Saturday, September 14, 2013

Dr. Robert Hargraves, LFTR Advocate

I first encountered Dr. Robert Hargraves' nuclear advocacy 6 years ago, when I was looking for support for an idea that I was developing. The idea was a partial solution to nuclear costs through factory construction of reactors. Robert had posted some material on the Internet advocating the same idea and I stumbled on it. At this point the Pebble Bed Reactor was still in the running for reactor of the century and Robert had suggested that among its' advantages was its' potential for factory construction. More at:

http://nucleargreen.blogspot.com/2013/09/dr-robert-hargraves-lftr-advocate.html

The Real Problem …

The fact that the Fukushima reactors have been leaking huge amounts of radioactive water ever since the 2011 earthquake is certainly newsworthy. As are the facts that:

Tepco doesn’t know how to stop the leaks

Scientists have no idea where the cores of the nuclear reactors are

Radiation could hit Korea, China and the West Coast of North America fairly hard

But the real problem is that the idiots who caused this mess are probably about to cause a much bigger problem.

http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2013/09/the-real-fukushima-danger.html

Climate Scientists Must Not Act as Policy Advocates

More Science Doesn’t Solve Our Problems

http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/energy-and-climate/climate-scientists-must-not-act-as-policy-advocates/

Adopting a Low Carbon Energy System: How Four Nations Have Made the Switch

Clean energy has been a major topic of interest of late, but the pace at which major change has occurred has been frustratingly slow and it is often hard to see how a shift to low-carbon technologies could actually happen in practice. Fortunately, we are able to look abroad to a number of success stories that can demonstrate how major transformation in the energy sector might occur.

http://environmentalpolicyandplanning.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/adopting-a-low-carbon-energy-system-how-four-nations-have-made-the-switch/

GE poised to make impact in oil industry, official says

GE’s oil and gas research center, which will be established in Oklahoma City, is poised to innovate in the industry, General Manager Mike Ming said.

http://shalestuff.com/controversy-2/ge-poised-impact-oil-industry-official/article09146

Exxon: Natural gas soon will overtake coal in global energy use

http://shalestuff.com/controversy-2/exxon-natural-gas-overtake-coal-global-energy/article09164

TEPCO Admits Fukushima Out of Control

TEPCO Admits Fukushima Out of Control
http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/tepco-admits-fukushima-out-of-control/

A month ago, when we quoted an independent expert that "TEPCO has lost control
of Fukushima" many took offense, despite all signs to the contrary. Perhaps the
skeptics will reevaluate their position following today's news reported by AFP,
which cited Kazuhiko Yamashita, who holds the executive-level title of "fellow"
at Tokyo Electric Power, who finally admitted what those [...]

US expert: TEPCO should say more on water leaks

US expert: TEPCO should say more on water leaksA US nuclear expert has urged the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant to do more to tell the world about leakage of radioactive water at the site.

Lake Barrett is a former official of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission who led cleanup work for 4 years after the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island.

Barrett took part in a meeting at Tokyo Electric Power Company on Friday to address problems including leakage from wastewater storage tanks and contamination of massive amounts of groundwater.

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20130913_18.html

TEPCO Press Release Invitation of an External Professional, to the Contaminated Water and Tank Countermeasures Headquarters

Press Releases 2013

Press Release (Sep 10,2013)Invitation of an External Professional, to the Contaminated Water and Tank Countermeasures Headquarters

On August 26 this year, we set up the "Contaminated Water and Tank Countermeasures Headquarters." Today, we have determined to invite Mr. Lake H. Barrett (former US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and former US Department of Energy), an overseas expert familiar with clean-up and decontamination technology, as an outside expert to the "Contaminated Water and Tank Countermeasures Headquarters."
Based on his international knowledge and experience, acquired by engaging in control of the Three Mile Island accident at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, he will participate in the meetings of the Contaminated Water and Tank Countermeasures Headquarters and each project team, and will provide advice regarding decontamination issues such as contaminated water countermeasures at the request of TEPCO.
We recognize that bringing the contaminated water under control is the most urgent and serious issue that we must address. Supported by the Japanese government, and utilizing the immense amount of expertise provided by professionals around the world, all of us at TEPCO will strive relentlessly to rectify this issue.

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/2013/1230443_5130.html

Who Governs Global Oil Prices?

Igor Ossipov, Casing Point

13 september
2013

Who Governs Global Oil Prices?

http://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/casingpoint/?id_4=674&goback=.gde_4107653_member_273531620#!

Scientists Get In-Person Demonstration of Station Blackout

http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/Scientists-Get-In-Person-Demonstration-of-Station

Nuclear weapons: an accident waiting to happen

In July 1956, a plane crashed in Suffolk, nearly detonating an atomic bomb. In January 1987, an RAF truck carrying hydrogen bombs skidded off a road in Wiltshire. Other near-misses remain top secret. Who is really at risk from Britain's nuclear weapons?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/14/nuclear-weapons-accident-waiting-to-happen

Nuclear Waste: Agency Racks Up $16B in Cost Overruns

Nuclear Waste: Agency Racks Up $16B in Cost Overruns - See more at: http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/09/13/Nuclear-Waste-Agency-Racks-16B-Cost-Overruns#sthash.Ylbqwll6.dpuf

Apparently, the threat of nuclear disaster is not enough incentive for the federal government to get its financial house in order.

Nearly every major project that the National Nuclear Security Administration – the agency charged with securing the country’s nuclear arsenal – is behind schedule and over budget, according to an Associated Press report.
- See more at: http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/09/13/Nuclear-Waste-Agency-Racks-16B-Cost-Overruns#sthash.Ylbqwll6.dpuf

http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/09/13/Nuclear-Waste-Agency-Racks-16B-Cost-Overruns

Apparently, the threat of nuclear disaster is not enough incentive for the federal government to get its financial house in order.

Group urges TVA to finish building reactors, scrap most of its coal plants

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130914/NEWS21/309140028/Group-urges-TVA-finish-building-reactors-scrap-most-its-coal-plants

US nuclear power is past its high water mark

Blouin News Blogs (blog) - ‎Sep 13, 2013‎

Nuclear power generation in the United States is falling. After increasing rapidly since the 1970s, electricity generation at U.S. nuclear plants began to grow more slowly in the early 2000s. It then plateaued between 2007 and 2010—before falling more than ...http://blogs.blouinnews.com/blouinbeatbusiness/2013/09/13/u-s-nuclear-power-is-past-its-high-water-mark/

U.S. nuclear power is past its high water mark

September 13, 2013 by Earth Policy Institute

San Onofre nuclear power plant. Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images/Mark Ralston

Nuclear power generation in the United States is falling. After increasing rapidly since the 1970s, electricity generation at U.S. nuclear plants began to grow more slowly in the early 2000s. It then plateaued between 2007 and 2010—before falling more than 4% over the last two years. Projections for 2013 show a further 1% drop. With reactors retiring early and proposed projects being abandoned, U.S. nuclear power’s days are numbered.
U.S. Net Electricity Generation from Nuclear Power, 1960-2013

U.S. Net Electricity Generation from Nuclear Power, 1960-2013

The nuclear industry’s troubles began well before the 1979 accident at Pe

California's nuclear power is being replaced by natural gas

http://nextbigfuture.com/2013/09/californias-nuclear-power-is-being.html

Nuclear Power is on Life Support in US


Nuclear Power is on Life Support in US Motley Fool This was supposed to be a time for a nuclear revival in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Energy has a loan guarantee program with tens of billions of dollars that ...http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/09/14/nuclear-power-is-on-life-support.aspx

Japan 'to measure cesium levels' off crippled Fukushima to assess sea damage

RT (blog) - ‎1 hour ago‎

Japan's nuclear authority is to conduct radiation surveys to measure the long-term effect on marine resources on the seabed off the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant that has been leaking toxic water since 2011, the Japanese media reports. The tests which ...http://rt.com/news/japan-fukushima-sea-damage-872/

Early Take on NRC's Waste Confidence Package Is Positive

Early Take on NRC's Waste Confidence Package Is Positive MarketWatch (press release)

WASHINGTON, Sep 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via COMTEX) -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has published for public comment a proposed rule ...http://www.marketwatch.com/story/early-take-on-nrcs-waste-confidence-package-is-positive-2013-09-13

Iran urges 'new steps' from Russia to solve nuclear crisis

Iran urges 'new steps' from Russia to solve nuclear crisis
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (AFP) Sept 13, 2013 - Iran's new centrist leader Hassan Rowhani on Friday urged Moscow to help solve Tehran's nuclear crisis as he met President Vladimir Putin for a key meeting at a security summit in Kyrgzystan. "As far as the Iranian nuclear problem is concerned, we would like this problem to be solved as soon as possible within the framework of international norms," Rowhani told Putin in televised remarks tra ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/Iran_urges_new_steps_from_Russia_to_solve_nuclear_crisis_999.html

ICE WORLD Canada builds up arctic maritime surveillance

Canada builds up arctic maritime surveillance
Ottawa (UPI) Sep 11, 2013 - Canada is going ahead with plans to keep closer tabs on arctic shipping amid competing claims on the region, especially those from Russia and northern European states. Plans to build and put in orbit a constellation of monitoring satellites mean Canada is set to spend millions on a maritime surveillance program that will include additional tasks of maintaining control on resource develo ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Canada_builds_up_arctic_maritime_surveillance_999.html

Yongbyon: North Korea's nuclear heartbeat

Yongbyon: North Korea's nuclear heartbeat
Seoul (AFP) Sept 13, 2013 - The Yongbyon nuclear complex has been the beating heart of North Korea's nuclear programme for more than 50 years - a source of great domestic pride and even greater global anxiety. The mere suggestion - based on satellite imagery - that its main plutonium reactor may be back up and running has been greeted with grave concern and Russian warnings of a Chernobyl-like disaster. The foun ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/Yongbyon_North_Koreas_nuclear_heartbeat_999.html

49 GW of Coal-Fired Plants Expected to Retire by 2020

http://energywatchmrb.blogspot.com/2013/09/49-gw-of-coal-fired-plants-expected-to.html

The All-Too-Real Cyberthreat NOBODY is Prepared for (Aurora)

http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/13/the-all-too-real-cyberthreat-nobody-is-prepared-for-aurora/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=bc1b040ba4-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-bc1b040ba4-407304281

Keystone XL and US Politics: A Sad State of Affairs

http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/13/keystone-xl-and-us-politics-a-sad-state-of-affairs/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=bc1b040ba4-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-bc1b040ba4-407304281

The Keystone XL Debate: An Amalgam of Fact and Fervor

http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/13/the-keystone-xl-debate-an-amalgam-of-fact-and-fervor/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=bc1b040ba4-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-bc1b040ba4-407304281

Why Utility Downgrades Are a Big Deal By Elias Hinckley

Why Utility Downgrades Are a Big Deal

By Elias Hinckley
http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/13/why-utility-downgrades-are-a-big-deal/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=bc1b040ba4-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-bc1b040ba4-407304281

New Market Report Shows Huge Gains In U.S. Solar Deployment

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/09/new-market-report-shows-huge-gains-in-u-s-solar-deployment?cmpid=SolarNL-Saturday-September14-2013

Fukushima nuke plant spews vapor, Japanese operator clueless about cause

Fukushima nuke plant spews vapor, Japanese operator clueless about cause
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=40840&icid=a&d_str=

Steam Spotted at Fukushima Nuclear Reactor Tokyo Electric Power says temperature is now stable but plant must be kept cool to prevent future problems

Steam Spotted at Fukushima Nuclear Reactor

Tokyo Electric Power says temperature is now stable but plant must be kept cool to prevent future problems

http://world.time.com/2013/09/13/steam-spotted-at-fukushima-nuclear-reactor/

Fukushima's radioactive leak: 'no way to filter this stuff out' - expert

http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2013_09_13/Fukushimas-contaminated-water-There-is-no-way-to-filter-this-stuff-out-expert-9633/

German coal-fired power rises above 50% in first-half 2013 generation mix

http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/london/german-coal-fired-power-rises-above-50-in-first-26089429

Iran's Rouhani says wants nuclear issue resolved, but draws lines

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/13/us-nuclear-iran-rouhani-idUSBRE98C0EQ20130913

Iran announces deep cut in enriched uranium stockpile

http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-iran-nuclear-uranium-conversion-20130913,0,6501869.story

Vermont’s natural gas paradox and its German parallel

http://blogs.platts.com/2013/09/13/vermont-latest/

Selection of beneficiaries near Kudankulam nuclear plant soon

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/selection-of-beneficiaries-near-kudankulam-nuclear-plant-soon/article5127653.ece

Friday, September 13, 2013

Rising Stars in Nuclear Science and Engineering: A Symposium

NSE Rising Stars symposium offers young women researchers rare opportunity more

Symposium Program :: download pdf

http://web.mit.edu/nse/events/risingstars.html

Improved nuclear fuel-rod cladding might prevent future Fukushimas

A substitute for traditional zircaloy could greatly reduce the danger of hydrogen explosions.

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2013/better-cladding-for-nuclear-reactors-0726.html

NSE student delegation heads to Russia

A year after the first delegation of MIT Nuclear Science and Engineering students traveled to Russia, a second group headed off to Russia in July 2013 with the goal of strengthening connections between U.S. and Russian students in the nuclear field. This year, 5 students — Gordon Glober (UG), Alexandre Guion (G), Lauren Merriman (UG), Jude Safo (G) and the trip organizer, Katia Paramonova (UG), spent a week and a half in Russia. As Lauren Merriman put it, the trip “opened my eyes to the fact that Russians and American aren’t all that different from each other!”.

http://web.mit.edu/nse/news/2013/atom-expo.html

Virginia Says Yes to Nuclear

http://www.baconsrebellion.com/2013/09/virginia-says-yes-to-nuclear.html

'India's liability law poses tough challenge to US nuclear deal'

'India's liability law poses tough challenge to US nuclear deal'

Read more at: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indias-liability-law-poses-tough-challenge-to-us-nuclear-deal/421674-2.html?utm_source=ref_article

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indias-liability-law-poses-tough-challenge-to-us-nuclear-deal/421674-2.html?utm_source=ref_article

Ex-US regulator: Fukushima cleanup complicated

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_306485/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=SjXh2YLq

SENATORS PUSH NRC ON DRY CASK LICENSING:

SENATORS PUSH NRC ON DRY CASK LICENSING: Bipartisanship isn’t dead — at least not when it comes to pushing the NRC to speed up its licensing process for dry cask storage for nuclear waste at reactor sites. The industry has complained that requests for design changes to can take two years or more to get through the regulator, according to the letter, signed by Sens. Tom Carper — who chairs the Environment and Public Works subcommittee that oversees nuclear safety — John Barrasso, Ben Cardin and Jeff Sessions sent to NRC Chairwoman Allison Macfarlane today. Letter: http://politico.pro/1eJkQLm

http://www.politico.com/morningenergy/0913/morningenergy11639.html

Investors challenge TVA budget plan

http://timesfreepress.com/news/2013/sep/13/investors-challenge-tva-budget-plan/

TEPCO Official: Fukushima is Out of Control

TEPCO Official: Fukushima is Out of Control
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/09/13-7

US nuclear expert Lake Barrett 'not concerned' by Fukushima radioactive leaks

ABC Online - ‎

A US nuclear expert brought in to offer advice about the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant says leaks of radioactive water into the sea are not a major concern. It is believed about 300 tonnes of contaminated water is seeping into the ocean every day. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-13/us-nuclear-expert-27not-concerned27-by-fukushima-site/4957752

Waste-to-Energy Plants Growing in China

Waste-to-Energy Plants Growing in China Energy Digital

China is all set to speed up the growth rate of global Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants market and expected to increase its market share up to double by the end of ...http://www.energydigital.com/renewable_energy/waste-to-energy-plants-growing-in-china

Energy and the developing world


Energy and the developing world MIT News Pointing to the country as a model for developing countries to follow, Hook said, “China energy needs and demands have actually started to shape development ...http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2013/energy-and-the-developing-world.html

Atomic Gaffes

‘Command and Control,’ by Eric Schlosser

By WALTER RUSSELL MEAD

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/15/books/review/command-and-control-by-eric-schlosser.html?nl=books&emc=edit_bk_20130913&_r=0


Does U.S. Advice on Disposing Fukushima Waste Apply Back Home? National Journal In the United States, materials that have become radioactively contaminated normally cannot be categorized as anything less than “low-level radioactive waste,” ...http://www.nationaljournal.com/global-security-newswire/does-u-s-advice-on-disposing-fukushima-waste-apply-back-home-20130912

Southern Company: The Wait For Fair Valuation Is Over

http://seekingalpha.com/article/1693312-southern-company-the-wait-for-fair-valuation-is-over?source=email_rt_article_readmore

PennEnergy Research: Gas Development Reports and Industry Outlook

	Gas Development Reports and Industry Outlook Increased Shale Gas Production and Natural Gas Trading is Driving the Growth of Salt Cavern Type Underground Gas Storage Sites in the US Summary The scope of the underground gas storage industry in the US has increased due to the increased trading of natural gas and the commercial production of natural gas from shale plays. The increased trading of natural gas has given impetus to the development of salt cavern type storage sites, as these sites allow faster injections and withdrawals of natural gas than other types of storage facilities. Increased shale gas production in the country has resulted in massive pipeline capacity expansion plans, which will spur the development of the underground gas storage industry. The increased trading of natural gas is also expected to decrease the relevance of the depleted oil and gas field type sites, which accounted for approximately 82.6% of the total working gas capacity in 2011. Scope The report highlights impact of natural gas trading on the growth of salt cavern type underground storage sites in the US The report discusses the relevance of depleted type storage sites in the US due to increased natural gas trading The report highlights benefits of salt cavern type storage sites Gas Processing Industry Outlook in Canada, 2013 Summary This report is a comprehensive report on gas processing industry in Canada. It provides in-depth asset details of all active and planned facilities in the region. Details include operator name, type of the plant, start year, process/ conditioning methods and gas processing capacity. Planned plants as announced by the companies have been included in the report. This research gives information on the market shares of major gas storage companies in Canada. The report also provides profiles of three major gas processing operators in Canada. Scope The report provides detailed information and analysis on gas processing plants in Canada The research work includes processing capacities of active and planned processing plants in the country Information on gas processing capacity of top five companies is provided Profiles of three major companies operating in the industry are also included in the report Macquarie Consortium to Acquire Open Grid Europe from E.ON for $4.07 Billion - E.ON Sells the Asset Amidst Deteriorating Profitability of its Midstream Gas Operations Summary Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 4 -, a fund managed by Macquarie Group Limited and, along with its consortium members including British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority's Subsidiary Infinity Investments; and MEAG, the asset management arm of Munich Re and ERGO -, agreed to acquire German gas pipeline network operator Open Grid Europe GmbH (Open Grid Europe), an operator of gas pipeline network in Germany, from E.ON AG (E.ON), an integrated energy company, for a purchase consideration of €3.2 billion ($4.07 billion). The purchase consideration includes around €300m ($384.33m) in pension liabilities and other assets. Macquarie Capital and the Royal Bank of Canada are acting as financial advisors to Macquarie consortium while Goldman Sachs is acting as financial advisor to EON in the transaction. The transaction is subject to the approval of the German Federal Cartel Office and, pursuant to the Foreign Trade and Payments Act, the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2012. The transaction implies a deal value of $0.67 per cubic feet of installed capacity. Scope Rationale behind E.ON divesting Open Grid Europe Strategic benefits for the companies involved in the transaction Geography covered - Germany

Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Dr. Robert Hargraves, LFTR Advocate

CNO Summit Diary: PG&E's Ed Halpin on the Lessons From Fukushima

Areva, EDF help nuclear supply chain in Poland

Mitsubishi to collaborate on N. America power generation

Depleted Global Oil and Gas Reserves have Led to Greater Interest in Syria

Japan Sets Up Team To Gather ‘Overseas Knowledge’ On Fukushima Issues

Areva Signs Used Fuel Storage Casks Contracts In Germany

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review

The REAL Fukushima Danger

The Real Problem …

More Science Doesn’t Solve Our Problems

Adopting a Low Carbon Energy System: How Four Nations Have Made the Switch

Press Releases 2013

Press Release (Sep 10,2013)Invitation of an External Professional, to the Contaminated Water and Tank Countermeasures Headquarters

Who Governs Global Oil Prices?

Scientists Get In-Person Demonstration of Station Blackout

Nuclear weapons: an accident waiting to happen

Group urges TVA to finish building reactors, scrap most of its coal plants

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49 GW of Coal-Fired Plants Expected to Retire by 2020

New Market Report Shows Huge Gains In U.S. Solar Deployment

Steam Spotted at Fukushima Nuclear Reactor

Fukushima's radioactive leak: 'no way to filter this stuff out' - expert

German coal-fired power rises above 50% in first-half 2013 generation mix

Iran's Rouhani says wants nuclear issue resolved, but draws lines

Iran announces deep cut in enriched uranium stockpile

Vermont’s natural gas paradox and its German parallel

Selection of beneficiaries near Kudankulam nuclear plant soon

Friday, September 13, 2013

Rising Stars in Nuclear Science and Engineering: A Symposium

NSE Rising Stars symposium offers young women researchers rare opportunity more

Symposium Program :: download pdf

Improved nuclear fuel-rod cladding might prevent future Fukushimas

NSE student delegation heads to Russia

Virginia Says Yes to Nuclear

Ex-US regulator: Fukushima cleanup complicated

Investors challenge TVA budget plan

Atomic Gaffes

‘Command and Control,’ by Eric Schlosser

By WALTER RUSSELL MEAD

54 Billion Tons of CO2 Emissions Displaced By Nuclear Energy and Natural Gas

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NRC Proposes Rule Saying Spent Fuel Can Be Safely Stored Beyond Reactor's Life

Forget Fukushima, Nuclear Power Has Saved 1.8 Million Lives

Southern Company: The Wait For Fair Valuation Is Over