Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Hypocrisies of the antis

Hypocrisies of the antis



http://bravenewclimate.com/2010/01/17/hypocrisies-of-the-antis/

China close to operation of two CPR1000 reactors at Fangjiashan and close to approving the CAP1400 reactor design



http://nextbigfuture.com/2014/09/china-close-to-operation-of-two-cpr1000.html

China, Britain co-host economic, financial dialogue in London

 China, Britain co-host economic, financial dialogue in London

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-09/13/c_133640167.htm

Engineering firm's China deal

 
AN engineering firm has struck a Chinese deal.
Amec, which runs its European headquarters from Darlington, has announced a memorandum of understanding with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to work on the civil nuclear sector in the UK and China.
Clive White, Amec’s Clean Energy Europe Business president, said: “This is the first stage in what we hope will be a long-term relationship between British and Chinese companies in the field of nuclear energy.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/11470880.Engineering_firm__39_s_China_deal/?ref=var_0

Safe and economical nuclear power station


09/12/2014 | Press release
http://www.noodls.com/viewNoodl/25062204/alpiq-holding-ag/safe-and-economical-nuclear-power-stations

Safe and economical nuclear power stations

distributed by noodls on 09/12/2014 18:37

The nuclear power station Gösgen has replaced the low-pressure turbine.

Lausanne Switzerland - Over the last few years, the Gösgen nuclear power station has implemented major investment projects to ensure its safe and economical long-term operation. As a logical consequence, the power station has adjusted the financial amortisation period to 60 years.

In recent years, the Gösgen-Däniken AG nuclear power station (KKG) has replaced important systems and main components of the power station's nuclear and conventional facilities (generators, turbines, control systems, constructional measures, upgrades and retrofitting). With these large-scale investments, the operators have modernised and continuously upgraded the power station. This practice of upgrading has been applied ever since the power station was put into operation. It forms the basis for the very good safety evaluations during EU stress tests and ensures the safe and economical long-term operation. Now, as a natural consequence, the financial amortisation period of the KKG has been adjusted from 50 to 60 years.

The adjustment of the amortisation period has been carried out in conformity with the applicable accounting standards (Swiss GAAP FER), with the legal regulations and with the recently revised Ordinance on the Decommissioning and the Waste Disposal Funds.

Alpiq holds a 40-percent share in the Gösgen Däniken AG nuclear power station and is the managing partner of the power station. The Leibstadt AG nuclear power station (KKL) is also adjusting its financial amortisation period to 60 years. Alpiq holds a 32.4 share in KKL.

The period over which KKG and KKL will be operational depends on how long the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) classifies the power stations as safe and how long it will be possible to operate them in a safe and economical manner in accordance with the applicable laws.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%B6sgen_Nuclear_Power_Plant
Andreas Meier 
Media Relations 
T: +41 62 286 71 10 
media@­alpiq.­com 
Tamara Andenmatten

Investor Relations

T: +41 62 286 72 17

Japanese Newspaper Retracts Fukushima Disaster Report and Fires Editor


Japanese Newspaper Retracts Fukushima Disaster Report and Fires Editor

 

Since the Fukushima disaster, the liberal Asahi Shimbun has campaigned against nuclear power in its editorial pages, saying it regretted its earlier support. The conservative Yomiuri Shimbun has been critical of Asahi’s coverage, saying its report on Mr. Yoshida’s testimony “caused serious misunderstandings among the international media.”


http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/12/world/asia/japanese-newspaper-retracts-fukushima-disaster-story-and-fires-editor.html

Fukushima disaster casts $600 million shadow over Duke Energy

Fukushima disaster casts $600 million shadow over Duke Energy



http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140913/ARTICLES/140919868/1177?Title=Fukushima-disaster-casts-600-million-shadow-over-Duke-Energy

Newest Sanctions Hit Russia Where it Hurts....Energy



Newest Sanctions Hit Russia Where it Hurts....Energy
http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/newest-sanctions-hit-russia-where-it-hurts-energy/

New U.S. sanctions handed down on Friday are designed to effectively "shut
off" Russian oil conglomerates from oil exploration projects, U.S. officials
said, in a move aimed squarely at Russia's $425 billion-a-year petroleum
industry.

The measures are "designed to effectively shut down this type of oil exploration
and production activity by depriving these Russian companies of the goods,

2030 Outlook: A Trillion Dollar Taxpayer Bailout for Electrical Utilities

 

2030 Outlook: A Trillion Dollar Taxpayer Bailout for Electrical Utilities


http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2014/09/a-trillion-dollar-taxpayer-bailout-of-electrical-utilities-2030-outlook?cmpid=SolarNL-Saturday-September13-2014

The Yoshida testimony

The Yoshida testimony 


The Yoshida testimony report comprises seven parts and contains about 500,000 characters in total. It is printed on more than 400 pages of A4-size paper
http://www.asahi.com/special/yoshida_report/en/
This is an English translation of serial feature stories on the Yoshida testimony report that began running online on The Asahi Shimbun Digital. Masao Yoshida was served as general manager of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant when it succumbed...

Friday, September 12, 2014

Israel Crosses the Threshold II: The Nixon Administration Debates the Emergence of the Israeli Nuclear Program


Israel Crosses the Threshold II: The Nixon Administration Debates the Emergence of the Israeli Nuclear Program

DOD's Paul Warnke Warned in Early 1969 that Israeli Nuclear Program is "the Single Most Dangerous Phenomenon in an Area Dangerous Enough Without Nuclear Weapons"
President Nixon Overrode Near Consensus of Senior U.S. Officials on Threat Posed by Israeli Nuclear Program in 1969
NSSM 40 and Related Records Released in Full for First Time
National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book No. 485
Posted - September 12, 2014
Edited by William Burr and Avner Cohen
For more information contact:
William Burr - 202/994-7000 or nsarchiv@gwu.edu
Avner Cohen -
831/647-6437 or 202/489-6282 (cell); avnerc@miis.edu
http://www2.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nukevault/ebb485/

The value of nuclear


The value of nuclear

Liberalized electricity markets fail to appreciate the value nuclear power provides as a reliable, clean and cost-effective fuel that helps keep the grid stable, Marvin Fertel of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) said today.
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-The-value-of-nuclear-1109201401.html

YUCCA MOUNTAIN: 'Nothing for us to do' on repository project -- NRC chief


YUCCA MOUNTAIN:

'Nothing for us to do' on repository project -- NRC chief


http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060005738

Nuclear energy tops Russia, Iran agenda


Nuclear energy tops Russia, Iran agenda

Iranian, Russian leaders met at SCO summit in Tajikistan.

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2014/09/12/Nuclear-energy-tops-Russia-Iran-agenda/7481410530170/?spt=sec&or=bn

Used-fuel storage decision doesn't go nearly far enough

Used-fuel storage decision doesn't go nearly far enough



http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/readers/2014/09/11/used-fuel-storage-decision-go-nearly-far-enough/15492551/

South Africa plans for sustainability

South Africa plans for sustainability
Plans for nuclear power figure heavily in South African energy policy - and the country aims to ensure long-term security of supply by developing its own fuel cycle capabilities.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-South-Africa-plans-for-sustainability-1209147.html

Public needs radiation risk awareness

Public needs radiation risk awareness
Educating the public on the risks of radiation should be a long-term process and not just take place in the aftermath of a major nuclear accident, a panel of radiation protection experts agreed.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-Public-needs-radiation-risk-awareness-1209144.html

The shift in financing new build

The shift in financing new build
The nuclear industry is undergoing a major shift – from one where projects were almost exclusively government owned and sponsored to one where private finance is being sought, George Borovas, partner at Shearman & Sterling LLP, said today.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-The-shift-in-financing-new-build-1209201401.html

Ditch the jargon

Ditch the jargon
To attract financial institutions to new build projects, the nuclear power industry needs to avoid 'nuke-speak' and learn to talk like a banker, writes George Borovas.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/E-Ditch-the-jargon-12091401.html

SNPAS signed two I&C agreements with Westinghouse

SNPAS signed two I&C agreements with Westinghouse

Chief Executive Officer at Dynatom International GmbH
Westinghouse announcement released on September 11th that it has signed two cooperation agreements with China's State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Company (SNPAS) related to instrumentation and control (I&C) systems.
SNPAS is a joint venture jointly organized by China's State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation (SNPTC) and Shanghai Automation Instrumentation Corporation (SAIC), in which SNPAS is the general contractor with 51% of the investment.

The first agreement between Westinghouse and SNPAS extends a cooperation deal signed in November 2010 for I &C systems for AP1000 units to be built in China. The extension of that agreement covers the supply of I&C systems for future Chinese AP1000 projects.

The second agreement covers I&C systems for future global SNPTC nuclear power plant projects, using designs derived from the AP1000 design by SNPTC. .

Source: http://np.chinapower.com.cn/201409/12/0041776.htm

np.chinapower.com.cn np.chinapower.com.cn

np.chinapower.com.cn

The scientific method


The scientific method

The scientific method today has largely been in place for over a few hundred years but involves more than just the simple hypothesis definition. Truth be told, it really does not qualify for making recognized scientific fact without peer review.
by Robert Hayes
http://newsok.com/article/5341283/?no_cache=1&no_edit=1

The US Fishing Industry Contributes Nearly $90 Billion To The Economy


The US Fishing Industry Contributes Nearly $90 Billion To The Economy


http://www.businessinsider.com/us-fishing-a-90-billion-economy-booster-2014-9?nr_email_referer=1&utm_source=Triggermail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Business%20Insider%20Select&utm_campaign=BI%20Select%20Weekend%202014-09-12&utm_content=emailshare

The West Is About To Cut Off Russian Oil Exploration In The Arctic


The West Is About To Cut Off Russian Oil Exploration In The Arctic


http://www.businessinsider.com/the-west-is-threatening-to-cut-off-russian-oil-exploration-in-the-arctic-2014-9?nr_email_referer=1&utm_source=Triggermail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Business%20Insider%20Select&utm_campaign=BI%20Select%20Weekend%202014-09-12&utm_content=emailshare

Romania: China General Nuclear Power Corporation has been declared as a qualified investor for the project to build Units 3&4


Romania: China General Nuclear Power Corporation has been declared as a qualified investor for the project to build Units 3&4


http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=196930

Exclusive Excerpt: Slouching Toward a Nuclear Blackout


Exclusive Excerpt: Slouching Toward a Nuclear Blackout


http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/09/12/exclusive-excerpt-slouching-toward-a-nuclear-blackout/

India Ahead of Jinping's visit, China pitches for Nuclear-ties with India


Ahead of Jinping's visit, China pitches for Nuclear-ties with India


Inspection finds no problem with extending operation of Wolseong nuclear reactor

Inspection finds no problem with extending operation of Wolseong nuclear reactor


Inspection finds no problem with extending operation of Wolseong nuclear reactor


http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/business/2014/09/12/92/0501000000AEN20140912008400320F.html

Westinghouse, China sign agreements for nuclear control systems


Westinghouse, China sign agreements for nuclear control systems

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/energy/2014/09/westinghouse-china-sign-agreements-for-nuclear.html

New-build nuclear power financing still no easy matter: WNA delegates


New-build nuclear power financing still no easy matter: WNA delegates


http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/london/new-build-nuclear-power-financing-still-no-easy-26879897

Discover Brazil's nuclear power generation and equipments market outlook to 2030


Discover Brazil's nuclear power generation and equipments market outlook to 2030

http://www.whatech.com/market-research-reports/press-release/29600-brazil-nuclear-power-generation-and-equipments-market-outlook-to-2030-market-research-report

Regulators reject call to shutdown Diablo nuclear power plant

 

Regulators reject call to shutdown Diablo nuclear power plant


http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2014/09/regulators-reject-call-to-shutdown-diablo-nuclear-power-plant.html

Senate committee votes to approve Baran, Burns for US Nuclear Regulatory Commission



Senate committee votes to approve Baran, Burns for US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

 

http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/washington/senate-committee-votes-to-approve-baran-burns-21218001

US NRC Blog Update: The Latest Chapter in Diablo Canyon’s Seismic Saga

The Latest Chapter in Diablo Canyon’s Seismic Saga

Lara Uselding
Public Affairs Officer, Region IV
 
Scott Burnell
Public Affairs Officer, HQ
 
Today, the NRC is looking over a 1,400-page report produced by the owners of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant for California state officials who had asked for new seismic information about the plant.
Specifically, Pacific Gas & Electric produced the report to meet part of a 2006 California law, California Assembly Bill 1632. PG&E shared the report with the NRC as they’re required to do as part of the plant’s existing long-term seismic research program.
diabloEarlier research examined the Shoreline fault, just offshore of Diablo Canyon. Both PG&E and the NRC had previously concluded, in 2009 and 2012, the fault could only generate a quake weaker than one from the Hosgri fault, which Diablo Canyon is designed to safely withstand.
For the new report, PG&E performed state-of-the-art surveys of faults near the plant, including the Shoreline fault. The new report’s more detailed information and updated analysis indicates the Shoreline fault is both longer than previously thought and able to produce a slightly stronger earthquake.
As part of its NRC requirements, PG&E must assess the report’s impact on plant operations. NRC Resident Inspectors and Region IV staff experts have already looked at PG&E’s assessment and so far the information provides confidence the plant can keep the public safe after a seismic event.
While PG&E’s new seismic information adds detail about the faults in the plant’s immediate vicinity, the company’s evaluation claims an earthquake generated by movement on the Shoreline fault would not be as energetic as previous studies say a Hosgri-generated earthquake would be.
Just as with the earlier Shoreline fault reports, the NRC will thoroughly review the new information through our existing oversight methods. The agency will take whatever action is appropriate if our review questions PG&E’s conclusions.
PG&E will also use this new information as it re-evaluates its overall seismic hazard as part of the NRC’s response to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident. PG&E’s re-evaluation is due to the NRC in March 2015. The NRC remains committed to integrating new information into our understanding of safety at all reactors.

A Thank You from MIT

MIT School of Engineering


________________________________
________________________________
Dear Michele,

Amidst the always exciting start to the fall semester, I want to take a moment to thank you for your support of our graduate students. Without your help, MIT would not be able to recruit and educate some of the most exceptional young engineers in the country and around the world.

For many of our graduate students, MIT has always been a dream. Your generosity is helping to make that dream come true. Thank you again from all of us.

Sincerely,

Ian A. Waitz
Dean of Engineering
Jerome C. Hunsaker Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Yale study Finds Correlation Between Fracking and Increased Rates of Illness


Yale study Finds Correlation Between Fracking and Increased Rates of Illness
http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/yale-study-finds-correlation-between-fracking-and-increased-rates-of-illness/

People who live close to natural gas fracking wells were more likely to have
skin and respiratory symptoms than those living farther away, according to a new
Yale study.

The study of natural gas hydraulic fracturing, often called “fracking,” was
conducted in southwestern Pennsylvania, where “there were over 600 active
natural gas wells in the county,” [...]

Oil: No Price is Right

Oil: No Price is Right



http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2014/09/oil-price-right.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NakedCapitalism+%28naked+capitalism%29

Siemens Tidal Energy Project Suspended


Siemens Tidal Energy Project Suspended

by David Appleyard, Contributing Editor | September 11, 2014 | Post Your Comment
Marine Current Turbines (MCT), the tidal energy company owned by German engineering giant Siemens has announced that it has suspended development of a planned 10 MW tidal array in Wales. Full Articlehttp://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/09/siemens-tidal-energy-project-suspended?cmpid=WNL-Friday-September12-2014

Preventing Bird Deaths at Solar Power Plants, Part 1

Preventing Bird Deaths at Solar Power Plants, Part 1

by Susan Kraemer, Correspondent | September 11, 2014 | 2 Comments
In the aviation industry alone, there have been over 117,000 bird strikes in the 20 years from 1990 and 2010, according to the FAA. These pose a flight risk to pilots and passengers on planes. In the 1980s, attempting to prevent b... Full Article
TOPNEWS
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/09/preventing-bird-deaths-at-solar-power-plants-part-1?cmpid=WNL-Friday-September12-2014

Energy News Roundup: Bakken Oil Flammability, Companies Vulnerable to Internal Threats and New LNG Export Approvals

Energy News Roundup: Bakken Oil Flammability, Companies Vulnerable to Internal Threats and New LNG Export Approvals

By Jared Anderson
Kazakhstan Oil Industry Is Booming
Members of the House Space, Science and Technology Committee discussed Bakken crude oil properties during a subcommittee hearing held as part of the effort to craft new rail tank car regulations. “None of these other oils are shipping in volumes that this Bakken shale oil is being shipped,” he [Timothy Butters, deputy administrator for the

New 550-Mile Natural Gas Pipeline to Supply Virginia and North Carolina

New 550-Mile Natural Gas Pipeline to Supply Virginia and North Carolina

By EnerKnol Research
OPAL Pipeline To Connect To Baltic Sea
Four energy companies have formed a joint venture to advance the proposed 550-mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline to transport Marcellus and Utica natural gas to Virginia and North Carolina.   On September 2, 2014, Dominion Resources, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and AGL Resources announced a joint venture to build the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline to

Morgan Stanley Bullish On Storage


Morgan Stanley Bullish On Storage

By EEnergy Informer
Sunset Lines Up With Manhattan's Street Grid
Customer grid defection through self-generation and storage not good from societal point of view  Utilities in the US and elsewhere facing rapid rise of solar PVs are more or less unanimous on two remedies to address the revenue erosion challenge facing them: First, reducing the incentives to self-generation and Second, increasing the fixed charges customers

U.S., EU Impose Sector-Specific Sanctions Against Russia


U.S., EU Impose Sector-Specific Sanctions Against Russia

By Christine Savage, Iain MacVay, Mark Wasden, Jane Cohen, Sajid Ahmed, Shannon Doyle Barna, Clint Long | King & Spalding
Moscow Travel Destination
Recently the United States and the EU imposed additional targeted sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Although previous sanctions issued by the U.S. and EU since March 2014 affect various sectors of the Russian economy, including Russia’s military industrial complex, the most recent sanctions target Russia’s financial and energy sectors.
U.S. Sanctions
Since March 2014, the United States has imposed visa bans on certain government officials and blocked property and interests in property of certain persons and entities that are stated to contribute to the situation in Ukraine. The most recent sanctions imposed restrictions on exports and re-exports of oil- and gas-related items for deepwater, Arctic offshore, or shale projects in Russia. These sanctions have been imposed primarily by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) and the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”).http://breakingenergy.com/2014/09/11/u-s-eu-impose-sector-specific-sanctions-against-russia/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=f190b2d07f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-f190b2d07f-407304281

Decommissioning Panel and Appointments: Good, Bad and Ugly Appointments Thick and Fast


Decommissioning Panel and Appointments: Good, Bad and Ugly

Appointments Thick and Fast
http://yesvy.blogspot.com/2014/09/decommissioning-panel-and-appointments.html#.VBMEaBm5I7A

Study maps 15 years of carbon dioxide emissions on Earth

Study maps 15 years of carbon dioxide emissions on Earth
Tempe AZ (SPX) Sep 12, 2014 - World leaders face multiple barriers in their efforts to reach agreement on greenhouse gas emission policies. And, according to Arizona State University researchers, without globally consistent, independent emissions assessments, climate agreements will remain burdened by errors, self-reporting, and the inability to verify emissions progress. Now, an international research team led by ASU ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Study_maps_15_years_of_carbon_dioxide_emissions_on_Earth_999.html

Istanbul likely to experience major earthquake in the future


Istanbul likely to experience major earthquake in the future
Istanbul, Turkey (UPI) Sep 11, 2014 - A significant section of the North Anatolian Fault - the seismic fault line that runs beneath the Sea of Marmara, off the coast of Turkey - has grown eerily quiet in recent years, scientists say. And that could mean one of two things. The less worrisome of the possibilities is that the two tectonic plates are gliding slowly, safely by. The other, more catastrophic option, is that a ha ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Istanbul_likely_to_experience_major_earthquake_in_the_future_999.html

Globalization threatens benefits of an African 'green revolution'

FARM NEWS
Globalization threatens benefits of an African 'green revolution'
Vancouver, Canada (SPX) Sep 11, 2014 - A prospective "green revolution" in Africa could boost land use and carbon emissions globally, according to a study co-authored by a University of British Columbia researcher. The term "green revolution" typically describes the use of agricultural innovations - such as the development of new seeds - to increase yields, particularly in developing countries. Past green revolutions in A ... morehttp://www.seeddaily.com/reports/Globalization_threatens_benefits_of_an_African_green_revolution_999.html

PennEnergy's Top Power Headlines 9/12

Top Power Headlines

Petra Nova carbon capture-enhanced oil recovery project underway

Construction of what is expected to be the largest post-combustion carbon capture system in the world is officially underway. …more>>
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Construction to begin on world's largest floating solar power plant

Kyocera, Century Tokyo Leasing, Ciel et Terre announce construction to commence on the world's largest floating solar power plant. …more>>
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Top Power News

Google invests $145MM in Regulus solar plant

California regulator: Alter San Onofre nuclear plant deal

Montana regulators advance $900MM hydroelectric deal

Fluor completes 540 MW gas-fired power plant

Construction begins on $1B solar plant in Nevada

Sinopec to build $10B coal-to-gas project

Block Island wind farm fully permitted

MIT looks at solar power for water desalination

NRC issues mid-cycle assessments for US nuclear stations

PG&E plans appeal of record $1.4B San Bruno

Iran captures alleged nuclear plant saboteur

Rostec, Shenhua to invest up to $10B on coal, utilities infrastructure

Study: Companies are satisfied with business outcomes from big data

PennEnergy Blogs and Op-Eds

A practical management approach for the energy industry

Eric Scheller discusses the challenges and options facing business directors as they try to fully disseminate and leverage data in the management and growth of their businesses. …more>>

Nuclear power does not equal nuclear weapons!


Nuclear power does not equal nuclear weapons! The false equivalency on anti-nuclear advocates.


https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20140911201219-37235184-nuclear-power-does-not-equal-nuclear-weapons-the-false-equivalency-on-anti-nuclear-advocates

A Government-subsidized Desert Death Ray


A Government-subsidized Desert Death Ray


http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/09/a_governmentsubsidized_desert_death_ray.html

Nuclear energy should be kept out of politics: Russia's Rosatom

Nuclear energy should be kept out of politics: Russia's Rosatom



http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/11/us-nuclear-rosatom-idUSKBN0H61U320140911

Third Way: Nuclear Energy Renaissance Set to Move Ahead Without U.S.


Third Way: Nuclear Energy Renaissance Set to Move Ahead Without U.S.
A new paper by the Third Way organization finds that the United States underspends on advanced nuclear research and development (R&D). In addition, other countries outspend the United States in nuclear R&D. This puts the country at risk of losing its position as an international leader on nuclear energy and mitigating climate change — as well as of losing a portion of the estimated $1 trillion in nuclear infrastructure that the world will need by 2035.

http://forumonenergy.com/2014/09/08/third-way-nuclear-energy-renaissance-set-to-move-ahead-without-u-s/

Stopping climate meltdown needs the courage that saved the ozone layer

 

Stopping climate meltdown needs the courage that saved the ozone layer

Governments dither on the solution to global warming – but the Montreal protocol is a reminder of a time when they took their hands out of their pockets

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2014/sep/11/stopping-climate-meltdown-needs-the-political-courage-that-saved-the-ozone-layer

A Nuclear Bolivia? Why Not?

A Nuclear Bolivia? Why Not?


The renaissance in nuclear power is in full swing around the world, just not so much in the West.


http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2014/09/11/a-nuclear-bolivia-why-not/

Westinghouse Signs Cooperation Agreements with China’s State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Company

 

Westinghouse Signs Cooperation Agreements with China’s State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Company

Westinghouse Electric Company LLC today announced it signed two instrumentation and control system cooperation agreements with China’s State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Company.


http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/09/prweb12162528.htm

BP and the Three Stooges Defense

BP and the Three Stooges Defense


Forget Stephen King. If you want scary, read U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier’s 150-page Findings of Fact released Thursday in the Deepwater Horizon case.
Although the judge found BP liable for “gross negligence,” some U.S. media failed to mention that Barbier let BP off the hook on punitive damages. And that stuns me, given that the record seems to identify enough smoking guns to roast a sizable pig. 

http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/bp_and_the_three_stooges_defense_20140911

Thursday, September 11, 2014

ANS Update: ANS Webinar with NRC Chairman Allison Macfarlane


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American Nuclear Society

ANS Webinar with NRC Chairman Allison Macfarlane

By ansnuclearcafe on Sep 11, 2014 11:57 am

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Allison Macfarlane today fielded questions from in-person and virtual attendees at a live, unscripted 60-minute webinar on nuclear energy issues. The event—”Bloggers’ Roundtable”—was held in Washington, DC, and was a collaborative effort of the NRC and … Continue reading
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share on Twitter Like ANS Webinar with NRC Chairman Allison Macfarlane on Facebook

The value of nuclear

The value of nuclear
Liberalized electricity markets fail to appreciate the value nuclear power provides as a reliable, clean and cost-effective fuel that helps keep the grid stable, Marvin Fertel of the Nuclear Energy Institute said today.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-The-value-of-nuclear-1109201401.html

Nuclear's 'key role' in meeting climate change challenge

Nuclear's 'key role' in meeting climate change challenge
Meeting the energy needs of a growing global population while tackling climate change is the "biggest diplomatic challenge of the era," according to leading climate change expert Professor Sir David King. Nuclear energy, he suggests, has a key role to play in most regions of the world to meet this challenge.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/EE-Nuclears-key-role-in-meeting-climate-change-challenge-1109144.html

Russia Practises Nuclear Cruise Missile Launches Against U.S.


Russia Practises Nuclear Cruise Missile Launches Against U.S.
http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/russia-practises-nuclear-cruise-missile-launches-against-u-s/

Two Russian strategic bombers conducted practice cruise missile attacks on the
United States during a training mission last week that defense officials say
appeared timed to the NATO summit in Wales.

The Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers were tracked flying a route across the northern
Atlantic near Iceland, Greenland, and Canada’s northeast.
Analysis of the flight indicated the [...]

Implementing Lessons Learned from Fukushima: Public Meetings/Presentations


Implementing Lessons Learned from Fukushima: Public Meetings/Presentations

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has a long-standing practice of conducting its regulatory responsibilities in an open manner, and keeping the public informed of the agency's regulatory, licensing, and oversight activities. For that reason, the NRC is committed to informing the public about its Lessons Learned from Fukushima. For general information about the available opportunities for public involvement in NRC activities, see Public Meetings and Involvement, Hearing Opportunities and License Applications, and NUREG/BR-0215, "Public Involvement in the Regulatory Process." For more specific information about public meetings and presentations that the NRC staff has conducted to discuss topics related to the Japan nuclear accident, see the following chronological listings on this page:

09/11/2014 The purpose of this webinar meeting is to continue discussions on activities directed by the Commission in a staff requirements' memorandum (SRM) dated March 19, 2013 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management Systems (ADAMS Accession No. ML13078A017), SRM-SECY-12-0157, "Consideration of Additional Requirements for Containment Venting Systems for Boiling Water Reactors with Mark I and Mark II containments". These discussions are related to the NRC's Implementation of Order EA-13-109, which addressed Recommendation 5.1 of the Near-Term Task Force (NTTF) Recommendations for Enhancing Reactor Safety in the 21st Century report, issued July 12, 2011, ( ADAMS Accession No. ML111861807).

Fukushima Updates 9/11/14

Fukushima Updates 9/11/14

Ex-F. Daiichi boss Masao Yoshida was upset about the nuke accident getting more attention than the tsunami… A panel member of the NAIIC calls the release of the Yoshida testimony significant… The Asahi Shimbun has admitted error in its earlier reporting of the Yoshida testimony… Tokyo’s nuclear watchdog (NRA) says the Sendai nukes meet regulatory mandates for safety.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

ederal regulators decide not to shut down PG&E's Diablo Canyon nuclear plant

ederal regulators decide not to shut down PG&E's Diablo Canyon nuclear plant



http://www.utilitydive.com/news/federal-regulators-decide-not-to-shut-down-pges-diablo-canyon-nuclear-pla/307960/

On Becoming an Ecomodernist

On Becoming an Ecomodernist



http://theenergycollective.com/michaelshellenberger/495196/becoming-ecomodernist?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Be Prepared - For a LOT More Solar by 2025


Be Prepared - For a LOT More Solar by 2025


http://theenergycollective.com/rosana-francescato/497576/be-prepared-lot-more-solar-2025?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Here's How Global Warming Is Already Worsening Extreme Deluges In The U.S.

Here's How Global Warming Is Already Worsening Extreme Deluges In The U.S.



http://theenergycollective.com/josephromm/494736/here-s-how-global-warming-already-worsening-extreme-deluges-us?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Sempra LNG export nets DOE approval

 

Sempra LNG export nets DOE approval


http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/sempra-lng-export-nets-doe-approval/2014-09-11?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

For more:
- see the final Cameron order and the final Carib order
Related Article:
Sempra on track to have first LNG project started in 2014

Wave energy research continues with $4M grant

 

Wave energy research continues with $4M grant

The total recoverable wave energy resource along the U.S. continental shelf is almost one-third of the total electricity used in the U.S. each year, according to the Electric Power Research Institute, and could provide the sustainable generating potential of approximately 10 percent of global energy needs. The Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC) is examining this potential with the help of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Originally a partnership of Oregon State University and the University of Washington, the NNMREC is expanding its technological research and environmental monitoring of wave energy resources with the help of $4 million from the DOE and has added the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a new partner.

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/wave-energy-research-continues-4m-grant/2014-09-11?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

For more:
- read this article 
Related Articles:
World's largest wave energy site approved
Wave energy test site calls Newport home

Warning to investors: Avoid Dominion Cove Point LNG


Warning to investors: Avoid Dominion Cove Point LNG


http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/warning-investors-avoid-dominion-cove-point-lng/2014-09-11?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

For more:
- see this report 
Related Articles:
MD PSC approves Cove Point LNG- with lots of conditions
Dominion Cove Point LNG could reduce U.S. deficit by $7B a year

Energy Index ranks states by economic efficiency

 

Energy Index ranks states by economic efficiency


A new report from the Pacific Research Institute (PRI) measures the regulatory climate for energy consumption, production, and distribution, and ranks the states in terms of economic efficiency.

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/energy-index-ranks-states-economic-efficiency/2014-09-11?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

Researchers developing reactor powered by nuclear waste


Researchers developing reactor powered by nuclear waste


http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/hitachi-spent-fuel-test-reactor/

IAEA: Safe and Sustainable Radioactive Waste Management

Safe and Sustainable Radioactive Waste Management

IAEA Scientific Forum to Highlight How to Meet This Challenge

Scientific Forum 2014
With 437 nuclear power reactors in operation in 30 countries, a further 70 under construction in 15 States, and thousands of radioactive sources being used worldwide in industry, agriculture medicine and research, the safe and sustainable management of radioactive waste is a priority for every country.
Certain types of waste can remain radioactive from a few hours to hundreds of thousands of years, and suitable approaches to storage and disposal must be developed to protect people and the environment from potential hazards, to ensure their safety now and in the future.
To highlight this important issue, the IAEA has organized this year's Scientific Forum to focus on the scientific and technological experience gained around the world, providing the basis for safe and sustainable waste management approaches.
The Scientific Forum (23-24 September 2014) will be held on the margins of the 58th General Conference (22-26 September 2014), the annual weeklong gathering of all the IAEA's Member States.
Entitled Radioactive Waste: Meeting the Challenge - Science and Technology for Safe and Sustainable Solutions, the Scientific Forum will explore the importance of an integrated approach to waste management, from its generation to disposal, including anticipation of future developments. Representatives from 18 countries will showcase how available solutions can address the challenges being faced in radioactive waste management.
In dedicated sessions, these experts will present available experience with waste characterization, treatment and conditioning, to convert it into a form suitable for storage, transport, and ultimately, disposal, and discuss how these provide the basis for its safe management. A panel session will also focus on how evolving nuclear technologies such as better use of nuclear fuel, innovative fuels and advanced reactors and fuel cycles, could affect future waste management needs.
According to the IAEA Nuclear Technology Review 2014, there were 68 million m3 of radioactive waste in storage around the world at the end of 2013. And up to the year 2012, approximately 76 million m3 of radioactive waste were disposed of.
Although each country is responsible for the safe management of its radioactive waste, the IAEA, with experience in this area spanning more than five decades, provides technical assistance when Member States request it. Hence, the Scientific Forum will highlight the benefits of international cooperation in this field and the IAEA support to its Member States in developing and implementing viable radioactive waste management solutions.

- By Sasha Henriques, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication