PG&E's Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in California is inching closer to a 20-year license extension, with a Nuclear Regulatory Commission review already complete and state approvals expected in early 2026. Concerns about environmental impact, radioactive waste and high operating costs continue to fuel opposition, even as supporters stress the need for reliable carbon-free power. Bolstering the case for license renewal are the plant's robust safety features and protocols, including an earthquake simulator, wildfire and terrorist attack response training, extensive security screenings and radiation checks.

Nebraska Public Power District is evaluating 16 communities, including Sutherland, as potential hosts for a small modular reactor that could come online in the 2030s. Phase two of the review, which involves injection studies, will wrap up in late 2025 or early 2026 and will narrow the shortlist to two to four finalists. "Right now, we are going through a technical evaluation, but part of it is seeing engagement; we don't want to put it somewhere it is not wanted or embraced," said Nebraska Public Power District Director of Nuclear Oversight Dan Buman.

The Global Radium-226 Management Initiative, a project of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has facilitated nearly a dozen international transfers of disused radium sources for recycling into radiopharmaceuticals. Tunisia recently transferred 100 sources to the US, and Brazil is preparing to transfer about 400 sources. "We have witnessed a high level of interest and dedication from the national teams involved in radium-226 transfers to join the IAEA Global Ra 226 Management initiative and benefit from the Agency support," said Olena Mykolaichuk, director of the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology.

Canada has invested $13 million to increase production of medical isotopes at the Bruce Power nuclear plant in Kincardine, Ontario. The funding will double the plant's production of Lutetium-177, a targeted cancer treatment, making Canada a leading global supplier.

The Malaysian government is assessing the feasibility of nuclear power development to cut fossil fuels use, diversify energy supplies and strengthen energy security. The study will follow IAEA guidelines and examine regulatory, safety and workforce needs. Officials said Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah are under review as potential sites.

US household electricity bills have risen 10% since President Donald Trump took office, driven by tariffs and cuts to clean energy projects, according to a report from Climate Power. The report notes that electricity prices have increased by 10% from January to May, with some regions experiencing even higher spikes, such as a 20% increase in New Jersey. The report also highlights that rising energy demand from data centers and higher temperatures are contributing to the increase.

Innovations in small modular reactor and micro modular reactor technologies, along with surging data center demand, have catapulted nuclear energy to a newfound relevance, according to Samuel Gibson, CEO of MMR developer Hadron Energy. Compared to large-scale plants, SMRs and MMRs can be licensed more quickly, require smaller workforces and provide scalable, off-grid baseload power. "In addition to finding itself once again in the energy spotlight, nuclear is also undergoing its own rethink and innovation curve," Gibson writes.

Swedish small modular reactor company Blykalla has partnered with the Research Institutes of Sweden to speed the commercialization of its SEALER lead-cooled reactor technology. The collaboration will center on applied research, prototype testing and business development to improve technology readiness, validation and sector-specific solutions. Blykalla envisions deploying up to 1,000 SMRs with a combined annual capacity of 500 terrawatt-hours by 2050.