SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

USA: Framatome modernizes reactor 2 at Arkansas power plant

Framatome has teamed up with Entergy Nuclear to replace the vessel cover on Reactor 2 of the Arkansas Nuclear One plant, scheduled for the spring 2026 unit outage, in order to improve safety and reliability.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Framatome has signed a contract with Entergy Nuclear to replace the vessel cover on reactor number 2 at the Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO) plant.
The replacement, scheduled for the spring 2026 unit outage, is a major operation designed to ensure the safety and reliability of the facility.
This modernization is crucial to maintaining reactor performance and guaranteeing stable energy production.

Details of the modernization project

The project involves the complete replacement of the mechanical structure of the tank cover, cluster control mechanisms, electromagnetic assemblies and connectors.
It also includes heavy handling and restoring the equipment buffer to its original configuration.
Precise coordination between Framatome and Entergy Nuclear ensured the success of this complex operation.

Implications for the plant and energy supply

Arkansas Nuclear One, located in Russellville, Arkansas, supplies around 65% of the energy demand of Entergy’s 730,000 customers in the state.
The modernization aims to enhance the facility’s performance and sustainability to maintain this essential contribution. Erik Dorman, Framatome’s Executive Vice President for North America, emphasizes the importance of this project in ensuring safe, reliable power generation.

A complex technical operation

The project requires advanced technical skills and meticulous coordination.
Teams must carry out in-depth analyses and follow rigorous procedures to ensure the success of each stage of the replacement.
Cluster control mechanisms and electromagnetic assemblies, key components of the reactor, are being replaced to improve safety and performance.

Background and implications for the industry

This modernization is part of a broader trend to upgrade nuclear infrastructures, essential to meet future energy challenges.
By optimizing existing equipment, the nuclear industry can continue to provide reliable, sustainable energy.
The collaboration between Framatome and Entergy Nuclear illustrates the importance of partnerships in the industry to maintain the performance of nuclear facilities.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Axess Group signs strategic agreement with ARO Drilling in Saudi Arabia
The United Kingdom launches TAE Beam UK backed by Google in fusion
The European Commission enforces full transparency on gas contracts
Hydro to close five European extrusion sites to strengthen competitiveness
Ørsted and ESB secure 900 MW offshore contract off the coast of Ireland
Japan set to vote on partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
The Niigata regional assembly is deliberating on restarting unit 6 of the world’s largest nuclear plant, thirteen years after operations ceased following the Fukushima disaster.
Belgium: Doel 2 permanently shut down after fifty years of operation
Reactor Doel 2 was taken offline, becoming the fifth Belgian reactor to cease operations under the country’s gradual nuclear phase-out policy.
Rolls-Royce SMR strengthens nuclear cooperation with ÚJV Řež in Czechia
Rolls-Royce SMR has expanded its partnership with ÚJV Řež to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, targeting the construction of several units in the Czech Republic and abroad.
India prepares to open its nuclear sector to private players
The Indian government aims to amend legislation to allow private companies to participate in civil nuclear development, a move positioned as critical to achieving the country’s long-term energy targets.
China completes modular construction of Xudabao 4 passive tank
The VVER-1200 nuclear reactor at Xudabao 4 in China has completed installation of its final passive water tank, marking the end of modular construction for the second phase of the project.
Canada and Alberta agree on joint nuclear strategy by 2027
Ottawa and Edmonton commit to a nuclear production roadmap by 2050, through a memorandum of understanding also covering carbon capture and an Indigenous-led pipeline project.
Niger challenges Orano by launching its uranium production on the international market
Niamey asserts control over its uranium resources by authorising open market sales of Somaïr’s production, formerly operated by France’s Orano, amid ongoing legal disputes.
Equinix secures 500 MWe nuclear supply from Stellaria for AI data centres
Equinix has signed a strategic agreement with French start-up Stellaria to reserve 500 MWe of advanced nuclear capacity to power its future European AI data centres starting in 2035.
Kyrgyzstan bets on a Russian small modular reactor to solve its energy crisis
Bishkek plans to host a RITM-200N small modular reactor supplied by Rosatom to address electricity shortages and deepen energy ties with Moscow, despite the risks posed by Western sanctions.
TEPCO could restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant as early as January
The Niigata prefectural assembly will vote on the restart of Unit 6, potentially marking TEPCO’s first reactor relaunch since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Norway launches cross-border consultation on nuclear power plant project
The Norwegian government has initiated a consultation with neighbouring countries on its modular nuclear power plant project in Aure and Heim, in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
TÜNAŞ and KEPCO sign deal to accelerate nuclear development in Türkiye
Türkiye and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore nuclear power plant projects, marking a strategic step in the long-term development of Türkiye's energy infrastructure.
Asian Development Bank opens nuclear energy financing to developing countries
Asian Development Bank has amended its energy policy to enable funding for civil nuclear projects in developing member countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
First Hydrogen launches project on molten-salt fuels for small modular reactors
First Hydrogen begins research with the University of Alberta to identify molten-salt mixtures simulating nuclear fuels for SMR prototypes.
Framatome delivers first nuclear fuel assemblies for Barakah
Framatome has completed the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah power plant, marking a key milestone in the supply agreement signed with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company in July.
UK launches radical overhaul of nuclear regulation system
A government-commissioned report proposes 47 measures to simplify nuclear regulation, reduce decommissioning costs and accelerate delivery of civilian and military projects.
Zhangzhou’s second reactor delivers first kilowatt-hours to the grid
The Hualong One reactor at Zhangzhou nuclear power plant has been connected to the grid, marking a major milestone in the expansion of China’s civilian nuclear programme.
Rosatom receives approval to 3D-print SMR components
Russian state nuclear group Rosatom has validated the additive manufacturing of parts for its small modular reactors, marking an industrial first for RITM-200 SMR plant equipment.
Maritime Fusion raises $4.5mn to bring fusion energy to commercial ships
California-based Maritime Fusion, backed by Y Combinator and Trucks VC, is betting on a decentralised approach to fusion to target maritime and off-grid applications.
Bayridge Resources acquires 51% of Baker Lake uranium project in Nunavut
Bayridge Resources secures a majority stake in an advanced uranium project in Canada, strengthening its strategic presence in a geologically promising region.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.