste management expertise[23]. International cooperation continues through IAEA technical meetings addressing spent fuel and radioactive waste management status and trends[24].

References:
[20] World Nuclear News - Homepage updates September 19, 2025
[14] Discovery Alert - Uranium supply shock market dynamics September 2025
[10] Trading Economics - Uranium price data September 16, 2025
[18] Stimson Center - Nuclear security news roundup August 2025
[5] Brussels Signal - Russia nuclear expansion plans September 15, 2025
[3] UJD Slovakia - 69th IAEA General Conference September 16, 2025
[8] Sky News - UK US nuclear deals golden age September 14, 2025
[1] IAEA - Week in Review 69th General Conference September 18, 2025
[9] Reuters - Britain US nuclear power pact Trump visit September 15, 2025
[2] IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency homepage September 18, 2025
[4] IAEA - Video 69th General Conference September 18, 2025
[15] Yellow Cake PLC - Uranium market insights August 2025
[11] IAEA - Nuclear safety security side events 69th General Conference
[6] EEAS - EU statement IAEA Board nuclear safety September 8, 2025
[12] Market Index - ASX uranium stocks struggling September 2025
[13] Mining.com - Uranium demand surge 30% by 2030 September 6, 2025
[7] UK Government - Nuclear safety security Ukraine IAEA statement September 2025
[22] IAEA - Innovative waste treatment conditioning technologies publication
[19] American Nuclear Society - DOE pilot program test reactors June 19, 2025
[16] YouTube - Fusion News September 17, 2025
[21] UKNNL - Nuclear science case studies 2025
[17] Reuters - US nuclear fusion builders Big Tech investments September 16, 2025
[24] IGD-TP - Events safe solutions radioactive waste management
[23] Informa Connect - 40th Annual Decommissioning Radioactive Waste Summer School