China's Nuclear Plans Are Why You Want to Own Cameco Corp.

The uranium market is oversupplied right now, but if China has its way, that won't last for long, and Cameco will be a big beneficiary

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/08/14/chinas-nuclear-plans-are-why-you-want-to-own-camec.aspx

Nuclear Power Industry Still Has an Unclear Future

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Nuclear-Power-Industry-Still-Has-an-Unclear-Future

Japan Raises Eruption Alert for Volcano Near Nuclear Plant

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-08-15/japan-raises-eruption-alert-for-volcano-near-nuclear-plant

Atomic Sublime: How Photography Shapes our View of Nuclear Warfare and Energy

http://bigthink.com/Picture-This/atomic-sublime-how-photography-shapes-our-view-of-nuclear-warfare-and-energy

State Challenges NRC In Federal Court Over Yankee Decommissioning Funds

http://digital.vpr.net/post/state-challenges-nrc-federal-court-over-yankee-decommissioning-funds

What's more radioactive than a nuclear power plant?

What's more radioactive than a nuclear power plant?

http://www.physicscentral.com/buzz/blog/index.cfm?postid=1822822392003422357

Time for the ANS Friday Matinee

Time for the ANS Friday Matinee By ansnuclearcafe on Aug 14, 2015 11:28 am “The Atom Goes to Sea – Excursion in Science” a 1954 film by General Electric “Explains how an atomic powered submarine operates. Includes scenes at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory Continue Reading → Read in browser »

More to read: Inexpensive Nuclear – We Did It Before – Why Can’t We Do It Again? – Part 2 A Cautionary Tale of Water and Power Initial Review of the Clean Power Plan (Calculated Emissions and Real Emissions are not the same) ANS on the EPA’s Final Clean Power Plan Time for the ANS Friday Matinee

South African nuclear power plan stirs fears of secrecy and graft - CNBC Africa

South African nuclear power plan stirs fears of secrecy and graft - CNBC Africa

http://www.cnbcafrica.com/news/southern-africa/2015/08/14/safricas-nuclear-power-secrecy/?utm_source=CNBC+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=93007727f1-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_37ea1a8e5e-93007727f1-216167289#.Vc7Q6Cs-l7s.gmail

Waiting on NRC: Will NM see interim nuclear storage?

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/waiting-nrc-will-nm-see-interim-nuclear-storage/2015-08-14

Bureau of Atomic Scientists: Decoding the Iran agreement: the podcast

http://thebulletin.org/multimedia/decoding-iran-agreement-podcast

South African nuclear power plan stirs fears of secrecy and graft

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/08/14/safrica-nuclear-idUSL5N10N2FM20150814

http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-08-14/republican-candidates-outsource-their-foreign-policy

Republican Candidates Outsource Their Foreign Policy

9 Aug 14, 2015 

By Josh Rogin

There's a good reason so many GOP candidates seem to be well-prepared yet uncannily in sync when it comes to foreign policy: Most of them have tapped the same group of experts for guidance, a shadow foreign policy campaign infrastructure just waiting for a nominee to emerge.
Ever since Mitt Romney lost the race in 2012, his foreign policy team has been working to remain intact, become a resource for as many primary candidates as possible, and position itself to influence the next president, if he or she is a Republican. For candidates who haven't the time or resources to build their own foreign policy staffs at this stage, the project, called the John Hay Initiative, is a handy tool to get smart fast on complicated subjects and even hand off some heavy lifting on national security issues.
For the party itself, the group's omnipresence behind the scenes is shaping a hawkish, right-of-Hillary-Clinton foreign policy agenda that is quickly becoming the established position of the party hopefuls going into 2016.http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-08-14/republican-candidates-outsource-their-foreign-policy

NRC Puts San Onofre Complaint to Rest

NRC Puts San Onofre Complaint to Rest

Posted: 14 Aug 2015 03:48 AM PDT

The U.S NRC dismissed a complaint against Southern California Edison (SCE) brought by the anti-nuclear group Friends of the Earth (FOE). It alleged that the utility failed to obtain approval from the NRC for a license amendment to install the new steam generators which ultimately failed read morehttp://www.theenergycollective.com/dan-yurman/2258732/nrc-puts-san-onofre-complaint-rest

First Offshore Wind Farm in the United States Begins Construction

First Offshore Wind Farm in the United States Begins Construction

Posted: 14 Aug 2015 06:00 AM PDT

In July, American offshore wind developer, Deepwater Wind, installed the first foundation for what is expected to be the first offshore wind farm in the United States. The project will be located three miles southeast of Block Island, Rhode Island.read morehttp://www.theenergycollective.com/todayinenergy/2260025/first-offshore-wind-farm-united-states-begins-construction

NRC report says Yucca Mountain project wouldn't be much of a health risk

http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nevada/nrc-report-says-yucca-mountain-project-wouldnt-be-much-health-risk

Sendai nuclear reactor starts producing power

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150814_13.html

Nuclear can pay its own way

http://mg.co.za/article/2015-08-13-nuclear-can-pay-its-own-way/

How Sellafield's radiation-proof robots do our dirty work

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-33849026

Sendai reactor starts power generation

http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002356644

The Direction of Japan’s Post-Fukushima Energy Policy: Q&A

http://about.bnef.com/bnef-news/the-direction-of-japan-s-post-fukushima-energy-policy-q-a/

Japan Environment Minister Won’t Back Another Coal-Fired Plant

http://about.bnef.com/bnef-news/japan-environment-minister-won-t-back-another-coal-fired-plant/

What's next for the EPA's 'all pain, no gain' Clean Power Plan?

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/whats-next-for-the-epas-all-pain-no-gain-clean-power-plan/article/2569829

news

The War on Coal Is Just the Beginning

The environmental movement isn't going to stop at putting coal out of business.

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/peter-roff/2015/08/12/the-war-on-coal-and-the-clean-power-plan-are-just-the-beginning

The Green Scare Problem

Raising constant alarms—about fracking, pesticides, GMO food—in the name of safety is a dangerous game.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-green-scare-problem-1439506952

Toshiba may book A 100 billion loss in fiscal 2014 amid accounting scandal

http://www.topix.com/energy/nuclear-energy/2015/08/toshiba-may-book-a-100-billion-loss-in-fiscal-2014-amid-accounting-scandal

Brazil's Angra 3 Nuclear Reactor May be Delayed

http://www.topix.com/energy/nuclear-energy/2015/08/brazils-angra-3-nuclear-reactor-may-be-delayed

IAEA Mission Reviews Indonesia’s Regulatory Framework for Nuclear and Radiation Safety

IAEA Mission Reviews Indonesia’s Regulatory Framework for Nuclear and Radiation Safety

http://nuclearstreet.com/pro_nuclear_power_blogs/b/iaea-alert-log-nuclear-communications/archive/2015/08/14/iaea-mission-reviews-indonesia-s-regulatory-framework-for-nuclear-and-radiation-safety.aspx

Study Links Polluted Air in China to 1.6 Million Deaths a Year

点击查看本文中文版 Read in Chinese

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/14/world/asia/study-links-polluted-air-in-china-to-1-6-million-deaths-a-year.html?_r=0

MIT Has Plans for a Real ARC Fusion Reactor

http://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/renewables/mit-has-plans-for-a-real-arc-fusion-reactor

Plant Vogtle expansion project completes heaviest lift to date

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2015/08/vogtle-expansion-project-completes-heaviest-lift-to-date.html?cmpid=enl-poe-weekly-august-14-2015&eid=288118515&bid=1151053

U.S. wind fleet grew at 8 percent rate during 2014, DOE report shows

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2015/08/u-s-wind-fleet-grew-at-8-rate-during-2014-doe-report-shows.html?cmpid=enl-poe-weekly-august-14-2015&eid=288118515&bid=1151053

Planned natural gas power plants making headway at many locations

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2015/08/planned-natural-gas-power-plants-making-headway-at-many-locations.html?cmpid=enl-poe-weekly-august-14-2015

Japan restarts first nuclear reactor since Fukushima disaster

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2015/08/japan-restarts-first-nuclear-reactor-since-fukushima-disaster.html?cmpid=enl-poe-weekly-august-14-2015

NNR, NECSA, Rosatom all confirmed for South Africa’s top nuclear energy conference

NNR, NECSA, Rosatom all confirmed for South Africa’s top nuclear energy conference

South Africa’s proposed 9.6GW new nuclear energy programme still faces questions over financing and public acceptance.
However with inter-governmental framework agreements signed with South Korea, Russia, China and France and the procurement process reportedly starting this month, getting a foot in South Africa’s nuclear energy door is on the top of everyone’s agenda.
The Nuclear Supply Chain Conference South Africa (1-2 December, Cape Town) will bring together leading names from NECSA, NNR, Rosatom, NIASA and many more so you can find out your next steps to becoming part of this R1Trillion industry.
Get your 8-page copy of the full conference agenda and speaker line-up right here
Just some of the highlights at this first of a kind meeting include:

• Latest on the vendor race: hear from those in the race on their supply chain localisation plans so you can take a look into the latest technologies being considered in South Africa
• Cooperation on skills, development and training: insight into the training frameworks in place to ensure a trained, self-sufficient nuclear workforce ahead of new build and operations
• Financing, localisation, infrastructure building, waste management: get a full run down of the most important topics facing the South African nuclear industry so you can make these key priorities for your company in the next decade

Let me know if you have any questions,
Mike
Michael Vickery
Senior Project Manager
Nuclear Energy Insider
mvickery@nuclearenergyinsider.com
+44 (0) 207 375 7177

Massachusetts Builds a Clean Energy Cluster

http://blog.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/blogs/2015/08/massachusetts_builds.html?cmpid=renewable08142015

The Challenge of Bringing Energy to the Developing World

The Challenge of Bringing Energy to the Developing World
Andrew Burger
August 11, 2015 | Post Your Comment
	An ambitious bioenergy project in Sierra Leone highlights the sometimes-blurry line that separates development that is sustainable from that which is exploitative, as well as the numerous challenges faced when undertaking projects in poorly developed communities and countries. Full Article http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/08/sugarcane-bioethanol-project-in-sierra-leone-underscores-the-challenge-of-bringing-energy-to-the-developing-world.html?cmpid=renewable08142015&eid=288118515&bid=1150943

Energy Storage, Electricity Markets, and Economics

Energy Storage, Electricity Markets, and Economics
Seth Mullendore
Aug 12, 2015 | Post Your Comment
	A lot of people are talking about energy storage these days, which is hardly surprising considering energy storage has often been idealized of as a kind of Holy Grail for the energy industry Full Article http://blog.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/blogs/2015/08/energy_storage_elec.html?cmpid=renewable08142015

MIT Has Plans for a Real ARC Fusion Reactor

http://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/renewables/mit-has-plans-for-a-real-arc-fusion-reactor

Global Nexus Initiative to Explore Links between Climate Change, Nuclear Energy and Global Security

Global Nexus Initiative to Explore Links between Climate Change, Nuclear Energy and Global Security

http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2015/08/global-nexus-initiative-to-explore.html

Carly Fiorina -- Climate Change Can’t Be Stopped by America Acting Alone | National Review Online

Carly Fiorina -- Climate Change Can’t Be Stopped by America Acting Alone | National Review Online

Next Big Future: Nuclear power update for Japan, Russia, China and Europe

Next Big Future: Nuclear power update for Japan, Russia, China and Europe

Where Is Oil Heading? New Reports From IEA, OPEC, And EIA Provide Clues | OilPrice.com

Where Is Oil Heading? New Reports From IEA, OPEC, And EIA Provide Clues | OilPrice.com

$19 Billion for Dominion's New Nuclear Reactor?

$19 Billion for Dominion's New Nuclear Reactor?

Huge cost involved to expand North Anna plant.

http://www.styleweekly.com/TheDeal/archives/2015/08/12/19-billion-for-dominions-new-nuclear-reactor

It's Official: The World's Biggest Nuclear Market Is Back

http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Its-Official-The-Worlds-Biggest-Nuclear-Market-Is-Back.html

A Surge in Heat Wave "Danger Days" Is Expected in Coming Decades [Infographic]

Heat and humidity will push the heat index to 40 degrees Celsius and above

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-surge-in-heat-wave-danger-days-is-expected-in-coming-decades-infographic/

NRC Approves Changes to Petition - for - Rulemaking Proce

NRC Approves Changes to Petition for Rulemaking Proce

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/news/2015/15-050.pdf

Could This Innovation Signal A Breakthrough In Fusion Energy

http://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Could-This-Innovation-Signal-A-Breakthrough-In-Fusion-Energy.html

American Inventor of Failed Pebble Bed Nuclear Reactor Design Became Solar Expert by 1950s

https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2015/08/13/american-inventor-of-failed-pebble-bed-nuclear-reactor-design-became-solar-expert-by-1950s/

Lockheed goes global to build its nuclear business

http://www.dallasnews.com/business/energy/20140721-lockheed-goes-global-to-build-its-nuclear-business.ece

Supplement to DOE EIS for geologic repository at Yucca Mountain

Supplement to the U.S. Department of Energy's Environmental Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada, Draft Report For Comment (NUREG-2184)

Abstract

This "Supplement to the Department of Energy's Environmental Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada" (supplement) evaluates the potential environmental impacts on groundwater and impacts associated with the discharge of any contaminated groundwater to the ground surface due to potential releases from a geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada. This supplements the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) 2002 "Final Environmental Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada" and 2008 "Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada," in accordance with the findings and scope outlined in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff's 2008 "Adoption Determination Report for the U.S. Department of Energy's Environmental Impact Statements for the Proposed Geologic Repository at Yucca Mountain."
This supplement describes the affected environment and assesses the potential environmental impacts with respect to potential contaminant releases from the repository that could be transported through the volcanic-alluvial aquifer in Fortymile Wash and the Amargosa Desert, and to the Furnace Creek/Middle Basin area of Death Valley. This supplement evaluates the potential radiological and nonradiological impacts—over a one million year period—on the aquifer environment, soils, ecology, and public health, as well as the potential for disproportionate impacts on minority or low-income populations. In addition, this supplement assesses the potential for cumulative impacts associated with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future actions. The NRC staff finds that all of the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on the resources evaluated in this supplement would be SMALL.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Thursday, August 13, 2015

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr2184/

Iran is trying to sell the nuclear deal to Russia, Pakistan, and India

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/iran-trying-to-sell-nuclear-deal-2015-8#ixzz3ijqgvJUu

http://www.businessinsider.com/iran-trying-to-sell-nuclear-deal-2015-8

The PJM Capacity Auction and Nuclear Energy

The PJM Capacity Auction and Nuclear Energy

http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-pjm-capacity-auction-and-nuclear.html

Matt Wald on the "auction."

Thank you all for your comments. 

The auction is done by computer, not by a guy with a hammer saying "going once, going twice." 

It runs through tomorrow and I think they'll announce the clearing price next week. The price is in the form of dollars per megawatt-day. With some of the more casual generators (the gas-fired plants that don't have firm gas transmission capacity booked with the pipeline companies) scared off, prices will be firmer than last year. Those companies could sign firm contracts with the gas transmission companies, or put in oil backup, but that would raise their costs, and probably raise the clearing price for megawatt-hours on the spot market, which is not a bad outcome for reactors.

Also scared off: the demand-side-management folks who aren't confident they can produce quite as much demand reduction as they've promised. 

I don't think the auction is "rigged," but it is something of a poker game. 

Income from capacity payments is usually a modest fraction of total income, but it starts to level the playing field, to pay more for the services nuclear is good at --- Delivering middle-priced electricity 24/7, as opposed to cheap electricity in the dead of night. It's not the production cost that's in play here, it's the size and dispatch-ability of the machine. 

Matthew L. Wald
202-997-5854

fax: 202-318-0057

Skype: matthewwald

A Tsunami of Climate Refugees is Drowning Europe

http://www.dailyimpact.net/2015/08/12/a-tsunami-of-climate-refugees-is-drowning-europe/

Analysis: Boeing jobs threat over Ex-Im Bank stalemate isn’t all bluster

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/analysis-boeing-jobs-threat-over-ex-im-bank-stalemate-isnt-all-bluster/

NEI: Status Report State Legislation and Regulations Supporting Nuclear Energy

http://www.nei.org/CorporateSite/media/filefolder/Policy/Papers/statelegislationregulation.pdf?ext=.pdf

UBS: Exelon nuke retirement announcements could come soon

UBS: Exelon nuke retirement announcements could come soon
https://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-33523916-13100

Rural Wisconsin Community Laments Nuclear Power Plant’s Closure

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/12/us/rural-wisconsin-community-laments-nuclear-power-plants-closure.html?WT.mc_id=SmartBriefs-Newsletter&WT.mc_ev=click&_r=0

Finnish sub-contractor selected to prepare Hanhikivi site

Finnish sub-contractor selected to prepare Hanhikivi site
Russia's Titan-2 has selected the first Finnish sub-contractor for construction work at the Hanhikivi 1 nuclear power plant project in Finland.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/C-Finnish-sub-contractor-selected-to-prepare-Hanhikivi-site-13081501.html

German waste disposal plan approved

German waste disposal plan approved
Following a strategic environmental assessment and public consultation, the German cabinet yesterday adopted a draft national radioactive waste disposal program proposed by the country's environment ministry.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-German-waste-disposal-plan-approved-1308154.html

Tepco readies to install unit 3 cover

Tepco readies to install unit 3 cover
The installation of a protective cover over unit 3 of the damaged Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan can start as soon as the removal of rubble from the reactor building is completed, Tokyo Electric Power Company said.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-Tepco-readies-to-install-unit-3-cover-1308155.html

Global Nexus Initiative to innovate on policy

Global Nexus Initiative to innovate on policy
A two-year initiative announced by the Nuclear Energy Institute and the Partnership for Global Security aims to encourage international policy experts to work together to find ways to address climate change, nuclear energy and global security challenges.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-Global-Nexus-Initiative-to-innovate-on-policy-1308157.html

Fukushima Update 8/13/15

Fukushima Update 8/13/15 –

Sendai unit #1 restarts without a hitch… Sendai start-up protestors gain wide news coverage… More objective Sendai coverage is in the minority… Naraha Town will be open for repopulation on September 5th… More information on the impending release of treated groundwater to the sea… Fukushima InFORM outlines their program for monitoring movement of nuclides across the Pacific… The Industry Ministry will lower subsidies to the local governments of idled nukes.

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

Shell may get federal permits for Alaska

Shell may get federal permits for Alaska
Washington (UPI) Aug 12, 2015 - Shell may soon get the permits necessary to start drilling into potential oil basins in an exploration well off the coast of Alaska, a federal regulator said. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement granted permission to Shell in July to drill two wells in the arctic waters off the Alaskan coast. BSEE said the permits excluded drilling into oil-bearing zones because Shell lac ... morehttp://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/Shell_may_get_federal_permits_for_Alaska_999.html

France secures LNG from United States

France secures LNG from United States
Houston (UPI) Aug 12, 2015 - French energy company EDF secured a deal for liquefied natural gas drawn from reserves in the United States, Cheniere Energy announced. Cheniere and EDF signed a sales agreement for up to 26 cargoes of LNG from its Sabine Pass export terminal through 2019. "Volumes will be sourced from Cheniere Marketing's LNG supply portfolio, which includes rights under a sale and purchase agre ... morehttp://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/France_secures_LNG_from_United_States_999.html

Study finds price of wind energy in US at an all-time low

Study finds price of wind energy in US at an all-time low
Berkeley CA (SPX) Aug 12, 2015 - Wind energy pricing is at an all-time low, according to a new report released by the U.S. Department of Energy and prepared by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). The prices offered by wind projects to utility purchasers averaged under 2.5 cents /kWh for projects negotiating contracts in 2014, spurring demand for wind energy. "Wind energy prices--particularly in the centr ... morehttp://www.winddaily.com/reports/Study_finds_price_of_wind_energy_in_US_at_an_all_time_low_averaging_under_2_5_cents__kWh_999.html

A small, modular, efficient fusion plant

A small, modular, efficient fusion plant
Boston MA (SPX) Aug 12, 2015 - It's an old joke that many fusion scientists have grown tired of hearing: Practical nuclear fusion power plants are just 30 years away - and always will be. But now, finally, the joke may no longer be true: Advances in magnet technology have enabled researchers at MIT to propose a new design for a practical compact tokamak fusion reactor - and it's one that might be realized in as little a ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/A_small_modular_efficient_fusion_plant_999.html

Climate: butterflies on the brink, say study

Climate: butterflies on the brink, say study
Paris (AFP) Aug 10, 2015 - Only aggressive efforts to rein in global warming coupled with a rethinking of the British countryside will save many native species of butterfly, according to a study published Monday. "Widespread, drought-sensitive butterfly population extinction could occur as early as 2050," scientists reported in the journal Nature Climate Change. Under a business-as-usual scenario of continued gree ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Climate_butterflies_on_the_brink_say_study_999.html

US NRC Update: Throwback Thursday – RTR Gets a Presidential Viewing

Throwback Thursday – RTR Gets a Presidential Viewing

2 Comments Posted by Moderator on August 13, 2015

President Dwight Eisenhower tours the Oakridge National Lab’s “swimming pool” research reactor, flown from the U.S. to Geneva for the United Nations International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy. This concept soon became a model for numerous research reactors around the world. Now check your history books. What year was this?

http://public-blog.nrc-gateway.gov/2015/08/13/throwback-thursday-rtr-gets-a-presidential-viewing/

In Washington and Tehran, Debate and Distrust Over Nuclear Deal

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2015/08/11/in-washington-and-tehran-similar-debates-over-proposed-nuclear-deal/?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonv6vJeu%2FhmjTEU5z17e4t

Iran Deal Has Fallen Victim To Washington Politics, Expert Says

Gary Samore (file photo)

By RFE/RL | http://www.rferl.org/content/iran-deal-fallen-victim-washington-politics-samore-says/27186353.html

August 13, 2015

The Iran nuclear deal has fallen victim to a long-running political war between the White House and Republican-led Congress, a former top White House aide and nuclear expert says. http://www.rferl.org/content/iran-deal-fallen-victim-washington-politics-samore-says/27186353.html
Uaag38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YIHRMBmI%2BSLDwEYGJlv6SgFSLHMMa12z7gLXxI%3D

Double-Dip Oil Rout Why an Oil Glut May Lead to a New World of Energy

Double-Dip Oil Rout
Why an Oil Glut May Lead to a New World of Energy
By Michael T. Klare
The plunge of global oil prices began in June 2014, when benchmark Brent crude was selling at $114 per barrel. It hit bottom at $46 this January, a near-collapse widely viewed as a major but temporary calamity for the energy industry. Such low prices were expected to force many high-cost operators, especially American shale oil producers, out of the market, while stoking fresh demand and so pushing those numbers back up again. When Brent rose to $66 per barrel this May, many oil industry executives breathed a sigh of relief. The worst was over. The price had “reached a bottom” and it “doesn’t look like it is going back,” a senior Saudi official observed at the time.
Skip ahead three months and that springtime of optimism has evaporated. Major producers continue to pump out record levels of crude and world demand remains essentially flat. The result: a global oil glut that is again driving prices toward the energy subbasement. In the first week of August, Brent fell to $49, and West Texas Intermediate, the benchmark for U.S. crude, sank to $45. On top of last winter’s rout, this second round of price declines has played havoc with the profits of the major oil companies, put tens of thousands of people out of work, and obliterated billions of dollars of investments in future projects. While most oil-company executives continue to insist that a turnaround is sure to occur in the near future, some analysts are beginning to wonder if what’s underway doesn’t actually signal a fundamental transformation of the industry.
Click here to read more of this dispatch.
http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/176035/tomgram%3A_michael_klare%2C_big_oil_in_retreat/#more

Taking the pulse of nuclear energy

Nuclear power is one of the world’s top energy sources and one of the most contentious. What lies behind the controversy?

http://www.dw.com/en/taking-the-pulse-of-nuclear-energy/a-18641860

No nukes = no jobs: Brattleboro housing market dives as Vermont Yankee exits region Vermont Watchdog Report

No nukes = no jobs: Brattleboro housing market dives as Vermont Yankee exits region

Vermont Watchdog Report

http://www.addison-eagle.com/news/2015/aug/11/no-nukes-no-jobs-brattleboro-housing-market-dives-/

US new-build moves forward

http://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsus-newbuild-moves-forward-4646165

New Paladin CEO eyes cost cuts

http://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2015/8/13/resources-and-energy/new-paladin-ceo-eyes-cost-cuts

NUCLEAR WEAPON DECLASSIFICATION DECISIONS, 2011-2015

NUCLEAR WEAPON DECLASSIFICATION DECISIONS, 2011-2015

The Department of Energy issued twenty "declassification determinations" between April 2011 and March 2015 to remove certain specified categories of nuclear weapons-related information from classification controls.

"The fact that a mass of 52.5 kg of U-235 is sufficient for a gun-assembled weapon" was formally declassified in a written decision dated August 19, 2014.

The "total inventory of thorium at DOE sites for any given time period" was removed from the Restricted Data category on March 20, 2013.

The "existence of unlimited life neutron generators" was declassified on October 24, 2013.

As a result of such determinations, the specified information need no longer be redacted from documents undergoing declassification review, and it can also be incorporated freely in new unclassified documents.

So, for example, the fact that "The total United States Government inventory of plutonium on September 30, 2009 was 95.4 metric tons" was declassified on December 20, 2011.

This decision enabled the release of The United States Plutonium Balance, 1944-2009, a report published in June 2012. ("The aim of this publication is to provide, in a transparent manner, comprehensive and up-to-date data to regulators, public interest organizations, and the general public. Knowledge of the current U.S. plutonium balance and the locations of these materials is needed to understand the Department's plutonium storage, safety, and security strategies.")

The Department of Energy's declassification determinations from 2011-2015 were released by DOE this week under the Freedom of Information Act. They are posted here in reverse chronological order, along with previous DOE declassification decisions.

The DOE declassification actions were performed in compliance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, in which Congress mandated a "continuous review of Restricted Data... in order to determine which information may be declassified and removed from the category of Restricted Data without undue risk to the common defense and security."
http://fas.org/blogs/secrecy/ 

Seventeen States Sue EPA for Mandating SIP Startup, Shutdown, Malfunction Changes

Seventeen States Sue EPA for Mandating SIP Startup, Shutdown, Malfunction Changes
The attorneys general of 17 states are suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for invalidating agency-approved state implementation plans (SIPs) governing emissions from power plant startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) operations.  Read Morehttp://www.powermag.com/seventeen-states-sue-epa-for-mandating-sip-startup-shutdown-malfunction-changes/?hq_e=el&hq_m=3131331&hq_l=7&hq_v=30108e0773

Sendai-1 Reactor Restart Marks Japan’s Nuclear Rebirth

Sendai-1 Reactor Restart Marks Japan’s Nuclear Rebirth
Nearly two years after Japan's last nuclear power plant was shut down for safety checks, Kyushu Electric Power Co. has started up the 890-MW Sendai-1. The event marks a significant milestone for the country's nuclear sector, which was crippled by… Read More http://www.powermag.com/sendai-1-reactor-restart-marks-japans-nuclear-rebirth/?hq_e=el&hq_m=3131331&hq_l=9&hq_v=30108e0773

Seventeen States Sue EPA for Mandating SIP Startup, Shutdown, Malfunction Changes

Seventeen States Sue EPA for Mandating SIP Startup, Shutdown, Malfunction Changes
The attorneys general of 17 states are suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for invalidating agency-approved state implementation plans (SIPs) governing emissions from power plant startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) operations.  Read Morehttp://www.powermag.com/seventeen-states-sue-epa-for-mandating-sip-startup-shutdown-malfunction-changes/?hq_e=el&hq_m=3131331&hq_l=7&hq_v=30108e0773

PennEnergy's Top Power News 8/11

Tigo installs one of the world's largest residential renewable energy microgrids

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/08/tigo-to-form-one-of-the-world-s-largest-residential-renewable-energy-microgrid-installations.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerAugust132015&eid=288118515&bid=1149963

Duke Energy joins the MESA Standards Alliance

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/08/power-company-news-duke-energy-joins-the-mesa-standards-alliance.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerAugust132015&eid=288118515&bid=1149963

Templeman Co. springs into solar power with Standard Solar

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/08/templeman-co-springs-into-solar-power-with-standard-solar.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerAugust132015&eid=288118515&bid=1149963

Leader in smart grid operations and energy management offers damage assessment webinar

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/08/leader-in-smart-grid-operations-and-energy-management-offers-damage-assessment-webinar.html

Energy News Roundup: Canada’s Secret Tar Advocacy, CPS Energy CEO Resigns & Chile Mines Turn To Renewables

Energy News Roundup: Canada’s Secret Tar Advocacy, CPS Energy CEO Resigns & Chile Mines Turn To Renewables By Conor O'Sullivan, Wednesday, August 12, 2015 12:00 PM The Canadian government has spent several million dollars on a tar sands advocacy fund in its failed push to export oil, new documents have revealed. [The Guardian] CPS Energy CEO Doyle Beneby, who has pushed the San Antonio owned utility toward using cleaner energy sources, has announced his resignation. [San Antonio Express News] Chile mines… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/08/12/energy-news-roundup-canadas-secret-tar-advocacy-cps-energy-ceo-resigns-chile-mines-turn-to-renewables/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=21279565&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_jQmu6E_tpiCE0O3sYc7MegMyrvZSNJM4PTMsFO0owAgtMGM8F4quRH9P7vgqDKNA9nf5KxiXV2bIdVHspHA3X3KK9qg&_hsmi=21279565

New York’s Transmission Challenges

New York’s Transmission Challenges

By Dr. Matthew Cordaro, Wednesday, August 12, 2015 10:00 AM

New York’s aging power grid is a threat to the state’s economy. If we want to assure that families, small businesses, and job creators can afford to stay in New York, then it’s essential that we have affordable and reliable electricity. As such, we need to make major investments in new transmission lines as well… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/08/12/new-yorks-transmission-challenges/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=21279565&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_cg2CmEKTw8B2NPAM5CFy-Vb8eVTEKYsz7vrk0a8pXTDIkQehN-V1QX7NuvziuSiI4kVUe_79LcADX_LUHqkcM3RxIcQ&_hsmi=21279565

Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Wind Power

Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Wind Power

By Liz Hartman | U.S. Department of Energy, Wednesday, August 12, 2015 5:00 PM

This article is part of the Energy.gov series highlighting the “Top Things You Didn’t Know About…” series. Be sure to check back for more entries soon. 10. Human civilizations have harnessed wind power for thousands of years. Early forms of windmills used wind to crush grain or pump water. Now, modern wind turbines use the wind to… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/08/12/top-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-wind-power-2/

Massachusetts Builds a Clean Energy Cluster

Massachusetts Builds a Clean Energy Cluster
Warren Leon
Aug 12, 2015 | Post Your Comment
	It is not surprising that Massachusetts has a large collection of clean energy companies. After all, the state is home to major research universities with focuses on energy, it has an active venture capital community, and many early cutting-edge energy technologies were Full Article http://blog.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/blogs/2015/08/massachusetts_builds.html?cmpid=renewablestorage08132015

Global Renewable Energy Roundup: China, Kenya, Turkey, India Seeking More Renewables

Global Renewable Energy Roundup: China, Kenya, Turkey, India Seeking More Renewables
Bloomberg News Editors
August 12, 2015 | Post Your Comment
	China is being encouraged by three industry groups to double the nation’s solar-power goal for 2020 to make up for shortfalls from nuclear and hydropower projects Full Article http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/08/global-renewable-energy-roundup-china-kenya-turkey-india-seeking-more-renewables.html?cmpid=renewablestorage08132015&eid=288118515&bid=1149637

World's First Integrated Geothermal and Biomass Plant Goes Online
Vince Font
August 3, 2015 | Post Your Comment
	Enel Green Power has announced the completion of a 5 megawatt (MW) biomass power plant in Italy's Tuscany region that integrates biomass with geothermal steam generation. Full Article http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/08/world-s-first-integrated-geothermal-and-biomass-plant-goes-online.html?cmpid=renewablegeothermal08132015&eid=288118515&bid=1149973