October 27th, 2011 – North Anna Power Station, Units 1 & 2 ...
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Serial No.: 11-544B Attention: Document Control Desk NL&OS/ETS R1 Washington, DC 20555 Docket Nos.: 50-338/339 ...
Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Power in Japan
Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Power in Japan
The Ocean of Light above the Ocean of Darkness
The Ocean of Light above the Ocean of Darkness
"...there was an ocean of darkness and death; but an infinite ocean of light and love, which flowed over the ocean of darkness." (George Fox, An Autobiography)
Greenpeace Files FOI Request for Japanese Nuclear Plant Meltdown Scenario
Greenpeace Files FOI Request for Japanese Nuclear Plant Meltdown Scenario
Japan's Fukushima plant dismantling needs over 30 yrs
Japan's Fukushima plant dismantling needs over 30 yrs
Friday, October 28, 2011
Boehner Demands $2 Billion for Ohio Plant After Solyndra
Boehner Demands $2 Billion for Ohio Plant After Solyndra
The wrong approach to looking for nuclear problems
The wrong approach to looking for nuclear problems
NRC issues positive EA for nuclear fuel fabrication facility license renewal in Tennessee
NRC issues positive EA for nuclear fuel fabrication facility license renewal in Tennessee
NRC seeks comment on DTE's proposed new Mich. reactor
NRC seeks comment on DTE's proposed new Mich. reactor
Post Fukushima USA Nuclear Reactors Design Flaws to NRC
Post Fukushima USA Nuclear Reactors Design Flaws to NRC
latest Fukushima Daiichi update
This past week, Will Davis has noted a number of places on the internet (mostly those spewing anti-nuclear vitriol) which are asserting that the facts about what is going on at Fukushima Daiichi are being suppressed. This could not be any further from the case, and he'll prove it.
Three videos above, and the latest Fukushima Daiichi update on APR below.
In Japan, Provocative Case for Staying Nuclear Some Say Bombs' Potential as Deterrent Argues for Keeping Power Plants Online
In Japan, Provocative Case for Staying Nuclear
Some Say Bombs' Potential as Deterrent Argues for Keeping Power Plants Online
Bavaria to Swap Nuclear for Fossil Energy
Bavaria to Swap Nuclear for Fossil Energy
Bavaria is expected to trade out their significant nuclear electricity portfolio for fossil generation in the coming decade, according to new analysis from Der Spiegel. While the contribution of non-hydro renewables is anticipated to increase from 10 to 36 percent of generating capacity, the largest increase comes from natural gas, which will increase its portfolio share from 10 to 46 percent, far more than any other single fuel.
Kansai Electric to submit reactor stress test results
Kansai Electric to submit reactor stress test results
TOKYO |
TOKYO Oct 28 (Reuters) - Japan's second-biggest utility Kansai Electric Power Co will submit to Japanese government authorities on Friday the result of a first-stage stress test on the No.3 reactor at its Ohi nuclear power plant, the trade ministry said.
US House science lawmakers spar over Yucca Mountain
US House science lawmakers spar over Yucca Mountain Washington (Platts)--27Oct2011/344 pm EDT/1944 GMT
TVA sees future in small reactors
TVA touts opportunities in small-reactor projects
The Tennessee Valley Authority is keen on paving the way for the emergence of small modular reactors, which cost less to build and can be transported to a location. "We thought the small modular reactors would be a good opportunity, not just for TVA as a future option, but for the country," said Jack Bailey, vice president of nuclear development at TVA. The utility has invested about $6 million in small-reactor studies, and has allocated an additional $6 million to continue evaluating the construction of up to six of those units on the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is keen on paving the way for the emergence of small modular reactors, which cost less to build and can be transported to a location. "We thought the small modular reactors would be a good opportunity, not just for TVA as a future option, but for the country," said Jack Bailey, vice president of nuclear development at TVA. The utility has invested about $6 million in small-reactor studies, and has allocated an additional $6 million to continue evaluating the construction of up to six of those units on the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee.
Talks between Utah nuclear plant planners, feds ‘well under way’
Talks between Utah nuclear plant planners, feds ‘well under way’
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission held discussions this week on Blue Castle Holdings' "early site application" for a proposed nuclear plant in Utah. Consultants for Blue Castle updated NRC officials on the progress they made on earthquake studies and archaeological and environmental surveys at the proposed site. "We're well under way," said William Lettis of Fugro Consultants, the firm leading the seismic review team.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission held discussions this week on Blue Castle Holdings' "early site application" for a proposed nuclear plant in Utah. Consultants for Blue Castle updated NRC officials on the progress they made on earthquake studies and archaeological and environmental surveys at the proposed site. "We're well under way," said William Lettis of Fugro Consultants, the firm leading the seismic review team.
Modified Thu, Oct 27, 2011 08:04 AM Plan would send SRS plutonium to New Mexico Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/10/27/2467122/plan-would-send-srs-plutonium.html#ixzz1c5maRqqe
The Department of Energy is studying whether to send some of the Savannah River Site's plutonium to an underground storage facility in New Mexico that is run by the federal government. The plutonium is slated to be converted into fuel for reactors, but some of it is not suitable for fuel, said Jim Giusti, a spokesman for the department.
Energy Secretary Steven Chu, renowned physicist, at center of Solyndra policy storm
Energy Secretary Steven Chu, renowned physicist, at center of Solyndra policy storm
Energy Secretary Steven Chu has faced criticism in the aftermath of the Solyndra scandal and the federal loan program behind it. Some lawmakers expressed concerns with the program in 2009, saying that the loans may not be awarded to the best projects, according to this article. Others said the reviews of projects were going too slowly
Radiation and Reason: A Visit to Tokyo and Fukushima
Radiation and Reason: A Visit to Tokyo and Fukushima
By Akira Tokuhiro and Skye AndersonRoasting technique could separate cesium from soil
Roasting technique could separate cesium from soil
Energy Finance Forum
Energy Finance Forum
Energy Finance Forum will be held on 18th November at the Media Lab at MIT. The program looks fantastic, with a wide variety of excellent...
more » By David Parkin, Sloan Fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management
Started by David Parkin, Sloan Fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management
more » By David Parkin, Sloan Fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management
GE Breakthrough Aims to Cut Solar Costs in Half
GE Breakthrough Aims to Cut Solar Costs in Half
Washington DC (SPX) Oct 28, 2011 - Despite great leaps in solar panel technology, the biggest obstacle hindering their widespread use is quite pedestrian: stubbornly high installation costs. While the cost of panels has dropped by half since 2007, total installation costs, which include panels, labor and additional equipment, declined just 20% over the same period. Charlie Korman, manager of Solar Energy programs at GE's Gl ... more
Washington DC (SPX) Oct 28, 2011 - Despite great leaps in solar panel technology, the biggest obstacle hindering their widespread use is quite pedestrian: stubbornly high installation costs. While the cost of panels has dropped by half since 2007, total installation costs, which include panels, labor and additional equipment, declined just 20% over the same period. Charlie Korman, manager of Solar Energy programs at GE's Gl ... more
DDRD Fall 2011 Newsletter.pdf
DDRD Fall 2011 Newsletter.pdf
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=1334a6d81cbc4fdb&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3Daf338169f3%26view%3Datt%26th%3D1334a6d81cbc4fdb%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbQPveLHEyV7VuK-Cygz9yMTf3kDkwAttached is the latest DDRD newsletter. The Officers of DDRD and ESD think the information is of interest to both Divisions members.
John Bowen, Chair, DDRD Gene Carpenter, Chair, ESD
John Bowen, Chair, DDRD Gene Carpenter, Chair, ESD
What should "Radioactive Wolves" teach critical thinkers?
What should "Radioactive Wolves" teach critical thinkers?
http://atomicinsights.com/
Radioactive Wolves, the first episode of the 30th season of PBS’s Nature, documents current conditions in the area that was forcibly evacuated following the uncontrolled radioactive material releases caused when the operators at the Chernobyl nuclear power station conducted a poorly planned experiment and blew up their power plant.
In the absence of human beings, the remaining creatures seem to be doing just fine. Rod believes that is because it is hard to teach animals to be afraid of radiation; they do not watch many scary movies or news programs.
http://atomicinsights.com/
Radioactive Wolves, the first episode of the 30th season of PBS’s Nature, documents current conditions in the area that was forcibly evacuated following the uncontrolled radioactive material releases caused when the operators at the Chernobyl nuclear power station conducted a poorly planned experiment and blew up their power plant.
In the absence of human beings, the remaining creatures seem to be doing just fine. Rod believes that is because it is hard to teach animals to be afraid of radiation; they do not watch many scary movies or news programs.
IAEA Fukushima Dai-ichi Status Report
IAEA Fukushima Dai-ichi Status Report
The IAEA now issues regular Status Reports on the current status of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant, including information on environmental radiation monitoring, the status of workers and current conditions on-site at the plant.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Westinghouse Signs Contract For Design Of Kozloduy Repository
Westinghouse Signs Contract For Design Of Kozloduy Repository
Cranberry Township PA (SPX) Oct 28, 2011 -
Westinghouse Electric Company has announced the signing of a multi-million dollar contract to de Intermediate Level Waste Repository at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant site in Bulgaria. The contract was signed by a of Spanish waste management company ENRESA, Westinghouse Electric Spain (WES) and DBE Technology. The cu SERAW, the Bulgarian State Enterprise with responsibility for the ... more
Cranberry Township PA (SPX) Oct 28, 2011 - Westinghouse Electric Company has announced the signing of a multi-million dollar contract to de Intermediate Level Waste Repository at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant site in Bulgaria. The contract was signed by a of Spanish waste management company ENRESA, Westinghouse Electric Spain (WES) and DBE Technology. The cu SERAW, the Bulgarian State Enterprise with responsibility for the ... more
Beijing Plans to Build China's Best Environment for New Energy Cars
Beijing Plans to Build China's Best Environment for New Energy Cars
To Flee or Not to Flee, That Was the Question
To Flee or Not to Flee, That Was the Question
During an event sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science on Monday, October 24, Dr. Gregory Jaczko, Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), defended his March 16 decision to recommend the evacuation of American citizens out to 50 miles from the stricken Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan. It was not the first and likely not the last time the Chairman will have to defend his decision.30 years to decommission: Inside the Fukushima nuclear plant
30 years to decommission: Inside the Fukushima nuclear plant
ABC Online - 2 hours ago
A draft report by Japan's nuclear agency says it will take more than 30 years to decommission the shattered Fukushima nuclear plant. Authorities hope to have the stricken reactors in a state of cold shutdown by the end of the year. ...
Key Renewable Energy Subsidies About to Expire
By Geoffrey Styles, October 27, 2011
The US renewable energy industry faces a greatly altered incentive environment next year, as eligibility for two of its largest current subsidies comes to an end at the close of 2011. The corn ethanol sector will likely see the complete withdrawal of the blenders' credit that has fueled its growth for more than 30 years, while new projects generating electricity from renewable energy sources... » Continue...
The US renewable energy industry faces a greatly altered incentive environment next year, as eligibility for two of its largest current subsidies comes to an end at the close of 2011. The corn ethanol sector will likely see the complete withdrawal of the blenders' credit that has fueled its growth for more than 30 years, while new projects generating electricity from renewable energy sources... » Continue...
Advanced Biofuels: Great Opportunity, Significant Challenges
By John McDonald, October 27, 2011
Legislation can’t change the fundamental laws of science. The energy industry, government laboratories, research facilities, private industry, academic institutions, agricultural groups and entrepreneurs are all racing to deliver biofuels cost effectively to consumers. Petroleum producers are also striving to meet targets set out by the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS2”), which... » Continue...
Legislation can’t change the fundamental laws of science. The energy industry, government laboratories, research facilities, private industry, academic institutions, agricultural groups and entrepreneurs are all racing to deliver biofuels cost effectively to consumers. Petroleum producers are also striving to meet targets set out by the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS2”), which... » Continue...
NIMBYism NY Edition, or Risky Energy Near Major Cities
By Gernot Wagner, October 27, 2011
Forty miles north of New York City is the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. I don’t care what you think of nuclear power, having an aging plant within forty miles of 20 million people isn’t the outcome of any rational policy decision. Still, Indian Point’s impact so far pales in comparison with another genius planning move. Jersey City, across the river from Manhattan, is home to the PSEG Hudson... » Continue...
Forty miles north of New York City is the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. I don’t care what you think of nuclear power, having an aging plant within forty miles of 20 million people isn’t the outcome of any rational policy decision. Still, Indian Point’s impact so far pales in comparison with another genius planning move. Jersey City, across the river from Manhattan, is home to the PSEG Hudson... » Continue...
Nuclear Power Plant Construction Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld
Nuclear Power Plant Construction Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld
The Nuclear Power Plant Construction industry will continue to grow over the next five years, albeit at a slower rate than the previous five years, according to a new report from IBISWorld, the nation’s largest publisher of industry research. Revenue is anticipated to expand 4.1% per year to $5.3 billion in the five years to 2016. Firms will increasingly focus their efforts on design and construction abroad, limiting revenue growth over the same period.
atomic power review Report from Fukushima Daiichi - #2
Posted: 27 Oct 2011 02:05 PM PDT
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has released a second installment of its video series "Report from Fukushima Daiichi." This is one of three general types of video that TEPCO has been producing since the accident (the other two being the continuing coherent series on accident recovery actions, and a gaggle of unrelated videos which happen to be specific to whatever problem is being dealt with at the moment, which we might call situational videos.) This type of video is meant to give an overall view of conditions and operations at the site.TEPCO has promised (as this video notes) to give as complete and open a picture as possible concerning recovery operations on site, and considering the massive efforts underway there, these videos are a bonus addition to the voluminous web and paper reporting TEPCO is performing.
The newest video is presently the featured video on the APR YouTube Channel.
Click here to get to the APR YouTube Channel.
Another round of good news about nuclear energy Serious efforts to get reactors built continue to make progress
Another round of good news about nuclear energy
Serious efforts to get reactors built continue to make progress
Serious efforts to get reactors built continue to make progress
Fallout forensics hike radiation toll : Nature News
Fallout forensics hike radiation toll : Nature News
www.nature.com/news/2011/111025/full/478435a.htmlIEA Chief: Scrap Fossil Fuel Subsidies
IEA Chief: Scrap Fossil Fuel Subsidies
As academics warn the world could exceed "safe" temperature levels in our lifetimes, the chief economist of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has urged the world to slash hundreds of billions of dollars of fossil fuel subsidies or face catastrophe.
Making the U.S.-Chinese Nuclear Dialogue Effective
Making the U.S.-Chinese Nuclear Dialogue Effective
Talks between China and the United States on the countries’ respective nuclear weapons programs are going nowhere, with each side expressing frustration. The United States must find a way to promote more effective dialogue.
Geothermal mapping report confirms vast coast-to-coast clean energy source
Geothermal mapping report confirms vast coast-to-coast clean energy source
Dallas TX (SPX) Oct 27, 2011 - New research from SMU's Geothermal Laboratory, funded by a grant from Google.org, documents significant geothermal resources across the United States capable of producing more than three million megawatts of green power - 10 times the installed capacity of coal power plants today. Sophisticated mapping produced from the research, viewable via Google Earth at www.google.org/egs, demonstrate ... more
Dallas TX (SPX) Oct 27, 2011 - New research from SMU's Geothermal Laboratory, funded by a grant from Google.org, documents significant geothermal resources across the United States capable of producing more than three million megawatts of green power - 10 times the installed capacity of coal power plants today. Sophisticated mapping produced from the research, viewable via Google Earth at www.google.org/egs, demonstrate ... more
From today's NRC Blog
Streamlining Service Delivery and Improving Customer Service
by ModeratorAre you a customer of the NRC? We frequently interact with licensees, industry groups, other federal agencies, states and the general public. Some of these groups (licensees for example) do not fit the traditional definition of a “customer.”
Nonetheless, consistent with the basic intent of Executive Order (EO) 13571, “Streamlining Service Delivery and Improving Customer Service,” dated April 27, 2011, and subsequent guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the NRC has developed a Customer Service Plan.
The plan, posted at our website this week, describes several initiatives we’ve undertaken to streamline our interactions and transactions with key stakeholder groups. In particular, we are focusing on enhancing licensing operations and critical interactions with licensees, and public access to regulatory documents.
As part of its guidance, OMB asked each agency to include in its plan three to five key customer service areas and to include a “signature initiative” demonstrating the use of technology to improve the customer experience.
The NRC chose online licensing for radioactive material license applications as its signature initiative. Under this initiative, our web-based licensing system will provide an online platform for individuals and organizations to apply for a new license, renew a license, or amend an existing license for the use of radioactive materials. It will also provide an opportunity for Agreement States to use the same licensing platform.
Additionally, the system will provide a current, nationwide repository for official radioactive materials licenses that will provide an authoritative source that federal and state regulatory agencies can use to verify the validity of a license.
Our plan also
• Streamlines the process for criminal history background checks
• Increases public engagement through improved information access using quick response codes and smartphone technology.
• Makes it easier for hearing participants to use our electronic hearing docket (through which the NRC provides access to docket materials related to High Level Waste and Reactors, Materials, and Other Hearings).
• Improves customer service with a new Web-based tool to solicit customer feedback about the NRC Public Document Room.
We hope you’ll take the time to read out plan. We welcome your comments on our planned initiatives and any other ideas you may have for streamlining and improving the way we interact with our stakeholders.
Francine F. GoldbergCo-Chair, Open Government Advisory Group
Fukushima Station Discharged More Radiation Than Estimated
Fukushima Station Discharged More Radiation Than Estimated
On the Front Lines of the Power Grid - Matthew Wald, New York Times
On the Front Lines of the Power Grid - Matthew Wald, New York Times
The Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor: What Fusion Wanted To Be.
The Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor: What Fusion Wanted To Be.
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The U.S. Nuclear Policy Shift towards India
The U.S. Nuclear Policy Shift towards India
by Dr. Mohammad Samir Hussain
October 26, 2011
The United States has created a history by concluding the long overdue civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with India. This move came as a surprise to many countries which were not expecting such developments to take place. But for India, this is one of the most important steps taken by the United States during the last almost two decades since the cold war end.
CALIFORNIA ADOPTS FINAL CAP-AND-TRADE REGULATION
CALIFORNIA ADOPTS FINAL CAP-AND-TRADE REGULATION
After three years of development, dozens of public workshops, and hundreds of meetings with stakeholders, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) on Thursday adopted a final rule to cap California’s greenhouse gas emissions and put a price on carbon. The cap-and-trade program starts in 2013 for electric utilities and large industrial facilities. Read More »
Germany's Self-Contradictory Climate Attitudes POSTED BY: Bill Sweet
Germany's Self-Contradictory Climate Attitudes
POSTED BY: Bill Sweetatomic power review New video at APR YouTube
atomic power review |
Posted: 26 Oct 2011 11:46 AM PDT
TEPCO has released the first in its continuing series of videos on Fukushima Daiichi which covers the contaminated water situation at the site.Click here to see the new video at APR/YouTube.
NEED TO KNOW | The case against nuclear power | PBS
NEED TO KNOW | The case against nuclear power | PBS
UPDATE 1-US NRC to decide on amended ABWR reactor certification
UPDATE 1-US NRC to decide on amended ABWR reactor certification
Recycling nuclear waste makes sense for energy future
Recycling nuclear waste makes sense for energy future
Ditching EU Atomic Project After Japan May Strand $2 Billion
Ditching EU Atomic Project After Japan May Strand $2 Billion
EU energy supply at risk after Fukushima
EU energy supply at risk after Fukushima -Capgemini
PARIS |
PARIS Oct 26 (Reuters) - European Union governments must encourage investments of as much as 1.1 trillion euros ($1.53 trillion) by 2020 to ensure the bloc's continued energy supply security, French computer consultancy Capgemini said in a study on Wednesday.I.H.T. Special Report: Business of Green Japan Gets Electricity Wake-Up Call
I.H.T. Special Report: Business of Green
Japan Gets Electricity Wake-Up Call
Electricity to Play Bigger Role in China's Future Energy Consumption
Electricity to Play Bigger Role in China's Future Energy Consumption
US Regulator Defends Fukushima Daiichi Policy
| US Regulator Defends Fukushima Daiichi Policy Wall Street Journal (blog) At a Washington forum Monday night, Mr. Jaczko, chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said he is sympathetic to the Japanese government's standard of 20 millisieverts of annual exposure for determining which areas need to be evacuated ... |
Exelon CEO Expects To Close Constellation Merger By Early 1Q 2012
Exelon CEO Expects To Close Constellation Merger By Early 1Q 2012
Wall Street Journal
The merger requires the approval of both companies' shareholders, as well as the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the New York State Public Service Commission. ...
Wall Street Journal
The merger requires the approval of both companies' shareholders, as well as the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the New York State Public Service Commission. ...
Fukushima Nuclear Plant Released Far More Radiation than Government Said
Fukushima Nuclear Plant Released Far More Radiation than Government Said
Global radioactivity data challenge Japanese estimates for emissions and point to the role of spent fuel pools
Quake hits Japan's Fukushima prefecture
Quake hits Japan's Fukushima prefecture
USA Today
NEW YORK (AP) – A moderate earthquake has shaken the northeastern Japanese prefecture where the much more massive earthquake and tsunami touched off the worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl earlier this year. The magnitude-5.2 quake struck Fukushima ...
USA Today
NEW YORK (AP) – A moderate earthquake has shaken the northeastern Japanese prefecture where the much more massive earthquake and tsunami touched off the worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl earlier this year. The magnitude-5.2 quake struck Fukushima ...
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants
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| Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants Power Engineering Magazine SUMMARY: On September 6, 2011 (76 FR 55137), the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) re-issued Draft Regulatory Guide, DG-1278, "Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants," in the Federal Register for a 60 day public ... |
Unedited Fukushima accident manual released, loss of power sources not envisioned
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Prospects Dim for India's Nuclear Power Expansion as Grassroots Uprising Spreads
Prospects Dim for India's Nuclear Power Expansion as Grassroots Uprising Spreads
A rare and powerful grassroots movement of fishermen, farmers, former judges, scientists and bureaucrats is threatening to scuttle nuclear megaprojects.
NRC Blog: On The Road With the Regulators
U.S. NRC Blog | |
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Cash injection talks for UK nuclear plans
Cash injection talks for UK nuclear plans The German consortium planning to build new nuclear plants in the UK is negotiating a cash injection of up to €5bn in exchange for a 25 per cent stake, according to people familiar with the situation
http://link.ft.com/r/S4XZQQ/
http://link.ft.com/r/S4XZQQ/
Turkey Expected to Cancel Nuclear Plans After Massive Earthquake
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| Turkey Expected To Cancel Nuclear Plans After Massive Earthquake Green Prophet Sinop is on a small peninsula that juts into the Black Sea, and was one of the areas in Turkey most affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear meltdown. The radiation that emanated from Chernobyl destroyed years of harvest for Turkish farmers along the ... |
Czechs Plan Nuclear Push
Czechs Plan Nuclear Push
Wall Street Journal
The Czech strategy runs counter to the approach of Berlin, which, after the partial meltdown this year of a Japanese nuclear plant following an earthquake, has
Wall Street Journal
The Czech strategy runs counter to the approach of Berlin, which, after the partial meltdown this year of a Japanese nuclear plant following an earthquake, has
Will Turkey quake derail Korean nuke reactor project?
Will Turkey quake derail Korean nuke reactor project?
The 15 Countries That Are Loving The Surge In Oil Prices
The 15 Countries That Are Loving The Surge In Oil Prices
Recent economic data has generally been better than expected. In fact, the Citigroup Economic Surprise Index is near a six-month high.
Crude oil prices have been on a tear lately as the improving economic picture could mean more energy will be consumed. Yesterday, light sweet crude oil futures settled at $91.27 per barrel, which is up 19.9% from its October 3 low of $76.15. It's up more than $2 during today's trading.
Of course, if prices rise too high, they could also hurt the economy, causing energy demand to fall. Regardless, when the price of oil rises, so does the value of oil reserves.
We've outlined the countries with the largest oil proved reserves and valued them at current oil prices.
Note: The data is effective January 1, 2011 from the CIA World Factbook. Total reserves are valued assuming $91.27 per barrel of oil.
Municipalities reluctant to host storage facilities for contaminated waste
Municipalities reluctant to host storage facilities for contaminated waste
Future of Nuclear Energy Former IAEA Chief ElBaradei Says World's Energy Demand Will Overcome Short-Term Fears of Sector's Safety
Future of Nuclear Energy
Former IAEA Chief ElBaradei Says World's Energy Demand Will Overcome Short-Term Fears of Sector's Safety
Nuclear industry gets go-ahead after Fukushima disaster - Rosatom
Nuclear industry gets go-ahead after Fukushima disaster - Rosatom
ANS Special Committee on Fukushima focuses on communication
ANS Special Committee on Fukushima focuses on communication
Platts to Unveil World's Top 250 Energy Firms November 2; Singapore Trade & Industry Minister to Keynote
Platts to Unveil World's Top 250 Energy Firms November 2; Singapore Trade & Industry Minister to Keynote
Entergy to Acquire Rhode Island State Energy Center
Entergy to Acquire Rhode Island State Energy Center
Company Signs Definitive Agreement with NextEra for Purchase of Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant
Platts Report: China's September Oil Demand Reaches Lowest Level in 2011
Platts Report: China's September Oil Demand Reaches Lowest Level in 2011
Ur-Energy Announces Receipt of Wyoming State Permit to Mine for the Lost Creek ISR Uranium Project
Ur-Energy Announces Receipt of Wyoming State Permit to Mine for the Lost Creek ISR Uranium Project
Russia Nuclear Industry Optimistic - Despite Fukushima
Russia Nuclear Industry Optimistic - Despite Fukushima
Analysis of Impacts of a Clean Energy Standard as requested by Chairman Hall
http://www.eia.gov/analysis/
The impact of a CES will be sensitive to its design details and to assumptions made regarding the cost of the different fuels and technologies that can be used for electricity generation. Chairman Hall's request asks for an evaluation of a particular CES under a variety of alternative assumptions regarding the costs of generation fuels and technologies.
The CES specified by Chairman Hall, hereinafter referred to as the Hall CES (HCES), has the following characteristics:
Analysis of Impacts of a Clean Energy Standard as requested by Chairman Hall
Release date: October 25, 2011
Introduction
This report responds to a request from Chairman Ralph M. Hall for an analysis of the impacts of a Clean Energy Standard (CES). The request, as outlined in the letter included in Appendix A, sets out specific assumptions and scenarios for the study.Background
A CES is a policy that requires covered electricity retailers to supply a specified share of their electricity sales from qualifying clean energy resources. Under a CES, electric generators would be granted clean energy credits for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity they produce using qualifying clean energy sources. Utilities that serve retail customers would use some combination of credits granted to their own generation or credits acquired from other generators to meet their CES obligations. Generators without retail customers or utilities that generated more clean energy credits than needed to meet their own obligations could sell CES credits to other companies.The impact of a CES will be sensitive to its design details and to assumptions made regarding the cost of the different fuels and technologies that can be used for electricity generation. Chairman Hall's request asks for an evaluation of a particular CES under a variety of alternative assumptions regarding the costs of generation fuels and technologies.
The CES specified by Chairman Hall, hereinafter referred to as the Hall CES (HCES), has the following characteristics:
- Eligible resources to meet the HCES target include: hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass power, municipal solid waste, landfill gas, nuclear, coal-fired plants with carbon capture and sequestration, and natural gas-fired plants with either carbon capture and sequestration or utilizing combined cycle technology.
- Generators earn 0.5 MWh of compliance credits for every 1 MWh of generation from a combined cycle plant that burns natural gas, and 0.9 MWh of compliance credits for every 1 MWh of generation from coal- or gas-fired generation with carbon capture and sequestration. All other HCES-qualified resources earn one HCES credit for every MWh of generation.
- Generation using qualified resources from either new or existing plants in any economic sector can receive HCES credits.
- The HCES target starts from an initial share of 44.8 percent (qualified generation as a percent of sales) in 2013 and rises linearly to 80 percent in 2035. Beyond 2035, the target remains at 80 percent.
- There is no option to purchase compliance credits from the government. All credits are backed by physical generation.
- All electricity retailers are covered by the requirement, regardless of ownership type or size.
- HCES credits earned in one year cannot be "banked" for use in a subsequent year. All credits must be used for compliance in the year that the underlying generation was produced.
- HCES obligations are based on total electricity sales, regardless of source. There is no provision for excluding any electricity sales from a seller'ss baseline based on resources used to produce the electricity or type of customer purchasing the electricity.
- The HCES operates independent of any State-level policies. The same underlying generation can be used to simultaneously comply with the HCES and any State generation requirements, if otherwise allowed for by both Federal and State law.
Interesting Art from Tokyo
An old friend of mine from art school, who is currently living in Tokyo, will be displaying several paintings in an upcoming exhibit. The complexity and sincerity of her concept is very much in contrast to the anti-nuclear art exhibits I've seen publicized:
"On exhibit at the ULTRA 004 art fair in Tokyo this weekend are three small paintings (see more under Portfolio » Miyagi : www.sadiestarnes.com) drawn from photographs found in the tsunami debris. They were taken the day of April 27, 2008 and are mostly of two girls and their grandfather running around Sakamoto, Miyagi - a town which isn’t much there anymore.
After the quake there has been a general dislike in Tokyo of any discussion of the quake, tsunami, or radiation. There is a silent rule that we simply do not speak about it for the sake of everyday business, but certainly we all think about it. I hope to do more of these paintings to remind myself, and all of us Tokyo kids, that things still aren’t so peachy past the pachinko parlor."
Best,
Suzy
Time for a grand bargain in Northeast Asia
Time for a grand bargain in Northeast Asia
Nuclear disarmament has taken center stage in most reports on the resumption of talks between North Korean and US diplomats in Geneva, but the nuclear issue may not be resolved unless other conflicts are addressed. Each side has its own goals in the negotiations: Washington wants arms control and security. Pyongyang has a wider agenda that includes not only economic assistance but also military and political security. A grand bargain could enhance each side's objectives and help Northeast Asia become a zone of peace rather than a crucible for conflict.
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EPA Announces Schedule to Develop Natural Gas Wastewater Standards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2011
EPA Announces Schedule to Develop Natural Gas Wastewater Standards
Announcement is part of administration’s priority to ensure natural gas development continues safely and responsibly
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a schedule to develop standards for wastewater discharges produced by natural gas extraction from underground coalbed and shale formations. No comprehensive set of national standards exists at this time for the disposal of wastewater discharged from natural gas extraction activities, and over the coming months EPA will begin the process of developing a proposed standard with the input of stakeholders – including industry and public health groups. Today’s announcement is in line with the priorities identified in the president’s Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future, and is consistent with the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board recommendations on steps to support the safe development of natural gas resources.
"The president has made clear that natural gas has a central role to play in our energy economy. That is why we are taking steps -- in coordination with our federal partners and informed by the input of industry experts, states and public health organizations -- to make sure the needs of our energy future are met safely and responsibly,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "We can protect the health of American families and communities at the same time we ensure access to all of the important resources that make up our energy economy. The American people expect and deserve nothing less."
Recent technology and operational improvements in extracting natural gas resources, particularly shale gas, have increased gas drilling activities across the country. Production from shale formations has grown from a negligible amount just a few years ago to almost 15 percent of total U.S. natural gas production and this share is expected to triple in the coming decades. The sharp rise in domestic production has improved U.S. energy security and created jobs, and as with any resource the administration is committed to ensuring that we continue to leverage these resources safely and responsibly, including understanding any potential impact on water resources.
Shale Gas Standards:
Currently, wastewater associated with shale gas extraction is prohibited from being directly discharged to waterways and other waters of the U.S. While some of the wastewater from shale gas extraction is reused or re-injected, a significant amount still requires disposal. As a result, some shale gas wastewater is transported to treatment plants, many of which are not properly equipped to treat this type of wastewater. EPA will consider standards based on demonstrated, economically achievable technologies, for shale gas wastewater that must be met before going to a treatment facility.
Coalbed Methane Standards:
Wastewater associated with coalbed methane extraction is not currently subject to national standards for being directly discharged into waterways and for pre-treatment standards. Its regulation is left to individual states. For coalbed methane, EPA will be considering uniform national standards based on economically achievable technologies.
Information reviewed by EPA, including state supplied wastewater sampling data, have documented elevated levels of pollutants entering surface waters as a result of inadequate treatment at facilities. To ensure that these wastewaters receive proper treatment and can be properly handled by treatment plants, EPA will gather data, consult with stakeholders, including ongoing consultation with industry, and solicit public comment on a proposed rule for coalbed methane in 2013 and a proposed rule for shale gas in 2014.
The schedule for coalbed methane is shorter because EPA has already gathered extensive data and information in this area, EPA will take the additional time to gather comparable data on shale gas. In particular, EPA will be looking at the potential for cost-effective steps for pretreatment of this wastewater based on practices and technologies that are already available and being deployed or tested by industry to reduce pollutants in these discharges.
This announcement is part of the effluent guidelines program, which sets national standards for industrial wastewater discharges based on best available technologies that are economically achievable. EPA is required to publish a biennial outline of all industrial wastewater discharge rulemakings underway. EPA has issued national technology-based regulations for 57 industries since 1972. These regulations have prevented the discharge of more than 1.2 billion pounds of toxic pollutants each year into US waters.
More information: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/
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