France and Sweden have formalized a commitment to foster long-term collaboration in the nuclear energy sector, signing a declaration of intent in Brussels. The agreement, inked by Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister and Energy & Industry Minister Ebba Busch and France’s Energy Minister Agnés Pannier-Runacher, outlines several key areas of cooperation. The countries aim to exchange experiences related to financing models for expanding new nuclear power, enhance cooperation between their nuclear power industries, and share technical expertise in reactor maintenance and upgrades.
In the nuclear fuel cycle domain, the nations aspire to bolster the security of nuclear materials and fuels supply. They plan to promote cooperation between their industries to diversify supply chains and reduce the EU’s reliance on Russian nuclear materials and services. Additionally, the agreement outlines a commitment to strengthen bilateral collaboration in managing used fuel, radioactive waste, and associated logistics. Recognizing the close ties between their nuclear regulators, the countries seek to leverage their experience to foster a high level of safety and institutional support for nuclear energy, adhering to the principle of technological neutrality.
This collaboration aligns with Sweden’s recent roadmap, envisioning substantial growth in nuclear capacity by 2045. The country plans to construct new nuclear capacity, equivalent to at least two large-scale reactors by 2035, with up to ten reactors coming online by 2045.
Belarus is also debating the potential of a second nuclear power plant or adding a third unit to its existing facility, potentially positioning itself as a leader in the proportion of nuclear-generated energy, according to Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich. With over a quarter of Belarus’s electricity currently derived from nuclear sources, the decision to proceed will hinge on a thorough evaluation of future electricity demand. The country aims to reach 44 billion kWh of electricity by 2025 and 47 billion kWh by 2030.
The potential expansion is under scrutiny, with experts and government agencies assessing organizational, technical, and economic aspects while considering factors like the development of the manufacturing sector and changes in electricity consumption volumes.
The Ostrovets-based plant, with a general contract signed in 2011, features two VVER-1200 reactors, with the second unit commencing commercial operation on November 1, 2023.
But while Europe is expanding its fission resources, China is taking steps towards achieving a limitless source of energy, through fusion. The Asian country has established the Controllable Nuclear Fusion Innovation Consortium.
This national research and development consortium comprises 35 entities, including state-owned industrial giants like China Three Gorges Corporation, State Grid Corporation of China, and China First Heavy Industry Group, alongside universities, and research institutes. The consortium is led by China National Nuclear Corp.
Nuclear fusion involves using magnets or lasers to merge atoms, replicating the process responsible for generating light and heat in stars. The ultimate objective is to achieve fusion ignition, where a fusion reaction becomes self-sustaining without constant energy input. China thus joins other nations, including the US, Japan, and the UK, in the pursuit of fusion technology.