Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and Argentina are all making significant strides in the development and expansion of nuclear power plants. Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has received its first consignment of uranium for its plant being built with Russian assistance. The country's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, emphasized that Bangladesh will use nuclear power for peaceful purposes. The delivery of the uranium fuel took place in a ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Hasina [xxxxxxxx].
Bulgaria has announced plans to construct two nuclear reactors designed by the United States. The project aims to enhance the country's energy infrastructure and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The reactors will be built at the existing Kozloduy nuclear power plant, with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts [07c071df].
Meanwhile, in Argentina, the Atucha I nuclear power plant is seeking to extend its lifespan. A study conducted by the National Water Institute (INA), in collaboration with Nucleoeléctrica and the Center for Development and Technological Assistance (Cedyat), aims to give the plant a "new lease of life". Nucleoeléctrica Argentina has informed the province of Buenos Aires that the plant, located in Lima, Zárate, still has a great capacity to provide nuclear energy. The refurbishment stoppage will last for 30 months between 2024 and 2026 and will create 2,000 jobs. It also includes opportunities for qualified national suppliers for construction and component manufacturing tasks [b415ceb1].
Switzerland plans to keep its nuclear plants in operation for longer than previously expected due to concerns about electricity shortages. The country decided to exit nuclear power in 2017 but did not set a shutdown date for its four plants. Operators Axpo Holding AG and Alpiq Holding AG have extended the planned lifespan of their plants to 60 years, with the possibility of further extensions to 80 years. This mirrors a trend in Europe, with countries like France, Belgium, Finland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovenia also considering extensions or building new plants. Germany, however, has shut down its last nuclear plants. The Swiss government allows nuclear plants to operate as long as they are deemed safe, and a survey of the companies involved suggests that extending the lifespan beyond 60 years is economically feasible without government financial support [56d305b0].
China has emerged as a global leader in nuclear power construction. The country has added 37 nuclear reactors in the past decade, bringing its total to 55, while the US has added only two to maintain its lead with 93 reactors. China aims to install between six and eight nuclear reactors each year, with the capacity to add between eight and ten per year. The country currently has 22 nuclear reactors under construction, more than any other country [0bb20ec0].
These efforts by Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Argentina, Switzerland, and China demonstrate their commitment to diversifying energy sources, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable and resilient energy sectors. The advancement of nuclear power plants contributes to the global goal of transitioning to cleaner forms of energy and mitigating climate change.