As energy security and carbon neutrality have become important challenges globally, the demand for nuclear new-builds and life extensions for operating units is rising. However, writes Guen Park, Director of KHNP's Overseas NPP Power Office, the challenge is to deliver nuclear power projects on time and within budget despite global uncertainties, post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and a stricter regulatory environment. The uncertainty from these external factors means that concerns over contracts where one supplier is responsible for engineering, procurement and construction are also increasing.

Westinghouse has signed a contract worth USD180 million with the ITER Organization for the assembly of the vacuum vessel for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor under construction in Cadarache, southern France.

EDF had taken its case to the regional court relating to the tender for new nuclear in the Czech Republic.

Norway's Nuclear Power Committee has selected US-based engineering company Amentum and Norwegian consulting firm Multiconsult Norge AS to report on technology options for a potential nuclear power programme.

Sweden's radioactive waste management company Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB has selected Swiss construction firm Implenia as its collaborative partner to build the first underground section of the final repository for used nuclear fuel in Forsmark.

Civil engineering for ONDRAF/NIRAS' surface disposal facility in Dessel will be carried out by the NucleusSafe partnership, with construction company Denys responsible for electromechanical aspects. Work is to begin later this year.

Talen Energy Corporation has entered into a new agreement for the long-term supply of 1,920 MWe of electricity from its Susquehanna nuclear power plant to support Amazon Web Services' data centres, as well as looking into building SMRs and capacity uprates.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power is preparing to sign subcontract agreements and establish a project office at Dukovany after the signing of the contract to build two APR-1000 units at a project cost of CZK407 billion (USD18.6 billion). The aim is to start construction in 2029.

The contract with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power for new nuclear capacity at the Dukovany site in the Czech Republic has been signed - hours after the Supreme Administrative Court annulled a regional court's injunction to stop it happening.