Holtec Abandons New Mexico Spent Fuel Storage Plans
Holtec International has withdrawn its plans to develop a temporary spent nuclear fuel storage facility in New Mexico, citing persistent resistance from state authorities and the oil and gas sector. The proposed Hi-Store Consolidated Interim Storage Facility (CISF), intended to store up to 10,000 canisters of spent nuclear fuel, faced significant opposition, particularly from the local fossil fuel industry, which feared it would hinder oil and gas extraction in the region.
A 2023 state law prohibiting the storage of high-level radioactive waste without explicit state consent further complicated the project’s viability. Despite receiving a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to operate the facility, Holtec chose to abandon the project after continued legal and public opposition.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed relief over the decision, emphasizing the state’s commitment to preventing it from becoming a “nuclear dumping ground.” Although the state hosts various nuclear-related operations, including the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and uranium enrichment facilities, the proposed storage site faced unique challenges.
DOE’s CISF RFI: Current Status
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is progressing with plans to establish a federal Consolidated Interim Storage Facility (CISF) for spent nuclear fuel. In July 2024, DOE requested feedback on the design and construction of such a facility. Aimed at managing spent nuclear fuel until a permanent repository is available, the federal CISF will undergo a “consent-based siting process” to determine its location.
The DOE’s initiative seeks to gather insights from industry stakeholders to formulate a robust proposal. However, the department acknowledges that establishing the CISF could take over a decade, with the initial contract expected to span ten years.
ECA Advocates for Community-Based Siting
The Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is spearheading efforts to promote nuclear waste management solutions through community collaboration. The organization provides resources to communities interested in becoming potential hosts for nuclear waste facilities. ECA’s initiatives focus on fostering meaningful engagement and creating partnerships among local governments, private industry, and other stakeholders.
NANO Nuclear Energy’s Illinois Expansion
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. has announced plans to establish a manufacturing and research facility in Illinois, supported by a $12 million investment and incentives from the state’s REV Illinois program. The facility will focus on the KRONOS MMR Microreactor Energy System and create 50 new jobs. The initiative aligns with Illinois’ strategy to promote clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
NANO Nuclear Energy Secures $400 Million Funding
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. has completed a $400 million private placement of common stock, bolstering its financial position to advance its micro reactor projects, including the KRONOS MMR Energy System. The funding will support development, licensing, and potential acquisitions in the nuclear supply chain.
Google’s Data Center Expansion Near Duane Arnold
Google plans to develop six data centers near the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa, as part of a $7 billion investment to enhance its data infrastructure in the state. The data centers are proposed near the decommissioned nuclear reactor, with NextEra Energy exploring options to restart the facility to meet growing energy demands.
Japan’s Nuclear Energy Strategy
Japan’s new leader, Sanae Takaichi, intends to prioritize nuclear energy as part of the country’s energy strategy, emphasizing the development of advanced technologies and reducing reliance on renewables. However, restarting idled reactors remains challenging due to stringent regulatory requirements.
TEPCO Considers Decommissioning Older Reactors
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is contemplating decommissioning some older reactors at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant. The utility aims to restart newer units, which have passed safety checks, but faces local demands for decommissioning older reactors as a condition for resuming operations.
GVH and Samsung C&T Form Nuclear Alliance
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Samsung C&T have entered a strategic alliance to lead in the nuclear power sector, focusing on the BWRX-300 small modular reactor. The collaboration aims to leverage both companies’ expertise in nuclear technology and infrastructure development.
Philippines Advances Nuclear Energy Plans
The Philippines has unveiled a comprehensive framework to integrate nuclear energy into its power mix, offering incentives for the first reactor project. The government is exploring financing options and has established a national nuclear safety regulator to oversee future developments.
U.S. Fusion Energy Strategy
The Special Competitive Studies Project’s Commission on Fusion Energy has released a report urging a national strategy to win the global fusion race against China. Key recommendations include a $10 billion fund to support commercialization efforts and declaring fusion a national security priority to mobilize government resources.
Original Story at neutronbytes.com