在ITER组织和中国国际核聚变能源计划执行中心(CNDA)指导和支持下，西物院联合国内相关企业开展了联合攻关。面对强电磁干扰、辐照老化、地震载荷等多重极端环境下的器件研发和选型认证方案等难题，项目团队迎难而上，构建协同创新机制，整体谋划、集智攻关，反复进行模拟实验，不断优化设计方案，历经多轮技术迭代，最终成功解决上述难题，并固化了满足ITER氚安全防护要求的气体注入系统解决方案。这一成果为ITER项目的顺利推进奠定了坚实基础，也为我国聚变堆核安全系统设计认证积累了宝贵经验。 作为ITER计划中由中方承担的具有核安全功能的采购包，气体注入系统承担着为ITER装置提供包括高纯度氚在内的燃料气体以及在紧急工况下实施快速安全停堆的双重使命，面临强磁场、高辐射环境下超长管道传输、高精度、快速响应的气体控制等技术挑战，必须满足持有“一票否决权”的氚安全防护要求。 下一步，西物院将严格履行国际承诺，高质量推进设备制造工作。通过系统实施ITER计划，持续积累聚变堆建设核心技术经验，为我国聚变能源事业发展提供重要技术支撑。

橡树岭国家实验室所储存的铀233可追溯至冷战时期，以多种形式存放在该实验室。在完成铀233军事核应用潜在用途研究计划后，这些库存被转移至此。进入21世纪，美国启动了针对铀233的处理计划，打算将其与贫铀混合稀释后进行处理。不过，这一计划遭到部分专家批评，他们认为铀233是有价值的材料，而非废物。 阿拉巴马州立法者期望借助该州现有的基础设施、熟练劳动力以及在科学领域取得的成就，成为先进核技术领域的全国领先者。若该州能成功从橡树岭国家实验室转让剩余的铀233储量，当地官员预计将获得显著的经济效益。这包括创造高质量的就业岗位、吸引更多联邦投资，以及吸引具有创新能力的私营部门参与其中。 SJR67决议强调，阿拉巴马州对环境问题的重视、对安全标准的严格承诺，以及现有的熔盐反应堆开发商网络，使其成为铀233安全储存的理想候选地。 该决议还呼吁阿拉巴马州立法者与美国能源部、美国陆军工程兵团以及橡树岭国家实验室展开合作，共同确保铀233从橡树岭安全运输至阿拉巴马州。同时，决议建议阿拉巴马州州长成立专门工作组，负责确定适合安全储存铀233的地点，评估所需基础设施，并制定全面的材料管理计划。

ARC清洁技术公司是第四代小型模块化反应堆(SMR)商业化技术——钠冷快堆领域的领先开发商。目前，该公司正在加拿大新不伦瑞克省Point Repru核电站推进四座100 MWe ARC - 100反应堆的建设工作。 事实上，这两家公司的合作由来已久。去年5月，韩国水电原子能公司、加拿大ARC清洁技术公司与加拿大电力公司NB Power共同签署了一项三方协议。根据协议内容，三方将围绕ARC的四台SMR机组，在调试、运行、维护以及项目管理等方面开展合作。 此次合作对于韩国水电原子能公司而言意义重大。该公司希望借助此次合作契机，为从超越创新的3.5代SMR市场向第四代SMR市场迈进筑牢根基，同时增加自身进入北美SMR市场的可能性。 韩国水电核电公司总裁黄柱昊对合作前景充满信心，他表示：“ARC - 100是第四代SMR中经过最充分验证的反应堆之一，是满足未来电力需求的重要选择。通过与ARC的密切合作，我们将为核工业开发新的增长模式，并确保核电站拥有多样化的组合。”

当前，全球围绕聚变能发电的验证竞争愈发激烈，各方均期望尽早实现聚变能的实际应用。日本内阁府通过“聚变能创新战略”，正全力加快聚变能的研发进程，目标是在2030年代完成聚变发电的验证工作。与此同时，私营部门的聚变能验证项目也在稳步推进，例如由Starlight Engine Ltd.牵头的“FAST”项目。 聚变发电的验证工作需以工程设计基本原理为基础，开展全面的工厂设计。聚变工厂的最终配置受多种因素影响，包括约束方法、预期用途(如实验、商业发电、放射性同位素生产、工业供热等)以及适用的法规和标准。由于支持这一庞大设计工作的学术和技术框架尚在构建之中，培养并指导下一代从事聚变能研究的专业人员，以持续甚至加快技术发展步伐，变得比以往任何时候都更为关键。 企业赞助研究计划旨在让大学与外部组织(涵盖私营公司或研究机构)借助各自的技术与专业知识开展联合研究，共同攻克公共重要领域的难题。 在此次项目中，东京大学研究生院前沿科学研究科的核聚变研究专家江尻彰教授将担任“核聚变系统设计工程”项目的首席教师。该项目将与2025年4月1日在东京大学研究生院内新成立的跨学科核聚变能源中心携手合作。 “核聚变系统设计工程”项目将为核聚变工厂的设计筑牢学术根基，并通过产学合作着重解决以下关键领域问题：开展先进聚变系统创新技术研究;探索聚变能的多种潜在应用;研究设施和设备的要求，并依据现行法律、规范和标准建设相关设施与设备;研究聚变能实际应用及社会融合所面临的挑战。 “聚变系统设计工程”项目不仅是一项研究合作，更是日本在全球聚变能源竞赛中谋求长期领先地位的战略举措。该项目旨在通过培养下一代专家人才，搭建未来聚变工厂所需的设计架构，为商业化聚变能源的可行性与可扩展性奠定基础。 未来数年，这一开放式合作有望成为核聚变系统创新、新技术研发、产业生态系统培育以及公共政策制定的核心枢纽。产学研的协同努力，不仅将推动日本能源转型，还将助力日本成为全球脱碳和可持续发展的关键贡献者。 聚变能，是指氢等轻原子核在极端温度和压力条件下聚变形成更重原子核时释放的能量。作为一种燃料资源丰富的无碳能源，聚变能预计将在脱碳和能源安全方面发挥关键作用。聚变被视为一种大规模、集中且安全的能源形式，因为它不涉及连锁反应、爆炸或高放射性废物。 “FAST”项目(先进超导托卡马克聚变装置)是同类项目中首个致力于从燃烧等离子体中提取聚变能、演示集成等离子体维持能力并解决DT(氘 - 氚)反应堆工程难题的项目。该项目由星光发动机有限公司牵头，作为公私合作项目的一部分，目标是利用DT聚变反应实现5万至10万千瓦的输出功率和100000秒的放电持续时间。 东京大学研究生院前沿科学研究科教授江尻彰表示：“我们怀着强烈的使命感，与包括Starlight Engine Ltd.在内的八家杰出私营企业共同启动这项企业资助的研究项目。聚变能源将在实现脱碳目标中发挥关键作用，并为下一代可持续发展社会的发展做出重大贡献。看到日本研究人员多年来一直致力于的聚变研究领域进入实际应用阶段，我们深感欣慰。我们致力于确保该项目取得有意义且影响深远的进展，以支持这一转型。”

The Ray Dolby Centre officially opens today, 9 May 2025, at a ceremony in Cambridge. The new facility is a major asset for the country that will support world-class physics and bring together a community of the brightest minds to solve some of the world’s most complex problems. Nationally leading facilities The Ray Dolby Centre is the new home of the Cavendish Laboratory, the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physics. It has been named in recognition of a generous £85 million donation from the estate of Cambridge alumnus and sound pioneer Ray Dolby. The project to replace the existing facilities at Cambridge is supported by a £75 million investment from the UK government, administered through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The centre’s ambitions align with EPSRC’s support of nationally leading research facilities such as the Rosalind Franklin Institute and National Wind Tunnel Facility. Fostering collaboration The Ray Dolby Centre will feature 173 laboratories, clean rooms, lecture halls, learning and collaborative spaces, workshops and offices. It will serve as a national hub for physics where the research community across the UK will have access to specialised research equipment, resources and facilities. The Collaborative R&D Environment for Physics (CORDE) national facility, funded by EPSRC, will be hosted at the new Ray Dolby Centre. CORDE will foster collaboration between industry and university researchers and enhance public access to new research. Inspiring future generations Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, UK Research and Innovation Chief Executive Officer, said: The Ray Dolby Centre will make a significant and much welcome addition to the Physics research and innovation community in the UK. The Centre will inspire future generations and foster new collaborations, not least through its innovative plans for equipment sharing and opportunities for users from across the UK to benefit. I am delighted to be able to join in celebrating this remarkable occasion. Pushing the boundaries Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair at EPSRC said: The Ray Dolby Centre is an enormously exciting state-of-the-art facility that will enable our research community to continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and generate transformative discoveries. Having recently visited the centre, I am profoundly impressed by the cutting-edge design and the opportunities that it offers. The Collaborative R&D Environment for Physics (CORDE) exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of our investments are available widely across academia, while also supporting business innovation and enhancing opportunities for skills training. CORDE, and the wider Ray Dolby Centre, will catalyse groundbreaking advances and enable the UK to maintain its position at the forefront of physics. Creating the right environment Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge said: The Ray Dolby Centre is a state-of-the-art national facility for physics which sits at the heart of the emerging Cambridge West Innovation District. This unique environment is transforming how the UK does science, creating the leading location in Europe that brings together academics, entrepreneurs, and industry. It will be at the forefront of AI, quantum, and climate research, catalysing the growth of UK science and technology. Top image: The Ray Dolby Centre. Credit: University of Cambridge Share this page Share this page on X / Twitter Share this page on LinkedIn Share this page on Facebook

Research England is investing £30 million into four ambitious regional projects through its university commercialisation ecosystems initiative. These projects will bring together universities, industry and other partners to deliver a step change in knowledge exchange activity. This includes: building new and strengthening existing collaborations expanding the pipeline of high-quality investible new spin-outs supporting scale up capability attracting new UK and international investment creating high value jobs embedding longstanding Knowledge Exchange work streams Economic potential The funding forms part of Research England’s wider work to support research commercialisation across the country. It builds on the Connecting Capability Fund (CCF) and the Research England Development (RED) fund, which aim to drive innovation by supporting collaboration and strengthening commercialisation capacity. Announcing the news on a visit to Aston University, Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities, and we have deep strengths from life sciences to cutting-edge fields like quantum and engineering biology. But we can and must do more to unlock scientific research’s vast economic potential, and to help our innovators world-leading public sector labs turn brilliant ideas into businesses that attract investment and sustain jobs. The funding and guidance we are announcing today will reinforce those efforts, supporting our mission to grow the economy as part of the Plan for Change. Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair, Research England, said: I am thrilled that through Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund we are able to support the Government’s mission for economic growth by directing £30 million to these four exciting projects across England. The funding will help these projects develop, grow and scale commercialisation capabilities around the research and development base of universities; fostering collaboration, bringing together expertise and research strengths and focus these on opportunities that will directly benefit local communities. The four new projects North East: Strategic Commercialisation Ecosystem North East (SCENE) Led by Durham University, SCENE will build on the success of the Northern Accelerator which has already helped launch over 50 spin-outs since 2018. By strengthening ties between universities and industry, the project will scale up support for research-led businesses, attract international investment, and help ensure new innovations stay and grow in the region. Midlands: Forging ahead/Forging beyond Led by Loughborough University, this wide-reaching collaboration of 15 universities will tackle the fragmentation of skills and talent in the Midlands innovation landscape. The project will help more research make it to market and create lasting economic impact with: a new talent pool expanded accelerator networks targeted support for high-growth sectors like health, net zero and advanced manufacturing Liverpool City region: Biologics Regional Innovation and Technology Ecosystem (BRITE) Led by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, BRITE will plug critical gaps in the local biologics innovation pipeline. It will help develop and manufacture next-generation therapies for infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. The project will also build essential infrastructure and support local job creation while positioning the region as a national hub for biologics. Greater Lincolnshire and East Anglia: Agri-tech Commercialisation Ecosystems (ACE) Led by the University of Lincoln, in partnership with the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia, ACE will establish a globally recognised agri-tech innovation cluster. The project will create a new venture fund, develop a national tech transfer office, and support UK-wide agri-tech spinouts aimed at building a more sustainable, food-secure future. Diversity of themes Tony Hickson, Chief Business Officer, Cancer Research UK and panel member for the CCF RED, said: I’m glad that as a panel we were able to advise Research England on these four exciting awards across the country with a diversity of themes and priorities which will be sure to provide a wealth of rich learning. These projects will deliver a step change in commercialisation ecosystems across England. Together, these projects show the power of collaboration, between universities, businesses, and government, to turn great research into practical, life-changing impact. Top image: Credit: Kobus Louw, E+ via Getty images. Share this page Share this page on X / Twitter Share this page on LinkedIn Share this page on Facebook

Government representatives from Côte d'Ivoire met with IAEA experts to discuss the legal framework for nuclear power. (Photo: ARSN) The IAEA has held a legislative assistance mission in Côte d’Ivoire to discuss the legal framework needed to embark on a nuclear power programme. The mission was arranged in response to a request from the Government through the Nuclear Safety and Security Authority (ARSN), as part of ongoing IAEA efforts to support countries in establishing a robust and comprehensive legal framework for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear power. The objective of the mission was to discuss the legal framework for nuclear power further to the country’s recent decision to consider embarking on a nuclear power program. The mission included a discussion on the draft law on nuclear safety, security and safeguards, and an awareness-raising meeting on nuclear law with high-level officials and legislators. “These meetings were instrumental in deepening our understanding of the legal dimensions of nuclear energy. The guidance and expertise shared by the IAEA have been invaluable as we work toward building a comprehensive and effective legal framework to support our country’s nuclear ambitions,” stated Professor Kouame Alphonse Kadjo, Chairman of the Board of ARSN. Currently, the country’s draft law on nuclear safety, security and safeguards provides the legal framework for the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear applications. The three-day legislative drafting meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions between the IAEA and national stakeholders on the IAEA’s written comments on the draft law on nuclear safety, security and safeguards and to clarify the elements of a comprehensive national nuclear law, in line with the country’s decision to consider including nuclear power into its energy mix. The meeting was attended by 15 participants from ARSN, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Mines, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, and the National Office for Civil Protection. 15 representatives from various ministries and ARSN attended the meeting. (Photo: ARSN) This meeting was followed by an awareness-raising meeting attended by 22 high-level officials and legislators. The objective of the meeting was to raise awareness about the relevant international legal instruments on nuclear safety, security and liability that the country is not yet party to, as well as the elements of a comprehensive national nuclear law. Currently, of the instruments adopted under IAEA auspices on nuclear safety and security, Cote d’Ivoire is only party to the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, as well as the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 Amendment. The country is not yet party to any of the instruments on civil liability or nuclear damage. The legal framework is one of the 19 infrastructure issues identified in the IAEA Milestones Approach which enables a sound development process for a nuclear power programme. The legal framework includes the relevant international legal instruments on nuclear safety, security and liability. The legal framework also includes the national legal framework for nuclear power which should comprehensively cover all aspects of nuclear law. Finally, the legal framework also includes all additional legislation that may affect the nuclear programme. As for the other infrastructure issues, the development of the legal framework based on the IAEA Milestones Approach follows a phased approach requiring specific actions during the three progressive phases of development. High-level officials and legislators also gathered for an awareness-raising meeting. (ARSN)

As global efforts to combat climate change continue, demand for solar energy is growing. However, since the currently most used… Full text: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1081923 Source Kanazawa University, press release, 2025-04-28. Supplier Kanazawa University Queens University (Kingston, Canada) REIKO Co., Ltd. Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe

From left to right: Dr. Pramod Kumbhar, President and Chief Technology Officer at Praj Industries, Dr. Ashvini Shete, Business Head – Biopolymers at Praj Industries, Udo Mühlbauer, Head of R & D at Uhde Inventa-Fischer (front), Stefan Bartz, VP Sales at Uhde Inventa-Fischer (back) © thyssenkrupp Polymer specialists Uhde Inventa Fischer (UIF) to partner with Praj Industries Ltd (PIL) End-to-end offering for PLA (polylactic acid) production thyssenkrupp Uhde’s polymer specialists Uhde Inventa-Fischer (UIF), a subsidiary of the global leader in chemical engineering and construction, and Praj Industries Limited (PIL), a global leader in industrial biotechnology solutions, announced a strategic partnership to jointly offer an end-to-end integrated technology for the production of Polylactic Acid (PLA). This strategic partnership offers a unique, seamless solution that sets them apart in the arena of bioplastics. The indiscriminate use of fossil-based plastics and the often irresponsible disposal, especially of single-use plastics (SUPs), call for urgent, innovative, and sustainable solutions. Polylactic acid (PLA), as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics holds significant potential in advancing a circular bioeconomy. To meet this global need, PIL and UIF are leveraging their combined expertise in industrial biotechnology and chemical engineering to enhance PLA technology, ensuring efficient, cost-effective and sustainable production processes. Nadja Håkansson, CEO thyssenkrupp Uhde: “We see a perfect match of two world-leading technologies: Uhde’s PLAneo® process can now be offered as an integrated solution with Praj Industries’ lactic acid production. Together, we can design and deliver complete PLA plants. Our joint vision is a competitive solution to replace conventional plastics with sustainable alternatives.” Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman, at Praj Industries: “Praj’s Bioprism® portfolio for renewable chemicals and materials, with a focus on bioplastics, underscores our commitment to a sustainable future. Our strategic partnership with Uhde marks a significant step in driving the global shift toward a circular economy by enabling cost-effective biomanufacturing and the establishment of biorefineries. With our award-winning proprietary PLANERA™-technology and this collaboration, we aim to tackle the challenges posed by fossil-based plastics and contribute to a more sustainable planet with innovative, bio-based solutions.” The partnership will be able to offer an end-to-end integrated technology, covering the entire PLA production process from feedstock conversion to polymer production. Different grades of Lactic acid can be produced from this technology which find applications in food and industrial sectors. A broad range of PLA grades can be produced, addressing the diverse requirements of various industries such as packaging, textiles, and hygiene supplies. Both companies have a strong global presence, enabling them to deliver innovative solutions to customers worldwide and adapt to practically any agricultural feedstock containing either starch or sugar, including second generation feedstocks based on non-food raw materials. A shared commitment to sustainability drives the partnership, focusing on developing environmentally friendly and socially responsible solutions. Praj recently inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind ‘Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers’ near Pune, India, where it is producing lactic acid and lactide. This facility will serve as a crucial platform for testing and validating the joint offering, enabling the partners to showcase the potential of PLA and accelerate its commercialization. About Praj Industries Limited Praj, India’s most accomplished industrial biotech company, is driven by innovation, integration, and delivery capabilities. Over the past four decades, Praj has focused on the environment, energy, and agri‐process industry, with 1000 + customer references spanning 100+ countries across all five continents. Bio‐Mobility® and Bio‐Prism® are the mainstays of Praj’s contribution to the global Bioeconomy. The Bio‐Mobility® platform offers technology solutions globally to produce the renewable transportation fuel, thus ensuring sustainable decarbonization through a circular bioeconomy. The company’s Bio‐Prism® portfolio comprises technologies to produce renewable chemicals and materials, promises sustainability while reimagining nature. Praj Matrix, the state‐of‐the‐art R&D facility, forms the backbone for the company’s endeavours towards a clean energy‐based Bioeconomy. Praj’s diverse portfolio comprises Bio‐energy solutions, Critical process equipment & skids, Breweries, Zero liquid discharge systems and High purity water systems. Led by an accomplished and caring leadership, Praj is a socially responsible corporate citizen. Praj is listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India. About thyssenkrupp Uhde thyssenkrupp Uhde combines unique technological expertise and decades of global experience in the engineering, procurement, construction and service of chemical plants. We develop innovative processes and products for a more sustainable future and thus contribute to the long-term success of our customers in almost all areas of the chemical industry. Our portfolio includes leading technologies for the production of base chemicals, fertilizers and polymers as well as complete value-chains for green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals. www.thyssenkrupp-uhde.com Source thyssenkrupp Uhde, press release, 2025-04-29. Supplier Praj Industries Ltd. thyssenKrupp Uhde Uhde Inventa-Fischer Share Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals Subscribe