Bangladesh has a reactor running, Southeast Asia is shopping for small modular designs and Taiwan's anti-nuclear ruling party is preparing to switch one back on. The fear that followed March 2011 has given way to a scramble for home-grown power.

Poland's SGE and ZE Pak have agreed to establish a joint venture to develop a nuclear power plant in Pątnów which will feature up to six BWRX-300 small modular reactors. ;

Connecticut's governor, along with other New England governors, recently participated in a summit to advocate for increased nuclear power development, claiming a need for more electricity to support AI data centers. However, the article argues that the real crisis is the escalating climate emergency, characterized by wildfires, droughts, glacier melting, and extreme weather events. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has held four webinars promoting nuclear power plants, emphasizing the safety and rapid deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). Proponents claim SMRs can be built quickly and are safer, with minimal waste concerns. The article challenges these claims, noting that no SMR has been built in the U.S., with only three globally. NuScale Energy, the first SMR to receive U.S. regulatory approval, faced significant cost overruns and project cancellation despite $600 million in federal funding. The article also highlights the unresolved issue of nuclear waste, which has persisted for over 80 years without a permanent disposal solution. The Yucca Mountain repository plan was canceled due to Nevada's opposition, citing geological instability. The Trump administration's proposal to create nuclear waste 'campuses' faces public opposition. Additionally, the article points to climate impacts on nuclear operations, such as Hungary's 2026 reactor shutdown due to low river water levels during a heatwave. The author concludes that renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and battery storage, combined with conservation, offer a more viable path to meet energy needs without the risks associated with nuclear power.

Alberta, Saskatchewan and the NWT sign an MOU to explore nuclear energy, regional power connections and stronger electricity reliability across Western Canada.

Following a recent discussion regarding the potential placement of small modular nuclear reactors at the former Pilgrim site, an expert with extensive experience in the electric utility sector has expressed concerns about the technology's readiness. The perspective comes from someone who spent over forty years in the industry and twenty years advising utilities on technology

4iG is moving into energy, targeting a diversified portfolio of wind, storage and small modular nuclear reactor investments across Central and Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has begun feasibility work on small modular nuclear reactors, outlining a five-phase programme covering initial studies, regulatory approval, construction, operation and eventual decommissioning. EGAT is hiring consultants to assess technology, costs, potential sites, environmental impacts, legal requirements and earthquake risks, assistant governor Eakarat Samintarapanya said at a Matichon seminar in Bangkok. The authority is also preparing personnel and public-engagement programmes for a process expected to take more than 10 years.

The article details Great British Energy's (GBE-Nuclear) plan to allocate between £730 million and £1.1 billion for an early-stage infrastructure project focused on small modular reactor (SMR) technology development. The initiative includes civil engineering, site preparation, and construction of facilities necessary for SMR deployment. Key components involve collaboration with Rolls-Royce as a preferred designer for the SMR technology, which aims to provide scalable nuclear energy solutions. The project timeline spans from 2028 to 2034, with phased funding allocation. The package emphasizes sustainable infrastructure development and aligns with UK goals for clean energy expansion. Additionally, it highlights the integration of advanced nuclear technologies into national energy strategies while addressing challenges related to site logistics and regulatory compliance. The initiative reflects broader trends in global efforts to modernize energy systems through innovative reactor designs.

The article discusses the strategic role of small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors in military operations during crises and conflicts. While these technologies cannot replace traditional fuel sources or existing energy infrastructure, they offer critical advantages for maintaining stable power supply to military systems. Modern warfare increasingly targets state infrastructure, including energy grids, as part of hybrid strategies that blend conventional and cyber attacks. Russia's actions in Ukraine exemplify this trend, where disabling energy systems becomes a key component of prolonged conflict. SMRs and microreactors could provide resilient, decentralized energy solutions for military bases, command centers, and forward operating locations. Their compact design allows deployment in remote or contested areas, ensuring continuous power for communication networks, surveillance equipment, and other critical operations. The article emphasizes that these reactors are not a panacea but represent an essential tool for maintaining operational readiness amid hybrid threats. Additionally, the piece highlights how energy denial tactics may precede large-scale military actions, underscoring the need for self-sufficient power systems in defense strategies.

The article discusses the financial collapse of small modular reactor (SMR) companies, highlighting how short sellers have capitalized on the declining stock prices. Companies like NuScale Power and Oklo Inc. faced significant losses as investors abandoned the sector, citing overhyped promises and unsustainable business models. The piece reveals that the nuclear industry's push for SMRs has been plagued by technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and lack of profitability. Despite government incentives and media hype, these reactors have failed to deliver on cost-effective energy solutions. The article also critiques the role of speculative investing in renewable energy projects, arguing that many ventures are driven by political agendas rather than economic viability. It emphasizes the need for realistic assessments of nuclear technology's role in combating climate change, warning against relying on unproven innovations to address global energy demands. Financial analysts note that the sector's collapse reflects broader market skepticism toward high-risk, low-reward energy investments.

Explore how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are powering the 2026 AI hyperscale boom. Learn why tech giants are turning to nuclear energy for zero-carbo

The article examines the potential and challenges of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) as a solution to global energy demands. SMRs offer advantages such as reduced land use, faster construction times, and modular design, which allows for prefabrication and quicker deployment compared to traditional nuclear plants. However, their widespread adoption raises significant concerns. While SMRs produce less radiation per unit than conventional reactors, replacing existing nuclear capacity with thousands of smaller units could increase the risk of accidents due to higher numbers. The article highlights that SMRs still rely on uranium-based fission, facing unresolved issues like radioactive waste management and water scarcity for cooling. Despite claims of cost efficiency, studies suggest SMR electricity could be twice as expensive as solar or wind power. Additionally, the environmental impact of mining uranium and the long-term storage of nuclear waste remain critical challenges. The piece concludes that while SMRs may contribute to climate goals, their risks and costs make them a complex solution in the transition to sustainable energy.

This article examines the persistent challenges facing Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs), highlighting their technical, economic, and safety hurdles. Despite promises of cost efficiency and scalability, SMRs face significant obstacles such as high development costs, regulatory complexities, and unresolved safety concerns. The text references specific projects like NuScale Power's modular reactors and TerraPower's traveling wave reactor, which have encountered delays and budget overruns. Environmental risks, including nuclear waste management and potential accidents, are also discussed. The article argues that SMRs may not be a viable solution for clean energy without breakthroughs in technology and policy support. It emphasizes the need for alternative renewable energy strategies to address climate change effectively. Key points include the failure of multiple SMR initiatives, the importance of public trust in nuclear safety, and the broader implications for global energy transitions.

European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera has stated that small modular reactors, or SMRs, can eventually form part of Europe’s energy system but do not currently offer a ready solution for cutting emissions or meeting rising electricity demand. Speaking at a summer course on European challenges in San Sebastián, Ribera emphasized that member states retain the right to choose their own energy mix, including the role of nuclear power. Some countries continue to build or extend conventional reactors, while others prioritize renewables, storage, and efficiency. The Commission’s role is to enforce shared safety rules, competition law, and proper use of public funds rather than dictate national choices. SMRs are designed for smaller output than traditional plants, with components manufactured off-site and assembled on location in the hope of lowering costs and construction times. The European strategy adopted in March 2026 aims to bring the first projects online in the early 2030s. Ribera stressed that these reactors remain developmental and should not be treated as an immediate alternative. Governments must keep investing in grids, energy efficiency, renewables, and emission cuts instead of waiting for technologies that are still years from commercial deployment. Public support for nuclear projects, including funding and risk guarantees, is often necessary because of high upfront costs and long timelines, yet it is subject to strict state-aid scrutiny. The Commission checks whether support covers only necessary costs or creates overcompensation, transfers excessive risk to taxpayers, or distorts competition with other technologies. A planned 200-million-euro guarantee is intended only to help the first innovative commercial units attract private capital, not to finance an entire fleet. Capacity projections of 17 to 53 gigawatts of SMRs by 2050 are scenarios, not commitments. Ribera’s core message is that technological neutrality does not justify delaying proven measures while waiting for future options to mature.

The U.S. has identified cooperation on small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) as a key priority in its engagement with Southeast Asia amid rising regional electricity demand. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's attendance at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila highlighted the administration's emphasis on SMRs, with U.S. Ambassador Kevin Kim stating that 'deep discussions' are underway with multiple Southeast Asian governments. This initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed by the U.S., Japan, and South Korea at the NATO summit, aiming to accelerate SMR deployment in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. has also unveiled a $1.5 billion investment to support these efforts, alongside grants for renewable energy projects and infrastructure. The strategy underscores the U.S.'s geopolitical interests in securing energy partnerships and advancing nuclear technology in the region. Critics argue that the focus on SMRs could exacerbate nuclear proliferation risks, while proponents highlight their potential to provide reliable, low-carbon energy. The move reflects broader U.S. efforts to counter Chinese influence in Southeast Asia through strategic alliances and technological collaboration.