Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Dear Readers
Dear Readers
I would like to wish you and your families a very Happy Easter. I am celebrating Easter with
my son so posting will be negligible the next couple of days. But I will return in full force shortly.
God Bless
I would like to wish you and your families a very Happy Easter. I am celebrating Easter with
my son so posting will be negligible the next couple of days. But I will return in full force shortly.
God Bless
A population density map to help provide context to my nuclear power plant proximity analysis - April 22, 2011
A population density map to help provide context to my nuclear power plant proximity analysis - April 22, 2011
Following on from the population analysis which I published yesterday estimating quantitatively how many people live within certain distances of each of the world's nuclear power plants, some people have asked me for more information on population distribution itself, and whether it might provide more spatial context for the results of the analysis -- for example is the plant close to urban sprawl from a major city? Or why is it that nuclear power plants in France, for example – which with 58 nuclear reactors, is second only to the United States (which has 104) in terms of numbers of nuclear reactors -- nonetheless tend to have fewer people living near to them, compared with, for example, those in much smaller nuclear power nations such as Germany -- which have a comparable population?
A GIS analysis of the number of people living near each of the world's nuclear power plants - April 21, 2011
A GIS analysis of the number of people living near each of the world's nuclear power plants - April 21, 2011
I've published in Nature tonight a GIS analysis I did with the NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center operated by Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), looking at how many people live within certain distances of each of the world's nuclear power plants.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Chu Touts Small Module Reactors as Answer to Nuclear Hazards
Chu Touts Small Module Reactors as Answer to Nuclear Hazards
Safer Nuclear Reactors Impeded By Marketplace, Expert Says
Safer Nuclear Reactors Impeded By Marketplace, Expert Says
Amid Nuclear Scare, Russia Pushes Ahead With Controversial Floating Reactors
Amid Nuclear Scare, Russia Pushes Ahead With Controversial Floating Reactors
Russian nuclear builder reassures Turkey on safety
Russian nuclear builder reassures Turkey on safety
(Reuters) - Construction of Turkey's first nuclear plant is expected to begin in mid-2013, and Russian and other investors will bear the cost increases of any additional safety features, the chairman of the Russian firm formed to build the project said.Japan faces lengthy recovery from Fukushima accident
Japan faces lengthy recovery from Fukushima accident
Why I Still Support Nuclear Power, Even After Fukushima
Why I Still Support Nuclear Power, Even After Fukushima
Coal plants must be fed by a 100-car freight train arriving every 30 hours.
Taiwan slams brake on $20 bn petrochemical project
Taiwan slams brake on $20 bn petrochemical project
A controversial giant petrochemical project in Taiwan is expected to be abandoned after the island's leader voiced his opposition on environmental grounds, officials said Friday.
Susquehanna Spent Fuel Pool Concerns, and How I Ended Up at UCS
Susquehanna Spent Fuel Pool Concerns, and How I Ended Up at UCS
China likely to approve new nuclear power projects From ANI
China likely to approve new nuclear power projects
From ANITepco Fails to Get Assurance on Restarting Second Fukushima Nuclear Plant
Tepco Fails to Get Assurance on Restarting Second Fukushima Nuclear Plant
VIDEO | States Demand Nuc. Waste Reform
VIDEO | States Demand Nuc. Waste Reform
VIDEO | States Demand Nuclear Waste Reform
Dr. Jeffrey Lewis was interviewed on CBS News.
Dr. Jeffrey Lewis was interviewed on CBS News.
Cause Of Fukushima Cl-38 Radioactivity
Cause Of Fukushima Cl-38 Radioactivity
What Was The Cause Of The High Cl-38 Radioactivity In The Fukushima Daiichi Reactor #1
Dr. Ferenc Dalnoki-Veress, on ArmsControlWonk.com.
Dr. Ferenc Dalnoki-Veress, on ArmsControlWonk.com.
Experts Available on Japan's Reactors
Experts Available on Japan's Reactors
Earthquake Damages Nuclear Reactors in Japan - CNS Experts Available for Comment
The current situation in Japan is changing rapidly and it is too early to judge the severity of this incident.
CNS is following the situation closely; for additional commentary and analysis, please contact our experts.
The current situation in Japan is changing rapidly and it is too early to judge the severity of this incident.
CNS is following the situation closely; for additional commentary and analysis, please contact our experts.
TEPCO Updates April 22, 2011
IAEA Briefing on Fukushima Nuclear Accident (21 April 2011, 16:25 UTC)
IAEA Briefing on Fukushima Nuclear Accident (21 April 2011, 16:25 UTC)
Presentation:→ Summary of Reactor Status
(Note: Unless there are significant developments, no further written brief will be issued until Tuesday 26 April.)
On Thursday, 21 April 2011, the IAEA provided the following information on the current status of nuclear safety in Japan:
1. Current Situation
Overall, the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant remains very serious, but there are signs of recovery in some functions, such as electrical power and instrumentation.
At a press conference held at 11:00 (Japan local time) on 21 April, the chief cabinet secretary, Mr. Edano, announced the establishment of a no entry zone around Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, as well as basic policies concerning temporary re-entry. As of midnight (Japan local time) on 22 April 2011, the area within 20 km of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is announced as a no entry zone.
Chief cabinet secretary, Mr. Edano, also announced a re-designation of the evacuation zone around Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant. He announced that "the size of the evacuation zone around the station would be reduced from 10 km to 8 km," and that "the order to evacuate based on the incident at Fukushima Daini nuclear power station would be lifted from areas farther than 8 km around the station."
Changes to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Status
The IAEA receives information from a variety of official Japanese sources through the Japanese national competent authority, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. Additional detail is provided in the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) status summary with information received by 07:00 UTC on 21 April 2011.
Management of On-site Contaminated Water
Injection of approximately 17 000 L of coagulant (liquid glass) to the power cable trench of Unit 2 was carried out on 18 April and injection of approximately 7 000 L of liquid glass on 19 April. The transfer of stagnant water from the Unit 2 turbine building to radioactive waste treatment facilities commenced on 19 April.
The stagnant water (around 100 m3) in the basement of the turbine building of Unit 6 was transferred to the condenser on 19 April.
Plant status
Work to strengthen the electrical power system between Units 1 - 2 and Units 3 - 4 by establishing multiple power lines was completed on 19 April.
White "smoke" continues to be emitted from Units 2, 3 and 4..
In Unit 1 fresh water is being continuously injected into the reactor pressure vessel through the feedwater line at an indicated flow rate of 6 m3/h using a temporary electric pump with off-site power.
In Unit 2 and Unit 3 fresh water is being continuously injected into the reactor pressure vessel through the fire extinguisher line at an indicated rate of 7 m3/h using temporary electric pumps with off-site power.
In Unit 4 40 tonnes of fresh water was sprayed over the spent fuel pool on 19 April using a concrete pump truck.
Nitrogen gas is being injected into the containment vessel in Unit 1 to reduce the possibility of hydrogen combustion in the containment vessel. The pressure in the containment vessel has stabilized. The pressure in the reactor pressure vessel is increasing.
The reactor pressure vessel temperatures in Unit 1 remain above cold shutdown conditions. The indicated temperature at the feedwater nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel is 154 °C and at the bottom of reactor pressure vessel is 113 °C.
The reactor pressure vessel temperatures in Unit 2 remain above cold shutdown conditions. The indicated temperature at the feed water nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel is 135 °C. The reactor pressure vessel and the dry well remain at atmospheric pressure. Fresh water injection (approximately 47 tonnes) to the spent fuel pool via the spent fuel pool cooling line was carried out on 19 April.
The temperature at the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel in Unit 3 remains above cold shutdown conditions. The indicated temperature at the feed water nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel is 100 °C and at the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel is 108 °C. The reactor pressure vessel and the dry well remain at atmospheric pressure.
There has been no change in the status in Unit 6 or in the common spent fuel storage facility.
2. Radiation Monitoring
On 20 April, deposition of I-131 was detected in 8 prefectures, ranging from 2.4 to 80 Bq/m2. Deposition of Cs-137 was detected in seven prefectures, the values reported ranging from 2.6 to 87 Bq/m2.
Gamma dose rates are measured daily in all 47 prefectures. For Fukushima on 20 April a gamma dose rate of 1.9 µSv/h was reported, and for Ibaraki prefecture a gamma dose rate of 0.12 µSv/h was reported. In all other prefectures, reported gamma dose rates were below 0.1 µSv/h.
Dose rates are also reported specifically for the eastern part of Fukushima prefecture, for distances beyond 30 km from Fukushima Daiichi. On 19 April the values in this area ranged from 0.1 to 22 µSv/h.
In cooperation with local universities, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has set up an additional monitoring programme. For 20 April, measurements of gamma dose rates were reported for 54 cities in 40 prefectures. In Fukushima City a value of 0.42 µSv/h was reported. For nine cities, gamma dose rates between 0.13 and 0.17 µSv/h were reported. For all other cities reported gamma dose rates were below 0.1 µSv/h.
I-131 or Cs-137 is detectable in drinking water, but at levels below 1 Bq/L and in only a few prefectures. As of 20 April, one restriction on drinking water for infants relating to I-131 (100 Bq/L) remains in place for a small scale water supply in a village of the Fukushima prefecture.
Food monitoring data reported by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on 20 April covered a total of 103 samples. These samples were taken on 3, 14, 15, 18, 19 and 20 April from nine prefectures (Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Niigata, Tochigi, Tokyo and Yamagata).
Analytical results for 99 samples of various vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, fruit (strawberries), fish, seafood and unprocessed raw milk indicated that I-131, Cs-134 and Cs-137 were either not detected or had levels below the regulation values set by the Japanese authorities. Four samples of leafy vegetables (Japanese parsley, komatsuna, shinobuhuyuna and spinach) taken on 18 April from Fukushima prefecture had levels above the regulation values set by the Japanese authorities for radioactive caesium.
On 20 April, restrictions were placed on the distribution and consumption of the young of a specific sea fish (sand lance) from the coastal region of Fukushima prefecture. As has been reported previously, sand lance is the only seafood that has been found with I-131, Cs-134 or Cs-137 levels above the regulation values set by the Japanese authorities.
3. Marine Monitoring
TEPCO Seawater Monitoring Programme
TEPCO is conducting a programme for seawater monitoring (by surface sampling) at a number of near-shore and off-shore monitoring locations. Following a directive from NISA, on 16 April TEPCO announced that it will increase the number of sea sampling points from ten to 16. A further four points are to be added at 3 km from the coast and two points are to be added at 8 km from the coast. The new sampling sites are indicated on Map 1: TEPCO Seawater Sampling Locations, on which new points are indicated with green bullets.
On some days, two samples were collected at the same sampling point, a few hours apart, and analysed separately.
Until 3 April a generally decreasing trend in radioactivity was observed at the sampling points TEPCO 1 to TEPCO 4. After the discharge of contaminated water from the plant on 4 April, a temporary increase in radioactivity in sea water was reported. Since 5 April a general downward trend in the concentration of radionuclides in sea water for all TEPCO sampling points has been observed.
On 21 April new data for TEPCO sampling points were reported. For TEPCO 1 - 4 (sampling date 19 April) the values for both I-131 and Cs-137 were below 0.5 kBq/L. For TEPCO 5 - 10 (sampling date 18 April) the values for both I-131 and Cs-137 were below 0.3 kBq/L.
For the six new stations at 3 km off-shore and 8 km off-shore (green bullets in Map 1; sampling date 18 April), I-131 and Cs-137 were not detectable at the two stations 3 km off-shore; for all the other stations the level of I-131 was below 0.3 kBq/L and that of Cs-137 was below 0.4 kBq/L.
Map 1: TEPCO Seawater Sampling Locations:
MEXT Off-shore Seawater Monitoring ProgrammeOn 21 April new data were reported (sampling date 19 April)for the MEXT 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and B off-shore seawater sampling locations shown in Map 2: MEXT Seawater Sampling Locations. I-131 was detected only at the location MEXT 6 and the level was below 20Bq/L. Cs-137 was detected at locations MEXT 6 and 8 at a level of below 30 Bq/L.
Map 2: MEXT Seawater Sampling Locations:
4. IAEA Activities Georgia and Iceland have also provided monitoring data, in addition to the States that have been mentioned in previous briefs.
On 18 April the IAEA monitoring team finished its radiological monitoring campaign and the team returned to Vienna on 20 April.
→ Chronology of Daily Updates:
21 April | 20 April | 19 April | 18 April | 15 April | 14 April | 13 April | 12 April | 11 April | 10 April | 9 April | 8 April | 7 April | 6 April | 5 April | 4 April | 3 April | 2 April | 1 April | 31 March | 30 March | 29 March | 28 March | 27 March | 26 March | 25 March | 24 March | 23 March | 22 March | 21 March | 20 March | 19 March | 18 March | 17 March | 16 March | 15 March | 14 March | 13 March | 12 March | 11 March | Full Update
Fukushima’s Future Blueprints Are Incomplete, Danger Persists
Fukushima’s Future Blueprints Are Incomplete, Danger Persists
The Catastrophic Downside Risk of Nuclear, Oil, and Coal
The Catastrophic Downside Risk of Nuclear, Oil, and Coal
BNC{ Fukushima Daiichi Open and Update Thread #5 Barry Brook | 23 April 2011 at 1:58 AM
 | Fukushima Daiichi Open and Update Thread #5 Barry Brook | 23 April 2011 at 1:58 AM | Categories: Nuclear, Open Thread | URL: http://wp.me/piCIJ-1ac |
1. Reports indicate that some fuel melted and fell to the lower containment sections of units 1-3, where it dispersed in a fairly uniform residue -- but this does not seem to have breached containment in any of the reactor pressure vessels. Re-criticality of this 'corium' seems very unlikely, but no details can of course be confirmed until the reactor cores are finally dismantled -- which may be years away.
2. Two automated PackBot robots entered units 1 and 3, took photos, and measured temperature, pressure and radioactivity within the buildings. Peak levels were 40-60 mSv/hr.
3. An anti-scattering agent is being sprayed on the ground around the damaged units (about 1,200 square metres in area) to prevent further spread of radionuclides (see photo above).
4. Excess radioactive cooling water continues to be transferred from unit 2's basement and tunnels to a waste processing facility.
5. Further surveys are being made of the area surrounding the Fukushima evacuation zone and the exclusion area is being policed more strictly. Highest levels were measured at Itate, at about 4 microsieverts per hour (by comparison, the background level is 0.2 -- 0.4 uSv/hr).
6. TEPCO have now released a roadmap plan for the restoration of stable conditions at the site, over a 3 -- 6 month timetable, leading to a cold shutdown at units 1-3 and various other stability targets. They also released a 27-slide presentation on the timeline of the accident and current situation, that is definitely worth a look through.
Read more of this post
Can New Jersey Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions if the Nation Backs away from Nuclear?
Can New Jersey Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions if the Nation Backs away from Nuclear?Tough choices and tough questions set the tone at Board of Public Utilities anniversary meeting
Palo Verde nuclear power plant receives 20-year license extension
Palo Verde nuclear power plant receives 20-year license extension
Nuclear Agency to Meet May 12 on Japan Crisis, Jaczko Says
Nuclear Agency to Meet May 12 on Japan Crisis, Jaczko Says
EDF Steps Up Safety Plan
EDF Steps Up Safety Plan
French Nuclear Giant Takes Pre-Emptive Measures to Calm Fears About Reactors
Backers of Yucca Mt. say Obama pays lip service to nuclear while ignoring waste needs
Backers of Yucca Mt. say Obama pays lip service to nuclear while ignoring waste needs
Toshiba Seeks Nuclear License,But Texas Plan Not 'Done Deal' Official
Toshiba Seeks Nuclear License,But Texas Plan Not 'Done Deal' Official
Tepco to Build Wall for Nuclear Plant After Fukushima Disaster
Tepco to Build Wall for Nuclear Plant After Fukushima Disaster
Largest U.S. Nuclear Plant Wins 20-Year License Extension
Largest U.S. Nuclear Plant Wins 20-Year License Extension
NRC extends life of largest U.S. nuclear station
NRC extends life of largest U.S. nuclear station
(Reuters) - The U.S. nuclear safety regulator said on Thursday it has extended the operating life of the nation's largest nuclear power plant, the three-unit Palo Verde nuclear plant in Arizona for an additional 20 years.Innovative motor lets gas-powered cars go electric
Innovative motor lets gas-powered cars go electric
The Fukushima reactor emergency will continue for another 6-9 months before TEPCO will be able to get to a cold shutdown
The Fukushima reactor emergency will continue for another 6-9 months before TEPCO will
be able to get to a cold shutdown
http://nextbigfuture.com/2011/
be able to get to a cold shutdown
http://nextbigfuture.com/2011/
Where is my Electricity Coming From at this Hour? (if I live in Ontario)
Where is my Electricity Coming From at this Hour? (if I live in Ontario)
Guest Post: Leading Epidemiologist Says that Instead of Trying to Avoid Japanese Radiation, Put Your Energy Into Demanding a Saner Energy Policy
Today’s energy statistics were brought to you by…
Today’s energy statistics were brought to you by… The US Energy Information Administration, distributor of the world’s most scrutinised and transparent energy statistics, is facing tough budget choices on account of the government’s ongoing debt ceiling fiasco.
http://link.ft.com/r/IOCBMM/
http://link.ft.com/r/IOCBMM/
Atomic Insights: Fear of Radiation is Killing People and Endangering the Planet Too
Fear of Radiation is Killing People and Endangering the Planet Too
This is a guest post by Ted Rockwell. He wrote it in 1998, but the information and opinions remain valid today. The words between the lines below are Ted’s.
Duke Energy Reports on Sustainability Progress and Plans for the Future
Duke Energy Reports on Sustainability Progress and Plans for the Future
PR Newswire
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 21, 2011
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20040414/DUKEENERGYLOGO )
"Delivering Today. Investing for Our Future." describes what the company is doing to meet the current and coming needs of its customers and other stakeholders.
"I used to think that there were two kinds of companies – those that committed to sustainability and those that didn't," said Roberta Bowman, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer. "Today, I don't believe companies have a real choice. We are seeing more and more interest in measures of sustainability performance by the financial community and other key stakeholders."
The report provides an update on Duke Energy's progress in achieving its sustainability goals. Highlights include:
- Steady growth in wind and solar energy
- Significant reductions in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions
- Record results for employee safety
- Economic development, philanthropic and volunteer support for local communities
- Total shareholder return that surpasses peer utilities.
A letter from Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Rogers speaks to what lies ahead for Duke Energy. He discusses how the company is modernizing its power plants, building a "smart," more reliable power grid, working to develop clean energy technologies, promoting adoption of electric vehicles, and positioning its workforce for business success. These and other topics are addressed in more detail throughout the report.
In addition, the report includes customers' and thought leaders' viewpoints on energy issues, and employees' personal perspectives on their own accountability for sustainable outcomes.
The online version of the report (www.sustainabilityreport.duke-energy.com) provides additional and expanded articles, videos and mouse-over definitions of terms.
FACT: Tire Derived Fuel Produces 25 Percent More Energy Than Coal, Reduces Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 19.5 Percent
FACT: Tire Derived Fuel Produces 25 Percent More Energy Than Coal, Reduces Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 19.5 Percent
Mitsubishi Motors and Energy Industry Leader NRG Energy Team Up to Improve Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Texas
Mitsubishi Motors and Energy Industry Leader NRG Energy Team Up to Improve Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Texas
U.S. Nuclear Energy Industry Operated at High Levels of Safety in 2010, WANO Results Show
U.S. Nuclear Energy Industry Operated at High Levels of Safety in 2010, WANO Results Show
NEI Executive Viewpoint US Commercial Service/Nicobar: China reactor designs likely to be indigenous
Business Intelligence for the nuclear industry
Executive Viewpoint
US Commercial Service/Nicobar: China reactor designs likely to be indigenous
21 April 2011Nowhere today is the global Nuclear Renaissance stronger than in China. Over the past five years, China has developed the world’s most ambitious nuclear new-build program. With over 20 new reactors currently under construction, But future technology is likely to be domestically developed in conjunction with established technology.
Future reactor designs in China will be dominated by the indigenous CPR-1000 and the Westinghouse AP1000, the world’s first of which are currently under construction in China.
China’s nuclear new build is subject to government-imposed local content quotas, which influence Chinese customers’ procurement decisions. Consequently, a strategic localization plan is crucial to US companies’ success in the Chinese market.
It is recommended that potential entrants to the market engage experienced in-country service providers in determining how to best position themselves in compliance with local content rules.
Major Players
Regulatory
The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) is the ultimate government organ responsible for the use of civilian nuclear energy in China, in charge of industry regulation and planning, review of feasibility studies, and international cooperation. Its subsidiary, the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) is responsible for licensing and permits. National macroeconomic energy policy is shared between the National Energy Administration (NEA), and National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC).
Ownership
While most of China’s power industry (coal, hydro, wind) is dominated by China’s “Big 5” power generation companies, the nuclear power sector has historically been and continues to be largely controlled by two separate nuclear-specific owner-operators: China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC) and China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group (CGNPC).
Both are Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The industry is gradually liberalizing in terms of ownership: One of the “Big 5” players, China Power Investment Corp. (CPI), after taking minority stakes in several early nuclear plants, has now been authorized as China’s third NPP majority owner-operator, along with CNNC and CGNPC.
The other four of the “Big 5” generators are all now actively taking minority stakes in China’s under-construction power plants, though it is uncertain when majority ownership rights will be expanded. Despite gradual liberalization in the ownership of nuclear plants, all fuel cycle activities remain controlled by the two SOE giants: CNNC and CGNPC.
Through its subsidiaries, CNNC controls all conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, reprocessing, storage, and disposal activities. Foreign participation in China’s nuclear fuel cycle is handled by CNNC’s Dept. of Nuclear Fuels and Dept. of International Cooperation.
New Build & Procurement
China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group (CNEC) holds a monopoly on NPP construction, with 5 daughter nuclear construction companies it deploys on a per project basis for civil construction and installation work.
These daughter companies are in turn responsible for the procurement of construction materials and services from domestic and international suppliers. The majority of NPP equipment and components procurement, whether local or foreign, are made by one of three EPCs contractors: CNPEC, CNPE or SNPEC, dependant on plant type and owner.
The design and fabrication of nuclear pressure-bearing equipment requires a Chinese nuclear safety-related equipment license, which is issued by the Chinese the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) and known as HAF.
An HAF 601 license is required of companies in China providing safety-related equipment, whether Chinese SOEs, Chinese private companies, Sino-Foreign Joint Ventures (JVs), or Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises (WFOEs). An HAF 604 license is required for the importation of foreign safety-related nuclear equipment. Both licenses involve an application process of about a year with the NNSA.
Entering the Chinese Market
The combination of the Chinese nuclear industry’s rapid growth with its relative lack of maturity will mean that there will be many shortages in both capacity and expertise, and there are very large opportunities for US companies to fill those gaps.
The best way to serve the Chinese market is through the establishment a China operation in some form. Chinese NPPs under construction are under pressure to meet government defined local content quotas in their procurement decisions.
The interpretation of these requirements varies, and the benefits of being considered “local” in the eyes of the Chinese customer are myriad. Realizing a local presence is a key sales and marketing tool for companies doing business in-country.
Chinese customers prefer purchasing local product and services because of the lower costs and shorter lead times they bring with them. In addition, companies with a local presence of some form (whether manufacturing facilities, service centers, or representative offices, etc.) will be able to provide easier in-country communications (a very valuable asset to customers for resolving issues that arise over the course of contract execution) and are given preference in bids accordingly.
Manufacturing at least some part of one’s product in-country is also attractive to Chinese customers because it allows them more visibility into fabrication and saves significant time and travel costs on any required or desired in-process inspections.
Chinese Commercial Nuclear Reactors
For an interactive version of this map, visit www.nicobargroup.com/)
This report was produced by Nicobar Group in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service in Beijing, China. The Nicobar Group specializes in establishing and managing operations in China for US nuclear companies. nuclear@nicobargroup.com
The United States Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the International Trade Administration within the United States Department of Commerce: http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/energy.html
Other sources:
Chinese Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA): http://www.caea.gov.cn/
National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA): http://nnsa.mep.gov.cn/
China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC): http://www.cnnc.com.cn/
China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group (CGNPC): http://www.cgnpc.com.cn/
China Power Investment Corp. (CPI): http://eng.cpicorp.com.cn/
State Nuclear Power Technology Corp. (SNPTC): http://www.snptc.com.cn/
China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group (CNEC): http://www.cnecc.com/
Is a Thorium reactor the answer?
Is a Thorium reactor the answer?
Thorium nuclear reactors are cleaner and less dangerous. But is anyone interested anymore?Inside story Nuclear's next generation
Nuclear's next generation
Inside story: A group of six new blueprints for nuclear power stations promise advances in safety and efficiency. How do they differ from existing designs?
Inside story
China Initiates Thorium MSR Project
China Initiates Thorium MSR Project
The People’s Republic of China has initiated a research and development project in thorium molten-salt reactor technology, it was announced in the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) annual conference on Tuesday, January 25. An article in the Wenhui News followed on Wednesday (Google English translation). Chinese researchers also announced this development on the Energy from Thorium Discussion Forum.Positive Change should include changing the nuclear fuel
Positive Change should include changing the nuclear fuel
Energy A Call for the Safer Handling of Nuclear Waste Japan's ongoing crisis points to the need for better storage.
Energy
A Call for the Safer Handling of Nuclear Waste
Japan's ongoing crisis points to the need for better storage.
BNC: A LFTR deployment plan for Australia
A LFTR deployment plan for Australia
Posted on 17 December 2009 by Barry Brook
Below is a guest post by Alex Goodwin, which canvasses the idea of a large-scale deployment of Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors (LFTR) to clean up Australia’s power generation sector. On the Energy from Thorium forums, he’s known as fnord.Alex refers to himself as “the finance grad they keep in a deep dark hole”, reflecting the master of business in applied finance he earned at QUT in 2007. Thus, although he’s often been mistaken for a nuclear engineer or other nuclear industry professional, in reality he’s merely an interested amateur and communicator [we need more people like this]. He joined Toastmasters (a public speaking club) in October 2008, completed a Competent Communicator course in November 2009, and most of his speeches promote the LFTR concept in one way or another.
In this post, Alex is being pragmatic. For instance, one may argue over whether his subplan to upgrade lignite using LFTR process heat and so add value to our exports is a good idea, from a climate change perspective, but ultimately we’ve got to have some transition plan, and at least the one he proposes is probably more realistic than the Government’s dreams of a world powered by coal with carbon capture and storage. In the end though, we, and other coal-rich nations, will just have to face the fact that most of the coal must be left in the ground.
You can download an 8-page printable PDF of Alex’s article here.
———————————————————
Clean electricity, cheap electricity, safe electricity – pick any three
By Alex GoodwinThe federal government’s Carb
Are New Types of Reactors Needed for the U.S. Nuclear Renaissance?
Are New Types of Reactors Needed for the U.S. Nuclear Renaissance?
Ongoing problems with nuclear waste might resurrect plans for reactors that would leave less of it
China enters race to develop nuclear energy from thorium
China enters race to develop nuclear energy from thorium
Scientists and private firms in China have embarked on a major new push to develop liquid-fluoride thorium reactor technology
• Video: Manchester Report - Thorium nuclear power
• Video: Manchester Report - Thorium nuclear power
Uranium Is So Last Century — Enter Thorium, the New Green Nuke * By Richard Martin
Uranium Is So Last Century — Enter Thorium, the New Green Nuke
By Richard MartinThorium and the Liquid-Fluoride Reactor: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
One of the basic principles of the modern environmental movement is the simple mantra to “reduce, reuse, and recycle”. It is my intention to show in this essay that the technology of the liquid-fluoride reactor, coupled with the energy source thorium, make it possible to achieve these goals to a far greater degree than other nuclear energy technologies.
As Fukushima bill looms, nations weigh dilemma: nuclear plants viable only when uninsured
As Fukushima bill looms, nations weigh dilemma: nuclear plants viable only when uninsured
Thursday, April 21, 2011
"The Risk of a Nuclear Catastrophe ... Could Total Trillions of Dollars and Even BANKRUPT A COUNTRY"
"The Risk of a Nuclear Catastrophe ... Could Total Trillions of Dollars and Even BANKRUPT A COUNTRY"
Preface: I am not against all nuclear power, solely the unsafe type we have today. Future designs - like thorium reactors (see this and this) - may be a different animal altogether.
Japan’s nuclear leak into ocean at catastrophic levels
Japan’s nuclear leak into ocean at catastrophic levels
OP Oil Market News: Nuclear Agency to Meet on Japan Crisis
OP Oil Market News: Nuclear Agency to Meet on Japan Crisis
Japan announces new evacuation area outside 20-km ring of nuke plant
Japan announces new evacuation area outside 20-km ring of nuke plant
Japan’s Fukushima nuclear meltdown forces U.S. to rethink its disaster preparation
Japan’s Fukushima nuclear meltdown forces U.S. to rethink its disaster preparation
The effects of the Fukushima nuclear power plant damage in Japan could span a century, Glen MacDonald announced at a panel discussion on Monday.
Guardian Focus podcast: The nuclear debate after Fukushima and Chernobyl
Guardian Focus podcast: The nuclear debate after Fukushima and Chernobyl
George Monbiot, Helen Caldicott and Laurence Williams join host James Randerson to debate the future of the UK's nuclear programme following Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant disaster
The Trillion Dollar Costs of A Nuclear Catastrophe Enough to Bankrupt an Entire National Economy... by Washington's Blog
The Trillion Dollar Costs of A Nuclear Catastrophe
Enough to Bankrupt an Entire National Economy...
by Washington's Blog
Will High Gasoline Prices Put Japanese Nuclear Meltdown in the Rearview Mirror of U.S. Consumers? - an Industrial Info News Alert By: Marketwire .
Will High Gasoline Prices Put Japanese Nuclear Meltdown in the Rearview Mirror of U.S. Consumers? - an Industrial Info News Alert
By: Marketwire .
Is Canada prepared for a nuclear meltdown?
Is Canada prepared for a nuclear meltdown?
Ottawa's invested too much and grown too close to act as an independent regulator, critics say.
Unsure about nuclear power? Here's the five questions you must answer to decide
Unsure about nuclear power? Here's the five questions you must answer to decide
Twenty five years on from Chernobyl, the heated debate on nuclear power remains resistant to cold facts: simply too few are known. But making your own judgements on five key questions will lead to your answer
Federal Court Mulls Safety of New Jersey's Oyster Creek Nuclear Plant
Federal Court Mulls Safety of New Jersey's Oyster Creek Nuclear Plant
Smart Appliances To Be A $26.1 Billion Global Market By 2019
Smart Appliances To Be A $26.1 Billion Global Market By 2019
Secretary Chu Announces $130 Million for Advanced Research Projects
Secretary Chu Announces $130 Million for Advanced Research Projects
ARPA-E's 4th round of funding focuses on rare earth alternatives and breakthroughs in biofuels, thermal storage, grid controls, and solar power electronics
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that up to $130 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) will be made available to develop five new program areas that could spark critical breakthrough technologies and secure America's energy future. Today's funding opportunity announcement comes two months after ARPA-E announced six of its projects have secured more than $100 million in outside private capital investment - indications that the business community is eager to invest in truly innovative solutions to the country's energy challenges."ARPA-E is unleashing American innovation to strengthen America's global competitiveness and win the clean energy race," said Secretary Chu. "In addition to creating new jobs, breakthroughs in clean energy technologies can reduce our country's dependence of foreign oil, decrease the cost of clean electricity, and build a sustainable infrastructure for future generations of Americans."
Today's announcement is ARPA-E's fourth round of funding opportunities. In its first year, ARPA-E awarded $363 million in Recovery Act funding to 121 groundbreaking energy projects based in 30 states, with approximately 39% of projects led by universities, 33% by small businesses, 20% by large businesses, 5% by national labs, and 3% by non-profits.
ARPA-E's fourth round of funding opportunities includes five technology areas detailed below:
1. Plants Engineered To Replace Oil (PETRO). Technologies for low-cost production of advanced biofuels are limited by the small amount of available energy captured by photosynthesis and the inefficient processes used to convert plant matter to fuel. PETRO aims to create plants that capture more energy from sunlight and convert that energy directly into fuels. ARPA-E seeks to fund technologies that optimize the biochemical processes of energy capture and conversion to develop robust, farm-ready crops that deliver more energy per acre with less processing prior to the pump. If successful, PETRO will create biofuels for half their current cost, finally making them cost-competitive with fuels from oil. Up to $30 million will be made available for this program area.
2. High Energy Advanced Thermal Storage (HEATS). More than 90% of energy technologies involve the transport and conversion of thermal energy. Therefore, advancements in thermal energy storage - both hot and cold - would dramatically improve performance for a variety of critical energy applications. ARPA-E seeks to develop revolutionary cost-effective thermal energy storage technologies in three focus areas: 1) high temperature storage systems to deliver solar electricity more efficiently around the clock and allow nuclear and fossil baseload resources the flexibility to meet peak demand, 2) fuel produced from the sun's heat, and 3) HVAC systems that use thermal storage to improve the driving range of electric vehicles by up to 40 percent. Up to $30 million will be made available for this program area.
3. Rare Earth Alternatives in Critical Technologies (REACT). Rare earths are naturally-occurring minerals with unique magnetic properties that are used in many emerging energy technologies. As demand for these technologies continues to increase, rare earths are rapidly becoming more expensive due to limited global supply - prices of many have increased 300-700% in the past year. Rising rare earth prices have already escalated costs for some energy technologies and may jeopardize the widespread adoption of many critical energy solutions by U.S. manufacturers. ARPA-E seeks to fund early-stage technology alternatives that reduce or eliminate the dependence on rare earth materials by developing substitutes in two key areas: electric vehicle motors and wind generators. Up to $30 million will be made available for this program area.
4. Green Electricity Network Integration (GENI). Recent advances in computation, networking, and grid monitoring have shed light on potential ways to deliver electricity more efficiently and reliably. Today, however, the equivalent of one out of every five electricity dollars is lost to power outages and 30 percent of the grid's hardware needs replacing. ARPA-E seeks to fund innovative control software and high-voltage hardware to reliably control the grid, specifically: 1) controls able to manage 10 times more sporadically available wind and solar electricity than currently on the grid, and 2) resilient power flow control hardware - or the energy equivalent of an internet router - to enable significantly more electricity through the existing network of transmission lines. Up to $30 million will be made available for this program area.
5. Solar Agile Delivery of Electrical Power Technology (Solar ADEPT). The DOE SunShot Initiative leverages the unique strengths across DOE to reduce the total cost of utility-scale solar systems by 75 percent by the end of the decade. If successful, this collaboration would deliver solar electricity at roughly 6 cents a kilowatt hour - a cost competitive with electricity from fossil fuels. This would enable solar electricity to scale without subsidies and make the U.S. globally competitive in solar technology. ARPA-E's portion of the collaboration is the Solar ADEPT program, which focuses on integrating advanced power electronics into solar panels and solar farms to extract and deliver energy more efficiently. Specifically, ARPA-E aims to invest in key advances in magnetics, semiconductor switches, and charge storage, which could reduce power conversion costs by up to 50 percent for utilities and 80 percent for homeowners. Up to $10 million will be made available for this program area.
The five technology areas announced today will join ARPA-E's seven existing programs in power electronics (ADEPT), battery technologies (BEEST), building cooling (BEETIT), non-photosynthetic biofuels (Electrofuels), grid energy storage (GRIDS), carbon capture (IMPACCT), and its initial open solicitation.
For more information about ARPA-E, current funding opportunities, and previously announced awards please visit: http://arpa-e.energy.gov/.
U.S. May Spend $130 Million for Energy Research, Chu Says
U.S. May Spend $130 Million for Energy Research, Chu Says
Nuclear Energy Insider: US Commercial Service/Nicobar: China reactor designs likely to be indigenous
US Commercial Service/Nicobar: China reactor designs likely to be indigenous
Nuclear Energy Insider: Weekly Intelligence Brief 14 April – 21 April 2011
Weekly Intelligence Brief 14 April – 21 April 2011
The US Nuclear New Build Market for Component Suppliers
The US Nuclear New Build Market for Component Suppliers
Capitalize on the rapidly growing nuclear component market to drive sales in the USA This strategic business intelligence report provides vital insights into the commercial opportunities for nuclear component suppliers brought about by Nuclear New Build activity in the USA.
Use this report to ensure that your business is ready for this surge in demand for components:
- Identify the key nuclear components that will be most in demand
- Find out how much time & money you will have to commit to become a nuclear supplier
- Understand how EPCs select their suppliers
- Learn how demand for nuclear grade components will evolve
- Find out the number - and type - of nuclear power plants that will be built in the next 20 years in the USA
- Identify the main companies will be in charge procurement
- Know what senior nuclear industry executives and government officials think of future nuclear capacity in the US
- Get an unbiased and expert analysis of the barriers and drivers to the US nuclear industry
Tony Jack
DecomWorld
tony@decomworld.com
Industry Insight Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor: key for a safer and less expensive nuclear technology?
Industry Insight
Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor: key for a safer and less expensive nuclear technology?
Changes to evacuation zones
Changes to evacuation zones
Japanese authorities have decided to revise a marginal portion of the Fukushima evacuation zone and police the area more strictly. The government said the zone is not forced by dose rates within it, but remains a precaution until the plant comes under full control.
Japanese authorities have decided to revise a marginal portion of the Fukushima evacuation zone and police the area more strictly. The government said the zone is not forced by dose rates within it, but remains a precaution until the plant comes under full control.
Fukushima and Chernobyl: What makes a level 7 nuclear crisis?
Fukushima and Chernobyl: What makes a level 7 nuclear crisis?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
Guardian Focus podcast: The nuclear debate after Fukushima and Chernobyl
Guardian Focus podcast: The nuclear debate after Fukushima and Chernobyl
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
UPDATE: EDF Presented Improvement Plans To Nuclear Safety Body
UPDATE: EDF Presented Improvement Plans To Nuclear Safety Body
http://online.wsj.com/article/
http://online.wsj.com/article/
U.N. Chief Ban Ki-moon: More Nuclear Disasters Are Likely
U.N. Chief Ban Ki-moon: More Nuclear Disasters Are Likely
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
Romania Plans to Expand Nuclear Output by 2035, Ministry Says
Romania Plans to Expand Nuclear Output by 2035, Ministry Says
GOP senator: Build more nuclear plants By Josiah Ryan - 04/20/11 10:35 AM ET
GOP senator: Build more nuclear plants
- 04/20/11 10:35 AM ET
US senator calls for new step in nuclear relicensing
US senator calls for new step in nuclear relicensing
Atomic agency head defends nuclear power despite Japan, Chernobyl
Atomic agency head defends nuclear power despite Japan, Chernobyl
TEPCO Update, April 21
Updates from ANS Nuclear Cafe
| Updates from ANS Nuclear CafeContents: |
Why is there irrational fear of radiation?By ansnuclearcafe on Apr 21, 2011 12:10 amImprovements are needed in explaining the significance of the numbers to the public Editor for this multi-author blog post: Dan Yurman The crisis at the Fukushima nuclear reactor complex in Japan, caused by a record earthquake and equally record shattering … Continue reading → Read in browser » University of Chicago to hold public forum on FukushimaBy ansnuclearcafe on Apr 20, 2011 05:21 pmThe University of Chicago Alumni Association, in conjunction with Argonne National Laboratory and the Harris Energy Policy Institute, will hold a forum at 4:00 PM Central Time on Thursday, April 21, entitled “Beyond Fukushima: The Risks, Realities & Future of … Continue reading → Read in browser » |
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