Stock Markets
SaskPower, Westinghouse and Cameco Sign MOU to Explore Reactor and Fuel Supply Potential
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Saskatchewan Power Corporation (SaskPower), Westinghouse Electric Company (Westinghouse) and Cameco (NYSE:) Corporation (Cameco) (TSX: CCO; NYSE: CCJ) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to evaluate the potential of Westinghouse’s nuclear reactor technology and the associated nuclear fuel supply chain required for Saskatchewan’s future clean power needs.
The MOU will explore technical and commercial pathways to deploy Westinghouse’s reactor technology, including the advanced AP1000 ® reactor and AP300™ small modular reactor (SMR), for long-term electricity supply planning. The framework includes evaluation of a Saskatchewan-based nuclear supply chain to support nuclear energy projects, including fuel. It also identifies opportunities to collaborate on nuclear research, development and workforce training in partnership with Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions.
SaskPower is expected to make its final investment decision in 2029 whether to proceed with constructing Saskatchewan’s first SMR facility. The utility intends to use Saskatchewan uranium in any reactor constructed in the province.
Leveraging knowledge from organizations that have significant expertise in the nuclear industry is critical to ensure we make responsible, informed decisions around our power future, said Rupen Pandya, President and CEO of SaskPower. Collaborating on nuclear fuel supply and evaluating various technologies will only serve to enhance our current small modular reactor development work and planning around workforce and the future of Saskatchewan’s power system.
The AP1000 reactor is in operation in the U.S. and China, where it is setting operational performance and availability records. It has been selected for the nuclear energy programs in Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria, and is also under consideration at multiple other sites in Central and Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom (UK), India and North America.
The AP300 modular reactor is the only SMR based on an advanced, large Generation III+ reactor already in operation globally. Westinghouse is targeting design certification by 2027 and for first construction to begin by 2030, with the operating unit planned to be available in the early 2030s. The AP300 SMR has been selected by the UK’s Great British Nuclear program and is under further customer consideration in Europe and North America.
Westinghouse is proud to work with SaskPower to share our industry-leading nuclear technology expertise in support of the province’s clean energy needs, said Patrick Fragman, Westinghouse President and CEO. Our globally deployed advanced AP1000 reactor provides demonstrated superior economic performance and availability, and our AP300 small modular reactor is based on this proven and licensed technology. We look forward to helping SaskPower bring carbon-free electricity to Saskatchewan for generations to come.
Cameco has a proud history and a significant presence in Saskatchewan, from our world-class uranium operations to our large and growing provincial workforce to our long-standing partnerships with northern Indigenous communities, said Tim Gitzel, President and CEO of Cameco. We look forward to assessing the potential role Cameco and Westinghouse could play in decarbonizing Saskatchewan’s power grid, an ambitious and important goal for the province’s future.
About SaskPower
Recognized as one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, SaskPower is the principal electrical utility for Saskatchewan, serving over a half million customers across an extensive geographic area. Founded in 1929, SaskPower is headquartered in Regina and employs over 3,000 employees across Saskatchewan. SaskPower is committed to enabling growth in the province and continuing economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples “ winning several awards and achieving the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Gold Status multiple times.
About Westinghouse
Westinghouse Electric Company is shaping the future of carbon-free energy by providing safe, innovative nuclear technologies to utilities globally. Westinghouse supplied the world’s first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957 and the company’s technology is the basis for nearly one-half of the world’s operating nuclear plants. Over 135 years of innovation makes Westinghouse the preferred partner for advanced technologies covering the complete nuclear energy life cycle. For more information, visit www.westinghousenuclear.com and follow us on Facebook (NASDAQ:), LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Cameco
Cameco is one of the largest global providers of the uranium fuel needed to energize a clean-air world. Our competitive position is based on our controlling ownership of the world’s largest high-grade reserves and low-cost operations, as well as significant investments across the nuclear fuel cycle, including ownership interests in Westinghouse Electric Company and Global Laser Enrichment. Utilities around the world rely on Cameco to provide global nuclear fuel solutions for the generation of safe, reliable, carbon-free nuclear power. Our shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Our head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This news release includes statements and information about the expectations of SaskPower, Cameco and Westinghouse for the future, which we refer to as forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on our current views, which can change significantly, and actual results and events may be significantly different from what we currently expect. Examples of forward-looking information in this news release include: the expectation that under the MOU the parties will explore pathways to deploy Westinghouse’s reactor technology, including evaluation of a Saskatchewan-based nuclear supply chain; expected opportunities to collaborate on nuclear research, development and workforce training with Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions; the expected timing of SaskPower’s final investment decision whether to proceed with constructing the SMR facility, and its intention to use Saskatchewan uranium in any reactor constructed in the province; SaskPower’s expectation that collaboration will enhance its small modular reactor development work, and planning around workforce and the future of Saskatchewan’s power system; the expected dates for design certification, commencement of construction and operating unit availability for the AP300 modular reactor; the anticipated ability of SaskPower to bring carbon-free electricity to Saskatchewan for generations to come; and the assessment of the role that Cameco and Westinghouse could play in decarbonizing Saskatchewan’s power grid. Material risks that could lead to different results include: the risk that the MOU will not result in a successful exploration of pathways to deploy Westinghouse’s reactor technology; the risk that expected opportunities to collaborate on nuclear research, development and workforce training with Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions may not be realized; the risk that SaskPower’s final investment decision regarding the SMR facility may not be made when expected; the possibility that SaskPower may not be able to use Saskatchewan uranium to the extent expected; the possibility that collaboration may not enhance SaskPower’s small modular reactor development work and planning to the extent expected; the risk that expected dates for design certification, commencement of construction and operating unit availability for the AP300 modular reactor may not be achieved; the risk that SaskPower may not be able to provide carbon-free electricity to the extent expected; and the risk that Cameco or Westinghouse may not be able to play their expected roles in decarbonizing Saskatchewan’s power grid. In presenting the forward-looking information, we have made material assumptions which may prove incorrect about: our ability to work collaboratively to complete the evaluations and other goals of the MOU; SaskPower’s ability to achieve its various expected target dates and utilize Saskatchewan uranium; and the ability of SaskPower to provide carbon free electricity to the extent expected, and of Cameco and Westinghouse to play their expected roles in decarbonizing Saskatchewan’s power grid. Forward-looking information is designed to help you understand our current views, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. We will not update this information unless we are required to by securities laws.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240616503146/en/
Inquiries
SaskPower:
Scott McGregor
media line: 306-536-2886
mediarelations@saskpower.com
Westinghouse:
Brian McCrone
445-289-0409
Brian.McCrone@westinghouse.com
Cameco (investor inquiries):
Rachelle Girard
306-956-6403
rachelle_girard@cameco.com
Cameco (media inquiries):
Veronica Baker
306-385-5541
veronica_baker@cameco.com
Source: Cameco
In a challenging market environment, shares of 374Water (SCWO) have touched a 52-week low, dipping to $0.71. The company, with a market capitalization of $104 million, maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 3.81 and more cash than debt on its balance sheet, according to InvestingPro data. The company, which specializes in water treatment solutions, has seen its stock price struggle significantly over the past year, reflecting a broader trend in the sector. Investors have been cautious, as evidenced by the stock’s 1-year change, which shows a substantial decline of 52.96%. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently in oversold territory, with 18 additional investment insights available to subscribers. This downturn highlights the volatility faced by environmental technology companies and raises concerns about future performance amidst uncertain market conditions. With a beta of -0.51, the stock typically moves opposite to market direction, potentially offering diversification benefits.
In other recent news, 374Water Inc. has secured approximately $12.2 million through a registered direct offering, involving the sale of common stock and warrants. The cleantech company expects the gross proceeds before fees and expenses to be around the $12.2 million mark, with D. Boral (OTC:) Capital LLC serving as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. The capital infusion is scheduled to be finalized by November 18, 2024, pending customary closing conditions.
In further developments, 374Water has initiated operations of its AirSCWO technology at the Iron Bridge Regional Water Reclamation Facility in Orlando. This marks a significant step in commercial biosolids processing, with the technology designed to efficiently process biosolids and PFAS contaminated wastes. The successful integration of the AirSCWO system into the Iron Bridge facility demonstrates the company’s capacity to destroy persistent organic pollutants, including PFAS.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection supported the installation with a grant under the Bilateral Infrastructure Law emerging contaminant funding. Notably, CEO Chris Gannon highlighted the operational success in Orlando as crucial for showcasing the technology’s capacity to manage municipal, federal, and industrial organic waste streams at scale. The company anticipates additional commitments across the United States, including a deployment to Orange County Sanitation (CA) in 2025.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
By Alden Bentley, Samuel Indyk and Rae Wee
NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) -Wall Street topped off a global share rally in thin trade on Thursday as markets prepared for early Christmas Eve closes, while the dollar was buoyed by firmer Treasury yields and speculation that the Federal Reserve would slow its easing in 2025.
The was 0.47% higher in late morning trade, the rose 0.73% and the rose 0.99%.
U.S. stock trading wraps up at 1:00 p.m. EDT/1800 GMT, and the bond market closes at 2:00 p.m. Most financial centers around the world are closed on Wednesday for Christmas. The U.S. reopens on Thursday, while many financial centers have a second day off.
“Meagre news and data flow should keep the focus on a more hawkish Fed,” said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank.
MSCI’s gauge of stocks across the globe went up more than half a percent. The pan-European index rose 0.18%. 100 rose 0.19% and 40 rose 0.14%. German stocks were closed for the Christmas holiday.
In Asia, Chinese stocks rose after sources told Reuters that Beijing planned to issue a record amount of special treasury bonds next year as it ramps up fiscal stimulus to revive a faltering economy.
The blue-chip index and both ended 1.3% higher. Hong Kong’s advanced 1.1%.
The news came shortly after China’s finance ministry said authorities would ramp up fiscal support for consumption next year by raising pensions and medical insurance subsidies for residents, as well as expanding consumer goods trade-ins.
Still, investors remain cautious on the outlook for the world’s second-largest economy, particularly as it faces the threat of hefty tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Elsewhere, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.37%.
FED FOCUS
Investors are taking direction from last week’s 25 basis point Fed interest rate cut, its signals on the strength of the economy and its slow progress bringing inflation down to its 2% target. Markets are now pricing in about 35 basis points of easing for 2025, implying one quarter-point rate cut and around a 40% chance of a second.
U.S. Treasury yields pared gains after the Treasury saw solid demand for a $70 billion sale of five-year notes, but remained higher on the day. The two-year Treasury yield, which is sensitive to changes in Fed rate expectations, was up 0.9 bp at 4.359%, while the benchmark 10-year yield rose 2.6 bp to 4.625%, reaching a seven-month high at 4.629%. [US/]
“Like markets, the Fed will need to consider U.S. policies on tariffs and immigration in its inflation and growth outlook. We believe the subtle slowing in the U.S. labor market will still be the Fed’s paramount concern,” said analysts at Citi Wealth.
“While always uncertain, our base case expectation for a 3.75% policy rate is unchanged. It’s a far cry from the 1.7% U.S. policy rate average of the past 20 years.”
The Fed’s cut was the third one this cycle, taking the Fed funds rate to 4.25%-4.5%.
Ahead of Trump’s return to the White House in January, global central banks have urged caution over their rate paths due to uncertainty on how his planned tariffs, lower taxes and immigration curbs might affect policy.
Data on Monday showed U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly weakened in December as the post-election euphoria fizzled and concerns about future business conditions emerged.
In currencies, the rose 0.14% hovering near a two-year high hit Monday, having climbed more than 2% in December so far.
The euro eased 0.15% to $1.0389, while the yen languished near last week’s five-month low, trading at 157.35 per dollar.
Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato on Tuesday reiterated Tokyo’s discomfort with excessive foreign exchange moves and put speculators on notice that authorities are ready to act to stabilise a faltering yen.
rose 0.13% to $2,616.26 an ounce, having risen about 27% this year, heading for its biggest yearly gain since 2010.
rose 1.56% to $70.32 a barrel and rose to $73.73 per barrel, up 1.51% on the day. [O/R]
By David French
(Reuters) -Wall Street’s main indexes all ended higher on Tuesday, with gains in megacap and growth stocks bolstering benchmarks in a truncated Christmas Eve session.
Both the and the scored four straight sessions of gains. For the Dow, the run follows its 10-session skid earlier this month, its longest losing streak since 1974.
The benchmarks closed higher on the first day of a historically strong period called the “Santa Claus rally.” The on average has gained 1.3% in the last five days of December and first two days of January, according to data from the Stock Trader’s Almanac going back to 1969.
With megacap stocks having outsized influence on markets, their performance is often a key driver of indexes. When coupled with reduced trading volumes and few other catalysts, as many investors take time off for the holidays, this is even more pronounced.
All the so-called Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks climbed on Tuesday, led by Tesla (NASDAQ:).
The automaker’s rise helped push consumer discretionary shares higher, making them the top gaining sector in the S&P.
Elsewhere, chip manufacturers were also buoyant. Broadcom (NASDAQ:) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:) were up, while Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:) climbed a day after losses from losing a court case.
Growth names rose despite U.S. Treasury interest rates remaining elevated – the benchmark 10-year note yielded around 4.61% on Tuesday. Traditionally, higher debt costs crimp growth stocks.
However, the long-term themes around technology development, including advancements in artificial intelligence, overshadow any near-term moves in Treasuries, said Charlie Ripley, senior investment strategist for Allianz (ETR:) Investment Management.
“This reinforces that view that the sector is going to remain strong, and should be well into the new year,” he said.
According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 gained 64.93 points, or 1.09%, to end at 6,039.00 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 264.31 points, or 1.34%, to 20,029.19. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 366.75 points, or 0.85%, to 43,273.70.
Stock markets shut at 1:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and will be closed for Christmas on Wednesday.
After a stellar run to record highs following the November election, which sparked hopes of pro-business policies under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Wall Street’s rally hit a bump this month as investors grappled with the prospect of higher interest rates in 2025.
The U.S. Federal Reserve eased borrowing costs for the third time this year last Wednesday, but signaled only two more 25-basis-point reductions next year, down from its September projection of four cuts, as policymakers weigh the possibility of Trump’s policies stoking inflation.
Allianz’s Ripley said the themes which had driven the market higher in the past two months remained intact, and actions by the Fed had not killed the rally.
“Heading into 2025, things are set up with good positioning,” he said, noting factors including economic outlook, consumption in the U.S. and the labor market.
Crypto-related stocks traded higher on Tuesday, including Microstrategy (NASDAQ:), Riot Platforms (NASDAQ:), and MARA Holdings, as the price of bitcoin advanced.
NeueHealth soared after the healthcare provider said New Enterprise Associates, its largest shareholder, and a group of existing investors will take the company private in a $1.3 billion deal.
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