Nuclear Energy Week 47 Summary (November 17-23, 2025)

nuclear Nov 23, 2025

Historic Japanese Nuclear Restart Approval

Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi granted approval on November 21 for the restart of Units 6 and 7 at Tokyo Electric Power Company's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest nuclear facility with total capacity of 8,212 MW[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. This landmark decision represents TEPCO's first reactor restart since the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami triggered the catastrophic Fukushima Daiichi accident[4][5][7].

"The government's policy is to promote nuclear power generation, which boasts excellent supply stability and technological self-sufficiency," Governor Hanazumi stated in his formal announcement[9]. "Based on this policy, the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant is considered extremely important in light of the vulnerability of the power supply structure in eastern Japan, the disparity in electricity rates between east and west Japan, and the need to secure economic growth opportunities through decarbonised power sources"[9].

The Nuclear Regulation Authority completed safety reviews for both Unit 6 (1,356 MW) and Unit 7 (1,356 MW) in 2017, though the restart was delayed by local government concerns, security lapses discovered at the facility, and divided public opinion in Niigata Prefecture[3][4]. A public opinion survey conducted in summer 2025 revealed that younger generations aged 20-30 tend to support the restart more strongly than older residents, reflecting generational differences in nuclear energy perspectives following Fukushima[3].

As part of his approval, Governor Hanazumi will call on the national government to implement seven specific measures ensuring plant safety and community protection, including continuing thorough explanations of safety measures to residents, ongoing safety improvements, promoting public awareness of evacuation procedures, constructing new evacuation routes, monitoring TEPCO's operational performance, and reviewing subsidy allocations for nuclear host communities[9].

The governor indicated he will present his decision to the prefectural assembly in December, asking the assembly to determine whether it has confidence in his judgment and will allow him to continue in office, completing the formal process confirming local consent for the restart[4][5][8]. TEPCO characterized the approval as essential for its business recovery strategy following the Fukushima disaster[8].

Egypt's El Dabaa Reactor Vessel Installation Milestone

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly presided over a ceremony on November 19 marking the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for Unit 1 at Egypt's El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, the first nuclear facility in Africa since South Africa's Koeberg was constructed nearly 40 years ago[1][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. The historic milestone occurred on President al-Sisi's birthday and coincided with Egypt's Fifth Annual Nuclear Energy Day, commemorating the 2015 Russia-Egypt intergovernmental agreement[12][14][16].

"The installation of the reactor pressure vessel at the first unit of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant marks a new and bright chapter in Egypt's nuclear programme, underscoring the depth of Cairo's strategic partnership with Moscow," President al-Sisi stated during the videoconference ceremony[12]. Putin emphasized that the installation "clearly demonstrates that the construction of Egypt's first nuclear power plant, with Russian participation, is progressing well. We are entering a key stage in the technological equipment of the plant, and in the foreseeable future, it will be able to begin generating the electricity needed to meet the needs of the growing Egyptian economy"[13][14].

The 330-tonne reactor vessel was manufactured at Rosatom's Izhora plant over 41 months, measuring approximately 13 meters in length and 4.5 meters in diameter, with a design service life of 60 years potentially extendable to 80-100 years[13][14]. The cylindrical steel vessel, which houses the reactor core, ensures hermetic sealing while withstanding extreme pressures and temperatures essential for safe and reliable power unit operation[13].

The Rosatom-led project located approximately 320 kilometers northwest of Cairo will comprise four VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors with combined capacity of 4,800 MW, similar to units already operational at Russia's Leningrad and Novovoronezh plants and Belarus's Ostrovets facility[12][13][14][17]. Construction of the four units proceeds nearly concurrently, with first concrete at Unit 1 in July 2022, Unit 2 in November 2022, Unit 3 in May 2023, and Unit 4 in January 2024[13].

Under comprehensive 2017 contracts, Rosatom will supply Russian nuclear fuel for the entire plant lifecycle, construct a storage facility for spent fuel, train Egyptian personnel, and provide plant maintenance support for the first ten years of operation[13][16]. Egypt aims for nuclear energy to generate 9% of national electricity by 2030, achievable through commercial operation of the first two units by that date, directly displacing oil and gas generation[13].

Advanced Microreactor Technology Achievements

Valar Atomics announced that its NOVA Core achieved zero-power criticality on November 17 at Los Alamos National Laboratory's National Criticality Experiments Research Center, marking a significant milestone for advanced microreactor development[11][18]. The company was selected as one of eleven firms participating in the Department of Energy's fast-track nuclear reactor pilot program targeting criticality demonstrations by July 2026[18].

NANO Nuclear Energy continued advancing its Kronos micro modular reactor (MMR) development, celebrating an October 24 event at the University of Illinois marking the start of site-characterization drilling and presenting commercial deployment feasibility[19][20]. Prospective customer BaRupOn LLC announced plans for a feasibility study evaluating deployment of approximately 15 Kronos units to power a 700-acre, 1+ GW advanced manufacturing and AI data center campus near Houston[19].

The Kronos MMR is designed as a stationary, high-temperature gas-cooled microreactor capable of generating up to 15 MWe (45 MWt) of power for long-term use by data centers, industrial operations, and population centers[18]. The design incorporates multiple advanced safety features including meltdown-resistant TRISO fuel, passive helium cooling, walk-away safety capability requiring no human intervention during shutdowns, and the ability to disconnect from main grids and operate autonomously during outages[18].

NANO Nuclear highlighted that the company raised over $600 million since May 2024 at rising valuations, while prior developers invested approximately $120 million over nearly a decade of research and development[19]. Matthew O'Hare, Managing Director of Power Construction's Data Structures Group and Vice President of AECOM Chicago, noted that Deloitte projects US data center power demand will grow from 41 GW in 2025 to 176 GW by 2035, emphasizing that microreactors such as Kronos can provide reliable behind-the-meter baseload power while eliminating multi-year interconnection delays[19].

The US Army announced selection of nine sites for potential deployment of microreactor power plants under the Janus Program, while the Defense Innovation Unit released an Area of Interest soliciting commercial solutions for advanced nuclear power technologies supporting military installations[11]. Vice Admiral Charles Leidig Jr. and Retired General Wesley K. Clark underscored the importance of resilient, off-grid nuclear power for US military installations, citing Kronos MMR's inherent safety and reliable baseload power as critical attributes for energy independence and cyber-resilient operations[19].

TerraPower Natrium Project Advancement

TerraPower announced in week 47 that it awarded three major supplier contracts supporting construction of its Natrium sodium fast reactor demonstration project in Kemmerer, Wyoming, scheduled for completion in 2030[21][22][23]. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission completed its Environmental Impact Statement on October 23 and recommended issuing a construction permit for Kemmerer Unit 1, marking the first advanced reactor technology to successfully complete an environmental impact statement for the NRC[22].

The Natrium plant features one 840 MWt pool-type sodium fast reactor connected to a molten salt energy storage system enabling variable energy supply of up to 500 MWe (net)[22]. The storage technology is designed to maintain steady base output while quickly ramping up when demand peaks, representing the only advanced reactor design with this unique feature according to TerraPower[22].

TerraPower President and CEO Chris Levesque characterized the NRC's announcement as "a testament to the team's dedication and rigour in meeting all federal licensing requirements," noting "the Natrium plant in Wyoming, Kemmerer Unit 1, is now the first advanced reactor technology to successfully complete an environmental impact statement for the NRC, bringing us another step closer to delivering America's next nuclear power plant"[22].

Beyond Wyoming, TerraPower signed a memorandum of understanding with the Utah Office of Energy Development and Flagship Companies to explore potential siting of a Natrium reactor and energy storage plant in Utah, with parties agreeing to jointly identify and assess various locations for preliminary site recommendations by end of 2025[21][24]. The company also signed agreements with Kansas utility Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce to study potential Natrium deployment in Kansas[24].

The project faced timeline adjustments, with initial 2028 completion targets slipping to 2030 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted access to high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel required for the reactor[23]. TerraPower now plans to establish domestic HALEU supply by enriching existing uranium, though the project still awaits final construction permit approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, potentially not issued until 2026[23].

Chinese Nuclear Construction Expansion

China commenced construction of multiple new nuclear units during week 47, demonstrating continued commitment to nuclear capacity expansion as part of clean energy transition goals[1][10][11]. First concrete was poured for the nuclear island of Unit 3 at the San'ao nuclear power plant in Zhejiang province, marking official construction start of the third of six HPR1000 (Hualong One) reactors planned for the site[10][11].

Construction also began at the Zhaoyuan nuclear power plant in Shandong province, with first safety-related concrete poured for the reactor building of Unit 1, the initial unit of six HPR1000 reactors planned for the facility[10][11]. These developments represent China's continued standardization on the domestically-developed Hualong One design, a Generation III pressurized water reactor technology approved for international deployment.

China maintains the world's most active nuclear construction program, with multiple projects advancing simultaneously across the country[25]. The nation's nuclear development strategy emphasizes both large-scale Generation III reactor deployment and advancement of Generation IV technologies including high-temperature gas-cooled reactors for industrial applications.

Russia's nuclear construction activities continued with a keel-laying ceremony for the Stalingrad, the seventh Project 22220 nuclear-powered icebreaker, demonstrating Russia's continued commitment to nuclear propulsion for Arctic navigation and resource development[11]. These vessels represent the world's most powerful icebreakers, enabling year-round Northern Sea Route operations and supporting Russia's Arctic development strategy.

Uranium Market Performance and Supply Dynamics

Uranium futures declined to $75.85 per pound on November 21, down 0.46% from the previous day and representing a 0.72% monthly decline from the one-month high of $82.50 reached on October 31[26][27]. The pullback reflected improved supply outlook following Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom reporting 33% export growth in the third quarter and 10% increase in total output, limiting concerns about tighter supply after earlier guidance of a 10% production drop for 2026[26].

Trading Economics data showed uranium at $76.20 per pound on November 20, down 3.05% compared to the same time in 2024, though forecasting recovery to reach the previous high of $148 per pound achieved in May 2007 remains distant given current market conditions[26]. The spot price maintained levels between $75-77 per pound throughout week 47, reflecting market consolidation following the October rally[27][28].

TradeTech's Long-Term Uranium Price Indicator reached $86.00 per pound on October 31, up $2.00 from the previous month and representing the highest level in more than 17 years[29]. Long-term market activity strengthened during October with utility demand emerging and several transactions reported, driven by reactor restarts in the USA, uprates at existing nuclear power plants, and numerous power purchase agreements between hyperscalers and nuclear utilities[29].

"Utilities agreed to purchase almost five million pounds U3O8 to be delivered over a variety of time periods during October. The price terms in these transactions reflect the strong outlook for demand and the desire of the utilities to begin locking in some portion of their future needs today," stated TradeTech President Treva Klingbiel[29].

Market structure continues transforming with traders and financial institutions now representing 60-70% of spot trading, dramatically up from only 5% in 2000, while utilities and producers declined to 30-40%[30]. This evolution reflects growing institutional interest in uranium as a strategic commodity aligned with clean energy transitions and nuclear capacity expansion programs globally[30].

World Nuclear Outlook and Industry Projections

The World Nuclear Association released the World Nuclear Outlook Report 2025 on November 11 at COP30, projecting that global nuclear capacity could reach 1,428 GWe by 2050, exceeding the 1,200 GWe target established by 22 nations in the COP28 tripling pledge[31]. The analysis confirms that tripling global nuclear capacity from approximately 398 GWe today is achievable with proper policy frameworks, regulatory modernization, supply chain coordination, and financial mechanisms[31].

The International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2025 released November 18 reported that nuclear energy is experiencing strong global revival, with more than 40 countries planning new projects and reactor capacity set to grow substantially through 2050[32]. The IEA's Stated Policies Scenario projects nuclear energy will generate an additional 190 TWh for data centers by 2035, reflecting the sector's critical role in supporting AI and digital infrastructure expansion[32].

Currently more than 70 GW of new nuclear capacity is under construction worldwide, with approximately 110 additional reactors firmly planned or ordered, demonstrating sustained momentum despite regional variations in construction timelines[25][32]. The World Nuclear Performance Report 2025 documented that nuclear reactors generated a record 2,667 TWh of electricity in 2024, surpassing the previous 2006 record and avoiding 2.1 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions[33][34].

The World Nuclear Fuel Report 2025 projects uranium requirements will grow from approximately 68,920 tonnes in 2025 to more than 150,000 tonnes annually by 2040 in the reference scenario, with upper scenarios requiring over 204,000 tonnes[33][34]. While sufficient uranium resources exist in the ground, timely investments in mining, conversion, and enrichment capacity are essential to bring resources into production and avoid supply constraints[33].

Industry leaders emphasized at the World Nuclear Symposium 50 that delivery at scale cannot rest on isolated projects or single actors, but depends on governments, industry, financiers, and energy users working together through deeper partnerships[33]. The symposium highlighted the need to move from projects to programmes, from prototypes to fleets, through regional cooperation, supply chain integration, and joint financing models[33].

References:
[1] World Nuclear News - Homepage November 20, 2025
[10] World Nuclear News - New build section November 20, 2025
[25] World Nuclear Association - Plans for new reactors worldwide November 20, 2025
[26] Trading Economics - Uranium price November 16, 2025
[11] World Nuclear News - New nuclear developments November 20, 2025
[2] World Nuclear Association - Homepage November 20, 2025
[33] World Nuclear News - Symposium 50 key takeaways September 29, 2025
[29] Uranium.info - Long-term uranium price climbs November 19, 2025
[34] Rosatom Newsletter - Nuclear plants improve performance October 27, 2025
[27] Investing.com - Uranium futures historical prices November 2025
[21] American Nuclear Society - Industry Update November 17, 2025
[32] Foro Nuclear - World Energy Outlook nuclear revival November 18, 2025
[31] World Nuclear Association - Tripling capacity within reach November 12, 2025
[22] World Nuclear News - TerraPower Wyoming regulatory milestone October 23, 2025
[23] And the West - TerraPower Natrium experimental reactor July 2, 2025
[24] NucNet - TerraPower Kansas Natrium exploration July 9, 2025
[28] Investing.com - Uranium futures price today November 2025
[30] Sightline U3O8 - Nuclear stocks market obsession October 7, 2025
[3] JEPIC - Niigata governor approves TEPCO restart November 21, 2025
[12] Daily News Egypt - Al-Sisi Putin El Dabaa reactor vessel November 19, 2025
[19] Stock Titan - NANO Nuclear KRONOS feasibility study October 28, 2025
[4] Japan Times - Niigata nuclear plant restart approval November 21, 2025
[13] World Nuclear News - El Dabaa reactor vessel installation November 19, 2025
[18] American Nuclear Society - Valar Atomics NOVA Core criticality September 10, 2025
[5] Bloomberg - Japan approves restart biggest atomic power November 21, 2025
[14] Modern Diplomacy - Russia installs El Dabaa reactor vessel November 20, 2025
[20] Nasdaq - NANO Nuclear investment analysis November 18, 2025
[6] Daily Sabah - World's biggest nuclear plant restart November 20, 2025
[15] Arab Contractors - El Dabaa RPV installation ceremony November 20, 2025
[7] NHK World - Niigata governor green-lights restart November 21, 2025
[16] Egypt Oil & Gas - Egypt Russia fuel order cooperation November 18, 2025
[8] BBC - Japan edges closer restart biggest nuclear November 21, 2025
[17] Ecofin Agency - Egypt installs first reactor heart Africa November 20, 2025
[9] World Nuclear News - Niigata governor consents Kashiwazaki-Kariwa November 20, 2025

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