Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, November 30, 2013

The 38 billion nuclear waste fiasco

The 38 billion nuclear waste fiasco Politico
The first $15 billion is what the government spent on a controversial nuclear waste repository at Nevada's Yucca Mountain until the Obama administration ...http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/nuclear-waste-fiasco-100450.html

Renewables and Nuclear: Why Can't We Be Friends?

 

Renewables and Nuclear: Why Can't We Be Friends?

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/11/renewables-and-nuclear-why-cant-we-be-friends?cmpid=rss

OPEC Rift Emerging Over Iraq Output, Possible Return of Iran


OPEC Rift Emerging Over Iraq Output, Possible Return of Iran

Some Members of the Cartel May Have to Decide to Cut Output in the First Half of Next Year

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303562904579227632634058104

Japan shippers plan to order 90 new LNG tankers worth $17.6 billion by 2020


Japan shippers plan to order 90 new LNG tankers worth $17.6 billion by 2020

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/29/us-japan-shippers-plan-idUSBRE9AS05V20131129?goback=.gde_4107653_member_5812234083287187456#!

Iran earthquake did not damage nuclear reactor, officials say

Iran earthquake did not damage nuclear reactor, officials say Christian Science Monitor
... the country's sole nuclear power plant and it continues to operate normally, the ... near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, state news agency IRNA reported.http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2013/1129/Iran-earthquake-did-not-damage-nuclear-reactor-officials-say

Russia to Build Eight Nuclear Power Units in South Africa

Russia to Build Eight Nuclear Power Units in South Africa Energy Bangla
Next course of cooperation will be in the field of nuclear fuel cycle. Once construction of eight power units is completed “we can discuss on localisation of fuel ...http://energybangla.com/2013/11/30/2974.html#.UppeyBmEPgo

GE Hitachi makes strides in nuclear power plant program

GE Hitachi makes strides in nuclear power plant program StarNewsOnline.com
Overshadowed by Westinghouse's new AP1000 reactor in recent years, GE Hitachi reached an agreement for its ESBWR – or economic simplified boiling water ...http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20131130/ARTICLES/131139991/-1/sports01?Title=GE-Hitachi-makes-strides-in-nuclear-power-plant-program

Research and Markets: US Leading the Charge in Small Modular Reactor Development

Research and Markets: US Leading the Charge in Small Modular Reactor Development



Research and Markets: US Leading the Charge in Small Modular ... Fort Mills Times The US nuclear power sector is actively engaged in developing and applying technological advancements to Small Modular Reactors (SMR) with the help of ...

US Leading the Charge in Small Modular Reactor Development ... USPRwire (press release)
[USPRwire, Mon Nov 25 2013] The US nuclear power sector is actively engaged in developing and applying technological advancements to Small Modular ...http://www.usprwire.com/Detailed/Environment/US_Leading_the_Charge_in_Small_Modular_Reactor_Development_-_New_Report_Available_319639.shtml

Renewable Energy Barriers Fall With New FERC Order


Renewable Energy Barriers Fall With New FERC Order

Energy storage fans are rejoicing all across the country on the heels of a new ruling by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which opens the floodgates to connecting more solar arrays and wind farms to the power grid. FERC adopted the new ruling, Order 792, in order to bring its existing rules for small generators up to speed with new developments in the energy storage field.
As FERC explained when issuing Order 792:
…the Commission finds it necessary under section 206 of the Federal Power Act  to revise the pro forma SGIP [Small Generator Interconnection Procedures] and pro forma SGIA [Small Generator Interconnection Agreement] to ensure that the rates, terms and conditions under which public utilities provide interconnection service to Small Generating Facilities remain just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory.

 

http://theenergycollective.com/tinacasey/309336/renewable-energy-barriers-fall-new-ferc-order?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

$1.7 Billion Investment Towards Buffalo Energy Facilities A 'Game-Changer'

$1.7 Billion Investment Towards Buffalo Energy Facilities A 'Game-Changer'


http://theenergycollective.com/ecskris/309811/17-billion-investment-towards-buffalo-energy-facilities-will-be-game-changer?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Security fears over 'Orwellian' Chinese nuclear deal By Rob Broomby

Security fears over 'Orwellian' Chinese nuclear deal


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25156551

The Climate Disaster Bubbling in the Arctic

The Climate Disaster Bubbling in the Arctic
by Andrea Germanos
"We believe that the release of methane from the Arctic, and in particular this part of the Arctic, could impact the entire globe.
"http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/11/25-3

Scared to Death in the USA My Safety ‘Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Security

Scared to Death in the USA

My Safety ‘Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Security

Fukushima Update 1130

Fukushima Commentary for today –
Fairewinds’ Gundersen Guarantees Problems with Unit 4 Spent Fuel Removal
Arnie Gundersen says the transfer of F. Daiichi unit #4's spent fuel is doomed to failure. He assures the viewers of his video that the fuel bundles are so brittle that some will surely "snap" and release huge amounts of airborne radioactivity. His arguments are confabulated and steeped in appeals to Fukushima myths. http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-commentary.html

INDIA'S NUCLEAR SCIENTISTS KEEP DYING MYSTERIOUSLY


INDIA'S NUCLEAR SCIENTISTS KEEP DYING MYSTERIOUSLY


http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2013/11/indias-nuclear-scientists-keep-dying.html

Russia turns up heat on ambitions for nuclear build in SA


Carol Paton profile

Russia turns up heat on ambitions for nuclear build in SA


http://www.bdlive.co.za/business/energy/2013/11/29/russia-turns-up-heat-on-ambitions-for-nuclear-build-in-sa

Forget "Breakout Time"


Forget "Breakout Time"

http://www.nucleardiner.com/index.php/archive/item/forget-breakout-time

Iran Nuclear Deal Raises Fears of Proliferation Among Arab States A Comprehensive Accord Will Likely Give Iran the Ability to Enrich Uranium Permanently By Jay Solomon

Iran Nuclear Deal Raises Fears of Proliferation Among Arab States

A Comprehensive Accord Will Likely Give Iran the Ability to Enrich Uranium Permanently

By

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303332904579228214211545256
 
Home > Research Activities > Development of Models > Long-term dispersion model
  As a consequence of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred  about 130 km off the Pacific coast of  Japan’s main island Honshu and subsequent tsunami hitting the east coast of Japan on 11 March 2011 the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) were severely damaged and radioactive material was released to the atmosphere as well as to the ocean.

  In this study we are concerned with long-term oceanic-scale dispersion of Cs 137 released from the Fukushima Daiichi NPP. The circulation model uses POM covering the domain 75ºS-65ºN, 0º-360ºE with horizontal resolution, 0.5º×0.5º and 21 vertical sigma layers. The model topography is interpolated from the global 5′ by 5′ ETOPO5 dataset. The circulation model is driven by monthly climatological  (COADS) wind stresses and heat fluxes. The initial temperature and salinity fields are set to the Levitus annually averaged temperature and salinity, and the initial velocities are set to zero. A spin up calculation is performed for 10 years. The formulation proposed by Tsumune et al(2003) is used to simulate the transport of the radionuclide which takes into account the transfer effect  to the suspended sediment in a simple way.http://www.mrcor.org/Research.aspx?m_id=5

U.S. Spent Nuclear Fuel: The Up To $80/kgU Solution

U.S. Spent Nuclear Fuel: The Up To $80/kgU Solution

A congressional impasse on what to do with U.S. reactors’ spent nuclear fuel could last to 2017 or beyond unless a compromise can be found between the House and Senate. The House has voted to support finishing review of the site license application for the Yucca Mountain repository, but the Senate has not. Facing opposition from the state of Utah, Private Fuel Storage, LLC, has let a license for storage for twenty years of 40,000 metric tons (tonne) of spent nuclear fuel (i.e. from 40,000 tonne of uranium originally loaded into reactors) lapse. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 allowed for the federal government to build a monitored retrievable storage facility (MRS) for up to 10,000 tonne, but there has been insufficient support for this in Congress.http://blogs.fas.org/pir/2013/11/u-s-spent-nuclear-fuel-80kgu-solution/

Mitch McConnell | Senate's 'nuclear option' could escalate war on coal

 

Mitch McConnell | Senate's 'nuclear option' could escalate war on coal

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20131129/OPINION04/311290019/Mitch-McConnell-Senate-s-nuclear-option-could-escalate-war-coal?nclick_check=1

Energy News Roundup: PetroChina to Buy Stake in Iraq’s West Qurna Field from ExxonMobil

Energy News Roundup: PetroChina to Buy Stake in Iraq’s West Qurna Field from ExxonMobil

By Conway Irwin
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and ate far too much yesterday… PetroChina has agreed to buy 25% of the West Qurna oil field in Iraq from ExxonMobil for an undisclosed sum. An analyst at Sanford Bernstein previously estimated the value of ExxonMobil’s 60% interest in the field at $3 billion. [Bloomberg] An easinghttp://breakingenergy.com/2013/11/29/energy-news-roundup-petrochina-buys-stake-in-iraqs-west-qurna-field-from-exxonmobil/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=bdb23eb5ad-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-bdb23eb5ad-407304281

2013: More Solar Than Wind


2013: More Solar Than Wind

By Perry Sioshansi
Solar poised to challenge wind’s historical dominance According to a newly released report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), 2013 is expected to become the first year in which solar PVs beat wind in terms of megawatts of new installed capacity on a global level. It is a remarkable feat for solar energy, which ishttp://breakingenergy.com/2013/11/29/2013-more-solar-than-wind/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=bdb23eb5ad-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-bdb23eb5ad-407304281

Hillary Clinton Presents Keynote at Greenbuild 2013

Hillary Clinton Presents Keynote at Greenbuild 2013

By Jared Anderson
Former First Lady Hillary Clinton gave an impassioned keynote address at last week’s Greenbuild 2013, billed as the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green construction. While it can be difficult to make energy efficiency sexy – maybe it should be called Dark Energy or something catchy – this speech provides examples of energyhttp://breakingenergy.com/2013/11/29/hillary-clinton-presents-keynote-at-greenbuild-2013/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=bdb23eb5ad-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-bdb23eb5ad-407304281

The Barefoot Contessa’s Kissinger Connection


The Barefoot Contessa’s Kissinger Connection

How Ina Garten went from nuclear policy analyst to beloved chef.

http://hive.slate.com/hive/second-acts/article/the-barefoot-contessas-kissinger-connection

Editor's Note - Ina and I were at OMB at the same time. She worked for my late husband,
Joseph Kearney in the Energy, Science & Technology Branch. Hers is a uniquely successful story.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Dreaming of a Future Beyond Fossil Fuels

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Dreaming of a Future Beyond Fossil Fuels


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/29/opinion/dreaming-of-a-future-beyond-fossil-fuels.html?_r=0

The Chinese Have Bought Out An Entire Country's Oil Sector

The Chinese Have Bought Out An Entire Country's Oil Sector


http://www.businessinsider.com/china-buys-out-ecuador-oil-2013-11

Cooper Nuclear Plant to use Areva dry Shielded Cannisters

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2013/11/cooper-nuclear-plant-to-use-areva-dry-shielded-canisters.html

Cooper nuclear plant to use AREVA dry shielded canisters

Cooper nuclear plant to use AREVA dry shielded canisters


http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2013/11/cooper-nuclear-plant-to-use-areva-dry-shielded-canisters.html

DOE picks AREVA, GLE to run uranium enrichment site, produce nuclear fuel


DOE picks AREVA, GLE to run uranium enrichment site, produce nuclear fuel


http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2013/11/doe-picks-areva-gle-to-run-uranium-enrichment-site-produce-nuclear-fuel.html

How to Stop the Inexorable Progress of Climate Change


How to Stop the Inexorable Progress of Climate Change

http://oilprice.com/The-Environment/Global-Warming/How-to-Stop-the-Inexorable-Progress-of-Climate-Change.html

Families Abandon the Town of Mayflower, Arkansas after Exxon Oil Spill


Families Abandon the Town of Mayflower, Arkansas after Exxon Oil Spill

http://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Families-Abandon-the-Town-of-Mayflower-Arkansas-after-Exxon-Oil-Spill.html

China And Saudi Arabia Agree To Cooperate On Nuclear


China And Saudi Arabia Agree To Cooperate On Nuclear

http://www.nucnet.org/all-the-news/2013/11/29/china-and-saudi-arabia-agree-to-cooperate-on-nuclear

China To Help Romania Complete Two Candu Reactors


China To Help Romania Complete Two Candu Reactors


http://www.nucnet.org/all-the-news/2013/11/29/china-to-help-romania-complete-two-candu-reactors

Holtec Completes Nuclear Fuel Storage Basket that use Nanotechnology


Holtec Completes Nuclear Fuel Storage Basket that use Nanotechnology

http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2013/11/29/holtec-completes-nuclear-fuel-storage-basket-that-use-nanotechnology.aspx#.Upj5TRmEPgo

PennEnergy Research Reports Hydro Power Reports and Market Analysis

 
Hydro Power Reports and Market Analysis
Hydro Power Industry in Africa - Large Untapped Potential Waiting to be Unleashed
Summary
Africa has huge untapped reserves of fossil and hydro resources that can be used for generating electricity. However, electrification and consumption levels are low, particularly in the rural areas, due to drought, high oil prices, conflicts and lack of funds, project financing and infrastructure. The African continent has an immense potential for electricity generation and consumption. Almost 71% of the total population does not have access to electricity and 35 countries experience acute power crises. With nearly 14% of the total global population, Africa accounted for only 3.4% of total electricity generated and 3.1% of electricity consumed globally in 2010.

At present, the continent is heavily dependent on coal fuel for power generation. For instance, South Africa generates approximately 90% of its power from coal, which accounts for around 66% of total electricity consumed in the continent. The continent's abundant natural resources make hydropower a promising and feasible solution to the region's generation needs. Despite the resource being underexploited, there is current movement to develop the source further.

Scope
  • Details about the huge untapped potential
  • Key hydro projects under implementation in the region
  • Leading countries in hydropower market and future of hydropower in key countries
  • Government emphasis on hydropower development
More Info Buy It Now

World Wave & Tidal Market Report
Summary
The World Wave & Tidal Market Report provides a comprehensive and fully illustrated review of different technological concepts and devices employed in both existing and future projects. The report provides analysis of the impact of current and new technologies on the industry and identifies the key players in the business.

With the sector still young, there are significant issues that must be addressed and overcome. The report analyses and assesses potential solutions to issues such as costs, installation, operations & maintenance and investment.

Each proposed wave & tidal current stream project worldwide is assessed to model unique and detailed market information.

Scope
  • Executive Summary - summary of market forecasts, macro trends, industry challenges
  • Market Drivers and Constraints - green drivers, macro energy drivers
  • Introduction to the Wave & Tidal Industry - development history, technology development, R&D, test sites, manufacturing, components
  • Project Lifecycle - pre-installation surveys, engineering surveys, environmental surveys, device installation, cable installation, grid connection, operations & maintenance
  • Wave - available resource, development history, classification of devices and technology overview, wave energy devices
  • Tidal Current Stream - available resource, development history, classification of devices and technology overview, tidal current stream energy devices
  • Market Issues - R&D and test sites by country, manufacturing, components, pre-installation, installation, operations and maintenance, costs, financing, survival, grid connection
  • Key Markets - market types, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, USA
  • Market Forecasts - capacity, capital expenditure and numbers of devices for wave and tidal current stream
More Info Buy It Now

Global Hydro Report
Summary
This new report looks at the global hydro market, the changes, developments and forecasts for the future. Following years of stagnation and bad press, hydro power is experiencing resurgence. Technologies with a lower environmental impact such as run-of-river, small hydro and low head turbines are proving to be extremely popular to both appease critics of hydro and meet energy needs. So much so that in the USA, the regulator of hydro projects, the FERC, has signed memorandum of understandings with five states to streamline the licensing of small projects. There has been an increase in pumped storage projects as a standalone option and retrofitted on to existing hydro power assets. As pumped storage is the most mature technology to store electricity generated from intermittent renewables such as wind and solar and then release it to meet peak demand. A large number of such projects are planned or under construction in the USA, China and Europe, which have a significant number of solar and wind projects installed or in the pipeline.

Scope

Over the mid-term there is considerable growth expected in new hydro capacity. A worldwide installed capacity of over 1,100 GW by 2015 is likely. Most growth is expected in the Asia Pacific region, especially in the growing economic power houses of China and India. Along with neighboring countries which export excess electricity over their borders. Significant growth is also expected in Latin America.

More Info Buy It Now

U.S. energy secretary: Use nuclear reactors for clean industrial heat


U.S. energy secretary: Use nuclear reactors for clean industrial heat

http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/us-energy-secretary-use-nuclear-reactors-for-clean-industrial-heat/

IAEA not ready to verify Iran nuclear deal

IAEA not ready to verify Iran nuclear deal
Vienna (AFP) Nov 28, 2013 - The UN nuclear watchdog said Thursday it was not yet ready to verify Iran's compliance with the recent deal with world powers, as Tehran invited inspectors to the key Arak site. "We need to study the agreement (struck in Geneva on Sunday) and we have to identify the ways in which the elements relevant to the IAEA be put into practice," International Atomic Energy Agency chief Yuyika Amano sa ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/IAEA_not_ready_to_verify_Iran_nuclear_deal_999.html

Nuclear deal could improve Iran, UAE ties: Tehran


Nuclear deal could improve Iran, UAE ties: Tehran
Tehran (AFP) Nov 29, 2013 - Iran's landmark nuclear deal is "a great opportunity" for expanding strained ties between Tehran and the United Arab Emirates, President Hassan Rouhani said Thursday. Iran struck a breakthrough deal with the United States and five other Western powers on Sunday, accepting strict constraints on its nuclear programme for the first time in a decade in exchange for partial sanctions relief. ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/Nuclear_deal_could_improve_Iran_UAE_ties_Tehran_999.html

NUKEWARS NKorea images suggest reactor testing: IAEA

NUKEWARS
NKorea images suggest reactor testing: IAEA
Vienna (AFP) Nov 28, 2013 - Activities observed at North Korea's Yongbyon site indicate testing ahead of a possible restart to a reactor that could provide it with weapons-grade plutonium, the UN atomic agency said Thursday. "Activities have been observed at the site that are consistent with an effort to restart the... reactor," International Atomic Energy Agency head Yukiya Amano told a closed-door regular meeting of ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/NKorea_images_suggest_reactor_testing_IAEA_999.html

"Excitement about U-235 as coal competitor–circa 1939 & 1940"



"Excitement about U-235 as coal competitor–circa 1939 & 1940"

Rod Adams takes a fascinating look back at the early days after the
discovery of nuclear fission almost 75 years ago.  The nuclear pioneers
of the age were motivated by a scientific desire to gain a better
understanding of the fundamental structure of the atom -- and developing
a revolutionary new source of energy

http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2013/11/26/excitement-about-u-235-as-coal-competitor-circa-1939-1940/

Natural Gas Reality Check: US Methane Emissions May Exceed Estimates By 50 Percent

Natural Gas Reality Check: US Methane Emissions May Exceed Estimates By 50 Percent


http://theenergycollective.com/mariannelavelle/310146/natural-gas-reality-check-us-methane-emissions-may-exceed-estimates-50-percen?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

A More Realistic Cost of Wind Energy


A More Realistic Cost of Wind Energy

http://theenergycollective.com/willem-post/310631/more-realistic-cost-wind-energy?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Are biofuels worse than fossil fuels?

Are biofuels worse than fossil fuels?

LiveThe European Council will today release legislation that will encourage the use of biofuels to increase 50% by 2020. But environmentalists say biofuels made from some food crops contribute more greenhouse gases than the fossil fuels they are designed to replace, as well as causing deforestation and hunger. With your help, Karl Mathiesen investigates.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/29/biofuels-worse-fossil-fuels-food-crops-greenhouse-gases

IAEA Mission Concludes Peer Review of Czech Nuclear Regulatory Framework




IAEA Mission Concludes Peer Review of Czech Nuclear Regulatory Framework


29 November 2013 | Prague, Czech Republic -- An international team of senior nuclear safety and radiation protection experts today concluded a 12-day International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission to review the regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety in the Czech Republic.
The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission team said in its preliminary findings that the Czech regulatory system for nuclear and radiation safety is robust and that the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB) is an effective and independent regulatory body.
The review, conducted at the request of the Government of the Czech Republic, identified a series of good practices and made recommendations to help enhance the overall performance of the regulatory system. IRRS missions, which were initiated in 2006, are peer reviews based on the IAEA Safety Standards.
"Our review has confirmed that SÚJB is an effective and independent regulator that benefits from experienced, technically competent and well-motivated staff," said Mission Team Leader Derek Lacey, Deputy Chief Inspector at the United Kingdom's Office for Nuclear Regulation.
The mission team, which conducted the review from 18 to 29 November, comprised 19 senior regulatory experts from 18 IAEA Member States, one observer from the European Commission, and six IAEA staff.
"This review, and the preparation for the review, was a unique opportunity for SÚJB that further motivated our work to improve the safety framework," said SÚJB Chairperson Dana Drabova. "The results of the mission will help us in our work by highlighting which areas need enhancement - this is highly valuable for the future development and reinforcement of Czech regulatory practice."
In line with the IAEA Action Plan on Nuclear Safety, the mission reviewed how the Czech Republic's regulatory body is using lessons learned from the March 2011 accident at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan. It found that Czech authorities had thoroughly assessed the regulatory implications of the accident and identified and scheduled actions that would further enhance nuclear and radiation safety in the country.
Good practices identified by the IRRS team include the following:
  • SÚJB has a high degree of independence: it reports directly to the Cabinet, and has the authority to draft new legislation for the Government and the ability to establish regulations;
  • Nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response are well integrated into the national crisis management infrastructure;
  • SÚJB regularly checks the financial status of all licensees of radiation sources, to ensure their obligations are fulfilled, and
  • SÚJB has an effective methodology for assessing licensee performance, including the assessment of nuclear power plant operators' safety culture.
The IRRS team identified areas where the overall performance of the regulatory system could be enhanced, including:
  • The Government should establish a national policy and strategy for safety to ensure that the Safety Fundamentals are explicitly adopted in a high-level document;
  • Requirements for emergency action levels and a hierarchical approach for issuing regulatory requirements, starting with a Nuclear Act and following with regulations and guides, should be established to allow SÚJB to issue regulatory requirements for all areas of nuclear safety for nuclear facilities;
  • The SÚJB Integrated Management System needs to be further developed and implemented in the areas of process implementation and safety culture, as well as measurement, assessment and improvement of regulatory effectiveness;
  • Threat categorization, national emergency plans and recovery actions should be aligned with IAEA Safety Standards;
  • Decrees covering the design requirements for nuclear installations need to be reviewed and revised and associated guides developed; and
  • The legislative and regulatory framework for radiation safety should be revised in line with IAEA Safety Standards.
A final report will be submitted to the Government of the Czech Republic in about three months.
The SÚJB told the IRRS mission that it will make the report available to the public.
The IAEA encourages reviewed states to invite a follow-up IRRS mission about two years after the initial mission.
Background
The team reviewed the legal and regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety, addressing all facilities and activities regulated by SÚJB, including six nuclear power units, spent fuel cycle facilities, waste management facilities, a uranium mine, radiation sources in industrial and medical facilities, emergency preparedness and response, transport and decommissioning.
The mission included site visits to observe inspections and an emergency exercise, and interviews and discussions with SÚJB staff.
Team members came from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Quick Facts
The Czech Republic has six operating nuclear power reactor units at two sites: four VVER-440/V-213 type units at the Dukovany site and two VVER-1000 type units at the Temelin site. As of 2013, nuclear contributed about one-third of the country's electricity production. Spent fuel from the nuclear power plants and the Prague Technical University research reactor is stored on-site; the selection of sites for a potential high-level waste storage repository is expected by 2015. Low- and intermediate-level nuclear waste originating from the NPPs is stored in a facility at the Dukovany site, while waste from other sources is stored at two other smaller sites.
About IRRS Missions
IRRS missions are designed to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the national nuclear regulatory infrastructure of States, while recognizing the ultimate responsibility of each State to ensure safety in this area.
This is done through consideration of regulatory, technical and policy issues, with comparisons against IAEA Safety Standards and, where appropriate, good practices elsewhere.
More information about IRRS missions is available on the IAEA Website.

CNNC forges Saudi bonds

CNNC forges Saudi bonds
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has become the latest in a list of overseas companies turning their attention towards Saudi Arabia's nuclear power program.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/C-CNNC_forges_Saudi_bonds-2911137.html

Europe plans for emergency communication

Europe plans for emergency communication
A project backed by 43 organisations is preparing Europe to react and communicate effectively in case of a nuclear emergency, drawing on the lessons of the Fukushima accident.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-Europe-plans-for-emergency-communication-2911131.html

A Nuclear Cleanup Effort Leaves Questions Lingering at Scores of Old Sites

A Nuclear Cleanup Effort Leaves Questions Lingering at Scores of Old Sites

Years Later, the Legacy of the U.S. Arms Buildup Remains Near Homes, Parks and Malls


http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323342404579079483154040874

Nuclear Waste Fee is unlawful, because government has no plan any more. Full text of Nov 19, 2013 Court opinion


Nuclear Waste Fee is unlawful, because government has no plan any more. Full text of Nov 19, 2013 Court opinion


Read more at http://news.nuclear.com/index.php/nuclear-waste-fee-is-unlawful#P8hpFKTGeTKMRUo2.99
Nuclear Waste Fee is unlawful, because government has no plan any more. Full text of Nov 19, 2013 Court opinion 
http://news.nuclear.com/index.php/nuclear-waste-fee-is-unlawful

Group Five gearing up for nuclear as energy-linked backlog grows to R5.7bn

Group Five gearing up for nuclear as energy-linked backlog grows to R5.7bn


http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/group-five-gearing-up-for-nuclear-as-energy-linked-backlog-grows-to-r57bn-2013-11-25?goback=.gde_5167356_member_5810994291144683521#!

AREVA SUSI Robot Used in US Reactor Lifetime Extension Project


AREVA SUSI Robot Used in US Reactor Lifetime Extension Project

http://us.areva.com/EN/home-2544/areva-inc-areva-susi-robot-used-in-us-reactor-lifetime-extension-project.html?goback=.gde_5167356_member_5811512393540333571#!

South Texas Project Selects AREVA for Spent Fuel Pool Level Instrumentation Upgrade

South Texas Project Selects AREVA for Spent Fuel Pool Level Instrumentation Upgrade

http://us.areva.com/EN/home-2548/areva-inc-south-texas-project-selects-areva-for-spent-fuel-pool-level-instrumentation-upgrade.html?goback=.gde_5167356_member_5811513109025685505#! 

Will Rail Become the Next Target of Oil Protests?

Will Rail Become the Next Target of Oil Protests?


http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Will-Rail-Become-the-Next-Target-of-Oil-Protests.html

Italian company to sell portable cold fusion plant deliverable next year

Italian company to sell portable cold fusion plant deliverable next year


http://phys.org/news/2013-11-italian-company-portable-cold-fusion.html

Toil for oil means industry sums do not add up

Toil for oil means industry sums do not add up


http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/5e923e3a-51d3-11e3-8c42-00144feabdc0.html?siteedition=intl#axzz2m2n1Lb4Q

EU: Deal nearly done for reverse gas flows from Slovakia to Ukraine


EU: Deal nearly done for reverse gas flows from Slovakia to Ukraine
Brussels (UPI) Nov 22, 2013 - A European Union official said this week Ukraine is quickly nearing a deal with Slovakia allowing it import gas from its neighbor through reverse west-east flows. Such an agreement would allow Ukraine to reduce its dependence on Russian natural gas supplies and move it closer to the EU's economic orbit, as the two sides try to work out an "association agreement" at a summit next week in ... morehttp://www.energy-daily.com/reports/EU_Deal_nearly_done_for_reverse_gas_flows_from_Slovakia_to_Ukraine_999.html

China oil pipeline explosion toll rises to 52


China oil pipeline explosion toll rises to 52
Beijing (AFP) Nov 24, 2013 - The death toll from an oil pipeline explosion in a Chinese coastal city rose to 52 Sunday, as rain and the close proximity of dangerous gases hampered the rescue operation, state media said. Four bodies were found at the scene in the eastern city of Qingdao, Xinhua state news agency said, citing rescuers, raising the death toll from 48 late Saturday. Friday's blast ripped up roads and se ... morehttp://www.energy-daily.com/reports/China_oil_pipeline_explosion_toll_rises_to_52_999.html


18,000 evacuated after pipeline explosion in China: govt
Beijing (AFP) Nov 23, 2013 - Some 18,000 people were evacuated from a Chinese coastal city after an oil pipeline explosion killed at least 47 people and sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, a local government report said Saturday. The Friday morning blast in Qingdao ripped roads apart, pictures showed, while leaving many sections of the city cut off from utilities. The latest government report Saturday di ... more http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/18000_evacuated_after_pipeline_explosion_in_China_govt_999.html

Iran deal 'will lead to surge of oil to Asia'


Iran deal 'will lead to surge of oil to Asia'
London (AFP) Nov 26, 2013 - Iran's deal with Western powers to curb parts of its nuclear programme is likely to lead to a sizable increase of shipments of oil from the Islamic Republic to Asia, analysts said. If the interim deal struck this weekend in Geneva leads to a full lifting of sanctions, it could spark an injection of oil into an already over-supplied global market, many said Monday. But while the agreement ... morehttp://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Iran_deal_will_lead_to_surge_of_oil_to_Asia_999.html

Exxon sells Iraq oil stake to PetroChina: ministry

Exxon sells Iraq oil stake to PetroChina: ministry
Baghdad (AFP) Nov 28, 2013 - American energy giant Exxon Mobil on Thursday sold part of its controversial stake in a massive Iraqi oilfield to PetroChina and Indonesia's Pertamina amid a long-running row with Baghdad. The sale of the stake in the West Qurna-1 field in south Iraq, one of the country's largest, marks a key step towards resolving the dispute with the central government over Exxon's contracts with the auton ... morehttp://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Exxon_sells_Iraq_oil_stake_to_PetroChina_ministry_999.html

Power Engineering Top News Stories Week Ending 11/29


Nuclear power plant closure may cost SCE $74.2M in customer refunds
Southern California Edison may have to pay customers a refund for the closure of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
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Coal-fired power generation still major electricity source in U.S. Central region
Although coal-fired power generation in the Central region of the U.S. has dropped since the early 2000s, it continues to be the major source of electricity in the area, according to a report from the Energy Information Administration.
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SunEdison to build NYC's largest solar power plant on Staten Island
SunEdison will be building a 10-MW solar power project on Staten Island in New York City that will be the city’s largest.
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Iran
Iran can keep nuclear power plants as part of temporary agreement
Iran will keep its nuclear power plants, but must give up its nuclear weapons in an agreement with the U.S. and other countries reached on Nov. 24, according to the BBC.
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In Case You Missed It
IAEA to review cleanup at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant
Chromalloy acquires gas-fired turbine component manufacturer
First Solar begins construction of solar power project in Japan
Texas wind energy project breaks ground
Bulgaria will decide on new nuclear reactor by year's end
Cooper nuclear plant to use AREVA dry-shielded canisters
Soltage announces official commissioning of Mass. solar power plant
China to build nuclear power plants in Romania
Ex-Im Bank approves $61.1mn loan for export of Gamesa turbines
Energy Department awards nearly $4 million to states to increase energy efficiency
Gas-fired turbines to use monitoring and tuning systems
EDF Renewable Energy acquires Texas wind energy project
GE to supply gas-fired equipment to Saudi Arabia power plants
Edwards new chairman, president and CEO of Black & Veatch

The Week's Most Read Articles
Santee Cooper to remove coal ash
Santee Cooper, the state-owned utility, agreed to remove 1.3 million tons of coal ash from its Grainger power plant beside South Carolina’s blackwater Waccamaw River, according to a report from the Charlotte Observer.
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Alstom completes installation of world's largest offshore wind turbine
Alstom announced it completed the seaside installation of the world’s largest offshore wind turbine installed in sea waters.
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Who is the power generation industry's most influential person
To commemorate POWER-GEN International’s 25th anniversary, Power Engineering recognized the power generation industry’s 25 most influential people over the last 25 years.
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Basemat concrete placed at Vogtle nuclear power site
Georgia Power placed the basemat structural concrete for the nuclear island of Unit 4 at Plant Vogtle.
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Connecting Hinkley Point nuclear plant to the grid could cost $1.6B
National Grid said that it expects to spend around GBP 1 billion ($1.6 billion) to connect the 3 GW Hinkley Point nuclear power plant in England to the power grid.
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