popular articles

Departure of MOX to Japan

Two ships carrying MOX, a nuclear fuel, left the port of Cherbourg, in the English Channel, bound for Japan.

Please share:

Two ships carrying MOX, a nuclear fuel containing plutonium, left Saturday morning from the port of Cherbourg (Manche) to Japan, where they are to deliver their cargo in November, an AFP photographer noted.

“The specialized vessels Pacific Heron and Pacific Egret of the British company PNTL have left the port of Cherbourg,” the French nuclear group Orano wrote in a statement.

“We transported the second MOX fuel package, which left the Orano La Hague site to the port of Cherbourg, and the package was then loaded onto the boat,” Orano had explained to AFP earlier in the morning.

The loading operation was carried out “successfully” and this is the second package brought to Cherbourg from the town of La Hague, 20 km away, after the one that arrived in the Normandy port on September 7.

A technical problem – the failure of a gantry crane – prevented the nuclear fuel from leaving for Japan.

“The shipment is expected to arrive in Japanese territorial waters during November,” the nuclear group said in its statement, recalling that this is the eighth time Orano has transported MOX from France to Japan.

The cargo was loaded at around 03:00 on the port, where the forces of order were present, then the ships started their journey a little before 10:00, according to the AFP photographer.

The previous transport of MOX from Cherbourg to Japan dates back to September 2021, when the ship left the port in the afternoon following the morning of the fuel loading.

75,000 fine for anyone approaching MOX.

According to Orano, MOX is a nuclear fuel that allows the recycling of spent fuel. It is made from materials from the spent fuel in the power plants to produce electricity.

“In a world today extremely destabilized, in crisis with Russia as well as with China and Taiwan, transporting such dangerous materials from a nuclear proliferation point of view is completely irresponsible,” said Yannick Rousselet of Greenpeace France.

According to Orano, “the plutonium contained in MOX is not the same as that used by the military”.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Kazatomprom will supply natural uranium concentrate to Switzerland for the first time under a contract with Axpo. This transaction aligns with Switzerland's strategy to secure energy supplies amid declining Russian gas deliveries.
Newcleo has started the land acquisition process for its LFR-AS-30 small modular reactor in western France. The Italian company continues its regulatory procedures and plans to commission its first reactor in France by 2031.
Newcleo has started the land acquisition process for its LFR-AS-30 small modular reactor in western France. The Italian company continues its regulatory procedures and plans to commission its first reactor in France by 2031.
India and the United States strengthen their energy cooperation with an agreement for the construction of US-designed nuclear reactors on Indian soil. The two nations also commit to regulatory adjustments to remove obstacles to nuclear technology trade.
India and the United States strengthen their energy cooperation with an agreement for the construction of US-designed nuclear reactors on Indian soil. The two nations also commit to regulatory adjustments to remove obstacles to nuclear technology trade.
Tepco has begun dismantling treated water tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi site. The goal is to free up space for storing radioactive debris still present in the reactors, a key step in the plant's decommissioning process.
Tepco has begun dismantling treated water tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi site. The goal is to free up space for storing radioactive debris still present in the reactors, a key step in the plant's decommissioning process.
The attack of an explosive drone on the Chernobyl confinement arch raises questions about the security of critical infrastructure. The incident, confirmed by the IAEA, could have repercussions on energy markets and the management of nuclear assets.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has revealed a nuclear-powered container ship model utilizing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, emphasizing economic efficiency and safety, marking a turning point in the maritime industry.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has revealed a nuclear-powered container ship model utilizing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, emphasizing economic efficiency and safety, marking a turning point in the maritime industry.
Eletronuclear has announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving governance and the economic viability of its nuclear projects. The commissioning of Angra 3 is now scheduled for 2031, following multiple construction interruptions and budget adjustments.
Eletronuclear has announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving governance and the economic viability of its nuclear projects. The commissioning of Angra 3 is now scheduled for 2031, following multiple construction interruptions and budget adjustments.
Reactor 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, was shut down in an emergency following an incorrect operation during a routine inspection. The Axpo group assures that safety was maintained and that a restart is under review.
Reactor 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, was shut down in an emergency following an incorrect operation during a routine inspection. The Axpo group assures that safety was maintained and that a restart is under review.
The European project EU-CONVERSION aims to develop new fuels to convert research reactors that currently use highly enriched uranium. This initiative, supported by scientific institutions and industry players, represents a key issue for nuclear safety and non-proliferation.
French microreactor developer Naarea has launched its industrial test center, the I-Lab, designed to validate the components and technologies of its molten salt XAMR reactor. This 2,400 m² facility marks a new step in the industrialization of this technology.
French microreactor developer Naarea has launched its industrial test center, the I-Lab, designed to validate the components and technologies of its molten salt XAMR reactor. This 2,400 m² facility marks a new step in the industrialization of this technology.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed Spain’s progress in nuclear and radiological safety. A review mission highlighted the improvement of the regulatory framework and the implementation of recommendations made in 2018.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed Spain’s progress in nuclear and radiological safety. A review mission highlighted the improvement of the regulatory framework and the implementation of recommendations made in 2018.
The UK government is easing restrictions on nuclear power plant construction, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). While this technology is still under development, it attracts several companies but poses technical and financial challenges.
The UK government is easing restrictions on nuclear power plant construction, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). While this technology is still under development, it attracts several companies but poses technical and financial challenges.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is expanding its energy technology siting program to include fusion, hydrogen, and battery storage. This initiative aims to attract investors and industrial players to accelerate the development and commercialization of new energy solutions in Canada.
The new Belgian government, led by Bart De Wever, plans to expand the country's nuclear capacity to 8 gigawatts, including the extension of existing reactors and the construction of new units. This decision requires a revision of the 2003 law on nuclear phase-out.
The new Belgian government, led by Bart De Wever, plans to expand the country's nuclear capacity to 8 gigawatts, including the extension of existing reactors and the construction of new units. This decision requires a revision of the 2003 law on nuclear phase-out.
The Indian government is considering amending the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate private sector involvement in civil nuclear energy. Tata Power is closely monitoring these developments, particularly regarding the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology still in the research phase.
The Indian government is considering amending the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate private sector involvement in civil nuclear energy. Tata Power is closely monitoring these developments, particularly regarding the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology still in the research phase.
A mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed safety practices at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant, operated by Rosatom. The audit highlighted advancements in operational safety while recommending targeted improvements.
A mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed safety practices at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant, operated by Rosatom. The audit highlighted advancements in operational safety while recommending targeted improvements.
Swedish developer Blykalla has begun construction of a pilot facility to test a prototype of an advanced modular reactor. This project aims to validate key components and safety systems, with the support of industrial partners and public funding.
Indonesia is accelerating the development of its nuclear program and could become the first country in Southeast Asia to deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) by 2030. Despite competition from renewable energy, Jakarta is betting on nuclear power to diversify its energy mix.
Indonesia is accelerating the development of its nuclear program and could become the first country in Southeast Asia to deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) by 2030. Despite competition from renewable energy, Jakarta is betting on nuclear power to diversify its energy mix.
Georgia Power plans to increase the capacity of its Hatch and Vogtle nuclear plants to address an estimated demand growth of 8200 MW by 2030. The company is focusing on uprates and exploring the addition of new nuclear capacity in the long term.
Georgia Power plans to increase the capacity of its Hatch and Vogtle nuclear plants to address an estimated demand growth of 8200 MW by 2030. The company is focusing on uprates and exploring the addition of new nuclear capacity in the long term.
GEN energija has selected Westinghouse and EDF to conduct a technical feasibility study on Slovenia's JEK2 nuclear project. KHNP, initially in the race, has decided not to submit a bid due to a strategic shift.
GEN energija has selected Westinghouse and EDF to conduct a technical feasibility study on Slovenia's JEK2 nuclear project. KHNP, initially in the race, has decided not to submit a bid due to a strategic shift.
The EDF group revises upward its nuclear electricity production estimates for 2025, 2026 and 2027, incorporating the EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) of Flamanville 3 despite delays and fluctuations observed in recent years.
The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASNR) has validated the continuation of tests on the Flamanville EPR by authorizing EDF to exceed the 25% nominal power threshold, a crucial step in the power ramp-up program.
The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASNR) has validated the continuation of tests on the Flamanville EPR by authorizing EDF to exceed the 25% nominal power threshold, a crucial step in the power ramp-up program.
The CRE (Commission of Energy Regulation) states that the new nuclear price regulation mechanism aims to protect consumers, despite the RN's political opposition.
The CRE (Commission of Energy Regulation) states that the new nuclear price regulation mechanism aims to protect consumers, despite the RN's political opposition.
EDF's project to build a technocenter for recycling low-level radioactive metal waste on the site of the former Fessenheim nuclear power plant is reigniting local tensions, between economic hopes and environmental concerns.
EDF's project to build a technocenter for recycling low-level radioactive metal waste on the site of the former Fessenheim nuclear power plant is reigniting local tensions, between economic hopes and environmental concerns.

Advertising