EPZ, operator of the Borssele nuclear power plant in the Netherlands, is committed to ensuring operational safety and reliability of the plant, an International Atomic Energy Agency mission has concluded. The team also encouraged continued improvements, including with its radiation protection programme.

Japan's Cabinet has approved a policy to allow new nuclear power reactors to be constructed and the operation of existing reactors to be extended from 40 to 60 years.

The Belgian government has asked Engie to investigate whether the operation of the country's three oldest reactors - Doel units 1 and 2 and Tihange 1 - can be extended until 2027. The reactors are currently scheduled to shut down in 2025.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi is expected in Russia this week for more talks on establishing a safety and security zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

A ceremony has been held to mark the inauguration of unit 3 of the Karachi nuclear power plant in Pakistan. China National Nuclear Corporation said the two Hualong One reactors at the site have now both officially been delivered to Pakistan and put into operation.

Slovenské elektrárne says that after successful start-up tests, and the launch of steam turbines over the weekend, the new unit 3 at the Mochovce nuclear power plant was connected to the grid for the first time at 20% of its nominal power at 10.57pm on 31 January.

Unit 2 of the Tihange nuclear power plant in Belgium has been permanently shut down after 40 years of operation. The 1008 MWe (net) pressurised water reactor is the second to be shut down under the country's nuclear phase out policy.

Fortum is capable of continuing to safely operate the Loviisa nuclear power plant until 2050, Finland's Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority has told the country's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The government is expected to issue a decision on extending the two-unit plant's operating licence in the coming months.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's newly-established missions at Ukraine's nuclear power plants are not just symbolic, but signify the presence of internationally renowned experts who "will provide advice and technical support at this very difficult time", IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

Slovenia's Ministry of the Environment says it has approved Krško's operations for a further 20 years, following the completion of an environmental impact assessment, a process which included input from neighbouring countries Croatia, Austria, Italy and Hungary, plus Germany.

Researchers have developed a method for assessing degradation of stainless steel components using laser beams that could reduce the time and expense needed for conducting safety checks of ageing nuclear power reactors.

Unit 3 of the Fangchenggang nuclear power plant in China's Guangxi Autonomous Region has been connected to the grid for the first time, China General Nuclear announced. The unit - the first of two demonstration Hualong One (HPR1000) reactors at the site - is scheduled to enter commercial operation in the second half of 2023.