Wolf Richter: The US Oil Bust Just Got Worse

http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2015/03/wolf-richter-us-oil-bust-just-got-worse.html

Know Your Oil: Creating a Global Oil-Climate Index

Know Your Oil: Creating a Global Oil-Climate Index

Read more at: http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/03/11/know-your-oil-creating-global-oil-climate-index/i3oy?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRoiuqXIZKXonjHpfsX57uQsW6Sg38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YcATsJ0aPyQAgobGp5I5FEIQ7XYTLB2t60MWA%3D%3D

Know Your Oil: Creating a Global Oil-Climate Index  

http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/03/11/know-your-oil-creating-global-oil-climate-index/i3oy?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRoiuqXIZKXonjHpfsX57uQsW6Sg38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YcATsJ0aPyQAgobGp5I5FEIQ7XYTLB2t60MWA%3D%3D

Westinghouse, utility in discussions on delay costs for nuke plant

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/energy/2015/03/westinghouse-utility-in-discussions-on-delay-costs.html

Tritium – aka radioactive hydrogen – from reactors is not a threat to human health

http://atomicinsights.com/tritium-aka-radioactive-hydrogen-from-reactors-is-not-a-threat-to-human-health/

This Nuclear Reactor Eats Nuclear Waste

Nuclear power isn't going anywhere. But safer designs are sorely needed.

http://www.fastcoexist.com/3043099/this-nuclear-reactor-eats-nuclear-waste

Game changer: Prism aims to dethrone Mox

http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/game-changer-prism-aims-to-dethrone-mox/1110402#.VQTAC2bldpk

Senators critical of MOX costs at hearing

http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20150313/AIK0101/150319793/1007/senators-critical-of-mox-costs

Can't All Nuclear Just Get On The Same Page?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2015/03/12/cant-all-nuclear-just-get-on-the-same-page/

NRC to supplement Yucca Mountain environmental impact statement

NRC to supplement Yucca Mountain environmental impact statement
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission will prepare a supplement to the Department of Energy's environmental impact statement on the proposed geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. The public were informed yesterday via a notice in the Federal Register.http://world-nuclear-news.org/WR-NRC-to-supplement-Yucca-Mountain-environmental-impact-statement-13031502.html

Overcoming the Barriers to Energy Storage

Overcoming the Barriers to Energy Storage  

By Rasika Athawale

Electric utility company business model which took off in 1880s with the first power station in lower Manhattan providing electricity to 59 customers has not much changed since. This is indeed unique as very few other businesses have shown strong resistance to change. Over the last few years though, the electric industry is witnessing certain

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/13/overcoming-the-barriers-to-energy-storage/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=a01d5496fa-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-a01d5496fa-407304281

Mexico’s Energy Industry

Mexico’s Energy Industry

By Eduardo Canales, Steven Otillar | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

On February 27, 2015, the Comisión Nacional de Hidrocarburos (CNH) published in the Federal Gazzette (or Diario Oficial de la Nación, DOF) the Call for Bidders No. CNH-R01C02/2015, the Bidding Guidelines and the Model Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for five mature contract areas located in shallow waters off the Gulf of Mexico coastlines of Veracruz, Tabasco and Campeche.http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/13/mexicos-energy-industry/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=a01d5496fa-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-a01d5496fa-407304281

Wind Vision: New Report Highlights a Robust Wind Energy Future

Wind Vision: New Report Highlights a Robust

By Jose Zayas | U.S. Department of Energy

  With utility-scale wind turbines installed in 39 states, wind energy accounts for 4.5 percent of our nation’s annual electricity generation. At this level, wind energy already supports more than 50,000 industry-related jobs in manufacturing, construction, operations and maintenance, and supporting services, all while improving the environment and strengthening our economy. So, what could the

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/13/wind-vision-new-report-highlights-a-robust-wind-energy-future/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=a01d5496fa-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-a01d5496fa-407304281

Revised resolution plans for Westinghouse AP1000 design published

12 March, 2015

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency have today published revised resolution plans in response to 51 outstanding GDA Issues for the AP1000 reactor design.
The Westinghouse AP1000 reactor design re-entered the GDA process in June 2014 and following a period of remobilisation, technical assessment work commenced in January 2015. We have now agreed revised resolution plans from Westinghouse for the 51 outstanding GDA issues. These issues will need to be resolved before ONR and Environment Agency can make a decision on whether to issue a Design Acceptance Confirmation and Statement of Design Acceptability for the AP1000 reactor design. Westinghouse is aiming to complete GDA in early 2017 but this will be dependent on the timely delivery of high quality documentation for regulatory assessment.

http://news.onr.org.uk/2015/03/revised-resolution-plans-for-westinghouse-ap1000-design-published/

Why The Nuclear Energy World Is Thinking Small

http://nwpr.org/post/why-nuclear-energy-world-thinking-small

Fukushima’s Food Is Safe, but People Are Still Freaked Out

http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2015/03/13/fukushima_nuclear_power_plant_meltdown_leaves_citizens_with_residual_fear.html

Nuclear Energy Blogger Carnival 251

Nuclear Energy Blogger Carnival 251 By ansnuclearcafe on Mar 13, 2015 01:27 pm The 251st edition of the Nuclear Energy Blog Carnival has posted at Neutron Bytes. •Click here to access Carnival 251 Each week, a new edition of the Carnival is hosted Continue Reading → Read in browser »

More to read: Spain’s Nuclear History DOE Responds to ANS 10 CFR 810 Rule Questions Belgian Doel-3 and Tihange-2 Back in the News Nuclear Energy Blog Carnival 249 Nuclear Energy Blogger Carnival 248

 

PG&E says quake shake could exceed nuke plant design, but reactors are safe

http://www.scpr.org/news/2015/03/13/50356/pg-e-says-quake-shake-could-exceed-nuke-plant-desi/

Nuclear Deal Prelude To Expanded Ties Between Iran And China

March 14, 2015 Iran Review Leave a comment

By Iran Review

By Behzad Shahandeh*


http://www.eurasiareview.com/14032015-nuclear-deal-prelude-to-expanded-ties-between-iran-and-china/

Ningde Unit 3 Goes Critical for the First Time

Ningde Unit 3 Goes Critical for the First Time

Arnaud Lefevre-Baril Chief Executive Officer at Dynatom International GmbH

Ningde Unit 3 reached critical for the first time on March 8th , marking reactor of unit 3 has formally entered the stage of operation.
Ningde Unit 3, with installed capacity of 1.089 million Kw, started to be constructed in January 2010. It plans to be connected to the grid in April 2015 and put into commercial operation in July with annual electricity production of 8 GW.
Source: http://news.bjx.com.cn/html/20150312/597041.shtml

福建宁德核电3号机组首次临界进入运行状态 news.bjx.com.cn

北极星核电网讯:记者10日从福建省发改委获悉，3月8曰12时30分， 宁德核电3号机组成功首次临界，标志着3号机组反应堆正式进入运行阶段。 宁德核电3号机组装机容量108.9万千瓦，2010年1月开工建设，计划今年4月并网发电、7月投入商业运行，年发电量约80亿度。 作为海峡西岸经济区首座 核电站，宁德核电站由中国广核电力股份有限公司、大唐国际电力股份公司、福建省能源集团共同投建运营。项目规划总容量为6台百万千瓦级机组，其中一期工程 4台单机容量为108.9万千瓦的...

Civilian Nuclear Exports Poised to Become Major Tool for India

http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/trend-lines/15290/civilian-nuclear-exports-poised-to-become-major-tool-for-india

Nuclear Deterrence Is Relevant Again

https://www.stratfor.com/geopolitical-diary/nuclear-deterrence-relevant-again

Growing Concern Iran-US Pact Could Drive Nuclear Technologies

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Iran-Saudi-Arabia-United-States-nuclear/2015/03/12/id/629906/#ixzz3ULXBIM45
Urgent: Rate Obama on His Job Performance. Vote Here Now!

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Iran-Saudi-Arabia-United-States-nuclearn/2015/03/12/id/629906/

Saudi Arabia signs nuclear deal with South Korea

Saudi Arabia signs nuclear deal with South Korea

MENAFN.COM

(MENAFN) KSA signed a nuclear-cooperation agreement with South Korea, a decision which forecasts a race for nuclear arms in the Middle East, ...http://www.menafn.com/1094124387/Saudi-Arabia-signs-nuclear-deal-with-South-Korea

Hacker Who Posted South Korean Nuclear Plants' Information Online Demands Money

Hacker Who Posted South Korean Nuclear Plants' Information Online Demands Money

International Business Times

A hacker who leaked information about South Korea's nuclear plants online demanded money for not handing over sensitive information about the ..http://www.ibtimes.com/hacker-who-posted-south-korean-nuclear-plants-information-online-demands-money-1845838

Hacker demands money for information on S. Korean nuclear reactors

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2015/03/12/0200000000AEN20150312008051320.html

Melting sea ice will probably hit the US harder than anywhere else

Read more: https://news.vice.com/article/antarcticas-melting-ice-sheets-might-bring-more-sea-level-rise-to-the-us-than-anywhere-else#ixzz3ULVKqXxh

http://www.businessinsider.com/melting-will-hit-the-us-hardest-2015-3?nr_email_referer=1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Business%20Insider%20Select&utm_campaign=BI%20Select%20%28Wednesday%20Friday%29%202015-03-13&utm_content=BISelect

Military dolphins help defend the world's largest stockpile of nuclear weapons

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-worlds-largest-stockpile-of-nuclear-weapons-is-defended-by-dolphins-2015-3?nr_email_referer=1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Business%20Insider%20Select&utm_campaign=BI%20Select%20%28Wednesday%20Friday%29%202015-03-13&utm_content=BISelect

Chinese reactors approach commercial operation

13 March 2015

Two new Chinese nuclear power units - Yangjiang 2 and Ningde 3 - have moved closer to commissioning by being

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Chinese-reactors-approach-commercial-operation-1303156.html

Is Obama’s Iran overture like Nixon’s opening to China?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/is-obamas-iran-overture-like-nixons-opening-to-china/2015/03/13/09d5ff98-c7fd-11e4-a199-6cb5e63819d2_story.html

EDF: Areva investment 'not existential' for Hinkley Point

French nuclear giant insists proposed power station in Somerset will not be derailed if Areva is unable to take planned 10pc stake

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11453149/EDF-Areva-investment-not-existential-for-Hinkley-Point.html

UK assessment of AP1000 design advances

12 March 2015

The UK's generic design assessment (GDA) of the AP1000 reactor has entered the "closeout phase", Westinghouse announced today. The GDA process is scheduled to be completed in January 2017.


http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-UK-assessment-of-AP1000-design-advances-1203154.html

Separating myth from reality

http://nation.com.pk/columns/13-Mar-2015/separating-myth-from-reality

How Barack Obama Undercut Bush Administration’s Nuclear Negotiations With Iran

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2015/03/how-barack-obama-undercut-bush-administrations-nuclear-negotiations-with-iran.php

Obama’s Nuclear Deal Could Mean War

Obama’s Nuclear Deal Could Mean War

http://time.com/3742725/us-iran-nuclear-deal-war/

Summer nuclear power expansion to cost $6.8bn, finish in 2019 & 2020

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pe/2015/03/summer-nuclear-power-expansion-to-cost-6-8bn-finish-in-2019-2020.html

Research and Markets: Analyzing the Market for Nuclear Reactor Coolant Pumps in the US 2015

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150312006224/en/Research-Markets-Analyzing-Market-Nuclear-Reactor-Coolant#.VQM8cmbldpk

Sound waves could detect cracks at nuclear power plants

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-31854455

More data from South Korea nuclear power operator leaked

http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20150312/NEWS06/150319921?tags=|310|302

Another Fukushima Leak

TEPCO, Mar 11, 2015 (emphasis added): Fukushima Daiichi NPS Prompt Report — Tepco Reports Rainwater Containing Strontium90 Found Seeping Into Ground At Fukushima Daiichi Tank Area; No Leakage Into Ocean… approximately 750 tons of rainwater containing Strontium90 may have seeped into the ground… [TEPCO] explained that the water is unlikely to leak out to the ocean through any of its drainage channels but it is monitoring the situation… the total amount of nuclides emitting beta rays such as Strontium90 ranged from 150 to 8,300 Bequerels per liter… it is investigating the cause of the rainwater contamination…
Asahi, Mar 11, 2015: [TEPCO] reported a massive leak of radioactive rainwater… on March 10. It said hundreds of tons of contaminated rainwater breached barriers surrounding storage tanks for highly radioactive water and seeped into the ground… Highly contaminated water also leaked from the same area and seeped into the ground in summer 2013… In the latest leakage, workers discovered bubbles at the junctions of side ditches in the area. Officials said this indicated that contaminated rainwater had seeped through the junctions and into the ground.
NHK, Mar 11, 2015: Radioactive rainwater leak at Fukushima plant — The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant says an estimated 750 tons of rainwater with relatively high levels of radioactivity has been leaked… TEPCO officials said the rainwater was 15 centimeters deep at 10:30 PM on Monday, but the figure had fallen to 8 centimeters shortly after 8 AM on Tuesday… They say the water inside the dam contained up to 8,300 becquerels per liter of beta-particle-emitting substances. TEPCO officials say all the water has now been collected. They say the drainage channel to the ocean is buried underground and it is unlikely that the water flowed into the ocean.
Jiji Press, Mar 11, 2015: TEPCO initially put the amount of leaked rainwater at 400 tons. The number was revised to 747 tons.
Arirang, Mar 12, 2015: Another major leak at… Fukushima nuclear power plant earlier this week may have raised radiation levels in nearby waters. [TEPCO] told Seoul-based Yonhap News that the radiation levels in water collected on Wednesday were 30 times higher than the sample collected on Monday. TEPCO said earlier this week that nearly [750] tons of contaminated rainwater had escaped the plant.
NHK, Mar 11, 2015: Groundwater radiation levels surge after leak –  [TEPCO] says levels of radioactive material in groundwater have surged 30-fold, apparently after contaminated rainwater leaked outside a barrier… [It] estimates the leak at about 750 tons of rainwater, and it says levels of beta ray-emitting substances [were] 8,300 becquerels per liter. On Wednesday, TEPCO measured 11,000 becquerels per liter in groundwater… up from 370 becquerels…

http://enenews.com/groundwater-radiation-levels-surge-fukushima-after-another-major-leak-750-tons-water-relatively-high-levels-radioactivity-video?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ENENews+%28Energy+News%29

California PUC Aims To Replace Shuttered Nuclear And Gas With More ‘Preferred Resources’

California PUC Aims To Replace Shuttered Nuclear And Gas With More ‘Preferred Resources’

By GreenTech Media

Is this decision a calling card for the post-Peevey CPUC?  The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) made a proposed decision on Friday that denied approval of a new gas-fired power plant in the coastal Southern California city of Carlsbad. According to the PUC, approval for the plant was denied because the utility, San Diego Gas

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/12/california-puc-aims-to-replace-shuttered-nuclear-and-gas-with-more-preferred-resources/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=eeb6d58d5d-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-eeb6d58d5d-407304281

Industry Works To Secure Natural Gas Supplies In Light Of Increased Vulnerabilities

Industry Works To Secure Natural Gas Supplies In Light Of Increased Vulnerabilities

By Dan Rueckert & Tom Strickland

Natural gas organizations are starting to integrate cybersecurity with other programs or applications as opposed to ad hoc or bolt-on fixes, according to Black & Veatch’s 2014 Strategic Directions: U.S. Natural Gas Industry report. The renewed focus on both physical and cyber security can be understood, in part, as a function of the continued rise

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/12/industry-works-to-secure-natural-gas-supplies-in-light-of-increased-vulnerabilities/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=eeb6d58d5d-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-eeb6d58d5d-407304281

‘Here We Go Again’: Oil and Gas Sector to Face New Regs in 2015

‘Here We Go Again’: Oil and Gas Sector to Face New Regs in 2015

By Staton Childers, Gage Fender | LeClairRyan

Tracking regulatory changes in the oil and gas industry is no minor undertaking. After all, when someone speaks of “the oil and gas industry,” that person isn’t simply referencing some narrowly defined zone of activity. http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/12/here-we-go-again-oil-and-gas-sector-to-face-new-regs-in-2015/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=eeb6d58d5d-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-eeb6d58d5d-407304281

Energy Department Releases New Wind Report, Examines Future of Industry

Energy Department Releases New Wind Report, Examines Future of Industry

By U.S. Department of Energy

Present Day to 2050, Report Quantifies the Economic and Social Benefits of Robust Wind Energy Growth WASHINGTON – In support of the President’s all-of-the-above energy strategy to diversify our nation’s power supplies, the Energy Department today released a new report looking at the future of wind power through 2050 and the economic benefits that come

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/12/energy-department-releases-new-wind-report-examines-future-of-industry/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=eeb6d58d5d-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-eeb6d58d5d-407304281

US Wind Power Can Get Huge, Pay Big Benefits, DOE Say

By Pete Danko

The Obama administration is holding fast to a George W. Bush-era scenario in which wind provides 20 percent of U.S. electricity by 2030 – doing it one better, actually, suggesting 35 percent wind by 2050 is viable – although it acknowledges that a wide range of challenges will have to be overcome to pull it

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/12/us-wind-power-can-get-huge-pay-big-benefits-doe-say/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=eeb6d58d5d-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-eeb6d58d5d-407304281

Energy News Roundup: Wind Vision, Kerry Climate Statement & New Delhi Emissions

Energy News Roundup: Wind Vision, Kerry Climate Statement & New Delhi Emissions

By Conor O'Sullivan

The Wind Industry is set to take off over the next 30 years and could become one of the nation’s dominant power sources, the Obama administration stated yesterday.”The Energy Department projects that by 2050 wind power could provide 35 percent of U.S. electricity — a dramatic jump from today’s energy landscape, in which wind provides less than

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/13/energy-news-roundup/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=eeb6d58d5d-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-eeb6d58d5d-407304281

Sun Qin Meets Xu Shousheng to Push Forward Taohuajiang Project

Sun Qin Meets Xu Shousheng to Push Forward Taohuajiang Project

Arnaud Lefevre-Baril Chief Executive Officer at Dynatom International GmbH

On March 6th, Sun Qin, Chairman of CNNC met Xu Shousheng, Hunan Provincial Secretary at National People’s Congress delegation of Hunan. They exchanged views in depth and reached consensus on vigorously pushing forward construction of Taohuajiang nuclear power project under new situation.
Sun Qin said Taohuajiang nuclear power is a strategic layout of CNNC to explore the inland nuclear power. He hopes that full support could be given to the project by Hunan province and construction of the project to be started as soon as possible, seizing China’s initiative to restart the inland nuclear power.

Source: http://www.cnnc.com.cn/publish/portal0/tab664/info89180.htm

cnnc.com.cn cnnc.com.cn

A path to energy nirvana, or just a circuitous detour?

http://bravenewclimate.com/2015/03/05/a-path-to-energy-nirvana-or-just-a-circuitous-detour/

Top German Battery Maker BMZ Quadrupling Production To 5 GWh Annually By 2020

http://cleantechnica.com/2015/03/12/top-german-battery-maker-bmz-quadruple-production-5-gwh-annually-2020/

EU blocks Hungary nuclear deal with Russia

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/9a6467e2-c8c1-11e4-8617-00144feab7de.html?siteedition=intl#axzz3UCeeHFzb

Westinghouse Advises Ukraine to Focus on Improving Atomic Plants

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-12/westinghouse-advises-ukraine-to-focus-on-improving-atomic-plants

Plymouth: Activists to Press Gov. Baker on Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant

Plymouth: Activists to Press Gov. Baker on Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant

Iran's Ayatollah Slams Republican Senators' Letter

Iran's Ayatollah Slams Republican Senators' Letter

Saudi Nuclear Deal Raises Stakes for Iran Talks

Fears of Mideast arms race heighten as Riyadh secures nuclear deal with South Korea

http://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-nuclear-deal-raises-stakes-for-iran-talks-1426117583

Pro-nuclear group takes action to counter critics

Nuclear MythBusters, as the group is known, comprises mainly graduate students in Taiwan and Japan who are studying nuclear science and engineering, and medical science.
The group said it will post articles on its Facebook page that will give scientific facts about nuclear issues, based on professional nuclear science studies and World Health Organization reports. 

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2015/03/13/430959/Pro-nuclear-group.htm

How will Utilities get to scrutinise SMR economics?

How will Utilities get to scrutinise SMR economics?

Kerr Jeferies Senior Industry Analyst, Nuclear Energy Insider, Upstream Intelligence & DecomWorld

As there’s so much to see at the 5th Annual Small Modular Reactor Summit (April 14-15, Charlotte NC) I thought you’d be keen to see just how we intend to deliver our most ambitious program to date.

Take a look at the full session breakdown here to just how it will all work on the day: http://bit.ly/smr-eco

In order to fit the critical insight of 30+ nuclear leaders into a two-day program, I’ve created five must-attend executive panels that’ll contain all the essential insight you need to strengthen your current approach to nuclear energy.

My personal ‘top three’ will allow you to:
• Examine a first-of-a-kind SMR financing deal – Representatives from Fitch Ratings, Aberdeen Asset Management and Chappaqua Capital will critique a mock deployment financing proposal, giving you valuable insight into the criteria Wall Street before agreeing to back SMR construction
• Analyse potential hybrid energy and distributed network deployments – Pioneers from the NGNP Alliance, INL, NC2i and more will guide you through their assessment of the economic value of teaming up with industrial heat users in ‘beyond base load power’ SMR deployments
• Critically examine the leading Integral Molten Salt reactor concept – Evaluate the fundamental economic proposals offered by molten salt based SMR technology in the first industry workshop hosted by Terrestrial Energy with PSEG, Exelon, EDF, OPG and more already confirmed to attend

If you have any questions, please do get in touch.

Kerr Jeferies
Senior Industry Analyst
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0) 20 7375 7565
kjeferies@nuclearenergyinsider.com

Rejecting Germany’s Dark Nuclear Future

Rejecting Germany’s Dark Nuclear Future

http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2015/03/rejecting-germanys-dark-nuclear-future.html

Minnesota needs more nuclear energy

http://www.mndaily.com/opinion/columns/2015/03/11/minnesota-needs-more-nuclear-energy

France's Areva to cut 1,500 jobs in Germany

France's Areva to cut 1,500 jobs in Germany
Paris (AFP) March 11, 2015 - French nuclear group Areva, which incurred massive losses last year, is looking to cut around 1,500 jobs in Germany by the end of 2017, a company spokesman said Wednesday. At a meeting between management and employees on Tuesday, Areva's chief Philippe Knoche said the company planned to slash 1,500 full-time-equivalent jobs by the end of 2017 including 500 to be carried out this year, the sp ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Frances_Areva_to_cut_1500_jobs_in_Germany_999.html

South China nuclear plant operates second unit

South China nuclear plant operates second unit
Shenzhen, March 11 (Xinhua) - China has taken another major step forwards in nuclear power generation, with the second generation unit of a nuclear plant in the southern Guangdong Province connected to the grid on Tuesday afternoon. The unit of the Yangjiang nuclear power plant will start generating electricity after a trial run lasting 168 hours, according to a statement issued by China General Nuclear Power Group (CG ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/South_China_nuclear_plant_operates_second_unit_999.html

When it comes to nuclear disaster, safety really is in numbers

When it comes to nuclear disaster, safety really is in numbers
London, UK (SPX) Mar 12, 2015 - The safety of nuclear plants, as well as the medical management of acute radiation syndrome, could soon be dramatically improved thanks to a new mathematical equation developed by Japan's Nuclear Safety Research Centre. A recent study on the behaviour of nuclear fuels in atomic blasts, published in the Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology (Taylor and Francis), suggests a formula that ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/When_it_comes_to_nuclear_disaster_safety_really_is_in_numbers_999.html

AP1000® Plant Design Review Advances Toward Closeout Phase in UK

http://www.westinghousenuclear.com/About/News/View/AP1000%C2%AE-Plant-Design-Review-Advances-Toward-Closeout-Phase-in-UK

Can't All Nuclear Just Get On The Same Page?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2015/03/12/cant-all-nuclear-just-get-on-the-same-page/

Electric Power Expo

Come and Feel the Difference! How was the last conference you attended? Were the sessions lively, practical and trustworthy? Was the exhibit hall friendly and fun? Did you return to your plant feeling informed and prepared to address the changes affecting your plant? If not, it’s time to check out ELECTRIC POWER. What makes ELECTRIC POWER different? Interactive The sessions and events are designed to make you an active participant, not just a passive listener, during roundtable sessions, panel discussions and more. Lively Themed networking receptions on the exhibit floor provide a fun, entertaining atmosphere to enjoy complimentary beverages while learning about important new products. Relevant Industry leaders will address pressing issues impacting your plant now and in the future amidst a changing energy marketplace. Authoritative Generating company executives share perspectives and experiences that helped advance their power plants ahead of the curve. Cocktails & Cigars Travel back to the Roaring 20’s where you’re greeted by flappers and a jazz band, can pick up a hand-rolled cigar and enjoy a whiskey tasting and hors ‘doeuvres. Beer & Baseball Bash We’re bringing Chicago to you! Test your arm out at the fast-pitch baseball station and refuel with local craft beer, Chicago-style pizza, peanuts & miniature hot dogs. Power Up Your Day Networking Enjoy some vitamin C with a punch! Get powered up the final day of the show with mimosas & screwdrivers, pastries, coffee and definitely be sure to stop by an omelet station for a delicious start to your day. Where Generating Companies Meet ELECTRIC POWER draws more generating company attendees than any other event! Connect with plant managers, engineers, project managers, operators and more during 3 days of business-building, industry-advancing collaboration. Join us in Chicago this April and Feel the Difference! Submit Your Registration www.electricpowerexpo.com

ISO New England warns of threat to grid reliability over gas supply shortage

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/iso-new-england-warns-of-threat-to-grid-reliability-over-gas-supply-shortag/374105/

Same forces as today caused climate changes 1.4 billion years ago

Same forces as today caused climate changes 1.4 billion years ago
Funen, Denmark (SPX) Mar 12, 2015 - Natural forces have always caused the climate on Earth to fluctuate. Now researchers have found geological evidence that some of the same forces as today were at play 1.4 billion years ago. Fluctuating climate is a hallmark of Earth, and the present greenhouse effect is by far the only force affecting today's climate. On a larger scale the Earth's climate is also strongly affected by how t ... morehttp://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Same_forces_as_today_caused_climate_changes_1_4_billion_years_ago_999.html

Big Oil’s Broken Business Model The Real Story Behind the Oil Price Collapse

Big Oil’s Broken Business Model
The Real Story Behind the Oil Price Collapse
By Michael T. Klare
Many reasons have been provided for the dramatic plunge in the price of oil to about $60 per barrel (nearly half of what it was a year ago): slowing demand due to global economic stagnation; overproduction at shale fields in the United States; the decision of the Saudis and other Middle Eastern OPEC producers to maintain output at current levels (presumably to punish higher-cost producers in the U.S. and elsewhere); and the increased value of the dollar relative to other currencies. There is, however, one reason that’s not being discussed, and yet it could be the most important of all: the complete collapse of Big Oil’s production-maximizing business model.
Click here to read more of this dispatch.http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/175967/tomgram%3A_michael_klare%2C_is_big_oil_finally_entering_a_climate_change_world/#more

Gail Tverberg: The Oil Glut and Low Prices Reflect an Affordability Problem

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Yves Smith

Yves here. Tverberg argues that low oil prices likely to be with us for a long time, due to the fact that demand will remain relatively weak. Given the reluctance of governments to engage in aggressive enough spending measures, the idea of that more economies will become mired in a Japan-like slump or weak demand is entirely plausible. And that’s before you get to the wild card of a Eurozone unraveling.

http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2015/03/gail-tverberg-oil-glut-low-prices-reflect-affordability-problem.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NakedCapitalism+%28naked+capitalism%29

Breaking Energy US Nuclear Investigation: Exports of Highly Enriched Uranium not ‘Definitively Reconciled’

Breaking Energy US Nuclear Investigation: Exports of Highly Enriched Uranium not ‘Definitively Reconciled’

By Roman Kilisek

Introduction Breaking Energy obtained detailed correspondence between members of congress and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request that raises important questions about the US nuclear industry, international relations, public health and non-proliferation. The series entitled “Breaking Energy US Nuclear Investigation” will highlight critical questions and findings revealed from

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/11/breaking-energy-us-nuclear-investigation-exports-of-highly-enriched-uranium-not-definitively-reconciled/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=4a1b37af9f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-4a1b37af9f-407304281

China Builds Strategic Petroleum Reserves Amid Oil Price Plunge, but Still Lags Western Nations

China Builds Strategic Petroleum Reserves Amid Oil Price Plunge, but Still Lags Western Nations

By Tim Daiss

The crude oil price plunge of more than 50% since last June has proved a mixed blessing for global economies. It has cut deep into the coffers of oil producing nations while providing much needed relief for oil and natural gas import dependent countries. China, the world’s second largest oil importer, is also taking advantage

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/11/china-builds-strategic-petroleum-reserves-amid-oil-price-plunge-but-still-lags-western-nations/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=4a1b37af9f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-4a1b37af9f-407304281

Energy Quote of the Day: ‘Technology is a Competitive Advantage’

Energy Quote of the Day: ‘Technology is a Competitive Advantage’

By Edward Dodge

German oil and gas producers are urging the government to overturn a de facto four year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. A proposed law would allow commercial scale fracking at depths below 3000 meters. The proposal is sure to be controversial as environmental groups see it is a wedge for increased fossil fuel

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/11/energy-quote-of-the-day-technology-is-a-competitive-advantage/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=4a1b37af9f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-4a1b37af9f-407304281

A Statement From Under Secretary For Science And Energy Franklin Orr On New Leadership At PNNL

A Statement From Under Secretary For Science And Energy Franklin Orr On New Leadership At PNNL

By U.S. Department of Energy

“Today, the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) welcomes a new Director, Dr. Steven Ashby. Dr. Ashby has been a crucial part of the Department’s National Laboratory System for many years, serving as PNNL’s Deputy Director for Science and Technology since 2008.  Before joining PNNL, he spent nearly 21 years at Lawrence Livermore

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/03/11/a-statement-from-under-secretary-for-science-and-energy-franklin-orr-on-new-leadership-at-pnnl/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=4a1b37af9f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-4a1b37af9f-407304281

Fukushima Update 5/12/15

Fukushima Update 5/12/15 –

Press TV falsely claims “deaths by radiation” from Fukushima… Another rainwater “leak” is reported… Fukushima’s home cooked meals have no detectible radioactive Cesium… The percentage of Iitate’s willing returnees increases… Japan’s harmless research reactors were not exempt from the nuclear moratorium… Japan’s nuke watchdog Chief continues to stoke the fires of fear… Tepco struggles to recover financial stability… Tokyo signs a contract with local property owners in Okuma and Futaba… Former NAIIC Chairman Yotaro Hatamura says Japan has learned nothing from Fukushima… Ex-PM Junichiro Koizumi continues to condemn Japan’s nuclear policy.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

SMR Spotlight Series – WNA CORDEL SMR Group

Dear Colleague,

No doubt you've heard a fantastic sales pitch for an SMR, but critical to successful deployment will be the ability of vendors to efficiently export their technology despite being faced with numerous sovereign regulators.

For this reason, the work of the WNA's Cooperation in Reactor Design Evaluation and Licensing (CORDEL) Group could not be more important.

I recently spoke with CORDEL's co-chair Kristiina Soderholm in order to get the latest on their efforts to streamline the international regulatory system so that it will be ready in time for a boom in SMR exports and deployments.

You can check out the full conversation here
SMR Spotlight Series – WNA CORDEL SMR Group
http://1.nuclearenergyinsider.com/LP=1907?utm_source=nucleardaily&utm_medium=social&utm_content=0503&utm_campaign=2734
By securing your copy of the interview transcript you will:

Understand why the WNA CORDEL group is looking to separate SMR plant specific concerns from more general standards of nuclear safety via a 'module certification' strategy and recognise the implications this will have on your SMR project

Assess the implications of breaking down SMR technology into sufficiently independent modules and analyse the effects of 'pre-licensing' SMR instrumentation to an internationally approved standard on critical nuclear supply chains

Receive an exclusive update of the imminent WNA CORDEL group study report and gain a first look at their short-term plan for achieving greater international confidence in the exportability of SMR technology

I hope you find this paper useful - let me know if you have any questions.

Kind regards,

Kerr

Kerr Jeferies
Senior Industry Analyst
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0) 207 375 7565
kjeferies@nuclearenergyinsider.com

IEA Sees Fundamental Shifts in the Current Oil Price Drop

http://theenergycollective.com/geoffrey-styles/2201551/iea-sees-fundamental-shifts-current-oil-price-drop?utm_source=tec_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

Fukushima: Four Years After

Fukushima: Four Years After

It has been four years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami battered Japan’s main island of Honshu. A roughly 45 foot-high surge of seawater engulfed the Fukushima Daiichi (Number One) nuclear station, causing a prolonged full-station blackout. Over the course of five days, three of the six unit’s suffered severe fuel core damage, three of the outer, essentially superficial reactor buildings were torn apart by hydrogen explosions, and significant uncontrolled releases of air-borne contamination spurred the forced evacuation of 75,000 Fukushima residents.
The Japanese Press has literally flooded the news with mostly negative reports, including at least one outright lie from outside Japan. The following are summations of the more-significant Fukushima 4^th anniversary postings by major Press outlets, all but one of which are Japanese.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-four-years-after.html

Michael Shellenberger posted in Nukes

Michael Shellenberger 2:42pm Mar 12 For the fourth anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that triggered the Fukushima meltdown, we asked journalist Will Boisver to investigate the health science around Fukushima. He found five things many of you may already know — like the fact that childhood thyroid cancers are *lower* in Fukushima than in other prefectures — but which may be worth sending along to your friends and family. Five Surprising Public Health Facts About Fukushima Journalist Will Boisvert Investigates and Finds Fewer-than-Average Thyroid Cancers and Seafood Safe to Eat http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/issues/nuclear/five-surprising-public-health-facts-about-fukushima Five Surprising Public Health Facts About Fukushima -- Lower Rates of Thyroid Cancer, Safe... thebreakthrough.org Four years after the Fukushima nuclear accident, which catalyzed fears around cancer epidemics and l...http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/issues/nuclear/five-surprising-public-health-facts-about-fukushima