To attract investment for new build projects, the nuclear industry needs licensing and permitting processes that are "predictable and stable, and which take account of context", says Vanessa Jakovich, a senior associate at law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
The operator of Spain's Garoña nuclear power plant, Nuclenor, has submitted documents to the country's nuclear regulator detailing how it plans to meet a series of requirements for the plant's restart.%2048.jpg "Wylfa 1 (Magnox) 48")
Wylfa unit 1 - the world's last operating Magnox reactor - will be able to continue generating electricity until the end of 2015 after the UK nuclear regulator approved the plant's latest periodic safety review._72x48.jpg "Kathleen Barron at Bipartican Policy Center December 2013 (BPC) 72x48")
US nuclear generators continue to fight for recognition of their contribution to electricity supply, as subsidies for other forms of power undermine the business case for operation of older nuclear units.
Finland's government has approved an amendment to Fennovoima's decision in principle for its Hanhikivi plant, paving the way for the company to apply to build a Russian-designed reactor there. However, a decision on extending TVO's decision in principle has been deferred.%2048.jpg "ESBWR (GEH) 48")
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a rule to certify GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s Economic Simplified Boiling-Water Reactor design for use in the USA. The rule will go into effect 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
Japan's nuclear regulator has approved changes in the reactor installations of units 1 and 2 of the Sendai nuclear power plant, moving the units one step closer to restarting.
The Chinese nuclear regulator has approved the preliminary safety analysis report of the CAP1400 reactor design following a 17-month review.