Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, August 23, 2014

NRC Seeks Comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement For PSEG Early Site Permit, Public Meetings Oct. 1

NRC
Seeks Comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement
For
PSEG Early Site Permit, Public Meetings Oct. 1

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/news/2014/14-053.pdf

Small Nuclear Reactors? Why Not Mini?


Small Nuclear Reactors? Why Not Mini?

http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2014/08/small-nuclear-reactors-why-not-mini.html

Silicon Valley Goes Long on Nuclear Fusion

Silicon Valley Goes Long on Nuclear Fusion


http://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/nuclear/silicon-valley-goes-long-on-nuclear-fusion

API’s view of America’s Energy Future

 

API’s view of America’s Energy Future

http://atomicinsights.com/apis-view-americas-energy-future/

Why Radiation is Safe and Why All Nations Should Embrace Nuclear Energy

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 04:00 AM PDT
Dr. Wade Allison has recently published a video on radiation that is aimed at a general audience. It explains why radiation associated with nuclear energy production, medical diagnostics, and medical treatments is generally safe and should not be a cause for excessive concern.read morehttp://theenergycollective.com/rodadams/469956/why-radiation-safe-and-why-all-nations-should-embrace-nuclear-energy?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Report: Iran opens uranium-conversation plant, part of interim nuclear deal with world powers

Report: Iran opens uranium-conversation plant, part of interim nuclear deal with world powers


http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/08/23/report-iran-opens-uranium-conversation-plant-part-interim-nuclear-deal-with/?

REGULATION: 'Major investment cycle' and rapidly changing U.S. energy markets pose fresh challenges for FERC -- Chairman LaFleur


REGULATION:

'Major investment cycle' and rapidly changing U.S. energy markets pose fresh challenges for FERC -- Chairman LaFleur

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060004814

New Salem County nuclear reactor would have small impact on environment, boost economy, NRC study says

New Salem County nuclear reactor would have small impact on environment, boost economy, NRC study says


http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2014/08/new_salem_county_nuclear_reactor_would_have_small_impact_on_environment_be_boost_to_economy_nrc_stud.html

Editorial: Energy secretary finally states the obvious at WIPP


Editorial: Energy secretary finally states the obvious at WIPP

http://www.abqjournal.com/448230/opinion/energy-secretary-finally-states-the-obvious-at-wipp.html

Wind Power: the “Joke” that just isn’t funny anymore

Wind Power: the “Joke” that just isn’t funny anymore


http://stopthesethings.com/2014/01/20/wind-power-the-joke-that-just-isnt-funny-anymore/

Poll: Would you want a new nuclear reactor in Salem County?

Poll: Would you want a new nuclear reactor in Salem County?


http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2014/08/poll_would_you_want_a_new_nuclear_reactor_in_salem_county.html

Which Is More Scalable, Nuclear Energy Or Wind Energy?


Which Is More Scalable, Nuclear Energy Or Wind Energy?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2014/08/22/which-is-more-scalable-nuclear-energy-or-wind-energy/

The cost of renewable energy New numbers, same conclusion

The cost of renewable energy

New numbers, same conclusion


http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2014/08/cost-renewable-energy?fsrc=scn/tw_ec/new_numbers_same_conclusion

U.S. Submarines Are Dying -- Will These 2 Companies Build Our New Nuclear Attack Subs?


U.S. Submarines Are Dying -- Will These 2 Companies Build Our New Nuclear Attack Subs?

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/08/16/us-submarines-are-dying-will-these-2-companies-bui.aspx

Three and a Half Years After the #Fukushima Nuclear Accident, Nature Slowly Taking Over Deserted Futaba-Machi

Three and a Half Years After the #Fukushima Nuclear Accident, Nature Slowly Taking Over Deserted Futaba-Machi


http://ex-skf.blogspot.com/2014/08/three-and-half-years-after-fukushima.html

Epic Drought in West Is Literally Moving Mountains Scientific American

Epic Drought in West Is Literally Moving Mountains Scientific Americanhttp://www.scientificamerican.com/article/epic-drought-in-west-is-literally-moving-mountains/?&WT.mc_id=SA_DD_20140822

Energy News Roundup: Sweden Turns Trash into Energy, New Methane Leak Technology and Petro Engineers in Demand

Energy News Roundup: Sweden Turns Trash into Energy, New Methane Leak Technology and Petro Engineers in Demand

By Jared Anderson
sweden trash
Sweden burns about as much household waste as it recycles – 2 million tons – and generates energy from the garbage. The country’s waste to energy incinerators have spare capacity, causing them to occasionally import trash from other nations. [Video: Swedish Government] Environmental group EDF is teaming up with 7 oil and gas companies to

Upholding FERC Order 1000 Unlocks Efficiency and Spurs Clean Energy Solutions

Upholding FERC Order 1000 Unlocks Efficiency and Spurs Clean Energy Solutions

By Environmental Defense Fund Energy Exchange Blog
New EPA Regulation To Cut Emissions From Coal-Fired Plants In US
Late last week, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed an important Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order, giving the agency a big win and aiding in the promise of a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient power grid. By upholding FERC’s Order 1000, the court confirmed what many think is common sense: Because the power grid crosses state and

nfographic: Climate Change-Related Risks and Costs Exist Today

Infographic: Climate Change-Related Risks and Costs Exist Today

By Roman Kilisek
Hurricane Katrina Aftermath - Day 15
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) states on its homepage that it “provides the only global system for companies and cities to measure, disclose, manage and share vital environmental information – holding the largest collection globally of primary climate change, water and forest risk commodities information.” In an age of climate change this is crucial information

Thailand's Energy Absolute to Invest $1.4 Billion in Solar, Wind Projects

 Thailand's Energy Absolute to Invest $1.4 Billion in Solar, Wind Projects 
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/08/thailands-energy-absolute-to-invest-1-4-billion-in-solar-wind-projects?cmpid=SolarNL-Saturday-August23-2014

The Next Big Challenge for Energy Storage

The Next Big Challenge for Energy Storage


http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/08/the-next-big-challenge-for-energy-storage?cmpid=SolarNL-Saturday-August23-2014

Countdown: What Are the Top 10 Solar States in the US?


Countdown: What Are the Top 10 Solar States in the US?


http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/08/countdown-what-are-the-top-10-solar-states-in-the-us?cmpid=SolarNL-Saturday-August23-2014

Scientists Baffled Over Huge Crack in Mexico (Video)


Scientists Baffled Over Huge Crack in Mexico (Video)
http://www.darkgovernment.com/news/scientists-baffled-over-huge-crack-in-mexico-video/

Scientists in Mexico are puzzling over a giant fissure that has split the ground
in the northern part of the country.

The crack, which runs for nearly two-thirds of a mile, measures close to 30
feet deep and is just more than 15 feet across at its widest spot. Locals found
the geographical oddity Tuesday night when [...]

Angela Canterbury, Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation i

CACNP

FRONT & CENTER
An update on arms control, national security & politics from the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.

WHAT'S NEW:

69 Years After Hiroshima and Nagasaki
This month was the 69th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – the only time in history that one nation has used nuclear weapons against another. On our blog, read summer intern Gabrielle Tarini’s piece on how to prevent future nuclear disasters. [8/6]
Senate Steps Up for Nuclear Security
This week, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) released a letter along with 24 other Democrats, Republicans, and Independents calling on the Obama administration to increase funding for the prevention of nuclear terrorism. Council staff Kingston Reif and John Isaacs worked to successfully garner support for this effort to highlight dangerous cuts to non-proliferation programs. The Center for Public Integrity covered the letter, here. [8/18]
Our Expensive Nuclear Arsenal
Writing for RealClearDefense, Kingston Reif sets the record straight on an expert panel’s recent findings regarding the role of nuclear weapons. The panel’s report found, rightly, that we can’t afford to modernize our nuclear arsenal at its current size – but we can afford to scale back its size without compromising our national security. [8/14]

READ:

Earth to the Air Force: Nukes Aren’t Cheap
In a new analysis, Kingston Reif takes on Air Force officials for their repeated insistence that the air-based leg of the nuclear triad is relatively inexpensive. In fact, Reif argues, the costs of modernizing and recapitalizing the Air Force’s share of the nuclear enterprise are adding up – and it’s time for the service’s leadership to recognize that. [8/22]
With Senate Bill, Nuclear Budget Battle Continues
A new bill released this month by the Senate Appropriations Committee reflects key differences with the Obama administration on nuclear budgeting priorities. Perhaps most notably, the committee recommended that funding be restored to non-proliferation and nuclear material security programs. Read Kingston Reif and Gabrielle Tarini’s write up of the highlights from the bill. [8/15]
What’s Next for the War Budget?
As the U.S. attempts to draw down its involvement in two protracted wars, budgeters are encountering the difficulty of moving special wartime funds back into the base budget. On Nukes of Hazard, Laicie Heeley gives an update on the future of the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) fund, as well as the mixed reaction of members of Congress to what many see as a slush fund. [8/14]
The Role of Women in National Security Debates
Angela Canterbury, the new executive director of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, was profiled on the blog of Ms. Magazine. In her interview with James Hildebrand, she discussed the Council’s work on national security issues as well as ways for women to be more involved in the field. [8/7]
An Easy Choice: Keep Talking to Iran
On CNN.com, Executive Director Angela Canterbury and Brigadier General John H. Johns write that extending the nuclear negotiations with Iran is in U.S. national security interests. The talks, which have been extended until November 2014, have already produced a significant freeze on Iran’s nuclear activities. [7/19]

BE SOCIAL:

Are you on Facebook? Share John Oliver’s hilariously harrowing segment about the how the U.S. can’t take care of its absurdly large nuclear arsenal. [7/27]
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Friday, August 22, 2014

White House faces Democratic Senate revolt over nuclear security cuts

White House faces Democratic Senate revolt over nuclear security cuts


http://news.yahoo.com/white-house-faces-democratic-senate-150503823.html

IAEA: Shale Gas, Renewables Subsidies Undermining Nuclear’s Value


IAEA: Shale Gas, Renewables Subsidies Undermining Nuclear’s Value

http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/IAEA-Shale-Gas,-Renewables-Subsidies-Undermining-N

How to Fund an Atomic Startup

How to Fund an Atomic Startup


http://www.xconomy.com/national/2014/08/21/how-to-fund-an-atomic-startup/

Cracked Belgian Reactors May Be Retired, Same Risk at 22 Nuclear Plants Worldwide

 

Cracked Belgian Reactors May Be Retired, Same Risk at 22 Nuclear Plants Worldwide


http://www.fukuleaks.org/web/?p=13663

World's Largest Ice Sheets Melting at Fastest Rates in Recorded History

World's Largest Ice Sheets Melting at Fastest Rates in Recorded History
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/08/22/worlds-largest-ice-sheets-melting-fastest-rates-recorded-history

Russia to Provide Nuclear Fuel for China’s Floating NPP

Russia to Provide Nuclear Fuel for China’s Floating NPP

Chief Executive Officer at Dynatom International GmbH
A Russian company, named “Machinery Factory” Open Corporation plans to provide fuel for China’s floating nuclear power plant, news released by TVEL Fuel Company.
Rosatom and CIAE signed a MOU in May on jointly building floating nuclear power plants. General Manager of Rosatom said that the company hopes to construct more similar type of nuclear power plants for China.
“Machinery Factory”, affiliated to TVEL, is the only global company that has the experience in manufacturing floating nuclear power plant. The company also plans to provide fuel for future floating nuclear power plants in China. In 2011, the company manufactured two reactor cores for the world’s first floating nuclear power plant which to be operational in September 2016.

Source: http://www.hdzx2010.ibicn.com/news/d1143446.html
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Nuclear-Powered Batteries Hit China, Claim to Last for 20-Years Without Charging

Nuclear-Powered Batteries Hit China, Claim to Last for 20-Years Without Charging

http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/nuclear-powered-batteries-hit-china-claim-to-last-for-20-years-without-charging

U.S. lawmaker calls for bolstering alliance with S. Korea through nuclear pact

U.S. lawmaker calls for bolstering alliance with S. Korea through nuclear pact


http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2014/08/22/26/0301000000AEN20140822000200315F.html

Column: Nuclear industry has reshaped community

Column: Nuclear industry has reshaped community


http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20140822/AIK02/140829872/1018/AIK02/column-nuclear-industry-has-reshaped-community

From fission to fusion: the need for a quick transition Why we should change from fission to fusion electricity generation swiftly, once fusion is available.


From fission to fusion: the need for a quick transition
Why we should change from fission to fusion electricity generation swiftly, once fusion is available.http://thebulletin.org/fission-fusion-need-quick-transition7391

Climate change policy in California—and beyond

JOHN MECKLIN
Climate change policy in California—and beyond
California Gov. Jerry Brown talks with Bulletin editor John Mecklin about the California approach to climate change.http://bos.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/08/09/0096340214546824.full.pdf+html
                                                                     

Should Japan restart its nuclear reactors?

Should Japan restart its nuclear reactors?


http://www.bbj.hu/opinion/should-japan-restart-its-nuclear-reactors_84018

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2014/08/22/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-weekly-review-082202.aspx#.U_eVwGM0eVo

Ruling on Nuclear Waste Storage Could Create a "Catastrophic Risk"

Ruling on Nuclear Waste Storage Could Create a "Catastrophic Risk"

Regulators may let companies store radioactive rods in on-site pools for up to 120 years.

|

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/08/nuclear-regulatory-commission-radioactive-waste-magwood

How Significant is the BRICS New Development Bank?


How Significant is the BRICS New Development Bank?


http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2014/08/significant-brics-new-development-bank.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NakedCapitalism+%28naked+capitalism%29

Lubricating Energy Policy


Lubricating Energy Policy

by Scott Sklar, The Stella Group | August 20, 2014 | 1 Comment
The new report from the Taxpayers for Common Sense shows that oil companies paid just 11.7 percent of their U.S. income in federal taxes over the last five years, and the “smaller” companies included in the study that reported pos... Full Article
COMMENTARYhttp://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/08/lubricating-energy-policy

The Next Big Challenge for Energy Storage

The Next Big Challenge for Energy Storage

by Bill Watkins, Imergy Power Systems | August 21, 2014 | Post Your Comment
The energy storage era is upon us. States like California and New York have adapted energy policies that will make it possible to economically deploy storage systems, while technology advancements have boosted performance and trim... Full Article
COMMENTARYhttp://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/08/the-next-big-challenge-for-energy-storage
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PennEnergy's Top Power Headlines 8/22

Top Power Headlines
NuScale looking to build small scale nuclear power plant in Washington
NuScale is looking to expand the number of nuclear power plants in Washington using small scale nuclear reactors.
Full Article

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Emerging solar power plants scorch birds in mid-air
Workers at a state-of-the-art solar plant in the Mojave Desert have a name for birds that fly through the plant's concentrated sun rays — "streamers," for the smoke plume that comes from birds that ignite in midair.
Full Article

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PennEnergy's Top Oil & Gas News 8/22

Top Oil & Gas News
Investigators release Quebec train disaster report
The weak safety culture of a now-defunct railway company and poor government oversight were among the many factors that led to an oil train explosion that killed 47 people in Quebec last year, Canada's Transportation Safety Board said in a new report released Tuesday.
Full Article

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PennEnergy Video News Update
From the latest Gulf of Mexico lease sale, to resumed exports from Libya's largest oil depot, to a well control fine in Pennsylvania, 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
US government sells 400,000 acres offshore Texas
Libya's largest oil depot begins exports
Pennsylvania fines gas driller for losing control of well
Algeria oil and gas exports drop 9 percent in first quarter
Oil production shut down on Troll C
PanTerra enters agreement to acquire additional oil and gas production assets
Continued success for Contact Exploration's Kakwa Development
North Dakota: Report says oil production continues to grow
Lukoil ships first batch of West Qurna-2 compensation oil
Gudrun offshore oil platform officially opened
Hawaii and U.S. Territories aim to increase fuel diversity with LNG imports
Lawmakers to meet with Kansas oil producers
Dakota Plains and Hiland Crude announce pipeline to Pioneer Rail Terminal
Offshore rig Cidade de Mangaratiba leaves the yard for pre-salt operations
Apache announces first canning Basin oil discovery
Norway: July oil production smashes original target
Noble Energy announces exploration results in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico

Final Revised Procedures for LNG Export Decisions

Final Revised Procedures for LNG Export Decisions

By Enerknol Research
LNG
The DOE will act on LNG export applications involving non-FTA countries only after completing the National Environmental Policy Act review and halt its practice of issuing conditional authorizations. On August 15, 2014, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy published final revised procedures for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export decisions involving non-Free Trade

Distributed Renewable Energy —Efficiency, Reliability, and Profitability

Distributed Renewable Energy —Efficiency, Reliability, and Profitability

http://breakingenergy.com/2014/08/21/distributed-renewable-energy-efficiency-reliability-and-profitability/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=223c7b72dc-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-223c7b72dc-407304281 

By Lauren Levin
California Continues To Lead U.S. In Green Technology
The market for distributed renewable energy (DRE) is rapidly expanding all over the world. This is in large part due to the drop in manufacturing costs for solar and wind technology, along with increased policy incentives, and a high financial return on investment. The levelized cost of generation from wind and solar has significantly decreased

Energy Department Invests $67 Million to Advanced Nuclear Technology

Energy Department Invests $67 Million to Advanced Nuclear Technology

By U.S. Department of Energy
sweet_looking_nuclear_power_thingy
WASHINGTON – Building on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan and the Administration’s efforts to expand clean energy innovation, the Energy Department announced today nearly $67 million in nuclear energy research and infrastructure enhancement awards. 83 projects were selected from across the country based on their potential to create scientific breakthroughs that both help strengthen the

The Catch-22 of Energy Storage by Barry Brook

The Catch-22 of Energy Storage

by Barry Brook
http://bravenewclimate.com/2014/08/22/catch-22-of-energy-storage/#more-6460 
Pick up a research paper on battery technology, fuel cells, energy storage technologies or any of the advanced materials science used in these fields, and you will likely find somewhere in the introductory paragraphs a throwaway line about its application to the storage of renewable energy.  Energy storage makes sense for enabling a transition away from fossil fuels to more intermittent sources like wind and solar, and the storage problem presents a meaningful challenge for chemists and materials scientists... Or does it?

Guest Post by John Morgan. John is Chief Scientist at a Sydney startup developing smart grid and grid scale energy storage technologies.  He is Adjunct Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at RMIT, holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry, and is an experienced industrial R&D leader.  You can follow John on twitter at @JohnDPMorganFirst published in Chemistry in Australia.

Several recent analyses of the inputs to our energy systems indicate that, against expectations, energy storage cannot solve the problem of intermittency of wind or solar power.  Not for reasons of technical performance, cost, or storage capacity, but for something more intractable: there is not enough surplus energy left over after construction of the generators and the storage system to power our present civilization.
The problem is analysed in an important paper by Weißbach et al.1 in terms of energy returned on energy invested, or EROEI – the ratio of the energy produced over the life of a power plant to the energy that was required to build it.  It takes energy to make a power plant – to manufacture its components, mine the fuel, and so on.  The power plant needs to make at least this much energy to break even.  A break-even powerplant has an EROEI of 1.  But such a plant would pointless, as there is no energy surplus to do the useful things we use energy for.
There is a minimum EROEI, greater than 1, that is required for an energy source to be able to run society.  An energy system must produce a surplus large enough to sustain things like food production, hospitals, and universities to train the engineers to build the plant, transport, construction, and all the elements of the civilization in which it is embedded.
For countries like the US and Germany, Weißbach et al. estimate this minimum viable EROEI to be about 7.  An energy source with lower EROEI cannot sustain a society at those levels of complexity, structured along similar lines.  If we are to transform our energy system, in particular to one without climate impacts, we need to pay close attention to the EROEI of the end result.