Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

"Nuclear Risks are Acceptable, YOLO"

Title: "Nuclear Risks are Acceptable, YOLO"


At Entreprenuclear, a highly-popular humorous music video is utilized to put the fear of the risks of Nuclear Power into their proper context of being absurd. Nothing in life is 100% safe. The risks of Energy Poverty are much more worthy of fear or concern than are the risks from Nuclear Power. Taking on some degree of risk is a necessity to live a life worth living. Please share this posting with some people beyond the existing Pro-Nuclear Community.

- EntrepreNuke

FACT SHEET: President Obama's Blueprint for a Clean and Secure Energy Future

FACT SHEET: President Obama's Blueprint for a Clean and Secure Energy Future

Whitehouse.gov (press release) - ‎Mar 15, 2013‎
The United States is on the path to a cleaner and more secure energy future. Since President Obama took office, responsible oil and gas production has increased each year, while oil imports have fallen to a 20 year low; renewable electricity generation ...http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/03/15/fact-sheet-president-obama-s-blueprint-clean-and-secure-energy-future

GUNDERSON: Some basic facts about wind energy

GUNDERSON: Some basic facts about wind energy

If only wind energy worked, it would be great. But it does not -- at least not that well. What’s worse, most people do not know, especially the Green Energy True Believers. Those who do know, however, do not care.
They tell us wind is an ideal way to solve ...http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/mar/16/gunderson-some-basic-facts-about-wind-energy/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS

Port Hope uranium workers had lower mortality and cancer than rest of Canadian population, says British Medical Journal study

Port Hope uranium workers had lower mortality and cancer
than rest of Canadian population, says British Medical Journal study

Post blurb: Numerous studies over the years have proved that uranium
processing operations in Port Hope, Ontario had little if any
environmental and health impacts on the area and its inhabitants. A
new study published in the BMJ Open examined specifically the workers
who were directly involved in uranium processing. It found levels of
mortality and cancer that were lower than those in the general
Canadian population. Though the study corroborates all the credible
scientific assessments so far, Steve Aplin doubts it will have much
effect on the activities of professional anti-nuclear fearmongers like
Helen Caldicott. That is because Dr. Caldicott is more interested in
making money from book sales than in providing credible scientific
information.

Post URL: http://canadianenergyissues.com/2013/03/14/port-hope-uranium-workers-had-lower-mortality-and-cancer-than-rest-of-canadian-population-british-medical-journal-study/

Making Energy Innovation Part of Advocates Climate Policy Elevator Pitch

Making Energy Innovation Part of Advocates Climate Policy Elevator Pitch


http://www.energytrendsinsider.com/2013/03/14/making-energy-innovation-part-of-advocates-climate-policy-elevator-pitch/

Should We Be More Worried About Nuclear Sushi?

Should We Be More Worried About Nuclear Sushi? 
http://www.onearth.org/blog/nuclear-sushi

Business Roundtable CEOs from Every Economic Sector Release Comprehensive U.S. Energy Plan

CEOs from Every Economic Sector Release Comprehensive U.S. Energy Plan

Say ‘Self-Sufficiency Is Within Reach’ If Action Taken to Leverage U.S. Advantages

Washington Business Roundtable (BRT), an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. companies, today released Taking Action on Energy: A CEO Vision for America’s Energy Future, a detailed, comprehensive national energy strategy to capitalize on U.S. strengths and accelerate economic growth and job creation.
 “America’s energy economy is firing on all cylinders – efficiency, renewable power, oil and gas production, and advanced coal and nuclear power technology,” said David M. Cote, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell International, Inc., and Chair of BRT’s Energy and Environment Committee. “North American energy self-sufficiency is within reach, but the missing piece is an effective strategy to capitalize on U.S. advantages. Taking Action on Energy is that strategy.”
In Taking Action on Energy, CEOs, who lead major U.S. companies that operate in every sector of the economy – and represent energy producers, consumers and technology suppliers – offer a vision for America’s energy future that is more affordable, more secure and more sustainable.
“Driven by private sector innovation and investment, the United States is poised to regain its status as an energy superpower,” said John S. Watson, Chairman and CEO of Chevron Corporation. “The dramatic rise in U.S. oil and natural gas production is creating jobs and economic growth across America, but our ability to take full advantage of the historic opportunity in front of us depends upon the right policy framework.”
“Reliable, affordable energy makes the United States the location of choice for manufacturing,” said Andrew N. Liveris, Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company. “We have outlined a strategy to ensure America stays on top.”
“America’s electric power infrastructure has long delivered value to consumers and enhanced industrial competitiveness,” said Nicholas K. Akins, President and CEO of American Electric Power. “To preserve that value, sound energy strategy must maintain fuel diversity for power generation, support investment in our nation’s transmission system, provide a long-term solution for storing spent nuclear fuel and consider the economic consequences of energy and environmental regulation.”
In Taking Action on Energy, BRT CEOs call on Congress and the Administration to adopt policies that will enhance U.S. self-sufficiency, boost economic growth and promote environmental stewardship. The plan includes detailed and specific recommendations in each of four areas – energy efficiency; traditional energy production; renewable energy production; and electric power generation, transmission and distribution – including measures to:
  • Foster innovation by sustaining public investments in a diverse portfolio of pre-commercial research and development (R&D) activities, including:
    • R&D on cost-effective technologies that have the potential to improve energy efficiency while diversifying energy sources;
    • Projects to demonstrate the commercial viability of carbon capture, utilization and storage, provided that such funding is offered for a finite timeframe and limited in scope; and
    • R&D and demonstration projects for pre-commercial renewable electricity generation and transportation fuels, with an emphasis on performance, emissions reductions and technology neutrality.
  • Drive increased energy efficiency by:
    • Ensuring that state legislatures and public utility commissions consider policies that promote investment in cost-effective energy efficiency measures, and ensure that such investments are as profitable for utilities as generation and distribution assets;
    • Expanding the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Services Contracts (UESCs) in the federal government, as well as training and education for federal energy managers, policymakers and procurement/legal staff regarding the use and benefits of these contracts; and
    • Encouraging energy efficiency measures at the state level based on effective federal policy guidelines that can be cost-effectively implemented; and giving states the flexibility to account for local differences in regulatory approaches. 
  • Improve access to promising energy resources by:
    • Increasing access to onshore and offshore federal lands to ensure reliable supplies of coal, oil and natural gas;
    • Streamlining the permitting and approval processes to expedite critical infrastructure projects;
    • Respecting the role that states have traditionally played in regulating oil and natural gas activity on non-federal lands, and ensuring that new regulations for federal lands are developed in consultation with states and are consistent with state regulations; and
    • Ensuring that EPA regulations are based on sound science, undergo thorough net cost-benefit analysis, and take into consideration the net cumulative impact these regulations have on energy costs, economic growth and job creation, while being protective of human health and the environment.
  • Reform incentives for renewable power technology deployment by:
    • Providing wind-powered electricity generation with a smooth transition to an era of unsubsidized competitiveness by extending the wind production tax credit so that the benefit is gradually reduced and ultimately eliminated;
    • Ensuring that decisions regarding tax incentives for renewable resources are designed to address well-documented market inefficiencies, applied only to those fuels and technologies with a credible path to unsubsidized competitiveness and finite in duration and eventually phased out in a predictable fashion;
    • Accounting for regional variations in renewable energy resource availability when developing legislation and regulation; and
    • With respect to the renewable fuel standard, policymakers should consider the limitations of the current vehicle fleet, fuel distribution infrastructure and actual production capacity, and adopt targeted modifications as needed.
  • Encourage accelerated modernization of the electric power sector by:
    • Carefully evaluating the timing and cumulative impact of EPA regulations on the electric utility industry and, as appropriate, modifying these regulations to ensure continued reliability, avoid unreasonable rate impacts, and maintain a diverse, market-driven portfolio of baseload electricity generation fuel options;
    • Devising a long-term solution to remove and manage nuclear spent fuel;
    • Providing transparent rate incentives for cost-effective upgrades to the nation’s transmission infrastructure in order to facilitate grid modernization and support competitive wholesale electricity markets;
    • Improving coordination among federal agencies, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), state commissions and other stakeholders, to address the complexity, unpredictability and inefficiency of transmission planning, siting and cost allocation decisions for interstate projects;
    • Supporting DOE and National Institute of Standards and Technology efforts to accelerate and coordinate the development of “smart grid” standards; and
    • Requiring actionable and timely cybersecurity threat intelligence sharing from government to critical infrastructure owners and operators.
“America’s energy future is bright, but it is not certain,” concluded Cote. “A diverse portfolio of energy efficiency and supply options is the best way to preserve and extend America’s significant energy advantages.”
Click here to view the full report.
Click here to view a one-page overview of the full report.
Click here to view a one-page overview of the CEO recommendations on energy efficiency.
Click here to view a one-page overview of the CEO recommendations on traditional energy production.
Click here to view a one-page overview of the CEO recommendations on renewable energy production.
Click here to view a one-page overview of the CEO recommendations on electric power generation, transmission and distribution.
Business Roundtable (BRT) is an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. companies with more than $7.3 trillion in annual revenues and nearly 16 million employees. BRT member companies comprise nearly a third of the total value of the U.S. stock market and invest more than $150 billion annually in research and development – equal to 61 percent of U.S. private R&D spending. Our companies pay $182 billion in dividends to shareholders and generate nearly $500 billion in sales for small and medium-sized businesses annually.
BRT companies give more than $9 billion a year in combined charitable contributions.
Please visit us at www.brt.org, check us out on Facebook and LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Obama Stumps for Energy Research Through Trust Fund

Obama Stumps for Energy Research Through Trust Fund

President pushes proposal to fund R&D with money from oil and gas leases on federal lands.
President Obama today made the case for using money from oil and gas leases in the Outer Continental Shelf to fund research on alternatives to fossil fuels.http://www.technologyreview.com/view/512571/obama-stumps-for-energy-research-through-trust-fund/

First unit of Belarusian nuclear power plant to be launched in 2018 – Putin

 

First unit of Belarusian nuclear power plant to be launched in 2018 – Putin

http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c32/677510.html

EPA likely to delay climate rules for new power plants

 

EPA likely to delay climate rules for new power plants

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/epa-may-delay-climate-rules-for-new-power-plants/2013/03/15/28e9d37e-8cda-11e2-b63f-f53fb9f2fcb4_story.html?hpid=z1

Obama 'Energy Security Trust' Pushes Green Research And Natural Gas Development

 

Obama 'Energy Security Trust' Pushes Green Research And Natural Gas Development

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/15/obama-energy-security-trust_n_2884114.html

NRC: New Nuclear Plant Safety Measures Not Premature But Final .

NRC: New Nuclear Plant Safety Measures Not Premature But Final ...
A tower at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Massachusetts. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has not yet decided whether to require that filtered vents be ...
www.nti.org/.../nrc-new-nuclear-plant-safety-measures-not-pre...

Nuclear power news update 3/15

Nuclear power plans threatened by European commission investigation
The Guardian
Under the proposals, a nuclear power station – the first for a generation – will be built at Hinkley in Somerset, and the government will guarantee a minimum price for the electricity produced for 30-40 years, a deal which could cost customers a ...http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/mar/14/nuclear-power-european-commission-investigation

The Guardian
Anti-nuclear sentiments running high in Taiwan
Channel News Asia
TAIPEI: Anti-nuclear sentiments are running high in Taiwan, with over 220,000 people taking to the streets on Saturday, demanding the government give up nuclear power. But what exactly is the cost of a nuclear power free society for Taiwan? Nuclear ...http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/eastasia/view/1260282/1/.html
Exelon seeks to boost nuclear output amid declining power prices
Chicago Business Journal
The Chicago company, which is one of the nation's largest operators of nuclear power plants, said last month it was deferring plans to spend $2.3 billion on expanding capacity at its nuclear power plants and other projects because of low natural gas ...http://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2013/03/15/exelon-seeking-to-boost-nuclear-output.html
Japanese social movements pushing against nuclear power
The Hankyoreh
Harutoshi Funabashi, a sociology professor at Hosei University and anti-nuclear power activist in Japan, gave a lecture on the growing importance of concerted action against nuclear power. The talk came during a discussion on changes in Japanese ...http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/578210.html
Cape Downwinders initiates local ballot initiative to shutdown Pilgrim Nuclear ...
Plymouth Daily News
Towns across Cape Cod are considering placing a non-binding public advisory question on the municipal ballot or spring town warrant to call for the shut down of Entergy's Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. On ballot already in Dennis, Brewster, Wellfleet ...http://plymouthdailynews.com/cape-downwinders-initiates-local-ballot-initiative-shutdown-pilgrim-nuclear-power-station-18404
Nuclear power has much to recommend it
Creamer Media's Engineering News
Electricity is one of the greatest liberators of mankind, much like the discovery of fire and the wheel, which changed the course of history. Prior to the discovery of electricity, virtually all motive power was directly linked to the muscle power of ...http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/nuclear-power-has-much-to-recommend-it-2013-03-15
Japan's Energy Board Meets After Dropping Anti-Nuclear Members
Bloomberg
In September, the government led by the Democratic Party of Japan approved phasing out nuclear power by the end of the 2030s after the March quake and disaster in 2011 caused three reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant. Around 160,000 ...http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-15/japan-s-energy-board-meets-after-dropping-anti-nuclear-members.html
First concrete placed at Plant Vogtle nuclear power plant expansion
Electric Light & Power
"This was a team effort that included Georgia Power, Southern Nuclear, CB&I, Westinghouse Electric Co. and our co-owners — Oglethorpe Power Corp., the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities," said Georgia Power nuclear ...http://www.elp.com/articles/2013/03/first-concrete-placed-at-plant-vogtle-nuclear-power-plant-expans.html

Business Next Story > Another day, another milestone for Dow Critics: Don’t let dollars blur debate on nuclear waste


Critics: Don’t let dollars blur debate on nuclear waste


http://www.thestate.com/2013/03/15/2676637/critics-dont-let-dollars-blur.html

Can Korea follow Germany's Lead in Decommissioning of Nuclear Plants?

 

Can Korea follow Germany's Lead in Decommissioning of Nuclear Plants?

http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=144912

Monster Machines: The Future Of Nuclear Power


Monster Machines: The Future Of Nuclear Power


http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/03/monster-machines-the-future-of-nuclear-power/

Global Nuclear Reactor Database Developed by NRDC

Global Nuclear Reactor Database Developed by NRDC

Natural Resources Defense Council (blog) -
Today NRDC's Nuclear Program is releasing their web-based nuclear energy analysis tool: the Global Nuclear Reactor Database. We developed this reactor database as means for researchers and visitors to our website to get rapid answers to some ...http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/jweaver/global_nuclear_reactor_database.html

Using Existing Nuclear Waste, Scientists Say They Can Power The World Until 2083

Using Existing Nuclear Waste, Scientists Say They Can Power The World Until 2083


http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/843/20130315/using-existing-nuclear-waste-scientists-power-world-until-2083.htm

Environmental OK for Darlington refurb


REGULATION & SAFETY: Environmental OK for Darlington refurb (http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-Environmental_OK_for_Darlington_refurb-1503134.html)
The Canadian nuclear regulator has given Ontario Power Generation environmental approval for the refurbishment and continued operation of its four-unit Darlington nuclear power plant.

Second new US reactor in a week under way


NEW NUCLEAR: Second new US reactor in a week under way (http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN_Second_new_US_reactor_under_way_1503131.html
)
Construction has officially begun on a new reactor at the Vogtle power plant in South Carolina. It is the second AP1000 construction to start in America this week.

Fukushima Updates 3/15

Here's the topics for today's Fukushima updates.
 
Tokyo, is suing antinuclear protesters... There might still be radioactive leaks from Fukushima Daiichi to the sea... Nuclear critics continue to foment distrust of the Japanese government... Blogging colleague Rod Adams has posted a summary of a British study on uranium mining worker health.
 

US Grants Will Promote Small-Scale, Modular Nuclear Reactors


US Grants Will Promote Small-Scale, Modular Nuclear Reactors
The administration, which has allocated $452 million for the program, hopes to spur the production and licensing of as many as 50 so-called modular reactors ...
e360.yale.edu/digest/us_grants_will_promote.../3790/
Obama admin placing big bet on small reactors - E&E Publishing
DOE's effort is aimed at establishing an industry that would manufacture as many as 50 small modular reactors (SMRs) a year by 2040 or sooner, said Rebecca ...
www.eenews.net/public/Greenwire/2013/03/13/1

House Democrats Release Draft Carbon Pricing Legislation

House Democrats Release Draft Carbon Pricing Legislation


http://energy.aol.com/2013/03/14/house-democrats-release-draft-carbon-pricing-legislation/?a_dgi

Huge wind farm turbine snaps in Japan

Huge wind farm turbine snaps in Japan


http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130315-408931.html

Chinese Nuclear Energy and the Future of Innovation

Chinese Nuclear Energy and the Future of Innovation

Because of the pressing need for thousands of large generating stations that emit no carbon dioxide while providing electricity, many keep returning to improvements in nuclear power.http://theenergycollective.com/breakthroughinstitut/198441/chinese-nuclear-and-future-energy-innovation?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Obama Calls For Big Bet On Natural Gas As Part of 'Blueprint' For The Future Of US Energy

Obama Calls For Big Bet On Natural Gas As Part of 'Blueprint' For The Future Of US Energy

March 15 News: Obama Admin To Fight Climate Change With National Environmental Policy Act

March 15 News: Obama Admin To Fight Climate Change With National Environmental Policy Act

Some news that has the National Association of Manufacturers “very freaked out”:
President Barack Obama is preparing to tell all federal agencies for the first time that they have to consider the impact on global warming before approving major projects, from pipelines to highways.
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/03/15/1724931/march-15-news-obama-admin-to-fight-climate-change-with-national-environmental-policy-act/?mobile=nc

Construction officially starts at Summer

Construction officially starts at Summer

Construction officially starts at Summer

Safety-related concrete has been poured for the basemat of the first of two AP1000 units at the VC Summer plant in South Carolina. The milestone marks the official start of construction of the USA’s first new reactor in 30 years.http://energyandnuclear.com/2013/03/15/construction-officially-starts-at-summer/

Why Obama's 'Energy Security Trust' Is A Bad Idea

Why Obama's 'Energy Security Trust' Is A Bad Idea

In an event today at the Argonne National Laboratory President Obama will be talking up his proposal, first mentioned in his State of the Union address, to create something called the Energy Security Trust. This trust would be funded by royalties from oil and gas operations on federal lands and in the Gulf of Mexico.http://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2013/03/15/why-obamas-energy-security-trust-is-a-bad-idea/

Obama Will Use Nixon-Era Law to Fight Climate Change

Obama Will Use Nixon-Era Law to Fight Climate Changehttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-15/obama-will-use-nixon-era-law-to-fight-climate-change.html

Obama to Press Congress on $2 Billion Clean Energy Research Fund

EIA Gulf of Mexico Fact Sheet

http://www.eia.gov/special/gulf_of_mexico/map.cfm?goback=.gde_62696_member_223012892

ANS Update 3/15 San Onofre debate now more public - and more technical

American Nuclear Society

San Onofre debate now more public – and more technical

By Will Davis on Mar 15, 2013 12:00 am

By Will Davis The debate over the continuing investigations into steam generator U-tube problems at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) last week entered a phase of previously unseen publicity and public scrutiny, as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released Mitsubishi … Continue reading
Read in browser »
share on Twitter Like San Onofre debate now more public – and more technical on Facebook

Fukushima Radioactive Aerosol Dispersion


Fukushima Radioactive Aerosol Dispersion

http://sos.noaa.gov/Datasets/dataset.php?id=332

Westinghouse wins nuclear fuel contract

Westinghouse wins nuclear fuel contract


http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2013/03/14/westinghouse-wins-nuclear-fuel-contract.html

Innovating for Energy’s Future


Innovating for Energy’s Future

The key to clean, reliable, and affordable energy, says Southern Company CEO Tom Fanning, is a bold and balanced approach to R&D.

http://www.strategy-business.com/article/00171

How to succeed a chief sustainability officer By Ellen Weinreb

How to succeed a chief sustainability officer


http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2013/03/13/how-succeed-chief-sustainability-officer

Construction Work in Progress: An Effective Financial Tool to Lower the Cost of Electricity

Construction Work in Progress: An Effective Financial Tool to Lower the Cost of Electricity
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/documentlibrary/newplants/whitepaper/cwip

New economic study predicts more nuclear cost overruns By Rob Pavey

New economic study predicts more nuclear cost overruns


http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2013-03-14/new-economic-study-predicts-more-nuclear-cost-overruns

Exelon's could add 1,100 MW to its U.S. nuclear output

Exelon's could add 1,100 MW to its U.S. nuclear output


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/14/utilities-exelon-peachbottom-idUSL1N0C51XA20130314

Nuclear energy fights climate change and energy poverty at same time

Nuclear energy fights climate change and energy poverty at same time


http://atomicinsights.com/2013/03/nuclear-energy-fights-climate-change-and-energy-poverty-at-same-time.html

Arbitrary halt of nuclear plant work unconstitutional: premier

 Arbitrary halt of nuclear plant work unconstitutional: premier
http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aIPL&ID=201303150034

Wind power is poised to kick nuclear’s ass

Wind power is poised to kick nuclear’s ass


http://grist.org/news/wind-power-is-poised-to-kick-nuclears-ass/

Japan’s Energy Board Meets After Dropping Anti-Nuclear Members

Japan’s Energy Board Meets After Dropping Anti-Nuclear Members


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-15/japan-s-energy-board-meets-after-dropping-anti-nuclear-members.html

Nuclear power plans threatened by European commission investigation

Nuclear power plans threatened by European commission investigation

Proposed nuclear reactor in Somerset could be delayed by two years if competition directorate launches full-scale investigation

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/mar/14/nuclear-power-european-commission-investigation

New F. Daiichi #2 Torus pictures

The torus room of F. Daiichi unit #2 is getting a comprehensive inspection using a remote robot. Here is the latest Tepco "handout". Still no evidence of leaks.
 

Making Energy Innovation Part of Advocates Climate Policy Elevator Pitch

 

Making Energy Innovation Part of Advocates Climate Policy Elevator Pitch

The latest round in the ongoing debate on whether U.S. clean energy policy should focus on innovation or deployment-only: http://ow.ly/iVI4v

http://www.energytrendsinsider.com/2013/03/14/making-energy-innovation-part-of-advocates-climate-policy-elevator-pitch/ 

Catastrophic windmill failure in Japan

 

Catastrophic windmill failure in Japan

Huge wind farm turbine snaps near Kyoto
 

Status of Fast Reactor Research and Technology Development - IAEA TECDOC 1691

Status of Fast Reactor Research and Technology Development - IAEA TECDOC 1691

PennEnergy's Top Oil & Gas News 3/15

Top Oil & Gas News
Gas pipeline erupts in flame after barge strike
A tugboat pushing an oil barge crashed into a gas pipeline in a Louisiana bayou located about 30 miles south of New Orleans on March 12. Precautionary measures such as a protective boom and oil skimmers were placed in the water, although no oil leak was expected.
Full Article

Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
PennEnergy Video News Update
From Japan's successful methane hydrate extraction, to Chevron's expectations for 2017, to a refinery interdiction in Buenos Aires, all of the week's biggest headlines are in the PennEnergy Video News Update.
Full Article

Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend

Obama unveils US energy policy blueprint

Obama unveils US energy policy blueprint President Barack Obama on Friday unveiled a “blueprint for a clean and secure energy future” for the US that stresses alternative energies and the relatively clean fossil fuel of natural gas, and encourages greater energy efficiency.
However, the plan makes no mention of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, designed to carry oil from Canada’s tar sands to the Gulf of Mexico. The Obama administration is expected to approve it but has not done so yet, despite no impediments to construction remaining.
Republicans and the energy industry are eagerly awaiting signs of a decision on the pipeline, viewing it as a litmus test of the president’s willingness to be more supportive of traditional energy sources.
The White House said that in his blueprint the president had put the US on a path to a cleaner and more secure energy future.

http://link.ft.com/r/FG6LAA/VTCX2D/HDKQA6/16UJ6U/MJOKRF/B7/h?a1=2013&a2=3&a3=15

First nuclear concrete placed at Plant Vogtle expansion

First nuclear concrete placed at Plant Vogtle expansion

Significant milestone for project vital to Georgia's energy future

ATLANTA, March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power has completed the placement of basemat structural concrete for the nuclear island at its Vogtle Unit 3 nuclear expansion site, a significant achievement in the building of the first new nuclear units in the United States in 30 years.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130314/CL77516
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050216/CLW066LOGO )

http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6482554&access=EH

Superstorm Sandy Emergency Power Case Studies And Government's Role in Disaster Readiness to Be Examined in Webinar


Superstorm Sandy Emergency Power Case Studies And Government's Role in Disaster Readiness to Be Examined in Webinar

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Army Corps of Engineers and Industry Experts To Outline Importance of Emergency Generators to Public Safety at March 18 th Webinar
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Case studies of emergency power issues in New York, New Jersey and the Northeast related to Superstorm Sandy and the role of emergency power systems to public health and safety will be the focus of free webinar on March 18 th sponsored by the Diesel Technology Forum.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/MM46474LOGO)
There is no registration fee but space is limited so early registration is recommended.
Date:  Monday, March 18 th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (ET)
Agenda and Speakers
Introduction to Back-Up Power Generation
Overview of Technology Choices for Emergency Back-Up Electrical Power Outside the Grid
Emergency Back-Up Power Considerations – Overview of Factors that Determine the Use, Size and Performance of Units
  • T.J. Tarabulski, Global Regulatory Consultant, Marine, Locomotive, Stationary Regulations Emissions Regulations and Conformance, Caterpillar Inc. (Mossville, IL)
Case Study: Providing Emergency Power Solutions for the Northeast - Superstorm Sandy and More
  • John Callahan, Vice President, Power Systems Division, H.O. Penn (Holtsville, NY)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA's Role in Disasters - Government Perspective on Role of Backup Emergency Generators in Disaster Readiness, Response and Recovery
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Role in Disasters - Government Perspective on Role of Backup Emergency Generators in Disaster Readiness, Response and Recovery
Case Study: Seaside Heights, N.J. – Transforming Peak Power Generators to Emergency Prime Power
Emergency Power Background Information
Diesel-powered generators can save lives during a power crisis. Interruptions of electrical power, even of short duration, create situations that could imperil public health and safety. Emergency generators must be able to provide reliable, immediate and full strength electric power when there is a failure of the primary power supply system.
This webinar is designed to provide an understanding of the basic issues surrounding the use of emergency backup power systems, technology and fuel choices, operating conditions, and case studies
Hospitals, Data Centers and Emergency Communications Require 24/7 Power
The loss of electrical grid power due to storms, natural disasters or high power demands are increasingly common. With a growing dependence on technology and interconnected systems that rely on electricity, power reliability becomes increasingly critical. Hospitals, data centers, water and sewage facilities, fueling stations, and communication and transportation systems require continuous power to protect public health and safety.
As opposed to some other fuels and technologies, diesel-powered generators provide a steady supply of high-quality power and superior performance for transient or fluctuating power demands due to the high-torque characteristics of diesel engines. Beyond these most critical applications, the power needs for food and medical refrigeration, building operations such as elevators and sprinklers as well as banking and business networks further highlight the significant economic and other losses from power outages.
Connect with DTF
How do you keep up with the news on clean diesel?  You can be a fan of DTF's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter @DieselTechForum, or subscribe to our YouTube channel @DieselTechForum.  You can also subscribe to Diesel Direct , a monthly publication featuring the latest clean diesel news and activities of the Diesel Technology Forum by emailing dtf@dieselforum.org.
ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org .
(View this press release online here .)
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Allen Schaeffer
ProfNet - http://www.profnetconnect.com/Schaeffer
Contact:
Steve Hansen
shansen@dieselforum.org
301-668-7230 (o)
202-355-3664 (c)
SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum
http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6482157&access=EH

Report: FL, SC and GA Ratepayers To Foot Bill For $20 Billion In Excess Costs If Nuclear Reactor Projects Are Not Stopped

Report: FL, SC and GA Ratepayers To Foot Bill For $20 Billion In Excess Costs If Nuclear Reactor Projects Are Not Stopped

Ratepayer-Unfriendly "Advance Cost Recovery" Financing Schemes Are Keeping "Uneconomical" Reactor Projects Alive; Warning Sounded for IA, UT, MO and Other States Toying With Advanced Cost Recovery Financing.

http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6479318&access=EH

Fusion Power -- A 10 Year Plan to Energy Security

Fusion Power -- A 10 Year Plan to Energy Security

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Security Project releases a major report on how the U.S. can accelerate the development of fusion power:  "Fusion Power – A 10 Year Plan to Energy Security."

http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6467157&access=EH

How to Regulate Geoengineering

How to Regulate Geoengineering

A Science article suggests a framework for monitoring research on how to cool the earth.

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/512536/reining-in-geoengineering-researchers/?utm_campaign=newsletters&utm_source=newsletter-daily-all&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20130315

Seven Next-Generation Energy Technologies Showcased by ARPA-E

Seven Next-Generation Energy Technologies Showcased by ARPA-E

Companies showed off their latest clean energy innovations at the ARPA-E Summit.

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/512241/seven-next-generation-energy-technologies-showcased-by-arpa-e/?utm_campaign=newsletters&utm_source=newsletter-weekly-business&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20130315

Japanese Govt's Promise to Decontaminate After Fukushima is "Impossible" Say E

Japanese Govt's Promise to Decontaminate After Fukushima is "Impossible" Say E


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKDiSpn8Axc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Is the next Fukushima in your backyard?

Is the next Fukushima in your backyard?
NRCClockwise from top left: Byron Nuclear Station; Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant; Perry Nuclear Plant; Brunswick Steam Electric Plant. Each experienced a “near miss” in 2012. Two years ago today, floodwaters from a massive,

http://www.feedly.com/home#subscription/feed/http://feeds.grist.org/rss/gristfeed

New nuke could POWER WORLD UNTIL 2083

New nuke could POWER WORLD UNTIL 2083
Register
The Waste Annihilating Molten Salt Reactor (WAMSR) is based on designs first dreamt up in the 1950s for reactors that used liquid rather than solid fuels.http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/03/14/nuclear_reactor_salt/

U.S. Approves 1,100 Megawatts of Renewable Energy Projects

U.S. Approves 1,100 Megawatts of Renewable Energy Projectshttp://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/03/u-s-approves-1100-megawatts-of-renewable-energy-projects?cmpid=rss

The U.S. approved three renewable- energy projects to be built on federal land in California and Nhttp://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/03/u-s-approves-1100-megawatts-of-renewable-energy-projects?cmpid=rss

The Europeanization Of U.S. Utilities Has Begun


The Europeanization Of U.S. Utilities Has Begun

http://seekingalpha.com/article/1263531-the-europeanization-of-u-s-utilities-has-begun?source=google_news

The shale gas and oil bonanza is transforming America’s energy outlook and boosting its economy

Deep sigh of relief

The shale gas and oil bonanza is transforming America’s energy outlook and boosting its economy


http://www.economist.com/news/special-report/21573279-shale-gas-and-oil-bonanza-transforming-americas-energy-outlook-and-boosting-its

U.S. Starts Making Plutonium Again

U.S. Starts Making Plutonium Again

Irene Klotz, Discovery News
After a 25-year hiatus, the Unites States has produced its first non-weapons grade plutonium needed to power space probes when solar energy won’t suffice.NASA has been using a radioactive material called plutonium-238 to power its deep space probes since the 1970s.http://www.realclearscience.com/2013/03/14/us_starts_making_plutonium_again_251978.html?utm_medium=widget&utm_campaign=rss

Report says southeast U.S. nuclear power projects will have excess costs of $20bn

Report says southeast U.S. nuclear power projects will have excess costs of $20bn

Ratepayers in South Carolina, Florida and Georgia must either pay for $6 billion in money already invested in current nuclear power projects or face paying even more as the projects face excess costs of $20 billion or more.http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2013/03/report-says-southeast-u-s--nuclear-power-projects-will-have-exce.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+power-engineering-latest-news-rss+%28Power+Engineering+Latest+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Westinghouse Statements on V.C. Summer, Vogtle nuclear concrete pours

Westinghouse Statements on V.C. Summer, Vogtle nuclear concrete pours

Westinghouse Electric Corporation statements on this week's nuclear plant construction events -- the first "nuclear concrete" pours at the United States' two newest nuclear power plants.  ("Nuclear concrete" is concrete under the nuclear island, or the reactor plant itself.)http://atomicpowerreview.blogspot.com/2013/03/westinghouse-statements-on-vc-summer.html

Thursday, March 14, 2013

A Nuclear Accident Could Cost Trillions of Dollars and Bankrupt Us

A Nuclear Accident Could Cost Trillions of Dollars and Bankrupt Us

Socialism for the Rich … But Taxpayers Eat the Losses

We’ve reported for years that – according to government reports and mainstream media – a nuclear catastrophe could cost ten trillion dollars or more (many times more than the insurance which nuclear power operators are required to carry) … and could even bankrupt a country.
For example, Fukushima could cost 10 trillion dollars to clean up … which could bankrupt Japan.http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2013/03/a-nuclear-accident-could-cost-trillions-of-dollars-and-bankrupt-us.html

Fukushima status little improved

Fukushima status little improved

Tokyo (UPI) Mar 12, 2013
Radiation is still at dangerous levels in the contamination zone of Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant, says a witness report. The BBC report on Monday recounts a tour of the Fukushima site taken last week, the second such tour granted foreign TV journalists since an earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, crippled the nuclear facility, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Fukushima_status_little_improved_999.html