Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Can California Do Without Nuclear Power? Where Are We Going to Get Another 5,000 Megawatts?
Can California Do Without Nuclear Power?
Where Are We Going to Get Another 5,000 Megawatts?
Radioactive water leaks inside nuclear plant in southwestern Japan
Radioactive water leaks inside nuclear plant in southwestern Japan
Gregory Jaczko, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair, Under Assault By Pro-Industry Panel Members
Gregory Jaczko, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair, Under Assault By Pro-Industry Panel Members
EXPERTS COMPLETE IAEA FOLLOW-UP REVIEW OF CANADA'S NUCLEAR REGULATORY SYSTEM
EXPERTS COMPLETE IAEA FOLLOW-UP REVIEW OF CANADA'S NUCLEAR REGULATORY SYSTEM
Nuclear Panel Members Say They Have 'Grave Concerns' About Chairman
Nuclear Panel Members Say They Have 'Grave Concerns' About Chairman
Fox News
10, 2011, file photo, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko speaks to members of the media in Atlanta. Jaczko said Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, he is worried that US nuclear plant operators have become complacent, just nine months after the ...
Fox News
10, 2011, file photo, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko speaks to members of the media in Atlanta. Jaczko said Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, he is worried that US nuclear plant operators have become complacent, just nine months after the ...
What Israel's War Against Iran Would Look Like
notable omission in this otherwise incisive analysis is the fact that, as of January 1, the air defenses that the U.S. has provided to Iraq will no longer exist and there will be nothing to stop the Israeli Air Force from crossing Iraq at will.
What Israel's War Against Iran Would Look Like
Thursday 8 December 2011
by: Richard Sale, Truthout | News Analysis
http://www.truth-out.org/what-
http://www.truth-out.org/what-
Updates from the American Nuclear Society 12/10
Jaczko votes to certify AP1000, likely clearing licensing for four new reactorsBy lscheele on Dec 09, 2011 11:58 amby E. Michael Blake Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko has voted in favor of the final certification rule for Westinghouse Electric Company’s AP1000 pressurized water reactor design. His vote, dated December 6, was posted in the ADAMS document system … Continue reading → Read in browser » 82nd Carnival of Nuclear Energy BlogsBy dyurman on Dec 09, 2011 09:00 amThe 82nd Carnival of Nuclear Energy Bloggers is up : Nuclear Clean Air Energy This post is the collective voice of blogs with legendary names which emerge each week to tell the story of nuclear energy If you want to … Continue reading → Read in browser » |
Letter from Darrell Issa toWilliam Daley, WH Chief of Staff re: NRC Chair Jaczko
Letter from Darrell Issa toWilliam Daley, WH Chief of Staff re: NRC Chair Jaczko
Acknowledging India's business & geostrategic importance, Australia agrees to sell uranium
Acknowledging India's business & geostrategic importance, Australia agrees to sell uranium
Saudi Warning Could Escalate Nuclear Arms Race
Saudi Warning Could Escalate Nuclear Arms Race
By Thalif Deen
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 9, 2011 (IPS) - The world's nuclear powers - both declared and undeclared - have come primarily from Asia: China, India, Pakistan and possibly North Korea.
The Middle East was dominated by a single nuclear power - Israel, which has refused to publicly declare its status.
But that domination has been threatened by Iran, which the Western powers say is on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, an assertion denied by the Iranians.
The nuclear threats from Israel and Iran have now triggered a potential competitor in Saudi Arabia, an oil-blessed Middle Eastern country which has enough riches to buy itself into nuclear capability.
By Thalif Deen
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 9, 2011 (IPS) - The world's nuclear powers - both declared and undeclared - have come primarily from Asia: China, India, Pakistan and possibly North Korea.
The Middle East was dominated by a single nuclear power - Israel, which has refused to publicly declare its status.
But that domination has been threatened by Iran, which the Western powers say is on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, an assertion denied by the Iranians.
The nuclear threats from Israel and Iran have now triggered a potential competitor in Saudi Arabia, an oil-blessed Middle Eastern country which has enough riches to buy itself into nuclear capability.
Friday, December 9, 2011
cientists assess radioactivity in the ocean from Japan nuclear power facility
Scientists assess radioactivity in the ocean from Japan nuclear power facility
With current news of additional radioactive leaks from the Fukushima nuclear power plants, the impact on the ocean of releases of radioactivity from the plants remains unclear.
Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes Bad blood boils over at the NRC
Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes
Bad blood boils over at the NRC
Four commissioners write to the House Oversight Committee blaming Chairman Gregory Jaczko about a toxic atmosphereUgly divide at NRC pits Jaczko vs. fellow commissioners
Ugly divide at NRC pits Jaczko vs. fellow commissioners
New Video of Scientist Kaltofen Presenting to American Public Health Association
New Video of Scientist Kaltofen Presenting to American Public Health Association
Nuclear Agency Commissioners Air Gripes About Chief
Nuclear Agency Commissioners Air Gripes About Chief
Debunking the Myth That America Is Running Out of Energy
Is America Running Out Of Energy?
Daniel Kish, US News & World
One pervasive myth about domestic energy production is that America is running out of energy. We are told that we must use wildly expensive and unreliable sources of energy such as wind, solar, and biofuel because someday we could run out of coal, oil, or natural gas. . .
One pervasive myth about domestic energy production is that America is running out of energy. We are told that we must use wildly expensive and unreliable sources of energy such as wind, solar, and biofuel because someday we could run out of coal, oil, or natural gas. . .
Financial Impact Of America's Energy Follies
Financial Impact Of America's Energy Follies
Bill Flax, Forbes
During the late eighteenth century, momentous developments materialized in the West which now define modern life. Living conditions improved yielding unparalleled comfort, sanitation, and even entertainment. People lived longer with better health and more plentiful opportunities. . .
During the late eighteenth century, momentous developments materialized in the West which now define modern life. Living conditions improved yielding unparalleled comfort, sanitation, and even entertainment. People lived longer with better health and more plentiful opportunities. . .
North Korea Seen Advancing Work on ICBM Capable of Reaching U.S.
North Korea Seen Advancing Work on ICBM Capable of Reaching U.S.
Jaczko votes to certify AP1000, likely clearing licensing for four new reactors
Jaczko votes to certify AP1000, likely clearing licensing for four new reactors
Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes NRC's man in Japan opens up about Fukushima
Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes
NRC's man in Japan opens up about Fukushima
It sheds new light on the high profile statement of NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko about the condition of spent fuel pool #4atomic power review Carnival 82 online now... and it's a special one!
atomic power review
Posted: 09 Dec 2011 03:15 PM PST
It is my belief that the Carnival of Nuclear Bloggers which is presently online might just be the very first of these ever carried at a site officially connected with a nuclear operating entity... in this case, Carnival 81 is being hosted at the impressive Nuclear Clean Air Energy site. I highly recommend checking out the whole site... after reading the Carnival articles, of course. ENTERGY Nuclear and Margie Jepson have done a fine job with this site and with their first-ever hosting of the Carnival.Click here to get to Nuclear Clean Air Energy.
Toshiba's AP1000 Reactor Gains Backing From NRC Chief
| Toshiba's AP1000 Reactor Gains Backing From NRC Chief Jaczko BusinessWeek The NRC hasn't issued a construction license for a nuclear plant since the 1979 partial meltdown at the Three Mile Island facility near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The two votes supporting the new reactor's design is “very good news” for Southern, ... |
Heroes of the Hot Zone
Heroes of the Hot Zone
The Future Of The Fracking Industry Hangs On This Argument
The Future Of The Fracking Industry Hangs On This Argument
Energy Consumption to Rise 32% Worldwide by 2040, Exxon Says
Energy Consumption to Rise 32% Worldwide by 2040, Exxon Says
Nuclear power - Vogtle 3 and 4: preparing to make nuclear revival a concrete reality.
Nuclear power - Vogtle 3 and 4: preparing to make nuclear revival a concrete reality.
Nuclear Experts: Read the ANS Carnival of Bloggers from the industry this week
Nuclear Experts: Read the ANS Carnival of Bloggers from the industry this week
Nuclear electricity is a source that is safe and clean. It is a way to sustain our lifestyle while we sustain our planet.Read the latest from national voices . It’s the 82nd Carnival and a special FRONT PAGE edition.
Gail Marcus comments on the coincidence of so many nuclear anniversaries in the month of December. The first anniversary, the December 2, 1942 achievement of controlled fission at Chicago Pile 1, was a week ago, but the celebrations can continue nearly through the end of the month. In all, she identifies 11 anniversaries of nuclear achievements that she had profiled in her book on “nuclear firsts.” NukePowerTalk LINK
In an end of year meeting with reporters, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko explains what the agency plans to do next year. There is just one problem: Appropriation language in the Republican led House. Dan Yurman writes on Jaczko’s comments about budget, slowed renewals of licenses for existing reactors and how he doesn’t have much new to say about Yucca Mountain. Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes
Will Davis backs off his usual news and events mode, and describes some of the volumes he will be reading this winter and why they’re important. The more snow there is, the more likely he is to make it through reading these. Will’s Winter Reading List
Posted at Yes Vermont Yankee, Meredith Angwin explores how Lochbaum of the Union of Concerned Scientist uses unexplained scientific notation (3.17 E-08 curies of Sr 90 released). With these spooky numbers, he spreads fear, uncertainty and doubt, and accuses Vermont Yankee of lying. “Really, Mr. Lochbaum? Come ON! For Pete’s sake, man! Write science, not propaganda!” The blog post also links to other NRC reports regarding Sr 90 and Vermont Yankee. The Strontium Fish and Lochbaum and Markey
Rod Adams at the ANS Nuclear Cafe reports and analyzes a key study for the future of Small Modular Reactors: The University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute at Chicago release “Small Modular Reactors – Key to Future Nuclear Power Generation in the U. S.”
Lots of positive news about carbon emission free nuclear energy from around the world writes Jeff Madison at Cool Hand Nuke. Southeast Asian nations are making plans or looking at the potential for nuclear energy; India says there will be significant growth globally in nuclear energy despite some countries withdrawing from it due to Fukushima – Brazil, Russia, India, and China; and even the crocodiles are thriving at Turkey Point. Positvie Nuclear News
Jaczko votes to certify AP1000, likely clearing licensing for four new reactors
Jaczko votes to certify AP1000, likely clearing licensing for four new reactors
Top US nuclear official in Japan: concerns over spent fuel at Fukushima plant were justified
Top US nuclear official in Japan: concerns over spent fuel at Fukushima plant were justified
Feds Link Water Contamination to Fracking for the First Time
Feds Link Water Contamination to Fracking for the First Time
UPDATE 1-Japan's quake-hit nuclear plant scraps plan to dump water into sea
UPDATE 1-Japan's quake-hit nuclear plant scraps plan to dump water into sea
New York May Be Safely Evacuated Ahead of Nuclear Event, NRC’s Jaczko Says
New York May Be Safely Evacuated Ahead of Nuclear Event, NRC’s Jaczko Says
NRC sees new Westinghouse US reactor approval soon
NRC sees new Westinghouse US reactor approval soon
Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes Good news about nuclear energy – December 2011
Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes
Good news about nuclear energy – December 2011
Another report in a continuing series in the post-Fukushima eraIdaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes Nuclear News Roundup for December 9, 2011
Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes
Nuclear News Roundup for December 9, 2011
Another in a series of reports about progress in the global nuclear energy industryChina, Bill Gates in nuclear reactor talks
China, Bill Gates in nuclear reactor talks
Beijing (UPI) Dec 8, 2011
China says it is ready to start work on a novel design for a nuclear reactor with the help of a firm created by Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates. Terrapower, founded and funded by Gates, is collaborating with Chinese scientists on a fourth-generation reactor, the BBC reported Thursday. Research into the reactor could take five years and cost more than $1 billion, Gates said.
China says it is ready to start work on a novel design for a nuclear reactor with the help of a firm created by Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates. Terrapower, founded and funded by Gates, is collaborating with Chinese scientists on a fourth-generation reactor, the BBC reported Thursday. Research into the reactor could take five years and cost more than $1 billion, Gates said.Russia, China work on advanced nuclear
Russia, China work on advanced nuclear
08 December 2011
Russia and China have held their first meeting for cooperation in the development of marine nuclear energy for floating power plants and potentially for propulsion of large ships.
China tunnel and nuclear warhead follies By Peter Lee
China tunnel and nuclear warhead follies
By Peter Lee
By Peter Lee
NRC continues discussions on implementing Japan Task Force recommendations
U.S. NRC Blog | |
|
US official: Fukushima fuel worries were justified
US official: Fukushima fuel worries were justified
Plug-In Vehicles are Key Pillar in U.S. Energy Security Strategy
Plug-In Vehicles are Key Pillar in U.S. Energy Security Strategy
PR Newswire
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2011
Policy Memorandum on The Limitations of the IAEA
Policy Memorandum on The Limitations of the IAEA in Non ...
The Limitations of the IAEA in Non-proliferation Area. Liu, Huaping ... imbalance between the respect of nuclear peaceful use and nuclear nonproliferation; the ...
www.posse.gatech.edu/sites/
The Limitations of the IAEA in Non-proliferation Area. Liu, Huaping ... imbalance between the respect of nuclear peaceful use and nuclear nonproliferation; the ...
www.posse.gatech.edu/sites/
Nuclear Law Institute Trains Nuclear Safety Leaders
Nuclear Law Institute Trains Nuclear Safety Leaders
The IAEA's first Nuclear Law Institute was launched on 20 November 2011 in Vienna, attended by 87 participants from 61 countries.
The IAEA fosters the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting interested Member States, as well as helping Member States introduce and utilize nuclear technologies for many other uses. To govern these myriad applications' safe and secure use, the IAEA helps Member States establish and maintain the needed legal and regulatory framework.
"We help Member States to address national development priorities in fields where nuclear techniques offer advantages over other approaches, or where nuclear techniques can usefully supplement conventional means," said Kwaku Aning, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, "for example, our work helps to combat child malnutrition, supports breastfeeding programmes and addresses child mortality from preventable water-borne diseases."
"Yet, many countries," Aning emphasized, "have difficulty in educating an adequate number of new nuclear lawyers to help establish and maintain national nuclear legal and regulatory frameworks."
Training Legal Experts
As the demand for nuclear applications rises, so too the demand for legislative assistance is steadily growing, said Peri Johnson, IAEA Legal Adviser and Director, IAEA Office of Legal Affairs, "we provide intensive, professional training and assistance to countries that wish to become party to the relevant international legal instruments, help develop the national legislation to govern nuclear activities, and publish unique and invaluable reference materials."
In the past five years alone, the IAEA has reviewed 125 national nuclear laws and trained about 700 individuals in nuclear law through regional workshops, fellowships and national seminars. This work also contributes directly to the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme, since the safe and secure use of nuclear applications depends upon an adequate national legal and regulatory infrastructure. Many developing countries look to the IAEA for support in completing this complex task, as well as in assistance in establishing the infrastructure required for a national nuclear power programme.
Nuclear Law Institute Launched
Building upon past and on-going activities, the IAEA launched in Vienna the first session of its annual Nuclear Law Institute from 20 November to 2 December 2011. Organized by the Office of Legal Affairs, the comprehensive two-week course was aimed at helping to strengthen national capacities in the areas of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and liability. It was designed to meet developing countries' specific needs for expert legislative competence through the utilization of entirely new teaching methods in this field.
According to the Head of the Nuclear and Treaty Law Section, IAEA Office of Legal Affairs, Wolfram Tonhauser, who manages the course, the Institute offered "a unique educational experience for promising young professionals" and "it is one of the ways in which the IAEA is now intensifying its efforts to help meet the needs of Member States in training their future leaders in the field of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy."
Following the first session's conclusion, Tonhauser highlighted that based on feedback from the participants, "the first session was a success." He and the team are "looking forward to repeating that success in next year's session."
Background
The Nuclear Law Institute is designed to provide participants a clear understanding of drafting a comprehensive nuclear law, including the relevant international legal instruments in nuclear safety, security, safeguards and liability for nuclear damage. It is expected that on completion participants will be able to provide their governments advice on matters related to nuclear law, as well as draft, amend or review national nuclear laws to reflect the provisions of the international instruments.
The IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme is the primary mechanism for delivering IAEA services. It focuses on the safe and secure application of nuclear science and technology for sustainable socioeconomic development. The programme is unique in the UN system, as it combines significant technical and developmental competencies. All Member States are eligible for support, although in practice technical cooperation activities tend to focus on the needs and priorities of less developed countries. The programme is very much a shared responsibility between the Agency and the 129 countries and territories receiving support.
-- By Peter Kaiser, IAEA Division of Public Information
FERC Commissioner Jon Wellinghoff says Northwest utilities may need to catch up with national trends
FERC Commissioner Jon Wellinghoff says Northwest utilities may need to catch up with national trends
BPA Balancing Authority Load and Total Wind, Hydro, and Thermal Generation, Near-Real-Time
BPA Balancing Authority Load and Total Wind, Hydro, and Thermal Generation, Near-Real-Time
Wind generators win in dispute with BPA
Wind generators win in dispute with BPA
By TIM FOUGHT
Dec. 7, 2011PORTLAND, Ore. Federal regulators on Wednesday ruled in favor of Northwest wind power generators who objected to being ordered to shut down at times this spring when the Columbia River basin was brimming with water and hydropower dams were running at maximum capacity.
Read more: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/
Taming Unruly Wind Power By Matt Wald
Taming Unruly Wind Power By Matt Wald
Carlgh comment:
This Spring had a late and large run-off, and the system needed to draw down reservoirs to provide capacity in the event of a warm wet storm. So system operators could not hold back water and operators are under federal orders not to spill water (harms the salmon), so through the turbines the water must go. So, a lot of electricity is generated due to federal orders for dam operators. Domestic electricity demand is light. The nuke, Columbia Generating Station, went down on schedule for a turbine swap and to refuel.
The Spring is also the windy time of the year, but this year's wind was strong resulting in extra generation.
In this situation, BPA told the wind guys to turn it off.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/
Carlgh comment:
This Spring had a late and large run-off, and the system needed to draw down reservoirs to provide capacity in the event of a warm wet storm. So system operators could not hold back water and operators are under federal orders not to spill water (harms the salmon), so through the turbines the water must go. So, a lot of electricity is generated due to federal orders for dam operators. Domestic electricity demand is light. The nuke, Columbia Generating Station, went down on schedule for a turbine swap and to refuel.
The Spring is also the windy time of the year, but this year's wind was strong resulting in extra generation.
In this situation, BPA told the wind guys to turn it off.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/
The World is Desperate for Energy Engineers
The World is Desperate for Energy Engineers
It’s not a scarcity of oil the world should be worried about but more importantly a desperate skills shortage of engineers.
Full Article
It’s not a scarcity of oil the world should be worried about but more importantly a desperate skills shortage of engineers.
Full Article
Thursday, December 8, 2011
U.S. Now Net Fuel Exporter: Good News or Recessionary Rumblings?
U.S. Now Net Fuel Exporter: Good News or Recessionary Rumblings?
Much has been made of last week’s data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicating that the US is, once again, a net exporter of fuel — for the first time since 1949.
When the Wall Street Journal first reported the story, it seemed like very good news, and the initial reactions all pointed toward the potential for the US to become energy independent. EIA data showed the country as having net exports of 64 million barrels of various petroleum products through the first nine months of the year, according to the WSJ.
The article maintains this is because
Read more...
When the Wall Street Journal first reported the story, it seemed like very good news, and the initial reactions all pointed toward the potential for the US to become energy independent. EIA data showed the country as having net exports of 64 million barrels of various petroleum products through the first nine months of the year, according to the WSJ.
The article maintains this is because
Read more...
IEA Leaders Speak Out on Our Current Energy Situation and Peak Oil
IEA Leaders Speak Out on Our Current Energy Situation and Peak Oil
Every November following the publication of the IEA's World Energy Outlook, the leadership of the Agency travels to major capitols in an effort to explain to the world's leaders the conclusions of the new publication. Parts of this year's briefings contain not-so-subtle hints as to what sort of energy policies the world's leaders might like to follow if they want to avoid killing off all life on earth a century or so from now. Earlier this week the travellers stopped in Washington, where sandwiched between visits to various dignitaries they briefed an assemblage of some 200 journalists.
Although I had already
Read more...
Although I had already
Read more...
A Better Way to Store Natural Gas
A Better Way to Store Natural Gas
Natural gas needs to be very tightly compressed and cooling to very cold temperatures will help to get worthwhile volumes suitable for transport use. Those pressures and temperatures pose high levels of engineering and materials quality compared to a simple gasoline tank. But the payoff for a low cost low-pressure ambient natural gas storage solution would offer more millions of vehicles freedom from the foreign oil tether.
A Northwestern University (NU) research team is hot on porous crystals called metal-organic frameworks, with their nanoscopic pores and incredibly high surface areas that are excellent materials for natural gas storage. Metal–organic frameworks
Read more...
A Northwestern University (NU) research team is hot on porous crystals called metal-organic frameworks, with their nanoscopic pores and incredibly high surface areas that are excellent materials for natural gas storage. Metal–organic frameworks
Read more...
Is Saudi Arabia Heading for a Downfall?
Is Saudi Arabia Heading for a Downfall?
Saudi Arabia recently announced that it had halted a $100 billion oil production expansion plan to raise capacity to 15 million barrels a day by 2020. At this point, the country claims to have capacity of 12 million barrels a day. What does this mean for its future? Let’s take a look behind the figures.
Figure 1. Saudi Arabian oil production and exports, from Energy Export Data Browser. Note that oil production is in grey, oil exports are in green, and the black line Read more...
Figure 1. Saudi Arabian oil production and exports, from Energy Export Data Browser. Note that oil production is in grey, oil exports are in green, and the black line Read more...
Possible Implications of an Iranian Oil Embargo
Possible Implications of an Iranian Oil Embargo
Does Thursday's announcement that the EU is considering to ban oil imports from Iran epitomise the draining of power from west to east? The big winners here will be China and India, who do not fear rising Iranian influence and who will gladly soak up any additional oil exports they may have to offer. However, ending this small dependency upon Iranian oil imports in Europe (Figure 2) does clear the way for military action without the need to ponder the immediate consequences on oil imports.
Read
Saudi Prince Calls for Kingdom to Acquire WMDs
Saudi Prince Calls for Kingdom to Acquire WMDs
So much for peace in the Middle East.
On 5 December Prince bin Turki al Faisal, speaking at the “The Gulf and the Globe” conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh urged the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to become a powerful regional bloc by establishing a unified armed force and defense structure.
While bin Turki’s call for the GCC to pool its military resources is nothing new, his idea of supporting Gulf countries acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) if Israel and Iran do not constrain their nuclear programs represents the edge of a precipitously slippery slope.
Bin Turki told his audience, "Why
Read more...
On 5 December Prince bin Turki al Faisal, speaking at the “The Gulf and the Globe” conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh urged the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to become a powerful regional bloc by establishing a unified armed force and defense structure.
While bin Turki’s call for the GCC to pool its military resources is nothing new, his idea of supporting Gulf countries acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) if Israel and Iran do not constrain their nuclear programs represents the edge of a precipitously slippery slope.
Bin Turki told his audience, "Why
Read more...
BP Accuses Halliburton of Destroying Evidence of its Involvement in the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
BP Accuses Halliburton of Destroying Evidence of its Involvement in the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
BP claims Halliburton Energy Services Inc. intentionally destroyed evidence that proved the firm shared the blame for last year's massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill. According to BP's federal court filing yesterday, Halliburton hid test results showing samples of the cement used to seal BP's Macondo well after it exploded.
The fight is getting ugly as BP and Halliburton sue each other over the fault of the blow-out that resulted in 11 deaths, hundreds of lawsuits from locally damaged businesses and the country's worst offshore oil spill in history.
"BP has now learned the reason for Halliburton's intransigence Halliburton destroyed the
Read more...
The fight is getting ugly as BP and Halliburton sue each other over the fault of the blow-out that resulted in 11 deaths, hundreds of lawsuits from locally damaged businesses and the country's worst offshore oil spill in history.
"BP has now learned the reason for Halliburton's intransigence Halliburton destroyed the
Read more...
Are Coal Power Plants Now too Expensive to Pursue?
Are Coal Power Plants Now too Expensive to Pursue?
A couple years ago I had lunch with a top executive of one of the state’s leading utilities. Here’s the gist of the question I put to him.
“I know you guys want to build a new coal plant nearby here, and I believe you when you say you fully intend to sequester CO2 down the road. But here’s the problem. You can’t even begin building without first raising the price of electricity. We can argue how much – 15, 20, 30 percent – but we all know it’s going to go up.”
He nodded.
“Well, I’m not an economist, but I do Read more...
“I know you guys want to build a new coal plant nearby here, and I believe you when you say you fully intend to sequester CO2 down the road. But here’s the problem. You can’t even begin building without first raising the price of electricity. We can argue how much – 15, 20, 30 percent – but we all know it’s going to go up.”
He nodded.
“Well, I’m not an economist, but I do Read more...
Report: Global Nuclear Generation Capacity Falls to 366.5 GW
Report: Global Nuclear Generation Capacity Falls to 366.5 GW
NRC's Chairman Gregory Jaczko Presses His Case For 2012 Budget
NRC's Chairman Gregory Jaczko Presses His Case For 2012 Budget
US To Be A Net Exporter of Petroleum Products- Is This A Good Thing?
By Geoffrey Styles, December 7, 2011
US petroleum product exports have been in the news, along with the welcome discovery that we are apparently on track to become a net exporter of these fuels this year, for the first time since the 1940s. This is a far cry from energy independence, as various oil skeptics have been quick to point out, but it's still a noteworthy inflection point in energy trends. However, I've also seen stories... » Continue...
US petroleum product exports have been in the news, along with the welcome discovery that we are apparently on track to become a net exporter of these fuels this year, for the first time since the 1940s. This is a far cry from energy independence, as various oil skeptics have been quick to point out, but it's still a noteworthy inflection point in energy trends. However, I've also seen stories... » Continue...
China's Solar Industry
China's Solar Industry
by Kevin Bullis
Behind the scenes at Suntech Power, the world's largest solar manufacturer.
by Kevin Bullis
Behind the scenes at Suntech Power, the world's largest solar manufacturer.
Bill Gates glowing with optimism about nuclear power for China | Jon Talton
Bill Gates glowing with optimism about nuclear power for China | Jon Talton
Fukushima crisis raises nuclear energy costs to level on par with thermal power generation
Fukushima crisis raises nuclear energy costs to level on par with thermal power generation
Stepping Towards Nuclear-Free Middle East
Stepping Towards Nuclear-Free Middle East
By Jillian Kestler-D’Amours
JERUSALEM, Dec 7, 2011 (IPS) - Representatives from over 65 organisations and countries convened in Amman, Jordan last week in an effort to lay the groundwork for the United Nations’ goal of creating a Middle East without nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
By Jillian Kestler-D’Amours
JERUSALEM, Dec 7, 2011 (IPS) - Representatives from over 65 organisations and countries convened in Amman, Jordan last week in an effort to lay the groundwork for the United Nations’ goal of creating a Middle East without nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
Australia-India deal
Australia-India deal
THE decision by Australia`s ruling party to lift the country`s ban on exporting uranium to India raises questions, once again, about the international treatment of Pakistan when it comes to peaceful nuclear technology. It`s true that Pakistan is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Neither is India, however, and its landmark 2008 civil nuclear cooperation deal with the US set a precedent in which a signatory to the agreement was willing to do business with a country that is not. Australia`s prime minister also used this as justification when she argued for the economic and geopolitical benefits to her country, the world`s largest uranium producer, of making an exception for India. With other agreements with France, Russia and Canada, along with a number of other countries, India has firmly been brought into the fold when it comes to the global transfer of nuclear fuel and equipment for peaceful purposes.UN Resolution Demands That Israel Signs Up to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
UN Resolution Demands That Israel Signs Up to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
US NRC finds significant safety issue at Duke SC Oconee
US NRC finds significant safety issue at Duke SC Oconee
Audit the NRC
Audit the NRC
Businessweek published an article titled Nuclear Reactor License Renewals May Be Slowed, Jaczko Says that made my heart race and made me (silently) string together a whole bunch of 4-letter words that I learned from my sailors.One of my favorite candidates has made a lot of headway in his presidential bid by proposing that it is time to audit the Federal Reserve. I am not running for office, but I hope I can gather some support for a proposal to audit the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, another out of control, independent agency charged by Congress with a function that plays an important role in the US economy.
NRC chief warns nuclear industry must heed lesson of Japan, guard against complacency
NRC chief warns nuclear industry must heed lesson of Japan, guard against complacency
NRC to Increase Oversight of Duke Energy’s Oconee Plant
NRC to Increase Oversight of Duke Energy’s Oconee Plant
World Petroleum Congress poll reveals concern over efforts to attract the next generation
World Petroleum Congress poll reveals concern over efforts to attract the next generation
Delegates at the World Petroleum Congress believe the oil and gas industry is not doing enough to encourage future generations to join the sector, according to research from GL Noble Denton.
Full Article
Delegates at the World Petroleum Congress believe the oil and gas industry is not doing enough to encourage future generations to join the sector, according to research from GL Noble Denton.
Full Article
An Overview of Chinese Gen IV projects
From Brian Wang
Last word that I heard was that construction had started early this year and they were targeting 2015.
Eventually there would be 18 to 36 follow up units and they would be looking to develop factory mass production with shorter build times.
Is there any new public presentations
i have published on presentations by Zouyi Zhang, My Zhanying and DONG, Yujie of the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
http://nextbigfuture.com/2010/
http://nextbigfuture.com/2011/
http://nextbigfuture.com/2011/
there was a 2005 presentation where people China talked about using uranium from phosphate, breeder reactors
and offsite recycling of fuel to close the fuel cycle by 2030-2050. (ramp up time)
http://wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/aesj/
Also as noted China kicked off the thorium molten salt project under what appears to be the budget of the
Academy of Science. any presentations or info on that would be great.
Last word that I heard was that construction had started early this year and they were targeting 2015.
Eventually there would be 18 to 36 follow up units and they would be looking to develop factory mass production with shorter build times.
Is there any new public presentations
i have published on presentations by Zouyi Zhang, My Zhanying and DONG, Yujie of the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
http://nextbigfuture.com/2010/
http://nextbigfuture.com/2011/
http://nextbigfuture.com/2011/
there was a 2005 presentation where people China talked about using uranium from phosphate, breeder reactors
and offsite recycling of fuel to close the fuel cycle by 2030-2050. (ramp up time)
http://wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/aesj/
Also as noted China kicked off the thorium molten salt project under what appears to be the budget of the
Academy of Science. any presentations or info on that would be great.
New IEA Report Issues Strategic Recommendations for Clean Energy Scale-Up
By Alex Trembath, December 8, 2011
How can the world finance a massive scale up of clean energy technologies? That is the topic of the Clean Energy Group's latest report, "Strategies to Finance Large-Scale Deployment of Renewable Energy Projects: An Economic Development and Infrastructure Approach." The report, commissioned by the International Energy Agency (IEA), treats decarbonization as fundamentally an economic and... » Continue...
How can the world finance a massive scale up of clean energy technologies? That is the topic of the Clean Energy Group's latest report, "Strategies to Finance Large-Scale Deployment of Renewable Energy Projects: An Economic Development and Infrastructure Approach." The report, commissioned by the International Energy Agency (IEA), treats decarbonization as fundamentally an economic and... » Continue...
Measuring the Shale Gas Revolution
By Mark Green, December 8, 2011
New quantification of the national impact of the shale natural gas revolution going on in the United States, from IHS Global Insight, one of the world's largest economic analysis and forecasting firms:Jobs - In 2010 the shale natural gas industry supported 600,000 jobs. The IHS Global Insight report projects growth to nearly 870,000 jobs in 2015 and to more than 1.6 million by 2035.Economic -... » Continue...
New quantification of the national impact of the shale natural gas revolution going on in the United States, from IHS Global Insight, one of the world's largest economic analysis and forecasting firms:Jobs - In 2010 the shale natural gas industry supported 600,000 jobs. The IHS Global Insight report projects growth to nearly 870,000 jobs in 2015 and to more than 1.6 million by 2035.Economic -... » Continue...
UPDATE 2-UPM, Fortum to invest in nuclear plant engineering
UPDATE 2-UPM, Fortum to invest in nuclear plant engineering
Natural gas, nuclear get bigger role in energy master plan
Natural gas, nuclear get bigger role in energy master plan
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Last updated: Wednesday December 7, 2011, 11:58 AM
The Record
An American construction inspector in China
An American construction inspector in China
Thanks to the NRC’s agreement with China’s nuclear agency to exchange construction knowledge, I traveled there last summer to observe ongoing work on two Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear units. In July, I arrived in Shanghai, a sprawling, modern city full of skyscrapers and familiar places like Starbucks and Burger Kings.
I traveled southeast to the Sanmen nuclear power plant Units 1 & 2 on a high-speed train, a journey that took four hours.
The Sanmen site was built to support current construction as well as future operations. There are apartments, a convenience store, banks, restaurants, a police station, tourist center, offices, and an excellent hotel, where I stayed. It is also the site of a tidal bay where dozens of people worked in the mud digging for clams and snails twice daily during low tide. During the months of July and August, temperatures typically ranged from 97 to 104°F with 90 percent humidity.
The joint project with China will better equip NRC construction inspectors like me as we examine the quality of work done on reactors anticipated to be built in our country. The areas we will have to examine range from concrete quality to whether welding is done properly. In the U.S., we completed construction inspections in the 90s at one existing reactor that was refurbished, and are continuing inspections at another unfinished reactor. However, it has been decades since we’ve had to inspect the construction of an entirely new reactor in the United States. We currently have two inspectors at the Vogtle nuclear plant site in Georgia and one inspector at the Summer site in South Carolina where pre-construction activities are taking place. The Commission is expected to reach a decision soon on whether new advanced reactors can be built at those sites.
While in China, I was able to see emergency planning at work as more than 200,000 people were evacuated in advance of a typhoon. And, as a sidelight, the trip also offered a look at Chinese culture and cuisine. The menus are varied and the food delightful, though I did lose 20 pounds.
After a few weeks in Shanghai, I met Region II Administrator Victor McCree and Jimi Yerokun, deputy director of the Division of Construction Inspection in the NRC’s Atlanta office, for a meeting in the Eastern China Regional Office. We visited the Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Equipment Co., manufacturer of nuclear reactor vessels, steam generators, pressurizers, and core makeup tanks where many of the components are fabricated. We also returned to the Sanmen site for a meeting with the China National Nuclear Corporation and a final tour before returning home in September.
The construction is far from complete, but so far we can say that the containment vessels of both units are being assembled, welded, heat treated and inspected in a manner meeting all the Westinghouse specifications. The trip allowed me to see China and learn about the culture, but most importantly, we are learning lessons that will be valuable when American utilities begin to build Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear plants here at home.
Alain ArtayetSenior Construction InspectorRegion II
ANS President Eric Loewen visits Eastern Carolinas Section
ANS President Eric Loewen visits Eastern Carolinas Section
By pbowersox on Dec 08, 2011 01:00 amOn Monday, December 5, American Nuclear Society president Eric Loewen visited the ANS Eastern Carolinas Section. Lisa Marshall, chair of the section, said, “It was wonderful to have Eric visit us. He had an opportunity to meet with the [North … Continue reading →
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Loan Guarantee Foolishness by the Folks With Green Eyeshades
Loan Guarantee Foolishness by the Folks With Green Eyeshades
Liow: No danger on food products from Japan
Liow: No danger on food products from Japan
Malaysia Star
Its factory is located about 200km from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where damaged reactors experienced a meltdown following the March 11 quake and tsunami. According to reports, the contaminated milk powder contained 22-31 becquerel (bq) of ...
Malaysia Star
Its factory is located about 200km from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where damaged reactors experienced a meltdown following the March 11 quake and tsunami. According to reports, the contaminated milk powder contained 22-31 becquerel (bq) of ...
Japan May Introduce Carbon Tax to Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions
| Japan May Introduce Carbon Tax to Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bloomberg Nuclear power provided about 30 percent of Japan's energy before the quake. “It's become very tough for Japan to achieve the goal” of trimming emissions by 6 percent by 2012 under the Kyoto Protocol, given the status of the country's nuclear reactors, ... |
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Fukushima's Ripple Effects Continue
Fukushima's Ripple Effects Continue
New York Times (blog)
By MATTHEW L. WALD The triple meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in March startled many people in the American nuclear industry, the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said on Tuesday, although the success in ultimately gaining ...
New York Times (blog)
By MATTHEW L. WALD The triple meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in March startled many people in the American nuclear industry, the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said on Tuesday, although the success in ultimately gaining ...
New analysis shows pulling CO2 from the air would not be cost-effective in the foreseeable future
New analysis shows pulling CO2 from the air would not be cost-effective in the foreseeable future
Since most of the world’s governments have not yet enacted regulations to curb emissions of greenhouse gases, some experts have advocated the development of technologies to remove carbon dioxide directly from the air. But a new MIT study shows that, at least for the foreseeable future, such proposals are not realistic because their costs would vastly exceed those of blocking emissions right at the source, such as at the powerplants that burn fossil fuels.
Since most of the world’s governments have not yet enacted regulations to curb emissions of greenhouse gases, some experts have advocated the development of technologies to remove carbon dioxide directly from the air. But a new MIT study shows that, at least for the foreseeable future, such proposals are not realistic because their costs would vastly exceed those of blocking emissions right at the source, such as at the powerplants that burn fossil fuels.
Researchers assess radioactivity released to the ocean from the Fukushima nuclear facility
Researchers assess radioactivity released to the ocean from the Fukushima nuclear facility
With news this week of additional radioactive leaks from Fukushima nuclear power plants, the impact on the ocean of releases of radioactivity from the plants remains unclear. But a new study by U.S. and Japanese researchers analyzes the levels of radioactivity discharged from the facility in the first four months after the accident and draws some basic conclusions about the history of contaminant releases to the ocean.
With news this week of additional radioactive leaks from Fukushima nuclear power plants, the impact on the ocean of releases of radioactivity from the plants remains unclear. But a new study by U.S. and Japanese researchers analyzes the levels of radioactivity discharged from the facility in the first four months after the accident and draws some basic conclusions about the history of contaminant releases to the ocean.
Global warming 'not slowing down,' say researchers
Global warming 'not slowing down,' say researchers
GE Hitachi proposes small modular nuclear fast reactor as solution to legacy plutonium stockpile in the UK
GE Hitachi proposes small modular nuclear fast reactor as solution to legacy plutonium stockpile in the UK
Emergency Planning Guidance for Nuclear Power Plants; Federal Register Extracts
Emergency Planning Guidance for Nuclear Power Plants; Federal Register Extracts
Staffing Limits May Stall U.S. NRC License Renewals, Jaczko Says
Staffing Limits May Stall U.S. NRC License Renewals, Jaczko Says
Playing with fire: Obama's risky oil threat to China
Playing with fire: Obama's risky oil threat to China
by Michael Klare
When it comes to China policy, is the Obama administration leaping from the frying pan directly into the fire? In an attempt to turn the page on two disastrous wars in the Greater Middle East, it may have just launched a new Cold War in Asia -- once again, viewing oil as the key to global supremacy.The new policy was signaled by President Obama himself on November 17th in an address to the Australian Parliament in which he laid out an audacious -- and extremely dangerous -- geopolitical vision. Instead of focusing on the Greater Middle East, as has been the case for the last decade, the United States will now concentrate its power in Asia and the Pacific. “My guidance is clear,” he declared in Canberra. “As we plan and budget for the future, we will allocate the resources necessary to maintain our strong military presence in this region.” While administration officials insist that this new policy is not aimed specifically at China, the implication is clear enough: from now on, the primary focus of American military strategy will not be counterterrorism, but the containment of that economically booming land -- at whatever risk or cost.
China Fuels Energy Innovation
China Fuels Energy Innovation
Rebuffed in U.S., Entrepreneurs Get Chinese Backing for Clean-Power Technologies
Shortage in nuclear power workforce plagues China
Shortage in nuclear power workforce plagues China
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0
BraveNewClimate Open Thread 20
A conversation starter: George Monbiot has written a superb piece on nuclear power and the integral fast reactor over at The Guardian. It is titled "We need to talk about Sellafield, and a nuclear solution that ticks all our boxes" (subtitle: There are reactors which can convert radioactive waste to energy. Greens should look to science, rather than superstition). My favourite quote:
Anti-nuclear campaigners have generated as much mumbo jumbo as creationists, anti-vaccine scaremongers, homeopaths and climate change deniers. In all cases, the scientific process has been thrown into reverse: people have begun with their conclusions, then frantically sought evidence to support them.The temptation, when a great mistake has been made, is to seek ever more desperate excuses to sustain the mistake, rather than admit the terrible consequences of what you have done. But now, in the UK at least, we have an opportunity to make amends. Our movement can abandon this drivel with a clear conscience, for the technology I am about to describe ticks all the green boxes: reduce, reuse, recycle.
George's essay includes details on the integral fast reactor and the S-PRISM modules that GEH hope to build in the UK (to, as a first priority, denature the separated plutonium stocks, and thereafter generate lots of carbon-free electricity). The fully referenced version is here.
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