The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world’s largest, is preparing for the restart of a reactor, defying local public opinion. Despite being offline since the Fukushima disaster, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) aims to reintroduce nuclear energy to boost electricity supply and meet emissions targets. However, the plan is met with strong opposition from nearby residents, who raise concerns about safety, evacuation plans, and the potential for another Fukushima-style incident. Residents also express distrust of Tepco and the government, citing issues like ineffective evacuation plans, seismic risks, and the nuclear industry’s influence. As Japan attempts to revive its nuclear energy sector, the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa represents a significant challenge amid ongoing scrutiny and local resistance.
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North Korea has unveiled images of a completed submarine hull, with reports suggesting Russia provided essential components. This development is occurring amid heightened tensions in the region and follows North Korea’s condemnation of South Korea’s plans for a nuclear-powered submarine. The construction of a nuclear-powered submarine aligns with Kim Jong Un’s previously stated priorities. Experts suggest that the technological assistance from Russia may have been provided in exchange for North Korean support of Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine.
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Japan prepares to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant, 15 years after Fukushima, marking a significant moment in the country’s journey back to nuclear energy after the devastating 2011 disaster. It’s truly a testament to resilience and a long road traveled, isn’t it? Fifteen years is a substantial amount of time, a period during which the entire infrastructure has undoubtedly been scrutinized, assessed, and hopefully, significantly improved.
The decision to restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, located in Niigata, signals a pivotal shift. This plant, once part of the 54 reactors shut down after the Fukushima incident, holds the title of the world’s largest nuclear power plant, a title that adds to the weight of this decision.… Continue reading
France has officially approved the construction of a next-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the PA-NG, to replace the current Charles de Gaulle. The new carrier, set to be the largest warship built in Europe, will be equipped with advanced US-made launch and arresting systems, allowing for a broader range of aircraft, including future fighters and drones. The PA-NG will feature a significantly larger flight deck and two powerful nuclear reactors. Construction is anticipated to begin in the early 2030s, with full operational capability expected around 2038.
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The UK government, led by Keir Starmer, has announced that three small modular reactors (SMRs) will be built in north Wales by British manufacturer Rolls-Royce SMR, with an investment of £2.5 billion. This decision has sparked criticism from the US, who hoped a US manufacturer would be chosen, particularly Westinghouse Electric Company, which recently signed a large deal. The government’s decision to utilize a British company to produce homegrown clean power has also been met with some criticism from labor unions, but the project is viewed as a positive move by the Nuclear Industry Association. This project at Wylfa, which previously housed a nuclear power plant, is a part of the government’s plan to embrace nuclear energy and provide the opportunity for a large new export industry in SMRs.
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Germany destroys two nuclear plant cooling towers as part of its nuclear phaseout plan, an event that marks a significant step in the nation’s energy transition. The dismantling of these iconic structures, which have stood silent since the plants were taken offline in 2021, underscores the country’s commitment to moving away from nuclear power. It’s a move that sparks a lot of conversation, with opinions ranging from outright disapproval to understanding of the complex factors at play.
These decommissioned towers aren’t where the actual nuclear reactions took place, but their demolition is a visual representation of the end of an era.… Continue reading
Japan scrambles jets after nuclear-capable Russian bombers fly nearby, and the whole situation feels like a tense movie scene unfolding right before our eyes. It’s the kind of headline that immediately grabs your attention, painting a picture of heightened tensions and a potential show of force. The fact that the Russian aircraft involved were strategic bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, definitely adds an extra layer of gravity to the event.
The news reports that Japan scrambled its jets to monitor these Russian warplanes, which flew along the edge of its airspace. The map showing the flight path seems to confirm this wasn’t just a quick flyby; the planes made a deliberate move, heading toward Japan’s Sado Island before turning back.… Continue reading
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe’s largest, has been disconnected from the power grid for seven consecutive days, marking the longest outage since Russia seized the facility. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of a critical situation, citing Russian shelling as the cause for preventing the restoration of power lines needed to cool the reactors. The head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, stated there was no immediate danger as long as diesel generators remained operational but that the situation was not sustainable. Grossi is working with both sides to reconnect the plant to the grid and has urged that essential repairs be made.
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On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Russia accused Ukraine of launching drone attacks that sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant in its Kursk region, though radiation levels remained normal. Simultaneously, a fire erupted at a fuel export terminal in Russia’s Leningrad region following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack. While Russia claimed to have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones, Ukraine’s air force reported launching 72 drones and decoys. International support was shown as Canada pledged significant military aid and Norway offered substantial air defense assistance, while Pope Leo XIV prayed for peace.
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Russia has accused Ukraine of launching drone attacks on a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region, resulting in a fire that was quickly extinguished, with no injuries reported. Concurrently, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day, marked by support from international allies, including Canada and the UK, who pledged continued military and financial aid. Amidst these events, Russian forces claimed to have seized two villages in the Donetsk region, highlighting ongoing territorial struggles. While diplomatic efforts are ongoing, US President Donald Trump is now considering imposing further sanctions on Russia or withdrawing from peace talks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood