Global Nuclear Industry Roundup: License Extensions and New Reactor Progress
This news roundup highlights significant developments in the global nuclear energy sector during April and May 2026. In North America, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission accelerated license renewals for Duke Energy’s Robinson plant and Florida Power & Light’s St Lucie units, extending operations to 80 years. Additionally, Brookfield and The Nuclear Company formed a joint venture to potentially complete the VC Summer AP1000 units. In Europe, Czechia’s ČEZ is exploring life extensions for its Dukovany reactors, while Belgium negotiates state takeover of Engie’s nuclear fleet. Asia saw major milestones, including the resumption of commercial operation at Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa 6, the first TEPCO reactor to return post-Fukushima. South Korea’s Saeul Unit 3 achieved criticality, and China’s Taipingling Unit 1 began commercial service. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan adopted a strategy to build three new nuclear plants by 2050, and India’s NTPC signed an MoU with EDF to explore new projects. These events collectively indicate a strengthening global commitment to nuclear energy, driven by life extensions of existing assets and the commissioning of new generation reactors.
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