Study: Wind Farms Even More Expensive And Pointless Than You Thought

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/07/07/study-wind-farms-even-more-expensive-and-pointless-than-you-thought/

Monster Mutant Daisies Spotted Near Fukushima Plant

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/71542/20150724/monster-mutant-daisies-spotted-near-fukushima-plant.htm

Inspectors to report on nuclear plant’s disaster plan

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jul/24/inspectors-to-report-on-nuclear-plants-disaster-pl/

Farley Nuclear should generate power for many more years

http://www.dothaneagle.com/news/business/farley-nuclear-should-generate-power-for-many-more-years/article_93292340-323f-11e5-a6d1-77894b40f61f.html

Byron Station NPP Passes NRC Environmental Review

Byron Station NPP Passes NRC Environmental Review

https://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2015/07/24/byron-station-passes-nrc-environmental-review-072401.aspx#.VbPem0WKI-8

China starts largest expansion of nuclear power in the world

http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-china-starts-largest-expansion-of-nuclear-power-in-the-world-2107971

• Llewellyn King: Obama again foils solution to nuclear waste

http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20150724/OPINION/150729651/13831

Could Next-Gen Reactors Spark Revival In Nuclear Power?

Tech titans like Bill Gates are helping fund a new generation of commercial nuclear reactors, some likely in China, as a solution to climate change.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/energy/2015/07/150724-next-gen-reactors-seek-to-revive-nuclear-power/

Restarting the Sendai-1 Nuclear Power Plant

Restarting the Sendai-1 Nuclear Power Plant

JAIF President Akio Takahashi has just released a comment on Sendai-1 restart.

http://www.jaif.or.jp/en/restarting-the-sendai-1-nuclear-power-plant/

Restarting the Sendai-1 Nuclear Power Plant

JAIF President Akio Takahashi has just released a comment on Sendai-1 restart.

JAIF President Takahashi

The Sendai-1 Nuclear Power Plant, owned and operated by the Kyushu Electric Power Co., is undergoing pre-service inspections, the final stage in resuming operation, It has already been granted approval for changes to its reactor installation, as well as its construction work plans and revisions to its operational safety program. With its fuel loaded, the reactor’s restart is imminent.
In July 2013, right after the new regulatory standards came into effect, applications were submitted for restarting ten NPPs at five sites around Japan. Two years have already passed since then. Although the process has taken longer than expected, I want to express again my respect for the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) and the nuclear operators who worked so hard on the examinations without making any compromises.
Stop and Confirm
Much attention is now focused on Sendai-1 (PWR, 890MWe), as it will be Japan’s first commercial reactor to be restarted since new regulatory standards came into effect.
Sendai-1 has been shut down for about four years, ever since May 2011, shortly after the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi NPPs. Needless to say, safety measures for the extensive shutdown were duly put in place. Yet, I think that many do not really appreciate the significance of an extensive plant shutdown. While it is to be hoped that the restart proceed smoothly, technical occurrences as a result of the long shutdown may not be revealed until the reactor actually starts up again. The restart of Sendai-1 must thus be executed carefully.
The same can be said of human resources, including the people engaged in reactor operation and maintenance. Although they have continued their training on simulators during the long shutdown, it also remains true that they have not done actual work for a while. Moreover, severe accident measures have been implemented under the new regulatory standards at Sendai-1, with quite a few pieces of new equipment and facilities installed to improve safety. I expect that sufficient training will be given to the personnel to allow them to master such new equipment, giving them the confidence to properly handle them during emergencies, in addition to engaging in everyday operations.
Under such circumstances, I am positive that the parties involved realize that there is no room for any mistakes, and that they are determined to see the restart through according to schedule. Of course, I know that if they feel concerned about something they notice, they will stop and investigate it. I urge them to go back to basics — reporting and communicating, consulting and confirming — as they go about their work, always placing top priority on safety.
Sharing Information and Experiences
To ensure a successful restart of Sendai-1, all nuclear operators in the country have been urged to continue their concerted efforts to back it up. For example, in July 2012, the Ohi-3 and -4 NPPs (PWRs, 1180MWe each), owned and operated by the Kansai Electric Power Co., were restarted under provisional standards, after a shutdown period of 15 months. As the two reactors use the same model of pressurized water reactor (PWR) as that of Sendai-1, their experience is valuable.
Having other PWR and BWR operators share information related to Sendai-1’s restart — namely, how the operator deals with various matters, what it checks, and what kind of systems it uses — ought to help them restart their own NPPs more efficiently in the future. And naturally, the knowledge and experience accumulated through that process will result in further enhancements to nuclear safety.
Communicating with the Public
Safety naturally comes first at worksites, but simply securing that is not enough in itself. Positively disseminating information is essential to improve the understanding of people living near nuclear sites and those throughout the whole country concerning official assurances of safety, and is also necessary for them to gain greater confidence about those assurances.
Unlike previous approaches, which tended to deny that accidents would ever occur, advance efforts must be carried out to carry out interactive communication with the public, answering the questions of individual citizens, responding to their concerns, discussing expected problems, and explaining their effects and countermeasures. An environment must be created in which a more genuine understanding of nuclear power can be achieved.

♦                     ♦

As we approach the restart of Sendai-1 and other units, it is evident that nuclear operators have indeed striven hard to reach this point. At the same time, we must not forget the work of the Nuclear Regulation Authority and cooperating companies, which have helped improve safety day and night, nor must we forget the people in the local communities, who have come to understand and accept the reasons for restarting the reactors. Fully aware that the workers at Sendai-1 today must be under great stress, I urge them to accept the gratitude extended by all parties while they persevere and realize the restart of the reactor. They can then pass the metaphorical torch to their colleagues at reactors elsewhere.
In order for nuclear power to play its designated role in Japan’s future, operators need to take another look at the actual circumstances surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi accident. They should not satisfy themselves simply by meeting regulatory standards; their aim must be higher. And the operators need to demonstrate to the public, both locally and nationally, their commitment to extensively transforming themselves, and their practical efforts to achieve that.
The restart of Japan’s reactors is not the end, but rather a new beginning. It is essential to maintain a firm, steady attitude of walking together with the public, for that will eventually result in regaining their understanding and trust. Safety, without a doubt, comes first. At the same time, the public must stand with us in our efforts toward greater openness and interactive communication.

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Akio Takahashi, President, JAIF

Atomic energy technology, politics, and perceptions from a nuclear energy insider who served as a US nuclear submarine engineer officer

Resolving the issue of the science of biological effects of low level radiation

http://atomicinsights.com/resolving-issue-science-biological-effects-low-level-radiation/

Understanding Molten Salt Reactors: 1. How are MSRs Different from LFTRs?

Understanding Molten Salt Reactors: 1. How are MSRs Different from LFTRs?

http://nucleargreen.blogspot.com/2010/06/understanding-molten-salt-reactors-1.html

Pentagon Names Next Director of Naval Nuclear Reactors

http://www.defensenews.com/story/breaking-news/2015/07/22/nr-naval-nuclear-reactors-caldwell-richardson-greenert-rickover-submarine-navy/30539765/

What Miniature Nuclear Reactors Could Mean For The World

http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/What-Miniature-Nuclear-Reactors-Could-Mean-For-The-World.html

US Nuclear Energy Foundation Re:Op-Ed: Reid-Heller-informed-obstructionist-legislation—S-1825

US Nuclear Energy Foundation

“Evangelizing Nuclear Advocacy by Bringing Science to Citizens”

A Non-Profit 501 (C)(3) Nevada Foundation

PO Box 2867, Sparks, NV 89432 (775) 224-2089

www.usnuclearenergy.org Email comments@usnuclearenergy.org

Contact: Gary J. Duarte, Director, USNEF 775 224-2089                   07-24-15

Op-Ed: Reid-Heller-informed-obstructionist-legislation—S-1825

A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to obtain the consent of affected State and local governments before making an expenditure from the Nuclear Waste Fund for a nuclear waste repository. 114th Congress (2015-2016) 07-22-15

Senators Reid and Heller have filed S.1825, as they continue to show they are out of touch with today’s nuclear technology and out of step with Nevada’s grassroots public. This bill reflects that of being “informed obstructionist legislation” a bill representing politics rather than representing the public voice and best interests of Nevadans. Reid’s individual politics and threats of retaliation have turned this national scientific study into a political disgrace.

The act states, Secretary of Energy must secure written consent from the governor of the host state . . . In respect to such important national legislation consent should only be negotiated after the “host state” establishes and conducts a public referendum vote through the complete legislative process of the “grassroots citizens”. This is the PUBLIC VOICE. Many state governments, as with federal government agencies are running via their OWN commission and NOT the “PUBLIC VOICE of the People”. This would provide a public educational platform for both sides of the issue for assessment.

These are the facts the grassroots should know about Yucca Mountain: a thirty year study by 8 national laboratories, input and review from more than 100 US colleges and universities an investment into the study of more than $10 Billion. The license application was reviewed by more than 200 scientists and engineers at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with no disqualifying elements found. What are Harry Reid and Dean Heller’s scientific qualifications that make them more capable of determining repository safety than our national labs, colleges and NRC experts? They are not qualified and it is time for Congress, the Senate and Nevada’s public to Trump and tromp this foolish bill proposal and tell the Senators to terminate their political antics.

Nevada and its citizens should seek to understand the science and technology committed to Yucca Mountain and use that understanding as a platform to negotiate for an economic business asset for its citizens. Continuing to obstruct the law and the science is not in the best interests of Nevada or the country and we are thankful that some of our presidential candidates understand this and are willing to continue the Yucca Mountain dialogue.

---------------------------------------------------

Gary J. Duarte, Director

US Nuclear Energy Foundation

PO Box 2867

Sparks, NV 89432

775 224-2089

http://www.usnuclearenergy.org

comments@usnuclearenergy.org = GJD Direct

 

UniStar: Third reactor a no-go in Calvert for economic reasons

UniStar: Third reactor a no-go in Calvert for economic reasons

Commissioner Hart expresses county’s disappointment

http://www.somdnews.com/article/20150724/NEWS/150729713/1074/section/news07/&template=southernMaryland

Llewellyn King: Obama again foils solution to nuclear waste

http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20150724/OPINION/150729651/13831

Reimagining nuclear energy

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/248691-reimagining-nuclear-energy

Discover the nuclear power in Czech Republic, market outlook to 2025, update 2015

Discover the nuclear power in Czech Republic, market outlook to 2025, update 2015

http://www.whatech.com/market-research/green-technology/78404-discover-the-nuclear-power-in-czech-republic-market-outlook-to-2025-update-2015

Hoover Institution calls for small modular reactors for future of nuclear energy

http://www.stanforddaily.com/2015/07/24/hoover-institution-calls-for-small-modular-reactors-for-future-of-nuclear-energy/

Green Activists Outraged At U.S. Approval Of Shell Arctic Drilling

http://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Green-Activists-Outraged-At-US-Approval-Of-Shell-Arctic-Drilling.html

Necsa ready for South African new build

Necsa is ready to support South Africa's nuclear new build program using its existing capacities, the national nuclear corporation's leader has told the country's main parliamentary oversight committee.

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Necsa-ready-for-South-African-new-build-2407158.html

Nine Reasons Why Low Oil Prices May "Morph" Into Something Much Worse

Nine Reasons Why Low Oil Prices May "Morph" Into Something Much Worse

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 07:42 AM PDT

Why are commodity prices lagging? The question comes back to, “Why isn’t the world economy making very many of the end products that use these commodities?” If workers were getting rich enough to buy new homes and cars, demand for these products would be raising the prices of commodities.read morehttp://www.theenergycollective.com/gail-tverberg/2252055/nine-reasons-why-low-oil-prices-may-morph-something-much-worse

ANS Update: Friday Nuclear Matinee – Darlington Nuclear Station

Friday Nuclear Matinee – Darlington Nuclear Station By Will Davis on Jul 24, 2015 08:07 am Today’s ANS Friday Matinee is an official video tour of Darlington Nuclear Station, produced for the public by Ontario Power Generation. Click here to launch the video! The nuclear plant Continue Reading → Read in browser »

More to read: Energy Security Drives Nuclear Energy in the Middle East Friday Nuclear Matinee – Nuclear Plant Safety Systems Friday Nuclear Matinee – Argonne Nuclear Pioneers: Chicago Pile 1 Nuclear Energy Blog Carnival 269 Is Your Fear of Radiation Irrational?

Armenia confirms ongoing role for nuclear

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Armenia-confirms-ongoing-role-for-nuclear-2307157.html

NRC Shows Shortcomings in Prioritizing Rulemakings

http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/NRC-Shows-Shortcomings-in-Prioritizing-Rulemakings

Research Finds Few Obstacles to Long-Term Operations for Nuclear Plants

http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/Research-Finds-Few-Obstacles-to-Long-Term-Operatio

Council moves forward on nuclear power option

https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2015/07/23/mgk-council-moves-forward-on-nuclear-power-option/#.VbJoi_nlxbJ

Greenland's Undercut Glaciers Melting Faster than Thought

Greenland's Undercut Glaciers Melting Faster than Thought
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Greenlands_Undercut_Glaciers_Melting_Faster_than_Thought_999.html

Bill Nye on the Monsanto Eco Disaster: ‘We Accidentally Decimated the Monarch Butterfly Population’

Monsanto's glysophate doesn't just kill weeds — it also kills other plants that pollinator species depend on to survive.

http://www.alternet.org/environment/bill-nye-glyphosate-we-accidentally-decimated-monarch-butterfly-population

Earth’s Most Famous Climate Scientist Issues Bombshell Sea Level Warning

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/07/20/sea_level_study_james_hansen_issues_dire_climate_warning.html

Landmark module installation at VC Summer

Landmark module installation at VC Summer
Two significant construction milestones have been reached at VC Summer unit 2 with the installation of the CA01 'super module' and the installation of the first course of shield building panels, South Carolina Electric and Gas announced.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Landmark-module-installation-at-VC-Summer-2407157.html

South Korean reactor enters commercial operation

South Korean reactor enters commercial operation
The completion of all commissioning tests and government approval to operate at full power marks the start of commercial operation at unit 2 of Korea's Shin Wolsong nuclear power plant.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-South-Korean-reactor-enters-commercial-operation-2407155.html

Work starts on sixth Hongyanhe unit

Work starts on sixth Hongyanhe unit
Construction started today on the sixth unit of the Hongyanhe nuclear power plant in China's Liaoning province, plant owner China General Nuclear announced.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Work-starts-on-sixth-Hongyanhe-unit-2407154.html

You Shouldn't Panic About Those Fukushima 'Mutant Daisies'

Just keep calm and read this article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mutant-daisies-fukushima_55b13010e4b0a9b94853fb7b

Ernie Moniz is finally getting the credit he deserves!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L5GbSmFwMk

Secretary Ernest Moniz, Department of Energy | Talks at Google 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLeRif38hYU 

Power Engineering E-Newsletter Top Stories 7/24

Top Stories Florida PSC approves Duke buy of Calpine's Osprey power plant On a unanimous vote, the Florida Public Service Commission on July 21 approved a Duke Energy Florida buy of the gas-fired Osprey power plant of Calpine Construction Finance Co. LP as the best way to meet this Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) subsidiary's near-term power needs. Read More Share: Navigant Research: Annual Revenue from Global Solar PV Installations to Top $151B in 2024 A new report from Navigant Research titled Distributed Solar PV examines the market for solar photovoltaic (PV), including forecasts for capacity and revenue, segmented by region and country, through 2024. Read More Share: Iran lawmakers said to need "at least" 60 days for nuke deal Iran's parliament will need "at least" 60 days to review a proposed final deal with world powers over its contested nuclear program, a prominent lawmaker said Tuesday, giving legislators in the Islamic Republic about the same time as the U.S. Congress to examine the proposal. Read More Share: Bechtel begins construction on natural gas-fired power plant Bechtel broke ground on a new 700-MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant in Carroll County, Ohio. Read More Share:     Mississippi Power seeking PSC approval for Kemper cost recovery move Southern (NYSE: SO) utility subsidiary Mississippi Power has asked the Mississippi Public Service Commission for interim rates, subject to refund, connected with deployment of the coal gasification power plant being developed in Kemper County, Miss. Read More Share:

	Top 5 U.S. Coal Plant Heat Rates Peabody Energy recently ranked the top 5 cleanest burning coal-fired power plants in the U.S. based on heat rates. Read More Share:
	GE announces orders for 10 LMS100 gas turbines GE (NYSE: GE) announced today it received 10 orders for its LMS100 aeroderivative gas turbine from two customers in North America during the second quarter of 2015. The contracts mean the backlog for LMS100 technology now exceeds $450 million for GE Power & Water’s Distributed Power business. Read More Share:
	Calpine to acquire Champion Energy Marketing Calpine Corporation (NYSE: CPN) announced today that it will purchase Champion Energy Marketing LLC, one of the nation’s leading retail electric providers, for $240 million, subject to working capital adjustments. Based in Houston, Champion is expected to serve approximately 22 TWh of residential, commercial, and industrial customer load in 2015, concentrated in Texas and the Northeast U.S. where Calpine has a substantial power generation presence. Read More Share:

More Headlines
• Dominion considers altering offshore wind turbine plan
• Vermont's Green Mountain Power ready for energy revolution
• CEO of Japan's Toshiba resigns over doctored books
• Nuclear reactor developer names VP of Corporate Development
• Georgia Power military solar power project approved
• Senate committee OKs wind energy tax credits extension
• New program lets New Yorkers support renewable energy
• State regulators look at cost of retiring coal plants
• Calvert Cliffs 3 nuclear license application withdrawn
• Environmental groups ask judge to dismiss part of Duke suit

Senate leaders introduce first broad, bipartisan energy bill since 2007

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/senate-leaders-introduce-first-broad-bipartisan-energy-bill-since-2007/402858/

Methane emissions from natural gas transmission and storage facilities

Methane emissions from natural gas transmission and storage facilities Fort Collins CO (SPX) Jul 24, 2015 - A comprehensive study of natural gas transmission and storage facilities led by Colorado State University (CSU) researchers has found that the total amount of methane emitted into the atmosphere from the transmission and storage sector is not statistically different from the emissions from the transmission and storage sector reported in the Environmental Protection Agency's 2012 Greenhouse Gas I ... morehttp://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/Comprehensive_study_of_methane_emissions_from_natural_gas_transmission_and_storage_facilities_999.html

Zimbabwe company inks $1.1bn thermal power deal with China

Zimbabwe company inks $1.1bn thermal power deal with China
Harare (AFP) July 23, 2015 - A Zimbabwean company on Thursday signed a $1.1 billion agreement with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) to build a 600-megawatt thermal power plant, a move expected to ease power cuts in the country. "This first phase is a 600 MW coal fired plant, it's the first of four phases so it's a huge project for Zimbabwe. One of the biggest projects Zimbabwe has ever done," ... morehttp://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Zimbabwe_company_inks_11bn_thermal_power_deal_with_China_999.html

More Job Losses Coming To US Shale

More Job Losses Coming To US Shale
London, UK (SPX) Jul 24, 2015 - With the recently concluded nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 countries, oil prices have already started heading downward on sentiments that Iran's crude oil supply would further contribute to the already rising global supply glut. The economic crisis in Greece, OPEC's high production levels and China's market turmoil have created more pressure on oil prices, making a price rebound look hig ... morehttp://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/More_Job_Losses_Coming_To_US_Shale_999.html

Speak Out to Defend Your Attendance at Scientific Conferences

Speak Out to Defend Your Attendance at Scientific Conferences     Dear ANS Members,   Our members who are employees of or contractors for federal agencies face burdensome regulations and approval processes that severely restrict their ability to attend scientific and technical conferences, such as those presented by ANS.   We know and appreciate the value of these conferences to our ability to achieve progress in our fields. However, those who create the travel policies don't always understand the critical importance that attendance at these conferences has on our ability to forward our nation's position as a world leader in science and technology.   I am writing to encourage you to participate in an important effort being spearheaded by our partner organization, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which is urging policymakers to recognize that attendance at these conferences is essential to our ability to stay on the cutting edge of new knowledge and technologies.   Those of you who do not work for federal agencies can help in this effort as well. Your personal stories about how your interactions with agency representatives at these conferences are essential to your work will provide valuable insights.   I hope that you will take just a few moments to go to the AAAS.org/yourstory web page to provide a brief narrative about the value you receive from attending professional scientific and technical conferences, and describe how participation is crucial to your success on behalf of your employers, and to our nation's leadership position.   Our collective voices will have an impact. I appreciate your consideration of this request.   Sincerely,     Eugene S. Grecheck President