Public support for nuclear in Switzerland has increased dramatically. Now ~60% of of the public supports new nuclear plant construction (let alone keeping existing reactors). That support level is similar to that of the "pro-nuclear" US. Article link in reply. A lot of this is due to energy security concerns. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is stoking energy security concerns and, as a result, is bolstering support for nuclear over the last year or two.

Poland selected Westinghouse to build its first nuclear plant. It is now inviting candidates from the U.S., France, Canada and South Korea to make bids for its 2nd nuclear plant. Article link in reply. Another source said that South Korea has not ⁠responded to the invitation. (Bad news. Korea would probably build the plant at the lowest cost, IMO.) Perhaps the Koreans didn't like the terms. Or is it because their IP agreement with Westinghouse won't let them bid in Poland. Poland wants the plant builder to provide financing, saying that: "The assumption for the second nuclear project is that we are moving away from the project ⁠that ​is financed by taxpayers." The builder taking one much (perhaps most) of the financial risk? This should get interesting. I know the Russians often offer that, but I don't know if anyone else does. Poland plans to selected the partner for the2nd plant next year.

The US Dept. of Energy has approved Oklo's Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis. Their reactor will be built at Idahol National Lab, under the DoE Reactor Pilot Program. Article link in reply. This non-commercial project will not require an NRC license. Oklo is also pursuing US Nuclear Regulatory Commission licenses for future commercial operations. Construction experience and lessons learned in the DoE project should help during the NRC licensing process.

Nebraska utility NPPD selected four sites to possibly host new reactors. Those communities are expressing support. Article link in reply. Nuclear is now the most popular energy source in the rural communities where power generation facilities are built. Reasons including low land use, large numbers of high-paying, long lasting local jobs, and large contributions to the local tax base.

I agree with this article's theme that old school environmental groups need to be more supportive of nuclear power, if they are to remain relevant in these times, and with younger generations. Article link in reply. Quote: "If the old guard want to maintain credibility as environmental leaders, they must start embracing nuclear power for what it is: an imperfect but increasingly popular source of carbon-free energy." I'm not in complete agreement with the quote above. Nuclear is no less perfect than any other energy source. All sources have their problems. Nuclear's environmental impacts are orders of magnitude smaller than those of fossil sources, and are similar to those of solar and wind. It costs more than solar and wind on a raw cost per kW-hr basis, but it is not intermittent. Analyses show that a mix of nuclear, renewables and storage will yield the lowest cost for a carbon-free grid.

NRC will hold mandatory public hearings earlier in the licensing process, as opposed to near the end of the process. This will allow NRC to do things more in parallel, which will reduce overall licensing times. Article link in reply.

The UK may take a cue from the US. It's likely going to extend operation of its Sizewell B plant by 20 more years, to 2055. The extension will cost ~$1 billion. The plant may be paid £70/MW-hour. Article link in reply. The news is good, but the costs are somewhat high. US reactors have been (quietly) extending their operation at a lower cost. US reactors produce power at an overall cost of ~$30/MW-hr, perhaps $40 nowadays, due to recent inflation.

Refurbishing of the Bruce-3 reactor, in Ontario, has been completed seven months early and $107 million under budget. The refurbishment will extend Bruce-3’s operating life by 30 to 35 years. Article link in reply.

The first reactor of Turkey's first nuclear plant has been built and is starting the testing/commissioning process. The plant will have four 1200 MW Russian reactors (VVER-1200s). Article link in reply.