On January 20, 2012, The Department of Energy (DOE) took its first step in the manufacture of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the US by issuing a ...
www.citationtechnologies.com/.
Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, February 25, 2012
DOE Takes Initial Step in US Manufacture of Small Modular Nuclear ...
DOE Takes Initial Step in US Manufacture of Small Modular Nuclear ...
On January 20, 2012, The Department of Energy (DOE) took its first step in the manufacture of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the US by issuing a ...
www.citationtechnologies.com/.
On January 20, 2012, The Department of Energy (DOE) took its first step in the manufacture of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the US by issuing a ...
www.citationtechnologies.com/.
SMR developers are racing to the market | The Energy Collective
SMR developers are racing to the market | The Energy Collective
Developers of small modular reactors (SMRs) of both the light water and fast neutron flavors are in a race to get to market. The reason is a hypothetical SMR ...
theenergycollective.com/node/
Developers of small modular reactors (SMRs) of both the light water and fast neutron flavors are in a race to get to market. The reason is a hypothetical SMR ...
theenergycollective.com/node/
SMRs and Iowa's Energy Future
SMRs and Iowa's Energy Future
Blog for Iowa (blog)
During Iowa's public discussion of nuclear power over the last three years, proponents have frequently mentioned Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as the solution to some of the problems with nuclear power. That current nuclear technology is flawed, ...
Blog for Iowa (blog)
During Iowa's public discussion of nuclear power over the last three years, proponents have frequently mentioned Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as the solution to some of the problems with nuclear power. That current nuclear technology is flawed, ...
Iran and Israel: Who's the bigger threat?
Iran and Israel: Who's the bigger threat?
Los Angeles Times
So why should the Jewish state fear a nuclear-armed country in its neighborhood? A worker rides a bike in front of the reactor building of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, just outside the southern city of Bushehr, Iran. (Majid Asgaripour / Associated ..
Los Angeles Times
So why should the Jewish state fear a nuclear-armed country in its neighborhood? A worker rides a bike in front of the reactor building of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, just outside the southern city of Bushehr, Iran. (Majid Asgaripour / Associated ..
Tehran Is Ramping Up Nuclear-Fuel Output
| Tehran Is Ramping Up Nuclear-Fuel Output Wall Street Journal The International Atomic Energy Agency on Friday also reported that Iranian officials continue to rebuff the agency's calls to explain growing evidence that shows Tehran has experimented in developing the technologies for atomic weapons. |
Nuclear Experts Finger Japan's Lax Safety Culture
Nuclear Experts Finger Japan's Lax Safety Culture
Wall Street Journal
By MITSURU OBE TOKYO—As Japan's nuclear-power industry struggles to regain public trust after the Fukushima Daiichi accident, a group of heavyweight international experts called on authorities to examine the role of a lax safety culture in the ...
Wall Street Journal
By MITSURU OBE TOKYO—As Japan's nuclear-power industry struggles to regain public trust after the Fukushima Daiichi accident, a group of heavyweight international experts called on authorities to examine the role of a lax safety culture in the ...
Innovation vs. Invention: NAATBatt White Paper Asks for Support of Distributed Energy Storage
By James Greenberger, February 25, 2012
This past week, a coalition of 12 leading utilities and industrial companies assembled by NAATBatt finalized a white paper detailing the “national benefits” of distributed energy storage technology. The paper points out that some of the most important benefits of distributed energy storage (DES) systems—their ability to stabilize the national power grid, to enable states to meet renewable... » Continue...
This past week, a coalition of 12 leading utilities and industrial companies assembled by NAATBatt finalized a white paper detailing the “national benefits” of distributed energy storage technology. The paper points out that some of the most important benefits of distributed energy storage (DES) systems—their ability to stabilize the national power grid, to enable states to meet renewable... » Continue...
The fallout from Fukushima
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China electrical consumption in 2011 and 2012
China electrical consumption in 2011 and 2012
China Daily - China's yotal electricity consumption is expected to top 5.14 trillion kilowatt-hours (kwh) this year, with the growth rate slowing from 11.7 percent in 2011 to between 8.5 and 10.5 percent, the CEC said in an annual industrial report posted on its website.According to the CEC report, China's electricity consumption rose 11.7 percent year-on-year to 4.69 trillion kwh in 2011, with 24 provincial-level power grids reporting electricity shortages.
The CEC projected China's installed power generating capacity to reach 1.14 billion kilowatts by the end of 2012, adding 85 million kilowatts of capacity.
Read more »
"The other thing Vogtle has revived: Nuclear hysteria"
"The other thing Vogtle has revived: Nuclear hysteria"
"With the NRC's announcement of the the first new reactor
licenses issued in three decades, anti-nuclear activists have come out
of the woodwork with some of the same predictable arguments. Steve
Skutnik takes aim at a recent high-profile post, in which one nuclear
opponent throws out everything (including the kitchen sink) in a
desperate, facts-optional attempt to quash the nascent nuclear revival
via fear, uncertainty, and doubt."
Thorium must form part of India's energy mix: AEC chief
Thorium must form part of India's energy mix: AEC chief
Hindu Business Line
Large-scale utilisation of thorium must form an important element of India's energy strategy, according to Dr Srikumar Banerjee, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy. Delivering the convocation address at ...
Hindu Business Line
Large-scale utilisation of thorium must form an important element of India's energy strategy, according to Dr Srikumar Banerjee, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy. Delivering the convocation address at ...
Atomic Power Review - News roundup, February 24
Atomic Power Review - News roundup, February 24
Atomic Power Review provides a brief summary of events in Japan and a few interesting nuclear news stories from North America.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Abstract - The Next Meltdown? Responding to a Nuclear Accident in ...
Abstract - The Next Meltdown? Responding to a Nuclear Accident in ...
Homeland Security Affairs is the online journal of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) and is the nation's preeminent peer-reviewed journal ...
www.hsaj.org/?article=8.1.2
Homeland Security Affairs is the online journal of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) and is the nation's preeminent peer-reviewed journal ...
www.hsaj.org/?article=8.1.2
EU jpublic acceptance of nuclear power same as pre-Fukushima official
| EU public acceptance of nuclear power same as pre-Fukushima: official Platts Nuclear power has recovered more public acceptance after the 2010 Fukushima disaster boosted anti-nuclear sentiment in those EU countries where it was previously accepted but it has not gone beyond that, Philip Lowe, director general for the European ... |
INSIGHT: Japan's nuclear crisis goes much further than Fukushima
| INSIGHT-Japan's nuclear crisis goes much further than Fukushima Reuters * Critics say nuclear waste plant too little, too late * Plant won't be big enough to handle waste long term * Other solutions are needed, such as underground storage * Adds to uncertainty over future of nuclear power in Japan By Risa Maeda TOKYO, ... |
American NGOs fund nuclear protests: Manmohan Singh
American NGOs fund nuclear protests: Manmohan Singh
Economic Times
Among the plants suffering delays is the Kudankulam power station in Tamil Nadu, which was due to open last year. Progress on the Russian-built reactor has been halted by protesters over safety fears. "The atomic energy programme has got into problems ...
Economic Times
Among the plants suffering delays is the Kudankulam power station in Tamil Nadu, which was due to open last year. Progress on the Russian-built reactor has been halted by protesters over safety fears. "The atomic energy programme has got into problems ...
Anxiety Surrounding Nuclear Still Lingers
Anxiety Surrounding Nuclear Still Lingers
Energy and Capital -
By Stephanie Ginter The topic of nuclear energy cultivates a slew of
different reactions from the public and government authorities and
varies from country to country. While the nuclear industry is booming in
the United States, Japanese citizens are ...
Research and Markets: Nuclear Power Industry in the US - Porter's Five Forces ...
Research and Markets: Nuclear Power Industry in the US - Porter's Five Forces ...
SunHerald.com -
The nuclear energy industry in the US is worth well over $60 billion,
with the US having the highest number of nuclear power plants in the
world (104 nuclear power plants as of 2010). There is no doubt that the
US is one of the biggest players in the ...
Canada's nuclear industry needs to fight fukushima fear, top executive says
Canada's nuclear industry needs to fight Fukushima fear, top executive says
Ottawa Citizen -
By Ian MacLeod, The Ottawa Citizen February 23, 2012 Tom Mitchell,
president and CEO of Ontario Power Generation, urged Canada's nuclear
industry not to retreat in the face of renewed public skepticism in an
address Thursday to several hundred Ottawa ...
Tritium leak at North Anna gives another example of why nuclear energy's wrong
| Tritium leak at North Anna gives another example of why nuclear energy's wrong Examiner.com Dominion is also reported to have told the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that the contaminated water is not leaking off-site and that there is no evidence that the 5.8 magnitude earthquake is related to the leak. I don't know whether this is ... |
Southern Nuclear responds to Vogtle license challenge
| Southern Nuclear responds to Vogtle license challenge The Augusta Chronicle A consortium of groups asked for judicial review of its request that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission — which issued a combined operating license Feb. 9 – halt further construction due to unresolved safety concerns related to the crisis in Fukushima. |
Over 10 United States reactor licenses could be modified, suspended . . .
| Over 10 United States nuclear reactor licenses could be modified, suspended ... Enformable On Thursday, February 16, 2012, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff issued 10 CFR 50.54(f) letters to plants that use Westinghouse realistic emergency core cooling system (ECCS) methods (ASTRUM or CQD) and have a peak cladding temperature ... |
A Guided Tour of Hell
http://www.
A Guided Tour of Hell
Into the Forbidden Zone: A Trip Through Hell and High Water in Post-Earthquake Japan, by William T. Vollmann. Byliner Originals, 2011. (Nook/Google Ebook/Sony eReader/iTunes bookstore/Kindle Single
)Reviewed by Maggie Koerth-Baker
http://www.
Obama's Fantasy Energy Plan
Obama's Fantasy Energy Plan
I had a friend, now dead. who worked for West German intelligence debriefing East Bloc defectors.India promises level playing field to US nuclear firms
India promises level playing field to US nuclear firms
Boston MA (IANS) Feb 21, 2012
Noting that India will need to invest more than $1 trillion on
infrastructure to continue on the high growth trajectory, New Delhi has
promised US companies a level playing field, including in the area of
nuclear energy.
"In order to continue on the high growth trajectory, India will need to
invest more than $1 trillion in the coming years in building a world
class infrastructure that coul
Noting that India will need to invest more than $1 trillion on
infrastructure to continue on the high growth trajectory, New Delhi has
promised US companies a level playing field, including in the area of
nuclear energy.
"In order to continue on the high growth trajectory, India will need to
invest more than $1 trillion in the coming years in building a world
class infrastructure that coulInto the no-man's land of Fukushima
Into the no-man's land of Fukushima
Fukushima Daiichi, Japan (AFP) Feb 21, 2012
Every two minutes on the bus ride through the ghost towns surrounding
Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, a company guide in a white
protective suit holds up a display showing the radiation level. And it
is rising.
Passing through the disaster exclusion zone visitors catch sight of
houses that look like they could be anywhere in Japan, except for the
odd sign that there is no-one to loo
Every two minutes on the bus ride through the ghost towns surrounding
Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, a company guide in a white
protective suit holds up a display showing the radiation level. And it
is rising.
Passing through the disaster exclusion zone visitors catch sight of
houses that look like they could be anywhere in Japan, except for the
odd sign that there is no-one to looTEPCO to cement Fukushima seabed to stem radiation
TEPCO to cement Fukushima seabed to stem radiation
Tokyo (AFP) Feb 22, 2012
The operator of Japan's tsunami-crippled nuclear plant is to cover a
large swathe of seabed near the battered reactors with cement in a bid
to halt the spread of radiation, the company said Wednesday.
A clay-cement compound will be laid over 73,000 square metres (785,000
square feet) of the floor of the Pacific in front of the Fukushima
Daiichi plant on the nation's northeast coast, said Tok
The operator of Japan's tsunami-crippled nuclear plant is to cover a
large swathe of seabed near the battered reactors with cement in a bid
to halt the spread of radiation, the company said Wednesday.
A clay-cement compound will be laid over 73,000 square metres (785,000
square feet) of the floor of the Pacific in front of the Fukushima
Daiichi plant on the nation's northeast coast, said TokA Primer on Pending Environmental Regulations and their Potential Impacts on Electric System Reliability -- NESCAUM
A Primer on Pending Environmental Regulations and their Potential Impacts on Electric System Reliability -- NESCAUM
A Primer on Pending Environmental Regulations and their Potential Impacts on Electric System Reliability a report by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management updated February 2012"The purpose of this primer is to provide a basic background on recent and pending U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) rules affecting the electric power generation sector (with coal power plants being a major focus). Several studies are briefly summarized that have assessed the environmental regulations’ possible collective impact on power plant retirements and electric system reliability. Where available, USEPA analyses of the costs and benefits of proposed and final rules are presented. Also presented are planning options identified in several of the scenario studies that can help mitigate potential reliability issues."
Blog Post: New Reactors Connect to Grid in South Korea
Blog Post: New Reactors Connect to Grid in South Korea
Korea Electric Power Co. has hooked two new reactors up to the grid.
World Nuclear News reported Thursday that Shin Kori 2 and Shin Wolsong 1 were connected to the grid last month and will enter into commercial service by the middle of the year.
Construction began on both units in 2007, according to the World Nuclear Association. Both are OPR-1000s – pressurized water reactors designed domestically and based originally on the Combustion Engineering System 80 reactor. They bring the total number of power reactors in South Korea to 23. Previously, nuclear provided 31 percent of the country’s electrical generation.
Last year Korea reaffirmed plans to produce nearly 60 percent of its power from 40 reactors by 2030. Three additional units are under construction and expected to come online by the end of 2014.
World Nuclear News reported Thursday that Shin Kori 2 and Shin Wolsong 1 were connected to the grid last month and will enter into commercial service by the middle of the year.
Construction began on both units in 2007, according to the World Nuclear Association. Both are OPR-1000s – pressurized water reactors designed domestically and based originally on the Combustion Engineering System 80 reactor. They bring the total number of power reactors in South Korea to 23. Previously, nuclear provided 31 percent of the country’s electrical generation.
Last year Korea reaffirmed plans to produce nearly 60 percent of its power from 40 reactors by 2030. Three additional units are under construction and expected to come online by the end of 2014.
Wind Power In Trouble on Two Fronts
Wind Power In Trouble on Two Fronts
Wind
power is being squeezed on two fronts. Natural gas prices remain low,
limiting the financial incentive to install wind capacity. Meanwhile,
the Chinese government continues limit the supply of rare earth elements
(REE), and the magnets required for wind turbines use sizable
quantities of two of them, neodymium and dysprosium. Any interruption in
supply, accompanied with price shocks, could debilitate the wind
industry, whose struggle to become competitive is already being harmed
by the success of its competitors like natural gas. 
Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Not Long to Wait Now
Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Not Long to Wait Now
Fuel
cells are one of those technologies we have covered before, usually
citing some manufacturer who is fan-faring a new technology purported to
be game-changing for the cost structure of the hydrogen fuel cell
market. So far, fuel cells are used predominantly in specialist
applications such as submarines and space vehicles, or in remote areas
where power requirements are low yet refuelling is expensive or
difficult — or both. The breakthrough application would be an
economically viable application in automobiles, but according to the
FT,…Read more...
Life After Oil - A Look at the Latest Clean Technology Developments
Life After Oil - A Look at the Latest Clean Technology Developments
Gasoline
prices in the U.S. are off on another tear. The national average just
went by $3.57 for regular and due to a little problem of several major
refineries that serve the U.S.'s East Coast shutting down, here in
Northern Virginia we are running 20 to 25 cents a gallon higher than
normal. The wisest of the prognosticators say we should seeing circa $4+
a gallon by late spring so the Washington area will likely be seeing
circa $4.50. In case you missed it, they are already getting $5 for
regular down by the Kennedy Centre. Somebody in Congress…Read more...
DOE no Longer Able to Fund Clean Technology Ventures after Budget Cuts
DOE no Longer Able to Fund Clean Technology Ventures after Budget Cuts
The
US Department of Energy's (DOE) days as a financier of clean
technologies are over thanks to the Solyndra backlash, but budget cuts
would have prevented the department from functioning in that role
anyway, according to NRG Energy's chief executive. "It was the headline
for a good part of the year in 2011," David Crane, president and CEO of
power generator NRG Energy, said of the Solyndra situation at the
Jefferies 2012 Global Clean Technology Conference in New York on
Wednesday. "In all likelihood it will be a headline into a good part of
the…Read more...
India's Soaring Energy demands strain national grid
India's Soaring Energy demands strain national grid
As
the “Third World” races to industrialize, rising population demands for
reliable energy place increasing stress on a country’s power generating
capabilities, and nowhere is this more evident than in BRIC nation
India. “Energy from anywhere” seems to be New Delhi’s motto, as the cost
of India’s energy imports is proving a significant drag on the
otherwise explosive growth of the nation’s economy. India, the world's
fourth largest oil importer, ships in 80 percent of its oil
requirements. The detrimental…Read more...
Kuwait finally announces plans to cancel nuclear builds
http://www.arabianbusiness.com
Kuwait finally announces plans to cancel nuclear builds
SACE and NC WARN: Southern Company does not have Real "Skin in the Game" if Vogtle Reactor Loan Guarantee Defaults
SACE and NC WARN: Southern Company does not have Real "Skin in the Game" if Vogtle Reactor Loan Guarantee Defaults
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) believed to be just days away from awarding a $8.33 billion taxpayer-backed loan guarantee to Southern Company/Georgia Power and their utility partners for the proposed Vogtle reactors in Georgia, concerned groups are warning that several falsehoods are being spread about the risks faced by U.S. taxpayers.
In particular, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and NC WARN pointed to a news release circulated on February 16, 2012 by the Nuclear Energy Institute, the trade organization for the nuclear industry. (See http://www.nei.org/newsandevents/newsreleases/doe-loan-guarantee-for-plant-vogtle-expansion-on-sound-financial-footing/.)
Among the falsehoods contained in the release are the following:
http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=5012452&access=EH
U.S. does not believe Iran is trying to build nuclear bomb
http://www.latimes.com/news/
6:11 PM PST, February 23, 2012
Reporting from Washington
As U.S. and Israeli officials talk publicly about the prospect of a
military strike against Iran's nuclear program, one fact is often
overlooked: U.S. intelligence agencies don't believe Iran is actively
trying to build an atomic bomb.
U.S. does not believe Iran is trying to build nuclear bomb
The latest U.S. intelligence report indicates Iran is pursuing research that could enable it to build a nuclear weapon, but that it has not sought to do so.
By Ken Dilanian, Los Angeles Times6:11 PM PST, February 23, 2012
Reporting from Washington
Majority U.S. Public Support for Nuclear Energy Has Stabilized, New Survey Shows
Eighty-one percent of Americans view nuclear energy as important to meeting the nation's future electricity needs, according to a new national public opinion survey. Read more.
Special Report: Fuel storage, safety issues vexed Japan plant
Report: Fukushima Daiichi plant had fuel-storage issues
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant was storing uranium fuel rods beyond its original capacity at the time of the March 11 earthquake, according to documents from Tokyo Electric Power. "They were headed for dense pack and that would have made the situation even worse," said Frank von Hippel, a U.S. nuclear-security adviser during President Bill Clinton's administration. Reuters
Special Report: Fuel storage, safety issues vexed Japan plant
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant was storing uranium fuel rods beyond its original capacity at the time of the March 11 earthquake, according to documents from Tokyo Electric Power. "They were headed for dense pack and that would have made the situation even worse," said Frank von Hippel, a U.S. nuclear-security adviser during President Bill Clinton's administration. Reuters
Nuclear companies give $1.2M for USC research center
Nuclear companies give $1.2M for USC research center http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/news/42844-nuclear-companies-give-1-2m-for-usc-research-center?rss=0
OPPD, NRC meeting about Neb. plant was positive, exec says
OPPD, NRC meeting about Neb. plant was positive, exec says
A meeting between officials from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Omaha Public Power District about the utility's Fort Calhoun nuclear plant in Nebraska was productive, said Gary Gates, OPPD's president and CEO. The facility has been offline since April because of refueling maintenance and flooding. "The recovery process is in full swing," Gates said. KETV-TV (Omaha, Neb.)
A meeting between officials from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Omaha Public Power District about the utility's Fort Calhoun nuclear plant in Nebraska was productive, said Gary Gates, OPPD's president and CEO. The facility has been offline since April because of refueling maintenance and flooding. "The recovery process is in full swing," Gates said. KETV-TV (Omaha, Neb.)
PG&E expects NRC to clear relicensing of Diablo Canyon plant
PG&E expects NRC to clear relicensing of Diablo Canyon plant
Pacific Gas & Electric expects the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant to be relicensed after it concludes its new seismic analyses and petitions the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to resume relicensing work, the utility said. The facility "needs to get relicensed for the state of California. It's a great asset," said Anthony Earley, PG&E's chairman, president and CEO. Bloomberg
Pacific Gas & Electric expects the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant to be relicensed after it concludes its new seismic analyses and petitions the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to resume relicensing work, the utility said. The facility "needs to get relicensed for the state of California. It's a great asset," said Anthony Earley, PG&E's chairman, president and CEO. Bloomberg
Insight: Japan's nuclear crisis goes much further than Fukushima
| Insight: Japan's nuclear crisis goes much further than Fukushima Reuters Dogged by persistent technical problems, it is designed to recycle spent nuclear fuel and partly address a glaring weakness in Japan's bid to restore confidence in the industry, shredded last year when a quake and tsunami wrecked the Fukushima Daiichi ... |
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes SMR developers seek investors and customers
Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes
SMR developers seek investors and customers
Small
modular reactor vendors seek investors and customers. First they have
to prove they can build one. This report, the 2nd in a series, looks at
opportunities to develop prototypes at the Department of Energy's
Savannah River site.
Gendai: 1.5 million Bq/m² detected in Tokyo park — At level of mandatory evacuation areas after Chernobyl
Gendai: 1.5 million Bq/m² detected in Tokyo park — At level of mandatory evacuation areas after Chernobyl
http://enenews.com/gendai-1-5-million-bqm2-detected-in-tokyo-park-at-level-of-mandatory-evacuation-area-after-chernobyl
IAEA Fukushima Daiichi Status Report
Fukushima Daiichi Status Report
The latest Fukushima Daiichi Status Report is now available. The Report (in pdf format) can be accessed here →.Majority U.S. Public Support for Nuclear Energy Has Stabilized, New Survey Shows
Majority U.S. Public Support for Nuclear Energy Has Stabilized, New Survey Shows
WASHINGTON,
D.C.—Nearly a year after the Fukushima Daiichi accident in Japan, a
strong majority of Americans—81 percent—views nuclear energy as
important to meeting the nation’s future electricity needs. Moreover, a
solid majority of Americans believes nuclear power operations in the
United States are safe and secure, according to a new national public
opinion survey that reveals that popular support for nuclear energy has
stabilized.
Blog Post: UK Nuclear Reactors May Receive Lifetime Extensions, Energy Minister Says
Blog Post: UK Nuclear Reactors May Receive Lifetime Extensions, Energy Minister Says
During a conference in London Tuesday, UK energy minister Charles Hendry hinted that several of the county's reactors could have their lives extended into the mid-2020's. The ageing plants had been scheduled to be shut down during the course of the next ten years - with only the Sizewell B reactor in Suffolk scheduled to continue operating and plans for 16GW of new plants at eight sites in the works - but now the country may have to reconsider in order to cover the looming energy gap.”By the early 2020s [almost the] whole nuclear fleet will be closed down,” Hendry said. “Some may get a lifetime extension – that is entirely possible.”
NRC releases post-crisis safety recommendations
NRC releases post-crisis safety recommendations
Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff have recommended initial safety rules for nuclear plant operators that would address concerns related to the Fukushima Daiichi incident in Japan. One rule would require operators to come up with strategies for extreme scenarios, while another would task nuclear plants with enhancing instrumentation in used nuclear fuel pools. "Each of the orders is focused on enhancing defense in depth at nuclear power plants through increased capabilities to minimize the potential for core damage following a beyond design basis external event," the agency said in a memo. Reuters
Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff have recommended initial safety rules for nuclear plant operators that would address concerns related to the Fukushima Daiichi incident in Japan. One rule would require operators to come up with strategies for extreme scenarios, while another would task nuclear plants with enhancing instrumentation in used nuclear fuel pools. "Each of the orders is focused on enhancing defense in depth at nuclear power plants through increased capabilities to minimize the potential for core damage following a beyond design basis external event," the agency said in a memo. Reuters
Energy Solutions wins waste processing contract at United Arab Emirates new build site
New post on i-NUCLEAR |
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EnergySolutions wins waste processing contract at United Arab Emirates new build siteby I-Nuclear |
EnergySolutions
has been awarded a four-year contract with Korea Electric Power Corp.
to design and supply waste management systems for the United Arab
Emirates nuclear energy program, EnergySolutions said February 23.
US NRC staff recommends post-Fukushima nuclear safety upgrades
| US NRC staff recommends post-Fukushima nuclear safety upgrades Platts The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission should order nuclear power plants to take a variety of measures to enhance their ability to withstand severe earthquakes and floods, such as those that caused the Fukushima-1 accident in Japan, agency staff said in ... |
NRC proposes first post-Fukushima safety standards
NRC proposes first post-Fukushima safety standards
Power Engineering Magazine
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Feb. 17 proposed three rules to address safety-related issues following the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. The rules, the first since the NRC established its task force to ...
Power Engineering Magazine
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Feb. 17 proposed three rules to address safety-related issues following the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. The rules, the first since the NRC established its task force to ...
Arnie Gundersen at the Japan National Press Club
Arnie Gundersen at the Japan National Press Clubhttp://www.fairewinds.com/content/arnie-gundersen-japan-national-press-club
A Reminder about the RIC by Moderator
U.S. NRC Blog |
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Here Are 10 States That Run On Nuclear Power
Here Are 10 States That Run On Nuclear Power
Business Insider
The anniversary of the Japan earthquake, which killed over 16000 people and caused the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, is only two weeks away. Immediately after the disaster, several European nations decided to significantly
Business Insider
The anniversary of the Japan earthquake, which killed over 16000 people and caused the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, is only two weeks away. Immediately after the disaster, several European nations decided to significantly
Kuwait scraps nuclear power in light of 3/11
Kuwait scraps nuclear power in light of 3/11
The Japan Times
KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait is no longer pursuing nuclear power following the disaster in Japan, scrapping a plan last July to build four reactors by 2022, officials of a Kuwaiti government research body said Tuesday.
The Japan Times
KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait is no longer pursuing nuclear power following the disaster in Japan, scrapping a plan last July to build four reactors by 2022, officials of a Kuwaiti government research body said Tuesday.
Danger Zone: Ageing Nuclear Reactors
Danger Zone: Ageing Nuclear Reactors
Aljazeera.com
Following Japan's nuclear disaster last year there are fears the US may be heading for a nuclear catastrophe of its own. In March 2012, a devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Aljazeera.com
Following Japan's nuclear disaster last year there are fears the US may be heading for a nuclear catastrophe of its own. In March 2012, a devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
India to push ahead with nuclear power
| India to push ahead with nuclear power UPI.com 23 (UPI) -- India needs nuclear energy to sustain its economic growth, a government official said. Speaking in New Delhi Wednesday at the International Nuclear Symposium, Indian Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee said |
B&W Named to MIT Technology Review's 2012 TR50 List of the World's Most ...
| B&W Named to MIT Technology Review's 2012 TR50 List of the World's Most ... MarketWatch (press release) The company is developing the B&W mPower reactor with a scalable and modular design to be capable of adding generating capacity in 180 MWe increments to match customers' load growth projections. It is designed to feature a four-year operating cycle ... |
modular reactors « The Nuclear Information Center
modular reactors « The Nuclear Information Center
Pictured here is one of many models of small, modular reactors. Smaller reactors are currently being developed and promoted as a new option for electricity ...
nuclear.duke-energy.com/tag/
Pictured here is one of many models of small, modular reactors. Smaller reactors are currently being developed and promoted as a new option for electricity ...
nuclear.duke-energy.com/tag/
B&W makes list of 50 most innovative companies
B&W makes list of 50 most innovative companies
Charlotte Business Journal (blog)
Two mPower small modular reactors are shown installed in an underground assembly in this rendering provided by Babcock and Wilcox. They are the long cylindrical objects at the left and right. A truck drawn in the above ground bay gives a sense of the ...
Charlotte Business Journal (blog)
Two mPower small modular reactors are shown installed in an underground assembly in this rendering provided by Babcock and Wilcox. They are the long cylindrical objects at the left and right. A truck drawn in the above ground bay gives a sense of the ...
Coming to Grips with Countries Reasons for Going Nuclear
Coming to Grips with Countries Reasons for Going Nuclear
While there is much discussion and debate on the Internet over the 'meaning' of the expansion of the worlds nuclear fleet, something has slipped in this discussion over the reason why countries are deciding to go nuclear.
Let's review; dozens of countries have decided to expand their nuclear fleet or, where there is not nuclear fleet, decided to set up the needed nuclear regulatory and safety regime into order to develop such a fleet. This goes against the almost exclusively anti-nuclear decisions of OCED countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland who have decided to either never build nuclear or, have announced plans to eventually phase it out.
Among those countries taking the opposite direction, either developing new nuclear or expanding existing infrastructure: include: France, Finland, Britain, Vietnam, China, India, Russia, Czech Republic, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Poland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, South Korea, Taiwan.
I'm sure they are more and obviously, some are more serious than others in going for nuclear energy.
But what are the reasons?
Unlocking the Next Energy Breakthroughs: What Drives Energy Innovation in 2012?
Unlocking the Next Energy Breakthroughs:
What Drives Energy Innovation in 2012?
What technologies represent the
cutting edge of energy innovation in 2012, and which ones show the most
promise for helping us to establish a sustainable energy future and
power our economy in the process? What are the respective roles of the
public and private sectors in driving innovation in the space?
Following on the heels of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy's 3rd annual Energy Innovation Summit in Washington, DC, and looking forward to the Edison Foundation's Powering the People event in March, The Energy Collective will bring together experts from both organizations and exciting technology leaders to explore the innovations that are modernizing our approach to energy.
Join us as we discuss:
Following on the heels of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy's 3rd annual Energy Innovation Summit in Washington, DC, and looking forward to the Edison Foundation's Powering the People event in March, The Energy Collective will bring together experts from both organizations and exciting technology leaders to explore the innovations that are modernizing our approach to energy.
Join us as we discuss:
- The most promising clean energy technology ventures and the latest ARPA-E grantees.
- The transformational technologies that can make room for cleaner energy in our electric grid and change the way consumers interact with power.
- Key questions about what drives innovation: Are government incentives necessary to promote cleaner technology that will achieve substantial scale? Where is the private sector strongest in driving efficiency and innovation?
- The challenges for clean tech ventures achieving large-scale market success. How do clean energy companies become competitive?
FEATURING...
Fearing radiation, Naha cuts Aomori snow fete
Fearing radiation, Naha cuts Aomori snow fetehttp://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120223a3.html
Update from ANS: TVA uses supercomputers to look inside reactors
TVA uses supercomputers to look inside reactorsBy dyurman on Feb 23, 2012 01:00 amA partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory will yield results for years to come By Dan Yurman Living next door to the most powerful computers in the world offers the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) a unique opportunity to get answers to … Continue reading → Read in browser » |
G-20 Clean Energy, and Energy Efficiency Deployment and Policy Progress- IEA
G-20 Clean Energy, and Energy Efficiency Deployment and Policy Progress- IEA
Reporting to G-20 on Clean Energy and Efficiency Progress
G-20 Clean Energy, and Energy Efficiency Deployment and Policy Progress, a report prepared by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in collaboration with the G-20 Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Working Group, provides an overview of clean energy and energy efficiency technology deployment and summarises support policies in place across G-20 countries. The report highlights that while clean energy technology deployment has made steady progress and energy efficiency improvements have been made, continued reliance on fossil fuels to meet growth in global energy demand presents a significant challenge. Scaling-up the deployment of renewable energy, in addition to improving end-use efficiency, enhancing the efficiency of fossil fuel based power generation, and supporting the widespread deployment of CCS will, therefore, also be crucial aspects of the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Because the G-20 group of countries represent close to 80% of energy-related CO₂emissions, by developing and deploying energy efficiency and clean energy technologies, they are presented with a unique opportunity to make collective progress in transitioning the global energy system. IEA Deputy Executive Director Richard Jones emphasised the importance of G-20 efforts, saying, "The IEA welcomes this important collaboration with the G-20. Enhanced deployment of clean energy technologies and of energy efficiency improvements offers energy security and environmental benefits. It will also enable cost savings over the medium and long term – an aspect that is particularly relevant at a time of economic uncertainty. We believe that enhanced policy assessment and analysis, building on this initial report, will enable governments to take more cost effective and efficient policy decisions.”
G-20 Clean Energy, and Energy Efficiency Deployment and Policy Progress, a report prepared by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in collaboration with the G-20 Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Working Group, provides an overview of clean energy and energy efficiency technology deployment and summarises support policies in place across G-20 countries. The report highlights that while clean energy technology deployment has made steady progress and energy efficiency improvements have been made, continued reliance on fossil fuels to meet growth in global energy demand presents a significant challenge. Scaling-up the deployment of renewable energy, in addition to improving end-use efficiency, enhancing the efficiency of fossil fuel based power generation, and supporting the widespread deployment of CCS will, therefore, also be crucial aspects of the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Because the G-20 group of countries represent close to 80% of energy-related CO₂emissions, by developing and deploying energy efficiency and clean energy technologies, they are presented with a unique opportunity to make collective progress in transitioning the global energy system. IEA Deputy Executive Director Richard Jones emphasised the importance of G-20 efforts, saying, "The IEA welcomes this important collaboration with the G-20. Enhanced deployment of clean energy technologies and of energy efficiency improvements offers energy security and environmental benefits. It will also enable cost savings over the medium and long term – an aspect that is particularly relevant at a time of economic uncertainty. We believe that enhanced policy assessment and analysis, building on this initial report, will enable governments to take more cost effective and efficient policy decisions.”
Next Gen Nuclear Plant Industry Alliance Selects AREVA Concept
Next Gen Nuclear Plant Industry Alliance Selects AREVA Concept
Paris, France (SPX) Feb 23, 2012
AREVA welcomes the announcement by the Next Generation Nuclear Plant
(NGNP) Industry Alliance LLC that AREVA's prismatic core, 625 MW
thermal, steam cycle modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor
(SC-HTGR), AREVA's HTGR Generation IV reactor, was selected as the
reactor design concept to provide high temperature process steam for
industrial applications and electricity production.
Why Shale Gas is the Best Hope for Our Energy Future
Why Shale Gas is the Best Hope for Our Energy Future
Citizens
of the world, consumers of energy and environmental stewards, our
mission is to build a sustainable, environmentally friendly and
economically viable energy source. By design, few of us are in love
with fossil fuels. But what we must be; are realists. As the search for
the best energy solution(s) today continues, time-and-time again the
compass points north to Natural Gas. Why, because, key industrial
centres are sitting on vast shale gas energy opportunities. This is no
longer a fantasy but a vision that can benefit the world today,…Read more...
Overcoming High Oil Prices - Time to Stop Playing the Energy Victim
Overcoming High Oil Prices - Time to Stop Playing the Energy Victim
Our
world is a ‘funk’—again over global oil price spikes caused by concerns
about conflict between Iran and Israel drawing the US into a war, the
continuing agony of Greek debt and its euro contagion, worries that
China may have deeper economic problems than thought that will drag the
global economy back into recession. In other words, situation normal.
But the situation is not normal in the US since we are in the midst of
the primary election season and spiking oil prices is seen as a perfect
excuse to hammer the president…Read more...
Big Oil's Generosity and the Cloak of Social Responsibility
Big Oil's Generosity and the Cloak of Social Responsibility
U.S.
supermajor Exxon Mobil said it invited 50 school girls to its
headquarters in Texas for its 9th annual program meant to encourage more
women to pursue engineering. The company said that while women make up
about half of the U.S. workforce, only around 14 percent of those jobs
were in the field of engineering. The program, Exxon explained, was part
of a multi-million dollar effort launched through its philanthropic
arm, the Exxon Mobil Foundation. The initiative, Exxon officials
explain, is meant to show school girls that engineering was…Read more...
New Oil Field in the Gulf of Mexico Could be Huge
New Oil Field in the Gulf of Mexico Could be Huge
The
BP blowout reaction a couple years ago put a lid on oil and gas
development in the Gulf of Mexico that has yet to be fully lifted. With
oil over $100 today and the projections on prices looking scary for the
economy and average Americans, a little good news is very welcome. A
midsize oil explorer and developer company called McMoRan has been
working in shallow Gulf of Mexico waters, close to shore, but drilling
very deep. For years McMoRan has been ignored. Until:Chevron, the Big
Oil Giant out of California caught on to the…Read more...
SMR Commercial Deployment forecast for late 2020's by utility
SMR Commercial Deployment forecast for late 2020's by utility
NUCLEAR
... Commercial nuclear plants in the United States are based on light water reactor (LWR)
technology developed in the 1950s. One unit, the 1,200-megawatt Columbia Generating Station operates in the Northwest. Motivated by improved plant designs, the need for new low-carbon baseload resources and financial incentives of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, nuclear development activity has resumed in the United States following a three-decade hiatus. As of late 2009, developers have submitted applications to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for combined construction and operating licenses for 27 new units at 17 sites, largely in the southeast. Most proposals are planned for service in the late teens, and construction of the initial units is expected to be contingent on federal incentives. The proposed plants employ evolutionary LWR designs with increased use of passively operated safety systems and factory assembled standardized modular components. These features should improve safety, reduce cost, and increase reliability.
Work is also underway on developing small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs are conceived as modular, scalable, largely factory-assembled plants of 25 to 350 megawatts generating capacity.
Compared to 1,100 to 1,800 megawatt conventional reactors, the smaller size and modular
construction of SMRs are intended to reduce capital cost and investment risk by employing a greater degree of factory assembly, shortening construction lead time and better matching plant size to customer needs through scaling of multiple units. Smaller plant size may also permit greater siting flexibility and cogeneration potential and can benefit system reliability through reduction in “single-shaft” outage risk. Proposed SMR designs offer improved safety through features such as integral construction (all reactor coolant systems contained within a single pressure vessel), below-ground emplacement, and lifetime, factory-installed fuel supplies. The SMR concept is not new or unique - over 50 SMR designs have been proposed - however, the enormous investment and long lead time needed to construct conventional reactor plants plus increasing interest in deploying carbon-free nuclear technology in developing countries has resulted in unprecedented interest in SMR technology. Completion of the first demonstration SMRs is at least a decade away. Designs must be completed, NRC design certification secured, and demonstration projects permitted, financed, constructed and tested.
Nuclear plants could be an attractive source of dependable capacity and baseload low-carbon energy that is largely immune to high natural gas prices and climate policy. However, a new nuclear unit would entail the risks of construction delay, regulatory uncertainty, escalating costs,
and the reliability risk associated with a large single-shaft machine. The reference plant is a
single 1,100 megawatt advanced-light water reactor unit. The reference cost of power from this unit is estimated to be $108 per megawatt-hour (2025 service). Construction of a new unit in the Northwest would likely require the successful completion and operation of at least one of the proposed new units elsewhere in the United States, established spent-nuclear fuel disposal policy, and aggressive development of equally cost-effective conservation and renewable resources. These conditions would likely preclude operation of a new conventional nuclear plant in the Northwest prior to the early to mid-2020s.
Late 2020's early 2030's maybe better forecasts for some systems.
Source: Northwest Power and Conservation Council
Council Document 2010-09 Feb. 2010
Chapter 6: Generating Resources and Energy Storage Technologies Sixth Power Plan
Page 6-40
... Commercial nuclear plants in the United States are based on light water reactor (LWR)
technology developed in the 1950s. One unit, the 1,200-megawatt Columbia Generating Station operates in the Northwest. Motivated by improved plant designs, the need for new low-carbon baseload resources and financial incentives of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, nuclear development activity has resumed in the United States following a three-decade hiatus. As of late 2009, developers have submitted applications to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for combined construction and operating licenses for 27 new units at 17 sites, largely in the southeast. Most proposals are planned for service in the late teens, and construction of the initial units is expected to be contingent on federal incentives. The proposed plants employ evolutionary LWR designs with increased use of passively operated safety systems and factory assembled standardized modular components. These features should improve safety, reduce cost, and increase reliability.
Work is also underway on developing small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs are conceived as modular, scalable, largely factory-assembled plants of 25 to 350 megawatts generating capacity.
Compared to 1,100 to 1,800 megawatt conventional reactors, the smaller size and modular
construction of SMRs are intended to reduce capital cost and investment risk by employing a greater degree of factory assembly, shortening construction lead time and better matching plant size to customer needs through scaling of multiple units. Smaller plant size may also permit greater siting flexibility and cogeneration potential and can benefit system reliability through reduction in “single-shaft” outage risk. Proposed SMR designs offer improved safety through features such as integral construction (all reactor coolant systems contained within a single pressure vessel), below-ground emplacement, and lifetime, factory-installed fuel supplies. The SMR concept is not new or unique - over 50 SMR designs have been proposed - however, the enormous investment and long lead time needed to construct conventional reactor plants plus increasing interest in deploying carbon-free nuclear technology in developing countries has resulted in unprecedented interest in SMR technology. Completion of the first demonstration SMRs is at least a decade away. Designs must be completed, NRC design certification secured, and demonstration projects permitted, financed, constructed and tested.
Nuclear plants could be an attractive source of dependable capacity and baseload low-carbon energy that is largely immune to high natural gas prices and climate policy. However, a new nuclear unit would entail the risks of construction delay, regulatory uncertainty, escalating costs,
and the reliability risk associated with a large single-shaft machine. The reference plant is a
single 1,100 megawatt advanced-light water reactor unit. The reference cost of power from this unit is estimated to be $108 per megawatt-hour (2025 service). Construction of a new unit in the Northwest would likely require the successful completion and operation of at least one of the proposed new units elsewhere in the United States, established spent-nuclear fuel disposal policy, and aggressive development of equally cost-effective conservation and renewable resources. These conditions would likely preclude operation of a new conventional nuclear plant in the Northwest prior to the early to mid-2020s.
Late 2020's early 2030's maybe better forecasts for some systems.
Source: Northwest Power and Conservation Council
Council Document 2010-09 Feb. 2010
Chapter 6: Generating Resources and Energy Storage Technologies Sixth Power Plan
Page 6-40
PG&E Names Industry Veteran as Chief Nuclear Officer
PG&E Names Industry Veteran as Chief Nuclear Officer
Ed Halpin Will Oversee Operations at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced the appointment of Edward D. Halpin as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer. Halpin will be responsible for the continued safe, efficient, and reliable operations of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant (DCPP) and the decommissioning of Humboldt Bay Power Plant. He will also serve as the utility's lead contact with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Can North America Become Bigger than Qatar as the World's Leading LNG Exporter?
Can North America Become Bigger than Qatar as the World's Leading LNG Exporter?
LONDON, February 22, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
Cheniere's latest SpA with KOGAS has once again launched North America into the headlines. Jean Abiteboul, President, Cheniere Supply & Marketing, will be giving a keynote presentation at the LNG Export Forum North America in Houston on the 16 - 18 May 2012, and will also give updates on the Sabine Pass - the launch of the first US LNG export terminal.
The Forum will highlight upon:
Also, Janine McArdle, from Apache Corporation and Kitmat will give a keynote address on Building a Roadmap for Successful LNG Export; while Edward Scott from Excelerate Energy will be exploring a different approach to LNG; Nitin Shukla from Hazira LNG and Port and Dr. A.K Balyan from, Petronet India, will both present in the Buyer Perspective Panel - Standing Out from the Crowd: What Asian and European Buyers Will Look for When Considering Import from North America and Kathleen Eisbrenner, Next Decade and Chesapeake Energy will be Forecasting the Future of LNG Export from North America
For further information and updates please visit our website: http://www.lngexportna.com
Source: Gastech Specialist Events
Notes to the editor: Website address: http://www.lngexportna.com, Follow Us on Twitter: energydmg, For all press enquiries: Contact Neill Howard on +44(0)203-180-6508 or neillhoward@dmgevents.com.
LONDON, February 22, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
Cheniere's latest SpA with KOGAS has once again launched North America into the headlines. Jean Abiteboul, President, Cheniere Supply & Marketing, will be giving a keynote presentation at the LNG Export Forum North America in Houston on the 16 - 18 May 2012, and will also give updates on the Sabine Pass - the launch of the first US LNG export terminal.
The Forum will highlight upon:
- How Cheniere spotted an opportunity to export LNG and a review of its
partnerships with GAIL, BG Group, KOGAS, and Gas Natural Fenosa
- Exploring how the Kitimat LNG project stands out in terms of access to markets
and economic benefits
- An inside view on the Department Of Energy's conclusions for granting further
export licenses
- Gaining first-hand information on export strategies from Oman LNG and how it
intends to maintain market share
- Hear Statoil's forecast on the future status for LNG export in North America -
is this a long term business or a short term trend?
Also, Janine McArdle, from Apache Corporation and Kitmat will give a keynote address on Building a Roadmap for Successful LNG Export; while Edward Scott from Excelerate Energy will be exploring a different approach to LNG; Nitin Shukla from Hazira LNG and Port and Dr. A.K Balyan from, Petronet India, will both present in the Buyer Perspective Panel - Standing Out from the Crowd: What Asian and European Buyers Will Look for When Considering Import from North America and Kathleen Eisbrenner, Next Decade and Chesapeake Energy will be Forecasting the Future of LNG Export from North America
For further information and updates please visit our website: http://www.lngexportna.com
Source: Gastech Specialist Events
Notes to the editor: Website address: http://www.lngexportna.com, Follow Us on Twitter: energydmg, For all press enquiries: Contact Neill Howard on +44(0)203-180-6508 or neillhoward@dmgevents.com.
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