Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Indian Navy accelerates Nuclear Submarine programme
Indian Navy accelerates Nuclear Submarine programme
Big powers leave Iran nuclear talks empty-handed
Big powers leave Iran nuclear talks empty-handed
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – World powers failed to make progress with Iran in two days of talks on its nuclear program, with the EU calling the discussions disappointing and saying no further meetings between the two sides were planned.
"This is not the conclusion I'd hoped for," European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said at the conclusion of the talks in Istanbul on Saturday.
Read more ....
Iran talks fail, no new date set -- Yahoo News/AP
Ashton 'disappointed' as Iran nuclear talks end -- Yahoo News/AFP
Iran nuclear talks end in stalemate -- The Guardian
Foreign powers 'disappointed' at Iran nuclear talks -- BBC
Ashton: Iran's stance at nuke talks "disappointing" -- Reuters
Iran nuclear talks end in Istanbul without breakthrough -- M&C
World powers wrap up nuclear talks with Iran without progress -- Xinhuanet
EU's Ashton Says Six Powers Disappointed But Door Open To Iran For New Talks -- Radio Free Europe
Iran Rejects Talks To Rein In Nuclear Efforts -- NPR/AP
Iran talks fail, no new date set -- FOX News
Atomic Split Widens After Iran Steps Up Demands at Negotiations in Turkey -- Bloomberg
Snap Analysis: Iran nuclear talks fail to ease dispute -- Reuters
Friday, January 21, 2011
Hu urges US to ease high-tech export restrictions
Hu urges US to ease high-tech export restrictions
January 21, 2011 by Mira Oberman
Enlarge
Supporters of Chinese President Hu Jintao wait outside the Hilton Hotel hoping to get a glimpse of him in Chicago, Illinois. Hu urged the United States to ease restrictions on high-tech exports to China after Beijing and Washington signed $45 billion in trade deals during his US visit.
President Hu Jintao has urged the United States to ease restrictions on high-tech exports to China after Beijing and Washington signed $45 billion in trade deals during his US visit.
Mini-reactors the new “big thing” in nuclear power By JEFF WILKINSON
Mini-reactors the new “big thing” in nuclear power
Read more: http://www.thestate.com/2011/01/21/1655654/mini-reactors-the-new-big-thing.html#ixzz1BhMvYWuN
Navy Electronic Interference System Could Target Nuke Facilities
Navy Electronic Interference System Could Target Nuke Facilities
The U.S. Navy is developing an new air-based electronic interference system to render inoperable a potential rival's communications and airspace monitoring mechanisms and send destructive commands to its computers, Wired magazine reported today (see GSN, Aug. 8, 2010).
The Next Generation Jammer would consist of a "highly modular, totally programmable" antenna and processor configuration suited for placement on EA-18G Growler aircraft and potential unmanned aerial vehicles, said ITT Vice President Ed Palacio. Palacio's firm and Boeing were a making a partnered bid to build the system, which might ultimately carry a multibillion dollar price tag.
The "electronic attack system and concept of electronic attack [have] really evolved over years," Palacio said. "Initially, it primarily was a system to deal with enemy air defenses. But as you start going forward and realize the electromagnetic spectrum does many things ... (so) if you build a system that can generate power and modulation over a very broad [radio frequency] spectrum, it can be used not only in traditional roles, but in many different roles."
The Next Generation Jammer might one day be used to strike an enemy nuclear site, according to Wired. Israel was believed to have neutralized Syrian military systems using malicious code during a 2007 airstrike on a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor facility (see GSN, Dec. 6, 2010). U.S. Air Force RQ-170 unmanned aerial vehicles have begun operating close to Iran, a development possibly linked to military interest in air-based electronic warfare, according to the magazine (David Axe Wired, Jan. 21).
The Next Generation Jammer would consist of a "highly modular, totally programmable" antenna and processor configuration suited for placement on EA-18G Growler aircraft and potential unmanned aerial vehicles, said ITT Vice President Ed Palacio. Palacio's firm and Boeing were a making a partnered bid to build the system, which might ultimately carry a multibillion dollar price tag.
The "electronic attack system and concept of electronic attack [have] really evolved over years," Palacio said. "Initially, it primarily was a system to deal with enemy air defenses. But as you start going forward and realize the electromagnetic spectrum does many things ... (so) if you build a system that can generate power and modulation over a very broad [radio frequency] spectrum, it can be used not only in traditional roles, but in many different roles."
The Next Generation Jammer might one day be used to strike an enemy nuclear site, according to Wired. Israel was believed to have neutralized Syrian military systems using malicious code during a 2007 airstrike on a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor facility (see GSN, Dec. 6, 2010). U.S. Air Force RQ-170 unmanned aerial vehicles have begun operating close to Iran, a development possibly linked to military interest in air-based electronic warfare, according to the magazine (David Axe Wired, Jan. 21).
NATO Chief Sees Two Separate Systems in European Missile Shield
NATO Chief Sees Two Separate Systems in European Missile Shield
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen yesterday said the alliance's plan for a European missile shield involves two separate but collaborative programs, one operated by the military alliance and the other by Russia, RIA Novosti reported (see GSN, Jan. 12).
Moscow and Brussels in November decided to work on researching and potentially setting up a continent-wide program for missile defense. An outline for what that collaboration would entail is expected no later than June.
"By exchanging information we share a bigger, wider picture of the skies above Europe," Rasmussen said. "By developing potential synergy between two systems we would improve the protection of the allied and Russian territories."
Employing distinct systems would ensure that neither side is placing their security in the other's hands, the NATO chief said.
Moscow has been wary of its Cold War foe's missile defense initiatives, seeing in them a scheme to undermine Russia's nuclear deterrent. The Kremlin has threatened to pull out of the missile defense deal if it decides it is not being dealt with fairly and instead pursue a strategic arms buildup.
Russian Ambassador to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said this month the Kremlin opposed establishing two separate systems that would share data. He asserted that such a plan would be "aimed at deterring Russia's nuclear potential under the guise of protection against Iranian missiles."
Alternatively, he suggested establishing a broad-based shield with "joint centers for establishing threats and based on joint decisions" (RIA Novosti, Jan. 19).
In a web posting, Rasmussen said in the first six months of the year "we have to move ahead with our decision to develop practical cooperation with Russia on missile defense," the Xinhua News Agency reported.
"Russia will know without doubt that the system cannot be directed against her," the secretary general said. "And we will do our utmost to offer her transparency on NATO's missile defense system."
"NATO security is based on collective defense. And I assume that Russia, as a strong and independent nation, also wants to be fully in control of its own defense systems," Rasmussen stated (Xinhua News Agency, Jan. 20).
Moscow and Brussels in November decided to work on researching and potentially setting up a continent-wide program for missile defense. An outline for what that collaboration would entail is expected no later than June.
"By exchanging information we share a bigger, wider picture of the skies above Europe," Rasmussen said. "By developing potential synergy between two systems we would improve the protection of the allied and Russian territories."
Employing distinct systems would ensure that neither side is placing their security in the other's hands, the NATO chief said.
Moscow has been wary of its Cold War foe's missile defense initiatives, seeing in them a scheme to undermine Russia's nuclear deterrent. The Kremlin has threatened to pull out of the missile defense deal if it decides it is not being dealt with fairly and instead pursue a strategic arms buildup.
Russian Ambassador to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said this month the Kremlin opposed establishing two separate systems that would share data. He asserted that such a plan would be "aimed at deterring Russia's nuclear potential under the guise of protection against Iranian missiles."
Alternatively, he suggested establishing a broad-based shield with "joint centers for establishing threats and based on joint decisions" (RIA Novosti, Jan. 19).
In a web posting, Rasmussen said in the first six months of the year "we have to move ahead with our decision to develop practical cooperation with Russia on missile defense," the Xinhua News Agency reported.
"Russia will know without doubt that the system cannot be directed against her," the secretary general said. "And we will do our utmost to offer her transparency on NATO's missile defense system."
"NATO security is based on collective defense. And I assume that Russia, as a strong and independent nation, also wants to be fully in control of its own defense systems," Rasmussen stated (Xinhua News Agency, Jan. 20).
Iran Talks to Focus on Fuel Swap, Nuclear Monitoring
Iran Talks to Focus on Fuel Swap, Nuclear Monitoring
Global powers are set at multilateral talks with Iran this week to pursue the resuscitation of a uranium exchange proposal as well as broader authority for the International Atomic Energy Agency to audit Iranian nuclear facilities, the Wall Street Journal reported today (see GSN, Jan. 19).India Urges Strengthening Outer Space Treaty
The former head of India's air force yesterday called on the international community to amend the international Outer Space Treaty to further prohibit the militarization of space, Asian News International reported (see GSN, July 14, 2010).
"India would like to appeal to [the] international community to see what holes must be plugged" in the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies, retired Air Marshal S. Krishnaswamy said in a speech at a New Delhi symposium on outer space.
"We also need a strong policing force in the U.N. If somebody crosses the line, we need to bring [them] down quickly," he told the audience.
Member nations to the treaty "undertake not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction, install such weapons on celestial bodies, or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner."
"The moon and other celestial bodies shall be used by all states parties to the treaty exclusively for peaceful purposes," according to Article 4 of the agreement. "The establishment of military bases, installations and fortifications, the testing of any type of weapons and the conduct of military maneuvers on celestial bodies shall be forbidden. The use of military personnel for scientific research or for any other peaceful purposes shall not be prohibited. The use of any equipment or facility necessary for peaceful exploration of the moon and other celestial bodies shall also not be prohibited."
However, the treaty by implication permits some military operations such as the movement through space of intercontinental and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, Krishnaswamy said.
"The authors of the treaty have left some gaps in the treaty. And probably with a sense of purpose. After all, law is very clever," he said.
Additionally, the pact fails to adequately the deployment of conventional weapons in space, according to the former air chief said.
"The treaty also allows testing of all weapons in space and floating military bases," Krishnaswamy said. "There is no ban on antisatellite, antimissile weapons as the treaty says outer space is free for all nation states."
"We all should get together and work for peaceful use of space," he argued.
"If something bad (from space) happens, it will be devastating. Indeed, the Earth will burn off" (Asian News International/OneIndia.com, Jan. 19).
"India would like to appeal to [the] international community to see what holes must be plugged" in the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies, retired Air Marshal S. Krishnaswamy said in a speech at a New Delhi symposium on outer space.
"We also need a strong policing force in the U.N. If somebody crosses the line, we need to bring [them] down quickly," he told the audience.
Member nations to the treaty "undertake not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction, install such weapons on celestial bodies, or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner."
"The moon and other celestial bodies shall be used by all states parties to the treaty exclusively for peaceful purposes," according to Article 4 of the agreement. "The establishment of military bases, installations and fortifications, the testing of any type of weapons and the conduct of military maneuvers on celestial bodies shall be forbidden. The use of military personnel for scientific research or for any other peaceful purposes shall not be prohibited. The use of any equipment or facility necessary for peaceful exploration of the moon and other celestial bodies shall also not be prohibited."
However, the treaty by implication permits some military operations such as the movement through space of intercontinental and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, Krishnaswamy said.
"The authors of the treaty have left some gaps in the treaty. And probably with a sense of purpose. After all, law is very clever," he said.
Additionally, the pact fails to adequately the deployment of conventional weapons in space, according to the former air chief said.
"The treaty also allows testing of all weapons in space and floating military bases," Krishnaswamy said. "There is no ban on antisatellite, antimissile weapons as the treaty says outer space is free for all nation states."
"We all should get together and work for peaceful use of space," he argued.
"If something bad (from space) happens, it will be devastating. Indeed, the Earth will burn off" (Asian News International/OneIndia.com, Jan. 19).
Federal government must back nuclear industry says Bruce Power chief
Federal government must back nuclear industry says Bruce Power chief
Franken backs nuclear power as Legislature mulls more plants
Franken backs nuclear power as Legislature mulls more plants
Sen. Franken shifts position on nuclear energy
Former Vice President Al Gore helped Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., change his views on nuclear energy and its role in curbing greenhouse-gas emissions. "Nuclear has to be a part of the solution to that," Franken said. MinnesotaIndependent.com
Nuclear power advisory firm clinches agreement with China
Nuclear power advisory firm clinches agreement with China
NRC panel: new reactor can withstand plane crash By RAY HENRY
NRC panel: new reactor can withstand plane crash
- Associated Press
ATLANTA -- A new nuclear reactor from the Westinghouse Electric Co. could safely withstand getting struck by a large commercial airliner, a federal advisory panel said Thursday.
The finding by the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards means regulators could decide this year whether to give final approval to the company's AP1000 reactor, which utility companies have picked to power new plants in the Southeast.
The finding by the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards means regulators could decide this year whether to give final approval to the company's AP1000 reactor, which utility companies have picked to power new plants in the Southeast.
Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/01/20/1933368/nrc-panel-new-reactor-can-withstand.html#ixzz1BgmuuCWC
New Reactor Paves The Way For Efficiently Producing Fuel From Sunlight
New Reactor Paves The Way For Efficiently Producing Fuel From Sunlight
Pasadena CA (SPX) Jan 21, 2011 - Using a common metal most famously found in self-cleaning ovens, Sossina Haile hopes to change our energy future. The metal is cerium oxide-or ceria-and it is the centerpiece of a promising new technology developed by Haile and her colleagues that concentrates solar energy and uses it to efficiently convert carbon dioxide and water into fuels.
Pasadena CA (SPX) Jan 21, 2011 - Using a common metal most famously found in self-cleaning ovens, Sossina Haile hopes to change our energy future. The metal is cerium oxide-or ceria-and it is the centerpiece of a promising new technology developed by Haile and her colleagues that concentrates solar energy and uses it to efficiently convert carbon dioxide and water into fuels.
India plans tidal power station
 Atlantis Chief Executive Officer Tim Cornelius said tidal power represents an uncharted power source with huge potential. Worldwide installations now total about 2 gigawatts. |
The facility could later be expanded to deliver more than 200 megawatts.
La Rance in France is currently the biggest operating tidal station in the world, generating 240 megawatts.
"Gujarat has (a) significant resource in the waters of its coast, so tidal energy represents a huge opportunity for us," said DJ Pandian, chairman and managing director of Gujarat Power, BBC reports.
"This project will be India's and indeed Asia's first at commercial scale and will deliver important economic and environmental benefits for the region, as well as paving the way for similar developments within Gujarat."
But to claim the distinction of being the first tidal station, the Gujarat project would have to forge ahead of developments now under construction in South Korea.
Atlantis Chief Executive Officer Tim Cornelius said tidal power represents an uncharted power source with huge potential. Worldwide installations now total about 2 gigawatts.
"Tidal power today is what wind energy was 10 years back," he said, The Standard reports.
Tidal current power uses turbines, which are submerged, to harness energy contained in the flow of ocean tides. The power output, Cornelius said, is highly predictable.
"Tidal power is like putting a wind turbine subsea and the turbine rotors rotate slowly, causing very little environmental impact to marine flora and fauna," he said.
Tidal power sources could meet 15 percent of the world's power demands and about 5 percent of India's needs, current estimates indicate. Cornelius said those figures could increase significantly as more coastline studies are concluded.
Last October, Atlantis was selected as part of a consortium to develop a tidal farm in northern Scotland, expected to be the world's largest at 378 megawatts.
India, Asia's third largest energy consumer and the world's third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, relies on coal for more than half of its power capacity.
The International Energy Agency says nearly 404 million Indians don't have access to electricity.
India's national solar mission, announced November 2009, aims to increase solar power to 20,000 megawatts by 2022.
Iran Nuclear Talks Begin in Istanbul
Iran Nuclear Talks Begin in Istanbul
The United States and five other global powers began a new round of negotiations in Istanbul to discuss Tehran's controversial nuclear program. Heading into the closed-door meetings, diplomats had low expectations of a significant breakthrough (al-Jazeera). The United States and its allies have repeatedly voiced concerns that Iran is enriching uranium beyond its peaceful needs and trying to build a nuclear weapon. Iran has refused to halt its program, maintaining that its enrichment is for civil purposes only (NYT). Western diplomats hope the talks will persuade Iran to engage in a "fuel-swap plan" (BBC) that will exchange the country's low-enriched uranium for fuel for a research reactor. In official statements (Haaretz), Iran stated that it "will not allow any talks linked to freezing or suspending of enrichment activities to be discussed at the meeting." Analysts expect Iran to push a general discussion on global disarmament (Guardian), Israel's nuclear capabilities, and concerns over U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
Analysis:
In the Financial Times, CFR Senior Fellow Ray Takeyh says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is beginning an attempt to consolidate his power in Iran.
This editorial in the Jerusalem Post warns against a wavering sense of urgency in the diplomatic efforts to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.
In the Christian Science Monitor, Matthew Fuhrmann and Todd S. Sechser warn against the hysteria over nuclear weapons and blackmail that underlies the calls for military force against Iran.
Background:
This CFR interactive presents a timeline exploring the history of U.S.-Iran relations.
Deregulating the Atom
Deregulating the Atom
a new site is needed to cover the subject of what prevents the earths greatest invention from developing in the home of it’s birth place.
Robert & Rick focus on the problems for new nuclear projects posed by what appears to be a full court press against new reactor construction by government regulators. I might add that the NRC currently appears to be a major obstacle to the emergence of a new generation of advanced technology, factory built small reactors.
Robert and Rick are quite proper bloggers, and they provide us with a mission statement,
There is an urgent need for intervention with the tightly secured, overzealous and outdated nuclear regulatory bodies in our world. The urgency I speak of is that we have serious climate change happening as a result of pollution from our cars and our coal plants and other industrial and commercial activity. Phasing in electric cars and nuclear plants would go a very long way to eliminating the effects of green house gases.
But first those coal plants put out a large amount of energy and we can’t just shut them down without affecting the economy. So the only sufficiently powerful and carbon-free energy source that can meet and surpass the demands of energy is nuclear energy.
Kim Jong Il's Missiles
As Obama dithers, North Korea is only getting more dangerous. It's time to cut a deal.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Energy Secretary faces new tests for agenda By Andrew Restuccia and Ben Geman
OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Energy Secretary faces new tests for agenda
Pickens Says U.S. Spent $337 Billion on Oil Imports
Pickens Says U.S. Spent $337 Billion on Oil Imports
China projects to help modernize U.S. power plants
China projects to help modernize U.S. power plants
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Russia puts breaks on further nuclear cutbacks
The cheer over Russia's approval of a new nuclear disarmament treaty is short-lived as it masks Moscow's reluctance to ensure further cuts, threatening US President Barack Obama's vision of a nuclear-free world. Russia is going through the final motions of ratifying a new START treaty that reduces old nuclear warhead ceilings by 30 percent and limits each side to 700 deployed long-range missiles and heavy bombers.
The pact will be submitted for a last vote to Russia's lower house of parliament on January 25 and almost certainly be ratified by the upper chamber the following day.
It was backed by the US Senate last month.
But analysts said that Moscow and Washington have little time to rejoice having put in motion the first round of mandated nuclear weapons reductions since the Cold War.
Obama, who pledged to "reset" Russia-US relations, sees START as only a stepping stone to further cutbacks, but a top Russian official made clear last week that the president's insistence for another round of negotiations later this year was not being received well in Moscow.
"I am convinced that before talking about any further steps in the sphere of nuclear disarmament ... it is necessary to fulfill the new START agreement," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters.
Only "then will be it be clear what additional steps should be taken to strengthen global security," he added.
In Russia's view, the round of disarmament which covers short-range tactical missiles dear to Moscow, balances out the West's current dominance in modern conventional forces.
The US Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists estimates that Russia has 2,050 deployed tactical warheads that could be deployed in small nuclear campaigns in its periphery. The United States has just 500.
Lavrov said Russia's commitment under the new START treaty will not be "fulfilled" for another seven years, and some analysts interpreted the comments as a flat-out rejection of Obama's latest overture.
"It seems Lavrov meant that these talks will not start for another seven years," said independent military commentator Alexander Golts.
"It is also important to note that Lavrov said these talks should be tied to space and conventional weapons," said Golts.
"This is basically a polite way of saying that we are not ready to talk about it."
The Russian foreign minister Lavrov spelled out a series of amendments that appear inherently unacceptable to the United States.
They include the prohibition of military space programmes that the Pentagon is currently studying and a requirement for all talks to include conventional warheads that the West is developing much faster than Russia.
Lavrov even suggested that the next round of talks should for the first time involve other countries -- presumably China and other emerging nuclear powers that may press their own demands on Washington.
"Most Russian experts see nuclear weapons as an equalizer," said Moscow's Centre for Disarmament Director Anatoly Dyakov.
"They believe that the removal of nuclear weapons must be accompanied by a full transformation of international relations that ensures that no country can suddenly decide to use force."
Military analysts estimate that it will take Russia another decade to develop a conventional weapons programme capable of re-establishing some semblance of parity with the West.
But they warned that it is highly unlikely that Russia will be able to delay the next round of nuclear negotiations for as long as suggested by Lavrov.
"We are going to have to start these whether we like it or not," said Institute for Strategic Assessment head Alexander Konovalov.
"The Americans will not stand for this kind of disparity."
The pact will be submitted for a last vote to Russia's lower house of parliament on January 25 and almost certainly be ratified by the upper chamber the following day.
It was backed by the US Senate last month.
But analysts said that Moscow and Washington have little time to rejoice having put in motion the first round of mandated nuclear weapons reductions since the Cold War.
Obama, who pledged to "reset" Russia-US relations, sees START as only a stepping stone to further cutbacks, but a top Russian official made clear last week that the president's insistence for another round of negotiations later this year was not being received well in Moscow.
"I am convinced that before talking about any further steps in the sphere of nuclear disarmament ... it is necessary to fulfill the new START agreement," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters.
Only "then will be it be clear what additional steps should be taken to strengthen global security," he added.
In Russia's view, the round of disarmament which covers short-range tactical missiles dear to Moscow, balances out the West's current dominance in modern conventional forces.
The US Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists estimates that Russia has 2,050 deployed tactical warheads that could be deployed in small nuclear campaigns in its periphery. The United States has just 500.
Lavrov said Russia's commitment under the new START treaty will not be "fulfilled" for another seven years, and some analysts interpreted the comments as a flat-out rejection of Obama's latest overture.
"It seems Lavrov meant that these talks will not start for another seven years," said independent military commentator Alexander Golts.
"It is also important to note that Lavrov said these talks should be tied to space and conventional weapons," said Golts.
"This is basically a polite way of saying that we are not ready to talk about it."
The Russian foreign minister Lavrov spelled out a series of amendments that appear inherently unacceptable to the United States.
They include the prohibition of military space programmes that the Pentagon is currently studying and a requirement for all talks to include conventional warheads that the West is developing much faster than Russia.
Lavrov even suggested that the next round of talks should for the first time involve other countries -- presumably China and other emerging nuclear powers that may press their own demands on Washington.
"Most Russian experts see nuclear weapons as an equalizer," said Moscow's Centre for Disarmament Director Anatoly Dyakov.
"They believe that the removal of nuclear weapons must be accompanied by a full transformation of international relations that ensures that no country can suddenly decide to use force."
Military analysts estimate that it will take Russia another decade to develop a conventional weapons programme capable of re-establishing some semblance of parity with the West.
But they warned that it is highly unlikely that Russia will be able to delay the next round of nuclear negotiations for as long as suggested by Lavrov.
"We are going to have to start these whether we like it or not," said Institute for Strategic Assessment head Alexander Konovalov.
"The Americans will not stand for this kind of disparity."
AEP, Duke Energy Among U.S. Firms Involved in New China Deals
AEP, Duke Energy Among U.S. Firms Involved in New China Deals
General Electric, American Electric Power and other U.S. energy companies have announced partnerships with Chinese counterparts ahead of meetings between President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao, the Wall Street Journal reported. The partnerships will also feature collaboration between Alcoa and China Power Investment that could involve over $7.5 billion of investment in aluminum and energy. Alcoa CEO Klaus Kleinfeld said the deal "wouldn't have happened in a speedy fashion" without the visit by Hu. He added that Alcoa and CPI "understand that the world's environmental challenges can best be met through cooperation between the US and China."
American Electric Power and China Huaneng will partner on an evaluation of carbon capture systems that could result in the technology being imported from China. GE will partner with Shenhua Group in a clean coal joint venture that could yield over $100 million of U.S. exports. Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang was quoted as saying clean energy "will be one of the bright spots in our future cooperation" with the U.S. However, U.S. ambassador to China Jon Huntsman stressed the importance of intellectual property rights, which he said "generates a lot of concern in both U.S. and Chinese companies."
Another agreement involves Duke Energy working with China's ENN Group in support of clean energy technologies for both U.S. and Chinese cities, Bloomberg reported. ENN Chairman Wang Yusuo said in the statement: "This represents not only a collaboration between two companies, but also two countries. ENN and Duke Energy will complement one another's strengths as we seek to accelerate the commercialization of low-carbon technologies."
A second deal involving Duke Energy will be a research consortium with Babcock & Wilcox, GE and West Virginia University to develop new "clean coal" equipment that would cut down on air pollution from power plants. The initiative, called the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center, will be supported by a $12.5 million federal grant that the university received last fall. The Associated Press reported that the consortium will include LP Amina, AEP, the University of Wyoming, University of Kentucky, Indiana University, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, National Energy Technology Laboratory, World Resources Institute and the U.S.-China Clean Energy Forum.
New York Times, Reuters, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Jan. 19; AFP, Associated Press via Business Week, Bloomberg, Dow Jones Newswires via the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Xinhua, Jan. 18.
“Nuclear Clean Air Energy” – An Entergy national education initiative
Ÿ Announcement and unveiling of the #87 Nuclear Clean Air Energy car driven by Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, Simona De Silvestro will take place on Monday, Jan. 24 in Baltimore. The announcement is followed by a lunch and a demonstration in the streets of Baltimore the site of the 2011 Baltimore Gran Prix. Entergy Chief Nuclear Officer John Herron will be speaking.
Ÿ In celebration of National Nuclear Science Week, a news conference titled “Nuclear Science: Jobs and Growth” will take place in the Energy and Natural Resources (SENR) Committee Room in the Dirksen Senate Building in Washington D.C. on Thursday, January, 27 at 10:30 AM ET. The speakers are Senator Jeff Bingaman, D-NM, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Guiseppe Esposito, MD, Associate Professor of Radiology and Chief of Nuclear Medicine at Georgetown University; Dr. Audeen Fentiman, Associate Dean of Engineering for Graduate Education at Purdue University; and Marv Fertel, President and CEO or the Nuclear Energy Institute.
Go to www.NuclearScienceWeek.org for lots more WEEK information.
Here are a few other things, as well:
Ÿ “Kick Start Your 2011 Public Information Efforts” a NA-YGN national Webinar on Monday, January 24 at 1:30 EDT / 10:30 PDT.
The North American Young Generation in Nuclear’s Public Information (PI) committee will explore what tools that are available for individuals to use during their next public outreach activity. This webinar will allow participants to listen and learn about the materials NA-YGN has available like: Nuke 101, Blue Ribbon Commission meeting support, and let’s not forget about Roddy! Interested participants should register by Friday, January 21, 2011. If you have any questions, please email them to webinar@na-ygn.org
The North American Young Generation in Nuclear’s Public Information (PI) committee will explore what tools that are available for individuals to use during their next public outreach activity. This webinar will allow participants to listen and learn about the materials NA-YGN has available like: Nuke 101, Blue Ribbon Commission meeting support, and let’s not forget about Roddy! Interested participants should register by Friday, January 21, 2011. If you have any questions, please email them to webinar@na-ygn.org
Ÿ The State of Idaho has been granted and received a proclamation from Governor Butch Otter declaring Jan. 24 – 28 National Nuclear Science Week in the state of Idaho.
Ÿ Idaho National Laboratories representatives are scheduled to deliver a total of 17 presentations on “Understanding the Atom” during “Engineering Expos” at Northwest Nazarene University and Boise State University starting Tuesday, Jan. 25. The annual expos typically attract 5,000 - 6,000 fifth- through ninth-grade students, teachers and parents from across southwest Idaho.
Ÿ ANS is hosting a workshop for area teachers at the Chicago Museum of Science and industry in downtown Chicago in conjunction with the local ANS chapter.
Ÿ Staff from Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona is traveling to the National Museum for Nuclear Science and History to teach and present to hundreds of local middle and high school students about nuclear power during special educational sessions at the museum.
Ÿ Entergy, Grand Gulf Nuclear Station and Alcorn State University will be announcing a continuing partnership program providing health physics scholarships and internships in the area of radiation protection. The announcement will signify the third year of this ongoing partnership which opens doors of opportunity for local students.
Ÿ About 500 students and 50 teachers from 36 schools in Eastern Virginia will benefit from presentations on “States of Matter” (with liquid nitrogen and plasmas) and “Nuclear Popcorn” on January 18 and 19. Each teacher will also receive packets of curriculum resources to share with their colleagues.
Margie P. Jepson, MBA
Communications Manager
Entergy Nuclear
1340 Echelon Parkway
Jackson, MS 39213
Work: 601-368-5460
Mobile: 601-543-2429
Every Day is Earth Day at Entergy.
“Nuclear Clean Air Energy” – An Entergy national education initiative
India’s 20th nuclear reactor connected to power grid
India’s 20th nuclear reactor connected to power grid
China Gains 3,000 Years of Nuclear Power, but What is Nuke Fuel Reprocessing?
China Gains 3,000 Years of Nuclear Power, but What is Nuke Fuel Reprocessing?
The U.N. is gently pooh-poohing the news that China can now reprocess its own nuclear fuel, earning it a potential 3,000 year future of own-brand nuclear power. But exactly what is nuclear fuel reprocessing, and how does it benefit China?
Environmental group challenges SRS small reactor plan
Environmental group challenges SRS small reactor plan
The Hazards of Using Energy: Safety of Nuclear Power Reactors - Appendix
The Hazards of Using Energy:
Safety of Nuclear Power Reactors - Appendix
With Stuxnet, Did The U.S. And Israel Create a New Cyberwar Era? [Updated] from Danger Room by Spencer Ackerman
With Stuxnet, Did The U.S. And Israel Create a New Cyberwar Era? [Updated]
from Danger RoomSee Also:
- Could Stuxnet Mess With North Korea’s New Uranium Plant?
- Pentagon Scientists Target Iran’s Nuclear Mole Men
- Iran: Nuke Scientist? What Nuke Scientist?
- Joint Chiefs Chair: No, No, No. Don’t Attack Iran.
- How U.S. Spies Straight Wreck Iran’s Nuke Program
- Cyber Command: We Don’t Wanna Defend the Internet (We Just Might …
- Prospective U.S. Cyber Commander Talks Terms of Digital Warfare …
Westinghouse rounds up tech, fuel and supply chain
China, U.S. to Build Nuclear Security Center
China, U.S. to Build Nuclear Security Center
The facility would offer training on boosting safeguards at nuclear installations and keeping track of atomic matter. Obama administration representatives would also like to conduct bilateral drills on dealing with atomic incidents and terrorist attacks and to exchange nuclear monitoring technology. Obama officials said China and the United States intend to allow other Asian nations to use the security center.The deal would call for Beijing to bear the majority of the facility's expense while the United States would supply the know-how and equipment.
The Obama administration views the deal -- to be signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and China Atomic Energy Authority Chairman Chen Quifa -- as a means to increase security collaboration with China, which is expanding its own civilian atomic sector.
Washington has allocated billions of dollars for nuclear security work with Russia, employing that cooperation as a jumping off point for additional political collaboration. The United States, though, has had few nuclear security dealings with China. The Obama administration views Beijing as an essential participant in efforts to curb suspect nuclear operations in Iran and North Korea (Desmond Butler, Associated Press/Washington Post, Jan. 19).
EPA 'confident' Obama reg policy won't affect new climate rules
EPA 'confident' Obama reg policy won't affect new climate rules
Brazil Company To Present 40 Possible Nuclear Power Sites
Brazil Company To Present 40 Possible Nuclear Power Sites
New chairman sets sight on Yucca hearings
The Yucca Mountain repository project and other radioactive-waste issues are a priority for early hearings by the House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, said Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., chairman of the subpanel. "What do we do with high-level nuclear waste? That problem has not gone away. ... We have to have an answer for this," said Shimkus, who wants members of the subcommittee to inspect the Yucca site in Nevada. Las Vegas Review-Journal/The Political Eye blog
ExxonMobil: Technology, partnerships key to meeting future energy demand
ExxonMobil: Technology, partnerships key to meeting future energy demand
China's Nuclear Responsibility
China's Nuclear Responsibility
With 13 reactors already operational, and with 32 more having been approved, China is witnessing unprecedented growth in the nuclear power sector, writes Manpreet Sethi. Indeed, it's growth on a scale never before seen in the history of nuclear power generation.
Read this story
http://the-diplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2...tm_medium=email
US Embassy Cables: : China to Iran Leaking Like a Sieve:
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China to Iran Leaking Like a Sieve:
On the day Iran has acquired a nuclear bomb, it will say "Made in China" on many of the parts - reveals U.S. embassy documents leaked to Wikileaks.
By Anders Johansen
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
GSN logo Tactical Nukes in Europe a "Tiny Fraction" of Cold War Arsenal, Report Says
Tactical Nukes in Europe a "Tiny Fraction" of Cold War Arsenal, Report Says
UN atomic expert downplays China nuclear 'breakthrough'
UN atomic expert downplays China nuclear 'breakthrough'
January 17, 2011
Enlarge
Nuclear reactors at a US power plant. China has become one of only a handful of countries that can reprocess spent nuclear fuel but is not yet capable of doing so on an industrial scale, a UN atomic expert said Monday.
China has become one of only a handful of countries that can reprocess spent nuclear fuel but is not yet capable of doing so on an industrial scale, a UN atomic expert said Monday.
Russia ready to build nuclear plant in Jordan
Aide: Russia prepared to help in Jordanian nuclear project
Russia is prepared to help construct Jordan's first nuclear power facility, said Sergei Prikhodko, an aide to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The countries forged a 10-year nuclear-cooperation pact in 2009. "We are ready to cooperate, but it is not an issue to be settled in the next few days," Prikhodko said. Medvedev is set to arrive today in Jordan. RIA Novosti (Russia)
Russia is prepared to help construct Jordan's first nuclear power facility, said Sergei Prikhodko, an aide to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The countries forged a 10-year nuclear-cooperation pact in 2009. "We are ready to cooperate, but it is not an issue to be settled in the next few days," Prikhodko said. Medvedev is set to arrive today in Jordan. RIA Novosti (Russia)
EDITORIAL: Nukes now Nuclear fear-mongers hinder America's energy future
Fear-mongering by anti-nuclear activists in the past 30 years has held back the industry and is threatening to undermine U.S. energy security, according to this Washington Times editorial. "It's time for the United States to disregard green hysteria and 'be as bold as the French' in the use of nuclear energy," the editorial states. The Washington Times
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy teaming up with suppliers
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy teaming up with suppliers
Toshiba, IHI form JV to build steam turbine parts for nuclear plants
Toshiba, IHI form JV to build steam turbine parts for nuclear plants
Nuclear Energy Debate Is Central to the Duke-Progress Merger
Nuclear Energy Debate Is Central to the Duke-Progress Merger
Major Deal: BP, Rosneft swap shares, plan to jointly explore Russian Arctic
Major Deal: BP, Rosneft swap shares, plan to jointly explore Russian Arctic
Britain's BP and Russia's Rosneft have agreed to swap shares, as well as jointly explore three licenses in the Russian Arctic.
Full Article
Britain's BP and Russia's Rosneft have agreed to swap shares, as well as jointly explore three licenses in the Russian Arctic.
Full Article
China discovers more coal, oil, uranium and lithium
China discovers more coal, oil, uranium and lithium
Chinese geologists have detected "super-thick" oil and gas-bearing stratums in the northern part of the South China Sea and identified 38 offshore oil and gas-bearing basins. The outskirts of Songliao Basin in Northeast China, Yin'e Basin in North China and Qiangtang Basin on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have also been found to have rich oil and gas resources.192.7 billion tons of coal resources have been found in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. China will be using 3.2 to 4.2 billion tons of coal per year from now until 2015 So the new discovery would provide China with about 40 years of coal supply.
Four 10,000-ton sandstone-type uranium mines have been located in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. By 2020, China will be using about 20,000 tons of uranium per year using current once through reactors.
Comprehensive geological and environmental inspections will be conducted at key offshore areas such as the southern region of Yellow Sea, the northern part of the South China Sea, East China's Liaodong Bay and regions near South China's Hainan Island, according to the ministry.
Wang said the country has also made a breakthrough in locating new energy resources. Natural gas hydrate has been found for the first time in the northern region of the South China Sea and frozen-soil areas at Qilian Mountain.
And a 2.46-million-ton lithium carbonate mine has been located in Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, which will reduce the cost of lithium production and help with the country's new energy industry.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Pakistan is ready to share expertise in hydel and nuclear power generation, Zardari
Pakistan is ready to share expertise in hydel and nuclear power generation, Zardari
N-power access should not be limited to developed world: Amano
N-power access should not be limited to developed world: Amano
OCI, Arab Contractors In JV To Bid On Egypt's First Nuclear Power Plant
OCI, Arab Contractors In JV To Bid On Egypt's First Nuclear Power Plant
Construction services contractor Orascom Construction Industries, or OCI, Group (ORSD.L: News ) Monday reported forming a joint venture with Arab Contractors with the intention of bidding on Egypt's first nuclear power plant. The companies are also attempting to rope in nuclear technology providers into the bidding consortium. Egypt plans turning to nuclear power to meet rising electricity demands. The proposed plant will be set up in Al Dabaa, and bidding is expected to happen in February. Both OCI and Arab Contractors have a significant presence in Egypt, but with other nuclear projects expected in the region, the companies look to expanding their "geographical footprint".
Sale of nuclear power developer uncertain as bidder exits
Sale of nuclear power developer uncertain as bidder exits
Toshiba Forms JV With IHI To Make Steam Turbine Parts For Nuclear Power Plants
Toshiba Forms JV With IHI To Make Steam Turbine Parts For Nuclear Power Plants
"EU and Azerbaijan Leaders Sign Gas Supply Agreement".
"EU and Azerbaijan Leaders Sign Gas Supply
Agreement".
Link:
http://www.
Summary:
European Union President Jose Manuel Barroso, visiting
Baku with energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger, has
signed an agreement with Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliev foreseeing the sale of “substantial volumes of
gas over the long term.” But they did not publish the
exact text, leaving a gap in the details concerning
where exactly the gas will come from or which of
several possible routes it might take to reach Europe.
Agreement".
Link:
http://www.
Summary:
European Union President Jose Manuel Barroso, visiting
Baku with energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger, has
signed an agreement with Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliev foreseeing the sale of “substantial volumes of
gas over the long term.” But they did not publish the
exact text, leaving a gap in the details concerning
where exactly the gas will come from or which of
several possible routes it might take to reach Europe.
Duke-Progress leaders plan new nuclear plants But first, utility wants N.C. to make iteasier to recoup cost from customers
Duke-Progress leaders plan new nuclear plants
But first, utility wants N.C. to make iteasier to recoup cost from customers
Allowing utilities to quickly recover construction expenses without protracted hearings would help Duke Energy and Progress Energy fulfill their goal of developing new nuclear facilities, executives said. The companies could easily attract investors if they had the ability to recoup costs yearly, Duke added. Duke seeks to construct plants in South Carolina and Ohio while Progress intends to build reactors in North Carolina and Florida. The Charlotte Observer (N
Egypt's OCI forms JV for nuclear power projects
Egyptian companies establish nuclear joint venture
Egypt's Orascom Construction Industries and Arab Contractors have formed a partnership to bid on Middle Eastern nuclear projects. The joint venture "aims to benefit from these recently announced regional investment programs in the nuclear power sector," the companies said. Reuters
Egypt's Orascom Construction Industries and Arab Contractors have formed a partnership to bid on Middle Eastern nuclear projects. The joint venture "aims to benefit from these recently announced regional investment programs in the nuclear power sector," the companies said. Reuters
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