2025 Nuclear Energy Roundup: Top Stories You Need to Know

In 2025, major advancements and collaborations are redefining the nuclear industry’s trajectory. From the United States accelerating small modular reactor (SMR) deployment to Saudi Arabia’s push to monetize uranium resources, the nuclear sector is buzzing with activity. In China, differential performances from its top operators highlight both progress and challenges in its expanding nuclear fleet.

Meanwhile, the UK explores the integration of nuclear power with artificial intelligence (AI) growth zones, and Canada and the UK deepen their partnership to drive innovation in nuclear technologies. This roundup explores the most impactful stories shaping the nuclear energy landscape in 2025.

Installed nuclear power capacity by country and age in advanced economies, end-2023

TVA Bids $800 Million to Speed Up Small Modular Reactors

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is leading an $800 million bid from the U.S. Department of Energy. This funding comes from the Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Program. TVA has teamed up with Bechtel, BWX Technologies (BWXT), Duke Energy, and others. Congress approved this funding in 2024. The goal? To deploy SMRs across the U.S. This move will boost the nuclear industry and meet the demand for clean, affordable energy.

TVA’s President and CEO, Jeff Lyash, believes advanced nuclear tech is key to energy security. If they win the bid, construction of an SMR at TVA’s Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, will speed up. The project could start commercial operations by 2033, two years earlier than planned. TVA aims to build a domestic supply chain and prepare for future SMR deployments in the U.S. and beyond.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee backs the initiative. He says it will create jobs and strengthen the state’s nuclear ecosystem. SMRs are smaller and safer than traditional reactors. They can be built more quickly and integrated into communities easily. These reactors will provide reliable and flexible energy, essential for the country’s energy future.

A diverse group of industry leaders supports the project. Their partnership will accelerate SMR rollout and reduce costs and risks for customers.

TVA’s mission is to provide clean, reliable energy. As the nation’s largest public power supplier, TVA leads in sustainable energy tech development. With its diverse energy mix and focus on environmental stewardship, TVA is at the forefront of the U.S. push for a cleaner energy future.

SEE MORE: Constellation Secures Groundbreaking $1 Billion Clean Nuclear Energy Deal with Federal Government

China Reports Mixed Results in Nuclear Power Output for 2024

Media agency World Nuclear News recently shared updates about China’s two major nuclear power operators, China General Nuclear (CGN) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). They reported contrasting performance in nuclear electricity generation in 2024.

CGN Output

CGN announced a 6% rise in nuclear power output compared to 2023.
The company operated 28 reactors with a combined capacity of 31,798 MWe as of December 31, 2024.
Total power generation reached 242.2 TWh, while 227.3 TWh was supplied to the grid—a year-on-year increase of over 6%.
The company completed 13 scheduled refueling outages and six major maintenance operations.
CGN also managed 16 reactors under construction, with two entering the commissioning phase and nine preparing for initial concrete pours.
Huizhou/Taipingling Unit 1 in Guangdong is set for commercial operation in 2025.

CNNC Output

CNNC announced a 1.8% decline in nuclear power generation in 2024 due to reactor maintenance outages.
Its reactors generated 183.1 TWh, with 171.26 TWh supplied to the grid.
The company controlled 25 operational reactors with a total capacity of 23.75 GWe and 18 units under construction or approved for construction, adding 20.64 GWe of future capacity.
For 2025, CNNC plans to generate 195.4 TWh and conduct 16 scheduled maintenance outages.

China’s nuclear energy sector continues to expand, with State Power Investment Corporation and Huaneng Group emerging as additional key players. Smaller companies, including Huadian, Datang, and Guodian, also maintain stakes in various projects.

As of 2024, China operates 58 nuclear reactors, which supply approximately 5% of the country’s electricity. With multiple projects in the pipeline, the nation aims to bolster its clean energy capacity and meet growing power demands.

Saudi Arabia Eyes Minerals Market and Nuclear Expansion

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman plans to tap into the country’s mineral resources, including uranium. Reuters revealed that at a conference in Dhahran, he announced plans to enrich uranium and produce “yellowcake,” a concentrated form used for nuclear fuel. While yellowcake requires careful handling, it poses minimal radiation risks.

Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its energy mix with nuclear power. The program is still in its early stages, with plans for uranium enrichment. However, there are concerns about the potential future implications. In 2018, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hinted that Saudi Arabia might pursue nuclear weapons if Iran does.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a regional comparison. It has the first multi-unit nuclear energy plant in the Arab world and has committed not to enrich uranium or reprocess spent fuel, demonstrating a commitment to non-proliferation. Furthermore, they have not yet activated its first nuclear reactor, keeping its activities under the Small Quantities Protocol’s (SQP) limited monitoring.

Westinghouse and Korean Partners Resolve Intellectual Property Dispute

Westinghouse Electric Company has reached a global settlement with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) to resolve their ongoing intellectual property dispute.

The agreement brings clarity and allows both parties to focus on developing and deploying new nuclear reactors worldwide. It also paves the way for future collaboration on global nuclear energy projects.

As part of the settlement, all legal actions related to the dispute will be dismissed. Westinghouse, KEPCO, and KHNP have agreed to work together to support the growth of nuclear energy, enhancing their ability to deliver innovative reactor technologies.

Westinghouse nuclear reactor — Source: Westinghouse

This resolution marks a significant step forward for both companies. By resolving these issues, Westinghouse and its Korean partners can focus on strengthening partnerships and advancing nuclear energy solutions for the global market.

Westinghouse President & CEO Patrick Fragman said,

“Westinghouse is pleased to reach an agreement with KEPCO and KHNP on this important issue. As the world demands more firm baseload power, we look forward to opportunities for cooperation to deploy nuclear power at even greater scale.”

KNOW MORE: Can Canada’s Uranium Reserves Transform it into a Nuclear Superpower?

UK Plans AI Growth Zones Powered by Nuclear Energy

Bloomberg reported recently that the UK is setting up special “AI Growth Zones” districts to boost technology growth and artificial intelligence ecosystems. According to a government announcement, these zones will offer streamlined planning approvals and improved electricity access for data centers. The first zone will be established in Culham, the location of the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

The government plans to create an energy council comprising public and private stakeholders to address the energy demands of advanced AI systems. The council will explore small modular reactors (SMRs) using nuclear fission technology to power these data centers. This initiative aligns with the UK’s plans to expand supercomputing capabilities, enhance AI applications in public services, and attract global tech talent.

Private investments are already flowing into the initiative. Notably, Vantage Data Centers has pledged over £12 billion for data center projects in the UK, while Nscale plans to invest $2.5 billion over the next three years.

READ MORE: Sweden’s Nuclear Evolution: Samsung C&T and Kärnfull Next Partner for SMRs

Canada Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and AECL Explore Nuclear Technologies

Additionally, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and CNL have issued a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) to explore licensing their SLOWPOKE and Nuclear Battery reactor technologies. The RFEOI invites stakeholders to share insights on these designs, which can be used for power generation, heating, isotope production, and research.

AECL’s SLOWPOKE and Nuclear Battery Technologies

AECL’s SLOWPOKE reactors, including the SLOWPOKE-2, are simple, safe, and cost-effective. These low-pressure reactors have operated for decades in Canada, offering reliable energy for various applications like neutron activation analysis and education. Their ‘safe by physics’ design allows for up to 24 hours of unattended operation.

Now coming to the Nuclear Battery, it’s a solid-state micro-reactor, that produces 600 kWe of electricity and 2400 kWth of heat for 15 years without refueling. With passive safety features, it’s ideal for off-grid use. CNL is exploring market interest in these technologies, seeking opportunities for electricity generation, district heating, and isotope production.