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April 12, 2025 Uranium & Nuclear Energy Intel Tenders have been submitted in the UK Small Modular Reactor (SMR) selection process, marking a significant step forward in the country's nuclear energy initiatives1. This development is part of the UK's broader strategy to enhance its nuclear power capabilities, which includes the formal approval of investment for the Sizewell C power plant and a fleet of SMRs, as well as efforts to streamline nuclear regulation to incentivize investment and expedite construction2. Kazakhstan has completed the competitive dialogue process and shortlisted suppliers for its first nuclear power plant, marking a significant step forward in its nuclear energy initiatives. The shortlist includes the Russian state atomic energy corporation Rosatom, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), France’s EDF, and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)3. The final decision on the supplier or consortium will be made by the Interdepartmental Commission, considering the national interests of Kazakhstan. Amazon is investing in X-energy's advanced reactors to provide efficient and safe power for its data centers, addressing the rising energy demands. This investment is part of a broader strategy by tech giants to embrace next-generation nuclear power solutions, which are seen as a reliable and low-carbon energy source to meet the increasing electricity needs driven by AI and data center operations4. Google has partnered with Kairos Power to procure 500 megawatts from small modular reactors to enhance its energy supply for data centers while reducing carbon emissions56. This partnership is part of Google's broader strategy to overhaul its renewable energy portfolio and support its data centers with reliable, low-carbon energy, aligning with its goal to reduce millions of tons of carbon emissions annually. Microsoft has entered into an agreement with Constellation Energy to revive the Three Mile Island facility in the US, securing over 800 megawatts of carbon-free power for its cloud and AI operations over the next two decades7. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to embrace a nuclear power renaissance, aiming to provide reliable, low-carbon energy for its data centers, reflecting a broader trend among tech giants to secure sustainable energy sources to meet the growing power demands of AI and cloud services. Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia's state-owned ROSATOM to develop a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) using thorium fuel, with the signing ceremony attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The partnership aims to innovate and commercialize thorium-based reactors in Maharashtra, adhering to Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) safety standards, and establish an assembly line for these reactors under the 'Make in Maharashtra' initiative89101112. The Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) will provide strategic support, and a joint working group will be formed to ensure compliance with the Government of India's nuclear safety protocols13. China is advancing its nuclear energy capabilities with the commercial operation of the Hualong 1 reactor, utilizing entirely indigenous technology, marking a significant development in its energy infrastructure14. This advancement is part of China's broader strategy to enhance its energy infrastructure by integrating nuclear advancements with vast transmission networks and innovative data center realignment, ensuring a stable power supply and supporting the country's burgeoning AI industry. The Linglong 1 small modular reactor in China is currently in its commissioning phase, offering flexible and distributed energy support that is particularly suitable for data centers as part of China's nuclear advancements1516. This development is part of China's broader strategy to enhance its energy infrastructure by integrating nuclear advancements with vast transmission networks and innovative data center realignment, ensuring a stable power supply from energy-rich western regions to computing centers in the east. |
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