IAEA report highlights Asian nuclear boom

IAEA report highlights Asian nuclear boom

Hoist - ‎Oct 3, 2012‎

The report says 41 reactors are under construction across the region with nearly 100 planned over the next decade, with a further 221 proposed. Malaysia has completed preliminary site selection, ranking and feasibility studies for 2GW?of nuclear power ...http://www.hoistmagazine.com/news/iaea-report-highlights-asian-nuclear-boom-041012/

IAEA: Production of nuclear energy to go up 25% by 2030 worldwide

IAEA: Production of nuclear energy to go up 25% by 2030 worldwide

News of Belarus - ‎Oct 5, 2012‎

IAEA: Production of nuclear energy to go up 25% by 2030 worldwide. 05.10.2012 13:21. MINSK, 5 October (BelTA) - By 2030, the production of nuclear energy is projected to increase by at least 25% throughout the world, Deputy Director General of the ...http://news.belta.by/en/news/econom?id=695122

IAEA Hails Progress Achieved by Belarus in Developing Nuclear Infrastructure

IAEA Hails Progress Achieved By Belarus In Developing Nuclear Infrastructure

RTT News -

10/6/2012 7:12 AM ET A report released by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), UN's nuclear watchdog, on Friday praised the progress achieved by Belarus in developing its nuclear infrastructure, and noted that the country will soon be able to ...http://www.rttnews.com/1978525/iaea-hails-progress-achieved-by-belarus-in-developing-nuclear-infrastructure.aspx?type=gn&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=sitemap

Belarus' Progress on Nuclear Power Programme

Scoop.co.nz (press release) -

UN Atomic Agency Praises Belarus' Progress on Nuclear Power Programme. New York, Oct 5 2012 12:10PM Belarus has made important progress in its development of nuclear infrastructure, the United Nations atomic agency said in a report released today, ...http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1210/S00066/belarus-progress-on-nuclear-power-programme.htm

Expert: Belarus reactor needs oversight

UPI.com - ‎1

Advertisement. MINSK, Belarus, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Belarus needs a regulatory system covering the construction and operation of its first nuclear power plant, an International Atomic Energy Agency expert says. "The question of critical importance is the creation of ...http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2012/10/05/Expert-Belarus-reactor-needs-oversight/UPI-16931349481886/

Belarus gainfully differs from other nuclear energy newcomers

News of Belarus - ‎Oct 5, 2012‎

Belarus gainfully differs from other nuclear energy newcomers. 05.10.2012 14:34. MINSK, 5 October (BelTA) – Belarus has some advantages that other newcomers willing to develop nuclear power engineering do not have. Belarus is one of the most ...http://news.belta.by/en/news/society?id=695133

IAEA: Belarus takes the best from Soviet engineer training system

News of Belarus - ‎Oct 5, 2012‎

IAEA: Belarus takes the best from Soviet engineer training system. 05.10.2012 16:49. MINSK, 5 October (BelTA) – Belarus has managed to assimilate the best from the Soviet system of engineer training, IAEA Deputy Director General Alexander Bychkov told a ...http://news.belta.by/en/news/econom?id=695157

Ignorance Deadlier Than Radiation in Japan

Ignorance Deadlier Than Radiation in Japan

The New American - ‎Oct 5, 2012‎

The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011 continue to claim lives more than a year and a half later. How is this possible? These twin disasters which killed or injured some 25,000 also damaged the Fukushima nuclear power plant on Japan's ...http://www.thenewamerican.com/tech/energy/item/13117-ignorance-deadlier-than-radiation-in-japan

Government OK irrelevant on nuke restarts: Maehara

Government OK irrelevant on nuke restarts: Maehara

The Japan Times - ‎

Government OK irrelevant on nuke restarts: Maehara. By MASAMI ITO. Staff writer. There is absolutely no need for the government to make a political decision to restart nuclear reactors after the new regulatory body has approved their safety, according to Seiji ...http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20121006a8.html

Japan forum to discuss nuclear-free energy future

Japan forum to discuss nuclear-free energy future Business Recorder (blog) Officials at the annual Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum Sunday will discuss the experience of removing nuclear power from a country's energy mix, and what independent institutions can advise on the process. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's ...http://www.brecorder.com/world/southeast-asia/84115-japan-forum-to-discuss-nuclear-free-energy-future.html

Electric-Car Charging Stations Will Be The Next Important Issue for Electric-Powered Vehicles

Electric-Car Charging Stations Will Be The Next Important Issue for Electric-Powered Vehicles

by Gene Marcial

ONE BIG ISSUE AMONG ELECTRIC-VEHICLE DRIVERS IS HOW AND WHERE TO RE-CHARGE THEIR CARS OR TRUCKS. SO TESLA HAS ALSO UNVEILED ITS OWN ELECTRIC-CHARGING STATIONS, SIX OF WHICH ARE ALFREADAY IN OPERATION AS PART OF ITS PLAN TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND CANADA.http://www.forbes.com/sites/genemarcial/2012/10/06/electric-car-charging-stations-will-be-the-next-important-issue-for-electric-powered-vehicles/

Warning on energy shortfall in UK

Report says power shortages could happen as early as 2015http://energyandnuclear.com/2012/10/06/warning-on-energy-shortfall-in-uk/

How will a fusion power plant work? – Video clip

A school class in 2100: The futuristic lesson is backed up with documentary photos and animations and gives the viewer an entertaining survey of the principles, development and status of fusion research. Like the sun, a fusion power plant is to derive energy from fusion of atomic nuclei. To ignite the fusion fire one has to succeed in confining the fuel, a hydrogen plasma, in magnetic fields and heating it to temperatures of over 100 million degrees. The next step in world-wide fusion research on the way to this almost inexhaustible energy source is the ITER international test reactor.
Source - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbzKFGnFWr0&feature=related

http://energyandnuclear.com/2012/10/06/how-will-a-fusion-power-plant-work-video-clip/

Closure of gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station

Closure of Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station Power Engineering Magazine OTTAWA, Oct. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Hydro-Québec has confirmed the Gentilly-2 nuclear power plant which has been operating safely and reliably since 1983, will stop producing electricity on December 28, 2012. This follows the September 20 announcement by ...http://www.power-eng.com/news/2012/10/06/closure-of-gentilly-2-nuclear-generating-station.html Closure of Canadian Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Stationhttp://energyandnuclear.com/2012/10/06/closure-of-canadian-gentilly-2-nuclear-generating-station/

NRC faulted for not acting on Jocassee Dam risks

NRC faulted for not acting on Jocassee Dam risks Greenville News The Lake Jocassee dam is as massive as its waters are deep, looming 385 feet high over both the people who live in the valley below and the three huge nuclear reactors that power the Upstate and beyond. One question standing in the shadow: Forty years ...http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20121006/NEWS/310060012/NRC-faulted-not-acting-Jocassee-Dam-risks?odyssey=nav|head&nclick_check=1 Regulators Warn Of Flood Risk At SC Nuclear Plant News Channel 7 - ‎ Federal regulators say the danger of flooding at Duke Energy's Oconee Nuclear Station in South Carolina is higher than previously thought. The report says estimates of flooding have increased substantially if the 385-foot high Jocassee Dam failed upstream ...http://www2.wspa.com/news/2012/oct/05/4/regulators-warn-flood-risk-sc-nuclear-plant-ar-4690065/ Key Jocassee Dam safety concerns kept from public, whistleblower says Greenville News - ‎Oct 5, 2012‎ The full extent of concerns over the integrity of the towering Jocassee Dam that helps cool the Oconee Nuclear Station have been kept from public eye by the federal government, a nuclear regulatory whistleblower alleges. The 385-foot-high earthen dam was ...http://www.greenvilleonline.com/interactive/article/20121005/NEWS/310050046/Key-Jocassee-Dam-safety-concerns-kept-from-public-whistleblower-says?odyssey=nav|head Flood risk higher than thought at Duke nuclear plant, federal report says News & Observer - ‎ Duke Energy's Oconee nuclear plant in South Carolina faces more flood risk from an upstream dam than earlier estimated, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission says. Estimates of flooding if the 385-foot-high Jocassee Dam failed “have increased substantially ...http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/10/05/2391629/flood-risk-higher-than-thought.html

San Onofre: Study Questions Safety of Restarting either Unit 2 or Unite 3 of San Onofre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2012 CONTACT: Daniel Hirsch, Committee to Bridge the Gap: (831) 336-8003
SAN ONOFRE: STUDY QUESTIONS SAFETY OF RESTARTING EITHER UNIT 2 OR 3 Hundreds of Times More Damaged Tubes in Either Reactor Than Typical for New Replacement Steam Generators
http://committeetobridgethegap.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/CBG-SONGStubes5.pdf).
Dan Hirsch will be on the October 9th panel at the NRC meeting.

san Onofre's steam gerator facilites could have been prevented?

San Onofre's steam generator failures could have been prevented (
http://libcloud.s3.amazonaws.com/93/01/3/1442/SO_Steam_Generator_Analysis_May.pdf
)
Steam Generator Failures at San Onofre (
http://libcloud.s3.amazonaws.com/93/fa/7/1255/Steam_Generator_Failures_at_San_Onofre.pdf
)
San Onofre's steam generators: significantly worse than all others
nationwide (
http://libcloud.s3.amazonaws.com/93/a7/c/2277/Edison_San_Onofre_Generators_US_Worst_Fairewinds_report_July_2012.pdf
)
  Root cause for the tube leak and tube to tube wear. You can
access it here:
http://www.foe.org/news/news-releases/2012-07-down-the-tubes-san-onofres-steam-generators-in-worst-shape-us-nuclear-plants

San Inofre Media Advisory

MEDIA ADVISORY

            Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region IV Administrator Elmo E. Collins will hold a news conference at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8,  at the Residence Inn Hotel , 33711 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., to discuss how the agency will review Southern California Edison Co.’s response to a Confirmatory Action Letter and its plan for restarting Unit 2 of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

Jennifer Manfrè
Senior Manager, Media Relations
Southern California Edison
626-302-7964

Energy Storage Update 10/6

World's 1st Intelligent Energy-Storage-Powered High Rise Unveiled at Barclay ... CleanTechnica 'Intelligent energy storage' is a newly emerging technology that allows electricity end-users to coordinate with the grid, allowing increased energy reliability and “managing cost volatility in New York's incentive electricity rate structures (the day ...

UPDATE 3-US nearby natgas futures end lower, deferreds higher Reuters BEARISH STORAGE REPORT Data on Thursday from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed that domestic gas inventories rose last week by 77 billion cubic feet to 3.653 trillion. Most traders viewed the build as bearish, noting it came in well ...http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/05/markets-nymex-natgas-idUSL1E8L548020121005

Saft Intensium Max Li-ion System to Provide Megawatt-Level Energy Storage for ... Equities.com Saft, a designer and manufacturer of high-tech industrial batteries, will provide the megawatt-level lithium-ion (Li-ion) energy storage system (ESS) for one of Europe's first large-scale electricity storage projects. In 2013, a fully integrated Saft ...http://www.equities.com/news/headline-story?dt=2012-10-05&val=561278&cat=tech

Promising steps toward grid-scale renewables storage (really) Smart Grid News In an era of high public demand and government targets for renewables implementation, energy storage is seen by many as a real solution to the problem of maintaining grid stability and reliability while at the same time bringing more and more ...http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/Technologies_Storage/Promising-steps-toward-grid-scale-renewables-storage-really-5173.html#.UHAwwBjy-pI

Public Storage to Save Up $1.9M in Annual Energy, Maintenance Costs With ... Inside Self-Storage Public Storage, a self-storage real estate investment trust, is expected to save up to $1.9 million in lighting costs annually after changing the way it illuminates its exterior signage. The company recently began replacing existing T12HO fluorescent ...http://www.insideselfstorage.com/s.aspx?exp=1&u=http%3A//www.insideselfstorage.com/news/2012/10/public-storage-to-save-up-19m-in-annual-energy-maintenance-costs-with-led-lighting.aspx

Sasol weighs in on renewable energy capture and storage BDlive We are looking at energy storage and new battery technology where we've recently made a strategic investment in a UK start-up company called Oxis Energy that's developing the next generation of batteries that offer the potential to store more energy at ...

Azerbaijan sends Shah Deniz gas to storage UPI.com Advertisement. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- An Azerbaijan energy company said more natural gas was injected into underground storage tanks in response to pipeline disruptions in nearby Turkey. Turkish officials this week blamed militants for an ...http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/10/05/Azerbaijan-sends-Shah-Deniz-gas-to-storage/UPI-66041349438140/

Consortium selected to help develop used nuclear fuel storage facility Power Engineering Magazine Areva on Oct. 5 said a team of companies led by Areva has been selected by the Eddy Lea Energy Alliance LLC (ELEA) to begin developing the concept of a used nuclear fuel (UNF) Consolidated Storage Facility in southeastern New Mexico. Areva and ELEA ...http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2012/10/consortium-selected-to-help-develop-used-nuclear-fuel-storage-facility.html  Energy Storage: Q4 2012 Winners and Losers | Renewable Energy ... In late June I wrote a forward looking article that identified several companies in my energy storage and vehicle electrification group that I expected to perform ... www.renewableenergyworld.com/.../energy-storage-q4-2012-...

10 Significant State Policies for Distributed Solar Energy

10 Significant State Policies for Distributed Solar Energy SustainableBusiness.com California and New Jersey receive frequent coverage for the state policies that have helped them claim and hold onto the first and second spots, respectively, for US solar energy installations. But there are other state programs worthy of emulation ...http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/24150

Calif. Gas prices rocked amid refinery problems, mandated formula switch

ENERGY: Gas prices rocket amid refinery problems, mandated formula switch North County Times "The problem is, because California has this unique blend, we tend to run a tight margin, and then when troubles happen you can get into very high prices," said Severin Borenstein, an energy economist at the Haas School of Business at UC-Berkeley.http://www.nctimes.com/business/energy-gas-prices-rocket-amid-refinery-problems-mandated-formula-switch/article_edd84760-3164-5b83-b69b-7a2284212d67.html

California Refiners Ration Gasoline as Prices Soar to Record

California Refiners Ration Gasoline as Prices Soar to Record San Francisco Chronicle Oct. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Exxon Mobil Corp. and Valero Energy Corp. are rationing gasoline deliveries to customers in California as refinery halts cut into the state's supplies, driving pump prices toward record highs. Valero stopped spot sales in Southern ...http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/California-Refiners-Ration-Gasoline-as-Prices-3923367.php

EmTech MIT: Act now for access to today’s top innovators and technologies

BIG SOLUTIONS FOR BIG PROBLEMS At MIT Technology Review, we believe that technology will be part of the solution to our greatest human problems, from disease and climate change to traffic and clean energy. Throughout the year, our editorial staff finds and explains the significance of the new technologies that are disrupting existing industries, creating entirely new markets, and changing society. EmTech MIT makes that editorial live. This year's program will examine how we can encourage more purpose-driven innovation around our most pressing global challenges. The conference provides access to the people and companies that you should be following. Register today for a look ahead at the dramatic opportunities that are taking shape as the impact of the year's most significant breakthroughs is examined with renowned industry experts.

The EmTech MIT conference covers important innovations in energy, IT, bio, and the Web, and examines their impact for our audience. Emtech MIT 2012 October 24-26, 2012 Sign up by Monday, October 22, and save $200 off the onsite, full conference rate. Register now »

SPECIAL PRICING - REGISTER TODAY Act now to save $200 on your EmTech registration. Questions about registration? Call 1-855-2EMTECH or e-mail registration@technologyreview.com

Featured Speakers While the event is only weeks away, you can get get a jump start by catching up on what our speakers have been discussing with us this summer. Don't miss: Rodney Brooks, founder of Rethink Robotics, on his vision for incorporating robots into the global workforce; his new robot Baxter will also be onsite throughout the conference Andrew Fiore and Eytan Bakshy, representing Facebook's data science team, on the social implications of our growing connections online Nathan Myhrvold, founder of Intellectual Ventures, on investing in scalable alternative energy sources Nicholas Negroponte, founder and chairman emeritus of MIT's Media Lab, and the chairman of the One Laptop Per Child foundation, on his ongoing reading project that could be transforming access to literacy Lawrence Lessig, Director, Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University, on the impact of emerging technologies in politics this U.S. election Register today to meet these speakers and other top innovators who are working on big solutions to big problems, with tremendous results.

Why Attend? Hear from expert speakers from organizations like deCode Genetics, edX, Facebook, Harvard University, Intellectual Ventures, Lift, MC10, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Shell GameChangers, Warner Brothers, and Xerox, with context provided by top investors and academics Get access to the latest innovations from leading companies, including Alta Devices, Foundation Medicine, Knome, Lytro, MC10, and Personal Be inspired by the 2012 Global TR35, our annual selection of world's 35 most outstanding young innovators Network with renowned innovators and top decision makers from the technology, policy, investment, and management communities worldwide For additional program information, visit the online agenda page. Register for EmTech MIT by Monday, October 22, and save $200 off the onsite, full conference rate. Register online now.

"Japan launches nuclear safety agency"

"Japan launches nuclear safety agency"

Japan's new independent nuclear safety agency began operating on
September 19.  And, like seemingly everything nuclear-related in Japan
right now, its future is already clouded by controversy.

Dan Yurman profiles this new agency, which will guide the restart of
the nation’s nuclear reactors after issuing and applying its own
safety rules, along with an overview of the ongoing nuclear politics
broiling in Japan.

http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2012/10/04/japan-launches-nuclear-safety-agency/

Nuclear “waste” is a solution to major public health problems

Nuclear “waste” is a solution to major public health problems

Post blurb: “The current beef-E. Coli scare in Canada has escalated into a major federal political issue. This could have been totally and easily prevented, had the beef producer, XL Foods, protected the meat with gamma energy. Canada, the world pioneer in the use of gamma energy for cancer treatment, possesses huge amounts of valuable gamma-emitting isotopes in its inventory of used nuclear fuel, and this country is the world’s largest producer of cobalt-60, another gamma emitter. Steve Aplin argues that the Canadian government needs to support the greater uptake of this cheap and effective method of protecting the national food supply, and should also support the use of isotopes to ensure the safety of water and sewage systems.

Post URL: http://canadianenergyissues.com/2012/10/03/nuclear-waste-is-a-solution-to-major-public-health-problems/

Blog URL: http://canadianenergyissues.com/

Did EU Nuclear Checks Reassure?

Did EU Nuclear Checks Reassure?
Wall Street Journal (blog)
The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, presented Thursday its final report on the “stress tests,” the safety checks on the EU nuclear power plants that governments decided to undertake after the Fukushima accident in Japan ...http://blogs.wsj.com/brussels/2012/10/05/did-eu-nuclear-checks-reassure/

Three Pro-Nuclear Events: Hearing, Marches and Rallies in Tennessee, Canada and Japan"

Three Pro-Nuclear Events: Hearing, Marches and Rallies in Tennessee, Canada and Japan"

In this post at Yes Vermont Yankee, Meredith Angwin describes public pro-nuclear activities world-wide.  She also provides a link for an easy pro-nuclear activity for everyone: you can vote in a Wall Street Journal poll on the future of nuclear energy.

http://yesvy.blogspot.com/2012/10/three-pro-nuclear-events-hearing.html

'Practically all' of EU's nuclear reactors need safety improvements

"Practically all" of the 134 nuclear reactors in the European Union need safety improvements at a cost of up to £20 billion, a bill that is likely to be passed on to the consumer in higher electricity prices. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/nuclearpower/9587497/Practically-all-of-EUs-nuclear-reactors-need-safety-improvements.html

Share on twitter Share on google_plusone_share Share on facebook Share on email Share on print Share on reddit Share on stumbleupon More Sharing Services 7 Rosatom to Build Nuclear Fuel Plant in Ukraine

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/rosatom-to-build-nuclear-fuel-plant-in-ukraine/469313.html

SwRI to continue operating nuclear-waste analysis center

SwRI to continue operating nuclear-waste analysis centerhttp://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2012/10/04/swri-to-continue-operating.html

N.M. Coalition Wants High-Level N-Waste

N.M. Coalition Wants High-Level N-Wastehttp://www.abqjournal.com/main/2012/10/04/news/nm-coalition-wants-highlevel-nwaste.html

Related articles

• N.M. group, Areva seek waste-storage joint venture
• NM counties and cities try to lure nuke waste
• N.M. city politicians tie job creation to waste management

Flood risk higher than thought at Duke nuclear plant, federal report says

NRC: S.C. nuclear plant could lose power if dam fails; redacted report questionedhttp://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/10/05/3577298/flood-risk-higher-than-thought.html

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/10/05/3577298/flood-risk-higher-than-thought.htmlhttp://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/10/05/3577298/flood-risk-higher-than-thought.html
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/10/05/3577298/flood-risk-higher-than-thought.html#storylink=cpy

Japan’s Nuclear Information Library Closed by Tokyo

Japan’s Nuclear Information Library Closed by Tokyo

 

One of Japan’s few sources of rational nuclear information has been eliminated! Does the government want the ultimate nuclear energy decision to be made based on political rhetoric, innuendo and groundless rumors? It seems that they do, and the people of Japan are the ones who will suffer the consequences.

 

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

ANS Update: Nuclear Matinee: Sequoyah Unit 2 Steam Generator Replacement

Nuclear Matinee: Sequoyah Unit 2 Steam Generator Replacement By pbowersox on Oct 05, 2012 01:00 am Today’s ANS Nuclear Matinee takes viewers more than 250 feet above the Sequoyah Unit 2 reactor shield building dome, where a steel superstructure is being built.  When complete, this superstructure will support the removal of parts of the dome, the reactor … Continue reading → Read in browser »

More to read: Japan launches nuclear safety agency October’s Fusion Science & Technology journal is available Uranium 233 is a valuable resource, no matter what Robert Alvarez believes ANS wants your VOTE! In WSJ online nuclear energy poll ANS’s CONTE conference — Make plans now!

Fukushima Updates

Here is the topic summary of today's Fukushima updates. Please click the link for the full reports.

 

Researchers studying the impacts of the Fukushima accident on ecosystems are surprised by some initial findings indicating that animal Cesium levels have dropped by a factor of 20 over the past year... A Diet panel is investigating the possibility that funds allocated for recovery from the 3/11/11 earthquake and tsunami has been diverted elsewhere... Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura says the government will decide to allow idled-nuke restarts only after their safety is confirmed by the Nuclear Regulatory Agency... Hokuriku Electric Company seeks dismissal of a lawsuit to shut down Shika unit #2’s currently-idled reactor... Tepco has released another six hours of video footage made during the first five days of the F. Daiichi accident, showing even more evidence of Tokyo intervention... Japan’s Nuclear Regulatory Agency has recommended distribution of Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets to all residents within 50 kilometers (~30 miles) of all nukes.

 

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

U.S. NRC Blog update: Generic Communications - What That Means for the Nuclear Power Industry

U.S. NRC Blog

Generic Communications – What That Means for the Nuclear Power Industry by Moderator Last January, the Byron Station, Unit 2, automatically shut down its nuclear reactor because of an electrical power problem. But the way the power was lost – only one phase of three-phase alternating current was lost – in addition to a design problem caused the diesel-driven back-up generators to not start up automatically. While operators were able to get the back-up generators started manually and the plant was shut down safely, this was clearly a problem the NRC has to look into. Since power can be lost to a plant for any number of reasons – including a thunderstorm or other natural events – back-up power is very important to keep vital safety systems working at the plants. The NRC quickly issued an “information notice” to let other nuclear power plant operators know about the problem. The NRC then, some months later, followed up with a bulletin to all licensees. This bulletin required all 104 reactors and the four licensees that had submitted new reactor designs to provide the NRC with information about their electrical protection systems. The NRC staff will use the information provided by the licensees to determine if further regulatory action is needed. A bulletin and an information notice are two types of NRC “generic communications.” Along with generic letters and regulatory issue summaries, generic communications provide a method to communicate, primarily with licensees, about issues that might affect all of them, even if the original event – as in this case – is specific to just one plant. The term “generic” might seem odd in this context – most people probably think of generic in terms of medicine or consumer products. But for the NRC, the term refers to important ways we communicate generally about issues that might affect more than one site. NRC generic communications can be viewed on the NRC’s public website. Andrea Russell Project Manager Generic Communications and Power Uprate Branch

Energy Policy Will Be Decided by Congress

Energy Policy Will Be Decided by Congress

by Ken Silverstein, EnergyBiz

Ken Silverstein, EnergyBiz
Both men were dignified. Both men were respectful. But President Obama and Governor Romney disagreed on where they would take this country and especially on matters of energy. While the subjects of coal, oil and pipelines came up early in the presidential debate on Wednesday evening, the issues were never thoroughly hashed out. Still, Americans were able to get a sense of how each candidate would use his potential presidential pulpit to advance public policy.http://www.energybiz.com/article/12/10/presidential-positions-are-clear-congressional-views-will-muddy-them

Guess Who's Fueling the Fracking Boom?

Guess Who's Fueling the Fracking Boom?

by Halah Touryalai, Forbes

Halah Touryalai, Forbes
Heavy capital needs, steady cash flows and rising asset values are the stuff leveraged buyout artists dream of. That’s one reason the private equity gang has recently been piling into oil and gas deals, specifically those associated with the hydraulic-fracturing boom now in full swing in North America.http://www.forbes.com/sites/halahtouryalai/2012/10/03/guess-whos-fueling-the-fracking-boom/

Three Approaches to Engaging U.S. Climate Deniers

Three Approaches to Engaging U.S. Climate Deniers

by globalwarmingisreal

How do we reach the large minority of Americans that continue to resist the facts about climate change? One way to encourage behavior change may be to work within the belief system of climate deniers.http://theenergycollective.com/globalwarmingisreal/120721/three-approaches-engaging-us-climate-deniers?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

A Cleantech State of the Union by DallasKachan

A Cleantech State of the Union

by DallasKachanhttp://theenergycollective.com/dallaskachan/120716/cleantech-state-union?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Is Japan’s nuclear-free pathway an environmentally friendly choice?

Is Japan’s nuclear-free pathway an environmentally friendly choice?

by BarryBrook

The Fukushima crisis sparked protests and prompted a move away from nuclear energy for Japanhttp://theenergycollective.com/barrybrook/120656/japan-s-nuclear-free-pathway-environmentally-friendly-choice?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Edison Submits Restart Plan for San Onofre Reactor

Edison Submits Restart Plan for San Onofre Reactor

by Nuclear Street News Team

Southern California Edison made the case to federal regulators Thursday that it can safely operate San Onofre unit 2 at reduced power after addressing premature steam generator tube wear that has kept the nuclear plant offline since the beginning of the year.http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2012/10/05/edison-submits-restart-plan-for-san-onofre-reactor-100501.aspx

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review

by Nuclear Street News Team

Tokyo Electric Power Co. installed a new thermometer in the reactor pressure vessel of Fukushima Daiichi unit 2 this week, while the resumption of construction was announced at the Oma plant and government factions debated their role in authorizing the restart of idled reactors.

Recent developments related to last year's tsunami-triggered accidents at Fukushima include:http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2012/10/05/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-weekly-review-100502.aspx

‘Practically all’ of EU’s nuclear reactors need safety improvements

“Practically all” of the 134 nuclear reactors in the European Union need safety improvements at a cost of up to £20 billion, a bill that is likely to be passed on to the consumer in higher electricity prices.http://energyandnuclear.com/2012/10/05/practically-all-of-eus-nuclear-reactors-need-safety-improvements/

All eyes on Vogtle, first U.S. nuclear reactor in a generation

U.S. Secretary of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, right, exits the stage with Southern Company President and CEO Thomas Fanning as cooling towers for units 1 and 2 are seen in the background at left as the new reactor vessel bottom head for unit 3 stands under construction at right, on a visit of the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Waynesboro, Ga.http://energyandnuclear.com/2012/10/05/all-eyes-on-vogtle-first-u-s-nuclear-reactor-in-a-generation/

Fast moves for nuclear development in Siberia

An experimental lead-cooled nuclear reactor will be built at the Siberian Chemical Combine (SCC). If successful, the small BREST-300 unit could be the first of a new wave of Russian fast reactors.http://energyandnuclear.com/2012/10/05/fast-moves-for-nuclear-development-in-siberia/

California utility provides smart grid progress report

California utility provides smart grid progress report PG&E gave state regulators its yearly report on smart grid deployment progress and other issues. http://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-utility-provides-smart-grid-progress-report/61145/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Utility+Dive+created+2012-10-05+090837012022&utm_content=Utility+Dive+created+2012-10-05+090837012022+CID_ce409162e1151d7c99ee4ae936c2c714&utm_source=campaignmonitor&utm_term=California%20utility%20provides%20smart%20grid%20progress%20report

Presentations from a DOE workshop on nuclear safety - September 2012

Presentations from a DOE workshop on nuclear safety - September 2012

http://www.hss.energy.gov/nuclearsafety/nsworkshop2012/workshop-presentations.html

i-Nuclear update: Areva's bid to supply two reactors to Czech Republic's Temelin -3 and -4 disqualified

i-NUCLEAR

Areva’s bid to supply two reactors to Czech Republic’s Temelin-3 and -4 disqualified by I-Nuclear Areva’s bid to supply two new nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic has been disqualified, Czech utility CEZ said October 5. Unless Areva appeals successfully against the disqualification, that would leave Westinghouse and Rosatom subsidiary Atomstroyexport as the two remaining bidders to supply the Temelin-3 and -4 reactors. “CEZ has today informed Areva that they have in their bid failed to meet statutory requirements for building two new units of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant,” CEZ said in a statement. “Moreover, Areva has not fulfilled some other crucial criteria defined in the tender. Since the award procedure has been conducted in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, Areva’s bid had to be excluded from further evaluation,” CEZ said. CEZ said it informed Areva in detail about the specific grounds for excluding their bid. It said the reasons are both of a commercial and legislative nature and concern “crucial requirements.” CEZ said it would only release the reasons publicly after Areva has a chance to appeal the decision. Other bidders have not yet been found to have failed to fulfill the awarding entity’s requirements, CEZ said. The tender documentation specified the company’s requirements for the scope of the public contract, i.e., the supply of two complete blocks of a nuclear power station on a turnkey basis, including sets of fuel rods for nine years of operation. It also specified commercial and technical conditions as well as methods that will be used to evaluate the bids, CEZ had previously said. The reactors being offered had to be licensed in the country of origin or in one of the EU member states, as well as be compliant with safety regulations of the IAEA and the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association. Westinghouse had offered its AP1000, Areva its EPR and Atomstroyexport its MIR 1200 reactor (NPP 2006). All three reactor vendors are working in tie-ups with local firms. Westinghouse and its Czech subsidiary are working with Metrostav. Areva has signed agreements with some 25 Czech companies. The Russian MIR1200 reactor is being offered through the MIR 1200 Consortium led by Czech engineering firm Skoda, and includes OKB Gidropress.--David Stellfox I-Nuclear | October 5, 2012 at 1:44 pm | Categories: Areva, Atomstroyexport, CEZ, Czech Republic, New Build, Rosatom, Westinghouse | URL: http://wp.me/p22dAl-ot

PennEnergy's Most Popular Weekly Oil & Gas News

This Week's Most Popular Oil & Gas News
• Legislators criticize proposed SPR release
• Oil tanker industry to be hit by rise of U.S. shale oil
• Vopak, Greenergy and Shell complete purchase of former Coryton refinery
• Survey: Fracking gains support as industry touts benefits
• PennEnergy Q&A: Using synthetic lubricants to achieve productivity and sustainability targets
• Transocean granted more time in Brazil
• U.S. gas boom threatens Russian dominance
• Aker Solutions awarded wireline tractor agreement with Statoil
• Gazprom and GAIL enter into long-term LNG purchase and sale contract
• Deepwater explorations to dominate Australia's LNG market
• DNV launches basis for shale gas risk management global standard
• BG Group reaches agreement for GGCL sale
• Taranaki launches campaign to attract oil & gas talent

PennEnergy Video News Update
From the public's opinion on fracking, to a major hit to the global tanker industry, to a fight over the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, all of the week's biggest headlines are in the PennEnergy Video News Update.
Full Article

Nigerian oil pipeline shut down after oil thieves start fire The Nigerian branch of global oil giant Shell was forced to shut down one of its main oil pipelines on Sunday due to a major fire caused by oil thieves. Full Article