IAEA Top News

• Update on Developments in Iran
  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is continuing to closely monitor and assess the situation regarding the Israeli attacks on nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran, providing frequent public updates about developments and their possible consequences for human health and the environment, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.
  
• Update 297 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine
  The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been informed that challenges related to the availability of cooling water and off-site power will need to be fully resolved before any of its reactors can be restarted, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.
  
• Nuclear Techniques Make Waves at UN Ocean Conference
  At the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, IAEA scientists highlighted the role of nuclear technology in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
  
• Led by IAEA, International Team Samples Treated Water under Additional Measures at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led a team of international experts to collect samples today of ALPS treated water stored at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) prior to the water’s dilution with seawater and its discharge to the sea.
  
• IAEA Director General's Introductory Statement to the Board of Governors
  Introductory Statement to the Board of Governors by IAEA Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi.
  
• IAEA and MedAccess Launch Partnership to Expand Access to Cancer Care
  The IAEA and UK social enterprise MedAccess have launched a new partnership under the Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All initiative.
  
• Director General Grossi’s Statement to UNSC on Situation in Iran
  Statement to the United Nations Security Council on the Situation in Iran by IAEA Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi.
  
• Statement on the Situation in Iran
  Statement on the Situation in Iran by IAEA Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi.
  
• Update 296 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine
  Nuclear safety remains precarious at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and its six reactors cannot be restarted as long as the military conflict continues to jeopardize the situation at the site, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told IAEA Member States this week.
  
• IAEA and FAO Conduct First Atoms4Food Assessment Mission to Burkina Faso
  In a critical step toward addressing food insecurity in West Africa, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have launched their first joint Atoms4Food Initiative Assessment Mission in Burkina Faso. 
  
• US Laboratory Team Leader Wins IAEA Nuclear Fusion Prize for 2024
  A paper on fusion neutron sources by a team from the United States of America’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the University of Rochester has won the IAEA’s annual Nuclear Fusion prize.
  
• Director General Briefs Board on Iran Developments, Syria, Ukraine and More
  The IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi briefed the Board of Governors today on his support for bilateral negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America to find a mutually acceptable agreement that ensures the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.
  
• Celebrating the IAEA’s Archive – Documents and Images of a Global Mission
  Delve into the rich history of the IAEA through our extensive collection of documents and images, showcasing our mission to promote the peaceful use of atomic energy for global peace, health, and prosperity.
  
• IAEA Director General's Introductory Statement to the Board of Governors
  Introductory Statement to the Board of Governors by IAEA Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi.
  
• Director General in Syria to Strengthen Cooperation in Safeguards, Cancer Care and Food Security
  The IAEA Director General has been in Syria this week to clarify remaining safeguards issues and support the country’s use of nuclear science and technology in the areas of human health, particularly cancer care and food and agriculture.
  

IAEA Fukushima Status Reports

• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 21 February 2025
  On 21 February 2025, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during November, which t
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 1 February 2025
  On 1 February 2025, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during October, which th
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 1 February 2025
  On 1 February 2025, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during September, which t
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 28 November 2024
  On 28 November 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during August, which the
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 6 November 2024
  The Japanese Government has provided the IAEA with a report that summarizes the events and highlights the progress related to recovery operations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 29 October 2024
  On 29 October 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during July, which the Mi
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 2 October 2024
  On 1 October 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during June, which the Min
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 11 July 2024
  On 10 July 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during May, which the Minist
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 13 June 2024
  On 13 June 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during April, which the Min
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 13 June 2024
  On 13 June 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during March, which the Mini
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 25 March 2024
  On 22 March 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during February, which the
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 5 March 2024
  On 5 March 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during January, which the Mi
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 18 January 2024
  On 18 January 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during December, which th
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 27 December 2023
  On 27 December 2023, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during November, which the Ministry of Fore
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 21 November 2023
  On 21 November 2023, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during October, which th
  

Union of Concerned Scientists

• Nuclear Security Agency Responds To UCS Scientist's Concerns
  Nuclear Security Agency Responds To UCS Scientist's Concerns 2025 Omari Spears Mon, 01/13/2025 - 13:03 Read press release
  
• Millions of Midwesterners Benefit from Milestone Clean Energy Investment
  Millions of Midwesterners Benefit from Milestone Clean Energy Investment 2024 Omari Spears Thu, 12/12/2024 - 15:36 Read press release
  
• California Passes First-in-the-Nation Bidirectional EV Charging Bill
  California Passes First-in-the-Nation Bidirectional EV Charging Bill 2024 chris bliss Thu, 12/12/2024 - 14:07 Read blog post
  
• Clean Energy and Environmental Justice Win in Massachusetts
  Clean Energy and Environmental Justice Win in Massachusetts 2024 Omari Spears Wed, 11/27/2024 - 13:50 Read press release
  
• After UCS Advocacy, >13 Million People Protected By New Ethylene Oxide Regulation
  After UCS Advocacy, >13 Million People Protected By New Ethylene Oxide Regulation 2024 Omari Spears Wed, 11/27/2024 - 12:24 Read press release
  
• New Federal Rules to Modernize US Power Grid Cite UCS
  New Federal Rules to Modernize US Power Grid Cite UCS 2024 Omari Spears Wed, 06/05/2024 - 16:00 Read press release
  
• EPA Falsified Scientific Records in Ohio Train Derailment Disaster
  EPA Falsified Scientific Records in Ohio Train Derailment Disaster Omari Spears Tue, 05/28/2024 - 15:25 Administration Biden Topic Environment Public Health
  
• New EPA Rules Offer $370 Billion in Climate and Health Benefits
  New EPA Rules Offer $370 Billion in Climate and Health Benefits 2024 Omari Spears Mon, 05/06/2024 - 16:21 Read press release
  
• 7 Billion Tons of Climate Pollution Avoided Thanks to New UCS-backed Vehicle Standards
  7 Billion Tons of Climate Pollution Avoided Thanks to New UCS-backed Vehicle Standards 2024 Omari Spears Mon, 05/06/2024 - 16:16 Read blog
  
• More Than 12,000 Chemical Facilities Better Prepared for Disasters
  More Than 12,000 Chemical Facilities Better Prepared for Disasters 2024 Omari Spears Mon, 05/06/2024 - 16:00 Read blog
  

Nuclear Energy News -- ScienceDaily

• Heavy particles, big secrets: What happened right after the Big Bang
  Smashing atomic nuclei together at mind-bending speeds recreates the fiery conditions of the early universe and scientists are finally getting a better handle on what happens next. A sweeping new study dives deep into how ultra-heavy particles behave after these high-energy collisions, revealing they don t just vanish after the initial impact but continue interacting like silen...
  
• Cozmic’s Milky Way clones are cracking the universe’s dark code
  Scientists have built detailed Milky Way simulations under strange new physical laws to probe dark matter, revealing how different versions of the universe might behave and helping us get closer to the real one.
  
• Photons collide in the void: Quantum simulation creates light out of nothing
  Physicists have managed to simulate a strange quantum phenomenon where light appears to arise from empty space a concept that until now has only existed in theory. Using cutting-edge simulations, researchers modeled how powerful lasers interact with the so-called quantum vacuum, revealing how photons could bounce off each other and even generate new beams of light. These breakt...
  
• Listening to electrons talk
  Researchers present new experimental and theoretical results for the bound electron g-factor in lithium-like tin which has a much higher nuclear charge than any previous measurement. The experimental accuracy reached a level of 0.5 parts per billion. Using an enhanced interelectronic QED method, the theoretical prediction for the g-factor reached a precision of 6 parts per bill...
  
• Engineers discover a new class of materials that passively harvest water from air
  A serendipitous observation has led to a surprising discovery: a new class of nanostructured materials that can pull water from the air, collect it in pores and release it onto surfaces without the need for any external energy. The research describes a material that could open the door to new ways to collect water from the air in arid regions and devices that cool electronics o...
  
• Investment risk for energy infrastructure construction is highest for nuclear power plants, lowest for solar
  The average energy project costs 40% more than expected for construction and takes almost two years longer than planned, finds a new global study. One key insight: The investment risk is highest for nuclear power plant construction and lowest for solar. The researchers analyzed data from 662 energy projects built between 1936 and 2024 in 83 countries, totaling $1.358 trillion i...
  
• Successful experiments at GSI/FAIR uncover new island of asymmetric fission
  An international team of scientists has identified an unexpected region of heavy, neutron-deficient isotopes in the nuclear chart where nuclear fission is predominantly governed by an asymmetric mode.
  
• Engineers tackle sunlight intermittency in solar desalination
  A team of engineers has developed a system that could transform desalination practices, making the process more adaptable, resilient and cheaper. The new system is powered by sunlight and uses a creative approach to heat recovery for extended water production -- with and without sunshine.
  
• Protons on the move
  Scientists have successfully relocated protons outside of an antimatter laboratory with the help of an autonomous, open Penning trap. This breakthrough marks a significant step toward transporting antiprotons produced at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) to high-precision laboratories, which operate independently of the research facility. Extremely precise m...
  
• Removing selenium from water takes iron strength
  Environmental engineers have developed critical methods to remove toxic selenium from water.
  
• Smart spongy device captures water from thin air
  Engineers have invented a sponge-like device that captures water from thin air and then releases it in a cup using the sun's energy, even in low humidity where other technologies such as fog harvesting and radiative cooling have struggled. The water-from-air device remained effective across a broad range of humidity levels (30 -- 90%) and temperatures (5 -- 55 degrees Celsius).
  
• New silver mass brings us a step closer in our understanding of the antineutrino mass
  Neutrinos and antineutrinos are elementary particles with small but unknown mass. High-precision atomic mass measurements have revealed that beta decay of the silver-110 isomer has a strong potential to be used for the determination of electron antineutrino mass. The result is an important step paving the way for future antineutrino experiments.
  
• Big problem for fusion energy solved
  A new shortcut can help engineers design leak-proof magnetic confinement systems for fusion reactors 10 times as fast as the gold standard method, without sacrificing accuracy. While several other big challenges remain for all magnetic fusion designs, this advance addresses the biggest challenge that's specific to a type of fusion reactor first proposed in the 1950s, called a s...
  
• New theory of gravity brings long-sought Theory of Everything a crucial step closer
  Researchers have developed a new quantum theory of gravity which describes gravity in a way that's compatible with the Standard Model of particle physics, opening the door to an improved understanding of how the universe began.
  
• Are at-home water tests worth it? New study shows quality can vary widely
  For the cautious -- or simply curious -- homeowner, an at-home water testing kit may seem reassuring. But there are high levels of variability between test kits' abilities to detect potential contaminants in water, a new study has found.
  

Atomic Insights

• Using the bully pulpit to energize the atomic energy industry
  Part 1. Addressing the nuclear waste issue Nuclear power has been steadily regaining its political and public popularity for about a decade and a half. A number of new laws, head of state actions and international commission decisions have made it clear that nuclear energy’s reliability, contributions to economic growth, safety and cleanliness are valuable...
  
• Atomic Show #331 – Caleb Brooks, Kronos MMR Project lead for University of Illinois
  The University of Illinois-Urbana Champagne (UIUC) is planning to build a uniquely capable micro reactor project on its campus. For decades, the university hosted a traditional research reactor that supported important research projects and provided operating experience. But, like the majority of university research reactors, it did not produce any useful heat or electricity. K...
  
• Atomic Show #330 – Joe Klecha, CNO The Nuclear Company (TNC)
  The Nuclear Company (TNC) describes itself as “a fleet-scale American nuclear deployment company.” TNC is a young, visionary company driven by what business author Jim Collins describes as a BHAG – “Big Hairy Audacious Goal” – in his best-selling book titled Built To Last. TNC’s intermediate goal is to deploy 6 large nuclear reactors in...
  
• Atomic Show #329 – Dr. Kathryn Huff, former Assistant Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Energy
  The Honorable Dr. Kathryn Huff is an associate professor in the nuclear, plasma and radiological engineering department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is the director of the Advanced Reactor Fuels laboratory and currently specializes in nuclear reactor core neutronics and multi-physics modeling. She served as the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Nuclear En...
  
• Atomic Show #328 – Matt Loszak, CEO Aalo
  Aalo Atomics is a two year old micro reactor company founded by Matt Loszak, a serial entrepreneur, and Yasir Arafat, a skilled nuclear engineer who previously lead the DOE’s MARVEL advanced micro-reactor demonstration project. Note: At Nucleation Capital, we were impressed enough with the company and the team to add it to our growing portfolio...
  
• Atomic Show #327 – Rod Baltzer, CEO, Deep Isolation
  Deep Isolation is one of Nucleation Capital’s more impactful portfolio companies because its technology can enable greater success for most of the rest of the companies – and for the entire nuclear energy sector. The company has been developing, testing and refining its systematic approach to nuclear waste disposal for a decade. Despite the fact...
  
• Atomic Show #326 – Jigar Shah, former director of DOE Loan Programs Office
  Jigar Shah has had a lengthy career as an energy industry entrepreneur and strategic thinker. He founded Sun Edison and helped to create a new model for deploying solar power systems. He was part of the Carbon War Room and then founded Generate Capital to provide loans to proven technologies that had not yet achieved...
  
• Chris Wright on nuclear power, Nov 6, 2020
  Yesterday, Chris Wright was confirmed as the next U.S. Secretary of Energy. After that important step in his energy career, it’s worth taking a few moments to learn what he thinks about nuclear power outside of any political context. In my experience, people like Wright form and hold opinions that do not shift much over...
  
• Atomic Show #325 – Marco Visscher – The Power of Nuclear
  After many years as an independent journalist with an antinuclear bent, Marco Visscher began questioning his long-held beliefs. He realized that the accepted alternatives to fossil fuel were not actually reducing fossil fuel use so much as they were limiting the rate at which it was increasing. He began acknowledging that nuclear energy was a...
  
• Atomic Show #324 – Jay Hakes, Author of Presidents and the Planet
  Jay Hakes, an accomplished author and historian, visited the Atomic Show to talk about his recently published book, Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science and Politics from Eisenhower to Bush. Sometimes referred to as “the untold story of climate change,” Hake’s book is an enlightening jaunt through a history discovered during long days in...
  
• Atomic Show #323 – Julie Kozeracki, Director of Strategy, DOE Loan Programs Office
  Julie Kozeracki was the lead author for a U.S. Department of Energy strategy document titled Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Advanced Nuclear published in September 2024. The document was the result of a multi-agency, multi-lab effort to update a previously issued report. During our conversation, Kozeracki described how the report was informed by changes in the...
  
• Atomic Show #322 – Westinghouse’s eVinci micro reactor
  Westinghouse’s eVinci is a 15 MWth, 5 MWe micro reactor. Westinghouse often refers to it as a nuclear battery. Unlike conventional nuclear power plants, eVinci uses no water and doesn’t produce steam. The eVinci is not “just another way to boil water.” There are no pumps in the system that moves heat out of the...
  
• Atomic Show #321 – Andrew Harmon, VP Natura Resources
  The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a construction permit on September 16, 2024 to Abilene Christian University (ACU) to build a molten salt research reactor. This marked the first university research reactor approval in 30 years. It is the first liquid fuel reactor ever approved for construction by the NRC and only the second advanced...
  
• Matthew Marzano brings valuable education and experience to his potential role as NRC Commissioner
  Note: (Added Dec 3, 2024)I have come to the conclusion that Matthew Marzano is not an appropriate choice to be an NRC Commissioner. He should not be confirmed by the Senate, especially in the closing days of a lame duck session. Though he has respectable technical education and significant operational experience, he has largely been...
  
• Atomic Show #320 – Magnus Mori, Urenco
  Urenco is one of the few companies in the world that enriches uranium. It’s one of an even smaller group of enrichers that aren’t owned by the Russian, Chinese or Iranian governments. It plays a key role in the western world’s nuclear fuel cycle. That role became even more important after February, 2022. With the...
  

Energy News

• Energy Department Announces New Pathway to Test Advanced Reactors
  New pilot program unlocks private funding and provides fast track to commercial licensing
  
• Energy Secretary Wright Testifies Before Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on FY2026 Budget Request
  The FY2026 Budget delivers on President Trump’s directive to restore American energy dominance, unleash every American energy advantage, and bring commonsense back to Washington.
  
• Statement from Secretary Wright on Presidential Action Blocking Radical Green Agenda in the Columbia River Basin
  The Department of Energy today released a statement from U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on President Trump’s Presidential Memorandum halting the Biden Administration’s radical Columbia River Basin policy.
  
• Secretaries Wright, Burgum Join JERA and U.S. LNG Producers to Finalize Agreements Expected to Add over $200 Billion to U.S. GDP
  Secretary Wright and Secretary Burgum, vice-chair and chair of the National Energy Dominance Council respectively, announce the finalization of four 20-year agreements to purchase 5.5 million tons per year of American LNG.
  
• Energy Secretary Wright Testifies Before House Energy Subcommittee on FY2026 Budget Request
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright testified today before the U.S. House Energy Subcommittee on the Department of Energy’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.
  
• ICYMI: Energy Secretary Wright, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and Interior Secretary Burgum Visit Alaska to Advance Unleashing American Energy
  Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, met to advance President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential.
  
• ICYMI: Trump Administration Adds Two DOE Lithium Processing Projects to Federal Permitting Dashboard
  The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council announced increased transparency and accountability for the federal permitting of two Department of Energy (DOE) lithium processing projects.
  
• U.S. Department of Energy Issues 202(c) Emergency Order to Safeguard Electric Grid Reliability in PJM Interconnection
  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued an emergency order under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act.
  
• Secretary Wright Announces Termination of 24 Projects, Generating Over $3 Billion in Taxpayer Savings
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced the termination of 24 awards issued by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) totaling over $3.7 billion in taxpayer-funded financial assistance.
  
• DOE Issues LNG Export Authorization for Port Arthur Phase II, Advancing President Trump’s Commitment to Unleash American Energy
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today approved a final authorization for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) countries from Port Arthur LNG Phase II in Jefferson County, Texas, following the Response to Comments on the 2024 LNG Export Study issued on May 19.
  

Today in Energy

• EIA forecasts new export licensing requirements will reduce U.S. ethane exports
  We forecast U.S. ethane exports will decrease by 80,000 barrels per day (b/d) this year and by 177,000 b/d in 2026 in our June Short-Term Energy Outlook because of new licensing requirements for U.S. exports of ethane to China. Any policy changes that relax licensing requirements, such as the outcome of trade negotiations between the United States and China, would lead us to in...
  
• Amid regional conflict, the Strait of Hormuz remains critical oil chokepoint
  The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The strait is deep enough and wide enough to handle the world's largest crude oil tankers, and it is one of the world's most important oil chokepoints. Large volumes of oil flow through the strait, and very few alternative options exist to move oil out of th...
  
• U.S. natural gas storage capacity increased in 2024
  Underground working natural gas storage capacity in the Lower 48 states increased in 2024 according to our latest data. We calculate natural gas storage capacity in two ways: demonstrated peak capacity and working gas design capacity. Both increased in 2024. Underground natural gas storage provides a source of energy when demand increases, balancing U.S. energy needs. In 2024, ...
  
• Electric generators plan more natural gas-fired capacity after few additions in 2024
  Developers plan to add 18.7 gigawatts (GW) of combined-cycle capacity to the grid by 2028, with 4.3 GW already under construction, according to our latest Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. Although electricity generators fueled by natural gas have provided more electricity in the United States than any other source since 2016, hardly any new natural gas capacity...
  
• In 2024, the United States produced more energy than ever before
  In 2024, the United States produced a record amount of energy, according to data in our Monthly Energy Review. U.S. total energy production was more than 103 quadrillion British thermal units in 2024, a 1% increase from the previous record set in 2023. Several energy sources—natural gas, crude oil, natural gas plant liquids, biofuels, solar, and wind—each set domest...
  
• Gulf of America oil and natural gas production expected to remain stable through 2026
  We forecast crude oil production in the Federal Offshore Gulf of America (GOA) will average 1.80 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2025 and 1.81 million b/d in 2026, compared with 1.77 million b/d in 2024, in our most recent Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO). We expect GOA natural gas production to average 1.72 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2025 and 1.64 Bcf/d in 2026, co...
  
• U.S. renewable diesel production and biodiesel production declined in 1Q25
  U.S. production of renewable diesel and biodiesel fell sharply in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25) because of uncertainty related to federal biofuel tax credits and negative profit margins. We forecast production of both fuels to increase as the year progresses but biodiesel production to remain less than in 2024.
  
• Tight oil production in Permian drives growth in onshore U.S. Lower 48 states production
  Onshore crude oil production in the U.S. Lower 48 states (L48) has more than tripled since January 2010, driven by tight oil production growth in the Permian region. Onshore crude oil production is made up of both legacy oil production, primarily from vertically drilled wells, and newer tight oil production, primarily from horizontally drilled wells.
  
• Tight oil production in Permian drives growth in onshore U.S. Lower 48 states production
  Onshore crude oil production in the U.S. Lower 48 states (L48) has more than tripled since January 2010, driven by tight oil production growth in the Permian region. Onshore crude oil production is made up of both legacy oil production, primarily from vertically drilled wells, and newer tight oil production, primarily from horizontally drilled wells.
  
• Hybrid vehicle sales continue to rise as electric and plug-in vehicle shares remain flat
  About 22% of light-duty vehicles sold in the first quarter of the year in the United States were hybrid, battery electric, or plug-in hybrid vehicles, up from about 18% in the first quarter of 2024. Among those categories, hybrid electric vehicles have continued to gain market share while battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles have remained relatively flat, accor...
  
• Solar and wind power curtailments are increasing in California
  The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the grid operator for most of the state, is increasingly curtailing solar- and wind-powered electricity generation as it balances supply and demand amidst rapid renewables capacity growth.
  
• EIA counts U.S. electricity generation in different ways
  At EIA, we publish U.S. electricity net generation from two different perspectives:
  
• U.S. retail gasoline prices heading into Memorial Day weekend are at a four-year low
  The retail price for regular-grade gasoline in the United States on May 19, the Monday before Memorial Day weekend, averaged $3.17 per gallon (gal), 11% (or 41 cents/gal) lower than the price a year ago. After adjusting for inflation (real terms), average U.S. retail gasoline prices going into Memorial Day weekend are 14% lower than last year, largely because crude oil prices h...
  
• China dominates global trade of battery minerals
  China has a major role at each stage of the global battery supply chain and dominates interregional trade of minerals. China imported almost 12 million short tons of raw and processed battery minerals, accounting for 44% of interregional trade, and exported almost 11 million short tons of battery materials, packs, and components, or 58% of interregional trade in 2023, according...
  
• Refining industry risks from 2025 hurricane season
  Colorado State University's hurricane forecast estimates the 2025 hurricane season will exceed the 1991–2020 average, with an estimate of 17 named storms, compared with a historical average of 14 storms. Meteorologists expect 13–18 named storms, including 3–6 storms with direct impacts on the United States, during this year's Atlantic hurricane season, accordi...
  

Nuclear & WMD News at DefenceTalk.com

• Russia’s updated nuclear ‘red line’ adds uncertainty: experts
  DefenceTalkRussia’s new nuclear doctrine reflects its hopes to deter Ukraine’s allies from a greater role in the war by establishing red lines hedged with added ambiguity, experts say. Moscow warned on Tuesday that it would respond after Ukraine fired longer-range US missiles at its territory for the first time, as President Vladimir Putin issued a […]https:/...
  
• Russian defence ministry says held fresh nuclear drills
  DefenceTalkRussia said Tuesday its army held fresh nuclear drills under the supervision of President Vladimir Putin, who recently called for changes to rules on the use of Moscow’s nuclear deterrent. Putin has raised the prospect of using nuclear weapons during Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine several times and last month suggested Russia broaden its rules on […...
  
• Japan shifting back to nuclear to ditch coal, power AI
  DefenceTalkGlinting in the sun by the world’s biggest nuclear plant, the Sea of Japan is calm now. But as the huge facility gears up to restart, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa has a new tsunami wall, just in case. Japan pulled the plug on nuclear power after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, but with the G7’s dirtiest energy mix, it […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-shifti...
  
• Amazon bets on nuclear power to fuel AI ambitions
  DefenceTalkAmazon announced significant investments in nuclear energy on Wednesday, joining other tech giants in aiming to meet the high electric power demands of artificial intelligence using atomic energy. As companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google rapidly expand their global data center capabilities, they are actively seeking new electricity sources. Amazon has sig...
  
• Nuclear deterrence still at heart of great power strategy: experts
  DefenceTalkNuclear-armed powers have no intention of giving up the atom bomb as part of their military strategy, experts said after the Nobel Peace Prize committee urged against any weakening of the nuclear “taboo”. Awarding this year’s peace prize to Japan’s Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors pushing for a nuclear ...
  
• Israeli retaliation threat sparks call in Iran for nuclear weapons
  DefenceTalkWith the prospect of Israeli retaliation for Iran’s missile attack looming, some Iranian hardliners want their government to revise its nuclear doctrine to pursue atomic weapons. Israel has vowed to launch a “deadly, precise, and surprising” attack on Iran in retaliation for its second-ever direct strike on Israeli territory. On October 1, Iran laun...
  
• Kazakhstan approve plan for first nuclear power plant
  DefenceTalkKazakhstan has approved a plan to build its first nuclear power station in a referendum, overcoming lingering resentment over massive radiation exposure from Soviet-era nuclear tests. The Central Asian country is the world’s largest producer of uranium and has massive oil reserves but it suffers from chronic energy shortages. The “Yes” vote won 71.1...
  
• With Two Nuclear-Armed Strategic Competitors, US Modernization Top Priority
  DefenceTalk“The security environment we face today is unprecedented,” said Melissa Dalton, undersecretary of the Air Force. “We face for the first time in our nation’s history, two strategic competitors that are nuclear states with large and growing nuclear arsenals. When we look at the [People’s Republic of China] and its breathtaking modernizatio...
  
• Kremlin says won’t change plans on Belarus nuclear weapons
  DefenceTalkThe Kremlin on Monday said Western criticism would not change plans announced by President Vladimir Putin to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus. The West condemned Putin’s weekend announcement on placing the weapons in EU and NATO-bordering Belarus, triggering calls for new sanctions on Moscow. Ukraine said it was seeking an emergency meetin...
  
• North Korea says it tested new underwater nuclear attack ‘drone’
  DefenceTalkNorth Korea claimed Friday it had tested an underwater nuclear attack drone able to unleash a “radioactive tsunami”, as it blamed recent US-South Korea exercises for a deteriorating regional security situation. Pyongyang carried out military drills of its own in response this week, the official Korean Central News Agency said, including test-firing a new ...
  

All Articles | Discover Magazine

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• A Rare Whale Tooth Reveals a Copper-Age Community’s Connection to the Sea
  Learn how a sperm whale tooth traveled from sea to archaeological site over 4,000 years ago.
  
• FDA Approves Breakthrough HIV Drug, but It Could Be Hard to Access
  Learn more about lenacapavir, the most effective HIV treatment and prevention drug, and how its cost could cause a setback.
  
• Earwax With an Unusual Odor May Help Detect Parkinson's Before It Worsens
  Learn how an oily substance found in earwax has become a critical resource to detect Parkinson's disease.
  
• Repurposing Urine Into a Valuable Biomaterial Could Benefit Dental Implants, and Construction
  A key chemical in urine can help make a high-value mineral for use in medicine, construction, and more — cheaply and efficiently.
  
• 146,000-Year-Old Dragon Man Skull Confirmed as Denisovan Through Dental DNA
  Learn about a new study that confirms the 146,000-year-old Harbin skull belonged to a member of the Denisovan lineage.
  
• You May Think Animals Are More Human-Like Because of Your Social Life
  Learn more about the tendency to anthropomorphize animals, which is a more common tendency in some people than in others, in part thanks to these potentially conservation-aiding traits.
  
• Early Farming Societies Forged Bonds with Ancient Dogs in the Americas
  Learn how ancient dogs followed the earliest farmers in Central and South America, and find out why their original lineage is nearly gone today.
  
• Discover the Handfish: A Bizarre Fish That Walks With Finger-Like Fins
  What is the handfish? Discover the handfish, a tiny fish with finger-like fins that’s critically endangered and needs our help.
  
• White Sands' Footprints Confirmed as the Oldest Evidence of Humans in the Americas
  Learn about a new study that confirms ancient footprints in New Mexico are over 21,000 years old, rewriting the history of the Americas.
  
• This Giant Salamander Once Hunted in the Hills of Prehistoric Tennessee
  Among the biggest of its kind, this fossil find is helping scientists trace how today’s diverse species are connected.
  
• Newly Identified Monstersaur Lizard Had an Armored Skull and Walked Among Dinosaurs
  Learn more about Bolg amondol, the large prehistoric lizard named after a character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
  
• Cannabis Use Is Tied to a Substantially Higher Risk of Death From Cardiovascular Disease
  Learn about the link between cannabis use and death from cardiovascular disease, which could change the way we approach the drug in the future.
  
• Chances of City-Killer Asteroid Impacting the Moon Raised from 3.8 to 4.3 Percent
  Learn about the increased impact probability of 2024 YR4, an asteroid that has a small chance to hit the Moon in 2032.
  
• Oldest Dinosaur Bone Infection Discovered in 220-Million-Year-Old Plateosaurus
  A team of researchers have discovered a case of severe osteomyelitis in a Plateosaurus found in Switzerland’s Frick Valley – and you can see it in person.