Australia's only nuclear reactor - the OPAL multi-purpose research reactor - has officially returned to power and recommenced operations, following a months-long planned shutdown to carry out essential maintenance and upgrades including a complex operation to replace the unit's cold neutron source (CNS).

Iran says it has three nuclear energy reactors under construction, with site and technology selection processes under way for more - and has also outlined planned nuclear fuel cycle and research reactor developments.

The National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) of Argentina says the country is aiming to contribute its experience and facilities to collaborate with countries interested in adopting nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a licence to Abilene Christian University for the construction of a molten salt research reactor on its campus in Abilene, Texas. This marks the first construction permit for a liquid-fueled advanced reactor and only the second for any advanced reactor issued by the NRC.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has amended its regulations for licensing non-power production or utilisation facilities to reflect the limited risk such facilities pose to public safety. At the same time, it is also revising the definition of a testing facility to a more risk-informed standard than the current power-based definition.

A pilot batch of fuel elements has successfully passed acceptance tests for compliance with the technological and design documentation for Russia's MBIR multipurpose sodium-cooled fast neutron research reactor.

The IVV-2M water-moderated research reactor was commissioned in 1966 and has now been given the go-ahead to operate until the end of 2040.

The lower section of the reactor vessel of the Oak Ridge Research Reactor has been removed and transferred to a cask for eventual shipment and disposal. The reactor was an isotope production and irradiation facility from 1958 and was permanently shut down in July 1987.

Natura Resources, LLC has joined the Texas Produced Water Consortium to evaluate the deployment of Natura’s liquid-fuelled molten salt reactor technology to meet energy and water needs in the Permian Basin in a partnership dubbed Fortifying the Future.