Latest news with #Modular
2 days ago
- Politics
US should put nuclear reactors on moon before other countries do, acting NASA administrator says
Nuclear power on the moon is critical to the United States' space exploration and national security goals, and the U.S. government should "move quickly" to build reactors there before its terrestrial rivals, according to a directive issued by Transportation Secretary and acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, which was obtained by ABC News. One full "day" on the moon is two weeks of light followed by approximately two weeks of darkness (in Earth time). Nuclear energy, referred to as fission surface power, or FSP, in the directive, is a "sustainable" and "high-powered" energy source that can survive through the lunar night and be deployed on other celestial bodies, like Mars, according to Duffy. "Since March 2024, China and Russia have announced on at least three occasions a joint effort to place a reactor on the Moon by the mid-2030s," Duffy said in the directive. "The first country to do so could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a planned Artemis presence if not there first." When reached for comment by ABC News, NASA said, "We'll let these directives speak for themselves." The directive, dated July 31, calls for a "Fission Surface Power Program Executive" to be named within 30 days who will implement and oversee the project and will report directly to the NASA administrator. It does not say what exactly the nuclear reactors would power on the moon. Politico was the first to report on this directive. A second directive, issued on the same day by Duffy, aims to speed up the development of replacements for the International Space Station, which is set to retire by 2030. While NASA has never used a fission nuclear reactor in space, it has been using nuclear material to power spacecraft since the 1960s. Known as radioisotope thermoelectric generators, or RTGs, these systems use the heat generated by the decay of plutonium-238, a nuclear element, to create electricity for powering spacecraft and rovers. Currently, NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars is using an RTG system for its power. In recent years, billions of dollars have been spent developing a new kind of nuclear reactor called Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors produce less power than traditional reactors, but are significantly smaller in size. SMRs are still being developed in the U.S. and there are no units currently in operation.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Should You Buy NuScale Power While It's Below $60?
Key Points It's developing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, offering a scalable and cost-effective energy. Global power demand is projected to surge 165%, particularly from data centers, by the end of the decade. NuScale is the first company to receive Standard Design Approval from the U.S. government for its SMR. 10 stocks we like better than NuScale Power › Artificial intelligence (AI) is a massively transformative technology, but powering these algorithms requires a substantial amount of energy. According to Goldman Sachs, global power demand from data centers is expected to increase by as much as 165% by the end of the decade. With energy demand expected to surge and a growing desire for scalable, carbon-free solutions, nuclear energy is re-emerging as an attractive option. The U.S. government has committed billions to revitalizing its nuclear infrastructure, from funding small modular reactors (SMRs) to streamlining regulatory pathways in pursuit of energy independence and climate resilience. NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) is one company developing this SMR technology and the only one to have an approved design in the U.S. today. It could play a key role in powering tomorrow's algorithms, but achieving scalable commercial operations will take several years. If you're considering investing in NuScale, here's what to watch for from here. How NuScale can upgrade independent energy generation At the core of the business is the NuScale Power Module, a small modular reactor that can generate 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe) per module. The technology aims to deliver scalable, cost-effective, reliable power that is also carbon-free. The simple design of its technology eliminates the need for reactor coolant circulating pumps, large-bore piping, and other complex components typically found in conventional large-scale nuclear reactors, which, in turn, improves safety and reduces capital and operational costs. What makes it appealing to data center operators, industrial facilities, and other prospective customers is that its modular design can scale from one to 12 modules in a single installation, providing up to 924 MWe. This can also allow customers to start with a smaller initial investment and increase their capacity over time. NuScale's first-mover advantage NuScale enjoys a first-mover advantage, as it's the first and only company to receive Standard Design Approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its small modular reactor technology. The company had received certification for its 50 MWe module a few years ago and recently received its certification for its 77 MWe design. Getting this regulatory head start could be a considerable advantage for NuScale in an industry where approvals can take years. NuScale is well-positioned to meet the accelerating demand for energy across various sectors, particularly from data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) operations that require 24/7 baseload power. Data centers are projected to triple their energy use within the next three years, potentially accounting for 12% of U.S. electricity consumption by 2028. Notable tech companies, such as Microsoft and Meta Platforms, are planning significant investments in AI-enabled data centers and are actively seeking substantial amounts of new nuclear power. Why investing in NuScale requires patience While NuScale could benefit from the resurgence of nuclear energy, investors should consider the potential risks. For one, cost overruns previously derailed its flagship Carbon Free Power Project (CFPP) with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS). The project was terminated in 2023 after NuScale faced numerous cost overruns, which had grown to three times the initially agreed-upon cost estimates from 2018. UAMPS pulled the plug on it in 2023. The termination of the CFPP was a significant setback, as it was NuScale's first major project and highlighted the challenges in converting early-stage agreements into firm, commercially viable deployments. Another risk is that it will take years for NuScale to achieve commercial viability. NuScale currently has an active project in Romania (RoPower) where it plans to convert a former coal site plan into an SMR power plant. As part of this project, RoPower is considering a six-module plant with a capacity of 462 MWe. NuScale expects the plant to become operational as early as 2029. The RoPower project is a primary source of NuScale's current cash flow, generating revenue of $34 million in Q4 and an additional $13 million in Q1, primarily through engineering, licensing, and other service fees. The plant lays out the groundwork for commercializing its technology but also illustrates the long time horizon it will take for SMR technology to become operational. Is NuScale a buy today? NuScale Power is an interesting company developing innovative technology that will help meet the growing energy demands of tomorrow's data centers. The stock has benefited from the positive narrative surrounding nuclear energy, rising 373% over the past year. Analysts project $467 million in sales by 2028, which gives NuScale a lofty valuation of 23 times those projected sales three years out. The company has a first-mover advantage, which makes it an attractive prospect to watch, especially as nuclear energy undergoes a revitalization. However, a long road ahead awaits, and I think investors are better off watching and waiting to see how its story unfolds, given its current valuation. Do the experts think NuScale Power is a buy right now? The Motley Fool's expert analyst team, drawing on years of investing experience and deep analysis of thousands of stocks, leverages our proprietary Moneyball AI investing database to uncover top opportunities. They've just revealed their to buy now — did NuScale Power make the list? When our Stock Advisor analyst team has a stock recommendation, it can pay to listen. After all, Stock Advisor's total average return is up 1,049% vs. just 182% for the S&P — that is beating the market by 867.25%!* Imagine if you were a Stock Advisor member when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $638,629!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,098,838!* The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 29, 2025 Courtney Carlsen has positions in Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends NuScale Power and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Should You Buy NuScale Power While It's Below $60? was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Nuclear power generation stood at 56,681 million units in 2024-25; capacity projected to reach 22,380 MW by 2031-32
New Delhi: Nuclear power contributed about 3 per cent to the total electricity generated in India in 2024-25, with nuclear power plants producing 56,681 million units (MUs) of electricity during the period, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Presenting the data, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the government has set a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 under its Nuclear Energy Mission. This would involve expanding both domestic and imported nuclear fuel sources and enabling participation from public and private sector entities in nuclear energy development . As of now, India's installed nuclear capacity stands at 8,780 MW spread across 24 reactors. This excludes the 100 MW Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS-1), which is under extended shutdown. An additional capacity of 13,600 MW—including the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) being implemented by BHAVINI—is currently under various stages of implementation. On completion of the ongoing projects, the installed nuclear power capacity is expected to increase to 22,380 MW by 2031-32. The Minister also noted that the government is promoting research and development in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies to meet the 2047 target. The upcoming capacity addition will include both existing reactor designs and new technologies under development.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Redeeming India's nuclear power promise
The Union Budget for 2025-26 marked a significant shift in India's nuclear energy plan by announcing an ambitious target of 100 GW of power generating capacity by 2047, up from the present 8.18 GW. This positions nuclear power as a major pillar in India's energy mix, given the two goals of emerging as a developed country (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, and achieving 'net zero emissions' by 2070. Simultaneously, the Nuclear Energy Mission announced a special allocation of ₹20,000 crore to develop 'at least five indigenously designed and operational Small Modular Reactors (SMR) by 2033.' Such ambitious plans will need the involvement of private players, both domestic and foreign, into a hitherto government sector, which will require significant changes to the legislative, financial and regulatory framework. The government has indicated that some changes in the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010 are in the offing. However, such reforms also need a change in mind set. India's nuclear journey India had an early start, setting up Asia's first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, in 1956, and beginning work on Asia's first nuclear power reactors at Tarapore in 1963. As early as 1954, Dr. Homi Bhabha, the architect of India's nuclear programme, presented a target of generating 8 GW of nuclear power by 1980. However, the journey has been long and difficult. Following India's war with China in 1962; its entry into the nuclear club in 1964; the decision to stay out of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968; and the Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE) test in 1974, India was excluded from the emerging nuclear order. International cooperation ceased and export controls slowed down the nuclear power programme. This led to the nuclear power target being pushed to 10 GW by 2000. Moreover, India took time to successfully indigenise the design of the 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), employed in Rajasthan. Its advantage was that it used natural uranium as fuel unlike the design of the Tarapur Light Water Reactor (LWR), which used Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) that India obtained from the U.S., and later, from France. Subsequently, the same 220 MW PHWR units were established at Narora, Kaiga, Kakrapar etc., and the design was upgraded to 540 MW (set up at Tarapur in 2005-06) and to 700 MW with two units becoming operational at Kakrapar in 2024. After the nuclear tests in 1998, followed by intense negotiations with the U.S. and other strategic partners, India finally gained acceptance as a responsible nuclear power. It also got a special waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). India was thus ready to resume exchanges with other nuclear powers to import both nuclear fuel and more advanced reactors to expand its nuclear energy programme. However, the CLNDA created new difficulties that have prevented such anticipated external participation. In fact, Russia is the only country that is partnering with us at Kudankulum with six VVER-1000 power reactors because the government-to-government agreement, signed in 1988, predated the CLNDA. Towards green development To become a developed country by 2047, India's annual per capita income needs to grow from the current $2,800 to $22,000, and correspondingly, the GDP needs to grow from the current $4 trillion to over $35 trillion. There is a well-established correlation between economic growth and energy consumption. In 2022, India's per capita electricity consumption stood at 1,208 kWh, compared to 4,600 kWh for China, and over 12,500 kWh for the U.S. India's electricity generation capacity, currently at 480 GW (divided almost equally between fossil fuels and renewables), will have to grow five-fold, accounting for growth in population and urbanisation. However, solar, wind, and small hydro projects provide only intermittent power. That is why out of 2030 terrawatt-hours (TWh) — the total electricity generated in 2024 — renewable energy, with half the generation capacity, accounted for only 240 TWh. Coal fired thermal plants accounted for 75% of energy generation. The climate change commitments announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 at Glasgow COP26 of 'net zero emissions by 2070, raising non-fossil energy generation capacity to 500 GW by 2030 while meeting 50% of the energy demand through renewables, and achieving a carbon intensity reduction of 45% over 2005 levels by 2030' means that India will not be able to rely on fossil fuels for its growth. Renewable energy is (including solar, hydro, wind, and biomass) is estimated to provide 20% of the demand and up to 25% with investments in battery and pumped storage. Therefore, the obvious candidate to fuel India's energy growth is nuclear power. There is a renewed interest globally in nuclear power. This reflected in the Dubai 2023 COP28 'Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy', acknowledging nuclear power as a critical input in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security, and a move towards a low carbon future. In June, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Bank agreed to work together to support nuclear energy in developing countries, marking a significant policy shift. World Bank President Ajay Banga pointed out, 'nuclear (energy) delivers base load power, which is essential to building modern economies.' Creating an enabling environment The government is looking at three routes. One is to standardise the 220 MW PHWR design and apply it to Bharat Small Modular Reactors, which would significantly reduce costs and commissioning time. This could replace captive thermal power plants that today account for over 100 GW, and which will be replaced over the next two decades. The second track is to scale up the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) plans for the 700 MW PHWR by facilitating land acquisition, streamlining licensing, and strengthening indigenous supply chains. The third track is to accelerate negotiations with partners in France and U.S. that have been moving at a glacial pace for the last 15 years. Under the Atomic Energy Act, nuclear power is a sector reserved by the government. The NPCIL is a government owned company that builds, owns, and operates the PHWRs, the first two Tarapur LWRs, and the Russian designed VVERs. Nuclear power financing is qualitatively different because of the higher upfront capital costs, lower operating costs, a lifecycle of 50-60 years, and costs associated with decommissioning as well as managing radioactive waste. The indigenised PHWR model has a capital cost of $2 million/MW while the equivalent cost for a coal fired thermal unit is just under a million. Given NPCIL's annual budget of $1.2 billion, the government has realised that to achieve the target of 100 GW, private sector companies will have to be brought into the sector, necessitating a comprehensive set of amendments to the Atomic Energy Act. Questions of majority/minority ownership; whether the nuclear operator will be exclusively NPCIL; who has responsibility and control over the nuclear island part of the plant; and concerns over assured fuel supply and waste management responsibility will need to be discussed with potential stakeholders that include major players like Tatas, Adani, Ambani, Vedanta etc. All these will require amendments to the 1962 Act. A set of comprehensive amendments will also be needed for the 2010 CLNDA especially with regards to its liability clause which affects not just the 'operator' but also the 'supplier' of nuclear power. A third area is commercial disputes relating to tariffs. Nuclear electricity tariff for NPCIL is notified under the Atomic Energy Act. Generally, commercial disputes fall under the Electricity Act and are settled by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) but a recent dispute between NPCIL and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam has led to conflicting views by the CERC and the Appellate Tribunal. The case is now under consideration before the Supreme Court. With the entry of the private sector into the field, should the tariff setting come into the 'levelised cost of energy' as applicable to thermal, solar, wind and hydro will depend on how the question of ownership and control are determined. While India has had an impeccable nuclear safety record, the certification and safety oversight is the responsibility of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) that is 'autonomous' but not a legal entity and is subordinate to the Department of Atomic Energy. In 2011, a draft Bill was circulated to establish AERB as an independent regulator, but the Bill lapsed. With the entry of the private sector, the need for an independent regulator becomes paramount. In addition, a raft of financial incentives will need to be introduced. While nuclear energy is a low-carbon energy source, it is not classified as 'renewable', like solar or wind. Revising this classification would make nuclear power projects eligible for tax incentives and specially designed 'green financing' instruments. Long term power-purchase-agreements and provision for viability-gap-funding are other incentives. The sector also needs to be opened up to foreign direct investments, perhaps up to 49%, to ensure Indian ownership and control. In the past, the process of reform has been tentative. In 2011, the NPCIL set up a Joint Venture (JV) with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), but it languished till it was revived last year. It will now build and operate four units of 700 MW each, scheduled to come up at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan. Land acquisition has been underway and once completed, the first unit will take seven years. A JV with the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) is also being envisaged. Both the REC and NTPC are public sector units and these JVs will be wholly government entities. However, if India has to deliver on the promise of 100 GW by 2047, it needs foreign partners and the private sector. While this has been accepted by the government, it now has to move forward with the reforms comprehensively and decisively. Rakesh Sood is a former diplomat and is currently Distinguished Fellow at the Council For Strategic and Defence Research.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia boosts green tech and deep-tech investments for sustainable growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is intensifying efforts to attract high-impact investments in green technology and deep-tech sectors, aligning with the MADANI government's sustainability and digital transformation goals. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang highlighted the country's focus on carbon management, hydrogen energy, and circular economy models to accelerate its low-carbon transition. The government is also exploring advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to support decarbonisation while boosting high-value R&D and skilled talent development. 'Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional hub for advanced materials, especially rare earth elements (REE), crucial for green technologies and digital industries,' Chang said at the National Economic Forum 2025. Private-sector R&D investment has surged by 17% in 2024, particularly in clean energy and digital health, signaling growing investor confidence. To sustain this momentum, Malaysia is introducing measures such as matching grants and co-investment models to de-risk deep-tech investments. Under the National Biotechnology Policy (DBN 2.0), Malaysia is advancing biotechnology responsibly, addressing ethical concerns like cultured meat production through upcoming guidelines. The policy also aims to strengthen biopharmaceuticals, industrial biotech, and agricultural biotech, positioning Malaysia as a regional bio-based hub. The forum, themed 'Turning Strategy into Reality,' serves as a platform for discussions on economic resilience and investor confidence amid global challenges. It underscores Malaysia's commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. - Bernama
