Latest news with #SMRs
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
SMRs return to Korea's energy mix amid AI-driven power surge
Amid surging demand and limited grid capacity, SMRs emerge as controversial but viable option Small modular reactors or SMRs are reemerging in the national energy conversation as South Korea reevaluates its energy strategy, driven by a sharp rise in electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data center expansion. The new liberal administration under President Lee Jae Myung, who took office earlier this month, has expressed cautious support for SMRs. This marks a shift from the Democratic Party of Korea's stance under the Moon Jae-in administration, which pursued a nuclear phase-out. While Lee has reiterated his opposition to expanding large-scale nuclear power, he views SMRs as a pragmatic, flexible energy solution compatible with Korea's decarbonization and energy security goals. SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity — about one-third the capacity of traditional nuclear plants. Their compact, factory-built design allows for modular deployment in remote or space-limited locations, making them an attractive alternative for industrial zones, small communities and even energy-intensive tech facilities. SMRs use the same basic fission process as conventional reactors but are engineered for simpler, safer and more scalable use. The growing appeal of SMRs also stems from their potential to address the surging power demands driven by AI technology. South Korea is expected to add 732 new data centers by 2029, requiring a combined 49.4 gigawatts of contracted power. This is equivalent to more than half of the nation's peak capacity in 2022, according to the Industry Ministry. As global tech firms look to low-carbon energy to power their operations, SMRs have emerged as a viable candidate to meet such needs. In line with this shift, Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Jung-a on June 12 proposed a bill titled the 'SMR Special Act,' which seeks to establish a national roadmap for SMR development. The legislation includes provisions for administrative, technical and financial support for research and development projects, private-sector participation, workforce training and public engagement. 'This is a legislative measure in response to what advanced countries such as the US, UK, and Canada are already doing to support SMRs,' Hwang said. However, the renewed push for SMRs has sparked concern among environmental groups. The Korea Federation for Environmental Movements issued a statement calling SMRs a 'delusion of the nuclear industry,' raising safety concerns over radiation risks, particularly when reactors are located near urban centers. Critics also argue that SMRs may have higher costs per kilowatt-hour than traditional nuclear plants and still produce radioactive waste without a clear disposal strategy. Despite the criticism, advocates argue that SMRs offer advanced safety features, including passive cooling systems that allow reactors to shut down safely without external power in the event of an emergency. 'SMRs are the optimal energy source for addressing the climate crisis, energy security and the AI era,' said Korean Nuclear Society President Lee Ki-bog. Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission is also stepping in to support the shift. The agency announced plans to develop a regulatory framework to back the government's 'i-SMR' project. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, the country's state-run utility, aims to secure regulatory approval by 2028. Experts say that while Korea already possesses world-class nuclear technology, its industrial base remains narrow. 'Nuclear energy supplies around 30 percent of Korea's electricity, but only accounts for 10 percent of total fuel costs,' said Kim Sung-joong, a professor of nuclear engineering at Hanyang University. 'If the share of nuclear energy were increased to 50 percent, we could cut energy import costs by up to 11 trillion won ($8 billion).'
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Nuclear power plant to be set up in Bihar: Khattar
PATNA: Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday announced a nuclear power plant for Bihar. After presiding over the fifth meeting of energy ministers from the eastern states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, among others, Khattar said the Centre will provide all necessary help in setting up the nuclear plant. Khattar stated, 'The Bihar government had requested the establishment of a nuclear power plant in the state. The Union government is fully prepared to provide support to the state for the project.' The minister also announced the launch of six small modular reactors (SMRs) across the country, including one in Bihar. Noting the growing power demand in the country, he said, 'We aim to set up a nuclear power plant in every state to ensure the country's energy security.' According to him, a nuclear power plant would provide a stable energy source and boost investment, employment and technological advancement in the region. The minister also agreed to the Bihar government's proposal to provide an additional 500 MW of energy for six months. He said that works were underway on thermal power, solar, wind power and storage across the country. Power vision for 2035 Khattar said works were underway on thermal power, solar, wind power and storage across the nation. He revealed that the govt had prepared a power vision for 2035 and appreciated the progress of Bihar's govt in the power sector.
Business Standard
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
CFI to Host Flagship Conference on "Redefining India's Infrastructure Growth: Next Gen Solutions for a Viksit Bharat" on June 20 in New Delhi
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], June 19: The Construction Federation of India (CFI) will host its flagship conference, "Redefining India's Infrastructure Growth: Next Gen Solutions for a Viksit Bharat," on Friday, 20th June 2025, at Le Meridien, New Delhi. The conference will convene government representatives, industry leaders, and policy experts to address pressing challenges and opportunities shaping India's infrastructure and construction landscape in a rapidly evolving global environment. Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road, Transport & Highways , will be the Guest of Honour at the event and deliver a Special Address in the Exclusive Session. At a time when global trade dynamics and tariff realignments are redrawing economic boundaries, the conference aims to examine their direct impact on India's EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) sector. The agenda includes addressing volatility in raw material prices, supply chain vulnerabilities, and rising demand for specialized infrastructure, ranging from semiconductor fabs and defense corridors to data centers. The forum will also focus on pragmatic policy strategies that promote material resilience, foster green adoption and enable sustainable infrastructure delivery. The spotlight will be on high-growth sectors central to India's energy transition and digital future, including semiconductors, batteries, PV modules, offshore wind and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Ajit Gulabchand, President-Emeritus, CFI and Chairman, Hindustan Construction Company Ltd., stated, "As a founding member of CFI, I've seen our industry evolve through several phases of transformation. This conference is an opportunity to reflect on the changing global landscape and collectively develop policy frameworks that support sustainability, technology and rapid growth. I encourage all stakeholders to be part of this dialogue for a stronger construction sector and a self-reliant India." Vinayak Pai, President, CFI and Managing Director & CEO, Tata Projects Ltd., remarked, "CFI is uniquely positioned to represent the construction industry's voice in policy development and sectoral reforms. Our upcoming conference brings together the best minds to chart actionable strategies for resilient, green and digitally enabled infrastructure." Conference Agenda Highlights Panel I: Emerging Mega Trends in Infrastructure (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM) This session will explore how India's infrastructure ecosystem is adapting to global shifts. Discussions will cover geopolitical supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations in raw materials, sustainable construction practices and innovations such as low-carbon steel, alternate materials, precast systems and strategic procurement under the 'Make in India' agenda. Panel II: Powering India's Energy Transition (12:00 PM - 01:00 PM) India's energy roadmap will take center stage, with focus on scaling renewable energy (RE), enhancing grid stability via storage systems (BESS, PSP), and expanding domestic manufacturing for PV modules and wind turbines. Discussions will also cover India's nuclear ambitions, especially SMRs and financing mechanisms for clean energy growth. Panel III: Building Digital India - Industry 4.0 and Beyond (02:00 PM - 03:00 PM) The final session will delve into strengthening India's digital manufacturing base. Key topics include semiconductor fabs, battery localization strategies and advancements under the India Semiconductor Mission. Panelists will also examine how AI and automation are shaping next-gen manufacturing clusters aligned with India's technological aspirations. Akhil Gupta, Vice President, CFI and ED & CEO, Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering & Construction remarked, "CFI has consistently advocated for better infrastructure policy, contracting mechanisms and taxation frameworks. Our efforts have helped shape industry-wide improvements and this conference will further strengthen our collective vision and action." "We are proactively engaging in initiatives that advance quality, safety and environmental benchmarks. CFI's focus on future-ready infrastructure and regulatory transformation will be key to India's global competitiveness," Preiti Patel, Treasurer, CFI and Chef Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects Ltd. added. The Construction Federation of India (CFI) is an industry representative body with a two-fold mission: to drive comprehensive advancements across the construction sector and to address persistent operational and policy-level challenges. Since its inception in 2000, CFI has remained committed to identifying structural issues affecting project implementation and has consistently advocated for necessary reforms. The Federation works closely with both Central and State authorities to propose amendments to laws, taxation frameworks, and regulatory policies--ensuring they align with the evolving needs of India's construction and infrastructure ecosystem. CFI continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a future-ready construction industry that supports the nation's development goals.
Fashion Value Chain
19-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
CFI to Host Flagship Conference on 'Redefining India's Infrastructure Growth: Next Gen Solutions for a Viksit Bharat' on June 20 in New Delhi
The Construction Federation of India (CFI) will host its flagship conference, 'Redefining India's Infrastructure Growth: Next Gen Solutions for a Viksit Bharat,' on Friday, 20th June 2025, at Le Meridien, New Delhi. The conference will convene government representatives, industry leaders, and policy experts to address pressing challenges and opportunities shaping India's infrastructure and construction landscape in a rapidly evolving global environment. Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road, Transport & Highways , will be the Guest of Honour at the event and deliver a Special Address in the Exclusive Session. Vinayak Pai, President, CFI and Managing Director & CEO (Tata Projects Ltd.) and Ajit Gulabchand, President-Emeritus, CFI and Chairman (Hindustan Construction Company Ltd.) At a time when global trade dynamics and tariff realignments are redrawing economic boundaries, the conference aims to examine their direct impact on India's EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) sector. The agenda includes addressing volatility in raw material prices, supply chain vulnerabilities, and rising demand for specialized infrastructure, ranging from semiconductor fabs and defense corridors to data centers. The forum will also focus on pragmatic policy strategies that promote material resilience, foster green adoption and enable sustainable infrastructure delivery. The spotlight will be on high-growth sectors central to Indias energy transition and digital future, including semiconductors, batteries, PV modules, offshore wind and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Ajit Gulabchand, President-Emeritus, CFI and Chairman, Hindustan Construction Company Ltd., stated, 'As a founding member of CFI, I've seen our industry evolve through several phases of transformation. This conference is an opportunity to reflect on the changing global landscape and collectively develop policy frameworks that support sustainability, technology and rapid growth. I encourage all stakeholders to be part of this dialogue for a stronger construction sector and a self-reliant India.' Vinayak Pai, President, CFI and Managing Director & CEO, Tata Projects Ltd., remarked, 'CFI is uniquely positioned to represent the construction industry's voice in policy development and sectoral reforms. Our upcoming conference brings together the best minds to chart actionable strategies for resilient, green and digitally enabled infrastructure.' Conference Agenda Highlights Panel I: Emerging Mega Trends in Infrastructure (10:30 AM – 11:30 AM) This session will explore how India's infrastructure ecosystem is adapting to global shifts. Discussions will cover geopolitical supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations in raw materials, sustainable construction practices and innovations such as low-carbon steel, alternate materials, precast systems and strategic procurement under the 'Make in India' agenda. Panel II: Powering India's Energy Transition (12:00 PM – 01:00 PM) India's energy roadmap will take center stage, with focus on scaling renewable energy (RE), enhancing grid stability via storage systems (BESS, PSP), and expanding domestic manufacturing for PV modules and wind turbines. Discussions will also cover India's nuclear ambitions, especially SMRs and financing mechanisms for clean energy growth. Panel III: Building Digital India – Industry 4.0 and Beyond (02:00 PM – 03:00 PM) The final session will delve into strengthening India's digital manufacturing base. Key topics include semiconductor fabs, battery localization strategies and advancements under the India Semiconductor Mission. Panelists will also examine how AI and automation are shaping next-gen manufacturing clusters aligned with India's technological aspirations. Akhil Gupta, Vice President, CFI and ED & CEO, Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering & Construction remarked, 'CFI has consistently advocated for better infrastructure policy, contracting mechanisms and taxation frameworks. Our efforts have helped shape industry-wide improvements and this conference will further strengthen our collective vision and action.' 'We are proactively engaging in initiatives that advance quality, safety and environmental benchmarks. CFI's focus on future-ready infrastructure and regulatory transformation will be key to India's global competitiveness,'Preiti Patel, Treasurer, CFI and Chef Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects About Construction Federation of India (CFI) The Construction Federation of India (CFI) is an industry representative body with a two-fold mission: to drive comprehensive advancements across the construction sector and to address persistent operational and policy-level challenges. Since its inception in 2000, CFI has remained committed to identifying structural issues affecting project implementation and has consistently advocated for necessary reforms. The Federation works closely with both Central and State authorities to propose amendments to laws, taxation frameworks, and regulatory policies-ensuring they align with the evolving needs of India's construction and infrastructure ecosystem. CFI continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a future-ready construction industry that supports the nations development goals.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Allegan County reaffirms support for Palisades restart. Where do efforts stand?
Holtec International still awaits official approval from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission to re-open Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. In the meantime, local elected officials have reiterated their support for the project. Holtec is seeking regulatory approval to restart power operations at Palisades after the plant closed for decommissioning in May 2022. A federal loan of $1.52 billion was approved for the project in 2024, but the NRC has yet to officially approve the restart. During a meeting June 12, the Allegan County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to 'reaffirm support' for the re-opening of Palisades. The board passed a similar resolution in January 2023. The resolution includes several points Holtec has made regarding the restart, including the benefits of job creation, grid stability and reliability, and clean energy. According to the NRC, approval is necessary to restore the plant's license for operational status, but is also needed before Holtec can ready plant components or make any needed upgrades or repairs. Holtec has previously requested the NRC make a determination this summer, in hopes of resuming power operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. Most recently, Holtec announced the NRC issued a Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Palisades. The ruling found 'the project poses no significant environmental risk,' Holtec wrote in an update. Holtec also said an Initial Licensed Operator Class is on-track for NRC examination in June, which will add 26 federally licensed operators to the site. A separate class is underway and scheduled for testing in early 2026. In late May, Palisades received full accreditation for its maintenance and technical training program, completing the "complement of accreditations' required for operation. Two emergency preparedness exercises have been completed at Palisades, with more scheduled for this summer. The drills will culminate in a graded exercise evaluated by the NRC and FEMA. Earlier this year, a coalition of environmental groups and a group of residents living near Palisades filed petitions with the NRC's Atomic Safety and Licensing Board in an effort to stop or delay the restart. In March, the board denied requests for full hearings on the petitions. More: 'Not admissible': Request for formal hearing challenging Palisades re-opening denied Palisades ceased power operations in May 2022, and was sold to Holtec for decommissioning shortly after. Just a few months later, a plan to restart the plant was announced. An initial funding request was denied, but a second effort was launched early in 2023. Holtec is also seeking to build two small modular reactors, SMR-300s, at Palisades, which would add at least 600 megawatts to the plant's 800-megawatt generating capacity. Preliminary activities are underway and Holtec plans to file a construction permit application for the SMRs in 2026. There are currently no upcoming meetings scheduled for the Palisades restart, per the NRC website. Learn more about regulatory actions and upcoming meetings at — Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@ This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Allegan County reaffirms support for restart at Palisades Plant
