HD Hyundai launches new course for carbon-free future with SMRs and nuclear power

Out of curiosity, since a large minority of the population still believes Nuclear is a cheap alternative energy source, I wanted to compare the price, per kW installed, of Vogtle Nuclear Plant in Georgia (the largest Nuclear Plant in the US in the last 50 years, by far) and the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project (CVOW). Vogtle is around 4.8 Giggawatts and CVOW is around 2.6 Giggawatts, both massive! For Vogtle, the final cost per kilowatt came in at roughly $15,700 per kW installed capacity. Now, with that said, this is a massive baseload facility that will generate power for decades. But here's the thing. The Coastal Virginia offshore wind project has achieved (both were over budget) around $4,200 per kW installed capacity. You simply have to look at these numbers when making energy infrastructure decisions to understand that Wind/Solar/Storage are a massive potential source for us to utilize as AI/Data Centers drives the necessity for more power. The CVOW project was planned off of the Virginia coast precisely to power their massive amount of Data Centers there. And since it's critical to balance cost with reliability, moving forward, it might make sense to continue to diversify the energy portfolio. One could argue that the Nuclear will last longer, but don't dare debate that nuclear comes without maintenance issues. Vogtle has been fraught with downtime already! With renewables, you don't have to deal with decades-long construction timelines. It's more flexible and responsive to the rapidly changing energy landscape that we're in currently.

US nuclear generation to grow 27% post 2035, as data centers fuel power demand: WoodMac Summary: Wood Mackenzie projects U.S. nuclear generation +27% after 2035 (to 2060) as AI-driven data centers strain grids and push corporates toward firm, zero-carbon supply. Recent moves—U.S. $80B Westinghouse partnership and NextEra–Google’s Duane Arnold restart—signal a pivot from announcements to execution. WoodMac also sees data center demand rising from ~700 TWh (2025) to ~3,500 TWh (2050) and global nuclear capacity doubling to quadrupling (≈400 GW → 800–1,600 GW) by 2060. Net: nuclear is re-entering the baseload/flex mix for digital infrastructure, but timelines hinge on permitting, costs, and skilled labor. #AIInfrastructure #DataCenters #NuclearEnergy #Baseload #FirmCleanPower #EnergyTransition #GridCapacity #SMR #Policy #Permitting #Workforce #WoodMackenzie #Westinghouse #NextEra #Google

⚡ 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 ⚡ As the world reconsiders nuclear power’s essential role in achieving carbon-free baseload generation, experience matters more than ever. Our team has supported 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 AP1000 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 across the U.S. and internationally — from early planning and cost-risk modeling to restart readiness assessments and project controls integration. Our track record includes: ✅ AP1000 development and oversight for 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝘄, 𝗗𝘂𝗸𝗲, 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻, and others ✅ Project planning, estimating, and controls for 𝗨𝗦 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 AP1000 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 ✅ Restart and completion consulting for 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅, 𝗽𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗻𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀 Each engagement sharpened our insights into what drives success on advanced reactor and restart efforts — 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁. As new nuclear and SMR programs accelerate, our past experience is directly informing the next generation of safe, efficient, and economically viable nuclear projects. 📊 Explore the table below for highlights of our AP1000 and PWR restart portfolio. #MeridianServicesGroup #PowerGeneration #AP1000

Blue Energy and Crusoe partner to develop advanced nuclear-powered AI data center project in Port of Victoria Texas - Blue Energy and Crusoe announced a partnership to develop a nuclear-powered data center in Texas. - The project will utilize a gas-to-nuclear conversion to provide reliable and clean power. - Blue Energy will design and operate a nuclear power plant of up to 1.5 gigawatts. - The partnership aims to supply affordable power to Crusoe's AI factories by 2028 with a transition to nuclear power by 2031. - The chosen 1,600-acre campus in Victoria County benefits from existing infrastructure and energy resources. - The site is close to existing transmission lines, fiber optic networks, and a major natural gas pipeline system. - Blue Energy plans to build the plant in 36 months using innovative financing and construction methods. - Crusoe’s infrastructure requires abundant, reliable, and clean power, which Blue Energy will provide. - The partnership is expected to create jobs and increase school funding in Texas's 27th congressional district. - Blue Energy's design combines proven nuclear technology with techniques from oil, gas, and wind sectors to redefine how nuclear power is built. - The approach focuses on reducing construction costs and timelines, making nuclear power competitive. - Blue Energy is committed to project-financing the plant, allowing for rapid scaling of baseload generation. - Founded in 2023, Blue Energy builds modular power plants in shipyards and aims to reduce construction time by 80%. - Crusoe is focused on accelerating the energy and intelligence sectors through large-scale clean energy and optimized AI infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/g45_a4N5

⚡ When AI Meets Atoms Google’s 25-year deal with NextEra Energy, Inc. to restart Iowa’s Duane Arnold nuclear plant is more than a clean energy story, it’s the first time a decommissioned U.S. reactor will be brought back online to power AI data centers. This marks a turning point: the AI boom demands baseload, carbon-free, ultra-reliable power. Renewables alone can’t yet meet that. Nuclear can. By 2029, Duane Arnold will deliver 615 MW of 24/7 carbon-free energy, supporting Google’s cloud growth and strengthening Iowa’s grid. 👉 Read more on Reuters https://lnkd.in/ewRMepvJ It’s a glimpse of what’s next: 🔹 Private-sector nuclear restarts and SMRs tied to digital infrastructure 🔹 AI-driven load mapping and real-time carbon tracking 🔹 Data-center-anchored energy ecosystems where baseload meets compute The future of AI isn’t only about compute power, it’s about energy intelligence. And sometimes the smartest energy comes from the oldest atom. Looks like digital demand might be the real force behind the next energy transition - what do you think?

Should New York re-classify nuclear energy as renewable? A program created by Andrew Cuomo in 2016 to keep vital nuclear power plants running is now up for renewal. As New York faces rising energy costs, declining grid reliability, and a flawed climate law that was written for headlines instead of households, it’s time to stop discriminating against nuclear energy. The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) is requesting feedback on its proposed extension of New York’s nuclear Zero Emission Credits program (ZEC). The program originally was created as a way to keep the Lake Ontario nuclear plants open, while allowing Indian Point to close prematurely, through ratepayer subsidies. The DPS wishes to continue the program, justified through the plants’ contributions to NYS’s economic, climate, and electrical goals. The existence of this program brings up a question: Why can’t we just roll nuclear into the wider renewable framework so it can benefit from already existing programs? To put it more bluntly: why not just call nuclear renewable? https://lnkd.in/edQiRjby

🌐 The Modular Nuclear Revolution is Officially Underway The latest Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) report moves SMRs from blueprint to global strategic priority, with 127 distinct technologies in development—74 of which underwent rigorous evaluation. This is more than a catalog; it's a strategic playbook. The report assesses progress across six critical dimensions for deployment: > Licensing & Regulation > Financing & Economics > Supply Chain & Siting > Fuel Cycle & Waste > Public Engagement & Acceptance The Potential is Transformational: ✅ SMRs are poised to directly replace retired coal plants, decarbonize industrial heat, and power clean hydrogen production. The Hurdles are Equally Clear: ⚠️ The path forward hinges on overcoming a triad of challenges: streamlining licensing, securing scalable funding, and building robust public confidence. The strategic questions for energy leaders are now: → Which SMR designs are closest to commercialization? → Which countries are pulling ahead in the global race? → What are the tangible, non-technical bottlenecks to deployment? 📊 For the answers, the full report is essential reading. It provides one of the most comprehensive and data-driven overviews of the global SMR landscape available. 👉 Access the full analysis here: A must-read for professionals in energy strategy, investment, and policy.

🌍 NucCol Nuclear Supply Chain Summit 2025 – A Vision for the Future of Nuclear ⚛️ I had the pleasure of representing AtkinsRéalis at the inaugural NucCol Nuclear Supply Chain Summit on Tuesday this week, where leading voices from across the nuclear sector —Holtec Britain, X-Energy, Westinghouse, Rolls-Royce SMR, Cavendish Nuclear, Babcock International, Great British Nuclear, EDF, and many more — shared their insights and ambitions for clean, safe, nuclear power generation in the UK and globally. A standout moment was the announcement of Megawatt Valley 2.0 by EDF (UK), Holtec Britain, and Tritax Group — a bold plan to transform the decommissioned Cottam Power Station into a mega data centre powered by Holtec SMRs. A true case of Transforming Ashes to Atoms ⚛️. I also had a thought-provoking discussion with Steven Heard, Quality Director at Sizewell C, on the challenges of Counterfeit, Fraudulent, and Suspect Items (CFSI) in the industry. It was fascinating to hear how AI and advanced technologies are being deployed to mitigate these risks. Another highlight was hearing from André Steenhuis, Technical Authority at Allseas, on their pioneering ambitions to mine rare minerals and ores from deep-sea environments under extreme conditions. Their vision includes the development of revolutionary vessels which require innovative nuclear power capability which is being developed in house — a bold step toward energy independence and technological innovation in subsea operations. The event was exceptionally well-organised and a testament to the power of collaboration. It was great to reconnect with long-standing colleagues and forge new relationships. 🔑 Key takeaway: If we want to unlock the full potential of the UK’s sovereign nuclear talent, we must commit to long-term strategic planning and supplier engagement. Only then can we enable the investment and innovation needed to lead on the global stage. Kudos to the NucCol team, this felt like the beginning of something truly impactful. Andrew Storer, Liz Gregory #NuclearEnergy #CleanEnergy #SMRs #SupplyChain #Innovation #MegawattValley #NetZero #UKNuclear #EnergyTransition #FutureOfEnergy

⚛️🌏 GE Vernova, Hitachi & Samsung C&T Join Forces to Expand BWRX-300 SMR Globally 🤝⚙️ In a major step toward accelerating nuclear innovation, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) and Samsung C&T Corporation have announced a strategic alliance to deploy the BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) across key global markets outside North America. The partnership will focus on building robust supply chains and streamlined delivery models for GVH’s advanced SMR technology. 🔎 Why it matters: The BWRX-300, now under construction at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site in Canada, is set to become the first SMR in the Western world by the end of the decade. Compact yet powerful, each reactor generates 300 MW, enough to power around 300,000 homes, while drastically cutting complexity, construction time, and cost compared to traditional nuclear units. “This collaboration with Samsung C&T, a proven leader in global nuclear project delivery, strengthens the BWRX-300’s position as one of the most advanced and deployment-ready SMR technologies available today,” said Maví Zingoni, CEO of Power at GE Vernova. 📢 The bigger picture: Interest in the BWRX-300 is surging worldwide. ORLEN Synthos Green Energy in Poland plans to launch two SMR units by 2035, while Sweden’s Vattenfall is evaluating the technology for its Ringhals site. The partnership marks a significant milestone in scaling safe, affordable, and low-carbon nuclear energy as nations seek secure pathways to decarbonization. #NuclearEnergy #SMR #GEVernova #Hitachi #SamsungCT #CleanEnergy #BWRX300 #EnergyInnovation #Decarbonization #NetZero https://lnkd.in/eWYqTCg3

TUV SÜD Webinar: SMR and the Future of Nuclear Energy in Poland 🇵🇱 I just finished attending a very substantive Expert Breakfast with TUV SÜD 🔬. It was a crucial session from which I gained a solid understanding of the energy transition landscape. Here are the most important technical and strategic conclusions from the discussion: 1. SMR: A Complex, Multi-Year Project ⏳ It was clear from the presentation that Small Modular Reactors (SMR) are not a rapid undertaking. They represent a multi-stage, multi-year, and complex project. Their full implementation requires in-depth planning, regulation, and the construction of intricate infrastructure. 2. Poland as a Leader in Nuclear Transformation 🚀 Political support is evident: the SMR project is already recognized as a leading strategic initiative for Poland. Moreover, nuclear energy enjoys massive public support in Poland. This places us at the forefront: alongside France, we are one of the EU countries with the highest expectations for new nuclear power investments. 3. Technical and Regulatory Hurdles 🚧 The speakers addressed the realities of construction. Regardless of the scale—be it SMR or large-scale nuclear power plants (NPPs)—the challenges are similar and include: - Regulatory Challenges: Adapting legal frameworks and licensing procedures. - Supply Chain Issues: Ensuring the availability of specialized components and services. - Human Capital: The critical need for skilled engineers, technicians, and operational personnel. In light of this information, the understanding that the construction of SMRs and large-scale NPPs is a complex process demands a comprehensive strategy. The data suggests Poland is ready, but we must be as rigorous in regulation and human resources as we are in technology. TÜV SÜD Polska Sp. z o.o. Jakub Kupecki Paweł Piotrowicz #NuclearEnergy #SMR #TUVsüd #EnergyTransition #Poland #NuclearInvestment