Environmental Champions You Didn’t Know Were Pro-nuclear

http://energyforhumanity.org/featured/three-environmental-champions-you-didnt-know-where-pro-nuclear/

NRC accepts Yucca Mountain design

Volume 3 of the NRC's five-volume safety evaluation report (SER) on the proposed facility issued yesterday found that the DoE's design meets the requirements that apply after the repository is permanently closed, "including but not limited to" the post-closure performance objectives in NRC's regulations, the regulator said in a statement.

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-NRC-accepts-Yucca-Mountain-design-17101401.html

Electricity Prices Soaring In Top Wind Power States

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamestaylor/2014/10/17/electricity-prices-soaring-in-top-10-wind-power-states/

Remarks at Seminar on 30th Anniversary of China's Accession to the IAEA

16 October 2014 | Beijing, China

Remarks at Seminar on 30th Anniversary of China's Accession to the IAEA

by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano

Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is a great pleasure for me to be here in Beijing. I congratulate China on 30 successful years as a Member State of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
I understand that the number 30 has a special significance in China, representing increased maturity or a true coming of age.
China has certainly made dramatic progress in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology in the past 30 years – and, of course, in its overall economic development.
China has also been a very active member of the IAEA, working closely with us in all areas of our activities.
China contributes extensively to the work of the Agency, for example by providing nuclear specialists to work at our headquarters in Vienna, or sending experts to take part in IAEA peer review missions.
These advise countries around the world on issues such as the operational safety of nuclear power plants, or the effectiveness of regulatory systems.
Your country has also benefited from using the full range of Agency services.
In 2010, for example, an IAEA-led team of senior international experts carried out a two-week review of the regulatory framework for nuclear safety in China.
The team made recommendations in a number of areas and identified many strengths. These included China’s extensive use of IAEA Safety Standards and – importantly – the high-level political commitment to nuclear safety.
This was the year before the Fukushima Daiichi accident, a time when nuclear safety was not very high on the priority list of world leaders.
The team’s findings reflected my own experience when I visited China that same year. A senior government minister told me: “Safety comes first.”
It was clear to me then that China took nuclear safety very seriously. This became even clearer after the Fukushima Daiichi accident in March 2011, when China responded prudently by suspending approvals of new nuclear plants and only renewing them after extensive safety reviews.
Since then, China has worked hard to continuously improve safety at nuclear power plants. The number of staff at the nuclear regulatory body has more than doubled and safety legislation is under review. The IAEA has been pleased to work closely with you in these and many other areas.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The use of nuclear power looks set to continue to grow throughout the world in the coming decades despite Fukushima Daiichi, although at a slower rate than before the accident.
The centre of growth will be here in Asia. There are 72 nuclear power reactors under construction in the world at the moment. Twenty-seven of them – that’s more than a third – are in China.
The Chinese authorities are committed to substantially increasing the role of nuclear power in the coming century. The aim is to fuel the growing economy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb air pollution.
As far as the Fukushima Daiichi accident is concerned, I believe that its lasting legacy will be a much more intense focus on nuclear safety everywhere.
There is a broad realisation that we cannot ever afford to be complacent when using this powerful technology. Safety must always come first.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Through our technical cooperation programme, the IAEA helps Member States to use nuclear science and technology in areas such as energy, human health, food and agriculture, and water resource management.
China is a net contributor to the technical cooperation programme, but also benefits from many technical cooperation projects which are implemented here.
Current projects in China include building human resources for assessing external risks associated with high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors, and ensuring the technical basis for the safe disposal of high level radioactive waste.
Increasingly, China is sharing its expertise in nuclear technology with developing countries. To take just one example, the Chinese government offers scholarships for students from developing countries to study nuclear-related subjects at Harbin Engineering University and other institutions.
This is very important. Nuclear science and technology can make a major contribution to development in the areas I mentioned – energy, health, food and agriculture and water.
This is a complex technology requiring high levels of skills and training if it is to be used properly. Demand for peaceful nuclear technology from developing countries is growing steadily and they have much to learn from experienced users such as China.
At the IAEA General Conference last month, I was very pleased when the Chinese Delegation pledged a generous donation to the renovation of the IAEA’s nuclear applications laboratories near Vienna.
Since 1962, these eight laboratories have been offering training to scientists in Member States; supporting research in human health, food and other areas; and providing analytical services to national laboratories.
When the initial modernisation is completed in 2017, the laboratories will be able to provide even better services to our Member States, especially in developing countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A fast growing area of the IAEA’s work in the last few decades has been nuclear security. This involves ensuring that nuclear and other radioactive materials do not fall into the hands of terrorists and other criminals.
China has been a strong supporter from the start, contributing to our Nuclear Security Fund and playing an active part in practical efforts to improve security.
President Xi Jinping was among nearly 50 world leaders at the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague in March this year. They expressed strong support for the central role of the IAEA in helping to strengthen the global nuclear security framework.
I am grateful for that support.
Later today, I look forward to visiting the site of the new Centre of Excellence in Nuclear Security.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thirty years after joining the IAEA, China is at the forefront of technological innovation, which I believe is essential for the future of nuclear power.
China was one of the founding members of INPRO, the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles. It is a leader in exciting areas such as fast reactors, and small and medium-sized reactors.
Chinese nuclear scientists and engineers do excellent work at IAEA headquarters in Vienna.
Our senior Chinese staff include Mr Dazhu Yang, Director of the Division for Africa in our Department of Technical Cooperation, who is here with me today. He helps countries in Africa to gain access to nuclear technology, which, as I mentioned, contributes a lot to their development.
Mr Qu Liang is responsible for nuclear techniques in food and agriculture and heads a special joint division of the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the FAO.
I am grateful for their contributions as individuals, and the contributions of all of our Chinese staff, as well as for China’s steadfast support for the work of the IAEA.
I wish you every success with all of your activities in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology in the next 30 years and beyond.
And I am confident that our cooperation will continue to grow.
Thank you.

History of Key Document in IAEA Probe Suggests Israeli Forgery By Gareth Porter

History of Key Document in IAEA Probe Suggests Israeli Forgery

By Gareth Porter

The IAEA has long touted the document, which came from an unidentified member state, as key evidence justifying suspicion that Iran has covered up past nuclear weapons work.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article40003.htm

Gasoline in the $2.50 per gallon range for 2015 and possibly decades beyond

Gasoline in the $2.50 per gallon range for 2015 and possibly decades beyond

http://nextbigfuture.com/2014/10/gasoline-in-250-per-gallon-range-for.html

Molten Salts and the question of costs.

Molten Salts and the question of costs.

http://nucleargreen.blogspot.com/2014/10/molten-salts-and-question-of-costs.html

Radioactive Coyotes and Poisoned Apples: The Strange History of the Manhattan Project

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/26466-radioactive-coyotes-and-poisoned-apples-the-strange-history-of-the-manhattan-project 

New Documentary Examines Rocky Flats and Colorado’s Cold War Role

http://inewsnetwork.org/2014/10/16/new-documentary-examines-rocky-flats-and-colorados-cold-war-role/

How Presidents Arm and Disarm

http://fas.org/blogs/security/2014/10/stockpilereductions/

Meanwhile, Back At Fukushima …

http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2014/10/fukushima-update-fuku-nuku-aint-beaucoup.html

Romania picks China nuclear company to develop reactors

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2014/10/romania-picks-china-nuclear-company-to-develop-reactors.html

CRDM Completes 1:1 Engineering Verification Test

CRDM Completes 1:1 Engineering Verification Test

Arnaud Lefevre-Baril Chief Executive Officer at Dynatom International GmbH

The 1:1 thermal engineering verification test for control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) of the first loop was smoothly completed by Tsinghua University, Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology on October 3rd. This test of high temperature demonstration project lasted for more than four months and cumulative travel distance of the control rods reached more than 100 km, which equals to operate 80 years in the practical operation. It is another major technical results of HTGR project.
Major process and equipment are mainly independently designed and researched by the institute and manufacturing are charge by Shanghai First Machine Tool Plant Co., Ltd
Source: http://www.inet.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/inet/4019/2014/20141015153416775307119/20141015153416775307119_.html

Experts Lack Evidence to Assess Lockheed Nuclear Fusion Project

http://en.ria.ru/analysis/20141017/194186484/Experts-Lack-Evidence-to-Assess-Lockheed-Nuclear-Fusion-Project.html

Nuclear reactors near active volcanos in Japan called unsafe

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/10/17/nuclear-reactors-near-active-volcanos-in-japan-called-unsafe-as-major-eruption/

With WIPP closed, Oak Ridge waste backlog grows

http://knoxblogs.com/atomiccity/2014/10/16/wipp-closed-tru-waste-backlog-grows/

 

Republicans call for Senate vote on Yucca Mountain

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/221079-republicans-call-for-senate-vote-on-yucca-mountain

USNIC NEWS October 16, 2014 Statement by the U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council

USNIC

NEWS

October 16, 2014

Statement by the U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council

http://www.nucleartownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/USNIC-Yucca-SER3-Statement.pdf

A Working Nuclear Fusion Reactor In Three Years? Really?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2014/10/17/a-working-nuclear-fusion-reactor-in-three-years-really/

Ukraine's regulatory chief ousted

Ukraine's regulatory chief ousted
Ukraine dismissed 39 high-ranking officials yesterday as a new law on "power purification" came into effect. According to local newspaper Kyiv Post, the list includes the first deputy head of Ukraine's State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, Mikhail Gashevhttp://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ON-Ukraines-regulatory-chief-ousted-17101401.html

Legal issues for Russian radioactive waste

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Legal-issues-for-Russian-radioactive-waste-16101401.html

NRC’s Yucca Mountain Safety Report Is Key Licensing Milestone

Industry Calls on DOE to Pursue Licensing, Urges Congress to Provide Funding

http://www.nei.org/News-Media/Media-Room/News-Releases/NRC-s-Yucca-Mountain-Safety-Report-Is-Key-Licensin

Calls to Use Yucca Mountain as a Nuclear Waste Site, Now Deemed Safe

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/17/us/calls-to-use-a-proposed-nuclear-site-now-deemed-safe.html

Utility Dive Top Stories 10/17

op Stories

Have rumors of concentrated solar's demise been greatly exaggerated? Everyone agrees the industry is in a rough patch, but experts say a turnaround could be in the offing.

The latest innovation in rooftop solar? SolarCity's new loan product America's biggest rooftop solar company expects half its business to come from loans by mid-2015.

How utilities can mitigate grid impacts of high solar penetrations New strategies for utilities and installers to put solar in better places to protect the grid.

Yahoo buys into Kansas wind farm Another internet giant joins the list of Fortune 100 companies investing in renewables.

North Carolina regulators clash over corporate tax recovery The state cut corporate taxes to 5%, but utilities will continue to charge customers for the old 6.5% rate.

Solar drives net metering boom in Vermont Solar now accounts for 93.5% of all net metering capacity in the state.

MGE challenges Wisconsin city's solar proposal Madison's plan to increase solar 30-fold has support from seemingly everyone—except the local utility.

Xcel to convert its Black Dog coal plant to natural gas The cost of compliance with EPA emissions rules makes using coal too costly.

Utility Survey - how are you educating your customers? In the constantly changing industry landscape, customer relationships have become more important than ever. Want to know how your peers are educating their residential customers? So do we. Complete this survey and receive free access to detailed survey analysis compiled by the research team at Utility Dive. Complete the survey.

Other News

California Breaks Solar Record: Admit it - We Need These Folks

Report: Nuclear waste repository design meets NRC requirements after shutdown

First national carbon emission cap-and-trade program vulnerable to market meltdowns

Energy for growing and harvesting crops is a large component of farm operating costs

Sarulla Geothermal Power Project To Serve As Blueprint For Future Projects

Can plug-in EVs enhance grid reliability? EPRI and others are betting on it

Is Germany Abandoning Its Commitment to the Energy Transition?

Utilities play critical role in energy careers

Opening Day of International Lineman's Expo

Smart grid wins from around the world

Nuclear Regulatory Commission releases Yucca Mountain Suitability Report

http://uncovercalifornia.com/content/22081-nuclear-regulatory-commission-releases-yucca-mountain-suitability-report

NRC staff: Yucca Mountain could meet safety needs

http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nevada/nrc-staff-yucca-mountain-could-meet-safety-needs

The Final Word on Yucca

After six years and several court cases, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has finally released the report that every American has paid for and could help move the nation’s commercial nuclear industry back on track.
The NRC’s Safety Evaluation Report Volume 3 concluded that long-term storage of nuclear waste after the closure of the proposed Yucca Mountain repository site is both technically feasible and safe. Located in the Nevada desert, the U.S. Department of Energy originally applied to the NRC for a license to operate a deep geologic repository at Yucca Mountain because it “brings together the location, natural barriers, and design elements most likely to protect the health and safety of the public.”

The NRC staff finds, with reasonable expectation, that DOE has demonstrated compliance with the NRC regulatory requirements for postclosure safety.… In particular, the NRC staff finds that the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain (1) is comprised of multiple barriers and (2) based on performance assessment evaluations that are in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, meets the 10 CFR Part 63, Subpart L limits for individual protection, human intrusion, and separate standards for protection of groundwater.

http://dailysignal.com/2014/10/16/final-word-yucca/

India: Bypassing regulations? Court stays work on nuclear power plant, says environment rules not followed

Bypassing regulations? Court stays work on nuclear power plant, says environment rules not followed

http://tribune.com.pk/story/776686/bypassing-regulations-court-stays-work-on-nuclear-power-plant-says-environment-rules-not-followed/

More political will, creativities needed to promote Iranian nuclear talks: Chinese envoy

More political will, creativities needed to promote Iranian nuclear talks: Chinese envoy

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.aspx?id=247198

Romania picks China's CGN to build two nuclear power units

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL6N0SC33Z20141017

The day China entered the nuclear age

Fifty years ago, the world woke up to news the nation - then at odds with Moscow and Washington - had detonated its own atomic bomb

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1617933/day-china-entered-nuclear-age

Alice Slater: “China Is the Only Country That Promised Not To Use Nuclear Weapons First”

http://en.ria.ru/interview/20141017/194223958/Alice-Slater-China-Is-the-Only-Country-That-Promised-Not-To-Use.html

China marks 50 years of nuclear weapons

China marks 50 years of nuclear weapons

Nuclear missile ‘596’ was detonated at the Lop Nur test base on October 16, 1964, establishing China as the world’s fifth nuclear power. India joined the club a decade later, followed by Pakistan and North Korea

http://www.scmp.com/infographics/article/1618259/china-marks-50-years-nuclear-weapons

Romania picks China's CGN to build two nuclear power units

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL6N0SC33Z20141017

NRC OKs Yucca Mountain Repository Plan After Closure

NRC OKs Yucca Mountain Repository Plan After Closure

http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2014/10/17/nrc-oks-yucca-mountain-repository-plan-after-closure-101701.aspx#.VEF2pOe7nlM

Nuclear reactor heat turned down to stop boilers cracking

Two nuclear plants shut amid safety fears may be restarted at just 75pc usual power output to prevent more cracks developing, EDF says

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11169625/Nuclear-reactor-heat-turned-down-to-stop-boilers-cracking.html

Pakistan court stops construction work on nuclear power plants

Pakistan court stops construction work on nuclear power plants

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/44854235.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

 Pakistan court stops construction work on nuclear power plants 

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/pakistan-court-stops-construction-work-on-nuclear-power-plants/articleshow/44854235.cms

Existing Nuclear Power Plants May Be Renewable Energy's Best Friend

http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterdetwiler/2014/10/17/existing-nuclear-power-plants-may-be-renewable-energys-best-friend/

Has Lockheed Martin really made a breakthrough in nuclear fusion technology?

Lockheed’s announcement has generated a lot of publicity, but experts point to the lack of details or results, suggesting fusion power is still a long way off. Karl Mathiesen investigates.


http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/oct/16/has-lockheed-martin-really-made-a-breakthrough-on-nuclear-fusion

Northwest Women in Northwest Nuclear Energy

http://northwestcleanenergy.wordpress.com/2014/10/16/northwest-women-in-northwest-nuclear-energy/

India successfully test-fires cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenously-developed-cruise-missile-nirbhay-testfired/article6509942.ece?homepage=true

Exclusive

When the Ayatollah Said No to Nukes

In an exclusive interview, a top Iranian official says that Khomeini personally stopped him from building Iran's WMD program.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/10/16/when_the_ayatollah_said_no_to_nukes_iran_khomeini?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Flashpoints&utm_campaign=2014_FlashPoints%20[Manual%20PROMO%20-%20War%20Dogs]16%2F10RS

Collusion Alleged Between EPA and NRDC

http://www.powermag.com/collusion-alleged-between-epa-and-nrdc/

PennEnergy's Top Power Headlines 10/17

Top Power Headlines
NET Power announces launch of zero emission gas power project New 50MWt demonstration plant will validate the world's first natural gas power generation system that produces no air emissions and includes full CO2 capture …more>>
India struggling to keep plants powered during coal shortage India is facing a potentially significant energy crisis after more than half of the nation's power plants are experiencing a severe shortage of coal …more>>
Top Power News France, South Africa sign nuclear development pact GE to supply 750 MW combined-cycle power plant in Iraq Offshore oil and gas, renewables in East Coast's future? Offshore oil and gas, renewables in East Coast's future? CPS signs PPA with coal fueled IGCC project in Texas Brazil's largest biomass power plant project awarded to AREVA CPUC issues proposal on San Onofre costs MidAmerican plans $280MM investment in wind AES to sell all power stakes in Turkey for $125MM What's at stake in Iran nuclear talks? Smart Grid: Island Laboratory Vega Biofuels Breaks Ground on Pilot Torrefaction Plant PG&E, FPL sign cross-continent mutual aid agreement

Fukushima decommissioning may be further delayed

http://www.huntingtonnews.net/98258

Edison Says Outage Has Reduced Danger from Fuel 

http://www.sanclementetimes.com/edison-says-outage-has-reduced-danger-from-fuel/

Dallas Hospital Had the Ebola Screening Machine That the Military Is Using in Africa

http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2014/10/dallas-hospital-had-ebola-screening-machine-military-using-africa/96713/?oref=defenseone_today_nl

Double Trouble: American Strategic Options Regarding ISIS | The National Interest Blog

Double Trouble: American Strategic Options Regarding ISIS | The National Interest Blog

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/double-trouble-american-strategic-options-regarding-isis-11474?page=show

China’s Nuclear Future (Part I)-Carnegie-Tsinghua Center

China’s Nuclear Future (Part I)-Carnegie-Tsinghua Center In this podcast, Carnegie-Tsinghua’s Tong Zhao moderated a conversation between Xiamen University’ Professor Li Ning and Carnegie’s Mark Hibbs on the complexities of China’s energy plans. Li and Hibbs discussed the possibility of resuming nuclear plant approval and construction in China’s inland provinces, where water scarcity and distance from robust infrastructure make nuclear plants more vulnerable.http://carnegietsinghua.org/2014/09/23/china-s-nuclear-future/hpr8?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRoku6%2FBZKXonjHpfsX76e0qWqGg38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YEBSsp0aPyQAgobGp5I5FEIQ7XYTLB2t60MWA%3D%3D&utm_source=The+Sinocism+China+Newsletter&utm_campaign=fb4780d58c-Sinocism10_17_1410_17_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_171f237867-fb4780d58c-29615013&mc_cid=fb4780d58c&mc_eid=5935182a65

China reiterates peaceful use of nuclear energy

China reiterates peaceful use of nuclear energy - Xinhua A senior official from China's atomic energy agency on Thursday reiterated the country's position on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, saying it will resolutely oppose any proliferation of nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons proliferation should be solved properly, Wang Yiren, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, told Xinhua at a symposium marking the 30th anniversary of China's entry into the International Atomic Energy Agency. Thursday also marked the 50th anniversary of the detonation of China's first atomic bomb.http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-10/16/c_133722337.htm?utm_source=The+Sinocism+China+Newsletter&utm_campaign=fb4780d58c-Sinocism10_17_1410_17_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_171f237867-fb4780d58c-29615013&mc_cid=fb4780d58c&mc_eid=5935182a65

VY Decommisioning

http://yesvy.blogspot.com/2014/10/decommissioning-estimate-released-today.html#.VEENtyhCqvI

East Africa May Lose Even Before it Enters Energy Game: East African countries see oil and gas as a road to economic salvation. But are they too late to catch the boom?

East Africa May Lose Even Before it Enters Energy Game: East African countries see oil and gas as a road to economic salvation. But are they too late to catch the boom?

BY KEITH JOHNSON OCTOBER 15, 2014, 

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/10/15/out_of_africa_mozambique_kenya_uganda_tanzania_oil_gas

Prospective customers lining up at NuScale

http://atomicinsights.com/prospective-customers-lining-nuscale/

HOUSE ENERGY COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP: NRC YUCCA REPORT ‘GAME-CHANGING’

HOUSE ENERGY COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP: NRC YUCCA REPORT ‘GAME-CHANGING’
http://energycommerce.house.gov/press-release/upton-and-shimkus-welcome-release-game-changing-yucca-mountain-safety-report 

New Growth for Nuclear Energy Depends on Asia

Article from World Politics Review --

As it enters middle age, the nuclear energy industry is facing a question common at this stage of life: Does it still have exciting possibilities for growth, or are its best days behind it? Optimists who see nuclear energy as an appealing low-carbon option for combating climate change praise its stability and reliability over decades of operating experience, as well as the cheapness and reliability of uranium fuel supplies. Organizations like the International Energy Agency foresee substantial increases in nuclear-generated electricity over the next few decades, with the number of nuclear plants worldwide—currently at roughly 400—perhaps doubling or tripling. 

Yet, nuclear power can seem passe compared to new energy technologies such as solar, wind and shale gas. And after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, the industry’s share of global electricity generation has fallen to its lowest level in three decades as alternative sources have gained traction. Germany’s planned closing of its nuclear plants in 2022 will shutter a score more. ...

http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/14219/new-growth-for-nuclear-energy-depends-on-asia?utm_source=Active+Subscribers&utm_campaign=2caa602551-MR_101614&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_35c49cbd51-2caa602551-64132121

The Saudi Oil War Against Russia, Iran and the US

The Saudi Oil War Against Russia, Iran and the US

By Pepe Escobar

Geopolitically, it gets juicier when we see that central to the House of Saud strategy is to stick it to Washington for not fulfilling its "Assad must go" promise.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article39986.htm

Is Germany’s Green Turning Brown?

In 2000, Germany had the best intentions in mind as they embarked on a journey to increase their use of wind and solar energy. This journey was a bill that was passed called the Renewable Energy Act. The Renewable Energy Act over time has fused with a term that has been floating around Germany since 1980 call Energiewende which mean Energy Transition. The German government saw themselves saving the environment and encouraging climate friendly power generation. Since that time they’ve been used as an example by many environmentalists around the world as the first domino in the green revolution.
While I believe that their hearts may have been in the right place, the last few years have very clearly shown us that the Energiewende is failing. This has been particularly clear since Germany decided to phase out nuclear post Fukushima. Since that decision, coal has been on the rise in Germany and last year 45% of the energy generation came from it. That’s right, the leader of the green revolution is at almost 50% of their energy from the dirtiest possible fuel type. In Germany this is becoming more obvious as well.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20141016150225-37235184-is-germany-s-green-turning-brown?published=t

Could China’s Nuclear Strategy Evolve?

For half a century, China’s nuclear strategy has been surprisingly consistent. Will it remain so?

http://thediplomat.com/2014/10/could-chinas-nuclear-strategy-evolve/

China calls for 'creative solutions' to Iran nuclear issue

China calls for 'creative solutions' to Iran nuclear issue

http://english.cntv.cn/2014/10/15/VIDE1413365048215811.shtml

China: Safety issues might delay nuclear plants

Safety issues might delay nuclear plants

http://www.ecns.cn/business/2014/10-16/138648.shtml

China reiterates peaceful use of nuclear energy

 China reiterates peaceful use of nuclear energy

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-10/16/c_133722337.htm

NRC Staff Issues Volume 3 of Yucca Mountain Safety Evaluation Report

NRC Staff Issues Volume 3 of Yucca Mountain Safety Evaluation Report

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has published Volume 3 of its safety evaluation report on the proposed underground geologic nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nev.

Volume 3 covers the period after a repository at Yucca Mountain would be permanently closed should NRC authorize construction following completion of the remaining steps in the licensing process. Volume 3 contains the staff’s finding that the Department of Energy’s repository design meets the requirements that apply after the repository is permanently closed, including but not limited to the post-closure performance objectives in NRC’s regulations (in 10 CFR Part 63, Subpart E). These performance objectives include the requirement that the repository be composed of multiple barriers to isolate radioactivity from the environment. The staff also found the proposed repository design meets the NRC’s limits or standards (in 10 CFR Part 63, Subpart L) for individual protection, human intrusion and groundwater protection.

The Department of Energy submitted its Yucca Mountain application in June 2008. The NRC staff published Volume 1 (General Information) of the safety evaluation report in August 2010. After DOE moved to withdraw the application and Congress stopped appropriating funds for the NRC’s review, the agency closed out its application review and published three technical evaluation reports containing the staff’s technical analyses to that point but no regulatory conclusions. The adjudication of nearly 300 contentions filed by various parties contesting the application was also suspended in September 2011.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered the NRC in August 2013 to resume the licensing process using currently available funding appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund. That court order led to today’s publication of Volume 3. The staff expects to publish volumes 2 (Repository Safety Before Permanent Closure), 4 (Administrative and Programmatic Requirements) and 5 (License Specifications) by January 2015, as they are completed.

Publication of Volume 3 does not signal whether the NRC might authorize construction of the repository. A final licensing decision, should funds beyond those currently available be appropriated, could come only after completion of the safety evaluation report, a supplement to the Department of Energy’s environmental impact statement, hearings on contentions in the adjudication, and Commission review.

NUREG 1949, Safety Evaluation Report Related to Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in a Geologic Repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, Volume 3, is now publicly available in the Page | 2

NRC’s ADAMS online database as ML14288A121. More information on the Yucca Mountain licensing process is available on the NRC website.

ABSTRACT

Volume 3, Repository Safety After Permanent Closure, of this Safety Evaluation Report (SER) documents the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff’s review and evaluation of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Safety Analysis Report (SAR), Chapter 2: Repository Safety After Permanent Closure, provided in DOE’s June 3, 2008, license application, as updated by DOE on February 19, 2009. In its application, DOE seeks authorization from the Commission to construct a repository at Yucca Mountain. The NRC staff also reviewed information DOE provided in response to the NRC staff’s requests for additional information and other information that DOE provided related to the SAR. In particular, SER Volume 3 documents the results of the NRC staff’s evaluation to determine whether the proposed repository design complies with the performance objectives and requirements that apply after the repository is permanently closed. The NRC staff finds, with reasonable expectation, that DOE has demonstrated compliance with the NRC regulatory requirements for post closure safety, including, but not limited to, “Performance objectives for the geologic repository after permanent closure” in 10 CFR 63.113, “Requirements for performance assessment” in 10 CFR 63.114, “Requirements for multiple barriers” in 10 CFR 63.115, and “Postclosure Public Health and Environmental Standards” in 10 CFR Part 63, Subpart L. In particular, the NRC staff finds that the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain (1) is comprised of multiple barriers and (2) based on performance assessment evaluations that are in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, meets the 10 CFR Part 63, Subpart L limits for individual protection, human intrusion, and separate standards for protection of groundwater.

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Gary J. Duarte, Director

US Nuclear Energy Foundation

PO Box 2867

Sparks, NV 89432

775 224-2089

http://www.usnuclearenergy.org

ANS Update: Nuclear Science Symposium Kicks Off in Seattle

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Nuclear Science Symposium Kicks Off in Seattle By ansnuclearcafe on Oct 16, 2014 06:53 am Today marks the launch of the 5th annual Nuclear Science Week with a public symposium to be held this afternoon and tomorrow at the Pacific Science Center at the foot of the Space Needle in Seattle. Nuclear Science Week is … Continue reading → Read in browser » More to read: ANS Winter Meeting 2014 – What you Need to Know Nuclear Energy Blog Carnival 230 They Harnessed the ATOM – the first Navy prototype nuclear plant Nuclear Energy Blog Carnival 229 Changing How We Communicate

NRC Staff Issues Volume 3 of Yucca Mountain Safety

No:

14

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069

October 16, 2014

CONTACT:

David McIntyre, 301

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415

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8200

NRC Staff Issues Volume 3 of Yucca Mountain Safety

Evaluation Report
http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/news/2014/14-069.pdf

India, Finland to cooperate in civil nuclear energy

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India, Finland to cooperate in civil nuclear energy 

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