| SoCal Nuclear Closes, Summer Energy Reserves Slim for California and Texas Greentech Media As the temperature rises, so does the need for electricity, primarily to fuel the air conditioners so many of us love to crank up as the weather heats up. Most regions of the U.S. have plenty of generation capacity to meet the requirements of blasting ACs.http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/SoCal-Nuclear-Closes-Summer-Energy-Reserves-Slim-for-California-and-Texas |
Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, June 8, 2013
SoCal Nuclear Closes, Summer Energy Reserves Slim for California and Texas
ANS UPDATE 6/7 SONGS to retire, decommission
SONGS to retire, decommission
By Will Davis on Jun 07, 2013 03:22 pmThis morning, Edison International, parent company of Southern California Edison, made an announcement that it had decided to permanently retire the two-unit San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in California. Later in the morning, it held a teleconference to expand upon … Continue reading →
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Southern California Edison Announces Plans to Retire San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
By pbowersox on Jun 07, 2013 10:40 amCompany Will Continue Its Work with State Agencies on Electric Grid Reliability A conference call with Q&A was held by management at 12PM EST Friday for media outlets only – replay will be available at 1-888-568-0503 (USA) and 1-203-369-3476 (International), … Continue reading →
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Japan PM to step up nuclear export drive: report
Japan PM to step up nuclear export drive: report
http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/17529581/japan-pm-to-step-up-nuclear-export-drive-report/
California Power Reliability Top Concern for FERC Commissioner
California Power Reliability Top Concern for FERC Commissioner
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-07/california-power-reliability-top-concern-for-ferc-commissioner.htmlWhat Happens When Our Nuclear-Power Fleet Is Older Than You Are?
What Happens When Our Nuclear-Power Fleet Is Older Than You Are?
http://news.yahoo.com/happens-nuclear-power-fleet-older-115845145.html
California is closing a huge nuclear plant. So what will replace it?
California is closing a huge nuclear plant. So what will replace it?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/06/07/california-is-losing-a-big-nuclear-power-plant-so-what-will-replace-it/Nuclear Fuel To Be Stored At San Onofre As Part Of Decommissioning
Nuclear Fuel To Be Stored At San Onofre As Part Of Decommissioning
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2013/jun/07/nuclear-fuel-be-stored-san-onofre-part-decommissio/
Troubles at a 1960s-Era Nuclear Plant in California May Hint at the Future
Troubles at a 1960s-Era Nuclear Plant in California May Hint at the Future
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/05/us/san-onofre-could-hint-at-a-non-nuclear-future.html?_r=0No Solar Way Around It Why Nuclear Is Essential to Combating Climate Change
No Solar Way Around It
Why Nuclear Is Essential to Combating Climate Change
http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/voices/michael-shellenberger-and-ted-nordhaus/no-solar-way-around-itIn nuclear power, a better way? Here's why.
- Article by: CRAIG BOWRON
A better kind of reactor is essentially a miracle cure in that it dramatically reduces the waste problem.
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/210648751.html
San Onofre Nuclear Closure to Boost State Carbon Emissions by 8 Million Tons
San Onofre Nuclear Closure to Boost State Carbon Emissions by 8 Million Tons
Replacement Electricity Equivalent to Adding 1.6 Million Cars
http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/energy-and-climate/san-onofre-nuclear-closure-to-boost-state-carbon-emissions-by-8-million-tons/Southern California Edison To Shut Down San Onofre Nuclear Plant
Southern California Edison To Shut Down San Onofre Nuclear Plant
Comment Now
Follow Comments
Southern California Edison has decided to shut down Units 2 and 3 of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2013/06/08/southern-california-edison-to-shut-down-san-onofre-nuclear-plant/
Asia Report: Japan's Solar Market Shifts Into Overdrive
Asia Report: Japan's Solar Market Shifts Into Overdrive
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/06/asia-report-japans-solar-market-shifts-into-overdrive?cmpid=SolarNL-Saturday-June8-2013
A California Nuclear Plant Is Shutting Down Permanently, And That's Bad News ...
A California Nuclear Plant Is Shutting Down Permanently, And That's Bad News ...
Houston Chronicle - Jun 7, 2013
The San Onofre facility, located just south of Los Angeles, had been
shut down for the past year after inspectors discovered a leaking tube
inside a steam generator. But by April costs of the shutdown had soared
to $553 million, Sky reports. In a release, SCE ...http://www.chron.com/technology/businessinsider/article/A-California-Nuclear-Plant-Is-Shutting-Down-4586899.php
San Onofre Power Plant Closing After Epic 16-Month Battle (PHOTOS)
San Onofre Power Plant Closing After Epic 16-Month Battle (PHOTOS)
Huffington Post -
LOS ANGELES — In a jolt to the nation's nuclear power industry,
Southern California's San Onofre plant was shut down Friday for good
after its owners surrendered in a costly and drawn-out fight over
whether it was too damaged to operate safely. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/07/san-onofre-power-plant-closing_n_3403025.html
California nuclear plant to shut: a case of unforgiving nuclear economics
California nuclear plant to shut: a case of unforgiving nuclear economics
Southern California Edison is shutting the remaining two reactors at San Onofre, citing high repair costs and an NRC ruling that the utility says would delay reactor restarts...http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2013/0607/California-nuclear-plant-to-shut-a-case-of-unforgiving-nuclear-economics
News on San Onofre Closure from around the country
| Nuclear Power Plant in Limbo Decides to Close New York Times (blog) The owners of the San Onofre nuclear power plant in Southern California, which has been shut since January 2012, said on Friday that they would close it permanently because of uncertainty over when it could be reopened. The two reactors at San Onofre ...http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/08/business/san-onofre-nuclear-plant-in-california-to-close.html?_r=0 | |||
| San Onofre nuclear plant closure brings huge costs Los Angeles Times The closure caps a 16-month debate about San Onofre's future but leaves the utility and state regulators grappling with who will ultimately pay more than $1 billion in costs. One key question is whether Edison's ratepayers will see their bills increase ...http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-san-onofre-nuclear-plant-closure-brings-huge-costs-20130607,0,6049358.story | |||
| San Onofre neighbors no longer felt safe, welcome closure Los Angeles Times While activists praised Friday's announcement that the San Onofre nuclear power plant would be retired, those who live near the coastal facility expressed mixed emotions about the fate of what has become a familiar landmark and a nagging source of ...http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-san-onofre-neighbors-20130607,0,3102121.story | |||
| San Onofre nuclear power plant to shut down Washington Post (blog) In a new setback for the U.S. nuclear power industry, Edison International said Friday that it would permanently close its two reactors in San Onofre, Calif., ending a contentious battle over whether the units could be repaired and operated safely ...http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/san-onofre-nuclear-power-plant-to-shut-down/2013/06/07/7fe3e88c-cf8c-11e2-8f6b-67f40e176f03_story.html | |||
| San Onofre nuclear plant latest in US to close Financial Times At San Onofre, one unit had been shut down for maintenance, the other because of a leak from a tube in its steam generator, which transfers heat from the reactor to the turbine system. The US government's Nuclear Regulatory Commission found “unexpected ...http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/san-onofre-nuclear-power-plant-to-shut-down/2013/06/07/7fe3e88c-cf8c-11e2-8f6b-67f40e176f03_story.html | |||
| California nuclear plant to shut BBC News The San Onofre plant near Los Angeles halted operations in January 2012 after radioactive water tubes were damaged. Operator Southern California Edison has faced a series of regulatory inquiries. San Onofre powered 1.4 million homes but regulators say ...http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22820708 | |||
| San Onofre Nuke Plant is Dead! CounterPunch From his California beach house at San Clemente, Richard Nixon once watched three reactors rise at nearby San Onofre. As of June 7, 2013, all three are permanently shut. It's a monumental victory for grassroots activism. it marks an epic transition in ...http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/06/07/san-onofre-nuke-plant-is-dead/ | |||
| San Onofre nuclear plant to shut down permanently Christian Science Monitor The troubled San Onofre nuclear power plant on the California coast is closing, after an epic 16-month battle over whether the twin reactors could be safely restarted with millions of people living nearby, officials announced Friday. Skip to next ...http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Latest-News-Wires/2013/0607 | Nuclear plant closures show industry's struggleshttp://bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2013/06/nuclear_plant_closures_show_industrys_struggles |
Blog Posts on San Onofre Closure
| SoCal Edison to Shut Down San Onofre Nuclear Plant | KTLA 5 By kellanconnorktla SAN ONOFRE, Calif. (KTLA) -- Southern California Edison announced plans on Friday to shut down the troubled San Onofre nuclear power plant. The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has been offline since January 2012. (Los Angeles ... KTLA 5 | |
| SAN ONOFRE: Edison to close nuclear plant By Alicia Robinson The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, a key source of power for Southern California Edison and a small provider to Riverside Public Utilities, will shut down permanently, Edison officials announced Friday, June 7. The San Onofre ... PE Bloggers | |
| Utility will Close San Onofre Nuclear Plant for Good | KTXL FOX40 By fox40samcohen Southern California Edison announced Friday it would shut down the troubled San Onofre nuclear power plant. KTXL FOX40 | |
| Does closing San Onofre plant raise blackout concerns? - LA Biz ... By Mark Lacter Last summer, Socal Edison made up for the loss of San Onofre by bringing back two gas-fired units at the Huntington Beach Power Plant. But those units are not longer available. The decision to shut down the plant permanently was not ... LA Biz Observed | |
| Edison to Shut Down Troubled San Onofre Nuclear Plant Permanently By Staff Southern California Edison announced plans Friday to permanently shut down the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The decision was made in light of ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate of the plant since the Unit 2 and 3 steam ... Capistrano Dispatch |
U.S. N-Plant Firm to Seek Damages from Mitsubishi Heavy
U.S. N-Plant Firm to Seek Damages from Mitsubishi Heavy
New York, June 7 (Jiji Press)--Southern California Edison Co.
said Friday it will seek damages from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
<7011> to help cover the costs of retiring two reactors at its San
Onofre nuclear power station.
The power firm decided to retire Units 2 and 3 at the power station near San Diego following a leak of water containing trace amounts of radioactive substance from a damaged tube inside a steam generator of Unit 3 made by Mitsubishi Heavy.
The power firm decided to retire Units 2 and 3 at the power station near San Diego following a leak of water containing trace amounts of radioactive substance from a damaged tube inside a steam generator of Unit 3 made by Mitsubishi Heavy.
(2013/06/08-15:32)http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2013060800185
Friday, June 7, 2013
Top 10 Utilities Succeeding with Social Media
Top 10 Utilities Succeeding with Social Media
http://www.esource.com/Blog/ESource/6-6-13-SocialMedia
http://www.esource.com/Blog/ESource/6-6-13-SocialMedia
Nuclear Power, Part I: A Smaller, Safer Future
| Nuclear Power, Part 1: A Smaller, Safer Future TechNewsWorld If ever there were a compelling lesson in the ongoing and diverse dangers of nuclear power, it would be the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant disaster in northern Japan. Many of the 103 nuclear reactors currently operational in the United States ...http://www.technewsworld.com/story/78213.html |
Japan, France to Team Up on Nuclear Exports
Japan, France to Team Up on Nuclear Exports
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323844804578530641200842964.htmlNRDC Welcomes Southern California Edison's Decision to Retire the San Onofre Nuclear Plant
Matthew McKinzie’s Blog
NRDC Welcomes Southern California Edison's Decision to Retire the San Onofre Nuclear Plant
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/mmckinzie/today_the_california_utility_c.html
Calif. utility will close troubled nuclear plant
Calif. utility will close troubled nuclear plant
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/calif-utility-says-it-will-retire-nuclear-plant
Activists hail San Onofre nuclear power plant reactor shutdown
Activists hail San Onofre nuclear power plant reactor shutdown
Closing of reactors at 40-year-old San Onofre power plant reflects harsh economics facing ageing fleet of US reactors
Radiation Exposure Associated with a Trip to Mars Calculated
Radiation Exposure Associated with a Trip to Mars Calculated
Boulder CO (SPX) Jun 03, 2013 - On November 26, 2011, the Mars Science Laboratory began a 253-day, 560-million-kilometer journey to deliver the Curiosity rover to the Red Planet. En route, the Southwest Research Institute-led Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) made detailed measurements of the energetic particle radiation environment inside the spacecraft, providing important insights for future human missions to Mars. ... morehttp://www.spacemart.com/reports/Radiation_Exposure_Associated_with_a_Trip_to_Mars_Calculated_999.html
Boulder CO (SPX) Jun 03, 2013 - On November 26, 2011, the Mars Science Laboratory began a 253-day, 560-million-kilometer journey to deliver the Curiosity rover to the Red Planet. En route, the Southwest Research Institute-led Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) made detailed measurements of the energetic particle radiation environment inside the spacecraft, providing important insights for future human missions to Mars. ... morehttp://www.spacemart.com/reports/Radiation_Exposure_Associated_with_a_Trip_to_Mars_Calculated_999.html
Improved venting ordered at US BWRs
Improved venting ordered at US BWRs (http://www.world-nuclear-
Operators of most of the USA's boiling water reactors (BWRs) must upgrade their emergency venting systems under a revised order from the country's nuclear regulator.
Operators of most of the USA's boiling water reactors (BWRs) must upgrade their emergency venting systems under a revised order from the country's nuclear regulator.
Hongyanhe 1 enters commercial operation
Hongyanhe 1 enters commercial operation (http://www.world-nuclear-
The first of four reactors being built at the Hongyanhe plant in Liaoning province in northeast China has begun commercial operation. It becomes China's seventeenth operating nuclear power unit.
The first of four reactors being built at the Hongyanhe plant in Liaoning province in northeast China has begun commercial operation. It becomes China's seventeenth operating nuclear power unit.
Contamination dropping in evacuation zone
Contamination dropping in evacuation zone (http://www.world-nuclear-
Analysis from Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has revealed the most contaminated areas in the Fukushima evacuation zone have reduced in size by three quarters over the last two years.
Analysis from Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has revealed the most contaminated areas in the Fukushima evacuation zone have reduced in size by three quarters over the last two years.
Fukushima Updates 6/7
Here's the topics for today's Fukushima Updates -
F.
Daiichi radiation levels now below 25% of Nov. 2011...Tepco will
inspect all new wastewater storage tanks... Decontamination is finished
at nearly all schools not in Fukushima Prefecture...The Asahi Shimbun
has posted an article clearly intended to foment uncertainty and doubt
over child thyroid cancers... The Fukushima panel created to debate
medical findings related to F. Daiichi has axed four members... Japan’s
business lobby wants idled nukes restarted... More than 150,000
Fukushima residents have received evacuation compensation... The NRA has
once again revised their emergency evacuation rules.
US nuclear plant operators estimate $3.6 bil in post-Fukushima costs
US nuclear plant operators estimate $3.6 bil in post-Fukushima costs
http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/ElectricPower/21124657
NRC commissioner: Future funding levels create uncertainty for review of SMRs
NRC commissioner: Future funding levels create uncertainty for review of SMRs
http://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-17916349-11052
http://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-17916349-11052
IAEA: Protecting Our Oceans Together
Protecting Our Oceans Together
According to UN Habitat, Durban is one of several African coastal cities
that will be confronted with the adverse effects of rising sea levels.
(Photo: iStockphoto)
Story Resources
About 40 to 50 percent of the world's population live within 200 km of a coastline. That proximity is just one example of the oceans' importance in our lives. Global trade, energy, and food security are the most visible "services" the oceans provide daily. Yet, our survival depends on the ocean's "invisible" services like oxygen production (providing 50-80% of global oxygen supply), carbon sequestration (capturing 25% of man-made CO2 emissions), and climate regulation (transferring 50% of global heat).
Similar to a living being, the oceans perform and provide their services most efficiently when healthy. The IAEA in collaboration with other international partners seeks to help Member States monitor, evaluate, and find cost-effective, sustainable solutions to the challenges confronting the health of our oceans.
The United Nations and other international bodies have identified critical pressures facing the oceans, all of which are caused or exacerbated by human activities:
- Among global climate change effects are rising sea levels and warming waters. Coupled with ocean acidification, these pressures are deteriorating physical and biological conditions in the oceans.
- Marine pollution is another major source of pressure on the oceans. Land-based activities account for 80% of marine pollution whose volume continues to increase.
- Over-extraction and the unsustainable exploitation of marine resources result in an ever more damaging effect on marine environments and marine life. This impact is particularly disruptive when it occurs in combination with the destruction of habitats that are essential to many marine services.
- In addition to the loss of healthy habitats, the introduction of invasive species through human activities reduces the populations of native species and instigates destructive ecological change.
Equally important to the research conducted is the role the IAEA plays in training researchers from developing countries. These scientists return to their home countries with new nuclear methods to help monitor these pressures. The precise knowledge derived from nuclear and isotopic techniques allows developing countries to make informed decisions to conserve the oceans and guide development to sustainably use ocean resources and services.
In September 2013, the IAEA will be hosting a Scientific Forum on our oceans, titled The Blue Planet - Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment. The Forum will bring together scientists, experts and policy makers from different fields to initiate dialogue and build new partnerships and cooperation to protect and preserve the ecological balance that is vital for the survival of the coastal regions and marine environment.
-- By Michael Madsen, IAEA Division of Public Information
Yucca Mountain still haunts nuclear waste issue
Yucca Mountain still haunts nuclear waste issue
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/yucca-mountain-still-haunts-nuclear-waste-issue-92371.htmlAreva Signs Cooperation Agreements On Fukushima And Rokkasho
Areva Signs Cooperation Agreements On Fukushima And Rokkasho
Research & Development
http://www.nucnet.org/all-the-news/2013/06/07/areva-signs-cooperation-agreements-on-fukushima-and-rokkasho?utm_source=feedly
General presentation of the EPR: a generation III reactor model
General presentation of the EPR: a generation III reactor model
http://nuclearpowernews.blogspot.com/2013/06/general-presentation-of-epr-generation.html?utm_source=feedlyNuclear News Round Up (3rd June – 7th June 13)
Nuclear News Round Up (3rd June – 7th June 13)
3rd June 2013
+Tag
3rd June 2013
- More shale gas found in North of England
- Renewable energy is clean, cheap and here – what’s stopping us?
The Role of Nuclear Power in the Energy Mix
The Role of Nuclear Power in the Energy Mix
http://energyandnuclear.com/2013/06/07/the-role-of-nuclear-power-in-the-energy-mix/?utm_source=feedly
http://energyandnuclear.com/2013/06/07/the-role-of-nuclear-power-in-the-energy-mix/?utm_source=feedly
San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant shutdown in wake of ASLB decision
San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant shutdown in wake of ASLB decision
http://enformable.com/2013/06/san-onofre-nuclear-power-plant-shutdown-in-wake-of-aslb-decision/?utm_source=feedly
Smart grid energy storage: European "battery parks" show a path ahead
Smart grid energy storage: European "battery parks" show a path ahead
|
Jun 7, 2013
|
|
1
Quick Take: The future of grid-scale energy storage continues to come into sharper focus. I recently told you about AES and its "operating system" for storage.
AES illustrates two keys to making grid-scale storage mainstream. The
first is a "platform" for storage that is battery agnostic – that allows
you to swap in any brand or type of battery without redoing your
software. The second is multiple value streams – putting a single stack of batteries to work in many different ways.
ANS Update 6/7 Nuclear Matinee: I’m A Nuke – Tim the Sea-Roving Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Matinee: I’m A Nuke – Tim the Sea-Roving Nuclear Engineer
By pbowersox on Jun 07, 2013 01:00 amMeet Tim Lucas, Ph.D., a nuclear engineer who is piloting his sailboat around the world, spreading the news of nuclear technology – and many other rather amazing activities. Why is circumnavigating the globe a perfect job for a nuclear engineer? Watch and … Continue reading →
Read in browser »
Edison Plans to Permanently Close San Onofre Nuclear Reactor (1)
Bloomberg News
Edison Plans to Permanently Close San Onofre Nuclear Reactor (1)
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-06-07/edison-plans-to-permanently-close-san-onofre-nuclear-reactor-1Flash: San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station to Be Retired
FLASH: SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION TO BE RETIRED
Southern California Edison Announces Plans to Retire San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
Southern California Edison Announces Plans to Retire San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
http://regator.com/p/260655502/southern_california_edison_announces_plans_to_retire_san/
Business & Finance / Personal Finance : WalletPop
Southern California Edison Announces Plans to Retire San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Company Will Continue Its Work with State Agencies on Electric Grid Reliability ROSEMEAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Southern California Edison (SCE) has decided to permanently retire Units 2 and 3 of its San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). "SONGS has served this region for over 40 years," said Ted Craver, Chairman and CEO of Edison International, parent company of SCE, "but we have concluded that the continuing uncertainty about when or if SONGS might return to service was not good for our customers, our investors, or the need to plan for our region's long-term electricity needs.read more
Southern California Edison Announces Plans to Retire San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Company Will Continue Its Work with State Agencies on Electric Grid Reliability
Southern California Edison Announces Plans to Retire San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
Company Will Continue Its Work with State Agencies on Electric Grid Reliability
ROSEMEAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern
California Edison (SCE) has decided to permanently retire Units 2 and 3
of its San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).
“this is an extraordinary team of men and women. We will treat them fairly.”
“SONGS
has served this region for over 40 years,” said Ted Craver, Chairman
and CEO of Edison International, parent company of SCE, “but we have
concluded that the continuing uncertainty about when or if SONGS might
return to service was not good for our customers, our investors, or the
need to plan for our region’s long-term electricity needs.”
Both
SONGS units have been shut down safely since January 2012. Unit 2 was
taken out of service January 9, 2012, for a planned routine outage. Unit
3 was safely taken offline January 31, 2012, after station operators
detected a small leak in a tube inside a steam generator manufactured by
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). Two steam generators manufactured by
MHI were installed in Unit 2 in 2009 and two more were installed in
Unit 3 in 2010, one of which developed the leak.
In
connection with the decision, SCE estimates that it will record a
charge in the second quarter of between $450 million and $650 million
before taxes ($300 million - $425 million after tax), in accordance with
accounting requirements.
After
months of analysis and tests, SCE submitted a restart plan to the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in October 2012. SCE proposed to
safely restart Unit 2 at a reduced power level (70 %) for an initial
period of approximately five months. That plan was based on work done by
engineering groups from three independent firms with expertise in steam
generator design and manufacturing.
The
NRC has been reviewing SCE’s plans for restart of Unit 2 for the last
eight months, during which several public meetings have been held. A
recent ruling by an adjudicatory arm of the NRC, the Atomic Safety and
Licensing Board, creates further uncertainty regarding when a final
decision might be made on restarting Unit 2. Additional administrative
processes and appeals could result in delay of more than a year. During
this period, the costs of maintaining SONGS in a state of readiness to
restart and the costs to replace the power SONGS previously provided
would continue. Moreover, it is uneconomic for SCE and its customers to
bear the long-term repair costs for returning SONGS to full power
operation without restart of Unit 2. SCE has concluded that efforts are
better focused on planning for the replacement generation and
transmission resources which will be required for grid reliability.
“Looking
ahead,” said Ron Litzinger, SCE’s President, “we think that our
decision to retire the units will eliminate uncertainty and facilitate
orderly planning for California’s energy future.”
Litzinger
noted that the company has worked with the California Independent
System Operator, the California Energy Commission and the California
Public Utilities Commission in planning for Southern California’s energy
needs and will continue to do so.
“The
company is already well into a summer reliability program and has
completed numerous transmission upgrades in addition to those completed
last year,” Litzinger said. “Thanks to consumer conservation, energy
efficiency programs and a moderate summer, the region was able to get
through last summer without electricity shortages. We hope for the same
positive result again this year,” Litzinger added, “although generation
outages, soaring temperatures or wildfires impacting transmission lines
would test the system.”
In
connection with the retirement of Units 2 and 3, San Onofre anticipates
reducing staff over the next year from approximately 1,500 to
approximately 400 employees, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
The majority of such reductions are expected to occur in 2013.
“This
situation is very unfortunate,” said Pete Dietrich, SCE’s Chief Nuclear
Officer, noting that “this is an extraordinary team of men and women.
We will treat them fairly.” SCE will work to ensure a fair process for
this transition, and will work with the Utility Workers Union of America
(UWUA) and the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) on
transition plans for the employees they represent.
SCE
also recognizes its continuing safety responsibilities as it moves
toward decommissioning of the units. SCE’s top priority will be to
ensure a safe, orderly, and compliant retirement of these units. Full
retirement of the units prior to decommissioning will take some years in
accordance with customary practices. Actual decommissioning will take
many years until completion. Such activities will remain subject to the
continued oversight of the NRC.
SCE
intends to pursue recovery of damages from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,
the supplier of the replacement steam generators, as well as recovery
of amounts under applicable insurance policies.
For updates, please visit www.SONGScommunity.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SCE_SONGS and on www.facebook.com/SCE.
San
Onofre is jointly owned by SCE (78.21 percent), San Diego Gas &
Electric (20 percent) and the city of Riverside (1.79 percent).
About Southern California Edison
An
Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is
one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of
nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a
50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern
California.
PennEnergy's Top Oil & Gas News 6/7
| Top Oil & Gas News | |||
|
GE signs $84 million deepwater exploration
agreement in Gulf of Mexico GE Oil & Gas has signed an $84 million agreement with PEMEX Exploration and Production to supply and to install subsea wellheads for PEMEX’s deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling projects in the Gulf of Mexico. This marks GE’s largest agreement with PEMEX for the supply of subsea high capacity wellheads. Full Article Share: |
||
|
PennEnergy Video News
Update From India's exploration announcement, to Texas' drilling honor, to Oklahoma's pipeline expansion, all of the week's biggest headlines are in the PennEnergy Video News Update. Full Article Share: |
||
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• Southern Star announces pipeline expansion in Oklahoma
• Oseberg and Gullfaks offshore oil fields acquire new jack-up rigs
• Expro receives ninth oil & gas safety award from RoSPA
• DNV urges increased safety focus for oil & gas maritime shipping
• Gas industry growth benefitting all Queenslanders
• Petrobras' domestic oil output up 4.2% in April
• Subsea equipment orders for Anadarko's Heidelberg Field for FMC Technologies
• Johan Castberg offshore oil terminal project delayed
• Cairn joins Mediterranean Oil and Gas in exploration
• Millennium Pipeline announces natural gas compressor station now on-line
Safe nuclear: Japanese utility elaborates on thorium plans
Safe nuclear: Japanese utility elaborates on thorium plans
http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/intelligent-energy/safe-nuclear-japanese-utility-elaborates-on-thorium-plans/16570
Making Sense of Government Energy Innovation Policy
Making Sense of Government Energy Innovation Policy
http://theenergycollective.com/mstepp/234271/making-sense-government-energy-innovation-policy-through-lawn-careAGRION Takes Energy Storage Initiative Project to Washington D.C.
AGRION Takes Energy Storage Initiative Project to Washington D.C. After ... Newsday In June, AGRION, the global network for energy, cleantech & sustainability, launched its Energy Storage Initiative, convening the largest utility companies to help accelerate the application and implementation of storage technologies onto the grid ...http://www.newsday.com/business/agrion-takes-energy-storage-initiative-project-to-washington-d-c-after-successful-discussions-in-new-york-1.5419623
Bechtel Awarded EPC Contract for Nuclear Project
Bechtel Awarded EPC Contract for Nuclear Project
Company to Replace Steam Generators at Pennsylvania Nuclear Power Plant
http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6981974&access=EH
GridWise Alliance Releases Report on Improving Electric Grid Reliability and Resilience: Lessons Learned from Superstorm Sandy and Other Extreme Events
GridWise Alliance Releases Report on Improving Electric Grid Reliability and Resilience: Lessons Learned from Superstorm Sandy and Other Extreme Events
http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6977562&access=EH
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