A record 274 climbers scale Mount Everest in a single day

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Hundreds of climbers scaled Mount Everest in a single day, setting a new record with 274 successful ascents, officials said Thursday.

The climbers took advantage of the clear weather on Wednesday, said Rishi Ram Bhandari of the Expedition Operators Association Nepal. It was the highest number of climbers to reach the summit on a single day from the popular route on the southern face of the peak, which is located in Nepal.

The peak can be scaled from either the southern side in Nepal or northern face in China's Tibet. On May 22, 2019, Nepal's side had 223 and the Chinese side had 113 climbers on the summit. Chinese authorities, however, have closed the route this year.

Earlier this week, veteran mountain guide Kami Rita Sherpa scaled the peak for the 32nd time, breaking his own record. His closest competitor, Pasang Dawa Sherpa, scaled the peak for the 30th time this week. Also, Lakpa Sherpa scaled Everest for the 11th time, topping her own record for the highest number of climbs by a female climber.

This year’s Everest climbing season began late because of risk from a huge serac hanging over the key route to the summit. There are around 494 climbers and equal number of their Sherpa guides who are expected to attempt scale the 8,850-meter (29,032-foot) peak by the end of this month when the climbing season on the peak ends.

Thousands of people have climbed the peak since it was first scaled on May 29, 1953, by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay.

Prayers flags furl over the guides' and mountaineers' tents at the base camp of the Mount Everest, Nepal, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Pasang Rinzee Sherpa)

Mount Everest is seen, center left, from base camp in Nepal, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Pasang Rinzee Sherpa)

Snow covers tents during a period of inclement weather at the Everest Base Camp, Nepal, Saturday, May 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Pasang Rinzee Sherpa)

A trail of mountaineers' headlamps is visible from Everest Base Camp as climbers ascend toward the summit of Mount Everest, Nepal, Thursday, April 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Pasang Rinzee Sherpa)

Mountaineers participate in a training session at the Khumbu Icefall as they prepare for their ascent to the summit of Mount Everest, Nepal, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Pasang Rinzee Sherpa)

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 2026--

Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been selected by Great British Energy – Nuclear to provide environmental services for the Oldbury site in South Gloucestershire, supporting the potential development of new nuclear generation in the U.K.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260521657672/en/

Jacobs will develop environmental baseline data across terrestrial and marine environments, along with environmental assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessment and associated activities to inform future potential planning, design and permitting decisions. Jacobs will deliver the services with AtkinsRéalis and AECOM as subconsultants, bringing together a multidisciplinary team to support environmental surveys, impact assessments and regulatory approvals.

Jacobs Executive Vice President Richard Sanderson said: “Strengthening the U.K.’s energy security and advancing lower-carbon power requires new civil nuclear development at pace. Jacobs has supported some of the most complex nuclear programs in the U.K. and globally, working across the full lifecycle from early development through delivery. We bring that experience to Great British Energy – Nuclear at Oldbury, helping lay the environmental foundations needed to support long-term project success.”

Great British Energy - NuclearChief Executive Simon Roddy added: “As part of our role to position Oldbury for nuclear development, it’s important we continue to deepen our understanding of the site with various packages of work, such as ground investigations and archaeological surveys. I'm pleased to welcome Jacobs and their partners to the team to better our knowledge of Oldbury through environmental assessments, which will be key to informing future planning decisions.”

The contract builds on initial site characterization activities and will help assess the suitability of the Oldbury site for potential nuclear development. The work will support the evidence base needed to inform planning and consenting decisions, as well as future design and construction considerations.

Jacobs’ appointment builds on more than 60 years of experience delivering global civil nuclear solutions across the full asset lifecycle in highly regulated environments—from new build programs to decommissioning and waste management and disposal. The company continues to play a leading role in the U.K.’s civil nuclear industry, contributing to major programs such as Sizewell C, Hinkley Point C and Sellafield. This experience planning for nuclear technologies will also have increasing relevance across the globe as the energy sector looks to keep pace with demand.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a talent force of approximately 47,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we’re creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook.

Jacobs employs more than 6,000 people across the U.K., operating from 15 core offices and more than 35 additional sites. Working with HM Government, local authorities and the private sector, Jacobs helps shape and deliver the nation’s most critical infrastructure, energy, environmental and community programs — creating social value by improving resilience, driving economic growth and enhancing quality of life.

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The Oldbury site in South Gloucestershire, U.K. Image: Great British Energy - Nuclear