Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Fukushima Beta-Radiation Levels Soar To New Record In Aftermath Of Typhoon Wipha
Iran’s New Nuclear Proposal
Iran’s New Nuclear Proposal
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/10/iran-nuclear-freeze-proposal.html
Experts Warn Utilities Need to Redefine Their Roles - POWER Magazine
Utility roles are changing
rapidly, and the utility of the future will need to be ready for a much
more diversified, secure, and decentralized grid.http://www.powermag.com/experts-warn-utilities-need-to-redefine-their-roles/
Lady Barbara Judge Causes Token “Balance” in Japanese Press -
Lady Barbara Judge Causes Token “Balance” in Japanese Press -
Something has happened that seems to have caught the antinuclear
Japanese Press off-guard. Her name is Lady Barbara Judge of Great Britain. As a
result, Japan's news media is resorting to historical methods of reporting with
"balance", giving her positive statements token mention at
the end of each article.
Senator Stands Up for Nuclear Whistleblower
Senator Stands Up for Nuclear Whistleblower
http://www.pogo.org/blog/2013/10/20131017-senator-stands-up-for-nuclear-whistleblower.html
Friday, October 18, 2013
Three Mile Island Veteran Optimistic on Fukushima Fuel Removal
Three Mile Island Veteran Optimistic on Fukushima Fuel Removal
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-10-17/three-mile-island-veteran-optimistic-on-fukushima-fuel-removal
First hand report from trained US Navy radiation worker about experience associated with Fukushim
First hand report from trained US Navy radiation worker about experience associated with Fukushima
http://atomicinsights.com/first-hand-report-trained-navy-radiation-worker/
China firms take majority stakes in UK nuclear power projects
China firms take majority stakes in UK nuclear power projects
Countries sign first civil nuclear accord
http://gulfnews.com/news/world/china-firms-take-majority-stakes-in-uk-nuclear-power-projects-1.1244119
What China's Growing Nuclear Power Means for the World
What China's Growing Nuclear Power Means for the World TIME
British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne (C) chats with Taishan Nuclear Power Joint Venture general manager Guo Liming (L) and EDF Energy ...http://world.time.com/2013/10/18/what-chinas-growing-nuclear-power-means-for-the-world/
Carbon Capture and Storage: The Edsel of Energy Policies
Carbon
Capture and Storage: The Edsel of Energy Policies - See more at:
http://www.energytribune.com/79483/carbon-capture-and-storage-the-edsel-of-energy-policies#sthash.mmmWLARo.FmtleUG6.dpuf
Carbon Capture and Storage: The Edsel of Energy Policieshttp://www.energytribune.com/79483/carbon-capture-and-storage-the-edsel-of-energy-policies#sthash.mmmWLARo.FmtleUG6.dpbs
Duke Energy's revised agreement ends nuclear power plant plans
Duke Energy's revised agreement ends nuclear power plant plans
http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2013/10/duke-energys-revised-agreement-ends-nuclear-power-plant-plans.html
Radiation News Roundup October 17, 2013
Radiation News Roundup October 17, 2013
http://nucleotidings.com/article/radiation-news-roundup-october-17-2013
Nuclear Reactors 69 - Nuclear Breeder Reactors 10 - History of UK Breeder Reactors
Nuclear
Reactors 69 - Nuclear Breeder Reactors 10 - History of UK Breeder
Reactors 1 - See more at:
http://nucleotidings.com/article/nuclear-reactors-69-nuclear-breeder-reactors-10-history-uk-breeder-reactors-1#sthash.4cBBsK2I.dpuf
Nuclear Reactors 69 - Nuclear Breeder Reactors 10 - History of UK Breeder Reactors http://nucleotidings.com/article/nuclear-reactors-69-nuclear-breeder-reactors-10-history-uk-breeder-reactors-1
Video tour of Fukushima Daiichi as of September 2013
Video tour of Fukushima Daiichi as of September 2013
http://nuclearstreet.com/pro_nuclear_power_blogs/b/atomic_insights/archive/2013/10/18/video-tour-of-fukushima-daiichi-as-of-september-2013.aspx#.UmF08BDBOAg
Britain, EDF strike deal on nuclear project: source
Britain, EDF strike deal on nuclear project: source
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Britain_EDF_strike_deal_on_nuclear_project_source_999.html
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Britain_EDF_strike_deal_on_nuclear_project_source_999.html
Report Warns of Adversarial Relationship Between DOE, SRS Salt Waste Facility Contractor
Report Warns of Adversarial Relationship Between DOE, SRS Salt Waste Facility Contractor
http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2013/01/29/report-warns-of-adversarial-relationship-between-doe_2c00_-srs-salt-waste-facility-contractor-012902.aspx#.UmFz7hDBOAg
Higher Electricity Costs Raise Alarm Across Europe By Bill Sweet
Higher Electricity Costs Raise Alarm Across Europe
By Bill Sweethttp://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/renewables/higher-electricity-costs-raise-alarm-across-europe
Recabling delays Shin Kori start ups
Recabling delays Shin Kori start ups (http://www.world-nuclear-
The start of commercial operation at the Shin Kori 3 and 4 reactors under construction in South Korea is likely to be delayed by a further year after safety-related control cabling failed quality tests.
The start of commercial operation at the Shin Kori 3 and 4 reactors under construction in South Korea is likely to be delayed by a further year after safety-related control cabling failed quality tests.
PennEnergy Research Papers: Nuclear Power: Market Analysis and Reports
Nuclear Power: Market Analysis and Reports
Small and Medium-Sized Reactors - New Build Market, Policy Analysis, Competitive Landscape and Key Country Analysis to 2025
Summary
The growing demand for electricity across the globe and the need for the development and use of safe, reliable and economical sources of energy are encouraging a number of countries to build new nuclear reactors. However, countries with distributed demand for power are increasingly looking into the construction of multiple smaller or medium sized reactors, instead of installing one large reactor. There are currently around 117 Small and Medium-sized Reactor (SMR) units currently under operation worldwide, while around 72 SMR units are expected to come online in the near future. More than 45 countries across different regions of the world are considering introducing nuclear power generation as part of their energy mix, and many of these countries are looking to install SMRs to this end. The nuclear power programs of these countries will open up numerous opportunities for various players involved in the SMR new-build nuclear market, creating future market potential. Scope
Global
Nuclear Power Deployment - New-build Market, Policy Analysis,
International Cooperation, Competitive Landscape and Key Country
Analysis to 2025
Summary
The growing demand for electricity across the globe and the necessity of developing and using safe, reliable and economical sources of energy are encouraging countries to build new nuclear reactors. Globally, there are more than 430 reactor units that are currently under operation and 62 nuclear reactors were in construction stages of development in 14 different nuclear power countries globally, as of July 2013. More than 435 nuclear reactors are in the financed, permitting and announced phases of development across the globe. Over 45 countries are considering introducing nuclear power generation as part of their energy mix across different regions in the world. The nuclear power programs of these countries will open up numerous opportunities for various players involved in the new-build nuclear market, creating a potential market for the foreseeable future. Scope
Interim Storage Providing Necessary Leeway to Adopt Proper Spent Nuclear Fuel Management Strategy
Summary
The ambiguity on the eventual treatment of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) by most of the nuclear power countries stimulates the development of interim storage facilities. It provides sufficient time and storage capacity for the safe, reliable and cost effective management of SNF. Interim storage helps countries to analyze the economics of reprocessing and the direct disposal of SNF to facilitate an appropriate SNF management strategy. Countries which have already formulated their alternative fuel cycles are also benefiting from interim storage as it provides significant economic incentives by reducing the radioactivity levels of SNF. Some countries such as China and India have been conducting research and development for new reactor technology and nuclear programs, in order to use SNF as the future fuel for electricity generation. Interim storage, which leverages these activities, also significantly reduces the proliferation risks and helps to establish a dynamic and transparent SNF management strategy. Scope
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PennEnergy's Top Oil & Gas News 10/18
| Top Oil & Gas News | |||
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Ex-Halliburton manager pleads guilty to
destroying Deepwater Horizon evidence A former Halliburton manager has plead guilty in U.S. District Court to destroying evidence in the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Anthony Badalamenti, 62, will face the possibility of 1 year of prison time and a fine of $100,000 when he is sentenced January 21st. Full Article Share: |
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PennEnergy Video News
Update From Tesoro's pipeline repairs, to the fire on the TNP, to a new offshore contract for FMC, all of the week's biggest headlines are in the PennEnergy Video News Update. Full Article Share: |
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This Week's Most Popular Oil & Gas News
• Tesoro submits pipeline repair plan to federal regulators
• Shell reports fire on Africa oil pipeline
• FMC Technologies awarded contract for offshore Ghana oil exploration project
• Technip awarded contract for offshore exploration field in Gulf of Mexico
• Webcast tackles oil and gas lease accounting changes
• Experts say shale gas could impact Asian LNG market
• Enterprise to increase capacity on gas pipeline
• FTTN invests in lucrative gas-to-liquids market
• Oil exploration drilling success in Texas for Treaty Energy
• Oil drilling program hits total depth for Octagon 88
• Russian oil refinery selects GE tech for wastewater treatment plant
• Petrobras Argentina finds natural gas in Neuquen province
• TransCanada recognizes Gulf Coast oil pipeline workers
• EU supports Rotterdam-Gothenburg liquefied natural gas initiative
• Tesoro submits pipeline repair plan to federal regulators
• Shell reports fire on Africa oil pipeline
• FMC Technologies awarded contract for offshore Ghana oil exploration project
• Technip awarded contract for offshore exploration field in Gulf of Mexico
• Webcast tackles oil and gas lease accounting changes
• Experts say shale gas could impact Asian LNG market
• Enterprise to increase capacity on gas pipeline
• FTTN invests in lucrative gas-to-liquids market
• Oil exploration drilling success in Texas for Treaty Energy
• Oil drilling program hits total depth for Octagon 88
• Russian oil refinery selects GE tech for wastewater treatment plant
• Petrobras Argentina finds natural gas in Neuquen province
• TransCanada recognizes Gulf Coast oil pipeline workers
• EU supports Rotterdam-Gothenburg liquefied natural gas initiative
| Energy Insights | |
| Governing Energy: Don’t Nuke
It! Over the past several years many pundits, including this commentator have warmly supported the use of good practices from other industry sectors, including the nuclear power generation segment. A complex and highly regulated sector it would seem to have much to teach deepwater drilling operations as this sector’s economic actors implement Safety and Environmental Management Systems. Full Article Share: |
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| Energy and Environmental Economics: Time
to Reconsider a Carbon Tax? It may seem strange to be suggesting reconsideration of a carbon tax amidst the inability of Congress to do anything these days. However, as I will argue below, a carbon tax might just be what the doctor ordered to help us move forward with some very important issues. Full Article |
Changing the Rules to Help Utilities Embrace the Future
Changing the Rules to Help Utilities Embrace the Future
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/10/regulating-to-help-utilities-embrace-the-future?cmpid=WNL-Friday-October18-2013
Ocean Energy Technologies Speeding Towards Commercialization
Ocean Energy Technologies Speeding Towards Commercialization
What many thought would take decades may only be a few years away - ocean energy technologies are finally turning some heads on their way to large-scale development.
Meg Cichon, Associate Editor, RenewableEnergyWorld.comhttp://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/10/ocean-energy-technologies-speeding-towards-commercialization?cmpid=WNL-Friday-October18-2013
The Big Question: Can Countries Reach 100 Percent Renewable Energy?
The Big Question: Can Countries Reach 100 Percent Renewable Energy?
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/10/the-big-question-can-countries-reach-100-percent-renewable-energy?cmpid=WNL-Friday-October18-2013IAEA Completes First Ever Corporate Safety Review, at Czech Republic's ČEZ
ss Releases
Press Release 2013/16
9 October 2013 | Prague, Czech Republic -- An international team of nuclear safety experts led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today completed a review of corporate safety performance at ČEZ a.s., the largest national electricity company in the Czech Republic. For the first time since the Agency launched its Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) missions in 1982, the team addressed corporate aspects of a company in relation to nuclear safety. The team noted a series of good practices and proposed recommendations to strengthen some safety measures.
Assembled at the request of the Government of the Czech Republic, the first "Corporate OSART" review, which ran from 30 September to 9 October 2013, addressed corporate aspects necessary to ensure the safe operation of the Dukovany and Temelin Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). The mission included experts from Finland, France, Romania, USA and the IAEA.
OSART services aim to improve operational safety at nuclear facilities by objectively assessing safety performance using the IAEA's Safety Standards and proposing recommendations for improvement where appropriate. The missions serve as a channel to exchange information and experience and provide Member States with good practices.
A "Corporate OSART" is an OSART mission organized to review those centralized functions of the corporate organization of a utility with multiple nuclear plant sites and conventional plant sites that affect all the operational safety aspects of the nuclear power plants of this utility.
"OSART missions are one of the most important tools of the Agency to ensure better and wider implementation of the IAEA Safety Standards," said Denis Flory, Deputy Director General in the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security.
"Since 1982, we have conducted close to 200 safety review missions around the globe; however, this mission is the first of its kind because we focused on the corporate performance that is a necessity for a safe operation of NPPs," Flory added. "We wanted to focus on the organizational and human side rather than the technology."
The review covered aspects related to corporate management, independent oversight, human resources, communication, maintenance, technical support and procurement. The conclusions of the review are based on the IAEA's Safety Standards.
The OSART team identified good corporate practices, which will be shared with the rest of the nuclear industry for consideration of their possible application elsewhere. The team also identified proposals for improvements of corporate processes and performance important to the operational safety of NPPs.
ČEZ management expressed a commitment to address all the areas identified for improvement and requested the IAEA to schedule a follow-up mission in approximately 18 months' time.
The team provided a draft of their proposed recommendations and good practices to the ČEZ management in the form of Technical Notes for factual comments, which will be reviewed at the IAEA's headquarters including comments from ČEZ and the Czech Republic Safety Authority (SUJB). The final report will be submitted to the Government of the Czech Republic within three months.
This was the 176th mission of the OSART programme, and the eighth in the Czech Republic.
Background
General information about OSART missions can be found on the IAEA Website.
An OSART mission is designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. It is not a regulatory inspection, nor is it a design review or a substitute for an exhaustive assessment of the plant's overall safety status. Experts participating in the IAEA's June 2010 International Conference on Operational Safety of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) reviewed the experience of the OSART programme and concluded:
IAEA Completes First Ever Corporate Safety Review, at Czech Republic's ČEZ
9 October 2013 | Prague, Czech Republic -- An international team of nuclear safety experts led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today completed a review of corporate safety performance at ČEZ a.s., the largest national electricity company in the Czech Republic. For the first time since the Agency launched its Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) missions in 1982, the team addressed corporate aspects of a company in relation to nuclear safety. The team noted a series of good practices and proposed recommendations to strengthen some safety measures.
Assembled at the request of the Government of the Czech Republic, the first "Corporate OSART" review, which ran from 30 September to 9 October 2013, addressed corporate aspects necessary to ensure the safe operation of the Dukovany and Temelin Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). The mission included experts from Finland, France, Romania, USA and the IAEA.
OSART services aim to improve operational safety at nuclear facilities by objectively assessing safety performance using the IAEA's Safety Standards and proposing recommendations for improvement where appropriate. The missions serve as a channel to exchange information and experience and provide Member States with good practices.
A "Corporate OSART" is an OSART mission organized to review those centralized functions of the corporate organization of a utility with multiple nuclear plant sites and conventional plant sites that affect all the operational safety aspects of the nuclear power plants of this utility.
"OSART missions are one of the most important tools of the Agency to ensure better and wider implementation of the IAEA Safety Standards," said Denis Flory, Deputy Director General in the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security.
"Since 1982, we have conducted close to 200 safety review missions around the globe; however, this mission is the first of its kind because we focused on the corporate performance that is a necessity for a safe operation of NPPs," Flory added. "We wanted to focus on the organizational and human side rather than the technology."
The review covered aspects related to corporate management, independent oversight, human resources, communication, maintenance, technical support and procurement. The conclusions of the review are based on the IAEA's Safety Standards.
The OSART team identified good corporate practices, which will be shared with the rest of the nuclear industry for consideration of their possible application elsewhere. The team also identified proposals for improvements of corporate processes and performance important to the operational safety of NPPs.
ČEZ management expressed a commitment to address all the areas identified for improvement and requested the IAEA to schedule a follow-up mission in approximately 18 months' time.
The team provided a draft of their proposed recommendations and good practices to the ČEZ management in the form of Technical Notes for factual comments, which will be reviewed at the IAEA's headquarters including comments from ČEZ and the Czech Republic Safety Authority (SUJB). The final report will be submitted to the Government of the Czech Republic within three months.
This was the 176th mission of the OSART programme, and the eighth in the Czech Republic.
Background
General information about OSART missions can be found on the IAEA Website.
An OSART mission is designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. It is not a regulatory inspection, nor is it a design review or a substitute for an exhaustive assessment of the plant's overall safety status. Experts participating in the IAEA's June 2010 International Conference on Operational Safety of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) reviewed the experience of the OSART programme and concluded:
- In OSART missions NPPs are assessed against IAEA Safety Standards which reflect the current international consensus on what constitutes a high level of safety; and
- OSART recommendations and suggestions are of utmost importance for operational safety improvement of NPPs.
Lead Site Selected for Alaska LNG Project
Lead Site Selected for Alaska LNG Project
By Conway Irwin
The
Alaska LNG project team has selected Nikiski as the lead site for the
proposed liquefaction plant and terminal. On October 7, 2013,
ExxonMobil, BP, ConocoPhillips, and TransCanada, announced the selection
of Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula as a lead liquefaction plant and
terminal site for the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project.
Prior
Industry Lauds US-Vietnam Nuclear Agreement
Industry Lauds US-Vietnam Nuclear Agreement
http://www.nei.org/News-Media/Media-Room/News-Releases/Industry-Lauds-US-Vietnam-Nuclear-Agreement
Mitsubishi to defend US$4bn US nuclear plant claim
Mitsubishi to defend US$4bn US nuclear plant claim
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2013/10/18/2003574752
Diablo Canyon boosts local economy by nearly $1 billion, PG&E says
Diablo Canyon boosts local economy by nearly $1 billion, PG&E says
http://calcoastnews.com/2013/10/diablo-canyon-boosts-local-economy-nearly-1-billion-pge-says/
"European renewable energy subsidies under fire from major power generators" by Rod Adams
From ANS Nuclear Cafe:
"European renewable energy subsidies under fire from major power
generators" by Rod Adams
The leaders of electric power companies owning half of Europe’s
generating capacity have joined together to inform the European Union
that its policies are leading to a dangerously unstable power grid. In
addition, the power suppliers are concerned that their continent is not
on a path to achieve its CO2 emissions targets and they are worried
about the response of customers that continue to see their electricity
bills rise. The European utility CEO’s are calling for reform of the
continent’s power markets and energy policy.
http://ansnuclearcafe.org/
"European renewable energy subsidies under fire from major power
generators" by Rod Adams
The leaders of electric power companies owning half of Europe’s
generating capacity have joined together to inform the European Union
that its policies are leading to a dangerously unstable power grid. In
addition, the power suppliers are concerned that their continent is not
on a path to achieve its CO2 emissions targets and they are worried
about the response of customers that continue to see their electricity
bills rise. The European utility CEO’s are calling for reform of the
continent’s power markets and energy policy.
http://ansnuclearcafe.org/
"European renewable energy subsidies under fire from major power generators" by Rod Adams
From ANS Nuclear Cafe:
"European renewable energy subsidies under fire from major power
generators" by Rod Adams
The leaders of electric power companies owning half of Europe’s
generating capacity have joined together to inform the European Union
that its policies are leading to a dangerously unstable power grid. In
addition, the power suppliers are concerned that their continent is not
on a path to achieve its CO2 emissions targets and they are worried
about the response of customers that continue to see their electricity
bills rise. The European utility CEO’s are calling for reform of the
continent’s power markets and energy policy.
http://ansnuclearcafe.org/
"European renewable energy subsidies under fire from major power
generators" by Rod Adams
The leaders of electric power companies owning half of Europe’s
generating capacity have joined together to inform the European Union
that its policies are leading to a dangerously unstable power grid. In
addition, the power suppliers are concerned that their continent is not
on a path to achieve its CO2 emissions targets and they are worried
about the response of customers that continue to see their electricity
bills rise. The European utility CEO’s are calling for reform of the
continent’s power markets and energy policy.
http://ansnuclearcafe.org/
US to sell $10.8 bln in missiles, bombs to Saudis, UAE
US to sell $10.8 bln in missiles, bombs to Saudis, UAE
http://news.yahoo.com/us-sell-10-8-bln-missiles-bombs-saudis-161259594.html
