Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Andrew Cuomo, New York governor, says Indian Point nuclear plant power can be replaced
Andrew Cuomo, New York governor, says Indian Point nuclear plant power can be replaced
Rice touches cesium limit / Levels near questionable paddy in Fukushima appear safe
Rice touches cesium limit / Levels near questionable paddy in Fukushima appear safe
FUKUSHIMA--Radioactive cesium at levels of 500 becquerels per kilogram was found in rice harvested in Nihonmatsu, according to the prefectural government. The figure is the upper limit of the central government-set limit.High Radiation in Japan Rice
High Radiation in Japan Rice
Wall Street Journal
By YOSHIO TAKAHASHI TOKYO—Japan has detected high levels of radiation in rice growing near the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant, a government official said Saturday
Wall Street Journal
By YOSHIO TAKAHASHI TOKYO—Japan has detected high levels of radiation in rice growing near the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant, a government official said Saturday
atomic power review Elk River part 2
atomic power review
APR Atomic Journal - Elk River part 2
Don’t Peak: On Ill-Considered Peak Oil Debates
By Michael Giberson, September 24, 2011
Daniel Yergin’s peak oil commentary in last Saturday’s Wall Street Journal has set the econoblogosphere to chattering, or at least those of us in the energy corner. In addition to the clash of the titans, i.e. James Hamilton’s “More thoughts on peak oil” rejoinder to Yergin, the mere mortals are going at it, too. Michael Levi did a quick round-up of reactions at his Council on Foreign Relations-... » Continue...
Daniel Yergin’s peak oil commentary in last Saturday’s Wall Street Journal has set the econoblogosphere to chattering, or at least those of us in the energy corner. In addition to the clash of the titans, i.e. James Hamilton’s “More thoughts on peak oil” rejoinder to Yergin, the mere mortals are going at it, too. Michael Levi did a quick round-up of reactions at his Council on Foreign Relations-... » Continue...
Govt. withholds photos taken by expensive satellites, citing security reasons
Govt. withholds photos taken by expensive satellites, citing security reasons
Following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the Cabinet secretariat that operates the satellites compiled maps showing the situation at disaster-hit areas with images from the satellites. They distributed copies to the Prime Minister's Office, police, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, and other bodies.The maps show damage from the tsunami such as where roads were cut, according to an explanation by the Cabinet secretariat and according to the government's reply to questions by Hidekatsu Yoshii, a Japanese Communist Party member of the House of Representatives.
The Cabinet secretariat had compiled four such maps by the end of March. Copies of at least one were provided to private companies and are said to have helped them grasp the details of the damage caused by the disaster.
However, the Cabinet secretariat has withheld releasing the satellite images themselves on the grounds that it could adversely affect the security of Japan. Because of this, government bodies were forced to buy photos of the tsunami-hit Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant taken by a U.S. commercial satellite for approximately 36 million yen.
IAEA won't discuss Israel's 'nuclear capabilities' after Arab proposal dropped
IAEA won't discuss Israel's 'nuclear capabilities' after Arab proposal dropped
Behind-the-scenes diplomacy at the International Atomic Energy Association leads to Arab states withdrawing their motion.
By Yossi Melman
Real Solyndra Scandal Is U.S. Approach to Energy Subsidies: View
Real Solyndra Scandal Is U.S. Approach to Energy Subsidies: View
Japan will share lessons of nuclear disaster: PM
Japan will share lessons of nuclear disaster: PM
United Nations (AFP) Sept 23, 2011
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stressed Friday that Tokyo would share with the international community all the lessons learned from the nuclear accident at Fukushima. "It's important that we communicate rapidly" the information about the nuclear accident, he told a press conference, highlighting "Japan's strong determination to learn the lessons" from the disaster. Around 20,000
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stressed Friday that Tokyo would share with the international community all the lessons learned from the nuclear accident at Fukushima. "It's important that we communicate rapidly" the information about the nuclear accident, he told a press conference, highlighting "Japan's strong determination to learn the lessons" from the disaster. Around 20,000Don’t Peak: On Ill-Considered Peak Oil Debates
Don’t Peak: On Ill-Considered Peak Oil Debates
Daniel Yergin’s peak oil commentary in last Saturday’s Wall Street Journal has set the econoblogosphere to chattering, or at least those of us in the energy corner. In addition to the clash of the titans, i.e. James Hamilton’s “More thoughts on peak oil” rejoinder to Yergin, the mere mortals are going at it, too.
U.S. Defense aims for clean energy
U.S. Defense aims for clean energy
Washington (UPI) Sep 23, 2011
The U.S. Department of Defense spending on alternative energy could top $10 billion annually by 2030, a new study says. "From Barracks to Battlefield: Clean Energy Innovation and America's Armed Forces" by Pew Charitable Trusts indicated that such spending from 2006-09 rose 300 percent, from $400 million to $1.2 billion. In 2010 the Defense Department's total energy cost was $15.
The U.S. Department of Defense spending on alternative energy could top $10 billion annually by 2030, a new study says. "From Barracks to Battlefield: Clean Energy Innovation and America's Armed Forces" by Pew Charitable Trusts indicated that such spending from 2006-09 rose 300 percent, from $400 million to $1.2 billion. In 2010 the Defense Department's total energy cost was $15.IMF, World Bank eye carbon tax on airline, ship fuels
IMF, World Bank eye carbon tax on airline, ship fuels
Washington, Usa (AFP) Sept 23, 2011 The World Bank and IMF are proposing global carbon taxes on aviation and ship fuels in developed economies to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, according to a draft proposal seen by AFP Friday.
For nuclear, Fukushima was a just bump in the road
For nuclear, Fukushima was a just bump in the road
Safety Methods Data Base
Safety Methods Data Base
This document gives an overview of Techniques, Methods, Databases, or Models that can be used
during a Safety Assessment. This is a living document. Additions are welcome.
This document gives an overview of Techniques, Methods, Databases, or Models that can be used
during a Safety Assessment. This is a living document. Additions are welcome.
Backlash Against Nuclear Power Adds to the Top Line of Oil and Gas Companies
http://atomicinsights.com/
Inspired by a Wall Street Journal article titled "Backlash Against Nuclear Power Hits the Bottom Line" Rod Adams took a look at the companies and individuals that benefit from higher fossil fuel prices and larger sales volumes resulting from irrationally shutting down undamaged nuclear plants in response to a natural disaster-caused nuclear plant meltdown.
Some observers attempt to describe the increased revenue for the fossil fuel industry as an unintended consequence of actions taken by anxious citizens, but they fail to ask what caused the high level of anxiety. There were no deaths and few dramatic photos, but those few were endlessly repeated. Rod believes that the existence of non-stop media coverage supported by frequent advertising spots promoting "clean natural gas" provides evidence that at least some of the media-stoked anxiety is a direct result of well-conceived marketing plans.
Rod believes that plans are being executed to take advantage of the Fukushima situation to spread fear, uncertainty and doubt by nuclear energy competitors who want nuclear's market share for themselves.
Inspired by a Wall Street Journal article titled "Backlash Against Nuclear Power Hits the Bottom Line" Rod Adams took a look at the companies and individuals that benefit from higher fossil fuel prices and larger sales volumes resulting from irrationally shutting down undamaged nuclear plants in response to a natural disaster-caused nuclear plant meltdown.
Some observers attempt to describe the increased revenue for the fossil fuel industry as an unintended consequence of actions taken by anxious citizens, but they fail to ask what caused the high level of anxiety. There were no deaths and few dramatic photos, but those few were endlessly repeated. Rod believes that the existence of non-stop media coverage supported by frequent advertising spots promoting "clean natural gas" provides evidence that at least some of the media-stoked anxiety is a direct result of well-conceived marketing plans.
Rod believes that plans are being executed to take advantage of the Fukushima situation to spread fear, uncertainty and doubt by nuclear energy competitors who want nuclear's market share for themselves.
Learning the lessons of Fukushima
Learning the lessons of Fukushima
Japan’s nuclear meltdowns provide valuable lessons for the design of future nuclear powerplants.
Among the lessons to be learned from the accident at Japan’s Fukushima Daichii nuclear powerplant, according to a new report from MIT, are that emergency generators should be better protected from flooding and other extreme natural events, and that increasing the spacing between reactors at the same site would help prevent an incident at one reactor from damaging others nearby.
These and other lessons are contained in a report put out this month by MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE), based on its analysis of how events unfolded at the troubled plant in the days and weeks following Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 13.
The specific suggestions in this report are quite different from the response by some governments — notably, Germany and Japan, which have halted or delayed expansion of nuclear power in the wake of the meltdowns and radiation releases at the Japanese reactors. In fact, the report says, health risks to the public, and even to workers at the plant, have been negligible, despite the significant releases of radiation over the last few months. There has been no loss of life associated with the accident, nor is there expected to be, the report says.
The new report is an update of a preliminary report issued in May.
read full article
Feature written by David l. Chandler for MIT News Office. Graphic by Chirstine Danlloff, MIT News Office
A New Look at Nuclear Power
A New Look at Nuclear Power
After the disaster in Japan, some European countries are turning away from nuclear energy. Meanwhile in the U.S., questions are coming up about plant safety and licensing, including Vermont Yankee and the Seabrook Power Plant in New Hampshire . But there probably won’t be an exodus from nuclear energy in this country. Supporters say it provides a huge amount of electricity to power our economy and can continue to do so safely. Laura Knoy talks with Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, Ian Hutchinson and Director of the Nuclear Safety Project, Union of Concerned Scientists, Dave Lochbaum, about the latest news around nuclear power and what it may mean for the future of the energy source. Listen to the show on NHPR
Reactor vessel in place at Sanmen
Reactor vessel in place at Sanmen
23 September 2011
 |
| (Image: SNPTC) |
Does Peak Oil Really Matter? - James Kostohryz , Seeking Alpha
Does Peak Oil Really Matter? - James Kostohryz , Seeking Alpha
Russia believes US, Israel behind Iran worm attack: official
Russia believes US, Israel behind Iran worm attack: official
Russia believes Israel and the United States were responsible for unleashing the malicious Stuxnet computer worm on Iran's nuclear programme last year, a top official said Friday.
Hydrogen Detected In Pipe At Fukushima Reactor--Report
Fox Business
TOKYO -(Dow Jones)- Hydrogen has been detected in a pipe at the No. 1 reactor at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported in its Saturday morning edition.
Thousands Sign Petition for Suspension of Fukushima-Like Nuclear Plants
Thousands Sign Petition for Suspension of Fukushima-Like Nuclear Plants
For Insight On Solyndra Loan, Ask The Nuclear Industry, Markey Says
Huffington Post -
Among the key questions being raised by Congressional Republicans regarding the $535 million federal loan guarantee provided by the Department of Energy to Solyndra, the California solar technology company that subsequently failed, is why the loan was ...
Markey Calls for Scrutiny of Nuclear-Power Loan Guarantees
Markey Calls for Scrutiny of Nuclear-Power Loan Guarantees
Egypt renews its request for Israel to sign nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Egypt renews its request for Israel to sign nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Military and arms control experts call for dialogue with Iran
Military and arms control experts call for dialogue with Iran
National Iranian American Council
Admiral Joe Sestak joined nonproliferation experts Mark Fitzpatrick and Greg Thielmann to discuss the need for engagement with Iran to resolve the nuclear issue and prevent a disastrous war. Washington, DC – “The whole point of sanctions is to persuade ...
National Iranian American Council
Admiral Joe Sestak joined nonproliferation experts Mark Fitzpatrick and Greg Thielmann to discuss the need for engagement with Iran to resolve the nuclear issue and prevent a disastrous war. Washington, DC – “The whole point of sanctions is to persuade ...
Friday, September 23, 2011
MIT to help develop a nuclear reactor concept | Homeland Security ...
MIT to help develop a nuclear reactor concept | Homeland Security ...
... a new nuclear reactor concept -- the high-temperature salt-cooled reactor (also ... salt developed for the molten salt reactors (boiling point > 1400 degrees C), ...
... a new nuclear reactor concept -- the high-temperature salt-cooled reactor (also ... salt developed for the molten salt reactors (boiling point > 1400 degrees C), ...
Thorium: The Future of Nuclear
| Thorium: The Future of Nuclear Investment U At least 25 reactors in Europe were shut down or cancelled since the triple meltdown in March. But what if nuclear power could produce more power with less material, while being incredibly less risky? There's a growing sentiment that it may be possible ... |
Japan will share lessons of nuclear disaster: PM
Japan will share lessons of nuclear disaster: PM
AFP
UNITED NATIONS — Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stressed Friday that Tokyo would share with the international community all the lessons learned from the nuclear accident at Fukushima.
AFP
UNITED NATIONS — Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stressed Friday that Tokyo would share with the international community all the lessons learned from the nuclear accident at Fukushima.
Fukushima Nuclear Crisis Update from FEPC for 09/23/11
Please find the updated information sheet below and attached that summarizes the events from Update-56 on 8/25.
Please direct any questions regarding this document to me, Ishida@denjiren.com or Samuel Lederer, Researcher of FEPC at lederer@denjiren.com.
Update to Information Sheet Regarding the Tohoku Earthquake
The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) Washington DC Office
As of September 23, 2011
All times listed below are Japan Standard Time (JST) unless otherwise noted.
- Prime Minister Noda’s Address at UN General Assembly
On September 22, Prime Minister Noda made a speech at the meeting on nuclear safety and security, a part of The 66th General Assembly of United Nations. The main points of his statement are as follows:
- Japan is steadily moving closer to stable control of the Fukushima Daiichi accident. The most recent estimates indicate that the amount of radioactive material being discharged is now being held down to a level of one-four millionth of that at the early stage of the accident. We are now making every effort to achieve the state of cold shutdown of the reactors roughly within 2011, ahead of schedule.
- Japan will disclose to the international community all the information related to this accident, in both a swift and accurate manner. The investigation committee on the accident will release its final report next year, and we will share the results of our comprehensive inspections and the lessons learned through this accident.
- Japan is determined to raise the safety of nuclear power generation to the highest level in the world. In addition to the emergency measures already taken, we plan to establish 'The Nuclear Safety and Security Agency' around April of next year and also reinforce nuclear safety regulations.
- Japan stands ready to respond to the interest of countries seeking to use nuclear power generation. Japan has been supporting such countries and remains steadfast in responding positively to their interest in our undertakings.
- In parallel, Japan will also take the lead to increase development and use of renewable energies, and present practical strategies and plans around the summer of 2012 concerning the composition of energy sources over the medium and long terms.
- Japan will also participate actively in efforts to ensure nuclear security. Japan will join actively in international undertakings in this field and reinforce its measures to protect its nuclear materials and facilities.
- Roadmap and Major Activities of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
On September 20, TEPCO revised “the Roadmap towards Restoration from the Accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station” which reflects the progress made in the five months since TEPCO first announced the roadmap on April 17.
The details of the roadmap are available at:
- TEPCO maintains the time frame for achieving cold shutdown status within three to six months after July 17 as “Step 2”.
- As of September 18, 95,420 tons of accumulated water has been processed at the water treatment facility, which recently achieved a weekly operating rate of 83%.
- The total volume of accumulated water in the site buildings has decreased to the level at which overflow will not occur in the case of heavy rain or long-term outage of water treatment facilities.
- The temperature at the bottom of Reactor Pressure Vessel at Unit 1 has been stabilized below 100 degrees C, the threshold normally defined as Cold Shutdown. Water injection through Core Spray has begun at Unit 2 and 3, aiming to achieve a cold shutdown condition.
- The target of spent fuel pools cooling in the Step 2 phase has been achieved.
- The construction of the steel frame of the temporary cover for the reactor building of Unit 1 was completed on September 9th and panels comprising the balance of the cover are currently being installed.
- The basic design of the groundwater shielding walls was completed on August 31 and the design specifications are currently under consideration.
- Plant Status (As of September 20)
Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | |
Circulating Water Cooling of Reactor | Ongoing | Ongoing | Ongoing | - (All fuels are stored in the SF Pool) |
Temperature at the bottom of Reactor Pressure Vessel | 82.4 degrees C (180.3 degrees F) | 111.7 degrees C (233.1 degrees F) | 88.3 degrees C (185.5 degrees F) | |
Injection of Nitrogen into Primary Containment Vessel | Ongoing (since 4/7) | Ongoing (since 6/28) | Ongoing (since 7/14) | |
Circulating Cooling System of SF Pool | Ongoing (since 8/10) | Ongoing (since 5/31) | Ongoing (since 6/30) | Ongoing (since 7/31) |
Temperature of SF Pool Water (as of 9/23) | 26.0 degrees C (78.8 degrees F) | 30.0 degrees C (86.0 degrees F) | 28.4 degrees C (83.1 degrees F) | 36.0 degrees C (96.8 degrees F) |
- Radiation Monitoring Data and Nuclide Analysis Results at Fukushima Daiichi
(Radiation Monitoring)
(Nuclide Analysis of Seawater)
(Nuclide Analysis of the air )
(Nuclide Analysis of Subsurface Water in Sub-Drains)
- Plant Parameters (As of 12:00PM on September 23)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Taro Ishida
The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan
1901 L Street, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
1901 L Street, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Mobile (202) 253-2579
Phone (202) 530-0769 (Direct)
Phone (202) 466-6781
Fax (202) 466-6758
email: ishida@denjiren.com
Phone (202) 466-6781
Fax (202) 466-6758
How Will We Fuel the Future?
How Will We Fuel the Future?
'The Quest'
By DANIEL YERGIN
Reviewed by FAREED ZAKARIA
Daniel Yergin analyzes the science, politics and economics of energy, and assesses the search for sustainable power sources.
France says world needs tougher nuclear safety measures
France says world needs tougher nuclear safety measures
UN Secretary General says action needed on nuclear safety Washington (Platts)-
UN Secretary General says action needed on nuclear safety
Washington (Platts)--22Sep2011/510 pm EDT/2110 GMT
A Giant Nuclear Project Awaits Its Federal Loans By MATTHEW L. WALD
A Giant Nuclear Project Awaits Its Federal Loans
By MATTHEW L. WALDSalazar's Priorities A case study in green limits on job creation.
Salazar's Priorities
A case study in green limits on job creation.
Can Microgrids Eliminate Energy Poverty?
By Christine Hertzog, September 23, 2011
We take electricity for granted. In the USA and other developed nations, we are wired up with electricity that is readily available. Blackouts are infrequent, notwithstanding causes based in natural disasters or human error. But for the 1.4 billion humans who have no access to electricity, every day is a blackout. Another billion have unreliable access to electricity... » Continue...
We take electricity for granted. In the USA and other developed nations, we are wired up with electricity that is readily available. Blackouts are infrequent, notwithstanding causes based in natural disasters or human error. But for the 1.4 billion humans who have no access to electricity, every day is a blackout. Another billion have unreliable access to electricity... » Continue...
Breaking Oil's Monopoly on Transportation
By Geoffrey Styles, September 23, 2011
I've been thinking about an op-ed in Tuesday's New York Times written by a former National Security Advisor and a former CIA chief. They propose breaking oil's monopoly on transportation fuels by introducing more fuel competition at the point of use. This isn't a new idea, nor is their preferred tactic of requiring all vehicles sold in the US to be flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of running... » Continue...
I've been thinking about an op-ed in Tuesday's New York Times written by a former National Security Advisor and a former CIA chief. They propose breaking oil's monopoly on transportation fuels by introducing more fuel competition at the point of use. This isn't a new idea, nor is their preferred tactic of requiring all vehicles sold in the US to be flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of running... » Continue...
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee “From DOE Loan Guarantee to Bankruptcy to FBI Raid: What Solyndra's Executives Knew”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2011 | CONTACT: Press Office |
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee “From DOE Loan Guarantee to Bankruptcy to FBI Raid: What Solyndra's Executives Knew” Live Webcast Click here to watch the hearing. Opening Statement of Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Stearns We convene this hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations to examine what Solyndra’s executives knew about the company’s financial condition and how it represented that condition to the Department of Energy, the White House, and members of this Committee. Just two years after Solyndra received its $535 million loan guarantee, and six months after DOE restructured the deal, Solyndra has laid off over a thousand workers, filed for bankruptcy, and been raided by the FBI. Yet, only two months ago, Solyndra CEO Brian Harrison met with me in the Committee offices. He looked me in the eye and assured me that everything was just fine, and the company was on-track to be cash-flow positive. Mr. Harrison told me, and other Members of this Committee, that Solyndra was continuing to make excellent progress; that it was meeting all its cost and performance milestones; and that revenues were projected to nearly double in 2011. Read more… Opening Statement of Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton The take was over £2.6 million. Now, we have our own, modern day, great train robbery. But it appears that we have a great heist of over half a billion dollars and possibly even willing collaborators, maybe even co-conspirators, called the U.S. Government, who rushed out a $535 million loan to Solyndra. Read more… Additional Background Click here to view memo and additional hearing materials on the Energy and Commerce Committee website. ### | |
NuGen nuclear partners take stock
NuGen nuclear partners take stock
23 September 2011
Iberdrola and Gdf-Suez have reaffirmed their commitment to the NuGen consortium planning to build a new nuclear power plant alongside Sellafield after the utility Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) announced it would withdraw.
IAEA Chief: Use of Nuclear Power Growing Despite Japanese Accident
IAEA Chief: Use of Nuclear Power Growing Despite Japanese Accident
A Misleadingly Optimistic Energy Forecast by the EIA
A Misleadingly Optimistic Energy Forecast by the EIA
(This guest post by Gail the Actuary appeared at The Oil Drum. It is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 U.S. License.)
The EIA published International Energy Outlook 2011 (IEO 2011) on September 19, showing energy projections to 2035. One summary stated, "Global Energy Use to Jump 53%, largely driven by strong demand from places like India and China."
It seems to me that this estimate is misleadingly high. The EIA is placing too much emphasis on what demand would be, if the price were low enough. In fact, oil, natural gas, and coal are all getting more difficult (and expensive) to extract. Prices will need to be much higher than today to cover the cost of extraction plus taxes countries choose to levy on energy extraction. The required high energy prices are likely to lead to recessionary impacts, which in turn will cut back demand for energy products of all types.
We live in a finite world. While it is true that huge resources of oil, natural gas, and coal are still theoretically available, we are starting to reach practical limits regarding extraction at prices that do not lead to economic contraction.
In Rush to Assist Solyndra, U.S. Missed Warning Signs
In Rush to Assist Solyndra, U.S. Missed Warning Signs
Iran offers to halt enrichment, if West provides uranium
Iran offers to halt enrichment, if West provides uranium
Washington (AFP) Sept 22, 2011 - Iran has offered to stop its production of low enriched uranium, provided the West gives it the nuclear material, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in an interview published in Thursday's New York Times. "If they give us the 20 percent enriched uranium this very week, we will cease the domestic enrichment of uranium of up to 20 percent this very week. We only want the 20 percent enrichment ... more
Washington (AFP) Sept 22, 2011 - Iran has offered to stop its production of low enriched uranium, provided the West gives it the nuclear material, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in an interview published in Thursday's New York Times. "If they give us the 20 percent enriched uranium this very week, we will cease the domestic enrichment of uranium of up to 20 percent this very week. We only want the 20 percent enrichment ... more
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Fairewinds Introduces a Japanese Language Edition and Identifies Safety Problems in all Reactors Designed Like Fukushima
Fairewinds Introduces a Japanese Language Edition and Identifies Safety Problems in all Reactors Designed Like Fukushima
* Dr. Helen Caldicott Interviews Arnie Gundersen on Rising Radiation Levels in Japan and Government Denial
Dr. Helen Caldicott Interviews Arnie Gundersen on Rising Radiation Levels in Japan and Government Denial
We Must Cooperate on Nuclear Safety
We Must Cooperate on Nuclear Safety
Radiation fallout doesn’t care about national boundaries.
Myths about nuclear reliability, radiation, and markets
Myths about nuclear reliability, radiation, and markets
Roundtable Topic: Is nuclear energy different than other energy sources?
Why do people disagree about atomic energy? In the 1787 Federalist Papers, James Madison warned: "No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment." If Madison's warning applies to this roundtable, two reasons might explain why scientific and market data contradict many roundtable claims:
Why do people disagree about atomic energy? In the 1787 Federalist Papers, James Madison warned: "No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment." If Madison's warning applies to this roundtable, two reasons might explain why scientific and market data contradict many roundtable claims:
Dominion Presses Reluctant U.S. on Starting Quake-Hit Plant
Dominion Presses Reluctant U.S. on Starting Quake-Hit Plant
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-21/dominion-presses-reluctant-u-s-on-starting-quake-hit-plant.html
NRC Resumes Normal Inspection Schedule At Vermont Yankee
NRC Resumes Normal Inspection Schedule At Vermont Yankee
Visual inspection of massive damage at North Anna nuclear plant (look closely)
Visual inspection of massive damage at North Anna nuclear plant (look closely)
Japan Reactor Fallout Reached San Francisco Bay Area: Study But, radioactivity level was very low, posed no health risk, researchers report
Japan Reactor Fallout Reached San Francisco Bay Area: Study
But, radioactivity level was very low, posed no health risk, researchers report
UPDATE 1-Fennovoima to pick nuclear site after court ruling
UPDATE 1-Fennovoima to pick nuclear site after court ruling
Russia to Extend Life of Aging Reactors
Russia to Extend Life of Aging Reactors
Chernobyl-Style Design Is Among Those That Nuclear Official Says Would Stay in Service; West Has Pushed for Shutdowns
Officials lay out scenario for nuclear disaster at Watts Bar
Officials lay out scenario for nuclear disaster at Watts Bar
Japanese Premier Pushes Nuclear-Plant Restarts Noda Says Power Shortage Would 'Drag Down' Economy
Japanese Premier Pushes Nuclear-Plant Restarts
Noda Says Power Shortage Would 'Drag Down' Economy
Updates from ANS Nuclear Cafe Areva to complete TVA’s Bellefonte By dyurman on Sep 22, 2011
Updates from ANS Nuclear Cafe |
Areva to complete TVA’s BellefonteBy dyurman on Sep 22, 2011 01:00 amThe French nuclear giant will get its chance to show what it can do with an American reactor By Dan Yurman Areva will serve as a key member of the team of contract partners to complete the 1260-MW Bellefonte nuclear … Continue reading → Read in browser » 2011 Young Professionals Congress – Coming Soon!By ansnuclearcafe on Sep 21, 2011 06:41 pmBy Peter Caracappa The 2011 Young Professionals Congress (YPC 2011) is coming, and the time to register is now! YPC 2011 is an embedded topical of the American Nuclear Society Winter Meeting in Washington, DC, October 30–November 3, 2011. YPC2011 … Continue reading → Read in browser » |
Checks of Russian nuclear reactors fail safety hopes - and worse, leaked report reveals
Checks of Russian nuclear reactors fail safety hopes - and worse, leaked report reveals
The exploded reactor at Chernobyl is a grim reminder of what is waiting in the wings unless Russia can undertake an expensive, extensive revamp of its nuclear policies.
- Japan announces 40-year nuclear phase out as Germany grapples with upcoming atomic power losses(31/08-2011)
- Fukushima Daiichi operator reports highest radiation reading since beginning of crisis(02/08-2011)
- Japan’s food supply under threat as radiation from Fukushima Daiichi spreads(26/07-2011)
- Rosatom chief appearance before Putin mirrors concerns outlined in leaked report(29/06-2011)
- New scram at Kola NPP's newly re-licensed third reactor – but Rosatom still bent on pushing plant’s limit(24/06-2011)
- TEPCO report reveals chaos and lack of preparedness in the hours following tsunami at Fukushima Daiichi (20/06-2011)
- Italians turn out in force to reject nuclear power in hugely popular referendum(13/06-2011)
- Germany to shut down nuclear power by 2022 as fears of Fukushima repeats rise(30/05-2011)
- Faulty hydrogen vents at Fukushima Daiichi spell trouble for US nuclear plants as well(18/05-2011)
- TEPCO officials confirm meltdown in Fukushima reactor No 1 while water levels uncontrollably rise and thousands more evacuate(17/05-2011)
- Reversing earlier remarks, Japan halts new nuclear reactor construction and is poised to emphasise alternative energy(11/05-2011)
- Rosatom chief says Fukushima emergency inflated for financial reasons as environmentalists counter his ‘cynical’ remarks(14/04-2011)
- Japan raises Fukushima Daiichi accident to highest rating on international scale, equaling Chernobyl(12/04-2011)
- COMMENT: Ecodefense!’s Slivyak: The time to reconsider nuclear energy is now (28/03-2011)
- COMMENT: Defiant of Fukushima, yet now mindful of apparent fears, Moscow revs up sales of 'safer' nuke energy. Would Russia at least revise stance on old reactors?(25/03-2011)
- Fukushima reactor designer turned whistleblower says he knew reactor No 4 has been unsound for 40 years(24/03-2011)
- Fukushima Daiichi’s reactor No 1 was granted 10-year operational extension despite warnings of its frailties: 120,000 imperilled by radiation poisoning(22/03-2011)
- Fukushima spent fuel crisis: What exactly are the risks — and will Russia heed the lesson?(22/03-2011)
- In array of catastrophes at Fukushima Daiichi, dangers at spent fuel cooling ponds come into focus(16/03-2011)
- COMMENT: Official Russia downplays nuclear power’s dangers as Fukushima’s ongoing crisis proves otherwise(15/03-2011)
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NRC Blog: Are We Seeing Clearly?
 | Are We Seeing Clearly? Moderator | September 22, 2011 at 9:29 am | Tags: nuclear | Categories: Nuclear Materials | URL: http://wp.me/p1fSSY-s4 |
The lens of the eye is one of the more sensitive tissues in the body to radiation, especially related to forming cataracts. The current NRC dose limit for the eye is 15 rem in a year, which is lower than the limits for other single organs. (The unit “rem” is used to measure the amount of radiation you get from a source – 0.1 rem is the average amount each of us gets each year from naturally occurring radiation.)Now, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has found that the eye is more sensitive than previously thought. Based on this, the ICRP has recommended a new lower dose limit for the lens of the eye. The new recommendation is two rem a year, averaged over the course of five years, with no single year exceeding five rem. Copies of the ICRP statement are available on the NRC website.
While the best current evidence is that no one in the U.S. has been receiving exposure to the lens of the eye at levels close to our current limits, some people working with radiation are getting exposures at, or slightly above, the new international recommendations.
We at NRC have been talking with licensees and other stakeholders for the past two years about possible changes to our radiation protection regulations as part of a process to ask for early input related to radiation protection rulemaking. These new international recommendations for limits to the lens of the eye are yet another issue that we need to consider.
To continue talking with stakeholders, we published a notice soliciting stakeholder input in the Federal Register on August 31, 2011. The notice gives background on the issue, and asks questions about the different ways in which a change might be written, and the kinds of impacts that might occur if a change was made. The Federal Register notice can also be accessed from the the NRC website at: http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/
We welcome comments from all of those interested in the issue. Comments are due by October 31, 2011. The notice describes different ways in which comments can be sent to us.
Based on the comments received, we will be preparing a paper for Commission consideration that will include options for how the agency may proceed. So, please let us know – what should we do to see clearly?
Donald A. Cool, Ph.D.Senior Advisor, Radiation Safety and International Liaison
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