Muroosystems moves into nuclear waste management and dismantling

Muroosystems Corp of Japan announces the acquisition of Nukem Technologies Engineering Services, specializing in nuclear decommissioning and waste management. This operation marks a turning point after years of geopolitical challenges.
Muroosystems passe au démantèlement et à la gestion des déchets nucléaires.

Partagez:

Tokyo-based Muroosystems Corp has signed an agreement to acquire Nukem Technologies Engineering Services, a German company specializing in decommissioning, nuclear waste management and engineering services. Founded in 1960, Nukem was acquired in 2009 by Russia’s Atomstroyexport for 23.5 million euros. The sale was decided in 2022 due to geopolitical challenges and the difficulties of keeping the company under Russian ownership. Since then, intensive negotiations have been conducted with potential buyers.

Terms of agreement and outlook

The terms of the agreement signed on May 29, 2024 were not disclosed. Nukem stated that this acquisition by a Japanese investor represents a new opportunity to return to markets inaccessible under the old ownership structure. All necessary approvals for the transaction will be obtained and obligations to third parties will be met. Thomas Seipolt, CEO of Nukem, was delighted to find a partner willing to continue and expand Nukem ‘s activities in new markets and technologies, such as nuclear fusion and SMR. Nobuaki Ninomiya, Executive Director of Muroosystems, announced that the transaction should be finalized by mid-August 2024, anticipating new synergies between the German and Japanese professionalism.

History and challenges of Nukem Technologies

Nukem was founded in Germany in 1960 to design and manufacture nuclear fuel elements. In 2006, its activities focused on dismantling, radioactive waste management and engineering technology, grouped under the subsidiary Nukem Technologies. Transferred to TVEL, Rosatom’s fuel division, in 2019, Nukem has seen notable projects such as the Solid Waste Retrieval Facility in Lithuania. However, in April 2024, Nukem filed for insolvency under autonomous administration, protecting itself from creditors due to economic difficulties linked to the Russian ownership structure and the war in Ukraine.

Muroosystems’ strategies and expected impact

Muroosystems, founded in 2006 and specializing in IT solutions and renewable energy projects, sees this acquisition as an opportunity to create synergies in the nuclear markets of Europe, Japan and other Asian countries. This merger of Japanese and German expertise should strengthen nuclear decommissioning and waste management capabilities, while opening up new prospects in the field of nuclear fusion. Muroosystems’ acquisition of Nukem represents a significant step forward in the global energy sector. It opens up opportunities for international collaboration and advanced technological development. The combined strengths of the two companies should not only stabilize Nukem, but also stimulate innovation and expansion in the nuclear and renewable energy markets.

 

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.