Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Facts and Opinion on Entergy Sale of Vermont Yankee


Facts and Opinion on Entergy Sale of Vermont Yankee


Entergy plans to sell Vermont Yankee to a decomm company.  This should speed the decommissioning: running a plant and decommissioning a plant are different specialities.  It is sad, however, because people who work at the plant now are not likely to be retained.

President Trump: Nuclear energy is the mother lode of untapped potential


President Trump: Nuclear energy is the mother lode of untapped potential

http://atomicinsights.com/president-trump-nuclear-energy-mother-lode-untapped-potential/

UAE 'strong' on nuclear security, says IAEA

UAE 'strong' on nuclear security, says IAEA

11 November 2016
The United Arab Emirates has undertaken "strong and sustainable" nuclear security activities, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded. The Vienna-based agency carried out a two-week International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission at the UAE government's request.

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-UAE-strong-on-nuclear-security-says-IAEA-11111602.html

Japan’s Nuclear Industry Finds a Lifeline in India After Foundering Elsewhere

Japan’s Nuclear Industry Finds a Lifeline in India After Foundering Elsewhere


http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/12/business/international/japan-india-nuclear-deal.html?_r=0

Paducah Laser Nuclear Enrichment Facility Gets Fuel but Not Formal Construction Decision

Paducah Laser Nuclear Enrichment Facility Gets Fuel but Not Formal Construction Decision


http://www.powermag.com/paducah-laser-nuclear-enrichment-facility-gets-fuel-but-not-formal-construction-decision/

Vietnam Kills Nuclear Power Project Due to High Costs


Vietnam Kills Nuclear Power Project Due to High Costs

http://www.powermag.com/vietnam-kills-nuclear-power-project-due-to-high-costs/

Energy Department Announces Agreement to Sell Depleted Uranium to be Enriched for Civil Nuclear Power

Energy Department Announces Agreement to Sell Depleted Uranium to be Enriched for Civil Nuclear Power

November 10, 2016 - 2:29pm
LEXINGTON —The Department of Energy (DOE) has agreed to sell depleted uranium to GE-Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment, LLC (GLE) over a 40-year period which would be enriched at a proposed GLE state-of-the-art facility. The proposed new facility would use depleted uranium to produce natural uranium which is used for production of fuel for civil nuclear reactors. The facility would be built near DOE’s Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in western Kentucky. The construction and operation of the billion-dollar facility at Paducah  could to bring approximately 800 to 1,200 jobs to the local community.
“This agreement furthers the Energy Department’s environmental cleanup mission while reducing cleanup costs, creating good local jobs, and supporting an economical enrichment enterprise for our energy needs,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “The sale contributes to two key Energy Department mission areas – to fulfill the federal government’s responsibility to manage the safe storage and disposal of nuclear materials and to enable nuclear power, America’s largest source of zero-carbon energy and an important enabler for reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”
GLE will finance, construct, own and operate the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) adjacent to the Energy Department site. The facility will be a commercial uranium enrichment production facility under a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license. DOE’s inventory of depleted uranium is safely stored in approximately 65,000 specialized storage cylinders at the Department’s Paducah and Portsmouth (Ohio) sites.
The Paducah plant was constructed in the 1950s to enrich uranium for national security applications, and later enriched uranium for commercial nuclear power generation. The Energy Department resumed control of the plant enrichment facilities in 2014 after the operator ceased gaseous-diffusion enrichment operations in 2013.
The Department’s Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office (PPPO) is currently deactivating the plant in preparation for decontamination and decommissioning, while it continues to complete environmental cleanup that began in the late 1980s.  Cleanup includes groundwater remediation, inactive-facility demolition, conversion of depleted uranium to more stable forms for reuse or disposal, and other projects.
The mission of the Office of Environmental Management (EM) is to complete the safe cleanup of the environmental legacy brought about from five decades of nuclear weapons development and government-sponsored nuclear energy research.

ENERGY POLICY: McConnell aide could head to FERC in lame duck — sources -- Thursday, November 10, 2016 -- www.eenews.net

ENERGY POLICY: McConnell aide could head to FERC in lame duck — sources -- Thursday, November 10, 2016 -- www.eenews.net

Nuclear isotope facility would bring low-enriched uranium to SRS | News | aikenstandard.com

Nuclear isotope facility would bring low-enriched uranium to SRS | News | aikenstandard.com

Nuclear fuel R&D is driving advanced reactor innovation | Neutron Bytes

Nuclear fuel R&D is driving advanced reactor innovation | Neutron Bytes

DoE to sell uranium to potential GE-Hitachi Kentucky enrichment facility

http://seekingalpha.com/news/3223831-doe-sell-uranium-potential-ge-hitachi-kentucky-enrichment-facility

The Energy Collective Daily: What Does the Trump Victory Mean for Climate Change Policy?

What Does the Trump Victory Mean for Climate Change Policy? | The Energy Collective Daily


Link to The Energy Collective

Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation: Front and Center



Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
FOLLOW US: Follow Us on Twitter Join Us on Facebook
Front and Center
An update on arms control, national security, and more from The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
What's News:
UN committee calls for outlawing nuclear weapons 
In a landmark resolution, 123 nations approved a United Nations resolution to begin negotiations on a treaty that could ultimately ban nuclear weapons. The resolution was proposed by Austria, Brazil, Ireland, Mexico, Nigeria and South Africa. The United States, Russia, Israel, France and the United Kingdom were among the countries that voted against the measure.
The resolution follows three international conferences beginning in 2013 to consider the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons use and discussions by a working group on nuclear disarmament in 2016. To know more, click here.
Support Our Mission: Donate Now button Tell a friend
Read: 
Why Are U.S. Nuclear Missiles Still On High-Alert? 
There are approximately 450 silo-based nuclear weapons across the U.S. that remain on high-alert status, a Cold-War relic that allows the President to fire nuclear weapons within minutes of a warning. Executive Director John Tierney explains why it’s safe to take ICBMs off high-alert without harming U.S. nuclear deterrence. Read the full piece here.
The End of the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement: A Dark Cloud with a Silver Lining  
Russia's withdrawal from the US-Russia Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement has major implications for global non-proliferation efforts. Yet, there may be one positive outcome for the United States. Policy intern Katherine Owens explains what’s at stake.
Remembering Jack Woodall
The Center was proud to be associated with Jack Woodall, a member of our Scientists Working Group and an esteemed scientist and honorable human being. We send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues now sharing in this loss. Click here to learn more about Dr. Woodall and his contributions to scientific advancement.
Infographic: Cost of U.S. Nuclear Triad Modernization: $1 Trillion 
The U.S. plans to spend approximately $1 trillion on the modernization and maintenance of its nuclear triad over the next 30 years. Should it be done all at once? Our infographic takes a look at the costs of the plan. Take a look below and click here for a printable version. 
Nuclear-modernization-infographic.png
Watch: 
Could we survive a nuclear winter? 
What would be the effects of a nuclear war? According to researchers, even a "limited" nuclear exchange – about 100 bombs – could cause devastating, long-term climate change, known as nuclear winter. Watch this video to see the horrifying results of the study. 

Dear Silicon Valley: Forget Flying Cars, Give Us Economic Growth

Dear Silicon Valley: Forget Flying Cars, Give Us Economic Growth

Companies taking advantage of amazing new digital technologies dominate our list of 50 Smartest Companies. But despite impressive advances in artificial intelligence and automation, the economy remains in a troubling slowdown.


https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601682/dear-silicon-valley-forget-flying-cars-give-us-economic-growth/

French Nuclear Industry In ‘Total Crisis’ As 20 Reactors Shut Down

French Nuclear Industry In ‘Total Crisis’ As 20 Reactors Shut Down

Photo of Andrew Follett


http://dailycaller.com/2016/11/10/french-nuclear-industry-in-total-crisis-as-20-reactors-shut-down/

Trump insider: New administration won't attack renewable energy


Trump insider: New administration won't attack renewable energy

The president-elect will not move to revoke wind and solar subsidies, according to a major Trump financial contributor who said he is a member of the transition team.


http://www.utilitydive.com/news/trump-energy-policy/430205/

Friday, November 11, 2016

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Friday, November 11, 2016


Friday, November 11, 2016
 
What We’re Reading is a new blog at the Bulletin featuring short posts about articles you’ll want to see. This week we look at the likelihood of follow-through on Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric, and how those concerned with existential threats can best respond during a Trump administration.
 
Ariel Conn
 
An in-depth interview with meteorologist Alan Robock and physicist Brian Toon, two of the seminal researchers in the field of nuclear winter.
 
 
Crusades of the clueless: Who will win the war on science?
 
Elisabeth Eaves
 
In this insightful book review of Shawn Otto's The War on Science: Who’s Waging It, Why It Matters, What We Can Do About It, contributing editor Elisabeth Eaves examines historical examples of science denial followed by societal collapse. Free access from the November/December subscription journal.
 
 
How to reduce South Asia's nuclear dangers
 
Jayita Sarkar, Rabia Akhtar, Mario E. Carranza
 
Our excellent debate on reducing South Asia’s nuclear dangers is closing. Find out what measures are available to India, Pakistan, and outside nations that might reduce the risk of a South Asian nuclear exchange.
 
Trump said he'd tear up the Iran nuclear deal. Now what?
Ariane Tabatabai
A crucial role for civil servants and US allies in ensuring the survival of a historic nuclear agreement.
 
Gabrielle Tarini
 
This month's Biological Weapons Convention Review Conference is a chance to reinvigorate the aging treaty. Despite rapid scientific advances, the BWC convention has been unable to provide a forum where crucial contemporary debates about new developments—including gain-of-function experiments, potential pandemic pathogens, and Crispr—can take place internationally.

New BWC website
The 8th Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Review Conference is taking place in Geneva from November 7-25, 2016, and the Middle East Next Generation of Arms Control Specialists Network (MENACS) has launched the BWC1972 website, the goal of which is to raise public awareness of biological weapons threats and the importance of the BWC.
 
 
Finlay Greig
 
The Bulletin's Executive Director and Publisher Rachel Bronson discusses Donald Trump with iNews.
 
 
Visits to the Bulletin's website were 350 percent higher on Nov 9, the day after the US presidential election, than the normal daily average. Interview requests and inquiries about the impact on our Doomsday Clock have spiked as well.
 
Members of our Science and Security board will have more to say about the effect of the president-elect's public statements on climate change and nuclear issues--but this much is clear. We need your increased support to meet the escalating demands of the coming weeks.

 
Please stand with us now by making a contribution of any size to help us meet the need for facts, clear-eyed analysis, and expert assessments from around the world.
 
The 2016 Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Annual Dinner is sold out!
For more information, please call 773.702.6308.
 
 
Jodi Lieberman
Sign up to receive Jodi Lieberman's Nuclear Roundup. Discover why so many readers find this daily summary of nuclear-related news simply indispensable.
About the Bulletin
 
For more than 70 years the Bulletin has engaged science leaders, policy makers, and the interested public on topics of nuclear weapons and disarmament, the changing energy landscape, climate change, and emerging technologies.
Some images provided by Shutterstock. Receive this message as a forward? Click here to sign up for future mailings. To unsubscribe from ALL future emails from the Bulletin, please click the 'unsubscribe' button below.
Share this message on Social Media:

History Associates Writes the Story of the World Association of Nuclear Power Operators

History Associates Writes the Story of the World Association of Nuclear Power Operators


http://www.fox14tv.com/story/33666284/history-associates-writes-the-story-of-the-world-association-of-nuclear-power-operators

New Network to Strengthen Nuclear and Radiation Safety in Europe and Central Asia

New Network to Strengthen Nuclear and Radiation Safety in Europe and Central Asia


http://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2016/11/11/new-network-to-strengthen-nuclear-and-radiation-safety-in-europe-and-central-asia/

CPI-M denounces Parrikar's views on nuclear policy

CPI-M denounces Parrikar's views on nuclear policy


http://www.newkerala.com/news/2016/fullnews-141377.html

NorthStar to accelerate decommissioning of Vermont Yankee nuclear power station

NorthStar to accelerate decommissioning of Vermont Yankee nuclear power station


http://predictwallstreet.com/News/Story.aspx?StoryID=0fb7cda404bedd5f

Vietnam to scrap planned nuclear plants 0

http://www.manilatimes.net/vietnam-scrap-planned-nuclear-plants/295984/

23,000 take part in nuclear evacuation drill at Ikata plant on Shikoku

23,000 take part in nuclear evacuation drill at Ikata plant on Shikoku


http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/11/national/23000-take-part-nuclear-evacuation-drill-ikata-plant-shikoku/#.WCW6ddyXSNY

UN sees small but significant Iranian nuke deal violation


UN sees small but significant Iranian nuke deal violation

$subtitles.get($x) The United Nations agency monitoring the nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers said Wednesday that Iran is in violation of the deal meant to curb its ability to make atomic arms by storing marginally more heavy water than the agreement allows. … Continue Reading http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2016/11/nulcear-power-un-sees-small-but-significant-iranian-nuke-deal-violation.html?cmpid=EnlWeeklyPowerNovember112016&eid=288118515&bid=1585466

In 2015, U.S. coal production, consumption, and employment fell by more than 10%

In 2015, U.S. coal production, consumption, and employment fell by more than 10%

$subtitles.get($x) U.S. coal production dropped by more than 10% in 2015 to 897 million short tons (MMst), the lowest production level since 1986. Production in all three major coal-producing regions (the Appalachian, the Interior, and the Western) declined, as consumption of coal for electric power generation, industrial, and other uses fell by 13% to 798 MMst in 2015. … Continue Reading http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2016/11/coal-news-in-2015-u-s-coal-production-consumption-and-employment-fell-by-more-than-10.html?cmpid=EnlWeeklyPowerNovember112016&eid=288118515&bid=1585466

Retooling Regulation: A Closer Look at Integrating Energy and Environmental Policy


Retooling Regulation: A Closer Look at Integrating Energy and Environmental Policy

by Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)

http://www.theenergycollective.com/raponline/2392517/retooling-regulation-a-closer-look-at-integrating-energy-and-environmental-policy

U.S. Crude Oil Production in 2015 Was the Highest Since 1972

U.S. Crude Oil Production in 2015 Was the Highest Since 1972


http://www.theenergycollective.com/todayinenergy/2392715/u-s-crude-oil-production-in-2015-was-the-highest-since-1972

A Glimpse Into the Future of Technologically Mature Electric Cars



Highlights

  • The introduction of affordable 200+ mile electric cars under existing incentive programs offers a valuable glimpse into the future.
  • In the US, incentives will cover the entire battery pack cost of the Chevy Bolt.
  • In Norway, very large incentives will yield effective battery costs of negative $314/kWh – a massive bargain.
  • Current market shares of affordable electric cars are 0.2% in the US and 13% in Norway.
  • Near-term performance of subsidized electric cars in these countries should be indicative of long-term unsubsidized performance. 

http://www.theenergycollective.com/schalk-cloete/2392454/a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-technologically-mature-electric-cars

COP22: Marrakech Conference Reacts to U.S. Election, Pins Hopes for Global Climate Action on Trump’s Inconsistency


COP22: Marrakech Conference Reacts to U.S. Election, Pins Hopes for Global Climate Action on Trump’s Inconsistency

http://www.theenergycollective.com/desmog/2392861/cop22-marrakech-conference-reacts-to-u-s-election-pins-hopes-for-global-climate-action-on-trumps-inconsistency

Who’s Waging The War On Coal? Not The U.S. Government

Who’s Waging The War On Coal? Not The U.S. Government



http://www.theenergycollective.com/epicuchicago/2392713/whos-waging-the-war-on-coal-not-the-u-s-government

Oil And Gas: Huge Victors Of The Presidential Election

Oil And Gas: Huge Victors Of The Presidential Election
http://www.theenergycollective.com/staffjam/2392862/oil-and-gas-huge-victors-of-the-presidential-election

Thursday, November 10, 2016

IAEA Conducts First Seismic Review of a New Reactor Design


IAEA Conducts First Seismic Review of a New Reactor Design

An IAEA team of experts meeting with counterparts from ATMEA during a seismic safety review mission in Kobe, Japan. (Photo: S. Morita/IAEA)
Kobe, Japan – An IAEA team of experts conducted the Agency's first seismic safety review assessing a new nuclear power reactor design last month. Previous seismic safety reviews had focused on the early stages of nuclear power projects.
The team of five experts of the Site External Events and Design (SEED) review mission in Kobe assessed the technical methodologies that underpin the seismic design of the mid-size pressurized water reactor ATMEA1 against IAEA Safety Standards, which represent an international consensus on what constitutes a high level of safety.
The team reviewed relevant documentation and met counterparts from ATMEA and its partners. It concluded that the ATMEA1 seismic design methodologies are aligned with relevant IAEA Safety Standards.
The team also identified good practices, including the use of comprehensive experimental databases and the development of strong test capabilities in support of advanced seismic design and qualification methods.
"The ATMEA1 reactor incorporates many proven technical approaches and methodologies to establish a seismically robust reactor design," said Greg Rzentkowski, Director of the IAEA's Nuclear Installations Safety Division.
"This is the first peer review focusing specifically on seismic safety for a new reactor design.  This type of review may be beneficial for the IAEA Member States, including countries embarking on nuclear power programmes, in achieving high-level of seismic safety," he said.
ATMEA Chief Executive Officer Andreas Goebel said: "ATMEA considers this type of mission an efficient service to Member States seeking an independent assessment of seismic safety."
IAEA SEED reviews provide Member States with comments on site evaluation, reactor design features and safety considerations.
ATMEA S.A.S is a nuclear power plant vendor company jointly established in France in November 2007 by AREVA (France) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited (Japan). This mission was requested by ATMEA and was held on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries premises in Kobe.

New Film Coming in 2017 on Nuclear Energy Start Ups

http://nuclearstreet.com/pro_nuclear_power_blogs/b/neutron-bytes/archive/2016/11/10/new-film-coming-in-2017-on-nuclear-energy-start-ups#.WCUIFNyXSNY

A new, pro-nuclear environmental movement has been born, and it is growing each day


A new, pro-nuclear environmental movement has been born, and it is growing each day



http://www.fennonen.fi/en/article-page/a-new-pro-nuclear-environmental-movement-has-been-born-and-it-is-growing-each-day.html

Shielding of Ionizing Radiation

http://www.nuclear-power.net/nuclear-power/reactor-physics/atomic-nuclear-physics/radiation/shielding-of-ionizing-radiation/

Molten Salt Reactors: IAEA to Establish New Platform for Collaboration

Molten Salt Reactors: IAEA to Establish New Platform for Collaboration

Conceptual schema of a molten salt reactor. (Image: US Department of Energy Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee)
Experts from 17 countries laid the foundations last week for enhanced international cooperation on a technology that promises to deliver nuclear power with a lower risk of severe accidents, helping to decrease the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
Molten salt reactors – nuclear power reactors that use liquid salt as primary coolant or a molten salt mixture as fuel – have many favourable characteristics for nuclear safety and sustainability. The concept was developed in the 1960s, but put aside in favour of what has become mainstream nuclear technology since. In recent years, however, technological advances have led to growing interest in molten salt technology and to the launch of new initiatives. The technology needs at least a decade of further intensive research, validation and qualification before commercialization.
For a developing country like Indonesia, a molten salt reactor's higher efficiency in electricity generation makes it more economical and affordable than fossil-fuel power plants.
Bob Soelaiman Effendi, Thorium Energy Community, Indonesia
“It is the first time a comprehensive IAEA international meeting on molten salt reactors has ever taken place,” said Stefano Monti, Head of the Nuclear Power Development Section at the IAEA. “Given the interest of Member States, the IAEA could provide a platform for international cooperation and information exchange on the development of these advanced nuclear systems.”
Molten salt reactors operate at higher temperatures, making them more efficient in generating electricity. In addition, their low operating pressure can reduce the risk of coolant loss, which could otherwise result in an accident. Molten salt reactors can run on various types of nuclear fuel and use different fuel cycles. This conserves fuel resources and reduces the volume, radiotoxicity and lifetime of high-level radioactive waste.
Molten salt reactor technology has attracted private funding over the last few years, and several reactor concepts are under development. One area under research is the compatibility between the salt coolant and the structural materials and, for some designs, the chemical processes related to the associated fuel cycle, Monti said.
Safety first
The challenges are not only technical. Nuclear regulators will need to review existing safety regulations to see how these can be modified, if necessary, to fit molten salt reactors, since they differ significantly from reactors in use today, said Stewart Magruder, senior nuclear safety officer at the IAEA.
Participants, including researchers, designers and industry representatives, emphasized the need for an international platform for information exchange.
“While the United States is actively developing both technology and safety regulations for molten salt reactors, the meeting is an important platform to exchange knowledge and information with Member States not engaged in the existing forums,” said David Holcomb from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory one of the 35 participants at the meeting last week. The development of molten salt reactors began with an experiment conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the 1960s.
From bilateral to multilateral cooperation
To help speed up research, it is essential to move from bilateral to multilateral cooperation, said Chen Kun from the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “It is the first time China has the opportunity to share knowledge with India, Indonesia and Turkey on this technology.”
Indonesia is considering building its first nuclear power plant with molten salt reactor design, said Bob Soelaiman Effendi from Indonesia Thorium Energy Community. “For a developing country like Indonesia, a molten salt reactor’s higher efficiency in electricity generation makes it more economical and affordable than fossil-fuel power plants.”
Molten salt reactors and other advanced nuclear reactors have received increased attention over the last few years as the world is looking for alternative technologies for energy production. Advanced reactors, which could increase the sustainability of nuclear power, are at various stages of development. Some advanced reactors, such as the sodium-cooled fast reactor BN-800 in Russia and the High Temperature Reactor Prototype Module in China are already connected to the grid or are in an advanced stage of construction. Others, such as molten salt reactors, are in the design phase.