Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Duke Energy Petitions To Continue Charging Customers For Abandoned Nuclear Plants


Duke Energy Petitions To Continue Charging Customers For Abandoned Nuclear Plants


http://news.wfsu.org/post/duke-energy-petitions-continue-charging-customers-abandoned-nuclear-plants

Land swap would advance nuclear plant along Delaware River


Land swap would advance nuclear plant along Delaware River

http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2014/08/01/land-swap-advance-nuclear-plant-along-delaware-river/13490205/

Mass. group pushing nuclear power ballot question


Mass. group pushing nuclear power ballot question

http://bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2014/08/mass_group_pushing_nuclear_power_ballot_question

San Onofre nuclear power plant dismantling will cost $4.4 billion, take 20 years


San Onofre nuclear power plant dismantling will cost $4.4 billion, take 20 years

http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2014/08/02/san-onofre-nuclear-power-plant-dismantling-will-cost-44-billion-take-20-years/

Alternative Nuclear fusion projects Tri-alpha Energy, General Fusion and Helion Energy featured in Nature.



Alternative Nuclear fusion projects Tri-alpha Energy, General Fusion
and Helion Energy featured in Nature. http://nextbigfuture.com/2014/07/alternative-nuclear-fusion-projects-tri.html

GE Threatens to Enter Fuel Cell Market, Compete With Bloom

GE Threatens to Enter Fuel Cell Market, Compete With Bloom


http://theenergycollective.com/eric-wesoff/444086/ge-threatens-enter-fuel-cell-market-compete-bloom?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Energy Quote of the Day: "The Fog of War Will not Clear for a Long Time," Oil Price Impact?

Energy Quote of the Day: "The Fog of War Will not Clear for a Long Time," Oil Price Impact?


http://theenergycollective.com/jared-anderson/450411/energy-quote-day-fog-war-will-not-clear-long-time-oil-price-impact?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Utilities Decoupling to Cover Their Assets

Utilities Decoupling to Cover Their Assets


http://theenergycollective.com/zaneselvans/448191/utilities-decoupling-cover-their-assets?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Bulgaria to Cut Reliance on Russia With $5 Billion Nuclear Deal

Bulgaria to Cut Reliance on Russia With $5 Billion Nuclear Deal


http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/bulgaria-to-cut-reliance-on-russia-with-5-billion-nuclear-deal/504436.html

TVA small modular nuke project permit 'on hold' at NRC


TVA small modular nuke project permit 'on hold' at NRC
http://www.snl.com/InteractiveX/Article.aspx?cdid=A-28785260-11054

Pursuing Energy Failure, Again and Again

  Pursuing Energy Failure, Again and Again
Policy makers can never resist the urge to “just do something.” And it never works.


http://www.nationalreview.com/article/384312/pursuing-energy-failure-again-and-again-robert-bryce

Climate Change: If we pretend it isn’t happening, will it go away?


LAWRENCE M. KRAUSS
Climate Change:  If we pretend it isn’t happening, will it go away?
The US House of Representatives tries to defund scientific research on climate change so the government can't learn what some House Republicans don't want to believe.http://thebulletin.org/climate-change-if-we-pretend-it-isn%E2%80%99t-happening-will-it-go-away7333

IEA: Responding to major supply disruptions


Responding to major supply disruptions

In 1973, members of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) stopped selling oil to both the US and the Netherlands following their support for Israel in the Arab-Israeli War. South Africa, Rhodesia and Portugal were later added to the list of embargoed countries, resulting in a global oil crisis.

The ensuing shortage of oil and spiralling prices led countries to seriously examine their energy security (the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price) for, at the time, many economies were heavily dependent on oil, many countries were reliant on imports from only one region, and most had failed to invest in developing other energy sources or substitutes for oil.

The IEA was established in November 1974 in response to this crisis to help countries to develop response measures, such as the establishment of emergency reserves, and to co-ordinate a collective response to any future major disruptions in oil supply.

What causes oil supply disruptions?
The three most common reasons for disruption in the supply of oil are unforeseen technical problems, the weather – such as seasonal storms in the Gulf of Mexico - and civil unrest - such as the civil war in Libya in 2011. Military or terrorist attacks which target energy infrastructure for political motives, or disputes between governments, while rare, are other significant concerns for world oil markets.

What are IEA member countries committed to doing in the event of a disruption?
They are all committed to taking joint measures in the event of oil supply emergencies in order to avoid economic damage to their countries. They have all agreed to share energy information, co-ordinate their energy policies and co-operate in the development of rational energy programmes. Each of the 29 IEA member countries is also required to hold oil stocks equivalent to 90 days of its prior year’s net imports.

What is the purpose of holding these oil stocks?

Oil stocks are in place so that, in the event of an oil supply disruption likely to cause considerable economic damage to member countries, they can make their stocks available to the market in order to offset any physical shortage of oil and ensure a steady supply. A release is not undertaken to moderate prices, although it can have that impact by calming the market, and thus exerting downward pressure on prices.

Has there ever been a need to release these stocks?

Yes, on a global scale IEA member country stocks have been used three times. IEA member countries released oil stocks in the build up to the Gulf War in 1991; after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged offshore oil rigs, pipelines and oil refineries in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005; and in response to the prolonged disruption of oil supplies from Libya in 2011.

What are the current levels of oil stocks in each member country?

Click here.

Who owns these emergency oil stocks?

In general, IEA member countries use three approaches to meet their stockholding obligations: industry stocks, government stocks and agency stocks. Most countries use a combination of these.
  • Nineteen member country governments require certain companies to hold a minimum amount of compulsory stocks, related to the size of the companies’ respective operations.
  • Eight member countries directly own government oil stocks, typically financed through the central government budget and held exclusively for emergency purposes.
  • In ten member countries, government or industry has established a separate agency to hold all or part of the stocks. (The structure of these agencies varies but, in all cases, compulsory stocks can only be released with government authorisation).
Are these oil stocks monitored?
Yes. All IEA member countries monitor oil stocks on a monthly basis to verify compliance with the local stockholding obligations and with the IEA and European Union (if applicable) obligations for the country as a whole. This monitoring takes the form of reported stocks data, but can be confirmed with inspections or spot-checks.

Can a country keep its emergency oil stocks abroad?
Yes. Member countries can arrange to store oil outside of their national boundaries in other IEA member countries and include such stocks as part of their minimum 90-day requirement.

What about countries outside IEA membership?

Since the IEA was established, there have been significant shifts in the global energy landscape as other countries have emerged as major energy consumers. Recognising this, the IEA work has evolved and expanded. The IEA now works closely with non-member countries to find solutions to shared energy and environmental concerns. Part of this work involves sharing the IEA expertise in handling major oil supply disruptions. For example, the IEA has been working closely over several years with China, India, Indonesia and Thailand to highlight the benefits of maintaining oil stocks and preparedness in the event of a major disruption in the supply chain. Both China and India have announced a goal to hold the same stock levels of 90 days as mandated by the IEA to its member countries.

Can an IEA member country unilaterally use the oil stocks and, if it were to do so, what would happen?

IEA member countries have emergency stockholding schemes in place not only to participate in an IEA collective action, but also to be able to respond in the case of a domestic crisis. Whenever a country uses its emergency stocks, it communicates to the IEA the details and circumstances. The stock levels in member countries are typically well above the minimum IEA level, so the use of emergency stocks does not necessarily mean going below the 90 days threshold.

What is the IEA role in determining whether or not to release stocks?

The IEA has established the Initial Contingency Response Plan for a rapid and effective collective response to an oil supply disruption. The plan works as follows:

Assessments
– In the early hours of an oil supply disruption or in the build-up toward what appears likely to be a disruption, the IEA Secretariat will send all member countries preliminary assessments. This notice alerts countries to the potential call for a collective action.

Call for collective action
– Should the IEA Executive Director determine that the situation warrants a collective action, he/she will issue a detailed Initial Assessment, including an Initial Response Plan for releasing a specific volume of oil in the first 30 days of the crisis.

Consultation
– The Initial Assessment will initiate a period of broad, wide-ranging and swift
consultations on the need for activation. The IEA Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director will be in direct contact with IEA Governing Board representatives.

Activation
– If member countries agree or do not object to the proposal for joint action after a predetermined (maximum reasonable) period, the Executive Director will issue a Notice of Activation, accompanied by a public Press Release. Member countries will submit responses to a Questionnaire of Intended Contribution to the IEA and commence implementation of emergency measures within 15 days of the Notice of Activation.

Governing Board Meeting
– This could be convened within a matter of days following the Initial Assessment to evaluate the situation and consider any further actions to be taken.

Follow-up/Termination
– The IEA will continue to assess the disruption and implementation of emergency measures. When appropriate, the IEA will recommend bringing the action to an end and will propose a schedule for re-establishing emergency stocks in those situations where they have fallen below the mandatory 90 days.

Does the IEA speak with OPEC during major disruptions?

Yes. The IEA consults with OPEC and its major member countries to determine their ability and willingness to bring additional oil to the market. (This is a possibility because some OPEC member countries have spare production capacity).

Does the IEA speak with other (non-IEA member countries) major oil consumers during major disruptions?

Yes. The IEA communicates with major consuming non-member countries. This communication can include determining the ability and willingness of partner countries to bring additional oil to the market, or refrain from stockpiling during a release.  

Other than releasing these oil stocks, what other response measures do IEA member countries have at their disposal?

There are a number of other measures IEA member countries can introduce, including:

Demand restraint measures.
These can range from light-handed (e.g. public information campaigns to promote voluntary actions) to more medium-and heavy-handed (e.g. driving restrictions or fuel rationing). These measures can be applied differently across various sectors, but road transportation is commonly targeted due to the high proportion of oil consumption it represents.

Fuel switching.
This is the substitution of one form of fuel for another. Natural gas is a possible alternative to oil in the event of an oil disruption, particularly in those power generators capable of operation using either fuel.

Surge production.
This is the rapid activation (within 30 days) of spare crude oil production capacity to increase oil supply.

Fuel specifications,
such as environmental or quality standards, can be temporarily relaxed by governments to increase flexibility of supply.

How does the IEA help countries prepare for major supply disruptions?

Every two years the IEA conducts two different types of Emergency Response Exercises, in order to help countries practice, test, and review emergency response policies and procedures.

The Exercise in Capitals
tests the ability of IEA member countries to participate promptly in the Initial Contingency Response Plan (mentioned above). A hypothetical crisis scenario and proposal for initial response activation is sent without prior warning by the IEA to the Governing Board delegates of member countries and to the delegates of the Standing Group on Emergency Questions. Within a predetermined period (usually 24 hours), member countries are expected to react to the IEA proposal. If the proposed action is accepted, member countries are subsequently asked to indicate the emergency response measures with which they would participate in the proposed collective action.

The Disruption Simulation Exercise
is a two-day conference, usually preceded by a one-day training session. Participants consist of emergency policy makers from member countries, the IEA Industry Advisory Board, the European Commission, representatives from some IEA non-member countries, traders and public affairs persons from oil companies and the IEA. The training session focuses on oil market basics, IEA emergency response mechanisms and on evaluation of disruptions. During the Disruption Simulation Exercise several disruption scenarios are presented, discussed and evaluated. Each scenario starts with a newswire style video which presents the key elements of the scenario. Participants break out into groups to discuss, and their results are discussed in plenary with inputs from representatives from industry and the media.

Where can I find more information?
Click here

What are the Emergency Response Policies of individual IEA countries?

Click here
http://www.iea.org/topics/energysecurity/subtopics/respondingtomajorsupplydisruptions/

Report: Nuclear Share of Global Energy Production Is Lowest Since 1984


Report: Nuclear Share of Global Energy Production Is Lowest Since 1984


http://www.powermag.com/report-nuclear-share-of-global-energy-production-is-lowest-since-1984/

China to beat 2020 nuclear targets after projects restarted - CNNC


China to beat 2020 nuclear targets after projects restarted - CNNC


http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/03/12/china-cncc-nuclear-idINDEEA2B05W20140312

Nuclear Policy News 8/1

http://poniforum.csis.org/nuclear-news/nuclear-policy-news-august-1-2014

Global Energy News Roundup: July 31


Global Energy News Roundup: July 31
foe_newsroundup_blueThe Forum on Energy weekly news roundup brings together a mix of global energy stories from around the web. It is published every Thursday morning on Forum on Energy and is available on Twitter via @forumonenergy.
http://forumonenergy.com/2014/07/31/global-energy-news-roundup-july-31/

The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2014


The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2014

http://www.worldnuclearreport.org/-2014-.html

Exelon seeking compensation for nuclear plants


Exelon seeking compensation for nuclear plants

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-exelon-seeking-compensation-for-nuclear-plants-20140731-story.html

Taiwan to shutter near-completed nuclear plant


Taiwan to shutter near-completed nuclear plant

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/region/01-Aug-2014/taiwan-to-shutter-near-completed-nuclear-plant

An IEA blueprint for a lower-carbon India

An IEA blueprint for a lower-carbon India

Construction of a hydropower plant in Uttarakhand, India. Large-scale hydropower provides 12% of the country's power, and the IEA in Energy Technology Perspectives 2014 urges India to expand use of the abundant resource.
Energy Technology Perspectives 2014 focuses on how to increase use of renewables and clean up coal-fired power generation


http://www.iea.org/newsroomandevents/news/2014/july/an-iea-blueprint-for-a-lower-carbon-india.html

How Electrons Meet the Grid


How Electrons Meet the Grid

  • Interconnected network ensures system redundancy 
  • Reliable, low-cost baseload power gives grid stability
  • FERC’s Norris values baseload nuclear as ‘resting heart rate’
By Chris Charles

http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/How-Electrons-Meet-the-Grid

Westinghouse Completes Shareholder Agreement for Kozloduy AP1000® Plant in Bulgaria

 

Westinghouse Completes Shareholder Agreement for Kozloduy AP1000® Plant in Bulgaria

Westinghouse Electric Company today announced that it has signed a shareholder agreement following consultations with all Bulgarian political parties for the expansion of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. This and subsequent agreements will be subject to future government oversight.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/08/prweb12065568.htm

The rise and fall of nuclear power, in 6 charts

The rise and fall of nuclear power, in 6 charts



http://www.vox.com/2014/8/1/5958943/nuclear-power-rise-fall-six-charts

"Sun, wind and drain: Wind and solar power are even more expensive than is commonly thought"

Greetings,
 
In case you haven't seen them, I suggest looking over:
 
This article in the Economist (7/26/14): 

"Sun, wind and drain:  Wind and solar power are even more expensive than is commonly thought"

 
And the Study/Report, "Net Benefits of Low and No-Carbons Electricity Technologies," by Charles Frank leading to the article:*
 
The study take a different approach from the all too common and flawed LCOE type comparison by seeking to quantify costs of "net benefits" of electricity from wind, solar, hydro, nuclear and gas (mostly combined cycle).  The "benefits" it compares include:
 
. "Avoided CO2 Emissions"
. "Avoided energy cost"
.  "Avoided Capacity Cost"
 
The favorable aspects of the study are (a) it's far more comprehensive in the factors that are considered in most of the studies that get attention, (b) it seems to be much more carefully done than most, and (c) it candidly admits the dozens of assumptions and the sources of actual and estimated data that underlie the analyses.
 
On the other hand:
 
1.  It's findings need to be evaluated in terms of your assessment:
     a.  The value of the "benefits" (e.g., CO2 reduction) that are used to compare costs,
     b.  The validity of the assumptions and underlying data (much from EIA and much of which is also based on estimates and assumptions).
 
2.  Whether, while comprehensive, it leaves out cost considerations that may be important; e.g.:
     a.  Transmission costs (which tend to be higher for wind),
     b.  Certain subsidies which don't appear to be considered (e.g., federal nuclear accident insurance; loan guarantees that reduce costs of capital for certain types of plants; other subsidies & tax breaks that lure capital to projects that would otherwise incur higher costs of capital regulatory subsidies such as RPS that create artificial markets;)
     c  Decommissioning costs (not sure these are covered).
 
(As you might guess, I remain skeptical of estimates and assumptions about useful life, production during useful life, O&M costs of newer technologies), and/or decommissioning costs of newer technologies.)
 
If you get time to review the report, I'd appreciate hearing your views.
 
Glenn Schleede
 
*The article also cites Paul Joskow's 2011 article that affirmed what many of us had been contending for several years earlier; i.e., that one must consider the true value of the electricity, not just the cost of producing it.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Water treatment to get into full swing at Fukushima No. 1 in December, Tepco claims

Water treatment to get into full swing at Fukushima No. 1 in December, Tepco claims


http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/08/01/national/water-treatment-get-full-swing-fukushima-1-december-tepco-claims/#.U9vZa2OB_84

Nuclear power champions paint rosy picture

Nuclear power champions paint rosy picture


http://www.carbonnews.co.nz/story.asp?storyID=7929

China Nuclear Power Market (Capacity & Power Generation Trends) to 2025 Report Available at MarketOptimizer.org

China Nuclear Power Market (Capacity & Power Generation Trends) to 2025 Report Available at MarketOptimizer.org



http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2096332

Study: Nuclear power not looking so good an option due to high operating costs

Study: Nuclear power not looking so good an option due to high operating costs


http://www.ukprogressive.co.uk/study-nuclear-power-not-looking-so-good-an-option-due-to-high-operating-costs/article28790.html

Floating Nuclear Power Plants Might Be the Future of Energy

Floating Nuclear Power Plants Might Be the Future of Energy


https://news.vice.com/article/why-floating-nuclear-power-plants-might-be-the-future-of-energy

Bulgaria Signs Deal With Westinghouse on Nuclear Power Plant

Bulgaria Signs Deal With Westinghouse on Nuclear Power Plant

Westinghouse to Build 1,000 MW Reactor Worth Over $5 billion


http://online.wsj.com/articles/bulgaria-signs-deal-with-westinghouse-on-nuclear-power-plant-1406890323

Nuclear Renaissance gathers momentum across globe: fight carbon, the smart way

Nuclear Renaissance gathers momentum across globe: fight carbon, the smart way


http://canadianenergyissues.com/2014/07/29/nuclear-renaissance-gathers-momentum-across-globe-fight-carbon-the-smart-way/

China's nuclear boom leaves Germany isolated

China's nuclear boom leaves Germany isolated


http://www.dw.de/chinas-nuclear-boom-leaves-germany-isolated/a-17822688

Nuclear power in Japan Flicking the switch

Nuclear power in Japan

Flicking the switch

Restarting nuclear plants is unpopular but crucial for Shinzo Abe


http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21610329-restarting-nuclear-plants-unpopular-crucial-shinzo-abe-flicking-switch

Bill reviving Ukraine’s nuclear power ambitions goes to parliament

Bill reviving Ukraine’s nuclear power ambitions goes to parliament


http://en.itar-tass.com/world/743128

Nuclear remains linchpin of French energy transition

Nuclear remains linchpin of French energy transition


http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/nuclear-remains-linchpin-french-energy-transition-303832

PUC releases report on generator failure at San Onofre nuclear plant

PUC releases report on generator failure at San Onofre nuclear plant


http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-san-onofre-report-20140801-story.html

UPDATE 2-Areva stock plunges on nuclear sales warning, solar exit

UPDATE 2-Areva stock plunges on nuclear sales warning, solar exit


http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/08/01/areva-results-idINL6N0Q71IK20140801

US nuclear industry spends billions on post-Fukushima upgrades


US nuclear industry spends billions on post-Fukushima upgrades



http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/washington/us-nuclear-industry-spends-billions-on-post-fukushima-21004195

Worldwide water shortage by 2040

Worldwide water shortage by 2040
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Worldwide_water_shortage_by_2040_999.html

Global Solar Market Estimated To Reach $137 Billion In 2020

Global Solar Market Estimated To Reach $137 Billion In 2020


http://cleantechnica.com/2014/08/01/global-solar-market-estimated-reach-137-billion-2020/

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2014/08/01/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-weekly-review-080102.aspx#.U9uiy2OB_84

Finding Facts in the Fog of Fiction

Finding Facts in the Fog of Fiction

http://talknuclear.ca/2014/07/finding-facts-in-the-fog-of-fiction/

On Nuclear Power Plants and Water Use

On Nuclear Power Plants and Water Use


http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2014/07/on-nuclear-power-plants-and-water-use.html

Huge waves measured for first time in Arctic Ocean

Huge waves measured for first time in Arctic Ocean
Seattle WA (SPX) Jul 31, 2014 - As the climate warms and sea ice retreats, the North is changing. An ice-covered expanse now has a season of increasingly open water that is predicted to extend across the whole Arctic Ocean before the middle of this century. Storms thus have the potential to create Arctic swell - huge waves that could add a new and unpredictable element to the region. A University of Washington researcher ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Huge_waves_measured_for_first_time_in_Arctic_Ocean_999.html

Pacific leaders say climate will claim entire nations

Pacific leaders say climate will claim entire nations
Koror, Palau (AFP) July 31, 2014 - Pacific leaders warned Thursday that entire island nations will disappear under the waves unless action is taken to address climate change. The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) wrapped up its annual meeting in Palau with a call to action on the issue of global warming, with the 15-nation regional grouping saying there was no excuse not to act to curb climate change. "We all know the causes of ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Pacific_leaders_say_climate_will_claim_entire_nations_999.html

Westinghouse Completes Shareholder Agreement for Kozloduy AP1000® Plant in Bulgaria

Westinghouse Completes Shareholder Agreement for Kozloduy AP1000® Plant in Bulgaria

Westinghouse Electric Company today announced that it has signed a shareholder agreement following consultations with all Bulgarian political parties for the expansion of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. This and subsequent agreements will be subject to future government oversight.


http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/08/prweb12065568.htm

Elliott Warns of Greatest Danger in Electromagnetic Pulse

Elliott Warns of Greatest Danger in Electromagnetic Pulse


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-29/elliott-sees-most-significant-danger-in-electromagnetic-pulse.html

Will Mutual Assured Destruction Continue to Deter Nuclear War?

Will Mutual Assured Destruction Continue to Deter Nuclear War?

Does deterrence prohibit the total abolishment of nuclear weapons?

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/will-mutual-assured-destruction-continue-to-deter-nuclear-war/

PennEnergy's Top Oil & Gas News 8/1

Top Oil & Gas News
4 workers injured in SE Kansas oil refinery fire
A Texas company says four workers at a southeast Kansas oil refinery were burned in an early morning fire.
Full Article

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PennEnergy Video News Update
From the debate over drilling tax in Arkansas, to Kenya's big oil industry loan, to a struck down fracking ban in Colorado, all of the week's biggest headlines are in the PennEnergy Video News Update.
Full Article

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This Week's Most Popular Oil & Gas News
Oil depot ablaze amid clashes in Libyan capital
Arkansas AG asks to help defend drilling tax break
World Bank loans Kenya $50 million to improve oil industry management
Judge strikes down Longmont's fracking ban
Platts: More than 30% growth in shale oil output in Bakken, Eagle Ford
Topsides installed on Valemon offshore production field
Post Oak Energy Capital commits $150 million to CP Exploration II
Campaign launches to secure New South Wales natural gas supply
Referee to hear Oklahoma drilling tax cut lawsuit
3 jailed for blocking tracks to Anacortes refinery
BP warns of impact of Russia sanctions on profits
Saipem awarded new drilling contracts worth $850 million
Americas Petrogas releases updates of oil and gas activities in Argentina

Energy News Roundup: Putin to Cut European Gas? France’s $13.4 bn Clean Energy Plan & EPA Carbon Rule Challenge

Energy News Roundup: Putin to Cut European Gas? France’s $13.4 bn Clean Energy Plan & EPA Carbon Rule Challenge

By Jared Anderson
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Normandy
Morgan Stanley analysts floated the idea that Russia’s President Putin could order state-controlled natural gas export monopoly Gazprom to cut supplies to European firms in retaliation for western-imposed economic sanctions. It appears the incremental damage such a move would cause to Russia’s economy makes using the “gas weapon” unlikely, but the Putin regime is not

New Financing Options for Coal Power Plants through the BRICS ‘New Development Bank’

New Financing Options for Coal Power Plants through the BRICS ‘New Development Bank’

By Chris Pedersen
Obama's New Proposed Regulations On Coal Energy Production Met With Ire Through Kentucky's Coal Country
The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (known as the BRICS) recently met to launch a newly-created international fund called the New Development Bank (NDB). The BRICS represent roughly a fifth of the world economy and 40 percent of the global population. The NDB will have an initial capital pool of $50

Not on My Balance Sheet: Climate Change, Fossil Fuels and Stranded Assets

Not on My Balance Sheet: Climate Change, Fossil Fuels and Stranded Assets

By Kate Rosow Chrisman
Deadline Approaches For Grangemouth Dispute
This week is shaping up to be rough for the US coal industry. The EPA is holding hearings on plans to dramatically cut carbon-dioxide emissions released from US power plants and the Obama administration just published a report on the economic consequences of waiting to act on climate change. It’s enough to make one wonder

Energy Department Conditionally Authorizes Oregon LNG to Export Liquefied Natural Gas

Energy Department Conditionally Authorizes Oregon LNG to Export Liquefied Natural Gas

By US Department of Energy
A liquified natural gas (LNG) tanker sit
Terminal in Warrenton, Oregon Authorized to Export Liquefied Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade Agreement Countries WASHINGTON – The Energy Department announced today that it has conditionally authorized LNG Development Co., LLC (Oregon LNG) to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United

PennEnergyu's Top Power Headlines 8/1 Russia, China move to partner on floating nuclear power plants

Top Power Headlines
Russia, China move to partner on floating nuclear power plants
Russia’s nuclear export body Rusatom Overseas has signed a memorandum of understanding with China for the development of floating nuclear power plants.
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Bankrupt Energy Future Holdings to auction stake in Oncor
Bankrupt power giant Energy Future Holdings has announced plans to auction its stake in power transmission business Oncor Electric Delivery Co.
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Power-Gen's Top Stories 8/1

Top Stories
Sargent & Lundy receives engineering contract for Petra Nova Carbon Capture Project
Sargent & Lundy LLC has been awarded an Owner's Engineering contract by Petra Nova to continue providing engineering services for the Petra Nova Carbon Capture Project.
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Arizona hopes to become “solar capital” of the world
An Arizona bill, sponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, is calling for more renewable energy pilot programs on federal lands, making the state the “solar capital of the world,” according to an Arizona official.
Read More

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Dominion generated 50% of electricity from carbon-free sources
Dominion (NYSE: D) said that half of its electricity output in 2013 came from nuclear and renewable energy sources.
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Natural gas-fired expansion project signs on construction company
Robins & Morton was picked to provide construction services for Phase 2 of Tampa Electric’s natural gas-fired expansion project.
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The Week's Most Read Articles
FutureGen clean coal power project wins appeals court ruling
A three-judge panel of the Illinois Appellate Court ruled that utilities can be required to impose a surcharge on customers’ bills to help pay for the $1.7 billion FutureGen 2.0 power plant.
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Southern Co. aims to build more nuclear reactors
Southern Co. (NYSE: SO) said it hopes to announce plans for even more new nuclear reactors.
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Duke Energy announces executive leadership changes
In order to support its long-term strategy, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is realigning its organizational structure:
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Vogtle nuclear Unit 1 automatically shuts down
Unit 1 at Plant Vogtle in Georgia automatically shut down July 27th during testing.
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