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Japan Requests Hitachiomiya City in Ibaraki Prefecture to Conduct Literature Survey for High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Site

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on August 31 requested Hitachiomiya City in Ibaraki Prefecture to conduct a literature survey, as the first step in siting a final disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste generated from nuclear power plant operations. If Hitachiomiya City agrees, it will become the fifth municipality in Japan to accept such a literature survey, and the second time the Japanese government has proactively requested a survey from a local government, following Minamitorishima in Ogasawara Village, Tokyo. On the same day, Takashi Kume, Vice Commissioner of Japan's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, visited the Hitachiomiya City government and submitted the survey request to Mayor Sadanori Suzuki. Suzuki stated that he personally takes a positive stance toward accepting the literature survey, and noted that the city faces issues such as rapid population decline and a weak local economy, adding that if the area has favorable geological conditions, participating in the national geological disposal policy would be of "significant importance." He said he would make a decision after hearing the views of the city assembly, with the matter possibly being discussed at the regular assembly meeting as early as September.

2026-09-01

Japan Atomic Energy Agency discovers magnetic "strong-weak waves" in uranium semiconductor

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency announced on August 21 that its research team has discovered a special magnetic structure in the layered uranium semiconductor α-UTe3 (α-uranium tritelluride): the magnetism of uranium atoms not only alternates in opposite directions, but its magnetization intensity also periodically strengthens and weakens depending on the crystal position, forming a state resembling “strong-weak waves.” α-UTe3 is composed of uranium and tellurium atoms and belongs to van der Waals layered materials, where atomic layers are stacked through weak interlayer forces. Using high-quality α-UTe3 single crystals, the research team analyzed its low-temperature magnetic structure through resistivity, specific heat, and magnetization measurements, as well as nuclear magnetic resonance and single-crystal neutron diffraction techniques...

2026-08-31

Japan Plans to Include Hitachiomiya, Ibaraki Prefecture, in Nuclear Waste Disposal Site Selection Survey

According to sources familiar with the matter on August 31, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is considering conducting a preliminary survey in Hitachiomiya, Ibaraki Prefecture, to designate the city as one of the potential candidate sites for a final disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste. The relevant plan is expected to be submitted to the Hitachiomiya municipal government. If the local government accepts the plan, Hitachiomiya will become the fifth location in Japan to undergo such a preliminary survey. The site selection process for Japan's high-level radioactive waste disposal facility involves multiple stages, and the entire screening process typically takes several years. The proposed preliminary survey is an early step to determine whether the area meets the conditions for further evaluation...

2026-08-31

India's Tata Consulting Engineers Calls for Expanded Private Sector Participation in Nuclear Energy R&D

Amit Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), said that India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) should focus more on national strategic objectives and engage in deeper collaboration with the private sector in nuclear power generation-related fields. Sharma stated that TCE has partnered with India's nuclear program for over five decades. The DAE's original core mission was to serve national strategic needs rather than directly undertake power generation. He believes the DAE could draw on the experience of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in promoting private sector development, allowing enterprises greater scope for participation in nuclear energy R&D.

2026-08-31

Japan nuclear waste, geological disposal, literature survey, Hitachiomiya City

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is in the final stages of coordination regarding the site selection process for the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste, with plans to request Hitachiomiya City in Ibaraki Prefecture to conduct a literature survey. The literature survey is the first phase of Japan's screening process for selecting a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste generated from nuclear power generation. It primarily relies on existing literature and materials to assess whether candidate areas have safety concerns such as volcanoes and active faults. Hitachiomiya City is located in the northwestern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, bordering Tochigi Prefecture, with a population of slightly over 35,000. The city does not face the sea, with the Kuji River and Naka River flowing through its territory. Forests account for approximately 60% of the city's total area, and agriculture and manufacturing are the main industries. In recent years, the city has been promoting tourism and emerging industries leveraging the natural environment, while also facing challenges such as population decline, aging, and fiscal pressure.

2026-08-31

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Relies on Emergency Diesel Generators to Maintain Operations

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently stated that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been relying on emergency diesel generators to maintain critical safety systems for over a week following the interruption of its external power supply. After inspections by the agency's on-site expert team, it was confirmed that as of the 23rd local time, the plant's diesel reserves could support approximately 10 days of operation, approaching the minimum regulatory requirement. According to the IAEA, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost its connection to the only remaining 330 kV Peresopravna-1 external transmission line starting on the 20th. Subsequently, the plant activated multiple emergency diesel generators to power critical equipment, including the six reactors and pumps related to spent fuel cooling and storage. The IAEA...

2026-08-31

Bruce Power Aims to Generate Over CAD 13.3 Billion in Economic Impact in Canada Over Next 18 Months

Bruce Power recently stated that over the next 18 months, the company expects to generate more than CAD 13.3 billion in economic impact across Canada, with related investments primarily stemming from its nuclear plant operations and life extension programs, supporting businesses and jobs in Ontario and other regions of Canada. Bruce Power stated that since launching the "Canada First" program in 2025, the company has invested over CAD 6.6 billion in Canada between January 2025 and June 2026, and plans to invest an additional CAD 7.7 billion by the end of 2027. The company noted that its spending within Canada accounts for more than 95% of total expenditures. As a nuclear operator located in Bruce County, Ontario...

2026-08-28

Bangladesh Highlights Potential of Nuclear Technology for Maritime Applications at ATLAS Ministerial Meeting

On August 26, local time, Bangladesh's Minister of Science and Technology, Faqrul Mahbub Anam, stated at the 2026 Ministerial Launch of the Licensing of Atomic Technology for Marine Applications (ATLAS) held in Washington, D.C., USA, that Bangladesh is committed to responsible participation in the global nuclear dialogue and believes that emerging nuclear technologies hold significant potential in the field of maritime applications. Anam stated that in the face of challenges such as climate change, energy security, and growing energy demand, the importance of nuclear energy in reducing emissions and ensuring reliable energy supply is rising. Advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), can provide stable low-carbon electricity and support economic growth, poverty reduction...

2026-08-27

IAEA Launches ATLAS Initiative to Advance Nuclear Energy Maritime Applications

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched the Atomic Technology for Maritime Applications Licensing Scheme (ATLAS) on August 26 in Washington, D.C., United States, aiming to support the safe, reliable, and peaceful use of nuclear energy in civilian vessels and floating nuclear power plants. The two-day ATLAS ministerial launch event, hosted by the United States, attracted approximately 600 delegates from over 50 countries, including international organizations, nuclear and maritime industry enterprises, port authorities, and relevant regulatory and policy departments. The IAEA stated that as nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants gain increasing attention, closer coordination mechanisms between the nuclear and maritime communities are needed. Maritime shipping carries approximately 80% of global trade volume, and maritime trade demand continues to grow at around 2% annually...

2026-08-27

Malaysia Advances Nuclear Energy Workforce Planning Capacity Building

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently held a national workshop on nuclear energy human resource planning in Malaysia to help the country enhance its workforce forecasting and capacity building for existing and future nuclear applications. The workshop was held from 17 to 21 August 2026 over five days, with participants from MyPOWER Corporation, the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, regulatory bodies, national utilities, and academic and training institutions. The five-day workshop was held in Malaysia from 17 to 21 August 2026, with participants including representatives from MyPOWER Corp...

2026-08-27

Finland Launches Its First IAEA International Assessment of Radiation Emergency Preparedness

Finland has recently launched its first international assessment of radiation emergency preparedness. At the invitation of Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, an international expert team assembled by the International Atomic Energy Agency began assessing Finland's preparedness for radiation emergency response on August 25, with the work continuing through September 1. The assessment is coordinated by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland. This authority also serves as the IAEA contact point and participates in this review as one of the assessed entities. The coordination group designated by Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is chaired by Karim Peltonen from the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland. The assessment employs the IAEA's Emergency Preparedness Review mechanism,...

2026-08-26

IAEA Director General Unveils Upcoming New Initiative on Maritime Nuclear Energy

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), recently stated that the Agency is preparing to launch a new initiative to promote the application of civilian nuclear technology in maritime settings. The initiative, named Atomic Technology Licensing for Maritime Applications (ATLAS), will be officially unveiled at an IAEA ministerial event scheduled for August 26-27 in Washington, D.C., United States. The initiative aims to support the deployment of maritime civilian nuclear applications such as nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants, while facilitating alignment in licensing and regulatory efforts. Grossi stated that the ATLAS initiative could support global trade and help provide energy to remote communities and industrial users...

2026-08-26

IAEA 70th General Conference to Host Nuclear Energy Side Events

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Department of Nuclear Energy will hold its regular Nuclear Power Plant Operators Forum and three nuclear energy-related side events during the 70th IAEA General Conference, to be held from 14 to 18 September 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The schedule of the side events will be announced once confirmed. The Nuclear Power Plant Operators Forum, themed "Microreactors: Shaping New Operational Landscapes and Applications," is scheduled to take place from 10:30 to 12:30 on 17 September 2026 in Meeting Room CR3, 7th Floor, Building C. The forum will feature panel discussions with industry and technical experts, presenting international progress in microreactor development and deployment, covering topics such as key design features, emerging technologies, fuel and deployment options, as well as practical considerations in installation and operation, and experience from projects under construction. The session will also address the diversification of microreactor designs, the evolving research and development landscape, and the impact of practical applications, societal factors, and market expectations on technology selection.

2026-08-26

Ketterle Team: "Neutrino Laser" Based on Quantum-Entangled Atomic Clouds Theoretically Infeasible

Nobel laureate Wolfgang Ketterle and his team have conducted a theoretical examination of a neutrino laser concept and concluded that the scheme is fundamentally difficult to realize. The research findings have been published in *Physical Review Letters*. The concept was previously proposed by American physicists, with the core idea being the use of rubidium-87 atomic clouds or other unstable isotopes, placing them into specific quantum states to generate highly directional neutrino beams. According to the concept, if a neutrino source analogous to a laser could be constructed, it would help accelerate neutrino mass measurements and advance observational studies of the interconversion phenomena among different types of neutrinos. The Ketterle team's key focus this time was whether a large number of atoms could cooperatively emit neutrinos and other fermions, similar to the synchronized release of photons in a conventional laser.

2026-08-25

Madouela Uranium Project Rights in Niger Re-Secured

Atomic Eagle Limited has reached a new mining agreement with the Republic of Niger to re-secure the rights to the Madouela uranium project. The project is located in Niger, and its mining rights were revoked in 2024 from the previous holder, GoviEx Uranium Inc. Phil Hoskins, CEO of Atomic Eagle Limited, stated that re-acquiring the Madouela mining rights will significantly expand the company's resource base and add a more advanced-stage uranium project to its portfolio. He noted that Madouela is a large-scale, high-grade uranium project with substantial historical...

2026-08-25