Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.

Monday, December 31, 2012

First electricity flows from Ningde nuclear plant

First electricity flows from Ningde nuclear plant

First electricity flows from Ningde nuclear plant

Ningde first power, 28 December 2012 (CGNPC) 460
This was the scene when control room engineers at Ningde 1 sent power to the grid for the first time.
The landmark was reached at 2.58pm on 28 December as the delivery of first electricity took the reactor from the construction phase into commissioning. Operator China Guangdong Nuclear Power Company (CGNPC) said it was the beginning of the nuclear power plant creating value for society.http://energyandnuclear.com/2012/12/31/first-electricity-flows-from-ningde-nuclear-plant/

Sellafield infrastructure contract awarded

Sellafield infrastructure contract awarded

Morgan Sindall Arup has been awarded a contract worth a potential £1.1 billion ($1.8 billion) to provide a range of infrastructure services to the Sellafield site.http://energyandnuclear.com/2012/12/31/sellafield-infrastructure-contract-awarded/

2012: A Very Big Year in Energy

2012: A Very Big Year in Energy


In oh so many ways it was an unedifying year: reaffirmation of U.S. political deadlock, an even worse political sclerosis in Europe, ghastly atrocities in Syria, a festering war in Afghanistan. But in energy, 2012 was a very very good year indeed--at least if you were a U.S. citizen.http://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/fossil-fuels/2012-a-very-big-year-in-energy?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IeeeSpectrumEnergywiseBlog+%28Energywise+-+IEEE+Spectrum%29

Happy New Year


I wish you all a happy, safe and prosperous new year! I hope the year 2013 will be a good one for you, in your personal lives, as well as professionally. 

Warmest Regards
Michele Kearney

Standing in Nuclear Waste: Challenging the Disposal of Yucca Mountain



Standing in Nuclear Waste: Challenging the Disposal of Yucca Mountain

Meagan Easly http://legalworkshop.org/2012/12/31/standing-in-nuclear-waste-challenging-the-disposal-of-yucca-mountain

Nuclear waste: A growing problem | ArabNews

Nuclear waste: A growing problem | ArabNews
ROKKASHO, Japan: How is an atomic-powered island nation riddled with fault lines supposed to handle its nuclear waste? Part of the answer was supposed to ...
www.arabnews.com/nuclear-waste-growing-problem

Nuclear Options Vex Europe


Nuclear Options Vex Europe
Wall Street Journal
FESSENHEIM, France—The owner of the local nuclear power plant, Electricité de France SA, is spending €20 million ($26.4 million) to upgrade it and extend its life span for another decade, seemingly breathing new life into this town on the German border.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323530404578207732136806380.html

Operators restart unit 2 at PPL Susquehanna


Operators restart unit 2 at PPL Susquehanna nuclear power plant
Electric Light & Power
The plant, built in 1982 by Bechtel Corp., is a two-unit nuclear power plant. Each of the plant's GE boiling water reactors generates 1,350 MW. PPL Susquehanna LLC is one of PPL Corp. generating affiliates. Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., PPL Corp ...http://www.elp.com/articles/2012/12/operators-restart-unit-2-at-ppl-susquehanna-nuclear-power-plant.html

Japan's New Leader Endorses Nuclear Plants

Japan's New Leader Endorses Nuclear Plants
New York Times
“They will be completely different from those at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant,” he told the national television network TBS. Multiple meltdowns at the plant after an earthquake last year forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/31/world/asia/japans-new-prime-minister-backs-more-nuclear-plants.html?_r=0

U.S. nuclear special team sent to Japan right after 3.11

U.S. nuclear special team sent to Japan right after 3.11.. http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2012/12/202165.html

 

The United States sent a special nuclear response team trained to handle nuclear accidents to Japan right after 3/11/11, but Japan did not make use of radiation data from the unit, according to U.S. and Japanese government sources
The Japanese government, however, did not acknowledge the significance of the team's mission and failed to immediately utilize the initial data provided by the team for evacuation of residents living around the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Press Release

U.S. Department of Energy Releases Radiation Monitoring Data from Fukushima Area
Mar 22, 2011
Today the U.S. Department of Energy released data recorded from its Aerial Monitoring System as well as ground detectors deployed along with its Consequence Management Response Teams.  The information has also been shared with the government of Japan as part of the United States’ ongoing efforts to support Japan with the recovery and response effort.


Today the U.S. Department of Energy released data recorded from its Aerial Monitoring System as well as ground detectors deployed along with its Consequence Management Response Teams.  The information has also been shared with the government of Japan as part of the United States’ ongoing efforts to support Japan with the recovery and response effort.
On March 15, 33 experts from the Department’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) arrived in Japan along with more than 17,200 pounds of equipment. After initial deployments at U.S. consulates and military installations in Japan, these teams have utilized their unique skills, expertise and equipment to help assess, survey, monitor and sample areas for radiation.  The 33 team members joined another six DOE personnel already in Japan.
Since arriving in Japan, NNSA teams have collected and analyzed data gathered from more than 40 hours of flights aboard Department of Defense aircraft and thousands of ground monitoring points.
That data has been collected, analyzed and posted on the Department’s website at www.energy.gov/japan2011. Consistent with the President’s commitment to share important information related to health and safety with the public, the Department will seek to update the data posted on its website daily.

 

Mitsubishi-Areva Alliance to Bid for Turkey's Second Nuclear Plant


Mitsubishi-Areva Alliance to Bid for Turkey's Second Nuclear Planthttp://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=146412

NRC to seek comments on Vogtle at Jan. 9 meeting


Company: We didn't botch nuke plant tests

Company: We didn't botch nuke plant tests 

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/dec/28/mitsubishi-nuclear-equipment-tests-still-valid/ 

Silent Sub: Russian Noiseless Borei Class Nuclear Submarine Immersed -- RT

Silent Sub: Russian Noiseless Borei Class Nuclear Submarine Immersed -- RT

Super-modern, powerful and almost noiseless Russian nuclear submarine Vladimir Monomakh has been put in water to become the third ship of the Borei project. The cruiser is about to begin sea trials and mooring to become fully operational in 2013.

­Vladimir Monomakh was laid down at Russia’s largest shipbuilding complex Sevmash, located on the shores of the White Sea in the town of Severodvinsk in northern Russia on March 19, 2006 – the 100th anniversary of the Russian submarine fleet.

Read more ...http://rt.com/news/russian-noiseless-borei-submarine-106/

OPEC Cartel To Reap Record $1 Trillion -- CNN/Financial Times

OPEC Cartel To Reap Record $1 Trillion -- CNN/Financial Times

(Financial Times) -- The Opec oil cartel, led by Saudi Arabia, will pocket a record of more than US$1tn in net oil revenues in 2012 as the annual average price for Brent, the benchmark, heads to an all-time high in spite of weak economic growth.

The windfall will provide fresh capital to some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, the most influential members of the cartel, are home to three of the world's 10 largest SWFs by assets under management, according to estimates by the SWF Institute.

With one trading day left before the year-end, Brent oil prices are on the point of seeing an average for the year of about $111.5 a barrel, higher than the previous all-time high set in 2011 of $110.9.

The benchmark closed at or above $100 every trading day in 2012, bar 24 in June and early July.

Read more ....http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/30/business/opec-record/

23 Tech Predictions for 2013


23 Tech Predictions for 2013


Mini iPhones. Robotic caretakers. Implantable pedometers?! The Daily Beast runs down the tech innovations you’re most likely to see (and might not) in 2013.http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/31/23-tech-predictions-for-2013.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thedailybeast%2Farticles+%28The+Daily+Beast+-+Latest+Articles%29

U.S. NRC Blog Update: Waste Confidence Public Comment Period Ending Soon

U.S. NRC Blog

Waste Confidence Public Comment Period Ending Soon

by Moderator
MH900287136The NRC’s public comment period on the scope of an environmental impact statement for the waste confidence decision and rule ends January 2. The waste confidence decision and rule is related to the safety of spent fuel storage. So far, we have received more than 400 wide-ranging comments and suggestions on issues we should cover in this important document. Several more are anticipated before the deadline.
In addition to the hundreds of thoughtful comments on the scope of the environmental impact statement, we received much criticism on the scoping process itself, in particular with regard to the length of the scoping period, the January 2 deadline, how the notice was phrased, and whether the NRC was in compliance with its regulations. These concerns have been reviewed and considered by the NRC staff and the Commission. NRC Chairman Allison Macfarlane also responded in a letter earlier this month to some of the overarching concerns that have been raised.
The Commission maintained the original 70-day formal comment period, as it provides in its judgment sufficient time for the public to develop thoughtful comments. This period is also consistent with, or longer than, most other comment periods for other NRC actions. The scoping notice was published on October 25, 2012, and the NRC has held four public meetings to date.
The NRC will take into consideration all of the comments received and develop a draft environmental impact statement and proposed rule by August 2013. The public will also have an opportunity to comment on these documents. We plan to hold a number of regional public meetings across the U.S. after their issuance.
For more information about the NRC’s ongoing efforts to develop a generic environmental impact statement to support a revised Waste Confidence Decision and Rule, please visit the NRC’s website. While there, you can also sign up for automatic updates.
Keith McConnell
Director, Waste Confidence Directorate
Moderator | December 31, 2012 at 10:50 am | Tags: nuclear | Categories: Radioactive Waste | URL: http://wp.me/p1fSSY-Vf

Carnival of Nuclear Energy 137

Carnival of Nuclear Energy 137

The Carnival of Nuclear Energy 137 is up at Hiroshima Syndrome.

Read more »http://nextbigfuture.com/2012/12/carnival-of-nuclear-energy-137.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fadvancednano+%28nextbigfuture%29

The Natural Gas Industry: 2012 Year In Review And Look Ahead

The Natural Gas Industry: 2012 Year In Review And Look Ahead

Editors Note: This article was contributed by Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC. Spilman Thomas & Battle harnesses the power of talent and technology to synchronize the collaboration of attorneys across our seven offices to arrive at customized, innovative solutions for clients. ShaleStuff.com is pleased to feature contributed articles written by experts who are knowledgeable in

(More)…http://shalestuff.com/controversy-2/natural-gas-industry-2012-year-review/article05187

Quebec Nuclear Plant Closed

Quebec Nuclear Plant Closed

Gentilly 2 nuclear plant. Source: IAEAHydro-Quebec's Gentilly 2 nuclear plant ceased power production Friday and will begin decommissioning in January.
...(read more)http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2012/12/31/quebec-nuclear-plant-closed-123101.aspx

Xcel Will Hold Green Bay Job Fair This Week for Kewaunee Nuclear Workers

Xcel Will Hold Green Bay Job Fair This Week for Kewaunee Nuclear Workers

As the Kewaunee nuclear plant prepares to cease power generation, Xcel Energy will hold a job fair for affected workers in Green Bay, Wis., Thursday and Friday.
...(read more)http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2012/12/31/xcel-to-hold-green-bay-job-fair-this-week-for-kewaunee-nuclear-workers-123102.aspx

A New Rule to Protect Radioactive Material (CRS)

A New Rule to Protect Radioactive Material (CRS)

A forthcoming Nuclear Regulatory Commission rule on the physical protection of radioactive “byproduct materials” — not including uranium or plutonium — is discussed in a new report from the Congressional Research Service.
“The rule will have broad impacts across the country and across most if not all aspects of industries that use radioactive material, including hospital and blood bank irradiators, industrial radiography equipment, massive facilities for irradiating certain foods and medical supplies, laboratory equipment for research into radiation and its effects, state regulators, and manufacturers, distributors, and transporters of radioactive sources. NRC anticipates that the rule will be published in the Federal Register in early 2013.”
See Nuclear Regulatory Commission 10 C.F.R. 37, A New Rule to Protect Radioactive Material: Background, Summary, Views from the Field, December 14, 2012.
Congress has directed CRS not to make its reports directly available to the public.http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy/2012/12/byproduct_rule.html

Dieter Helm: Coal Critic, Atomic Agnostic, Natural Gas Enthusiast

Dieter Helm: Coal Critic, Atomic Agnostic, Natural Gas Enthusiast

As indicated by the subtitle of his book, Helm believes that the world, especially Europe, has achieved very little in the twenty years since the Kyoto treaty was signed. He believes that there is little hope that the process set in motion by that treaty will result in anything more than the continued annual consumption of a lot of aviation fuel to move people to ineffective conferences that are primarily climate theater.http://theenergycollective.com/rodadams/165286/dieter-helm-coal-critic-atomic-agnostic-natural-gas-enthusiast?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Sun-Grazing Comets As Triggers For Electromagnetic Armageddon

Sun-Grazing Comets As Triggers For Electromagnetic Armageddon


http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucedorminey/2012/11/30/sun-grazing-comets-as-the-trigger-for-electromagnetic-armageddon/

US, Canada, and Oz Prepare for the Asian Gas Wars


US, Canada, and Oz Prepare for the Asian Gas Wars


http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2012/12/29/us-canada-and-oz-prepare-for-the-asian-gas-wars/

What 2013 & Sec. Kerry Hold for Keystone XL

What 2013 & Sec. Kerry Hold for Keystone XL

Daniel Graeber, OilPrice
When the Obama administration formally enters its second term in a few short weeks, U.S. lawmakers will have presumably averted sending the national economy into a tailspin and will be looking ahead to more pressing foreign policy issues like the pending Afghan drawdown and the so-called pivot to Asia. At the helm of that drive will be John Kerry, tasked last week with taking over for retiring Hillary Clinton as secretary of state. . .http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/What-2013-and-Sec.-Kerry-Hold-for-Keystone-XL.html

European Companies Move to the US to Avoid High Energy Prices

European Companies Move to the US to Avoid High Energy Prices

European industry officials and domestic consumers alike are upset with the high energy costs across the continent, even causing some to question the clean energy initiatives. Over the past few years Europe has spent tens of billions in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions; most of which has gone into clean energy sources such as wind and solar.Fabien Roques, the head of the European power and carbon division at the energy consultancy firm IHS CERA, stated: “we embarked on a big transition to a low-carbon economy without taking into account…Read more...http://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/European-Companies-Move-to-the-US-to-Avoid-High-Energy-Prices.html

US Companies Poised to Launch Chinese Shale Boom

US Companies Poised to Launch Chinese Shale Boom

US-based ConocoPhillips has cut a deal with China’s Sinopec to jointly study shale gas development in China, where the US company’s hydraulic fracturing is in high demand. Last week, China’s Sinopec Group announced that ConocoPhillips (COP) would jump on board in the Sichuan Basin in a two-year deal to conduct exploration research and develop shale gas production. The Sichuan Basin is believed to contain vast amounts of deeply embedded shale gas, and Beijing is on the fast track to boost its shale gas and tight natural gas reserves…Read more...http://oilprice.com/Energy/Natural-Gas/US-Companies-Poised-to-Launch-Chinese-Shale-Boom.html

Did Big Oil Kill Off Green Energy?

Did Big Oil Kill Off Green Energy?

The American Petroleum Industry announced the U.S. oil and natural gas sector spent billions of dollars last year on environmental programs. The energy lobby said it estimates that about 20 percent of all investments in low-carbon technology came from private energy companies. At the most recent international climate conference, world environmental negotiators were too ensnared by their own governmental interests to make any major breakthroughs. Groups like API, however, adhere to the adage that markets are more adept at innovation when freed from…Read more...http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Did-Big-Oil-Kill-Off-Green-Energy.html

8 Results for “”Best of 2012″” MIT Review

8 Results for “”Best of 2012″” MIT Reviewhttp://www.technologyreview.com/search/site/%22Best%20of%202012%22/

FOX News: “A Fukushima Fightback” — US Navy sailors say there was a conspiracy to withhold truth about radiation releases (AUDIO)


Energy News: FOX News: “A Fukushima Fightback” — US Navy sailors say there was a conspiracy to withhold truth about radiation releases (AUDIO)



Posted: 30 Dec 2012 09:29 PM PST
Posted: 30 Dec 2012 07:13 PM PST
Posted: 30 Dec 2012 12:16 PM PST
Posted: 30 Dec 2012 08:28 AM PST

Financial Times - Energy 12/31

Financial Times

Energy
Monday December 31 2012

FT.com - Energy
 

Chinese a step closer to Africa mine deal
http://link.ft.com/r/M2ZOXX/7ZMF7C/3O62UJ/R3KE2M/VT0QJR/JY/h?a1=2012&a2=12&a3=31
 
Opec cartel to reap record $1tn
http://link.ft.com/r/M2ZOXX/7ZMF7C/3O62UJ/R3KE2M/FDJCZW/JY/h?a1=2012&a2=12&a3=31
 
North sea insurance rules tightened
http://link.ft.com/r/M2ZOXX/7ZMF7C/3O62UJ/R3KE2M/EKS025/JY/h?a1=2012&a2=12&a3=31
 
Miners ready to take punt on rare earths
http://link.ft.com/r/M2ZOXX/7ZMF7C/3O62UJ/R3KE2M/Z8AR31/JY/h?a1=2012&a2=12&a3=31
 

Mining company and industry news from the Financial Times
 

Chinese a step closer to Africa mine deal
http://link.ft.com/r/M2ZOXX/7ZMF7C/3O62UJ/R3KE2M/EKS02Z/JY/h?a1=2012&a2=12&a3=31
 
Miners ready to take punt on rare earths
http://link.ft.com/r/M2ZOXX/7ZMF7C/3O62UJ/R3KE2M/WHC9RP/JY/h?a1=2012&a2=12&a3=31
 

 














Sunday, December 30, 2012

STATEMENT BY EPA ADMINISTRATOR LISA P. JACKSON ANNOUNCING HER LEAVING CABINET AFTER STATE OF UNION

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

News Release: Statement from Administrator Jackson
12/27/2012
CONTACT:
Alisha Johnson (NEWS MEDIA ONLY)
johnson.alisha@epa.gov
202-564-4373
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 27, 2012

STATEMENT BY EPA ADMINISTRATOR LISA P. JACKSON ANNOUNCING HER LEAVING CABINET AFTER STATE OF UNION

WASHINGTON -- I want to thank President Obama for the honor he bestowed on me and the confidence he placed in me four years ago this month when he announced my nomination as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. At the time I spoke about the need to address climate change, but also said: “There is much more on the agenda: air pollution, toxic chemicals and children’s health issues, redevelopment and waste-site cleanup issues, and justice for the communities who bear disproportionate risk.”   As the President said earlier this year when he addressed EPA’s employees, “You help make sure the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat are safe. You help protect the environment not just for our children but their children. And you keep us moving toward energy independence…We have made historic progress on all these fronts.” So, I will leave the EPA confident the ship is sailing in the right direction, and ready in my own life for new challenges, time with my family and new opportunities to make a difference.

NRC Schedules Meeting to Discuss Programs at the Westinghouse Fuel Facility in Columbia

NRC Schedules Meeting to Discuss Programs at the Westinghouse Fuel Facility in Columbia


The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release:
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 to discuss ongoing programs of interest at the Westinghouse Fuel Facility, which is located near Columbia, S.C.
The Westinghouse facility fabricates fuel assemblies for commercial power reactors using low-enriched uranium dioxide.
The meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. EST in the NRC's Region II office at 245 Peachtree Center Ave., NE, in Atlanta.
At the meeting, Westinghouse officials will discuss the facility's seismic program, including the results of an independent consultant's review of how the plant would respond to an earthquake. NRC encouraged all nuclear fuel facilities to re-analyze their ability to withstand a significant seismic event following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Fukushima, Japan.
Westinghouse will also discuss the status of its ongoing project to enhance safety and improve procedures to prevent nuclear criticalities.
Anyone wishing to attend the meeting should advise Patricia Glenn at 404-997-4442 or via email at Patricia.Glenn@nrc.gov in advance and, upon arrival, check in at the security desk on the 12th floor of the Marquis One Tower. Those who wish to participate in the meeting but are unable to attend are invited to call in on an audio teleconference line. For the call-in information, contact Patricia Glenn.
Contact: Roger Hannah, 404/997-4417
http://www.elp.com/news/2012/12/29/nrc-schedules-meeting-to-discuss-programs-at-the-westinghouse-fuel-facility-in-columbia.html

Energy Policy in the 113th Congress: A Look Ahead Live Webinar January 9th, 12pm EST/9 am PST

Energy Policy in the 113th Congress: A Look Ahead

Editor's Choice: Five Important U.S. Energy Stories Of 2012 | The Energy Collective Daily


Editor's Choice: Five Important U.S. Energy Stories Of 2012 | The Energy Collective Daily


http://theenergycollective.com/josephromm/165136/editor-s-choice-five-important-us-energy-stories-2012?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Berkeley Lab Scientists Developing Quick Way to ID People Exposed to Ionizing Radiation

Berkeley Lab Scientists Developing Quick Way to ID People Exposed to Ionizing Radiation

Berkeley CA (SPX) Dec 19, 2012
There's a reason emergency personnel train for the aftermath of a dirty bomb or an explosion at a nuclear power plant. They'll be faced with a deluge of urgent tasks, such as identifying who's been irradiated, who has an injury-induced infection, and who's suffering from both. Unfortunately, there isn't a quick way to screen for people exposed to dangerous lhttp://www.spacemart.com/reports/Berkeley_Lab_Scientists_Developing_Quick_Way_to_ID_People_Exposed_to_Ionizing_Radiation_999.html

Fewer White Christmases

Fewer White Christmases

Until tonight, us Bostoners had mostly rain and little snow this year, at least none that stuck.  It's the second year in a row that we have had unusually little snow.  I'm not going to say that this is because of climate change, but our not-so-white Christmas definitely brought the issue to mind.  http://www.thingsworsethannuclearpower.com/2012/12/fewer-white-christmases.html

The New Era of Oil Renaissance

The New Era of Oil Renaissance

By EconMattershttp://www.econmatters.com/2012/12/the-new-era-of-oil-renaissance.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EconForecastFullFeed+%28Posts+by+EconMatters+Only+%28Full+Content%29%29


Where Nuclear Failed, Oil Succeeded

In a continuation of our series on the state of the oil industry we look at some of the other ramifications of what we are labeling the Oil Renaissance in the US, and around the world for that matter.  This phrase was first proposed regarding the potential Nuclear turnaround here in the US, where companies like NRG Energy, Toshiba and many more players all along the supply chain were positioning themselves for the Nuclear Renaissance of cheap, and abundant Nuclear energy for the next 50 years.

Well, the natural disaster in Japan changed that movement in the span of a week of just untenable radioactivity readings coming out of Japan.  An already uphill battle for changing public sentiment towards the dangers of nuclear energy became an impractical fight from an investment standpoint that relied upon large DOE loan guarantees to attract private investment.

It is ironic, but all these companies spent a lot of time and effort from lobbying to developing strategic partnerships with each other, and in the end, most of that 7 year effort had to be written off by firms. It really shows how firms have to get the industry right; Oil was so much the smarter play. Higher margins, better technology, much easier safety hurdles, and even the environmental fight is much more manageable.

Not to mention the number of jobs created is far more with an Oil Renaissance as opposed to a Nuclear Renaissance, even with a complete buildup of the entire nuclear supply chain. Nuclear projects are just not scalable like oil projects are from a numbers standpoint due to the regulation, lead times for components, inspection, build times, and many more constraints.

No DOE Loan Guarantees: The Free Market at Work

Study Details Job, Revenue Growth From Shale

Study Details Job, Revenue Growth From Shale

The second phase of a comprehensive new study co-sponsored by the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy was released recently, highlighting the benefits that shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. energy will have on America’s economy over the coming years.

(More)…http://shalestuff.com/jobs/study-details-job-revenue-growth-shale-energy-production-50-states/article05180

Oil & Gasoline Markets End 2012 with Swollen Inventory Levels

Oil & Gasoline Markets End 2012 with Swollen Inventory Levels

By EconMatters


EIA Inventory Data

In analyzing the last EIA report of the year it is noteworthy that gasoline stocks really rose the last 5 weeks of the year. The takeaway isn`t so much that gasoline inventories rose 23 million barrels the last 5 weeks of the year, wow that is some build in inventories, but the fact that Oil inventories barely budged at all during the process. http://www.econmatters.com/2012/12/oil-gasoline-markets-end-2012-with.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EconForecastFullFeed+%28Posts+by+EconMatters+Only+%28Full+Content%29%29

5.5-magnitude quake strikes off Japan: USGS

5.5-magnitude quake strikes off Japan: USGS

Tokyo (AFP) Dec 29, 2012
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan on Saturday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported. The quake hit at depth of 40 kilometres (25 miles) at 11:59 pm (1459 GMT Saturday), about 123 kilometres east of the northern city of Sendai, the USGS said. There were no immediate reports of damage. A powerful 7.3-magnitude undersea quake off the northeasthttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/55-magnitude_quake_strikes_off_Japan_USGS_999.html

Fukushima 'unprecedented challenge': new Japan PM

Fukushima 'unprecedented challenge': new Japan PM

Fukushima Daiichi, Japan (AFP) Dec 29, 2012
The clean-up at Fukushima after its tsunami-sparked nuclear meltdowns is unlike anything humanity has ever undertaken, Japan's prime minister said Saturday during a tour of the plant. "The massive work toward decommissioning is an unprecedented challenge in human history," the newly-elected Shinzo Abe said. "Success in the decommissioning will lead to the reconstruction of Fukushima and Japahttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Fukushima_unprecedented_challenge_new_Japan_PM_999.html

China generates power at the Ningde 1 reactor and starts work on the 30th under construction nuclear reactor

China generates power at the Ningde 1 reactor and starts work on the 30th under construction nuclear reactorhttp://nextbigfuture.com/2012/12/china-generates-power-at-ningde-1.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fadvancednano+%28nextbigfuture%29

New Mexico’s chances of hosting a high-level rad waste site look like they just went up


New Mexico’s chances of hosting a high-level rad waste site look like they just went up


http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2012/12/19/blogs/nm-science/new-mexicos-chance-of-hosting-a-high-level-rad-waste-site-look-like-they-just-went-up.html

Is Nuclear Power Renewable Energy?


Is Nuclear Power Renewable Energy?


http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/21/is-nuclear-power-renewable-energy/

2012: Global warming became reality

2012: Global warming became reality

Record melting of Arctic Ocean ice. Record heat and droughts. New York under water. Believe climate change now?

Xcel faces scrutiny over nuclear waste storage

A Nuclear Waste Carol

A Nuclear Waste Carol


http://blog.heritage.org/2012/12/23/a-nuclear-waste-carol/

nning On Empty, Japanese Economy Can’t Forsake Nuclear Energy


Running On Empty, Japanese Economy Can’t Forsake Nuclear Energy


http://www.ibtimes.com/running-empty-japanese-economy-cant-forsake-nuclear-energy-974420

The nuclear industry’s future is promising

 The nuclear industry’s future is promising

http://www.reformer.com/ci_22265194/letter-box?source=most_viewed

Editorial Time to Confront Climate Change

 
Editorial

Time to Confront Climate Change

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/28/opinion/time-to-confront-climate-change.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0

Modular reactors are the future of nuclear energy


Modular reactors are the future of nuclear energy

Delmarva Now -
The Obama administration's decision to kick-start commercial use of small modular reactors has made one thing clear: The notion that nuclear power is slipping away is wrong. Although nuclear power faces difficult challenges, industry and government are ...http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20121230/OPINION03/312300005

Nuclear Roulette: The Truth About the Most Dangerous Energy Source on Earth


Nuclear Roulette: The Truth About the Most Dangerous Energy Source on Earth

Truth-Out - ‎Dec 29, 2012‎
Each new disaster demonstrates that the nuclear industry and governments lie to "avoid panic," to preserve the myth of "safe, clean" nuclear power, and to sustain government subsidies. Tokyo and Washington both covered up Fukushima's radiation risks and ...http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/13600-nuclear-roulette-the-truth-about-the-most-dangerous-energy-source-on-earth

My Turn: Government must boost coal, nuclear power

My Turn: Government must boost coal, nuclear power
Concord Monitor
Economic and environmental concerns – climate change, ensuring low-cost electricity and leading in two critical export industries – justify a concerted effort to boost domestic production of coal and nuclear powerhttp://www.concordmonitor.com/home/3519172-95/coal-energy-nuclear-gas

Simplifying the energy storage customer landscape

Simplifying the energy storage customer landscapehttp://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/Technologies_Storage/Simplifying-the-energy-storage-customer-landscape-5382.html#.UOBT_hjy-pI

Apple Designs a Wind Energy Storage Scheme


Apple Designs A Wind Energy Storage Scheme | Earthtechling
Apple Insider uncovers a patent application by the computer company for a system to convert wind energy into heat in order to store the energy for later use.
earthtechling.com/.../apple-designs-a-wind-energy-storage-sch...
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Irrational Pro-Renewable Policies, Nuclear Energy Tax Hikes Harm Spain’s Economic Recovery


Irrational Pro-Renewable Policies, Nuclear Energy Tax Hikes Harm Spain’s Economic Recovery

Only the US Government Would Call a Tax a Subsidy


Only the US Government Would Call a Tax a Subsidy

137th Carnival of Nuclear Bloggers – New Year’s Edition

137th Carnival of Nuclear Bloggers – New Year’s Edition
 
The Hiroshima Syndrome is privileged to be hosting the New Year’s edition of the Carnival of Nuclear Energy Bloggers. This week’s topics include (but are not limited to) – Suggested nuclear New Year’s resolutions for Japan, future prospects for nuclear energy in America, getting along with antinuclear friends and neighbors, a radical nuke that also makes cheap diesel fuel, and how the NRC’s nuclear decommissioning fund is not a tax subsidy. For the full reports, please click on the individual links…and have a very happy New Year.
 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

First concrete at Tianwan 3

First concrete at Tianwan 3

Tianwan 3 first concrete (Rosatom) 69x48Construction of a new reactor was started this week in China. The Russian-designed model is the fourth to be inaugurated since China resumed approvals for new plants at the end of October.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN_First_concrete_at_Tianwan_3_2912121.aspx

First electricity flows from Ningde nuclear plant

First electricity flows from Ningde nuclear plant

Ningde first power, 28 December 2012 (CGNPC) 72x48A landmark was reached at Ningde 1 on 28 December as the delivery of first power took the reactor from the construction phase into commissioning. Operator China Guangdong Nuclear Power Company said it was the beginning of the nuclear power plant creating value for society.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN_First_electricity_flows_from_Ningde_nuclear_plant_2912122.html

Asia Quickly Dominating LNG Tanker Market

Asia Quickly Dominating LNG Tanker Market

No less an authority than the U.S. Energy Information Administration is bullish on the future of natural gas, writing, “natural gas is the world's fastest-growing fossil fuel, with consumption increasing at an average rate of 1.6 percent per year from 2008 to 2035. Growth in consumption occurs in every International Economic Organization region and is most concentrated in non- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, where demand increases nearly three times as fast as in OECD countries. Increases in production in…Read more...http://oilprice.com/Energy/Natural-Gas/Asia-Quickly-Dominating-LNG-Tanker-Market.html

What Mattered in Energy Innovation This Year

What Mattered in Energy Innovation This Year

Notable advances in renewable energy pale compared to the impact of shale gas.
Although renewable energy made impressive advances this year, its impact has been dwarfed by the changes caused by the surplus of cheap, abundant natural gas made possible by hydrofracturing—fracking—of shale deposits. It will also be hard for renewables to equal the impact of shale gas in the coming years.http://www.technologyreview.com/news/508951/what-mattered-in-energy-innovation-this-year/

Blowing Up Now: The Transfer Of French Nuclear Technology To China

Blowing Up Now: The Transfer Of French Nuclear Technology To China

Wolf Richter   www.testosteronepit.com   www.amazon.com/author/wolfrichter
Technology transfers, whether on a contractual basis or through theft, have long bedeviled companies that want to benefit from China’s cheap labor and 1.3 billion consumers. Automakers, aerospace companies, technology outfits.... it’s the price they have to pay. But when it seeped out that the largely state-owned nuclear industry in France was trying to sell its secrets to China to make a deal, oh là là!http://www.zerohedge.com/contributed/2012-12-28/blowing-transfer-french-nuclear-technology-china

Accelerator driven sub-critical reactor could burn nuclear waste and create diesel at less than $2 per gallon

Accelerator driven sub-critical reactor could burn nuclear waste and create diesel at less than $2 per gallonhttp://nextbigfuture.com/2012/12/accelerator-driven-sub-critical-reactor.html

Energy Solutions: LFTRs in 5 minutes

Energy Solutions: LFTRs in 5 minutes – Thorium Reactors | Picnic ...
Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors were created 50 years ago by an American, Alvin Weinberg ...
picnicsolutions.com/energy-solutions-lftrs-in-5-minutes-thoriu...