Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom announced today it has signed Memoranda of Understanding with France's Framatome and GE Steam Power of the USA to participate in a tender to construct the Belene nuclear power plant in Bulgaria.

The International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation have signed an agreement to renew cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear technology for inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

Tepco Holdings Corporation and Toshiba Energy Systems Corporation have agreed to establish a joint venture company to conduct safety upgrade work at unit 6 of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. Tepco plans to restart units 6 and 7 of the plant, which is in Japan's Niigata Prefecture.

The European Union plus France, Germany and the UK have said they "deeply regret" the USA's decision to end three sanction waivers covering Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action projects in Iran. Separately, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said the US decision "hampers" international non-proliferation progress.

Kairos Power of the USA has entered into a strategic collaboration with advanced materials supplier Materion Corporation to develop a reliable and cost-effective supply of coolant for its fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR). Materion will supply beryllium fluoride, technical consultation, key interfaces and support services.

A bipartisan group of US Senators has called for the Department of Commerce to extend the Russian Suspension Agreement, as recommended by the Nuclear Fuel Working Group.

Holtec International has selected Framatome to supply nuclear fuel for its SMR-160 small modular reactor. The companies have entered into an agreement to enable completion of all necessary engineering to fuel the SMR-160 with Framatome's commercially available and proven 17x17 GAIA fuel assembly.

The Czech government has agreed the next steps towards investment in a new nuclear power plant and given Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček a mandate for talks on the project with the European Commission.

The UK's National Nuclear Laboratory has signed an agreement - known as a Practical Arrangement - with the International Atomic Energy Agency aimed at enhancing cooperation.

Turkey's state-owned EUAS International ICC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK's Rolls-Royce to evaluate the technical, economical and legal applicability of small modular reactors. In addition, they will consider the possibility of joint production of such reactors.

A number of documents have been signed between Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom and the government of Bangladesh that will enhance existing bilateral cooperation in the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Russia is currently constructing a two-unit nuclear power plant at Rooppur, Bangladesh.

Russian nuclear fuel manufacturer TVEL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Spanish engineering firms ENUSA, ENSA and IDOM on cooperation in the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities, as well as in nuclear waste management and related engineering and consulting services. They have also signed a roadmap for the development of various projects in the near term.