Should Fukushima’s radioactive water be dumped at sea? New Scientist

Should Fukushima’s radioactive water be dumped at sea? New Scientist
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24100-should-fukushimas-radioactive-water-be-dumped-at-sea.html#.UhktrBmEPY1

Nuclear predicted to be the world’s fastest growing non-renewable energy source

Nuclear predicted to be the world’s fastest growing non-renewable energy source

http://www.esi-africa.com/node/16748

 

Former Energy Secretary Abraham on Nuclear Energy, Global Warming and Obama’s EPA

http://www.energybiz.com/article/13/08/former-energy-secretary-abraham-nuclear-energy-global-warming-and-obama-s-epa

Nuclear waste pools under scrutiny

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/22/nuclear-fuel-pools-scrutinized/

NRC Blog Update: Security and Nuclear Power Plants: Robust and Significant

Security and Nuclear Power Plants: Robust and Significant

6 Comments Posted by Moderator on August 23, 2013

Robert Lewis

Director of Preparedness and Response

 

Security of the nation’s commercial nuclear facilities is a critical part of the NRC’s mission. In response to recent media stories about security at nuclear power plants, we want to reassure you that U.S. nuclear power plants are adequately protected against potential terrorist attacks. In fact, they are among the best-protected sector of our national infrastructure.
In the decade since the 2001 terrorist attacks, the NRC, and its licensed operators, acted to enhance security at the nation’s nuclear plants. While the plants are secure, robust structures designed and built to withstand a variety of natural and man-made enemies, we ordered additional measures. For example, we strengthened requirements related to physical barriers, access controls, and intrusion detection and surveillance systems, as well as the existing well-trained and armed security officers.
Specific security measures are considered “safeguards information” (a type of unclassified, yet sensitive information) and are not made public, for obvious reasons. The NRC can, however, describe these enhancements in general terms.
Each plant’s security plan is based on a Design Basis Threat, or DBT, set by the NRC. This is the maximum threat a private-sector entity can be expected to defend against. Details of the DBT are not public, but our regulations spell out the types of threats our licensees must prepare for. These include an assault by one or more determined and capable adversary forces attacking by land or water, truck bombs, boat bombs, insider threats and cyber attacks. The NRC requires each plant to test its security force annually, and the NRC also tests the security forces at each plant every three years in a sophisticated force-on-force inspection.
Security doesn’t stop at a plant’s boundary. The NRC requires licensees to coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency responders who can assist in the unlikely event of an attack. The NRC itself continuously coordinates with other federal agencies to assess the current terrorist threat and take whatever actions might be necessary to bolster security at nuclear plants. We work with the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security and North American Aerospace Defense Command to guard against September 11-style air attacks.
A recent report published by the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Project (NPPP) at the University of Texas used non-sensitive “open-source” information to assess the protections in place to counter terrorist threats to nuclear facilities in the United States, including potential threats to commercial nuclear power plants.
As an agency committed to the security of our nation’s nuclear power plants, we welcome recommendations for strengthening our oversight. However, we need to correct the record on two key points made in NPPP’s report. First, both new and existing reactors must mitigate against potential attacks using commercial aircraft; in fact our Aircraft Impact Assessment Rule requires design features for new plants to mitigate the effects of an airplane crash, and the NRC’s post-September 11 orders require existing plants to implement similar mitigating measures. Second, NRC regulations, based upon the DBT, do in fact require licensees to guard against waterborne attacks or explosives.

ANs Update: Fukushima Daiichi: Bolted tanks, blast from NRA

Fukushima Daiichi: Bolted tanks, blast from NRA

By Will Davis on Aug 23, 2013 12:52 pm

Developments this week at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear station have been relatively few—but they’ve made headlines. The recent announcements concerning leakage of contaminated water from bolted tanks (that is to say, fabricated with bolted joints as opposed to welded joints) has … Continue reading →
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More to read:

Nuclear Energy Development and Slowing Climate Change
Scaremonger Week in the mainstream media
Carnival of Nuclear Energy 170
Fukushima Daiichi: Current Hurdles, Options, and Future Expectations
Court Finally Rules on Yucca Mountain’s NRC License Review

Thinking outside Fukushima Charles D. Ferguson

Thinking outside Fukushima

Charles D. Ferguson

http://thebulletin.org/thinking-outside-fukushima

Operator of Japan's crippled nuclear plant cites seam problem as possible cause of tank leak

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/08/24/operator-japan-crippled-nuclear-plant-cites-seam-problem-as-possible-cause-tank/#ixzz2cvMF4IIK

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/08/24/operator-japan-crippled-nuclear-plant-cites-seam-problem-as-possible-cause-tank/

Nuclear Waste Will Never Be Laid To Rest At Yucca Mountain by Ken Silverstein

Nuclear Waste Will Never Be Laid To Rest At Yucca Mountain

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2013/08/24/nuclear-waste-will-never-be-laid-to-rest-at-yucca-mountain/

Re-Energizing Peabody

By JACQUELINE DOHERTY | MORE ARTICLES BY AUTHOR

As coal's supply-and-demand equation improves, the future is glowing brighter for the industry, particularly for the largest private-sector miner of the fuel.

http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424052748704719204579025201429065152.html?mod=rss_barrons_features#articleTabs_article%3D1

Thorium: War and peace in the Atomic Age

http://www.leedsstudent.org/2013-04-26/article/thorium-war-and-peace-in-the-atomic-age

Leak Forces Shut Down of NJ Nuclear Plant

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Leak-Leads-to-Shut-Down-of-Nuclear-Plant-220808101.html

Energy Institute to pitch storing nuclear waste in Mississippi

While proponents tout job creation, opponents say it could create image problem

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130823/NEWS03/130823028/Energy-Institute-pitch-storing-nuclear-waste-Mississippi?nclick_check=1

Nuclear Operator Raises Alarm on Crisis By HIROKO TABUCHI

Nuclear Operator Raises Alarm on Crisis

By HIROKO TABUCHI

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/24/world/asia/nuclear-operator-raises-alarm-on-crisis.html

International Alarms Go Up as Fukushima Alert Level Raised

International Alarms Go Up as Fukushima Alert Level Raised by Jon Queally "In the most serious action since the nuclear plant was first damaged in 2011, Japan's Nuclear Regulatory Authority is on the verge of raising the international alarm—and the official threat level—over the spiraling crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.."http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/08/21-0		\

Global AC Needs Could Grow 50 Times Greater Than US Demand

Global AC Needs Could Grow 50 Times Greater Than US Demand

Posted: 24 Aug 2013 07:30 AM PDT

America used to be the king of car sales, but China took that crown in 2009. America also used to be the world's biggest polluter, but China now has that dubious distinction as well. Now China could be set to surpass the U.S. in air conditioning use. By a lot.http://theenergycollective.com/stephenlacey/260696/global-air-conditioning-needs-could-grow-50-times-greater-us-demand?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

House Committee on Energy and Commerce invitation to McFarland to appear at Sept. 10th hearing.

A friend sent me this link to a letter from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The committee is holding a hearing Sept 10. They have requested McFarlane to appear to answer "what NRC is doing to comply with the court order on finishing the Yucca Mountain license application.?"

http://energycommerce.house.gov/sites/republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/files/letters/20130823NRC.pdf

Lawmakers summon nuclear chief to testify about waste site

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/318597-lawmakers-summon-nuclear-chief-to-testify-about-waste-site#ixzz2cv53N7Fm
Follow us: @thehill on Twitter | TheHill on Facebook

http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/318597-lawmakers-summon-nuclear-chief-to-testify-about-waste-site

Nuclear Operator Raises Alarm on Crisis

Nuclear Operator Raises Alarm on Crisis

New York Times (blog) - ‎5 hours ago‎

TOKYO — The operator of Japan's tsunami-hit nuclear power plant sounded the alarm on the gravity of the deepening crisis of containment at the coastal site on Friday, saying that there are more than 200,000 tons of radioactive water in makeshift tanks ...http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/24/world/asia/nuclear-operator-raises-alarm-on-crisis.html?_r=0

Home Technology Energy & Green Tech August 23, 2013 Fukushima water handling 'sloppy': nuclear watchdog Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-08-fukushima-sloppy-nuclear-watchdog.html#jCp

Fukushima water handling 'sloppy': nuclear watchdog Phys.Org "I can't help but say it was sloppy," said Nuclear Regulation Authority committee member Toyoshi Fuketa of Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO's) ...http://phys.org/news/2013-08-fukushima-sloppy-nuclear-watchdog.html

Japan’s Disastrous Flirtation with Worst-Case Scenarios

 

Japan’s Disastrous Flirtation with Worst-Case Scenarios

Last month, Tepco’s president said all future problems at F. Daiichi would be reported with worst-case scenarios. Transparency means “telling it like it is” in a timely fashion. The “official” creation of worst-case scenarios makes a mockery of transparency.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-commentary.html

Liquid Metal Batteries Would Make Renewable Energy Viable

Liquid Metal Batteries Would Make Renewable Energy Viable ...

This became the idea starter for the liquid metal battery, using molten magnesium as the top layer, antimony on the bottom and molten salt in between.http://www.engineering.com/DesignerEdge/DesignerEdgeArticles/ArticleID/6066/Liquid-Metal-Batteries-Would-Make-Renewable-Energy-Viable.aspx

Deconstructing John Miller’s arguments against nuclear energy in the New York Times

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/the-curious-wavefunction/2013/08/23/deconstructing-john-millers-arguments-against-nuclear-energy-in-the-times/

Editor's Note

Dear Readers
I am taking the weekend off for a change. Will only be posting intermittently until
my return on Sunday. Have a good weekend all.
Best regards.
Michele Kearney

Breaking Energy: Learning from Hurricane Sandy and Investing in Our Energy Future

Breaking Energy: Learning from Hurricane Sandy and Investing in Our Energy Future

On 08.20.13 | In Energy, Next Gen Energy Blog, Technology  | by Jared Anderson

http://www.bluephoenixinc.com/2013/08/20/breaking-energy-learning-from-hurricane-sandy-and-investing-in-our-energy-future/?utm_source=feedly

Will Washington Politics Kill The US Energy Revival And Shale Gas Revolution?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonentine/2013/08/22/will-washington-politics-kill-the-us-energy-revival-and-shale-gas-revolution/

Petrobras outspends Exxon researching next oil frontiers

http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/08/23/petrobras-outspends-exxon-researching-next-oil-frontiers/

Germany Proves Sunshine is not Necessary for a Booming Solar Industry

http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Solar-Energy/Germany-Proves-Sunshine-is-not-Necessary-for-a-Booming-Solar-Industry.html

US Energy Boom to Create 500,000 Additional Jobs by 2020

http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/US-Energy-Boom-to-Create-500000-Additional-Jobs-by-2020.html

Politics has Doomed the Climate Change Debate

http://oilprice.com/The-Environment/Global-Warming/Politics-has-Doomed-the-Climate-Change-Debate.html

CIVIL NUCLEAR Radiation hotspots found at Fukushima tanks: TEPCO

Radiation hotspots found at Fukushima tanks: TEPCO
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Radiation_hotspots_found_at_Fukushima_tanks_TEPCO_999.html

Viewing Fukushima in the cold light of Chernobyl Aug 21, 2013

Viewing Fukushima in the cold light of Chernobyl

Aug 21, 2013

http://phys.org/news/2013-08-viewing-fukushima-cold-chernobyl.html

Elevated Radiation Triggers Alert, Temporary Evacuation at Hanford Tank Farm

Elevated Radiation Triggers Alert, Temporary Evacuation at Hanford Tank Farm

http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2013/08/23/elevated-radiation-triggers-alert_2c00_-temporary-evacuation-at-hanford-tank-farm-082301.aspx#.UhdyUD84Sw0

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review

http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2013/08/23/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-weekly-review-082302.aspx#.UhdyID84Sw0

The News On Nuclear Energy

http://www.nhpr.org/post/news-nuclear-energy?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NHPRExchange+%28New+Hampshire+Public+Radio+-+The+Exchange%29

Nuclear Fusion Research Enters 'Critical Phase' In France

http://nhpr.org/post/nuclear-fusion-research-enters-critical-phase-france

Despite Fukushima, IAEA sees global progress on nuclear safety

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/23/us-nuclear-iaea-safety-idUSBRE97M0FS20130823?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews

Penn energy Research: Power Industry Reports: Combined Generation

	Power Industry Reports: Combined Generation Combined Heat and Power Capacity Growth to Accelerate in the US Summary Combined Heat and Power (CHP) capacity growth is set to increase in the next 10 years, driven by various factors such as natural gas price stability, the retirement and closure of coal capacity and stringent emission regulations. Contrary to the current scenario, investments in CHP systems witnessed a decreasing trend over the past decade, due to which capacity additions in the technology diminished. The US government is keen to improve the investment scenario in CHP projects and is emphasizing accelerated growth in the technology. The recent executive order from the government directed state and federal bodies to formulate policies and incentives to encourage investment in industrial efficiency at all levels across state, federal, local and private bodies. Scope Market prospects for CHP equipment manufacturers and EPC in the US due to increased need of infrastructure Key factors responsible for the need of cogen growth in the US Major upcoming CHP projects Cogeneration Market in the Netherlands: Growth Restricted due to Eurozone Crisis Summary The Eurozone crisis has affected the industrial sector in the Netherlands. New demand for power from the industrial sector is minimal. Competition is currently intense, and high overhead costs can lead to strained profit margins. Market penetration is difficult, especially for companies with no established presence. Competition is also intense in the shrinking co-generation market. Margins are very thin on account of price erosion. However, the overall market is up-beat, with more orders coming up for combined cycle power plants, which are not particularly adapted to Combined Heat and Power (CHP). Due to stringent emissions regulations, manufacturers are developing new combustion technologies to reduce toxic emissions. Customers are increasingly interested in more efficient equipment. The repowering of old power plants with co-generation plants is another major trend in the Dutch power market. In spite of these developments, co-generation market witnessed restricted growth due to economic slowdown, and this trend is likely to continue until more favorable political and financial incentives are introduced in order to encourage the deployment of co-generation in the Netherlands. Scope Market prospects of CHP in the Netherlands with growing demand for high efficiency and low emission technologies Key issues influencing the growth of CHP market in Netherlands Future and current market potential offered by cogeneration technology with prevalent Eurozone crisis and Dutch policy measures Future market opportunities with the growth of cogeneration market in the Netherlands Cost of Power Generation - Renewables Compete with Conventional Alternatives as the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is driven down by Technological Developments and Mass Deployments Summary This report gives an in-depth analysis of the cost of power generation, levelized cost of electricity for different power generating technologies, both renewable and conventional, in six major countries like the US, China, India, Germany, the UK and Australia between 2011 and 2020. The report also provides information on key trends, factors impacting the cost of power generation and electricity prices. Scope Levelized cost of electricity for power generation from renewable resources such as biomass, wind and solar PV from 2011 to 2020 Levelized cost of electricity for power generation from conventional resource such as from coal and gas from 2011 to 2020 Key trends of cost of power generation in global power market Factors impacting cost of power generation and electricity prices Overview of grid parity

Rethinking Our Energy System; Leveraging Distributed Generation

Steve Morgan, American Clean Energy and Todd Foley, ACORE
August 22, 2013
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/08/rethinking-our-energy-system-leveraging-distributed-generation?cmpid=WNL-Friday-August23-2013

Distributed Generation Changing Utility Paradigm | EnergyBiz

Distributed Generation Changing Utility Paradigm | EnergyBiz

http://www.scoop.it/t/llysioug/p/4006248009/distributed-generation-changing-utility-paradigm-energybiz

Stanford builds hyper-long lasat battery that can store grid level amounts of energy

Stanford builds hyper-long lasat battery that can store grid level amounts of energy

http://www.scoop.it/t/llysioug/p/4006459579/stanford-builds-hyper-long-lasat-battery-that-can-store-grid-level-amounts-of-energy

Why the U.S. Power Grid's Days Are Numbered

Why the U.S. Power Grid's Days Are Numbered

http://www.scoop.it/t/llysioug/p/4006462294/why-the-u-s-power-grid-s-days-are-numbered

Power Engineering Top Stories 8/23

Top Stories
	Appeals court upholds ruling on coal-fired power plant Regulators waited too long to sanction power plant owners. Read More Share:
	NRC gives Indian Point 2 temporary approval Controversial plant can continue running during license renewal. Read More Share:
	Court: CAA does not preempt common law tort claim against coal-fired power plant Ruling calls Clean Air Act "a regulatory floor," not a ceiling. Read More Share:
	Pattern begins construction on Texas wind energy project Project will use 118 GE wind turbines. Read More Share:

In Case You Missed It
• First Solar and Roseville, Calif. sign agreement for solar power
• Reclamation forecasts lower water release to Lake Mead in 2014
• Lightning strikes cause power outages in California
• Siemens to supply wind energy turbines to Washington project
• Missouri nuclear power plant back in service
• Gehrlicher Solar America Corp. completes first phase of solar project
• Wind energy growth to provide boost to global O&M market
• Panda Power planning 859 MW natural gas-fired power plant in Maryland
• Babcock & Wilcox to supply gas boilers to Virginia manufacturing facility
• Dominion confirms FERC approval of coal-fired power plant sale
• Illinois EPA believes closed coal-fired plant polluting groundwater
• North Carolina AG files brief opposing Duke Energy rate increase
• Sempra Energy releases fifth annual corporate report
• Activated carbon market to top $4bn by 2019
• Vestas appoints new president and chief executive officer
• FirstEnergy units agree on coal-fired power plant share, rate reduction
• Ameren receives approval for $1.1bn transmission project in Illinois
• License revoked for Slovak nuclear project
• Plan approved to increase wind & natural gas capacity, use less coal
• HelioPower acquires solar finance developer
• JinkoSolar to provide solar PV modules
• NADB to help fund solar PV project in Calif.
• Oklahoma attorney general will appeal regional haze decision
• EcoPlexus completes 2 MW solar project in California

The Week's Most Read Articles
	Regulators file suits against Duke's coal plants in N.C. Duke is accused of wastewater violations at coal ash containment sites. Read More Share:
	PJM: Coal-fired power plant closures may affect reliability Two coal-fired power plants may not be able to close in Pennsylvania. Read More Share:
	Shutting down SONGS may cost more than $4bn Decommissioning may take up to 15 years, SCE says. Read More Share:
	Fluor gets green light to begin natural gas-fired power plant construction Fluor begins work on 1,358 MW Brunswick County plant. Read More Share:
	Vermont Yankee nuclear plant survives in appeals court ruling Court rules that state has no say so over nuclear power plant. Read More Share:

What's trending this week
	Weekly Coal Production Update The Weekly Coal Production (WCP) Report provides estimates for U.S. coal production by state based on railroad car loading data. Read More Share: