Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Fukushima Disaster Likely to Have Limited Impact on Global Push for Nuclear Power, Experts Say
Fukushima Disaster Likely to Have Limited Impact on Global Push for Nuclear Power, Experts Say
IAEA Fukushima Daiichi Status Report Update of 4 November 2011
IAEA Fukushima Daiichi Status Report
Update of 4 November 2011
→ Chronology of Updates:4 November | 2 November | 27 October | Full Update
The IAEA International Remediation Expert Mission examines Reactor Unit 3 during the team's visit to TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power plant, 11 October 2011. (Photo: G. Verlini/IAEA)
The information cited in this Report is compiled from official Japanese sources, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) through the Japanese Permanent Mission in Vienna and the Cabinet's Office of the Prime Minister. Information is also provided by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Questions on the information provided in this report may be directed to info@iaea.org.
The IAEA has received new information regarding the detection of xenon-133 and xenon-135 gases on 1 November inside the Primary Containment Vessel (PCV) of Fukushima Daiichi Unit 2.
Based on further analysis, Japanese authorities have concluded that the xenon concentrations are not due to a criticality event but rather from the spontaneous fission of curium-242 and 244. (Spontaneous fission is a form of radioactive decay that does not involve chain reactions and is characteristic of very heavy isotopes. Spontaneous fission occurs in low levels in all nuclear reactors.)
This conclusion is based on three key factors outlined and discussed in the report:
- The inventory of Cu-242 and Cu-244 was calculated as was the concentration of Xe-135, resulting from the spontaneous fission of Cu-242 and Cu-244. If nuclear fission of the reactor's uranium fuel were occurring, at the lowest possible level, the levels of xenon detected would be several orders of magnitude higher than those measured. Current levels of xenon are consistent with those that would be generated by spontaneous fission of Cu-242 and Cu-244;
- If the core had been experiencing a criticality event, the injection of boron water should have stopped the criticality and terminated the generation of xenon. However, the xenon levels were not influenced by injection of boron water into the core; and
- If the core was undergoing a criticality event the temperature and pressure readings would be expected to rise as the event would increase heat production within the core. However, the temperature and pressure levels have not undergone any significant increases either before or after xenon were detected, indicating that no criticality event is occurring.
The IAEA will continue to issues regular status reports to the public on the current status of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Questions on the information provided in this report may be directed to info@iaea.org.
See Story Resources for more information.
-- by Dana Sacchetti, IAEA Division of Public Information. Staff from the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre provide on-going support in producing these Status Reports.
(Note to Media: We encourage you to republish these stories and kindly request attribution to the IAEA).
Is the nuclear renaissance over? from The Nuclear Green Revolution by Charles Barton
Is the nuclear renaissance over?
Critics of nuclear power often back their arguments with rhetorical flourishes, but frequently seem to misunderstand or misrepresent the facts they assert. A well known energy expert put in a guest appearance on Rod Adams' Atomic Insights blog this week. The expert, a long time critic of nuclear energy, offered a blog post long analysis of the market problems of the reactor industry. The basis argument is not new, and indeed it is full of ambiguities.
NUKEWARS Pakistan's nuclear weapons vulnerable to theft: report
  |
Energy Resource Wars: Is a New Round Emerging? by Gail Marcus
Energy Resource Wars:
Civilian nuclear energy programs as a "fig leaf" for proliferation: Does it matter?
Civilian nuclear energy programs as a "fig leaf" for proliferation: Does it matter?
Swedish focus on earthquake protection
Swedish focus on earthquake protection
Swedish nuclear power plant operators will incorporate improvements highlighted by stress tests with a pre-existing program to standardise safety in earthquake scenarios.New nuclear energy policy for Taiwan
New nuclear energy policy for Taiwan
No life extensions will be granted to Taipower's existing nuclear power plants in a newly announced nuclear energy policy that promises eventually to make the island 'nuclear-free'.Fukushima xenon from spontaneous decay
Fukushima xenon from spontaneous decay
The origin of xenon in the containment of Fukushima Daiichi 2 is currently considered to be spontaneous fission, a process of radioactive decay not involving any chain reaction.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Panic over China's four new nuclear ballistic missiles
Panic over China's four new nuclear ballistic missiles
China Seen Deploying New Nuke-Ready Ballistic Missiles
China Seen Deploying New Nuke-Ready Ballistic Missiles
Cleaning up Japan's nuclear mess
Cleaning up Japan's nuclear mess
The Economist
According to the former experience, of course not to deal with nuclear leaking, they may handle the accident properly , but in a very long time(several years or more). What the most serious question is, not just benefits,concerning every citizens' ...
The Economist
According to the former experience, of course not to deal with nuclear leaking, they may handle the accident properly , but in a very long time(several years or more). What the most serious question is, not just benefits,concerning every citizens' ...
China Warns of 'Lose-Lose' Situation on U.S. Solar Probe
China Warns of 'Lose-Lose' Situation on U.S. Solar Probe
Opinion: Did Fukushima kill the nuclear renaissance No, that renaissance died right here at home By Keith Yost
Opinion: Did Fukushima kill the nuclear renaissance No, that renaissance died right here at home
This Week's Most Popular Oil & Gas News from Penn Energy
• Gazprom, Wintershall set terms for western Siberian, North Sea assets swap
• Nexen wins regulatory approval for major Golden Eagle North Sea development
• BP agrees to $50 million in fees for pollution from explosion in Texas
• Oil platform shut down in safety scare
• BG Group seals massive US LNG deal to export from Cheniere's Sabine Pass
• Eagle Rock announces further expansion in Texas Panhandle Granite Wash play
• Nebraska legislature meets to discuss Keystone oil pipeline path
• Shell commissions North Sea well abandonment services
• TNK-BP seals $1B Amazon O&G deal with Brazil's HRT
• Expro secures multi-million dollar contract with ENI in Iraq
• El Paso: Major gas pipeline added in Northeast
Some Nuclear Risks Are Financial
Some Nuclear Risks Are Financial
by Peter Fairley
Attacks on the wisdom of loan guarantees could restrict nuclear reactor construction in most states.
Read More »
by Peter Fairley
Attacks on the wisdom of loan guarantees could restrict nuclear reactor construction in most states.
Read More »
Nuclear Trade Reform Opponent Has New Ties to Saudi Energy Interests
Nuclear Trade Reform Opponent Has New Ties to Saudi Energy Interests
Scientist: India should quit nuclear power
Scientist: India should quit nuclear power
New Delhi (UPI) Nov 3, 2011 - A leading Indian nuclear scientist has indicated that India should scrap its nuclear energy program. MP Parameswaran, a former scientist with the Atomic Energy Commission, while acknowledging that India has invested heavily in nuclear power, stressed that the country "will be forced to spend (a) thousand times more than that in the eventuality of a nuclear disaster," he told India's Dai ... more
New Delhi (UPI) Nov 3, 2011 - A leading Indian nuclear scientist has indicated that India should scrap its nuclear energy program. MP Parameswaran, a former scientist with the Atomic Energy Commission, while acknowledging that India has invested heavily in nuclear power, stressed that the country "will be forced to spend (a) thousand times more than that in the eventuality of a nuclear disaster," he told India's Dai ... more
Technology makes storing radioactive waste safer
Technology makes storing radioactive waste safer
Brisbane, Australia (SPX) Nov 04, 2011 - Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers have developed new technology capable of removing radioactive material from contaminated water and aiding clean-up efforts following nuclear disasters. The innovation could also solve the problem of how to clean up millions of tonnes of water contaminated by dangerous radioactive material and safely store the concentrated waste. Profess ... more
Brisbane, Australia (SPX) Nov 04, 2011 - Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers have developed new technology capable of removing radioactive material from contaminated water and aiding clean-up efforts following nuclear disasters. The innovation could also solve the problem of how to clean up millions of tonnes of water contaminated by dangerous radioactive material and safely store the concentrated waste. Profess ... more
Cover Up - New International Report Shreds Japan's Carefully Constructed Fukushima Scenario
Cover Up - New International Report Shreds Japan's Carefully Constructed
Fukushima Scenario
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
Japan's six reactor Fukushima Daichi nuclear complex has inadvertently become
the world's bell-weather poster child for the inherent risks of nuclear power
ever since the 11 March Tohoku offshore earthquake, measuring 9.0 on the Richter
scale, triggered a devastating tsunami that effectively destroyed the complex.
Fukushima Scenario
http://www.darkgovernment.com/
Japan's six reactor Fukushima Daichi nuclear complex has inadvertently become
the world's bell-weather poster child for the inherent risks of nuclear power
ever since the 11 March Tohoku offshore earthquake, measuring 9.0 on the Richter
scale, triggered a devastating tsunami that effectively destroyed the complex.
US task force lays out priorities for post-quake Japan
US task force lays out priorities for post-quake Japan
Turkey’s Energy Minister: “Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia must be closed”
Turkey’s Energy Minister: “Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia must be closed”
TEPCO Press Release November 3, 2011
 |
|
Actions taken by regulatory bodies following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident
Actions taken by regulatory bodies following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident
E.ON to sue government on nuclear exit -paper
E.ON to sue government on nuclear exit -paper
FRANKFURT |
FRANKFURT Nov 3 (Reuters) - E.ON (EONGn.DE), Germany's largest utility by sales, will file a complaint with Germany's highest court claiming compensation for the country's nuclear exit, German paper Financial Times Deutschland reported.http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/03/eon-complaint-idUSL5E7M31HF20111103
Vattenfall vs. Germany Nuclear Phase-Out Faces Billion-Euro Lawsuit
Vattenfall vs. Germany
Nuclear Phase-Out Faces Billion-Euro Lawsuit
Fallout from Solyndra Hurts Nuclear Startups
Energy
Fallout from Solyndra Hurts Nuclear Startups
Attacks on the wisdom of loan guarantees could restrict nuclear reactor construction in most states.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thorium in India
| India uncloaks new thorium nuke plants -- Science & Technology ... Won't have to look far for fuel, either The Advanced Heavy Water design differs from China's molten salt or liquid fluoride designs. But Indian scientists expect the ... www.sott.net/.../237136-India- |
| India Building Thorium Reactor : technology many of the advantages of thorium fuel are best realised with totally new reactor designs such as the molten salt reactor developed Alvin Weinberg in the 60s ... www.reddit.com/r/.../lxq1y/ |
| India To Build A Thorium Reactor - Slashdot In their first story, slowLearner writes "India will build a working Thorium reactor. [ Quoting the Guardian] 'Officials are currently selecting a site for the reactor, ... science.slashdot.org/story/... |
| India plans 'safer' nuclear plant powered by thorium - The Guardian ... Use of relatively low-carbon, low-radioactivity thorium instead ofuranium may be breakthrough in energy generationIndia has announcedplans for a prototype ... esciencenews.com/.../india. |
| “Is Nuclear Waste Really Waste?” one year ... - Energy from Thorium Devoted to the discussion of thorium as a future energy resource, and the machine to extract that energy–the liquid-fluoride thorium reactor. ... energyfromthorium.com/2011/11/ |
World Poised to Enter New "Era" of Nuclear Weapons: Report
World Poised to Enter New "Era" of Nuclear Weapons: Report
Analysis: Struggle for energy supply pushes SE Asia to nuclear
Analysis: Struggle for energy supply pushes SE Asia to nuclear
UPDATE 2-Vermont Yankee exits refuel, no decision on lawsuit
UPDATE 2-Vermont Yankee exits refuel, no decision on lawsuit
2012 Election Survey: Congress, White House Focus on Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power is out of Touch With Views of Mainstream America
2012 Election Survey: Congress, White House Focus on Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power is out of Touch With Views of Mainstream America
NRC: No functional damage caused by earthquake at North Anna nuclear reactor
NRC: No functional damage caused by earthquake at North Anna nuclear reactor
NRC officials said they will likely issue a final recommendation next week which will allow the reactors to be restarted.
Earthquake Monitoring?
Earthquake Monitoring?
Yes, I can hear the question mark in your voice. True, those who live in the Pacific Ring of Fire and other tectonicly active areas are used to preparing for and monitoring earthquakes. Those who live in less active areas, preparing and monitoring has not been quite as high a priority, to put it charitably. However, if your home or business happened to be located in central Virginia on the afternoon of August 23, 2011, when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck just 35 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia,1 you might be tempted to reconsider. If you are inclined to write that off as a fluke, consider that the strongest earthquakes to ever hit the eastern U.S. in recorded history, estimated to have a maximum magnitude of around 7.7, occurred near New Madrid, MO. Fortunately, this series of earthquakes occurred in 1811 and 1812, so there was not as much to damage, but it did result in the creation of temporary waterfalls on the Mississippi River and the river temporarily running backwards in spots2, 3.
Yes, I can hear the question mark in your voice. True, those who live in the Pacific Ring of Fire and other tectonicly active areas are used to preparing for and monitoring earthquakes. Those who live in less active areas, preparing and monitoring has not been quite as high a priority, to put it charitably. However, if your home or business happened to be located in central Virginia on the afternoon of August 23, 2011, when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck just 35 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia,1 you might be tempted to reconsider. If you are inclined to write that off as a fluke, consider that the strongest earthquakes to ever hit the eastern U.S. in recorded history, estimated to have a maximum magnitude of around 7.7, occurred near New Madrid, MO. Fortunately, this series of earthquakes occurred in 1811 and 1812, so there was not as much to damage, but it did result in the creation of temporary waterfalls on the Mississippi River and the river temporarily running backwards in spots2, 3.
USGS: More than 600 aftershocks have hit since August quake
USGS: More than 600 aftershocks have hit since August quake
Building a Nuclear Power Plant on a Fault Still Not a Great Idea —By Kate Sheppard |
Building a Nuclear Power Plant on a Fault Still Not a Great Idea
Industry Insight Belgian nuclear phase out: energy security now in peril
Industry Insight
Belgian nuclear phase out: energy security now in peril
Russia, Bangladesh sign deal on construction of nuclear power plants
Russia, Bangladesh sign deal on construction of nuclear power plants
Dhaka (Platts)--2Nov2011/118 pm EDT/1718 GMT
Russia and Bangladesh Wednesday signed an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of the South Asian country's first nuclear power plants to generate 2 GW electricity from two 1 GW plants, Bangladeshi science minister.
Osman and Director General of Russian state nuclear energy company Rosatom Sergey Kiriyenko signed the deal in front of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in Dhaka Wednesday.
"Under the deal Russia will supply fuel for the entire life of the plants," Kiriyenko told a news conference.
Russia and Bangladesh Wednesday signed an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of the South Asian country's first nuclear power plants to generate 2 GW electricity from two 1 GW plants, Bangladeshi science minister.
Osman and Director General of Russian state nuclear energy company Rosatom Sergey Kiriyenko signed the deal in front of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in Dhaka Wednesday.
"Under the deal Russia will supply fuel for the entire life of the plants," Kiriyenko told a news conference.
No sign of sustained fission in wrecked Japan reactor
No sign of sustained fission in wrecked Japan reactor
NRC to act on nuclear license for Plant Vogtle expansion and V.C. Summer project in S.C.
NRC to act on nuclear license for Plant Vogtle expansion and V.C. Summer project in S.C.
US nuclear industry pushes back on export control changes
US nuclear industry pushes back on export control changes Washington (Platts)--2Nov2011/848 am EDT/1248 GMT
The nuclear industry is mounting a campaign against proposed changes to a Department of Energy rule regulating US nuclear technology exports, saying the new rule would handicap exporters and disrupt reactor operations in the country.
Under the rule known as Part 810, US companies have to obtain special DOE authorization to transfer nuclear-related information to firms or individuals in certain foreign countries. Such information transfer would be necessary, for example, if a US reactor vendor hires a component supplier overseas or a US firm provides consulting service on nuclear reactor operations to a foreign utility.
The nuclear industry is mounting a campaign against proposed changes to a Department of Energy rule regulating US nuclear technology exports, saying the new rule would handicap exporters and disrupt reactor operations in the country.
Under the rule known as Part 810, US companies have to obtain special DOE authorization to transfer nuclear-related information to firms or individuals in certain foreign countries. Such information transfer would be necessary, for example, if a US reactor vendor hires a component supplier overseas or a US firm provides consulting service on nuclear reactor operations to a foreign utility.
Fertel: Applying Nuclear Lessons From Fukushima Disaster
Fertel: Applying Nuclear Lessons From Fukushima Disaster
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Top 25: NRC’s internal documents from Fukushima made public after FOIA request from Enformable.com
Top 25: NRC’s internal documents from Fukushima made public after FOIA request from Enformable.com
POGO Calls for Release of North Anna Nuclear Generating Station Records
POGO Calls for Release of North Anna Nuclear Generating Station Records
The State of America’s Nuclear Effort MOVING BEYOND FUKUSHIMA
The State of America’s Nuclear Effort
MOVING BEYOND FUKUSHIMA
NRC ISSUES NOTICE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT FOR LICENSE AMENDMENT
NRC ISSUES NOTICE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT FOR LICENSE AMENDMENT
Big ideas from small places
Big ideas from small places
Editor's Note: Parag Khanna is a senior research fellow at the New America Foundation, visiting senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, and author of The Second World and How to Run the World. David Skilling is founding director at Landfall Strategy Group, a Singapore-based advisory firm.
By Parag Khanna and David Skilling – Special to CNN
Fukushima Meltdown Documents Released
Fukushima Meltdown Documents Released
 |
Japan Update: New Fukushima Documents Warrant Public Attention by Nelle Maxey |
Putting the brakes on nuclear power for a new, clearer future
Putting the brakes on nuclear power for a new, clearer future
In the wake of the nuclear meltdown at Fukushima, Japan, perhaps it’s time to put nuclear power on hold for awhile.Bangladesh agrees nuclear power deal with Russia
Bangladesh agrees nuclear power deal with Russia
Bangladesh currently relies on dilapidated gas-fired power plants Bangladesh has agreed to build two new nuclear power plants with Russian help as the country looks to close a yawning power deficit.
Cold Fusion Experiment: Major Success or Complex Hoax?
Cold Fusion Experiment: Major Success or Complex Hoax?
India plans 'safer' nuclear plant powered by thorium
India plans 'safer' nuclear plant powered by thorium
From the NRC Blog: Setting the Record Straight
U.S. NRC Blog | |
|
The China Clock: Designing Urgency into Energy Storage Demonstration Projects
By James Greenberger, November 2, 2011
Last Monday NAATBatt hosted a meeting of the DES white paper working group in Detroit. The DES white paper group consists of leading advanced battery manufacturers, electric utilities, auto makers, electric power equipment companies and national laboratories working with KEMA, an energy consulting firm, to produce a white paper outlining the importance of distributed energy storage (DES)... » Continue...
Last Monday NAATBatt hosted a meeting of the DES white paper working group in Detroit. The DES white paper group consists of leading advanced battery manufacturers, electric utilities, auto makers, electric power equipment companies and national laboratories working with KEMA, an energy consulting firm, to produce a white paper outlining the importance of distributed energy storage (DES)... » Continue...
Hall Talk Nov 1 – social media
Hall Talk Nov 1 – social media
Our intrepid reporter files another update from the ANS Winter Meeting.By Dan Yurman
Social media session draws 55 nukes
Hall Talk – Licensing the Integral Fast Reactor design
Hall Talk – Licensing the Integral Fast Reactor design
Our intrepid reporter files another update from the ANS Winter Meeting.By Dan Yurman
Closing regulatory gaps for sodium fast reactors
Areva Confident Stress Tests Won’t Curb Europe’s Nuclear Future
Areva Confident Stress Tests Won’t Curb Europe’s Nuclear Future
Responding to Fukushima: U.S. Nuclear Industry Commits to Action
Responding to Fukushima: U.S. Nuclear Industry Commits to Action
USEC extends uranium-plant agreement
USEC extends uranium-plant agreement
Company, seeking $2 billion loan guarantee from U.S., renews pact with investors
UPDATE 1-NRC approves South Texas amended ABWR reactor design
UPDATE 1-NRC approves South Texas amended ABWR reactor design
From the US NRC Blog: Taking Out The "Gov Speak"
U.S. NRC Blog | |
|
Tokyo Elec. Power : (Nov 02,2011)Plant Status of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (as of 3:00 pm, Nov. 2)
Tokyo Elec. Power : (Nov 02,2011)Plant Status of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (as of 3:00 pm, Nov. 2)
UAE mulls financing structure for $20bn nuclear plan
UAE mulls financing structure for $20bn nuclear plan
Why We Still Need Nuclear Energy: Making Clean Energy Safe and Affordable By Ernest Moniz
Why We Still Need Nuclear Energy
Making Clean Energy Safe and Affordable
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Uranium Enrichment Program in Syria?
Uranium Enrichment Program in Syria?
New allegations that Syria might have been clandestinely enriching uranium underline the challenges in preventing the spread of uranium enrichment capabilities and the need to do more to stop nuclear technology and know-how from falling into the wrong hands.
Remember Fukushima? It's Back
Remember Fukushima? It's Back
The problem with sweeping unresolved problems, especially of the unstable gamma decay variety, is that they tend to pop up at the most inopportune of times. Such as during global coordinated fiat ponzi bailouts. Kyodo reports that according to TEPCO a fresh fission reaction has restarted at Fukushima Daichi, and that boric acid is being injected to control a "possible nuclear reaction." Hardly the encouraging news that the world needs right about now.From Kyodo:
Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Wednesday there may be signs of fresh nuclear fission in the No. 2 reactor at its quake-damaged Fukushima Daiichi power plant and that it has begun injecting boric acid to control a possible nuclear reaction.
Reactor restart at Genkai (Japan)
Posted: 01 Nov 2011 12:55 PM PDT
NHK is carrying the news that Kyushu Electric Power Company has restarted Genkai No. 4 reactor, Kyushu, Japan. This is the first return to the grid for any nuclear reactor in Japan since the shutdowns following the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami, and the shutdowns following the Fukushima Daiichi accident.
Operating and Test Experience for the Experimental Breeder Reactor II
Operating and Test Experience for the Experimental Breeder Reactor II
www.thesciencecouncil.com/.../171-operating-and-test-experience-fo...Cached
This paper describes the contributions of EBR-II to sodium-cooled fast reactor technology.
Renewable Energy Being Held Back by Fossil Fuel Subsidies - IEA
Renewable Energy Being Held Back by Fossil Fuel Subsidies - IEA
Recent reports show a massive increase in coal dependency caused by fossil fuel subsidies to be addressed at World Climate Summit.
According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) latest findings, coal and oil subsidies pose the greatest challenge to the renewable energy market. As the world's largest exporter of coal, Australia's carbon emissions have grown nearly 300 percent since 1970, according to the IEA's last annual report on CO2 emissions. Worse, that percentage is regional, excluding the huge amounts of coal shipped overseas to some 20 dependent countries.
The IEA blames electricity/heat generations and transportation as the major culprits of nearly two-thirds
Read more...
According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) latest findings, coal and oil subsidies pose the greatest challenge to the renewable energy market. As the world's largest exporter of coal, Australia's carbon emissions have grown nearly 300 percent since 1970, according to the IEA's last annual report on CO2 emissions. Worse, that percentage is regional, excluding the huge amounts of coal shipped overseas to some 20 dependent countries.
The IEA blames electricity/heat generations and transportation as the major culprits of nearly two-thirds
Read more...
UN General Assembly Reaffirms Support for IAEA's Work
UN General Assembly Reaffirms Support for IAEA's Work
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano at the United Nations General Assembly, New York, USA, 8 November 2010. (Photo: D. Berkowitz/UN, New York)
The Resolution was adopted after IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano presented the Agency's 54th Annual Report to the Assembly. Mr. Amano reviewed the IAEA's work during the past twelve months, particularly the Agency's response to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. IAEA Member States have recently endorsed a 12-point Action Plan on Nuclear Safety, including agreement for a "stress test" of nuclear power plants in all countries with active nuclear programmes, the strengthening of the IAEA peer review system on operational safety, and a review of relevant safety standards and conventions.
Mr. Amano said the Action Plan represented a significant step forward in the global nuclear safety regime. "It is vital that it is fully implemented in all countries with nuclear power and that the right lessons are learned from the Fukushima Daiichi accident," he added.
The Director General also welcomed the convening of the High-Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security organized by the United Nations in September, which brought UN-system organizations together to collaborate on this issue. As the only international organization with expertise in all aspects of nuclear energy, the IAEA will play a leading role in shaping a safer nuclear future throughout the world, Mr. Amano said.
The Director General reviewed the progress made in bringing the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology to developing countries, as well as promoting and safeguarding the safe and secure use of nuclear power. He highlighted the Agency's contribution to the eradication of rinderpest in Africa and the role of nuclear techniques in global water management issues. The IAEA's annual Scientific Forum in September, attended by leading scientists and government officials, focused on the use of nuclear techniques related to water. The Agency also recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Environment Laboratories in Monaco, which has made an outstanding contribution in protecting the world's oceans and seas.
In his address to the General Assembly, Mr. Amano also touched on the areas of nuclear energy, nuclear applications, nuclear safety and security, technical cooperation and nuclear verification. He reported on the Agency's continued safeguards activities in North Korea, Iran and Syria, and said the Agency would hold a forum in Vienna on 21-22 November to consider the relevance to the Middle East of the experience of Africa, the South Pacific, South-East Asia, Central Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean in establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones.
See Story Resources for more information.
-- By Rodolfo Quevenco, IAEA Division of Public Information
Kyushu Electric Plans to Restart Reactor After Repairing Fault
Kyushu Electric Plans to Restart Reactor After Repairing Fault
Nuclear liability: The market-based, post-Fukushima case for ending Price-Anderson
Nuclear liability: The market-based, post-Fukushima case for ending Price-Anderson
Idiocy: Japanese Official Drinks Water From Fukushima Reactor Buildings
Idiocy: Japanese Official Drinks Water From Fukushima Reactor Buildings
China Accelerates Targets for New Nuclear Plants By Dan Yurman,
By Dan Yurman, November 1, 2011
China is still the most aggressive builder of reactors on the planet. The China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA) told the Bloomberg financial wire service this week that it will cut its targets for building new nuclear reactors by about 10%. Li Yongjiang, VP of CENA, said in an interview in Hong Kong, where he is attending an energy conference, that capacity will target 60-70 GWe by the... » Continue...
China is still the most aggressive builder of reactors on the planet. The China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA) told the Bloomberg financial wire service this week that it will cut its targets for building new nuclear reactors by about 10%. Li Yongjiang, VP of CENA, said in an interview in Hong Kong, where he is attending an energy conference, that capacity will target 60-70 GWe by the... » Continue...
California’s Performance-Based Policy Model for Transportation, Energy, and Climate: Lessons Learned
California’s Performance-Based Policy Model for Transportation, Energy, and Climate: Lessons Learned
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)