평일 매일, 국내외 원자력 뉴스 3건 요약
ATM No 95 2025 AUG 18
US lab begins post-irradiation studies on high-burnup fuel
- GE Vernova and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are studying high burnup fuel rods that have operated in a commercial reactor for an extended period to improve their performance and safety.
- The goal of this collaboration is to gather data that supports the use of these fuels for longer operational cycles and power uprates, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable nuclear energy.
- The findings will also be used to support the design and licensing of new small modular reactors, like the BWRX-300, and contribute to the broader adoption of high burnup fuels by 2030.
Xcel Energy recieves approval to extend Prairie Island nuclear plant operations into the 2050s
- Xcel Energy's Prairie Island nuclear plant has received approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to extend its operations through the early 2050s.
- The utility plans to formally request a 20-year license extension from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2026.
- This move is a key part of Xcel Energy's strategy to provide a stable, carbon-free power source for over a million homes, supporting energy security and economic development in the region.
[사설] 전기료 오를 수밖에 없다”… ‘콩보다 싼 두부’ 팔면 다 망한다
- 이재명 대통령이 온실가스 감축 목표 달성을 위해 전기요금 인상이 불가피하다는 점을 강조하며, 이는 재생에너지 전환에 수반되는 비용 때문이라고 언급했다.
- 그동안 우리나라는 오랫동안 억눌린 전기요금으로 인해 에너지 과소비를 조장하고 한전의 재정난을 심화시켰으며, 가정용 전기료가 산업용보다 저렴한 기형적인 구조를 낳았다.
- 앞으로 인공지능 확산 등으로 전력 수요가 급증할 것에 대비하고 에너지 효율을 높이기 위해 서는 전기료를 현실화하고, 원가보다 싼 전기를 마음껏 쓰던 시대가 끝났다는 것을 모두가 공감해야 한다.