Saturday, September 12, 2015

This Nuclear Engineer May Have Figured out How to Make Us Love Nukes Again

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/can-founder-get-world-comfortable-nuclear-energy-caroline-fairchild

Former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus Blasts DOE for 'Culture of Secrecy' Surrounding Nuclear Waste Shipments

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/former-idaho-gov-cecil-andrus-blasts-doe-for-culture-of-secrecy-surrounding-nuclear-waste-shipments/Content?oid=3587645

Why doesn’t “The Science Guy” like nuclear power – yet?

http://atomicinsights.com/why-doesnt-the-science-guy-like-nuclear-power-yet/

MIT Researchers’ (Relatively) Cheap Fusion Designing a smaller, cheaper fusion reactor.

MIT Researchers’ (Relatively) Cheap Fusion

Designing a smaller, cheaper fusion reactor.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-10/mit-researchers-smaller-cheaper-fusion-reactor

Despite Billion-Dollar Budget, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Cancels Project Studying Cancer near Nuclear Facilities

http://www.allgov.com/news/controversies/despite-billion-dollar-budget-nuclear-regulatory-commission-cancels-project-studying-cancer-near-nuclear-facilities-150912?news=857406

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. Will the new U.S. Clean Power Plan give them a boost?

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

Nuclear Capacity Set to Grow by 45 Percent by 2035

http://www.climatecentral.org/news/nuclear-capacity-set-to-grow-by-45-percent-by-2035-19437

PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION: Entergy officials acknowledge issues

http://plymouth.wickedlocal.com/article/20150912/NEWS/150918598

China to leverage investor role in Hinkley C nuclear project

http://nuclearstreet.com/pro_nuclear_power_blogs/b/neutron-bytes/archive/2015/09/12/china-to-leverage-investor-role-in-hinkley-c-nuclear-project.aspx

Russian Sub carrying 20 Nukes heads to Syria

Russian Sub carrying 20 Nukes heads to Syria
http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/28068/53/

Iran urged to sign nuclear test ban treaty

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/09/12/Iran-urged-to-sign-nuclear-test-ban-treaty.html

Funding in for Fennovoima nuclear plant, Russian contractor begins construction

News 11.9.2015 17:43

Funding in for Fennovoima nuclear plant, Russian contractor begins construction

Finnish power consortium Fennovoima says it has already received nearly one billion euros in financing for its Pyhäjoki nuclear power plant. At the same time main Russian building contractor Titan-2 has begun preparatory building work - although an official construction permit for the nuclear plant isn’t likely until 2018.

http://yle.fi/uutiset/funding_in_for_fennovoima_nuclear_plant_russian_contractor_begins_construction/8300053

Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Enforcement Rests Heavily on Ratification by US, Iran

Treaty Organization's Head Urges Nations to End Stalemate, Ratify Pact

http://news.antiwar.com/2015/09/11/nuclear-test-ban-treaty-enforcement-rests-heavily-on-us-iran-ratification/

Chinese nuclear plant may be built in UK sooner than planned

http://www.ecns.cn/business/2015/09-12/180903.shtml

Shanghai leads the way in China state owned enterprise reform

Read more: http://www.cctv-america.com/2015/09/11/chinas-trains-and-nuclear-power-companies-to-combine#ixzz3lZ5CTx3k
Watch us live anywhere at http://www.cctvamericalive.com
Follow us: @cctv_america on Twitter | CCTVAmerica on Facebook

http://www.cctv-america.com/2015/09/11/chinas-trains-and-nuclear-power-companies-to-combine

Kenya signs China nuclear power deal

Kenya signs China nuclear power deal
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000176020/kenya-signs-china-nuclear-power-deal

Kenya signs China nuclear power deal

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000176020/kenya-signs-china-nuclear-power-deal

Iran's foreign minister is visiting China to discuss the nuclear deal

Business Insider

Iran's foreign minister is visiting China to discuss the nuclear deal

Business Insider

BEIJING (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will visit Beijing next week to discuss Iran's nuclear agreement and efforts to ...http://www.businessinsider.com/r-irans-foreign-minister-to-visit-china-to-discuss-nuclear-deal-2015-9

Vermont Town Protests Providing Renewable Energy Credits for Massachusetts and Connecticut

Yes Vermont Yankee

Bruce Parker Guest Post: Vermont Town Protests Providing Renewable Energy Credits for Massachusetts and Connecticut http://yesvy.blogspot.com/2015/09/vermont-town-protests-renewable-energy.html#.VfQqCOlmTR8

Russia builds most powerful nuclear reactor in the world -

Russia builds most powerful nuclear reactor in the world - See more at: http://english.pravda.ru/news/science/11-09-2015/131924-reactor-0/#sthash.1a3laayN.dpuf

http://english.pravda.ru/news/science/11-09-2015/131924-reactor-0/

Russia charts progress with new MOX fuel development

The director general of Russia's Mining and Chemical Combine (MCC) said yesterday that the enterprise's mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication facility will increase its annual production of fuel assemblies from 20 this year to 400 in 2017.

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/UF-Russia-charts-progress-with-new-MOX-fuel-development-11091501.html

Russia Starts Building World’s Largest MBIR Fast Neutron Nuclear Reactor

http://sputniknews.com/science/20150911/1026864956.html

US Nuclear Corp. Receives $118,000 in Orders to Build First Phase of Advanced Online Radiation In-Water Monitors for a South Korean Environmental Protection Agency

US Nuclear Corp. Receives $118,000 in Orders to Build First Phase of Advanced Online Radiation In-Water Monitors for a South Korean Environmental Protection Agency
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/1216939.htm

U.S. unlikely to allow S. Korea to use pyroprocessing: ex-Obama adviser

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2015/09/11/0301000000AEN20150911000300315.html

Utility Nepotism: FirstEnergy Shops For Rates From Sister Company, Leaves Customers With The Bill

By Environmental Defense Fund Energy Exchange Blog, Friday, September 11, 2015 10:00 AM

Gulf Coast Still Reeling From Aftermath Of Hurricane Katrina

In a long-awaited hearing which began last week, Ohio’s largest utility is seeking approval for a rate hike of $3 billion. FirstEnegy is asking the Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) to force customers to pay for its old, dirty, uneconomic coal plants and a nearly-expired nuclear plant. Although there are many reasons to oppose the bailout… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/09/11/utility-nepotism-firstenergy-shops-for-rates-from-sister-company-leaves-customers-with-the-bill/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=21985979&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--p07xrEnemWpjVBKjeyr_47oM0vZ0rria2SQ61dSTqVUGyzsxO3tpWF4xidFy7sa5AolIUfxLKu0x7URnE0poJQO-PBw&_hsmi=21985979

And Yet Another RFS Warning

By Energy Tomorrow Blog, Friday, September 11, 2015 2:00 PM

U.S. Government Releases Over $5 Billion In Aid For Home Heating Bills

NERA Economic Consulting has a new study warning of potentially dire economic impacts from continued implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), as written into law by Congress. NERA set up its study that way for good reasons: Despite abundant evidence that RFS mandates for ever-increasing ethanol use in the nation’s fuel supply are detached… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/09/11/and-yet-another-rfs-warning/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=21985979&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_vkwi6t95Yb3DFsm73VUMJZxb7a-pvctTEjKS2lb74EH1-dSZy_-uioPHecqTHa_VXKpu_a1W0ziDdtRDdalRy0I66Xg&_hsmi=21985979

Energy Department Releases Second Quadrennial Technology Review

By U.S. Department of Energy, Friday, September 11, 2015 5:00 PM

Research Opportunities Highlighted in Report Lay Out Options for America’s Clean Energy Future WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Energy Department released its second Quadrennial Technology Review (QTR), which examines the current status of clean energy technologies and identifies hundreds of clean energy research opportunities that could support the effort to modernize the power sector as… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/09/11/energy-department-releases-second-quadrennial-technology-review/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=21985979&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9U9RO4YDv6QW8M5hba641vuk0s9SMBFayz91pvZCgaszT_wlei6kjMs7in2xJ86yFmJnlrPQiy_LHU4R1ioazOrL9moA&_hsmi=21985979

Friday, September 11, 2015

China, Russia Are Challenging Our Navy: Is Our Submarine Program Prepared?

Our nuclear subs prevent nuclear war. Now they must handle additional challenges as well, which demands renewed attention from Congress.

http://pjmedia.com/blog/china-russia-are-challenging-our-navy-is-our-submarine-program-prepared/

China-built nuclear power plant benefits Pakistan

http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/china-built-nuclear-power-plant-benefits-pakistan/

Research and Markets: China Nuclear Reactor Coolant Pumps 2015 Report

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150911005575/en/Research-Markets-China-Nuclear-Reactor-Coolant-Pumps#.VfM2AM6KI-8

Lawmakers Ask NRC to Request Yucca Mountain Funding

http://www.bna.com/lawmakers-ask-nrc-n17179935743/

Entergy might close FitzPatrick nuclear plant in CNY

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/entergy_might_close_fitzpatrick_nuclear_plant_in_cny.html

US Nuclear O&M in Numbers

Did you see the O&M report I sent over last week?
It will only be available to download until tomorrow–make sure you get your O&M Report right here
Let me know if you have any questions,
John Increasing NPP’s viability through O&M efficiency

US Nuclear O&M in Numbers
http://1.nuclearenergyinsider.com/LP=6028?utm_campaign=4305%2010SEP15%20Fake%20FWD%20TA.htm&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=d10d29cdddfa4b75a3100c0f7299f052&elqCampaignId=3520&elqaid=8592&elqat=1&elqTrackId=cbc6da0cc4d4462993ec14df375483c9

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Mixed messages hinder growth in nuclear energy

Mixed messages hinder growth in nuclear energy
Future electricity systems cannot be based entirely on renewable energy sources, delegates at the World Nuclear Association's annual Symposium in London heard today. However, they were told a new energy narrative is needed to overcome the mixed messages from the nuclear industry that has stymied public support.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-Mixed-messages-hinder-growth-in-nuclear-energy-1009154.html

World Nuclear Association urges industry growth to 25%

World Nuclear Association urges industry growth to 25%
The global nuclear industry should aim to achieve a 25% share of world electricity production by 2050, Agneta Rising, director general of the World Nuclear Association said today. To do that it will need to add 1000 gigawatts of new generation capacity.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WNN-World-Nuclear-Association-urges-industry-growth-to-25-10091501.html

Nuclear fuel industry ready to meet growth in capacity

Nuclear fuel industry ready to meet growth in capacity
The world nuclear industry is ready to meet the uranium and fuel service requirements of a growing nuclear generation share over the coming decades, according to the latest edition of the World Nuclear Association's newly published Nuclear Fuel Report.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/UF-Nuclear-fuel-industry-ready-to-meet-growth-in-capacity-10091501.html

RENEWED INTEREST IN NUCLEAR POWER

http://www.nuclearfriendsfoundation.com/renewed-interest-in-nuclear-power/

September Ecomodernist Events in London






		The work of a number of scientists who offer strong evidence that humankind’s negative impact on the environment can peak and decline this century is gaining traction in conservation and development debates. You won’t hear about "peak environmental impact" from conventional green organizations, but you can at a number events from September 23-25 in the greater London area. Breakthrough cofounders Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus and Director of Conservation Linus Blomqvist will make the case for ecomodernism — a new environmentalism committed not only to returning more of Earth to nature, and saving the climate, but also lifting all humans out of poverty. We invite you to attend, engage, and help us build a more positive vision of our environmental future. Use the registration links below to RSVP, and if you have any questions, feel free to email info@thebreakthrough.org. Linus Blomqvist presents "Decoupling for Conservation: Sparing Nature with Technology" Wednesday, September 23 UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources (London) Global conservation efforts have focused on protected areas and in recent decades on payments for ecosystem services. While important at the local level, these approaches have proven unable to halt the loss of wildlife and natural habitats on a large scale. Following the release of a new report Nature Unbound, Linus Blomqvist will argue that what spares nature is technological change, along with urbanization and modernization. This event is free and open to the public. Register to attend here. Georgina Mace, Michael Shellenberger, and Byrony Worthington discuss "Is It Time for Ecomodernism?" Thursday, September 24 Free Word Centre (London) Sense about Science, Energy for Humanity, and Breakthrough Institute are cosponsoring an evening event – Is It Time for Ecomodernism? – at the Free Word Centre in London. US ecomodernist and president of Breakthrough Institute, Michael Shellenberger will kick off the program by arguing that ecomodernism — and only ecomodernism — can make the planet habitable for future generations. He will be joined for a discussion by University College London professor of biodiversity and ecosystems Georgina Mace and Shadow Minister for the Department of Energy and Climate Change Baroness Byrony Worthington. The goal is to fill the room with leading thinkers and doers and have a conversation that will help launch the ecomodernist movement. This event is free and open to the public. Register to attend here. Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus present at UK 2020: Ecomoderism Thursday, September 24 UK 2020 Westminster (London) UK 2020 is hosting Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus of the Breakthrough Institute for an event that will consider the future of environmentalism, and how policy at a UN, EU, and state level needs to be guided by science and not ideology. Joining the panel are Mark Lynas of the Alliance for Science at Cornell University, journalist Matt Ridley, and Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP, former UK Environment Secretary. This event is invitation-only. To find out more please contact info@uk2020.org.uk. Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus present at Global Conference on Stranded Assets and the Environment Friday, September 25 Oxford University's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment While stranded assets are a regular feature of economic systems and are a phenomenon inherent in the ‘creative destruction’ of economic growth, the causes of asset stranding appear to be changing. Environment-related factors are increasingly stranding assets across a wide range of sectors and geographies and this trend is accelerating. The factors range from physical climate change, to new environmental regulations (including climate policy), developments in clean energy technology, resource constraints, evolving social norms, and litigation. Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus will present a keynote speech on decoupling as a strategy for stranded assets based upon the new report Nature Unbound. The conference is currently booked, but there is a waiting list. Register here.

Other nations pursue nuclear energy more aggressively than U.S.

http://www.elp.com/articles/2015/07/u-s-could-slip-from-top-tier-of-nuclear-energy-leaders.html

NEI Encouraged by ‘Reprieve’ for Nuclear Power Plants in Illinois

http://www.nei.org/News-Media/Media-Room/News-Releases/NEI-Encouraged-by-Reprieve-for-Nuclear-Power-Plant

Nuclear Energy Side Events at the 59th IAEA General Conference

The IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy (NE) will host seven side events during the upcoming General Conference (14–18 September 2015), along with an exhibition on sustainable nuclear power. The exhibit on M01 level of the M Building will also feature a computer simulation of a nuclear power reactor that any participant can try!
All NE side events are open to all registered participants of the General Conference, including representatives of the media and NGOs. The list of side events is as follows:
5th Nuclear Operator Organization Cooperation Forum Nuclear Power Generation in the Next Decade: Challenges and Solutions for 2015–2025
Wednesday, 16 September | 09:30–11:00 | Room C4, C Building, 7th floor
The Forum intends to enhance cooperation among nuclear owner/operating organizations in strengthening the safety and effectiveness of nuclear electricity generation. This year’s event will focus on the top ten areas for ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient operation of nuclear power plants over the next decade. Read more...
Developing Solutions for Deep Geological Disposal of High Level Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel
Wednesday, 16 September| 10:00-11:30 | Room M4, M Building, ground floor
Safe radioactive waste management solutions are in operation around the world, with the exception of deep geological disposal for high level waste or spent nuclear fuel. A solid technical and scientific foundation has, however, been developed for the latter, for all major types of host rock formations. This event will provide a brief overview of worldwide efforts towards successful implementation. Read more...
Small Modular Reactors: Option for a Safe Nuclear Power Technology for Near-term Deployments
Wednesday, 16 September | 11:30-13:00 | Room C4, C Building, 7th floor
The event will highlight design, safety, regulation, and operation aspects of current Small Modular Reactor designs to promote competitive, safe and sustainable nuclear power technology for near-term deployments. Read more...
Global Status of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Inventories and Management Strategies: The Status and Trends Project
Wednesday, 16 September | 12:00-13:30 | Room M6, M Building, ground floor
The IAEA, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the European Commission are collaborating on a two-year project to produce a report on current global inventories of spent fuel and radioactive waste and on strategies for the management of these materials. This event will provide an opportunity for Member States to familiarize themselves with the progress of the project.
FoRUM: Friends of Responsible Uranium Mining Meeting the Challenges of Competing Stakeholders’ Expectations
Wednesday, 16 September | 13:30-15:00 | Room M4, M Building, ground floor
This event will explore how the challenges of different and sometimes conflicting expectations of different stakeholders in uranium mining can be met both in established markets and in newcomer countries.
Borehole Disposal: A Safe and Effective Endpoint for Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources
Wednesday, 16 September | 14:00-15:30 | Room M6, M Building, ground floor
The borehole disposal concept is a comprehensive engineered system that is a cost effective method for the safe, secure and permanent disposal of DSRS. This event will review recent developments and projects that are ongoing to demonstrate the feasibility of the borehole disposal concept and to establish and implement a borehole facility. Read more...
Africa’s Energy Needs and the Potential Role of Nuclear Power
Wednesday, 16 September | 15:30-17:00 | Room C4, C Building, 7th floor
The side event will present recent updates from Africa on the potential role of nuclear power, including the IAEA Third Regional Conference on Energy and Nuclear Power in Africa, held in Mombasa, Kenya, in April 2015, and an initiative to launch a new African network for enhancing nuclear power programme development. The event will also report on recent developments in several African Member States considering, embarking on, or expanding national nuclear power programmes. Read more...
European Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering (EMSNE) Award Ceremony
Thursday, 17 September | 14:00-15:30 | M02 Foyer, M Building, 2nd floor
For the fourth time, the IAEA is hosting the European Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering (EMSNE) Award Ceremony of the European Nuclear Education Network Association (ENEN). Twenty-six laureates will receive the EMSNE Certificates this year. With this event, cooperation in nuclear education, training and research is further enhanced between the IAEA and ENEN. Read more...

World nuclear capacity set to grow by 45 percent by 2035

http://news.yahoo.com/world-nuclear-capacity-set-grow-45-percent-2035-100437497--finance.html

World Nuclear Association urges industry growth to 25%

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WNN-World-Nuclear-Association-urges-industry-growth-to-25-10091501.html

Exelon defers decisions on its Quad Cities and Byron Nuclear Plants for 1 year

http://www.exeloncorp.com/Newsroom/pr_20151010_EXC_PJMAuction.aspx

Iran’s ‘Frozen’ Assets: Exaggeration On Both Sides Of The Debate

By Patrick Clawson, Wednesday, September 9, 2015 10:00 AM

OPEC Ministers Attend Conference In Iran

Before the nuclear deal was signed, the freezing of Iranian assets was incomplete, so the loosening of restrictions on these assets will have less impact than implied by past and current arguments. The Obama administration has long overstated the extent to which economic sanctions froze Iranian assets and the impact these actions had on the… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/09/09/irans-frozen-assets-exaggeration-on-both-sides-of-the-debate/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=21930016&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_rUd6wHiiDvzB49YHqbBJ9LQFh2H6wEDZzLmh8Tb9qjiMAN3Yp-PWCHYX_c_uRMajEGuhIZJcmLoNQE0Y4rIeIwKIRjg&_hsmi=21930016

Admiral Rickover on Advanced non-LWR licensing

•March 7, 1957 - Admiral Rickover, testimony to Joint Committee on Atomic Energy

(In response to Rep. Price's question about having a schedule for civilian atomic power plants)

RICKOVER: From my experience so far, I would say that all reactors are going to cost considerably more and take considerably more time to design and construct than was originally anticipated. I am, of course, talking from my own experience, but certainly we are pushing our programs hard and still running into many delays, so I would think other people are going to experience the same thing. As you know, the costs at Shippingport have gone up.

REP: HOLIFIELD: How much have they gone up?

RICKOVER: Congress originally authorized the Shippingport project for a total of $100 million. We estimated then it would cost $85 million. The latest cost estimate as of today is about $42 million for research and development and $55 million for construction of the nuclear portion of the plant. Of this $55 million, $5 million was given to the government by Duquesne Light Co. as part of the contract we made with them when they were selected. So the government cost is $50 million for construction plus $42 million for research and development, which makes a total of about $92 million. That will be the cost provided we can finish it in a reasonable time. If the time is stretched out, the cost will go up.

----- SIDE NOTE. Everyone read that paragraph again, and think about the relation to today, to Vogtle, to V.C. Summer, to Olkiluoto and Flamanville. Cost overruns are not only NOT new, they are so old that Rickover was calling the shot BEFORE the first full scale atomic power station was actually started up. Think about that for a moment. -----

(Discussion in chamber off the record, then)..

RICKOVER: The costs of all reactors are going up, sir. I would estimate from what I have seen you can expect probably at least a 50 percent increase in all of the large reactor projects. I am talking from my own experience. This is what my experience indicates.

(Representative Price, after this, spends a few minutes trying to get Rickover to commit to a predicted date for wide scale operation of large commercial nuclear reactors in the US. Rickover reminds Rep. Price that this is not his element, and Price asks just for his personal opinion-- which Rickover was not often shy on presenting. We pick up the discussion at this point as Rickover observes that "some people working on the program are not entirely realistic" and "do not have enough practical experience.")

Rep Price: When you say they are not considering all problems, what would you mean by that?

RICKOVER: For instance, some of these reactor designs, as I see them, do not take into account some of the things that might go wrong, so they do not put into the design enough features, in my opinion, which would take care of them.

Rep. Price: In other words, you do not feel the reactor is a proven thing until you know what it would do in the event of an accident.

RICKOVER: This is why we build prototypes and try them out.

---------

Several days later during further testimony on Shippingport which involved a number of Westinghouse people, the following interesting exchange occurred when it was asked of Westinghouse and Rickover, somewhat insistently, whether or not, or how soon, a 200,000 KW output nuclear power station could be built given that a 60,000 KW nuclear station was in the final stages of construction. This relates well to today's "paper" reactors, whether LWR or non-LWR. Keep in mind that Shippingport had included the very largest reactor vessel that could be manufactured, and in many ways was built at the absolute outer limit of the possible technology, when you read this.

Chairman Durham: Suppose somebody comes to Westinghouse now and says, "We want a reactor that will produce 200,000 kilowatts of power." At what point could you tell that person that his plant would operate?

Dr. Krasik (Westinghouse): If this were the first plant of a type?

Chairman Durham: You have built a plant here at 60,000 kilowatts. Then someone comes in and says to Westinghouse, "We want 200,000 kilowatts."

Dr. Krasik: Having done Shippingport and having operated the Shippingport plant we could probably now give a fairly good estimate back in here of what the feasibility would be of a 200,000 kilowatt plant.

RICKOVER: He said "feasibility" though. Be careful.

Chairman Durham: I am trying to get to the point where we can sell some of these.

Rep. Holifield: You would be selling "feasibility" then if you actually went into the market to sell it. You wouldn't be selling "actuality."

(Yes, this is the legendary Chet Holifield. And he was absolutely correct.)

There is a discussion on the price of power from atomic power plants, and Rickover loosely throws around some numbers and advises that while some estimates were made public early, he was adamantly against releasing any estimates at all. The following exchange then takes place:

RICKOVER: .... Of course, one gets engrossed in his own work and he pretty soon begins to think he is pretty good and no one else knows anything. In order for somebody to turn out a reactor which will produce at 14 to 20 mills, he is going to have to build one a lot better than we now have or know how to build.

Rep. Price: You know all of the reactors in this power demonstration program. Can you think of one right now which in your opinion could accomplish this?

RICKOVER: I wouldn't buy stock in any company which guarantees to produce power at that rate. If you have any extra money, I would advise you to invest it somewhere else.

Later, Rickover delivers a version of his oft-quoted "real vs. paper reactors" line when Price asks him whether or not the Shippingport plant is as efficient as some other unbuilt nuclear plant types were claimed to be...

RICKOVER: Any plant you haven't built yet is always more efficient than the one you have built. That is obvious. They are all efficient when you haven't done anything on them. They are in the talking stage. Then they are all efficient. They are all cheap. They are all easy to build, and none have any problems. That is quite correct. They do not have any problems at that stage.

---- There is a LOT more testimony in this volume, but the portions I've typed above for you all indicate that Rickover stayed on message at all times. He never told people that something was ready now if it wasn't. He never predicted costs below original estimates - always above. He ALWAYS said that "future designs" were pushed as better than present designs for any number of reasons. The lessons here are myriad, but telling the public the RIGHT MESSAGE and then STAYING ON THAT MESSAGE are two of the most significant lessons we can put to work regarding communication about nuclear energy.

Will Davis

Nuclear Matters' Summer Road Trip

It was a busy summer for Nuclear Matters! We've spent the last few months on the road to raise awareness about the important role existing nuclear energy plants play in our country's energy mix. As you know, nuclear plants are our most reliable source of energy – a particularly important benefit during the summer months of peak electricity demand.

So where did we go on our summer road trip? Check it out:

[ http://www.nuclearmatters.com/blog/events ]
* *Boston, MA:* Nuclear Matters hosted an event [ http://www.nuclearmatters.com/blog/events/nuclear-going-forward-in-new-england ] about the importance of nuclear to New England. We were excited to have John Kotek, Director of Nuclear Energy for the U.S. Energy Department, join us to speak [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUbUpGBrkzM ] about his office's support of nuclear energy.

* *Newport, RI:* We shared information on the benefits of nuclear plants with energy regulators from throughout the Northeast at a Nuclear Matters-sponsored reception.

* *Milwaukee, WI:* Leadership Council member and Former FERC Commissioner Vicky Bailey joined a panel to address utilities officials from Missouri, Michigan and Wisconsin.

* *Williamsburg, VA: *Our Co-Chair Evan Bayh and Leadership Council member Sean McGarvey, President of the North America's Building Trades Unions, spoke at a gathering of regulatory utility commissioners from across the mid-Atlantic.

* *Austin, TX: *Leadership Council member Carol Browner joined [ http://www.nuclearmatters.com/blog/events/nuclear-matters-at-uswin-2015 ] hundreds of nuclear advocates from across the country during U.S. Women In Nuclear's Annual Conference.

As we head into the fall, be sure to stay up to date with the campaign's latest activities on the blog [ http://www.nuclearmatters.com/blog ], and we hope you will join us at an event in your area soon.

- The Nuclear Matters Team

Would a rejection of the Iran nuclear deal by Congress be a vote for war?

Barack Obama, President of the United States

807 votes

The congressional vote on the Iran nuclear agreement is the most consequential foreign policy debate our country has had since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. So thank you fo... Read More »http://www.quora.com/Would-a-rejection-of-the-Iran-nuclear-deal-by-the-US-Congress-be-a-vote-for-war/answer/Barack-Obama?__pmsg__=+NUtZS0Z3NlBmMTFuVXppMmhkT1E6YS5hcHAudmlldy5wbXNnLkxvZ2dlZEluRnJvbUxpbms6W1sxNDg1MTQyMV0sIHt9XQ** Can Iran's leaders be trusted?

Barack Obama, President of the United States

291 votes

What U.S. policymakers have been clear about for decades -- both Democrats and Republicans alike -- is that there are few greater threats to our global security than a nucl... Read More »http://www.quora.com/Can-Irans-leaders-be-trusted/answer/Barack-Obama What is it about the Iran nuclear deal that keeps them from getting nuclear weapons?

Barack Obama, President of the United States

256 votes

The Iran deal is a historic diplomatic achievement and all 159 pages are worth digging into, which you can do here. But, let me lay out how this deal will work:

Under thi... http://www.quora.com/What-is-it-about-the-Iran-nuclear-deal-that-keeps-them-from-getting-nuclear-weapons/answer/Barack-Obama Read More »

gulftoday.ae | North Korea ‘may be piling plutonium’

U.S. unlikely to allow S. Korea to use pyroprocessing: ex-Obama adviser - The Korea Observer

Energy secretary is urged to end U.S. nuclear fuel program at Savannah River - The Washington Post

DOTmed.com - Westinghouse Signs Memorandum of Understanding with NorthStar to Produce Medical Radioisotopes

Westinghouse Expands Facilities near NRC | Business Wire

Iran, Russia to sign S-300 delivery contract soon

Khamenei: No talks with U.S. beyond nuke deal - Al Arabiya News

Russia Building Nuclear-Armed Drone Submarine

http://www.worthynews.com/21654-russia-building-nuclear-armed-drone-submarine

US facing threat from Russia’s new nuclear-armed unmanned submarine; Pentagon code names it ‘Kanyon’

http://www.ibtimes.com.au/us-facing-threat-russias-new-nuclear-armed-unmanned-submarine-pentagon-code-names-it-kanyon-1465871

Nuclear Power’s Future Is Still Bright, According to IAEA Report

Nuclear Power’s Future Is Still Bright, According to IAEA Report
A study released today by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggests that the world’s nuclear power generating capacity will continue growing through at least 2030. Read More http://www.powermag.com/nuclear-powers-future-is-still-bright-according-to-iaea-report/?hq_e=el&hq_m=3146965&hq_l=5&hq_v=30108e0773

GE Clears Final Hurdles for Acquisition of Alstom

GE Clears Final Hurdles for Acquisition of Alstom
European Union (EU) officials have approved General Electric's (GE's) $9.5 billion acquisition of Alstom's power business, but conditions to which the two companies agreed to cement the deal will drastically reshape the world’s heavy-duty gas turbine market. Read More http://www.powermag.com/ge-clears-final-hurdles-for-acquisition-of-alstom/?hq_e=el&hq_m=3146965&hq_l=3&hq_v=30108e0773

E. ON Faces Massive Loss After Scrapping German Nuclear Spinoff

Utility said it would post a hefty net loss this year after booking billions of euros in impairments

http://www.wsj.com/articles/e-on-drops-plan-to-spin-off-german-nuclear-plants-1441865094

5 Reasons Nuclear Energy Is Vital to EPA’s Clean Power Plan - Nuclear Energy Institute

DOE takes first steps toward a post-Yucca future

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060024406

Mich. nuclear plants contribute more than $500M to state's GDP, report finds

Mich. nuclear plants contribute more than $500M to state's GDP, report finds
https://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-33790097-11309

Fukushima Update 9/10/15

Fukushima Update 9/10/15 –

Sendai unit #1 is the first Japanese nuke to resume commercial operations… Tepco will begin the release of purified groundwater next week… Typhoon Etau caused another overflow of rainwater run-off into the sea… Nagadoro evacuees have been compensated for “…more money than anyone in Nagadoro has ever seen before”… A lax information submittal may doom Mihama #3.

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

France vows to close its oldest nuclear power plant by 2018

The French government says it will close the nation's oldest nuclear plant no later than 2018 as part of a plan to reduce dependency on nuclear power. … Continue Reading http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/09/france-vows-to-close-its-oldest-nuclear-power-plant-by-2018.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerSeptember102015&eid=288118515&bid=1172968

Workshop Presentation/Speaker List - Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors - September 1-2, 2015.

NRC just put out a link to this page which contains very many things of interest in this exciting field. Comes from their recent workshop.

http://pbadupws.nrc.gov/docs/ML1524/ML15245A637.html

Will Davis

American Nuclear Society

Global America Business Institute

Fuel Cycle Week

NS SAVANNAH Association

Package Contents

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Energy Storage Market Is About To Boom

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lyndseygilpin/2015/09/09/the-energy-storage-market-is-about-to-boom/

MIT: Dennis Whyte named head of Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering

Dennis Whyte named head of Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering

Whyte succeeds Richard Lester as NSE department head.

http://news.mit.edu/2015/dennis-whyte-named-head-department-nuclear-science-and-engineering-0909

Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Saturday, September 12, 2015

This Nuclear Engineer May Have Figured out How to Make Us Love Nukes Again

Former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus Blasts DOE for 'Culture of Secrecy' Surrounding Nuclear Waste Shipments

Why doesn’t “The Science Guy” like nuclear power – yet?

MIT Researchers’ (Relatively) Cheap Fusion

Feds may end nuclear project in southern Ohio

Despite Billion-Dollar Budget, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Cancels Project Studying Cancer near Nuclear Facilities

Could Next-Gen Reactors Spark Revival In Nuclear Power?

Nuclear Capacity Set to Grow by 45 Percent by 2035

PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION: Entergy officials acknowledge issues

China to leverage investor role in Hinkley C nuclear project

Iran urged to sign nuclear test ban treaty

Funding in for Fennovoima nuclear plant, Russian contractor begins construction

Treaty Organization's Head Urges Nations to End Stalemate, Ratify Pact

Chinese nuclear plant may be built in UK sooner than planned

Shanghai leads the way in China state owned enterprise reform

Russia charts progress with new MOX fuel development

Russia Starts Building World’s Largest MBIR Fast Neutron Nuclear Reactor

U.S. unlikely to allow S. Korea to use pyroprocessing: ex-Obama adviser

Friday, September 11, 2015

China, Russia Are Challenging Our Navy: Is Our Submarine Program Prepared?

China-built nuclear power plant benefits Pakistan

Research and Markets: China Nuclear Reactor Coolant Pumps 2015 Report

Lawmakers Ask NRC to Request Yucca Mountain Funding

Entergy might close FitzPatrick nuclear plant in CNY

Thursday, September 10, 2015

RENEWED INTEREST IN NUCLEAR POWER

Other nations pursue nuclear energy more aggressively than U.S.

NEI Encouraged by ‘Reprieve’ for Nuclear Power Plants in Illinois

Nuclear Energy Side Events at the 59th IAEA General Conference

World nuclear capacity set to grow by 45 percent by 2035

World Nuclear Association urges industry growth to 25%

US facing threat from Russia’s new nuclear-armed unmanned submarine; Pentagon code names it ‘Kanyon’

E. ON Faces Massive Loss After Scrapping German Nuclear Spinoff

Utility said it would post a hefty net loss this year after booking billions of euros in impairments

DOE takes first steps toward a post-Yucca future

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Energy Storage Market Is About To Boom