Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which operates the plant, said an alarm from the monitoring system was triggered during the restart process, prompting officials to halt operations and investigate the cause.

“We don’t expect this to be solved within a day or two,” plant superintendent Takeyuki Inagaki told a news conference. “There is no telling at the moment how long it will take.”

TEPCO said the alarm was linked to malfunctioning electrical equipment. As a precaution, operators reinserted the control rods, devices used to slow or stop the nuclear reaction, in a planned and safe manner. The company said the reactor remains stable and there has been no release of radioactive material.

The restart had already been delayed earlier in the week after a separate issue involving the control rods was detected, though that problem was resolved on Sunday.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is the largest nuclear power plant in the world by capacity and has seven reactors, though only one was being prepared for restart. It is the first plant operated by TEPCO to attempt a restart since the Fukushima disaster, which led Japan to shut down most of its nuclear facilities.

Japan is now seeking to revive nuclear power as it aims to cut fossil fuel use, meet growing energy demand, including from artificial intelligence and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

However, public opposition remains strong in Niigata. A recent survey found that about 60 per cent of local residents oppose restarting the plant, citing safety concerns and the site’s location near active seismic faults.

TEPCO said it will focus on identifying the cause of the alarm before deciding when restart efforts can resume.

With another referendum off the table for at least two years, questions now turn to what role nuclear power could play in import-dependent Taiwan, an island still grappling with the threat of a Chinese blockade.

For nuclear energy researcher Suleyman Turkes, the way forward lies in international partnerships.

“The way forward for Taiwan should start with cooperation, agreements on SMR (small modular reactor) technology, and Generation III reactors with big international companies, like the United States, France, South Korea, and Japan,” said Turkes, who studies nuclear energy and energy policies at Turkey’s Academic Research Institute (Akademik Araştırma Enstitüsü).

“This partnership will bring not only reactors, but also the transfer of safety culture and operational standards,” he told Global South World . 

Turkes outlined a three-step roadmap he believes could guide Taiwan’s nuclear future: first, revive decommissioned reactors; second, work with foreign partners to build new plants; and third, develop local expertise to design Taiwan’s own next-generation reactors.

He noted that jointly built facilities could be completed faster, a key advantage if Taiwan decides to quickly scale back on energy imports, which currently shoulder roughly 98% of its consumption. 

In the meantime, he suggested reviving Maanshan and other previously decommissioned reactors to serve as a “bridge” between old and new facilities for up to two more decades.

Over the longer term, Turkes said Taiwan must invest in its own academic institutions and researchers to sustain nuclear capacity.

“Taiwan must also think of its own capacity, its own nuclear know-how,” he said. “Because if you only use foreign technology, maybe you solve today's problem, but not tomorrow’s.”

“Universities should expand their nuclear program, and new research and development centres must come. Young engineers should also join international projects,” he added.

Although critics argue that nuclear power only contributes around 5% of Taiwan’s energy mix, Turkes said the impact of completely abandoning it would go far beyond that figure.

“That 5% share from nuclear will not only be replaced by fossil fuels, but it can only be replaced by imported fossil fuels. And this means Taiwan will move away from net zero, more exposed to global price change, and under more political pressure from suppliers,” he said.

“Losing nuclear is just not losing 5%. It's losing competitiveness, losing stability, losing also the credibility of climate commitments.”

While recognising Taiwan’s potential to expand renewable energy such as solar and wind, Turkes stressed that these could only operate at a supporting capacity due to storage and reliability issues.

Nuclear, he argued, can deliver the same output with far greater stability.

“The best way for Taiwan's energy security is nuclear,” he said. “Nuclear not only reduces fossil dependence, it's the backbone of the system.”

Saturday’s outcome effectively seals the phaseout of nuclear power on the island, once a cornerstone of its electricity mix, and fulfils the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s pledge to create a “nuclear-free homeland.” 

What happens next remains uncertain. For some analysts, the strong but insufficient support for nuclear power could prompt policymakers to rethink their hardline stance.

“The result sends a very strong signal to the government that more Taiwanese people, in fact, are not in favour of the government's current stance of completely ruling out nuclear power as one of the sources of energy for Taiwan,” William Hao-Wei Yang, a Taiwanese analyst with the International Crisis Group, told Global South World .

“This result has already pushed the government to come out and positively respond to the more than 4.3 million Taiwanese people's votes,” he added. “I believe that this could lead to further reconsideration for the ruling party regarding its longstanding opposition to nuclear power.”

Turnout, more than the arguments from the anti-nuclear camp, proved decisive in the referendum. Only about a quarter of Taiwan’s nearly 20 million eligible voters cast their ballots, leading to the sub-threshold result.

Yang argues that limited public engagement stemmed from poor communication and a lack of emphasis from political leaders.

“This issue hasn't really been the defining topic that has mobilised a large number of Taiwanese people to come out and participate in voting,” he said. “Neither the opposition parties nor the ruling party has put enough emphasis on this particular topic.”

“This remains an issue that needs more public discussion and perhaps more, you know, grassroots level public education so that Taiwanese people have a broader understanding about where they might want to stand on this particular issue going forward,” he added. 

Nuclear not gone for good

Doing away with nuclear power has long been a signature promise of the Democratic Progressive Party, giving the August referendum undeniable political undertones.

“In Taiwan, relevant conversations oftentimes become too politicised, and that overshadows the necessary scientific factors and elements that should be included in the discussion and debate," Yang said.

While the outcome bolstered the party’s credibility in pursuing its “nuclear-free homeland” policy, it also exposed growing unease with its uncompromising stance, according to Yang.

“(Saturday’s) outcome means more than just their energy policy,” he said. “(It reflects the) public's discontent with the approach that the ruling party has adopted since President Lai Ching-te came to power in May 2024,” 

“I think we might in fact see a fundamental shift — or at least an adjustment — from the ruling party when it comes to their policies on energy,” he added. “It could set off a re-evaluation within the ruling party about the validity of its political slogan (nuclear-free homeland).”

After the vote, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a staunch opponent of nuclear power, acknowledged what he called “society’s expectations for diverse energy options.”

"If in the future, the technology becomes safer, nuclear waste is reduced, and societal acceptance increases, we will not rule out advanced nuclear energy," he told reporters on Saturday.

That tentative opening could leave a path forward for nuclear power in Taiwan, Yang noted.

“Based on the consensus and the government's positive response to the outcome, it could probably help find that path for civil society, but also Taiwan as a whole, to move forward when it comes to resolving the current dilemma that Taiwan faces when it comes to improving energy resilienc in a scientific and safe way,” the analyst said.

A path forward

Debates over nuclear power in Taiwan have largely focused on health concerns, energy security, and the economy, and arguments for nuclear power have mostly centred on restarting decades-old plants . 

Pro-nuclear groups often point to Taiwan’s reliance on imports for about 98% of its energy, a vulnerability for the world’s leading semiconductor maker. Before its shutdown, nuclear power provided about 5.3% of the island’s electricity supply.

Yang warned that without a serious policy rethink, this dependence will persist.

“Before the government really adjusts its energy policy and makes a public commitment to pursue advanced nuclear-based energy solutions, Taiwan, unfortunately, will continue to have to rely on 98% of its energy imported from abroad,” he said. 

Yang also underscored the need for a more nuanced approach to Taiwan’s energy problems.

“At this point, the majority of the Taiwanese public's understanding about different types of nuclear energy solutions remains very limited, and that is not going to help push relevant conversations forward,” he said. 

“The government will have to genuinely consider taking the initiative to organise nationwide local-level information sessions to raise public awareness about relevant issues, and then that can lead to a better-informed public and also a better-informed policymaking process.” 

While Saturday’s referendum failed to overturn the standing nuclear-free homeland policy, Yang believes it could mark the beginning of a broader discussion in Taiwan. 

“I think it will accelerate the domestic discussion, and it really sends a sense of urgency that will push politicians, both the government but also lawmakers in the parliament, to try to come together and determine a path forward for maintaining Taiwan's energy resilience and at the same time ensuring its ability to provide a stable energy supply.”

“I do believe that the decision of not continuing that decades-old power plant for the safety risk reasons and the sustainability reasons, and also the nuclear waste processing issues are valid,” Yang told Global South World.  

Bringing an ageing facility back online is not a long-term solution, he added. 

“When it comes back to the particular issue of whether restarting a decommissioned nuclear power plant is the solution or not, I hold some doubt against the argument that restarting that should be the primary solution that Taiwan needs to consider.”

Taiwan once operated three nuclear facilities with six total reactors, but the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) pledged to phase out nuclear power after coming to office in 2016.

The Chinshan plant, the country’s first, saw its two reactors closed in December 2018 and July 2019. At the Kuosheng site, the first unit was expected to run until late 2021 but was shut down months earlier because of limited storage space for spent fuel, while the second unit ceased operation in March 2023.

Work on the Lungmen power station, launched in 1999, was repeatedly delayed by political and legal disputes. Unit 1 was placed in long-term storage in 2015, while construction of Unit 2 was halted the year before.

Yang said Saturday’s referendum would be critical both to Taiwan’s future energy resilience and the Democratic Progressive Party’s promise of a nuclear-free homeland .

“The current government's legitimacy and credibility as an advocate for a nuclear-free Taiwan hinges on the outcome of this referendum,” he said. “But of course, I think there are other realistic steps that will be taken before an actual restart of the nuclear power plant.” 

“It's not a very easy process to just say if the referendum's outcome favours restarting the nuclear power plan, then that would then immediately lead to the restart of that power plant,” Yang added. 

Dependence on imports

Another factor shaping the debate is Taiwan’s reliance on imported energy, which accounts for more than 97% of supply. 

Pro-nuclear groups argue this leaves the island vulnerable to global market shifts and geopolitical risks.

“That (importing) would basically force the country to be in a vulnerable position if the supply gets disrupted by commercial reasons or there are disputes between Taiwan and the source of the country that it usually imports those energy sources,” Yang said. 

“If one day China decided to disrupt the shipping of those energy sources into Taiwan, then that would suddenly make Taiwan very vulnerable and exposed,” he added. 

Concerns about a potential Chinese blockade, however, were unlikely to weigh heavily on voters in this referendum, according to Yang. 

“If Taiwan is able to ensure its imported energy supply remains steady, and also ensures that it has the ability to try to deal with potential challenges that could disrupt these energy import schedules, then whether to restart the nuclear power plant or not will have little to do with Taiwan's current status or state of energy supply.”

Saturday’s vote will also be crucial to Taiwan’s flagship semiconductor industry. 

As the world’s biggest manufacturer of advanced chips, the country’s Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) alone accounts for about 8% of total usage, a figure projected to rise to 24% by 2030.

“As Taiwan continues to attract more high-end semiconductor chip manufacturing and tries to increase its pivot toward the AI chip production becoming a hub, the energy supply, both the stability of that and also the sustainability, has come into question,” Yang said. 

Looking beyond the referendum, Yang said Taiwan must prepare for the future rather than the past. 

“In order for Taiwan to become more resilient, it is necessary to consider other, much safer and more advanced and developed new power that might involve some type of safer nuclear source,” he said.

The power plant located in Pingtung County's Hengchun Township, in southern Taiwan, began operations in 1985. It was one of three operational nuclear sites in Taiwan, which started building nuclear plants in the 1970s.

In 1985, after Maanshan came online, nuclear power accounted for a significant 52.4% of the island's electricity generation.

Key points about the referendum

The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) proposed the referendum on April 18, with support from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), and it is seen by some as a "direct-democracy counteroffensive" by the KMT after a mass recall vote, where voters are allowed to remove elected officials from office, which threatened their parliamentary majority. Allegations were made that the KMT had close ties to China.

The referendum will specifically ask voters if they agree that the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operation upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns.

Arguments for restarting

Supporters of the referendum, including TPP and KMT, argue that nuclear power provides stable electricity with low carbon emissions, unlike weather-dependent solar and wind. They highlight Taiwan's reliance on imported fossil fuels and potential national security risks in the event of a Chinese blockade. The semiconductor industry, a world leader in Taiwan, requires large amounts of stable electricity, and there have been recent power outages.

Arguments against restarting 

Opponents, such as the National Nuclear Abolition Action Platform and the Pingtung County government, warn of seismic risks due to the plant's location near a fault line above the Manila Trench, an area with a high earthquake risk. They also cite unresolved nuclear waste issues and the high cost of extending operations. Opponents also argue that the decommissioning of the plant reflected social consensus and that the sudden referendum challenges procedural justice and local rights.

Nuclear phase-out plan

The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant’s second reactor (Maanshan-2) was shut down in May 2025, after 40 years of service. Its first reactor was turned off in 2024. This shutdown was in line with the "nuclear-free homeland" policy announced in 2016 by the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Following the decommissioning of Chinshan in 2019 and Kuosheng in 2022, Maanshan was Taiwan's last nuclear power plant reactor to be shut down. As of May 2025, none of Taiwan's energy is generated domestically using nuclear power.

Historical context

While Taiwan once relied on nuclear power for over half its electricity in the 1980s, this share fell to about 6% in 2023. Anti-nuclear sentiment grew after events like the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which led to significant public opposition and protests. 

Previous nuclear-related referendums include a 2018 proposal on using nuclear to support green energy, which passed, and a 2021 proposal on "restarting the Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant", which failed.

Threshold for passage

For the proposal to pass , "agree" votes must exceed "disagree" votes and make up at least one-quarter of Taiwan’s 5 million eligible voters. If rejected, the same question cannot be raised again for two years.

Amid heightened regional tensions and U.S.-led military strikes, Iranian lawmakers are considering a potential withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), a move that would mirror North Korea’s 2003 exit, the only such case to date. North Korea withdrew from the NPT in January 2003, citing threats to national security and later conducted its first nuclear test in 2006. Since then, it has remained the only country to formally leave the treaty. Other non-signatories include India, Israel, Pakistan, and South Sudan. Iran, a signatory since 1970, continues to deny pursuing nuclear weapons. However, the Iranian parliament is now reviewing the country’s NPT membership.

Russia to help North Korea produce Shahed drones, says Ukrainian intelligence

Russia has agreed to assist North Korea in establishing domestic production sites for Iranian-designed Shahed drones, according to Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency (GUR). In addition to drone technology, Western intelligence indicates that North Korea is receiving Russian assistance with its advanced missile systems, space programs, and nuclear capabilities. This support comes amid Pyongyang’s increased involvement in the Ukraine conflict, making it the only nation beyond the main belligerents to reportedly send troops to the front lines. The two countries formalised their growing military cooperation with a mutual defence pact signed in June 2024, solidifying what analysts see as a deepening strategic alliance.

North Korea fires over 10 rockets following U.S.–South Korea–Japan drills

North Korea launched more than 10 rockets into the Yellow Sea on Thursday, a day after South Korea conducted joint air drills with the United States and Japan, according to South Korean military sources. The projectiles were fired from Pyongyang’s upgraded 240-millimetre multiple rocket launcher system, unveiled in 2023. The system is reportedly capable of targeting key population centres, including the Seoul metropolitan area. A South Korean military official said the rockets travelled several tens of kilometres before landing in the Yellow Sea.

North Korea enforces harsh restrictions years after COVID-19, says U.N. official

North Korea continues to enforce severe civil rights restrictions more than two years after the global COVID-19 emergency was declared over, according to James Heenan, the U.N. Human Rights Office representative in Seoul. Despite the World Health Organisation lifting the global emergency status in 2023, North Korea has maintained strict lockdown measures, intensified border controls, and restricted nearly all cross-border activity. Reports indicate that “shoot-to-kill” orders remain in effect along the China border, enforced by North Korean special forces.

Zelenskyy warns of rising threat from North Korea’s missile support to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia poses a significant threat to global security. In his June 20 video address, Zelenskyy cited the increasing use of North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles, now reportedly upgraded, against Ukrainian targets, describing it as evidence of deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. The Ukrainian leader warned that Russia consistently intervenes to protect its allies from international consequences and is actively facilitating North Korea’s and Iran’s weapons capabilities.

On Sunday, June 15, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel and Iran may “have to fight it out” amid ongoing airstrikes between the two nations, but expressed hope that a deal could still be reached. Trump made the remarks before boarding Air Force One en route to the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada. When asked about his efforts to de-escalate tensions. “I hope there’s going to be a deal. I think it’s time for a deal… but sometimes they have to fight it out,” he said. The statement followed an Israeli airstrike last week that targeted a nuclear facility and military sites in Iran, reportedly killing dozens. Israel said the operation was necessary to hinder Iran’s progress toward developing a nuclear weapon.

Israel’s strikes renew focus on Iran nuclear strike challenges

Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian military facilities, including nuclear sites, have revived concerns over the feasibility of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. A March report from the Royal United Services Institute indicates that such an operation would require extensive firepower and U.S. assistance. Even then, penetrating Iran’s deeply buried enrichment sites would be difficult. The Natanz facility was targeted, but the depth of its underground infrastructure—estimated at around 8 meters—remains uncertain. The report concludes that military action should be considered only as a last resort due to operational and escalation risks.

Iranian missile strikes injure, trap Israeli civilians

Emergency teams in Israel are treating the wounded and rescuing individuals trapped in residential buildings following Iranian missile strikes on central and coastal areas, according to Israeli authorities. Two high-rise buildings in central Israel were hit, leaving people trapped in elevators, Israel Fire and Rescue reported . Footage from Reuters showed significant structural damage to an apartment block and emergency responders conducting search operations. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency service, stated that it has transported 12 individuals to hospitals and is treating several for minor injuries. A 10-year-old boy is reported to be in serious condition.

IAEA confirms no external radiation after Natanz strike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Monday that there is potential for radiological and chemical contamination inside Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility following Israeli airstrikes. However, radiation levels outside the site remain normal. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that uranium poses a significant health risk if inhaled or ingested, but the danger can be mitigated with appropriate protective equipment. He emphasised that there is no radiological impact on the population or environment and noted that no further damage was observed at Natanz or the Isfahan nuclear site since Saturday. Grossi made the remarks during an emergency IAEA board session requested by Russia.

European markets open slightly higher amid Israel-Iran tensions

Major European stock indexes opened modestly higher on Monday. Oil prices remained elevated and volatile due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict. Following Israel’s strike on Iranian nuclear and military sites, oil surged over 7% on Friday, reflecting Tehran’s role as a key global producer despite sanctions. Concerns about supply disruption have persisted but eased slightly early Monday. U.S. benchmark crude traded at $73.71 per barrel, while Brent crude stood at $74.00, down from Friday’s peak but still about 7% above pre-conflict levels.

Vietnam’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, outlined in Resolution 57, was praised at the launch of the 2025 Human Development Report in Hanoi for advancing national development and contributing to the country’s rising Human Development Index (HDI), which reached 0.766 in 2023. Experts from the UN, UNESCO, and academia highlighted Vietnam’s progress in digital infrastructure, workforce development, and AI integration across key sectors. However, they also urged the government to establish a national ethical framework for AI, strengthen legal protections, and enhance public education to ensure AI development remains inclusive and human-focused.

Bank leads profit

As of Q1 2025, Vietnam's banking sector remains the most profitable, dominating the country's corporate earnings with 8 out of the top 10 spots and 12 of the top 20, reflecting its central role in financing infrastructure and consumer growth. In contrast, China, while still led by state-owned banks like ICBC and CCB, is gradually shifting profit centres toward tech giants like Tencent and Alibaba. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to lead globally in profits through its innovation-driven tech sector, with companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia at the forefront.

Death sentence cancelled

The Lao Cai provincial police have confirmed that 10 death row inmates at a local detention facility have had their sentences officially commuted, following a clemency order signed by President Luong Cuong on April 23. This act of leniency, part of a broader national effort, marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification and reflects the state’s commitment to compassion and rehabilitation, even for those convicted of the most serious crimes. The decision underscores the Vietnamese government’s humane approach to justice and social reintegration.

Belarus-Vietnam partnership

Belarus and Vietnam have officially established a strategic partnership , following high-level talks in Minsk on Monday between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, To Lam. President Lukashenko pledged to enforce existing agreements strongly and emphasised Belarus’ interest in deepening bilateral trade. He proposed joint production ventures, particularly in equipment manufacturing, and expressed readiness to resume military-industrial exports to Vietnam.

Nuclear power plant

Russia and Vietnam have agreed to swiftly negotiate and sign intergovernmental agreements for the construction of nuclear power plants in Vietnam, according to a joint statement released during Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam’s visit to Moscow. The two countries committed to using advanced technology and adhering strictly to nuclear and radiation safety standards. The agreement is aimed at boosting Vietnam’s socio-economic development and meeting the country’s growing energy demands.

"Iran's nuclear technology is in the minds of our scientists—it cannot be bombed," Araghchi said. He also emphasized that Iran’s nuclear facilities are dispersed and well-protected.

Addressing concerns over regional conflict, Araghchi accused Israel of seeking to draw the U.S. into war.

"If an attack happens, it could ignite a widespread fire in the region. This is precisely Israel’s plan to entangle America in a war, where it is extremely vulnerable," he warned in an exclusive interview with the AFP.

Regarding Syria, Araghchi stated that Iran is closely monitoring the situation and remains open to diplomatic engagement, emphasising the need for the right conditions.

Dr Stephen Yamoah, the head of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) , said the country is still following its original plan set in 2015, but starting operations by 2030 is no longer possible.

He explained that the process depends on choosing the right company to build the plant and finding the money to pay for it. If these delays continue, construction could be pushed even further.

Ghana is pushing for nuclear power to boost its energy supply, support industries, and grow the economy.

The government has already chosen a location for the plant at Nsuban in the Western Region, with a backup site at Obotan in the Central Region.

At the moment, experts are studying these sites to get final approval from the country’s nuclear regulator.

A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is also in Ghana to check if the site selection process follows international safety standards.

The team, led by Kazuyuki Nagasawa, will release an initial report next week and a full report within two months.

Professor Samuel Dampare, the head of Ghana’s Atomic Energy Commission, said the country has completed the first phase of its nuclear program, including setting up the right institutions and getting government approval.

The next phase, selecting the final site, is an important step and follows strict safety rules.

Officials believe nuclear power will help Ghana secure reliable electricity, grow its industries, and protect the environment.

The project is important to Vietnam’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and supporting its plan for economic growth, local news reports say. The government says electricity production must grow by 15-18% annually to keep up with its ambitions for double-digit GDP growth.

The nuclear power plan was initially approved in 2009 but was paused in 2016 over safety concerns and high costs.

It was restarted by the National Assembly in late 2024, considering its importance for Vietnam’s energy future.

The government has begun working on a detailed five-year timeline to meet its 2030 deadline. Authorities in Ninh Thuan are preparing the area for construction, including upgrading local infrastructure and helping residents affected by the project.

Prime Minister Chinh emphasised that Vietnam needs to focus on nuclear energy to meet rising energy demands. He called for better training programs for nuclear experts and closer collaboration with international organisations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Vietnam’s energy company, EVN, will lead the project, with plans to work with global consultants to ensure safety and efficiency.

The government is also creating new policies to attract skilled workers, support funding, and encourage private investment in the project.

According to him, the nuclear reactor will be the first adopted by the country.

“We want to have the first research reactor by 2030, for which we are seeking to train 400 experts over a seven-year period,” Alvarez was quoted .

The government has also indicated its commitment to training dozens of specialists in the field of nuclear energy.

The Directorate signed a cooperation agreement with US-based Thorium Energy Alliance in March 2023, to explore the generation of nuclear energy with thorium fuel.

International organizations estimate that one ton of thorium can produce as much energy as 200 tons of uranium, or 3,500,000 tons of coal.

Last March, Alvarez and Vice Foreign Minister Adriana Mira presented the legal instruments to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the generation of nuclear energy.

Government as part of its nuclear energy programme also signed a memorandum of understanding with Argentina's National Atomic Energy Commission earlier this month.

This was one of several bilateral agreements coinciding with the visit to Argentina by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele including the promotion of the exchange of information, scientific and technical visits, expert missions and training opportunities.

El Salvador President, President Nayib Bukele, hopes to improve the economic and scientific development of his country through nuclear energy.

The construction of Turkey's first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, is currently facing delays. Siemens Energy is reportedly withholding critical parts required by Russia's Rosatom, which is now seeking alternatives from Chinese manufacturers. According to The Jerusalem Post , despite Turkey's energy minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, asserting that substitutes have been identified by Rosatom, the failure to deliver components from Siemens is likely to defer the reactor's operational timeline by several months. Originally expected to commence in 2023, Turkey's nuclear ambitions are further complicated by ongoing customs challenges related to German exports, as noted by President Tayyip Erdogan.

Arab League summit

In a separate development, Syria's delegation notably exited the Arab League summit in Cairo during Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's address. This act of protest underscores the prevailing tensions between Turkey and various Arab nations, despite Ankara's recent attempts to normalise relations and mend diplomatic ties. The episode reveals ongoing discussions within the Arab League regarding Turkey's role and influence in the region, particularly in light of Syria's re-admission to the bloc last year, Medya News reports.

Putin's visit to Turkey

Additionally, Vladimir Putin's planned visit to Turkey has been repeatedly postponed due to concerns over potential assassination threats from Ukraine. Reports indicate that Putin has requested Russian fighter jets for escort services during his journey, a request that presents operational challenges for Turkey, considering its NATO affiliation. Furthermore, security apprehensions have led to demands for alternate accommodations, specifically government guest houses instead of conventional hotels, with concerns being expressed about U.S.-owned properties, Express news report indicates.

Billets imports

In terms of trade, Turkey's imports of billets and blooms experienced noteworthy fluctuations in July 2023, amounting to 261,251 metric tons. This figure marks a significant 58.9% increase from the preceding month but reflects a 7.8% decline compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, from January to July, imports dropped by 29.5%, totalling 1,584,972 metric tons, with the import value decreasing by 33.0% to $903.28 million. According to Steel Orbis , Russia retained its status as the leading supplier, contributing 321,417 metric tons, followed by Indonesia and Malaysia. The data indicates a stark trend of diminishing imports and revenue year-on-year.

Air defence system

On a more technical front, Turkey has successfully completed its Çelik Kubbe (Steel Dome) air defence system, a significant step towards bolstering national security via sophisticated multilayered protections. Designed collaboratively by Aselsan, Roketsan, and TÜBİTAK SAGE, the system aims to integrate a variety of air defence resources while employing artificial intelligence for centralised oversight and real-time situational awareness, Defense News indicates. The structure of the Steel Dome encompasses three distinct layers: short-range defences (Korkut guns and Sungur missiles), medium-range capacities (Hisar A+ and Hisar O missiles), and an outer layer for long-range engagements (SİPER missiles).

As of May 2024, the World Nuclear Association reported that Nuclear power supplies roughly 10% of global electricity via approximately 440 operational power reactors. It also contributes to nearly a quarter of the world's electricity with low carbon emissions.

However, there are several countries where nuclear energy is not just a part of the energy mix but a dominant force. Here is a list of countries based on data provided by Ember and Energy Institute:

France

France has the highest dependence on nuclear energy, with 65% of its electricity coming from nuclear power plants. It has a large nuclear power programme and is home to some of the oldest and most prominent nuclear power plants worldwide.

Slovakia

Slovakia relies heavily on nuclear energy, with 62% of its electricity generated from nuclear power plants. The country has four operational nuclear reactors, with two more under construction.

Ukraine

Ukraine relies heavily on nuclear energy, with 55% of its electricity generated from nuclear power plants. The country has 15 operational nuclear reactors, with more under construction.

Hungary

Hungary's dependence on nuclear energy stands at 44%. The Paks Nuclear Power Plant is the country's only nuclear power plant but is being expanded to increase its capacity.

Finland

Finland's dependence on nuclear energy stands at 42%. The country has four operational nuclear reactors, with a fifth under construction.

Belgium

Belgium's dependence on nuclear energy stands at 41%. The country has three operational nuclear power plants, which are scheduled to be shut down by 2025 to diminish dependency levels.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic's dependence on nuclear energy stands at 40%. The country has six operational nuclear reactors, with two more under construction.

The second US-African nuclear summit aims to offer a platform for U.S. officials from government, academia, industry, and national laboratories to engage in critical dialogues with ministers, leaders, policymakers, and technical experts from Africa.

According to Kenya, a country which wants to set up a nuclear power plant, it will use the summit to its advantage of getting experts and funding on board.

“Kenya will use this forum to make a big pronouncement on what we want to do with the nuclear power programme. Because this falls into something we call political commitment where the top -leadership will give comfort to technology providers dealing with nuclear technology,” Justus Wabuyabo, the Chief Executive Officer of Nupea- the nuclear agency in charge of Kenya's planned nuclear plant- said on Monday, June 17.

Kenya also aims to begin the construction of its nuclear power plant in 2027, with a projected completion date of 2034.

Despite the long-revealed significance of nuclear power, some countries in the world are yet to take the bold step of revolutionising their electricity and power sectors.

In Africa, South Africa is currently the only nation harnessing nuclear energy to generate electricity. Meanwhile, Egypt is actively developing nuclear power plants with a total capacity of 4,400 megawatts (MWe).

In a bid to join the nuclear energy club, Kenya and Ghana are vigorously pursuing the construction of their nuclear power plants which signals a new era in Africa's energy scene.

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power station , located in Niigata on Japan’s main island Honshu, spans Kashiwazaki City and Kariwa Village. The site comprises seven power-generating units with a total output of 8.212 million kW.

The reactivation of the seventh unit is part of a broader effort to bring five reactors nationwide back online by 2025. However, this pace remains below government targets, which aim for nuclear energy to constitute about a fifth of the power mix by 2030, according to the analysts.

"The current schedule would require Japan to nearly double its active nuclear capacity between the end of 2025 and 2030," noted O’Neil and Kim. They added, "The shortfall left by delays in the nuclear restart program will largely be met by gas generation."

According to their projections, there would be an 11% monthly average fall in power prices in 2024 compared to the previous year attributed to a combination of low demand and higher supply from nuclear restarts as well as additional wind and solar generation.

This will mark the first time Tepco operates a nuclear reactor under the stringent safety regulations instituted after the catastrophic meltdowns at its Fukushima Dai-Ichi facility in 2011, Bloomberg reports.

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, the power supply and cooling systems of three Fukushima Daiichi reactors were disabled, leading to a nuclear disaster .

The incident, rated level 7 on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale, resulted in extensive radioactive releases over several days. While there were no deaths or cases of radiation sickness directly attributed to the accident, over 100,000 people were evacuated as a precautionary measure.­

What they said

Deputy Director for power in charge of nuclear and alternative energy, Robert Sogbadji was quoted as saying , “Cabinet will approve the final choice. It can be one vendor or two nations; it will depend on the financial model and the technical details”. According to him, 16 countries and companies had responded to the government's request for vendors, but a technical team of state agencies led by the energy ministry narrowed it down to the current five nations.

The decision is expected to be revealed by the end of 2024, Semafor reports.

While initial reports set lofty targets for Ghana's nuclear capacity, including 700 megawatts (MW) ready for commissioning by 2025, a joint study conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency and UN-Energy in 2006 suggested a more realistic goal of a 300MW reactor by 2025.

Ghana's collaboration with Rosatom initiated through a nuclear cooperation agreement signed in 2015, underscores its commitment to nuclear development.

However, Yamoah conceded that Ghana may miss its 2030 plant construction target due to vendor selection delays. Construction is slated to commence in 2026, with an estimated completion timeline of five years.

Dr Robert Sogbadzie, Deputy Director of Power at the Ministry of Energy, outlined Ghana's ambitious goals for nuclear energy utilization. The country aims for nuclear power to constitute 5% of its energy mix by 2030, substantially increasing to 35% by 2070. Sogbadzie stressed that the selection criteria prioritize factors such as cost-effectiveness and technological suitability, with political considerations taking a back seat.

The country aims to integrate nuclear power into its existing mix of hydro, thermal, and renewable energy sources.

What they said

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa expressed confidence in the prospects of securing preffered bidders. “We are excited about the prospects and we are confident about our ability to ensure that within a reasonable period of time we are able (to announce) preferred bidders,” she said. Senior Energy Ministry official Zizamele Mbambo on her part noted that South Africa experts to commission the first unit of the 2,500 MW nuclear plant in a decade. “We must issue an open and transparent tender that makes sure there is cost competitiveness," Mbambo was quoted by Reuters .