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Ukraine Approves Purchase of Russian-Made Nuclear Reactors: Ukraine's parliament has approved the purchase of two Russian-made VVER-1000 reactors from Bulgaria for $600 million to expand the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, despite criticism that they are outdated and costly. President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed for the deal, calling it vital for energy independence as Russian attacks continue to damage Ukraine's power grid. The reactors will help compensate for the loss of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under Russian occupation.
South Africa Considers Nuclear Deals with Iran and Russia: South Africa is open to collaborating with Iran or Russia to expand its nuclear energy capacity, according to Minister Gwede Mantashe. This move could strain relations with the U.S., which recently reduced foreign aid to South Africa over policy disagreements. South Africa aims to add 2,500 MW of new nuclear power to address its severe energy crisis, marked by frequent blackouts and significant economic losses.
UK Government Fast-Tracks Nuclear Power Expansion: The UK government has announced major reforms to accelerate nuclear power development across England and Wales. As part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s "Plan for Change," the new policies will streamline regulations, encourage investment, and allow for the construction of SMRs for the first time. Key changes include scrapping outdated restrictions limiting nuclear projects to eight sites, removing expiration dates on nuclear planning rules, and establishing a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce to speed up approvals. These measures aim to boost energy security, create thousands of skilled jobs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the government's commitment to "build, build, build" clean energy infrastructure, ensuring affordable, homegrown power while strengthening the UK’s position in the global nuclear industry.
Southeast Asia Eyes Nuclear for Energy Transition: Southeast Asian nations are increasingly exploring nuclear power to meet growing energy demands and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Indonesia plans 20 nuclear plants, the Philippines is assessing reviving its Bataan facility, and Vietnam has renewed its nuclear ambitions. Malaysia, Singapore, and others are also showing interest.
South Korea Boosts Nuclear Industry with $100M Support Fund: The South Korean government will provide over $100 million in financial support in 2025 to strengthen its nuclear power industry, aiming to boost reactor exports and develop an indigenous SMR design. The funding, administered through commercial banks, offers low-interest loans to selected companies. The initiative follows President Yoon Suk Yeol’s reversal of his predecessor’s nuclear phase-out policy, with a goal of maintaining nuclear power at 30% of the energy mix and exporting 10 reactors by 2030.
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