As multiple advanced reactor vendors enter the licensing process to build first-of-a-kind demonstration projects, issues with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's current user fee cost recovery model could slow innovation and raise regulatory costs, according to a report published yesterday by the Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA). Reliance on applicant fees limits the ability of the NRC to hire and train staff ahead of expected applications, reducing regulatory efficiency, the report says.

The UK SMR consortium, led by Rolls-Royce, has announced the latest design and an increase in power - from 440 MW to 470 MW - of its "compact" nuclear power station. The "refreshed design" features a faceted aesthetic roof; an earth embankment surrounding the power station to integrate with the surrounding landscape; and a more compact building footprint, the British engineering company said.

Slovak nuclear regulator Úrad jadrového dozoru announced yesterday it had  issued an operating licence for unit 3 of the Mochovce nuclear power plant, as well as related permits for the management of radioactive waste and used nuclear fuel, and "the early use of buildings". Interested parties have until 19 June to comment on the regulator's decision to approve commissioning of the unit, which the government has said it expects to start by the end of this year.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has applied to the Nuclear Safety & Security Commission for approval to dismantle unit 1 of the Kori nuclear power plant near Busan. The unit was permanently shut down in June 2017, becoming the first South Korean reactor to enter decommissioning.

The UK's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy yesterday opened the Generic Design Assessment to advanced nuclear technologies. BEIS has also published a policy paper stating that the advanced nuclear sector has the potential to play an important part in the UK's Industrial Strategy.

Ukrainian nuclear power plant operator Energoatom and the country's transmission system operator Ukrenergo completed tests last week at unit 1 of the Zaporozhe nuclear power plant for the provision of ancillary frequency maintenance reserve services at +/-20 MW. The tests should confirm the compliance of the unit with the requirements of the Transmission System Code in order to obtain a certificate entitling Energoatom to introduce the power unit to the ancillary services market.

Japan's nuclear regulator today approved Tokyo Electric Power Company's decommissioning plan for the four reactors at its Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant, close to the damaged Fukushima Daiichi plant.

True diversity in the workplace means heightened standards for all, writes Adriènne Kelbie in her final external article before stepping down as Chief Executive of the UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has a clear mandate, but the climate crisis and the economic impact of the pandemic mean that, on behalf of its Member States, it needs to have a more visible presence than has traditionally been the case, its director general said yesterday during the World Nuclear Fuel Cycle forum, which is being held this week by the US Nuclear Energy Institute and World Nuclear Association. Speaking as part of the forum's first session - Executive Panel: From Plans to Actions - Rafael Mariano Grossi said the IAEA is therefore collaborating more than ever with other organisations to offer its "unique perspective".

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has today issued an administrative order to Tokyo Electric Power Company preventing it from transporting nuclear fuel stored at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant or loading it into reactors. The order - issued in response to a series of security breaches at the site - will delay Tepco's planned restart of unit 7 at the plant in Niigata Prefecture.

The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation has today provided EDF with permission for Reactors 3 and 4 at the Hunterston nuclear power plant in North Ayrshire, Scotland to return to service for a limited period of operation. This will be the power station’s final period of operation before moving into the defueling phase.

Finnish utility Teollisuuden Voima Oyj has been granted a permit by the country's Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority to load fuel into the reactor of the Olkiluoto 3 EPR. The unit, construction of which began in 2005, is scheduled to enter commercial operation early next year.