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Fusion as a Way for Limitless Energy Revolution in the World

October 2, 2024 / Leave a comment

Fusion Energy as a Solution to Carbon Emissions

Fusion energy has the potential to produce clean and sustainable energy by imitating the nuclear reactions that occur in the sun and release huge amounts of energy. Scientists and engineers around the world have been working for years to turn this potential into reality. Fusion energy can provide an unlimited source of energy and contribute greatly to the fight against climate change by reducing carbon emissions. China stands out as one of the leading countries in fusion energy thanks to its investments and technological developments in this field. Fusion Reaction, which means creating a kind of artificial sun, is actually very important and can easily meet all the energy needs of the world. It’s a special type of nuclear energy.

Importance of Fusion Energy

The most basic advantage of fusion energy is that it is environmentally friendly. Today, a large part of energy production is obtained by burning fossil fuels, and this process causes a large amount of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere. The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases accelerates global warming and climate change. However, fusion energy produces almost no greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. In addition, the waste released during fusion reactions is much less hazardous than the waste from nuclear fission reactors. The waste produced by fusion is low radioactive and becomes safe in a relatively short time. This greatly reduces the need for waste management and long-term storage.

The second major advantage of fusion energy is that the fuel source is almost unlimited. The basic fuels used in fusion reactions are deuterium and tritium, especially the hydrogen isotopes. Deuterium is abundant in nature and can be easily obtained from seawater. Tritium can be produced from lithium. Since these two elements are abundant on Earth, the potential energy that can be obtained with fusion energy is many times greater than the current fossil fuel reserves. This means that humanity can find a permanent solution to its energy crises.

Another important advantage of fusion energy is its energy density. Fusion reactions produce a very large amount of energy per unit of fuel. This means that more energy can be obtained by using less fuel. In addition, fusion reactors allow large energy production facilities to be built in smaller areas thanks to their high energy density. This is a major advantage over current power plants that require large geographic areas to meet local energy demands.

The importance of fusion energy for the world is not limited to energy production. This technology can also play a critical role in combating climate change, ensuring energy security and economic growth. As an inexhaustible energy source, it can close the energy gap worldwide and reduce energy costs. It can also provide a cleaner and more sustainable future by eliminating environmental problems caused by fossil fuels.

Power Capacity of a Fusion Reactor

The question of how much energy a fusion reactor can produce depends on its design, size, and the technologies used. However, theoretically, a commercial-scale fusion reactor could produce a huge amount of energy and power cities of millions of people on its own. For example, the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project, which has been proposed by many scientists, is designed to have the capacity to produce about 500 megawatts of electrical energy if it is successful. This amount of energy could power approximately 200,000 to 300,000 homes. A slightly larger 2 GW fusion reactor could easily meet the energy needs of a large metropolitan area. However, the real potential of fusion energy will be revealed in the future when the number of such reactors increases and they are equipped with more efficient technologies. Although fusion technology is not yet commercially available, research is ongoing and great progress is being made in this area. Projects like ITER are big steps towards making fusion energy commercially viable. As commercial fusion reactors become widespread, large cities and even countries will be able to be powered by this energy source.

China and Fusion Technology

China has managed to take the lead in fusion energy by establishing a strong infrastructure for fusion research in recent years. For example, the EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) reactor located in the eastern Anhui Province of China is one of the most advanced Tokamak fusion reactors in the world. In 2021, the EAST reactor managed to heat the plasma to 120 million degrees Celsius and maintain it at this temperature for 101 seconds. This is a significant milestone in fusion research and demonstrates China’s technological superiority in this field. Advanced technologies such as EAST contribute to China becoming a world leader in fusion energy research. China, which managed to keep the fusion reaction active for an even longer period in 2024, has passed an important milestone in this regard.

China has an approach that encourages international cooperation in fusion energy research. Chinese scientists actively participate in international research projects and promote knowledge sharing. In particular, joint projects are carried out with countries such as the European Union, the United States, Russia, India, Japan and South Korea. These collaborations facilitate China’s access to cutting-edge technologies and knowledge in fusion research, while also enabling it to develop its own research capacity.

China’s leadership in fusion energy research is of great importance both nationally and globally. Fusion energy, which has the potential to create positive impacts in many areas such as energy security, environmental sustainability, economic development, and scientific progress, is among China’s strategic priorities. The successful implementation of this technology could usher in a new era in energy production and consumption and fundamentally change global energy dynamics. China’s efforts in this field play an important role in the world’s future energy landscape. Therefore, its pioneering in both Fusion and Thorium reactors is an extraordinary revolution for China and is also very important for the world.

Advancing Radiation Detection Instruments for Global Nuclear Security

September 7, 2024 / Leave a comment

Innovative ideas on how artificial intelligence, machine learning, uncrewed aerial systems, and other technologies can be used to enhance existing radiation detection capabilities for nuclear security are being explored by many countries around the world.

During an IAEA technical meeting held from 14 to 18 August 2023, best practices, accomplishments, and challenges in the use of radiation detection equipment for nuclear security were shared by more than 150 experts from over 75 countries. The experts participated in active discussions on radiation detection tools, technologies, and techniques in a mix of plenary and smaller topical sessions, as well as smaller breakout working sessions.

“The experience and expertise of the meeting participants ran the gamut from research to development and testing, and from frontline officers to senior decision-makers,” said Itimad Soufi, Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security of Materials Outside of Regulatory Control Section, adding that “this broad cross-section participation supported important discussions on the safety-security interface that will improve the use and sustainment of radiation detection equipment.”

Indonesia was among the countries presenting its work on advances in the performance of portable radiation detectors for nuclear security using open-source software. “In the Indonesian archipelago, nuclear security relies heavily on the effective operation and networking of radiation detection equipment in multiple locations spread along its vast coastline,” said Kristedjo Kurnianto, Senior Researcher for Indonesia’s Research Center for Radiation Detection and Nuclear Analysis Technology.

“We are utilizing cross-cutting technology for radiation detection. By effectively leveraging several emerging technologies, we have enhanced Indonesia’s nuclear security measures. Indonesia has set an example of harnessing innovation to improve nuclear security,” Kurnianto said.  The meeting centered around applying emerging technologies for radiation detection in nuclear security and emphasized the need to better support the role of frontline officers (FLOs) in nuclear security. “The latest advancements in radiation detection are putting frontline officers’ operational needs and challenges front and center by prioritizing technological development that simplifies and supports their work,” said Alina Smyslova, Deputy Program Director of Sustainability for the Office of Nuclear Smuggling, Detection and Deterrence of the United States Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration, and co-chair of the meeting.

The IAEA decision-making support tools developed specifically to assist FLOs in carrying out their nuclear security activities were presented during the meeting. The Tool for Radiation Alarm and Commodity Evaluation (TRACE)and the software Mobile Integrated Nuclear Security Network (M-INSN) are both available to countries to help them enhance their radiation detection operations and capabilities.

In addition, a new smartphone application named Personnel Alarm Assessment Tool (PAAT) is presently undergoing testing to be released publicly by the end of this year. These smartphone applications enhance knowledge transfers and the efficiency and effectiveness of radiation detection alarm assessments, reduce subjectivity in alarm assessment, and provide greater command and control of nuclear security options.

During the meeting, which was supported financially by the United States of America, participants received hands-on technical demonstrations of radiation detection technologies and decision making support tools. Prominent discussion outcomes centered heavily on leveraging emerging technologies to address pressing technical limitations, such as supporting ongoing technological sustainment, and human resource constraints including the current need for extensive training on many of the instruments used for radiation detection operations.

Participants discussed how improvements in detector and data analysis technologies could facilitate more streamlined communication and sharing of information for decision-makers. This could ensure a coordinated approach when responding to a radiation detection event.

“These are important areas that will advance radiation detection technology for nuclear security,” said May Bee Leng Ong, co-chair and Director for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) at the CBRNE Center of Expertise at the Singapore Science and Technology Agency. “As a result of this meeting, I foresee greater international cooperation in radiation detection for nuclear security. Enhancing radiation detection and security is not a pure technological pursuit. It ought to be a commitment to safeguard the peace, resources, and stability for our shared future.”

Nuclear Energy Lectures also supports this initiative as radiation detection and security is an important part of peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Giant Curtain in Energy Revolution: China Builds World’s First Thorium Reactor

September 5, 2024 / Leave a comment

Energy is one of the most important criteria in the world and we can say that it is the most important requirement of every function. Without energy, there can be no production, and it is not even possible to consume the produced materials and commodities. When we look at the old World Wars and even the Gulf War, we see that they were completely aimed at controlling energy deposits (oil). However, now that oil has decreased in the world, renewable energy and nuclear energy have come to the fore. The biggest problem in Nuclear Energy is that the Fission Reaction leaves radioactive residues and carries many dangers, and Uranium is found in limited quantities in the world and is the monopoly of certain states such as the USA. China, as the second largest economy in the world, is perhaps the most intensive producer in the world in terms of production, and energy is very important for the existence of the Chinese Economy. In this sense, China is working very intensively on energy studies and has made very serious progress by making the world’s first thorium reactor at this level and has opened a very important giant curtain in the energy revolution.

 

Why is Thorium Reactor Important?

Chinese Thorium ReactorThorium reactors are a type of nuclear reactor proposed as an alternative to traditional uranium-based nuclear reactors in energy production. These reactors use the naturally abundant thorium element, which is less radioactive than uranium. Thorium cannot be used directly as a nuclear fuel; however, it can be converted to uranium-233 by neutron bombardment in a nuclear reactor environment. The uranium-233 isotope produced in this process can then be used for energy production. One of the biggest advantages of thorium reactors is that they produce much less radioactive waste in the nuclear fuel cycle and that this waste is easier to manage in the long term. In addition, the abundance of thorium around the world provides a great advantage for such reactors in terms of energy supply security. China and Turkey have the world’s largest Thorium reserves.

China’s First Thorium Reactor: A Turning Point

China is making major investments in nuclear energy to meet its energy needs and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. As part of these efforts, China commissioned the world’s first thorium-based liquid salt reactor in 2021. This experimental reactor, built in Wuwei, Gansu Province, is designed to evaluate the potential of thorium in energy production and to become a world leader in thorium-based nuclear power generation. China’s thorium reactor has a thermal power generation capacity of approximately 2 megawatts and is initially planned to be used for testing technology and safety systems rather than for electricity generation. The reactor was successfully operated and its performance results were seen in 2024. China has plans to build larger and commercial thorium reactors by 2030. This will contribute to China’s energy independence and mark a turning point in the global transition to thorium-based nuclear energy.

China’s thorium reactor project could have a significant impact on energy policies and nuclear technology development strategies worldwide. Conventional nuclear power generation faces challenges such as security risks, radioactive waste management issues, and nuclear proliferation threats. Thorium reactors have the potential to solve many of these problems. First, the use of thorium results in less radioactive waste being produced and in a shorter half-life. This greatly simplifies radioactive waste management and reduces long-term storage requirements. Additionally, nuclear accidents are less likely in thorium reactors because the reactor design provides automatic shutdown in the event of an emergency.

China’s leadership in this area may encourage other countries to develop thorium reactors. Especially in a world where energy consumption is rapidly increasing and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels are increasingly causing concern, thorium-based nuclear energy stands out as a clean and sustainable energy source. In addition, thorium reactors minimize the production of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons production, which can contribute to nuclear disarmament efforts. China’s leadership in this area can determine the direction of global energy policies and technological developments and lead to the widespread use of thorium reactors. Therefore, China’s thorium reactor project is a critical development not only for China but for the entire world. In this way, energy can be produced with fewer radioactive reactors and, more importantly, there will be no dependence on the US for uranium.

Considering that many countries like Turkey and India also have huge Thorium Reserves, it is essential for them to cooperate with China and take part in this energy revolution. In fact, India thorium based nuclear reactor research is also progressing for a similar breakthrough.

Madame Curie’s Death Anniversary: The Founder of Radiation

July 4, 2022 / Leave a comment

Marie Curie, one of the most brilliant scientists in history, died on 4 July 1934, leaving behind several big scientific accomplishments, which led her to get two Nobel prizes, in Physics and Chemistry. Probably, she lost her life due to the harmful effects of radioactivity.

marie curie 88th death anniversary

Her research life was closely related to that of her husband, Pierre Curie, who she married in 1895. They both threw themselves into their scientific tasks while taking care of their daughters Iréne and Eve. Marie showed interest in new types of radiation after discovering the existence of unknown radioactive elements, a term she coined.

In 1898, the couple made the announcement of the discovery of two new elements: polonium and radium. But they still had to work for almost five years in precarious conditions until they could demonstrate the validity of their discoveries. Finally, this discovery was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903.

The Nobel came along with fame and recognition. Pierre was appointed full university professor at the University of Paris, a post that Marie received after her husband’s death in 1906 as a consequence of a horse chariot wreck.  This tragic fact did not stop this Polish scientist to keep on continuing her research, while she taught at the French university. Her works on radium and its compounds led her to get another Nobel Prize, but this time in Chemistry. It was 1911, and a woman scientist had made history, so much so that her legacy is still very present almost 100 years after her death. Tadeusz Estricher, a historian, qualified her work as fundamental for the world’s development during the 20th and 21st Centuries.

The discovery of radiation changed the fundamental way that we look at physics and elements and thus radiation discovery

is at the forefront of energy production and medical diagnosis today.

European Commission considers nuclear a low carbon source of hydrogen

November 24, 2020 / Leave a comment

The European Commission will consider hydrogen produced from nuclear power as “low-carbon”, Paula Abreu Marques, head of unit for renewables and CCS policy at the European Commission’s energy directorate told the European Parliament on 16 November.

On 8 July, the European Commission adopted the EU Hydrogen Strategy, which sets out how hydrogen can support the decarbonisation of industry, transport, power generation and buildings. The strategy addresses the investments, regulation, market creation, and research and innovation required to enable this.

European-commission-nuclear-energyThe strategy says that between 2020 and 2024 the European Commission will support the installation of at least 6 GW of renewable hydrogen electrolysers in the EU, and the production of up to 1 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen. From 2025 to 2030, there needs to be at least 40 GW of renewable hydrogen electrolysers and the production of up to 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen in the EU. From 2030 to 2050, renewable hydrogen technologies should reach maturity and be deployed at large scale across all hard-to-decarbonise sectors, it says.

“Hydrogen can power sectors that are not suitable for electrification and provide storage to balance variable renewable energy flows, but this can only be achieved with coordinated action between the public and private sector, at EU level,” the Commission said. “The priority is to develop renewable hydrogen, produced using mainly wind and solar energy. However, in the short and medium term other forms of low-carbon hydrogen are needed to rapidly reduce emissions and support the development of a viable market,” it added.

The strategy defines ‘renewable hydrogen’ as “hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water (in an electrolyser, powered by electricity), and with the electricity stemming from renewable sources. It says ‘low-carbon hydrogen’ “encompasses fossil-based hydrogen with carbon capture and electricity-based hydrogen, with significantly reduced full life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to existing hydrogen production.” The strategy, however, did not specifically mention nuclear power among low-carbon electricity sources.

The European Commission wants hydrogen to be complementary to a renewables-based energy system with renewable electricity at its core, Marques told the European Parliament’s committee on environment, public health and food safety.

Rosatom announced today that preparatory work for the construction of four new reactors has commenced

July 3, 2020 / Leave a comment

Rosenergoatom said the corresponding decision to construct the units was signed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachov following a meeting on the organisation of work on the construction of reactors in Russia for nuclear energy and the appointment of those responsible for the implementation of investment projects. It noted that the new units at Smolensk and Leningrad II are included in the general plan for the placement of electric power facilities until 2035, already approved by the Russian government. Likhachov noted that VVER-1200 and VVER-TOI reactors are being built not only in Russia, but also abroad. He said they use “the most advanced achievements and developments that meet all modern international safety requirements”.

For the new Smolensk II and Leningrad II units, Rosenergoatom will act as the technical contractor for both investment projects. Atomproekt JSC and Atomenergoproekt JSC will act as the chief designer of the Leningrad II and Smolensk II units, respectively.

By the end of this year, a project for the preparatory work will begin at the construction site for the new units 3 and 4 at Leningrad II. Temporary accommodation and an industrial base will be built at the construction site. Between 2020 and 2022, public hearings will be held on the substantiation of the licence and environmental impact assessment of the new units to obtain a construction licence.

Leningrad II will have four VVER-1200 units. Leningrad unit 1 was shut down for decommissioning on 21 December last year. Leningrad II unit 1 was connected to the grid on 9 March 2018, becoming the second VVER-1200 reactor to start up, following the launch in 2016 of Novovoronezh unit 6.

The new Smolensk II plant – featuring two VVER-TOI (typical optimised, with enhanced information) reactors with a total capacity of 2510 MWe – will be built 6 km from the existing Smolensk plant. The first VVER-TOI unit is under construction as part of the Kursk II nuclear power project. By the end of 2020, it is planned to develop and approve an action plan for the Smolensk II investment project and open financing for the implementation of measures in accordance with the plan. Smolensk II is to replace the three RBMK reactors at Smolensk I, which are expected to remain in operation until the new plant starts to come online.

Commenting on the construction of the four new units, Rosenergoatom General Director Andrei Petrov said: “The new power units will replace the units with RBMK-1000 reactors, whose service life will end in the next decade. According to preliminary estimates, the construction at two sites at once will create up to 15,000 new jobs, will provide regular tax revenues to regional and local budgets.”

IAEA Steps Up To Help With Covid -19 Detection

April 2, 2020 / Leave a comment

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was dispatching a preliminary batch of equipment to more than 40 countries to enable them to use a nuclear-derived technique to rapidly detect the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

This emergency assistance is part of the IAEA’s response to requests for support from around 90 Member States in controlling an increasing number of infections worldwide, the agency said.  Showing strong support for the initiative, several countries have announced major funding contributions for the IAEA’s efforts in helping to tackle the pandemic.

Dozens of laboratories in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean will receive diagnostic machines and kits, reagents and laboratory consumables to speed up national testing, which is crucial in containing the outbreak. They will also receive biosafety supplies, such as personal protection equipment and laboratory cabinets for the safe analysis of collected samples. Further deliveries of equipment to the growing number of countries seeking assistance are expected in the coming weeks.

“IAEA staff are working hard to ensure that this critical equipment is delivered as quickly as possible where it is most needed,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Providing this assistance to countries is an absolute priority for the Agency.” The IAEA is using its own resources as well as extrabudgetary funding for its emergency COVID-19 assistance. Member States have so far announced more than €9.5 million in extrabudgetary financial contributions to the IAEA for this purpose, including US $6 million from the United States, CAD $5 million from Canada and €500 000 from the Netherlands. Australia has also made an important contribution.

In addition, China has informed the IAEA about donations of detection equipment, kits, reagents and other medical materials worth US $2 million and the provision of expert services.

After his telephone conversation last week with the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Mr Grossi said the IAEA is taking concrete and coordinated action to support global efforts against the pandemic. The IAEA is now also part of the UN Crisis Management Team on COVID-19. The first batch of supplies, worth around €4 million, will help countries use the technique known as real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR). This is the most sensitive technique for detecting viruses currently available. The nuclear-derived DNA amplification method originally used radioactive isotope markers to detect genetic material from a virus in a sample.

Subsequent refining of the technique has led to the more common use today of fluorescent markers instead. “Real-time RT-PCR is an established and accurate method to detect pathogens. We’ve seen the number of Member State requests for support to run such tests more than double in the past two weeks,” said Ivancho Naletoski, technical officer at the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/IAEA Division for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.

“Laboratories will receive diagnostic kits and accessories needed for the analysis, disposable protective gear and equipment for the molecular detection of this specific viral genome,” Natetoski said.

In recent weeks, the IAEA, in collaboration with the FAO, has provided guidance on coronavirus detection to 124 laboratory professionals in 46 Member States through VETLAB, a network of veterinary laboratories in Africa and Asia originally set up by the two organizations to combat the cattle disease rinderpest. The support included the provision of Standard Operating Procedures to identify the virus following WHO recommendations. VETLAB helps participating countries to improve the early detection of transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases, such as Ebola and COVID-19.

IAEA launches project to examine economics of Small Modular Reactors

March 30, 2020 / Leave a comment

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is launching a three-year Coordinated Research Project focused on the economics of small modular reactors (SMRs). The project will provide Member States with an economic appraisal framework for the development and deployment of such reactors. Small Modular Reactors are of interest to the nuclear community due to their economic scale and faster deployment.

The IAEA said it had launched the project in response to increased interest in SMRs, noting that multiple SMR projects are currently under development (involving about 50 designs and concepts) and at varying technology readiness levels. Their costs and delivery times need to be adequately estimated, analysed and optimised, it said. Specific business models have to be developed to address the market’s needs and expectations. The market itself should be large enough to sustain demand for components and industrial support services. However, the economic impact of SMR development and deployment must be quantified and communicated to gain societal support, it said.

Participants in the research project will cover: market research; analysis of the competitive landscape (SMR vs non-nuclear alternatives); value proposition and strategic positioning; project planning cost forecasting and analysis; project structuring, risk allocation and financial valuation; business planning and business case demonstration; and economic cost-benefit analysis.

The framework they establish will be applied, in particular, to assess the economics of multiples (serial production of reactors in a factory setting), factory fabrication (conditions to be met for a factory to exist), and supply chain localisation (opportunities and impacts).

The deadline for proposals to participate in the research project is 30 April.

In early 2018, the IAEA announced it was forming a Technical Working Group to guide its activities on SMRs and provide a forum for Member States to share information and knowledge. The group, comprising some 20 IAEA Member States and international organisations, held its first meeting in April that year.

COVID-19 Coronavirus and Nuclear Energy

March 28, 2020 / Leave a comment

  • Nuclear reactors have a key role to play in many countries in ensuring that electricity supplies are maintained during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Reactor operators are taking steps to protect their workforce and are implementing business continuity plans to ensure the continuing functioning of key aspects of their businesses.
  • Operations are being halted at some facilities where necessary or deemed appropriate to prevent the spread of the virus and protect workers.
  • Nuclear technologies are also being used to detect and fight the virus.

Nuclear energy’s role in maintaining electricity supplies

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The global pandemic has required dramatic action to be taken in all aspects of life worldwide.​

Maintaining reliable electricity supplies and ‘keeping the lights on’ is vital. Nuclear generation supplies around 10.5% of electricity worldwide and contributes to electricity generation in over 30 countries. In many countries nuclear employees have been identified as among the key workers that are essential to maintaining important infrastructure.

Nuclear generation has two characteristics that will assist in maintaining supplies. Firstly, in most reactors, fuel assemblies are used for around three years. There is therefore greater security of supply than for fossil fuel plants, which require a constant feed of coal or gas. Reloads of fuel take place every 12-18 months and operating companies are developing strategies to focus on refuelling during outages to reduce the number of staff required.  Secondly, nuclear reactors operate with high capacity factors, providing a more reliable, constant supply than some intermittent renewables, such as wind and solar.

Nevertheless, all forms of electricity generation will need to take action to ensure continued operation. In addition, it will also be necessary to maintain the distribution network, including electricity grids.

Responses to protect workers and ensure continued operations

The nuclear industry is taking action in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to protect workers and reduce transmission of the virus. A strong safety culture already exists in the nuclear industry worldwide.

Actions taken depend on the guidance and directives implemented in different countries and regions. The fact that the virus first affected the Wuhan region of China some weeks before becoming a global pandemic has meant that companies elsewhere in the world have been able to implement business continuity plans and prepare for the impacts of the virus.

Measures to screen workers and detect those who may have the virus include temperature checks to identify fever, a common symptom of COVID-19.

In countries where it is advised or required, remote working has been implemented for those staff not required to work on-site. This reduces the number of staff on-site, which can help in implementing social distancing measures. Other ways to enhance social distancing include staggering staff meal breaks to reduce the number of staff using canteens at the same time or staggering the start and end of shifts to reduce the number of staff arriving / leaving at the same time.

Companies are also restricting or cancelling non-essential business travel and using conference video and audio calls for meetings, even for those employees still working on-site.

To ensure the health of key workers in areas where the incidence of COVID-19 may increase significantly, other measures that are being considered include changing shift patterns. Additionally, some companies are making preparations by securing supplies of food, beds and other essentials to allow workers to stay on-site to minimize their contact with others in the event that this is required. Key nuclear plant staff may also stay in dedicated accommodation and travel to and from site in separate transportation.

In addition, the importance of maintaining high levels of hygiene, staying at home and maintaining social distancing away from work will be as high for nuclear workers as it is for everyone.

Managing the impacts of COVID-19 on all areas of nuclear industry operations

In many countries operations in different parts of the nuclear industry are, at present, continuing. However, depending on the situation with COVID-19 where they are located, operations not vital to ensuring the continued operation of nuclear power plants may be reduced or stopped.

Mining

Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s state-owned uranium production company – which produced 40% of the world’s primary uranium in 2018 – has announced that it will draw on its existing inventory of uranium should its mining operations be affected. Its uranium mining sites are primarily in remote areas in the southern regions of Kazakhstan and to date the pandemic has had no impact on its operations. However, the remoteness of those sites requires that production, maintenance, catering and support staff stay on site and live in close quarters while at work. COVID-19 could pose a significant health and safety concern if an outbreak were to occur in such a setting.

At the Cigar Lake uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, production is being temporarily suspended and the facility in being placed in safe care and maintenance mode during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will reduce the workforce on site from around 300 to 35, enabling improved physical distancing and enhanced safety precautions. In addition, production is being suspended at the McClean Lake uranium mill, where ore from Cigar Lake is normally processed.

Reactor Operations

At the Bruce nuclear power plant activities on the the Major Component Replacement project, which will extend the operating life of the plant, have been narrowed to essential tasks to allow Bruce Power to focus on generating electricity and production of cobalt-60 for medical sterilization.

The reduction in industrial and other activity in countries taking countermeasures against COVID-19 is reducing overall electricity demand. In China some reactors reduced their power output according to the requirements of the grid. As countermeasures are gradually lifted plants are returning to full power.

The Ascó I nuclear plant in Tarragona and Almaraz I in Cáceres, Spain, have announced the rescheduling of their outages for fuel loading.

Construction

Activities on construction sites are being reduced or stopped and new working practices introduced. At the Hinkley Point C plant under construction in the UK staff numbers have been reduced by more than half and will be reduced further as work in progress is completed.

Continuation of work at Rosatom’s overseas construction projects are guided by the recommendations of the disease control services and governments of the respective countries in which construction is taking place.

Work was halted on some reactors under construction in China in response to the COVID-19 virus. As work gradually resumes, countermeasures are being introduced for the employees returning to site.

Waste Management and Decommissioning

At the Sellafield site in Cumbria, UK, the Magnox reprocessing plant has been closed down as a precaution to better prepare it for restart. The Magnox reprocessing plant treats fuel that was used in the UK Magnox reactors, the first generation of reactors used in the country. These reactors were already closed having reached the end of their operational life, and the Magnox reprocessing plant was already due to close in 2020, so this will have no impact on the operation of the UK’s AGR and PWR reactors. In the north-west of France operations at the La Hague reprocessing plant have also been suspended.

Regulation

A number of inspectors from UK’s regulator, ONR, will continue to travel to sites where required but as much business as possible will be carried out by phone, email and Skype. France’s regulator, ASN, is removing non-essential direct physical contact to limit the spread of the virus and giving priority to the control of operating facilities.

Nuclear technology to help combat COVID-19

Nuclear technologies have medical applications that will help combat COVID-19. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is providing diagnostic kits, equipment and training in nuclear-derived detection techniques to countries asking for assistance in tackling the worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19. The assistance, requested by 14 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, is part of intensified global efforts to contain infections.

In China, industrial irradiation facilities were made available for the treatment of medical supplies, not only to destroy the coronavirus, but also to disinfect and sterilize medical supplies to remove any other virus or bacteria.

In addition, maintaining the operation of reactors used for the preparation of medical isotopes will allow for the continued use of these vital materials for the diagnosis and treatment of other illnesses.

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Nuclear Energy Projects Move Ahead Despite Global Virus Threat

March 24, 2020 / Leave a comment

  • Canadian Partnership Announces SMR Fuel Research
  • Rolls-Royce and Turkey’s EUAS  Plan Joint SMR Construction Effort
  • NRC Issues Draft EIA For Holtec Spent Fuel Facility In New Mexico
  • Indonesia Dusts Off Plans for Nuclear Energy
  • IAEA Addresses Safety of Smart Devices in Nuclear Power Plants

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