The estimated cost of decommissioning Soviet-designed, first-generation nuclear power reactors in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia will be at least €5.7 billion ($6.4 billion), according to the European Court of Auditors. However, it warns this could double if the cost of disposing of high-level radioactive waste is included. world-nuclear-news.org The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said that an environmental review of the Enrico Fermi's Unit 2 reactor license application revealed no causes why the plant could not be granted a 20-year extension on its operating permit, which is due to expire on May 20, 2025. nuclearstreet.com China's Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council has drafted new rules for nuclear plant development that would have companies clear their projects through local stakeholders. nuclearstreet.com Risks of a nuclear disaster have been significantly underestimated, scientists have warned just days after the Government approved plans for the £18billion Hinkley Point C reactor. Experts from the UK and Switzerland said that the true cost of the project could be much higher because of the underestimated risks. dailymail.co.uk
