The US has made advances with two bills aimed in part at strengthening grid connections and easing environmental reviews for nuclear, as well as streamlining the licensing required for nuclear fuel recycling facilities.

In the US Senate, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act was presented. It includes nuclear energy among power sources that would benefit from grid connection and permitting reforms.

The legislation, which will still need to pass votes in the Senate and House of Representatives and be signed by president Donald Trump, would instruct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Ferc) to modernise the grid so that new energy plants, including nuclear reactors, can connect to the grid in years rather than decades.