The US government has established a major nuclear energy partnership with Westinghouse Electric, Cameco and Brookfield Asset Management to deploy $80 billion worth of nuclear reactors nationwide. This collaboration is designed to rapidly advance the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, with a focus on supporting national security and strengthening critical infrastructure.

Researchers at the University of Maine have developed a microelectronic sensor that can function at temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit and endure the intense radiation inside next-generation nuclear reactors. The technology provides continuous, real-time data to help operators detect equipment issues faster, minimize downtime and cut maintenance costs. The innovation addresses a key instrumentation gap for advanced and microreactor designs, which operate at significantly higher temperatures and efficiencies than current designs.

A framework agreement between the US and Japan will strengthen collaboration on nuclear technology and critical mineral supply chains. The partnership envisions joint development of AP1000 and small modular reactors and potential fusion energy cooperation. An official factsheet indicates that about 20 US and Japanese companies have expressed interest in participating in projects tied to a proposed $550 billion investment package.

ABS and the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) have formalized their partnership with a new memorandum of understanding to advance the use of small modular reactors in marine and offshore applications. The collaboration will include joint research projects, an exchange of information and joint development of concept designs for SMR-powered ships and floating SMR power platforms.

Singapore is studying the potential of nuclear energy as a clean and secure power source. A government report highlights that, given the country's limited natural resources and land constraints for renewables, nuclear power is under consideration. Previous pre-feasibility studies led Singapore to continue monitoring advancements in nuclear technology while building domestic capabilities to assess nuclear options for the future.

The average cost of electricity varies from state to state, with Hawaii having the highest residential rate at 40.96 cents per kilowatt-hour. This infographic breaks down average costs at the state level, noting that states such as California, Massachusetts, Alaska and Maine also face high electricity costs while the opposite is true in Nevada and Idaho. The variation is attributed to multiple factors, including whether a state has ample natural resources or is subject to burdensome regulations.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright is eyeing a 60-day review period -- rather than years -- for connecting new data centers to the grid, and he has directed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to weigh such a rule that also would allow joint interconnection requests, providing faster accessibility to data centers. The proposed rule has proponents and critics among power groups and environmentalists.

State legislatures are turning to laws that encourage the use of advanced transmission technologies, or ATTs, to bring down power prices and ensure reliability. In this piece, RMI explores how ATTs, which include grid-enhancing technologies, can help utilities optimize existing infrastructure, accelerate interconnection and reduce costs for ratepayers.

TerraPower has entered the UK's Generic Design Assessment process to seek the British government's approval for its 345-megawatt Natrium sodium-cooled fast reactor design in what marks the company's first move into international markets. The company is working with US engineering company KBR to identify suitable sites for UK deployment.