Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Nuclear Energy Now tracks the latest nuclear energy developments across technology, diplomacy, industry trends, and geopolitics.
Poland Announces Plan for SMRS
Poland is moving ahead with plans to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs), after state energy giant Orlen reached an agreement with Synthos Green Energy (SGE). The project will use GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 technology—set to become the first of its kind in Europe—and follows earlier commitments of up to $4 billion in support from US government agencies. The announcement also resolves a year-and-a-half impasse between Orlen and SGE over technology rights, and the new agreement grants both firms a 50–50 equity split and OSGE full licensing rights to the BWRX-300. While Poland does not currently have any nuclear power, it aims to generate 23 percent of its electricity from nuclear by 2040. This announcement adds momentum to Poland’s broader nuclear program: the government is pressing ahead with a $51 billion Westinghouse–Bechtel project, but it’s had recent setbacks, including Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power’s recent withdrawal. Still, by advancing SMRs alongside large-scale reactors, Warsaw is signaling a diversified approach to nuclear that could make it a central European testbed for both new and established reactor designs.
Kazakhstan to Cut Uranium Output in 2026
Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom, the world’s largest producer of uranium, announced it will reduce output by approximately 10 percent in 2026, cutting global supply by roughly five percent. The company cited an insufficient balance of supply and uncovered demand to justify returning to full production. The adjustment will lower nominal production from 32,777 tonnes of uranium (tU) to 29,697 tU, largely due to changes at JV Budenovskoye. However, the guidance for 2025 remains unchanged. The cut underscores the geopolitical sensitivity of uranium markets—Kazakhstan controls about 40 percent of global supply—at a moment when US tariffs, energy security concerns, and support for nuclear policies are driving demand forecasts higher. As the supply of uranium decreases, supply will tighten, putting upward pressure on prices. While developers of new mines may see greater incentives and investment, utilities and governments planning new nuclear plants may face more pressure to secure long-term contracts. For utilities and advanced reactor developers, the cut reinforces the need to diversify fuel supply chains and accelerate Western enrichment and HALEU initiatives.
Palisades Nuclear Plant Becomes First US Reactor to Return from Decommissioning
The Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan has officially transitioned from decommissioning back to operationalstatus—the first US reactor in history to do so. Following the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) approval of Holtec International’s licensing package in late July, the 800 megawatt electric (MWe) pressurized water reactor is now authorized to refuel and restart once final project work, including turbine and generator reassembly, is complete. Originally shut down in 2022 by Entergy, the plant’s restart is being financed in part through a $1.52 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy, with $335 million already disbursed. Once back online, Palisades will provide electricity for more than 800,000 homes and support over 1,600 nuclear professionals and contractors. The restart is also intended to pave the way for Holtec’s longer-term plan to build two 300 MWe SMR-300 small modular reactors at the site with Hyundai Engineering & Construction by the early 2030s. With the United States emphasizing nuclear energy once again, Palisades revival offers a potential template for extending US nuclear capacity and securing President Donald Trump’s emphasis on energy dominance.
Iran Faces Renewed Sanctions and Nuclear Oversight Tensions
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors have been allowed to return to Iran two months after Tehran suspended cooperation over the US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The IAEA will, however, only be allowed to oversee the refueling of the Bushehr nuclear plant in line with new domestic laws that require Supreme National Security Council approval for any cooperation. This move comes as Britain, France, and Germany (E3) triggered the United Nations’ snapback sanctions mechanism, setting in motion a 30-day process that will restore sanctions by late September. This would reimpose sweeping restrictions—including an arms embargo, bans on enrichment and missile activities, authorization to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargo, and asset freezes—effectively reversing the relief offered under the 2015 nuclear deal. For Europe, the snapback is meant to pressure Tehran to resume full IAEA inspections, account for uranium stockpiles, and re-engage diplomatically with Washington. While the E3 offered to extend the snapback mechanism for a limited period, giving negotiators more time to conclude a new agreement, Russia and China have created a draft resolution to extend the nuclear deal to 2026, blocking the E3 from reimposing sanctions, arguing that the E3 failed to uphold obligations under the JCPOA and therefore cannot legally trigger snapback. Meanwhile, in response to the reimposition of sanctions, Iran’s parliament has begun drafting a plan to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if sanctions are reinstated, raising the risk of further escalation.
About the Author: Emily Day
Emily Day is an experienced researcher, writer, and editor with expertise in geopolitics, nuclear energy, and global security. She is an Associate Editor of Energy World and Techland at The National Interest and a Research Associate at Longview Global Advisors, where she provides insights on global political and economic trends with a specialization in utilities, risk, sustainability, and technology. She was previously a Della Ratta Energy and Global Security Fellow at the Partnership for Global Security.
