Unit 6 was in the guaranteed shutdown state and Spring Location and Relocation (SLAR) tool was being used in the pressure tubes as part of the planned fuel channel maintenance. While performing SLAR operation in fuel channel G12, an electrical fault in the tool resulted in a discharge of electric energy that caused damage to both the pressure tube and the calandria tube. The tool was retracted and it was later determined that the Primary Heat Transport System (PHTS) coolant was leaking into the moderator. Inspection exhibited a through hole in the pressure tube approximately 3 mm in diameter and a through hole in the calandria tube of 6 mm in diameter. Operations personnel proceeded with stabilization of unit 6 by installing isolating shield plugs to stop the flow of PHTS coolant into the moderator. The pressure tube and calandria tube have been replaced and the unit returned to service.
The Pacific News Bulletin (since September 1986) and its predecessor Pacific Bulletin was published for the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) Movement by the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre (PCRC), first based in Petersham (Australia) and later at Suva on the Fiji Islands. The NFIP movement grew out of the first regional Nuclear Free Pacific […]
On 29 June 2026, the Urenco Group issued a statement announcing that the UK Government formally requested the company to support its effort "to re-establish a nuclear fuel cycle for reactor fuel for defence purposes." The UK Government announced its intent to re-establish this program in November 2024. This announcement is part of a broader […]
The Netherlands has agreed to allow Urenco to be used for the British military nuclear program. This clears the way for uranium enriched by Urenco to be used in nuclear weapons. With his decision, Foreign Minister Berendsen (CDA Christen Democrats) is departing from the principle that civilian and military nuclear applications must remain strictly separate. […]
Behnam Raeesian is an internationally recognized visual artist and poster designer from Iran, known for bold political and cultural works. Through exhibitions, workshops, jury roles, and collaborations with cultural institutions worldwide, he has built a strong voice in contemporary political graphic design. His projects confront complex issues such as nuclear risk and technological impact, transforming […]
Everywhere you look, the nuclear industry’s hype machine is in overdrive. Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and the UK government all tout small modular reactors as the silver bullet for climate change and energy security. Tech billionaires are hiring nuclear veterans. Wall Street is whispering about “round-the-clock power” for artificial intelligence data centers. For those old enough […]