Six NNN reports published October 11–17 captured a week of pivotal steps—from first criticality at Bangladesh's Rooppur 1 to reviews that remain far from final approval. China's ACP100 also moved through pre-fuel testing, while proposed projects in Texas and Czechia advanced through environmental review. Each milestone matters, but none should be confused with an operating reactor or a final construction decision.
Key facts
- Rooppur 1 achieved first criticality on October 11, beginning low-power commissioning; it has not yet entered commercial operation.
- NRC staff's draft environmental impact statement preliminarily recommends licensing four AP1000 units proposed by Fermi America in Texas; safety review and Commission action remain.
- China's 125 MWe ACP100 entered hot functional testing before any fuel loading.
- ČEZ submitted environmental documentation for a planned Rolls-Royce SMR at Temelín; the Czech ministry's decision is expected in 2027.
- Norway's agreement with Studsvik covers treatment and interim storage of about 16.5 tonnes of legacy research-reactor fuel, with return to Norway planned for final disposal.
1. Bangladesh's Rooppur 1 reaches first criticality
Rooppur Unit 1 achieved a self-sustaining chain reaction on October 11, three days after the regulator authorized the step. First criticality marks the start of low-power commissioning tests—not electricity generation or commercial operation. The two-unit VVER-1200 plant is Bangladesh's first nuclear power station, making this an important national infrastructure milestone.
Read NNN's report on Rooppur 1's first criticality. It is the week's lead story and the subject depicted in this roundup's hero.
2. NRC staff issue a favorable draft environmental review for Fermi America's Texas proposal
NRC staff's draft environmental impact statement preliminarily recommends a combined license for four proposed AP1000 reactors near Amarillo, Texas. The draft is not a license: the final environmental review, safety review, mandatory hearing and Commission decision are still ahead. Public comments are due November 23, 2026.
The distinction matters as large-load demand draws attention to proposed nuclear projects: an environmental recommendation is one part of a longer licensing path. See NNN's coverage of the draft EIS.
3. China's ACP100 enters hot functional testing
The 125 MWe ACP100 demonstration reactor at Changjiang, Hainan, entered hot functional testing, which brings the primary circuit toward operating temperature and pressure before fuel is loaded. China has targeted fuel loading within 2026, but testing is a pre-fuel commissioning step and does not establish that the reactor is operating.
NNN explains what the ACP100 testing milestone means and what still precedes grid connection.
4. ČEZ starts environmental review for a planned Temelín SMR
ČEZ submitted environmental-impact documentation for a planned Rolls-Royce SMR at the Temelín nuclear site. The Czech Ministry of the Environment will review the filing and consult the public; a decision is expected in 2027. This is a project-development step, not a construction permit or final investment decision.
Read NNN's Temelín SMR review coverage for the approvals still required.
5. Norway arranges treatment and interim storage for legacy reactor fuel
Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning agreed with Sweden's Studsvik to manage about 16.5 tonnes of fuel from the Halden and Kjeller research reactors. The arrangement covers treatment and temporary storage in Sweden, followed by return to Norway for final disposal; it does not make Sweden the destination for permanent disposal.
NNN's report on the Norway–Studsvik agreement sets out the long timetable, which runs to 2055.
6. General Matter advances its proposed Paducah enrichment facility through NRC review
General Matter's application for an enrichment facility on DOE land at the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant entered the NRC's acceptance-review process, including applicant walkthrough meetings with staff. The company seeks an initial 40-year license under Parts 40 and 70. The meetings are not an NRC finding that the application is complete or a license approval.
The proposal is one of several US fuel-cycle efforts in development. See NNN's Paducah application report.
Questions
- What was the biggest nuclear story this week?
- Bangladesh's Rooppur 1 achieved first criticality on October 11, beginning low-power commissioning tests at the country's first nuclear power plant. The milestone is not grid connection or commercial operation.
- How many NNN reports are included in this roundup?
- Six reports published from October 11 through October 17, 2026, selected for milestones and decisions in reactor commissioning, licensing, project review, fuel supply and spent-fuel management.
- Did the NRC approve Fermi America's four proposed reactors?
- No. NRC staff's draft environmental impact statement preliminarily recommends a combined license on environmental grounds. A final environmental review, safety review, hearing and Commission decision remain outstanding.
Sources
- Bangladesh's Rooppur 1 achieves criticality — World Nuclear News
- NRC staff draft EIS favors licensing Fermi America's Texas AP1000s — U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Hot testing of Chinese SMR under way — World Nuclear News
- Major milestone reached for Czechia's first Rolls-Royce SMR — Rolls-Royce SMR
- Studsvik signs landmark agreement to manage Norway's legacy spent nuclear fuel — Studsvik
- NRC meeting notice: General Matter Paducah Enrichment Facility application — U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
About Nuclear News Network
Nuclear News Network (NNN) is an independent publication covering the global nuclear energy sector — reactor construction, SMRs, fuel supply, policy, operations and fusion. NNN publishes a daily brief, same-day analysis of major developments, and reference guides used across the industry. Articles are produced by the NNN Newsroom, an editorial automation system with human oversight, under the publication's editorial standards. Ruben Seoane is the founder and main editor of NNN.