Russia’s new generation of nuclear weapons and armed submarines – an annotated graphic

For those who hanker for the heady days of the Cold War and the tension of the 1980s nuclear arms race – ah, whither Ronnie and Maggie now, eh? – we bring you this infographic detailing Russia’s latest nuclear weaponry.

The first of a new fleet of eight Russian ballistic missile submarines entered service recently, with each sub boasting (yes, actually boasting) 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles – ICBMs to their friends – which we assume means they can be launched from one continent to destroy something on another continent. Excellent.

We still wonder what the point of all this is, but who are we to question the wisdom of nations arming themselves for mass global destruction?

Click on the graphic for an expanded view.

Russia’s new nuclear arsenal

Nuclear power: up in India, down in Japan – an annotated graphic

An infographic double-header today, as we mull on nuclear power’s varied fortunes in certain parts of the globe.

In India, they’re planning a huge increase in nuclear power, with plans to build 48 new reactors by 2032. Over in Japan, understandably chastened by the Fukushima experience, they are being more circumspect about future use of nuclear, electing to close down some power stations and stop using nuclear power altogether during the latter 2030s.

That said, those nuclear power stations already under construction in Japan will be completed, presumably primed to deliver 20 years of nuclear power.

Click on the graphics for an expanded view.

Nuclear power increase in India

 

Nuclear power vacillation in Japan

 

EU nuclear reactors need expensive safety improvements – an annotated graphic

EU nuclear reactors face multiple problems, with most plants in the European Union requiring some form of safety improvements to be able to deal with extreme emergencies. This work could cost something in the region of a tidy €25 billion, according to a draft EU Commission report aimed at preventing a repeat of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The final version of the report, expected to be published later this month, will be the basis for debate among government leaders at a summit on 18 October.

Click on the graphic for an expanded view.

EU nuclear reactors face multiple problems

Fukushima global fallout – an annotated graphic

A recent study by US researchers suggests that the global health effects of radioactive fallout from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear accident may be deadlier than predicted.

Click on the graphic for an expanded view.

Fukushima’s global health effects

#Nuclear industry recovers after #Fukushima – an annotated graphic

After the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, several major nations – including Germany, Belgium and Italy – vowed to quit atomic energy.

One year later, 44 of the world’s nations – including 18 previously non-nuclear countries – propose building over 540 new reactors.

Click on the graphic for an expanded view.

Nuclear industry’s international recovery

Fukushima anniversary – read the full story in E&T’s special news report

One year after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit north Japan on March 11 2011, triggering the devastating tsunami which led to the nuclear disaster at Fukushima, E&T reflects on a year of reporting the engineering news about the after-effects.

All our Fukushima news stories are gathered together on a special report page, which is dynamically updated every time we report on further developments. Why not bookmark our Fukushima news page to stay abreast of this story?

Anti-nuclear protesters take part in a moment of silence at 2:46 p.m. (0546 GMT) during a rally in Tokyo

US approves first nuclear power plant in 30 years – an annotated graphic

US regulators have approved plans to build the first new nuclear power plant in more than 30 years, as E&T reports in our news today.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) voted 4-1 to allow Atlanta-based Southern Co to build and operate two new nuclear power reactors at its existing Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia. The units will cost Southern and partners about $14 billion and enter service as soon as 2016 and 2017.

We also present this graphic, illustrating the type of reactor intended for Plant Vogtle, near Augusta, Georgia.

Click on the graphic for an expanded view.

US nuclear power: AP1000 reactor approval

Japan to restart nuclear plants – an annotated graphic

After the Fukushima explosion, Japan shut down all of its nuclear power plants. Now it is proposing to restart the first of the plants, with a view to staving off serious power shortages during the summer months.

E&T has been closely following developments in the Japanese nuclear power industry. Check out our full collection of  Fukushima news items.

Meanwhile, here’s a neat illustrated graphic, showing the location and current status of Japan’s nuclear power stations.

Click on the graphic for an expanded view.

Nuclear plants to restart in Japan