Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Fukushima reactor could have suffered total meltdown – report

Fukushima reactor could have suffered total meltdown – report



http://www.rt.com/news/316593-fukushima-reactor-meltdown-study/

How China hopes to solve nuclear waste issue with hybrid fusion-fission reactor at top secret facility

How China hopes to solve nuclear waste issue with hybrid fusion-fission reactor at top secret facility


http://www.scmp.com/tech/science-research/article/1840219/china-aims-get-hybrid-fission-fusion-nuclear-reactor-and

Why Diablo Canyon is Safe from Earthquake and Tsunami

Why Diablo Canyon is Safe from Earthquake and Tsunami


http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2015/09/why-diablo-canyon-is-safe-from.html

Fast Neutron Reactors

Fast Neutron Reactors


http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Current-and-Future-Generation/Fast-Neutron-Reactors/

Germany Faces Huge Cost Of Wind Farm Decommissioning

Germany Faces Huge Cost Of Wind Farm Decommissioning - See more at: http://www.thegwpf.com/germany-faced-huge-cost-of-wind-farm-decommissioning/#sthash.2jWW0Ujq.dpuf

http://www.thegwpf.com/germany-faced-huge-cost-of-wind-farm-decommissioning/

Coal Mine Starts Continue to Decline

Coal Mine Starts Continue to Decline


http://www.theenergycollective.com/todayinenergy/2274961/coal-mine-starts-continue-decline

US Nuclear Plants Set New Capacity Record for August

US Nuclear Plants Set New Capacity Record for August

  • Average capacity factor reaches 98.4 percent
  • 70 reactors ran at 99 percent capacity or better
  • Investments in training, upgrades and maintenance yield boost in reliability

http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/US-Nuclear-Plants-Set-New-Capacity-Record-for-Augu

Making money off Nuclear Apocalypse while obsessing about Non-Nuclear Iran

Making money off Nuclear Apocalypse while obsessing about Non-Nuclear Iran


http://www.juancole.com/2015/09/nuclear-apocalypse-obsessing.html

How the IAEA Will Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals

How the IAEA Will Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals

The IAEA will play an active part in helping the international community with the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are expected to be adopted at the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Summit in New York this weekend. Director General Yukiya Amano is representing the IAEA at the Summit.
“Looking at the 17 goals, I am struck by the very close overlap with the work of the IAEA,” Mr Amano has said. “The new goals cover poverty, hunger, human health, clean water, affordable and clean energy, industry and innovation, and climate change, to name just a few. These are all areas in which nuclear science and technology have much to offer.”
To shed light on the role of nuclear science and technology, and in turn, the IAEA, in some of the areas covered by the SDGs, here is a look at how the IAEA is providing support to countries in using nuclear and isotopic techniques. This work is expected to intensify in light of the SDGs, and will help to bring the world closer to achieving the relevant targets.
Hunger and malnutrition are often rooted in food insecurity and agricultural challenges, causing well-being to suffer and economies to grow strained. Through the IAEA, and its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), several countries around the world are improving food security and agriculture by using nuclear and isotopic techniques to protect plants from insect pests and to breed new plant varieties that show improved crop yields, disease resistance and/or drought tolerance. Others use these techniques to protect the health of their livestock and enhance reproduction.
Read the story on how plant mutants developed using nuclear techniques allows Bangladesh to feed a growing population and how Senegal nears the first victory in eradicating tsetse flies using the sterile insect technique in the Niayes region. Watch this video on the use of nuclear and nuclear-related techniques in maintaining animal health in Cameroon.
Farmers use the techniques for drip irrigation, which helps them to more efficiently measure and time water and fertilizer use to save resources and improve the sustainably of agriculture. Read the story of a farmer in Mauritius, who has increased his yields and conserved water, and is now growing produce that previously had to be imported.
As foodstuffs are prepared for consumption, irradiation helps to ensure quality and safety. With IAEA assistance, some countries use irradiation to eliminate potentially harmful bacteria and unwanted insect pests, while others benefit from their use in extending food shelf life. Watch this video on Indonesia’s experience.
Stemming from food insecurity and agricultural challenges often comes hunger and malnutrition. Using stable isotope techniques, health professionals can monitor body composition and food intake and absorption to better understand the complexities of malnutrition and whether treatment and prevention measures are effective. Read this story on how scientists and health workers in Guatemala work to control malnutrition and how South Africa has improved breastfeeding rates thanks to monitoring using nuclear techniques.
Achieving sustainable development is not possible if health suffers due to debilitating diseases and health conditions. To help achieve the target of reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases by one third, the IAEA is well-positioned to assist countries in tackling cancer by helping them to devise comprehensive cancer control programmes, establishing nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and radiology facilities, as well as supporting education and training for specialized health professionals. The IAEA also works to improve the utilization and reliability of facilities, including research reactors, that produce life-saving radioisotopes and to support countries in limiting patients’ overexposure to radiation during medical procedures. The Agency’s work contributes to improved cancer management and access to care worldwide.
See how the IAEA supports Viet Nam in cancer control and read how Cuba can now manufacture radiopharmaceuticals.
With greater access to radiation and nuclear medicine technologies, countries are also able to more precisely diagnose and manage diseases and health conditions, like cardiovascular disease, as well as monitor and evaluate health conditions, such as tuberculosis and other infections.
The IAEA also supports countries in developing capabilities for the early detection of diseases that spread from animals to humans, such as Ebola. Read how nuclear-derived techniques can help strengthen Africa’s capacity to anticipate the risk of outbreaks of such zoonotic diseases.
Water is essential to life. As populations grow and economies expand, access to clean and safe water is imperative. Isotopic techniques shed light on the age and quality of water. Some countries, such as Brazil, use this to implement integrated water resource management plans to sustainably use resources and to protect water and water-related ecosystems, while others use them to address scarcity and improve freshwater supplies.
Watch this video on how the IAEA helps farmers in Kenya to use their scarce water resources efficiently.
As society leaves its mark, water pollution is also a challenge. With IAEA support, some countries are now turning to radiation technology to treat wastewater from industrial use, reducing contaminants and improving water quality, making water safer for reuse.
Access to clean, reliable and affordable energy is a precondition for sustainable economic growth and improved human well-being, affecting health, education and job opportunities. The IAEA fosters the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting existing and new nuclear programmes around the world, catalysing innovation and building capacity in energy planning, analysis, and nuclear information and knowledge management. The IAEA helps countries meet growing energy demand for development, while improving energy security, reducing environmental and health impacts, and mitigating climate change.
Read how the IAEA supports countries considering the introduction of nuclear power in Latin America and watch this video on the role of nuclear power, and the IAEA, in electricity generation.
Cutting-edge industrial technologies underpin the success of strong economies, in developed and developing countries alike. Nuclear science and technology, in particular, can make a major contribution to economic growth, and have an important role to play in support of sustainable development.
With the IAEA’s help, some countries have increased the competitiveness of their industries by using these technologies for non-destructive testing for safety and quality tests, and irradiation techniques for improving product durability, from car tires to pipelines and medical devices to cables. Read Malaysia’s story.
Irradiation also improves industrial sustainability by helping to lower environmental impact through treatment flue gases (read Poland’s story), and the identification of pollution pathways (read Indonesia’s story).
Nuclear science, including nuclear power, can play a significant role in both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Nuclear power, along with wind and hydro, is one of the lowest-carbon technologies available to generate electricity. The IAEA works to increase global awareness of the role of nuclear power in relation to climate change, in particular to try to ensure that the role that nuclear power can and does play in assisting countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions is properly recognized.
Read how nuclear power forms an important pillar of many countries’ climate change mitigation strategies.
Nuclear science and technology can play a vital role in assisting countries to adapt to the consequences of climate change. Read about better flood control in the Philippines and the development of new watering techniques in increasingly arid regions of Kenya.
Oceans contain vast ecosystems brimming with marine life, and are a vital resource for people that rely on the sea for their livelihood, day-to-day nutrition, or both. To sustainably manage and protect oceans and, in turn, support coastal communities, many countries are using nuclear and isotopic techniques, with support from the IAEA, to better understand and monitor ocean health and marine phenomena like ocean acidification and harmful algal blooms. Watch this video on the study of ocean acidification using nuclear techniques.
National, regional and international laboratory networks established through IAEA coordination also offer several countries an avenue for scientific collaboration, and are key resources for analyzing and monitoring marine contaminants and pollutants.
Desertification, degrading land and eroding soils can jeopardize peoples’ lives and livelihoods. Isotopic techniques provide accurate assessments of soil erosion and help to identify erosion hot spots, providing an important tool to reverse land degradation and restore soils. The IAEA’s supports in this area help many countries to gather information using these techniques to shape agricultural practices for more sustainable use of land and, ultimately, to increase incomes, while also improving conservation methods and protection of resources, ecosystems and biodiversity.
Read the story of a Vietnamese farmer who used these tools to identify the source of soil erosion afflicting his coffee plantation, allowing him to save his farm and earn enough extra income to educate his children.

Data proves Fukushima has exceeded Chernobyl in radiation release

Chernobyl

Data proves Fukushima has exceeded Chernobyl in radiation release


http://www.naturalnews.com/047053_Fukushima_Chernobyl_radiation.html

Our not so peaceful nuclear future

Our not so peaceful nuclear future


http://thebulletin.org/our-not-so-peaceful-nuclear-future8753

German Reporter Reveals ISIS Plans 'Nuclear Tsunami'

German Reporter Reveals ISIS Plans 'Nuclear Tsunami'

After embedding with ISIS for 10 days, senior journalist reveals they are planning 'the largest religious cleansing in history.'

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/201077#.Vgc5sZflxbI

Bill Gates Terrapower and China national nuclear corp will build a prototype traveling wave reactor- a liquid sodium-cooled fast reactor

Bill Gates Terrapower and China national nuclear corp will build a prototype traveling wave reactor- a liquid sodium-cooled fast reactor



http://nextbigfuture.com/2015/09/bill-gates-terrapower-and-china.html

Diablo Canyon Seismic Safety Town Hall Meeting

Diablo Canyon Seismic Safety Town Hall Meeting

PG&E, NRC, California Geologic Survey discussion on quake safety studies


http://www.keyt.com/news/diablo-canyon-seismic-safety-town-hall-meeting/35493548

American Indians accuse NRC of 'environmental racism'

American Indians accuse NRC of 'environmental racism'


http://www.reviewjournal.com/politics/american-indians-accuse-nrc-environmental-racism

IAEA interested in assisting Egypt in Dabaa Nuclear Power plant

IAEA interested in assisting Egypt in Dabaa Nuclear Power plant

Director General of IAEA expressed willingness to send delegation to Cairo to assist in putting up regulatory framework for project establishment


http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2015/09/25/iaea-interested-in-assisting-egypt-in-dabaa-nuclear-power-plant/

Nuclear Power: Energy of the Future or Decaying Remnant of the Past?

Nuclear Power: Energy of the Future or Decaying Remnant of the Past?


http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/09/26/nuclear-power-energy-of-the-future-or-decaying-rem.aspx

Old News: TEPCO rejected requests for antitsunami steps before nuclear crisis

TEPCO rejected requests for antitsunami steps before nuclear crisis



http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2015/09/376280.html

China’s Great Climate Leap Forward


Report

China’s Great Climate Leap Forward

Beijing is creating a carbon market to fight climate change. That could be a big deal for China's economy — and leave Washington playing catch-up.


http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/09/25/chinas-great-climate-leap-forward-xi-obama-cap-and-trade/

Analyst: Tighter emissions goals won’t save N.Y. nuclear industry

Analyst: Tighter emissions goals won’t save N.Y. nuclear industry



http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2015/09/8577897/analyst-tighter-emissions-goals-wont-save-ny-nuclear-industry

Long-term study shows fish doing well below nuclear power plant


Long-term study shows fish doing well below nuclear power plant


http://www.richmond.com/news/local/article_688d04ae-1b08-5904-99a2-5ffa538ec0d2.html

Editorial: WIPP may be best place for weapons-grade waste

Editorial: WIPP may be best place for weapons-grade waste


http://www.abqjournal.com/649629/opinion/wipp-may-be-best-place-for-weaponsgrade-waste.html

When Scientists Do What Diplomats Can't

http://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2015/09/science-diplomacy/407455/

When Scientists Do What Diplomats Can't

The scientific world’s quiet influence over foreign policy
Last Thursday, Senate Republicans failed in their third bid to block the nuclear deal with Iran. Signed in July, the agreement between Iran, the United States, and the five other PN+1 countries gradually eases economic sanctions on Iran in return for strict controls on that country’s nuclear-weapons program.

Virtually all of the debate surrounding the agreement has focused on the political and economic scorecard. Obama wins, as does the Iranian economy; hawks, in the United States and Iran, lose. Behind the scenes, though, a number of participants are also claiming a quieter victory for scientists.

Scientists have http://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2015/09/science-diplomacy/407455/

Why some scientists are worried about a surprisingly cold ‘blob’ in the North Atlantic Ocean

Why some scientists are worried about a surprisingly cold ‘blob’ in the North Atlantic Ocean


http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/09/24/why-some-scientists-are-worried-about-a-cold-blob-in-the-north-atlantic-ocean/

International Nuclear Safety Journal (INSJ) Special Issue on the 5 Years Anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi Accident

International Nuclear Safety Journal (INSJ) Special Issue on the 5 Years Anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi Accident

Dear Colleagues,

You are cordially invited to submit or recommend articles to the International Nuclear Safety Journal (INSJ), which is a peer-reviewed open access journal (http://insj.info). The articles for the special issue on the 5 years anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi accident may include review papers and original, unpublished research papers related to this specific theme.

The following list of potential topics is provided to stimulate ideas. Authors are not restricted to this list, but submissions must provide relevant and practical insights related to the use of lessons learned from the Fukushima Daiichi accident and insights into the accident, its progression and current facility status, including topics such as:
- Special reviews performed after the accident, including the European “stress tests”
- New regulatory requirements and approaches; revised safety goals and reference levels
- Human and organizational factors
- Safety culture in the organizations constructing and operating nuclear installations;
- Protection against extreme external events
- Defense-in-depth philosophy and design upgrades
- Revisions to design and beyond design basis accident scenarios; treatment of design extension conditions
- Accident management strategies, including NEI's FLEX strategy and French hard core concepts
- Improvements in the training programs
- Emergency preparedness and response; improvements in the conduct of emergency exercises
- Environmental remediation
- New knowledge regarding the core damage assessments and accident sequence and plant damage
- Assessments of seismic damage and their contribution to the accident
- Radiological characterizations of the Fukushima Daiichi units
- Decontamination efforts
- Onsite and offsite dose assessments
- Current radiological status
- Nuclear safety research
- Risk communication
- Regulatory strategies and action plans; implications for safety culture in the regulatory authorities.

The articles are expected to be submitted online through our electronic submission system on the INSJ website.
Please register (http://nuclearsafety.info/international-nuclear-safety-journal/index.php/INSJ/user/register) and submit your article (http://nuclearsafety.info/international-nuclear-safety-journal/index.php/INSJ/author/submit/1)

The Editorial Board consists of distinguished professionals from around the world and we select subject-matter experts to conduct the reviews.

Both the publication and the access to the articles are free of any charge. This ensures that your articles will reach a very wide audience.

You have the opportunity to contribute with your knowledge and experience to the promotion of a healthy nuclear safety culture at international level, by showing how you have made use of the lessons learned from the Fukushima Daiichi accident to improve nuclear safety in your area of activity.

The special issue is due to be published in March 2016.

Deadline for submission of papers: November 30, 2015


J. J. Bevelacqua, Editor of the Special Issue

Madalina Tronea, Editor-in-Chief

http://nuclearsafety.info/international-nuclear-safety-journal/index.php/INSJ/announcement/view/4

US Senate Democrats Unveil Energy Bill That Restores PTC and Extends ITC

US Senate Democrats Unveil Energy Bill That Restores PTC and Extends ITC

Brian Eckhouse
September 23, 2015 | 
Facebook Twitter 
Senate Democrats unveiled a bill that would provide more tax credits for renewable energy while killing some tax incentives for oil and natural gas producers. Full Article

Friday, September 25, 2015

Small-scale nuclear fusion may be a new energy source

Small-scale nuclear fusion may be a new energy source


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150925085550.htm

Pope Francis’s Condemnation of Nuclear Weapons

Pope Francis’s Condemnation of Nuclear Weapons



http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/09/25/pope-franciss-condemnation-of-nuclear-weapons/

Can coal state Kentucky embrace nuclear energy?


Can coal state Kentucky embrace nuclear energy?



In the 1980s the Kentucky legislature enacted a law, as one of the leading coal states in the county, which said, in effect, “nuclear energy, drop dead.” Nearly four decades later the state may be on the path to reversing the moratorium and with that action, gaining new jobs for the Paducah uranium site.http://neutronbytes.com/2015/09/20/can-coal-state-kentucky-embrace-nuclear-energy/

Commercial Op-ed: South Africa’s energy solution is not just nuclear, says GIBB

Commercial Op-ed: South Africa’s energy solution is not just nuclear, says GIBB


http://www.esi-africa.com/commercial-op-ed-south-africas-energy-solution-is-not-just-nuclear-says-gibb/

Mitsubishi Heavy weighs pros, cons of Areva investment

Mitsubishi Heavy weighs pros, cons of Areva investment


http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Mitsubishi-Heavy-weighs-pros-cons-of-Areva-investment

What the EPA’s Clean Power Plan means for nuclear energy by Peter Bradford

What the EPA’s Clean Power Plan means for nuclear energy by Peter Bradford.


http://thebulletin.org/what-epa%E2%80%99s-clean-power-plan-means-nuclear-energy8763

Pope Decries “Shameful and Culpable Silence” on Arms Sales “Drenched in Innocent Blood”


Pope Decries “Shameful and Culpable Silence” on Arms Sales “Drenched in Innocent Blood”


https://theintercept.com/2015/09/24/pope-decries-shameful-culpable-silence-arms-sales-drenched-innocent-blood/

TerraPower, CNNC team up on travelling wave reactor

TerraPower, CNNC team up on travelling wave reactor
US-based TerraPower has signed a memorandum of understanding with China National Nuclear Corporation to develop its travelling wave reactor.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-TerraPower-CNNC-team-up-on-travelling-wave-reactor-25091501.html

China, UK to fund nuclear research centre

China, UK to fund nuclear research centre
China and the UK will work together to co-fund a £50 million ($78 million) nuclear research centre, to be headquartered in the UK. Chinese vice premier Ma Kai and British chancellor George Osborne announced the plan on 21 September during the 7th UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue summit in Beijing.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-China-UK-to-fund-nuclear-research-centre-25091502.html

TEPCO, CEA ink nuclear energy cooperation deal

Email TEPCO, CEA ink nuclear energy cooperation deal
Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Co. and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have signed an agreement regarding the exchange of nuclear plant decommissioning information. CEA's decommissioning experience will be helpful for TEPCO as it works toward decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, according to CEA Director of Nuclear Energy Christophe Behar. World Nuclear News (9/24)http://world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Tepco-CEA-agree-to-information-sharing-2409154.html

Transcript: Read the Speech Pope Francis Gave to the United Nations

Transcript: Read the Speech Pope Francis Gave to the United Nations



http://time.com/4049905/pope-francis-us-visit-united-nations-speech-transcript/

Bill Richardson Sayw We should Honor Russia Plutonium Deal

http://www.insidesources.com/llewellyn-king-bill-richardson-says-we-should-honor-russia-plutonium-deal/

Email Savannah River Site receives shipment of highly enriched uranium

Email Savannah River Site receives shipment of highly enriched uranium
The Savannah River Site has received a highly enriched uranium shipment from Jamaica, with plans to blend it to low enrichment for use in energy generation. The uranium originated in the US but was fabricated into fuel for a Canadian reactor at Jamaica's International Center for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences. Aiken Standard (S.C.) (9/24) http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20150924/AIK0101/150929683/1002/AIK01/uranium-shipment-from-jamaica-arrives-at-savannah-river-site

Email Fla. metro area suffers economic loss after Crystal River plant closure

Email Fla. metro area suffers economic loss after Crystal River plant closure
The Homosassa, Fla., area suffered a gross domestic product loss of 7.5% last year, losing more than $206 million in economic output, according to the Commerce Department. Observers say the drop can be attributed to the closure of Duke Energy's Crystal River nuclear plant in 2013. Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.) (9/24)http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/nuclear-fallout-crystal-river-area-tops-nation-in-gdp-loss-after-plant/2246899

Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant still pumping power after 25 years

Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant still pumping power after 25 years


http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/texas-news/2015/09/18/comanche-peak-nuclear-plant-still-pumping-power-after-25-years/72448156/

Nuclear Power -- Rebirth or Renaissance?


Nuclear Power -- Rebirth or Renaissance?


http://www.realclearenergy.org/articles/2015/09/24/nuclear_power__rebirth_or_renaissance_108782.html

Llewellyn King: Bill Richardson Says We Should Honor Russia Plutonium Deal

Llewellyn King: Bill Richardson Says We Should Honor Russia Plutonium Deal http://www.insidesources.com/llewellyn-king-bill-richardson-says-we-should-honor-russia-plutonium-deal/

Llewellyn King: Bill Richardson Says We Should Honor Russia Plutonium Deal

Llewellyn King: Bill Richardson Says We Should Honor Russia Plutonium Deal



http://www.insidesources.com/llewellyn-king-bill-richardson-says-we-should-honor-russia-plutonium-deal/

Mexico eyes construction of two new nuclear reactors -official

Mexico eyes construction of two new nuclear reactors -official


http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/24/mexico-nuclear-idUSL1N11U2WA20150924

FUD: Video: Radioactive Floods Recontaminate Japan

http://fukushimaupdate.com/video-radioactive-floods-recontaminate-japan/

Thursday, September 24, 2015

North Carolina mulling new nuclear for CPP compliance if litigation fails

North Carolina mulling new nuclear for CPP compliance if litigation fails


http://www.utilitydive.com/news/north-carolina-mulling-new-nuclear-for-cpp-compliance-if-litigation-fails/406172/

Nuclear fallout: Crystal River area tops nation in GDP loss after plant closure

Nuclear fallout: Crystal River area tops nation in GDP loss after plant closure


http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/nuclear-fallout-crystal-river-area-tops-nation-in-gdp-loss-after-plant/2246899

Tepco, CEA agree to information sharing

Tepco, CEA agree to information sharing
A cooperation agreement has been signed between Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission to promote the exchange of information and experience in decommissioning nuclear facilities.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Tepco-CEA-agree-to-information-sharing-2409154.html

Chinese reprocessing plant to start up in 2030

Chinese reprocessing plant to start up in 2030
The construction of a used fuel processing and recycling facility in China is expected to begin in 2020 and be completed by 2030. The facility will be based on French technology.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Chinese-reprocessing-plant-to-start-up-in-2030-2409155.html

Hinkley Point owner defends cost of new nuclear plant

Hinkley Point owner defends cost of new nuclear plant


http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34345208

China's nuclear investment beneficial to UK, says de Rivaz


China's nuclear investment beneficial to UK, says de Rivaz

23 September 2015
The head of EDF Energy has outlined the benefits of Chinese investment in the UK's nuclear industry. His comments came the day after the UK government announced up to £2 billion ($3 billion) in support for the planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant.

http://world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Chinas-nuclear-investment-beneficial-to-UK-says-de-Rivaz-2309154.html

PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION: Entergy officials acknowledge issues

  • PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION: Entergy officials acknowledge issues

  • The folks at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station have a different perspective on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) decision to downgrade its performance rating than its critics, but not as different as you might think.


http://kingston.wickedlocal.com/article/20150923/NEWS/150929886

Watts Bar Nuclear Plant unit passes key test


Watts Bar Nuclear Plant unit passes key test

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/business/aroundregion/story/2015/sep/24/watts-bar-unit-passes-key-test/326825/

China-France to increase nuclear fuel recycling

China-France to increase nuclear fuel recycling


http://www.ecns.cn/business/2015/09-24/182377.shtml

U.S. Says Chinese Sub That Can Hit U.S. on Patrol Soon

U.S. Says Chinese Sub That Can Hit U.S. on Patrol Soon


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-24/pentagon-says-chinese-sub-that-can-hit-u-s-to-go-on-patrol-soon

Xi Jinping's Visit Undermines The Case For The U.S. To Spend $1 Trillion On Nuclear Weapons

Xi Jinping's Visit Undermines The Case For The U.S. To Spend $1 Trillion On Nuclear Weapons


http://www.forbes.com/sites/charlestiefer/2015/09/23/xi-jinpings-visit-undermines-the-case-for-the-u-s-to-spend-1-trillion-on-nuclear-weapons/

Bring Up the Bombs Nuclear weapons should be on the U.S.-China summit agenda.

Bring Up the Bombs

Nuclear weapons should be on the U.S.-China summit agenda.



http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/world-report/2015/09/23/nuclear-weapons-should-be-on-us-china-summit-agenda

Moody's: Nuclear shutdown costs stress German power generators

 

Moody's: Nuclear shutdown costs stress German power generators

https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-Nuclear-shutdown-costs-stress-German-power-generators--PR_335268

China has world's most nuclear reactors under construction


China has world's most nuclear reactors under construction


http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news/content?id=20150924000085&cid=1102

Multi-billion pound new Hinkley nuclear plant 'is worth it'


Multi-billion pound new Hinkley nuclear plant 'is worth it'

BBC News -
It is only on arrival at Hinkley Point C on the Somerset coast that the enormous scale of the £24.5bn project becomes clear. Huge, yellow diggers are lined up on the edge of a cavernous building site, ready to start construction if and when this mega ...

The China syndrome

The China syndrome

The Economist -
POLITICIANS were cleverer back in 1953. When Britain set out to build its first nuclear power station at Calder Hall in Sellafield, the government refused to reveal either how much it would cost or when it would be ready. A mere three-and-a-half years http://www.economist.com/news/britain/21667932-britains-nuclear-plans-look-over-expensive-and-over-reliant-china-china-syndrome

Fukushima Update 9/24/15

Fukushima Update 9/24/15

An American expert says radiation was not the real risk of the Fukushima accident… There’s no Fukushima Cesium in North Pacific whales and dolphins… On September 14th, a joint presentation by Pacific Ocean experts was made in Vancouver, B.C… Tepco signs a decommissioning pact with a French group… NHK World says 20% of reactor operators are inexperienced… A large demonstration in Tokyo protests PM Abe’s policies.

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

During President Xi's Visit, Officials Sign Clean Energy Agreement With Five U.S. Governors

During President Xi's Visit, Officials Sign Clean Energy Agreement With Five U.S. Governors


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2015/09/23/during-president-xi_2700_s-visit_2c00_-officials-sign-clean-energy-agreement-with-five-u.s.-governors-092301.aspx#.VgP8A86KI-8

Nuclear advice angers ANC


Nuclear advice angers ANC

Comment on this story
Fukushima nuclear accident REUTERS An aerial view of the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima, Japan. File picture: Kyodo, via Reuters
Cape Town - Japan’s former Atomic Energy Commission vice-chairman Dr Tatsujiro Suzuki was caught up in South Africa’s controversial nuclear build programme when an ANC MP and domestic nuclear regulator chief tackled him for not outlining the positives of nuclear power.

http://www.iol.co.za/business/news/nuclear-advice-angers-anc-1.1920124#.VgP7rM6KI-8

Entergy Vermont Yankee withdraws request to eliminate decom funds oversight


Entergy Vermont Yankee withdraws request to eliminate decom funds oversight



http://www.reformer.com/latestnews/ci_28863417/entergy-vermont-yankee-withdraws-request-eliminate-decom-funds

Nuclear Awareness Group get blacked out pages from the ONR


Nuclear Awareness Group get blacked out pages from the ONR

http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/nuclear-awareness-group-blacked-out-10114449

Burnham and Highbridge set to boom as Government 'unlocks' Hinkley negotiations

Burnham and Highbridge set to boom as Government 'unlocks' Hinkley negotiations


http://www.burnhamandhighbridgeweeklynews.co.uk/news/13779553.Burnham_and_Highbridge_set_to_boom_as_Government__unlocks__Hinkley_negotiations/?ref=rss

China signs clean-tech deal with five US states to combat climate change

China signs clean-tech deal with five US states to combat climate change


http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1860859/china-signs-clean-tech-deal-five-us-states-combat

Japan’s first reactor restart spurs rising O&M outlook


Japan’s first reactor restart spurs rising O&M outlook


http://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/operations-maintenance/japans-first-reactor-restart-spurs-rising-om-outlook

Carnival of Nuclear Energy 279

Carnival of Nuclear Energy 279


http://nextbigfuture.com/2015/09/carnival-of-nuclear-energy-279.html

NRC Investigates Control Valve Failures at Callaway Nuclear Plant

NRC Investigates Control Valve Failures at Callaway Nuclear Plant
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced on Sept. 21 that it has begun a special inspection at the Callaway nuclear plant in Fulton, Mo., to investigate the failure of three of four control valves that regulate water flow to the… Read More http://www.powermag.com/nrc-investigates-control-valve-failures-at-callaway-nuclear-plant/?hq_e=el&hq_m=3156435&hq_l=16&hq_v=30108e0773

Researchers reveal when global warming first appeared

Researchers reveal when global warming first appeared
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Sep 23, 2015 - The indications of climate change are all around us today but now researchers have revealed for the first time when and where the first clear signs of global warming appeared in the temperature record and where those signals are likely to be clearly seen in extreme rainfall events in the near future. The new research published in Environmental Research Letters gives an insight into the glo ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Researchers_reveal_when_global_warming_first_appeared_999.html

VW Scandal Reflects Severity Of Challenge Facing Climate Change Advocates


VW Scandal Reflects Severity Of Challenge Facing Climate Change Advocates
By Conor O'Sullivan, Wednesday, September 23, 2015 3:18 PM
VW Automobile Assembly
The Volkswagen scandal has revealed the continued disregard of some major corporations for government regulation and participating in a global climate policy. VW was successful in deceiving the EPA and consumers by developing software that hid the emissions output of its Diesel fleet until the revelation of the last few days. The company has been… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2015/09/23/vw-scandal-reflects-severity-of-challenge-facing-climate-advocates/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=22294598&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-99pCT0G5_9Fp1SRHW8J1WMbeX5I8k7vAI44oDzZzn2bfHBO-lez7mpnAZ4h_SDLKhrpyVyTAx30ZDOcYIGMyrPP2X4rg&_hsmi=22294598

Guest Post: The Pope's AGW Position in Perspective by Johb Droz


Right now the Pope is in the US, so we are inundated with popology. This special-edition newsletter can be added to that list — but it will be rather different from mainstream media reports.

One can’t help but admire the Pope’s many virtues (like his genuine humility). Likewise, almost everyone would support his Christian objectives (e.g. truly helping the poor).

Unfortunately having a worthy objective is not sufficient for success. As this great theological insight says: “the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”

For example, it is indisputable that the poor will be immeasurably helped by having ready access to low-cost, reliable electricity. So why would the Pope support ideology that endorses high-cost, unreliable electricity (e.g. wind energy)?

My assumption (which may be naive) is that some advisors with nefarious ambitions have taken advantage of the Pope's good intentions, and humble, deferential personality.

As one scientist aptly put it: “before we can know what is moral, we must know what is true.

Below I’ve collected a sample of good commentaries about the Pope’s climate change Encyclical, many of which will never see the light-of-day in major media outlets. I’ve also repeated some of the prior Pope-related articles from my recent Newsletters. Reading these will put things into better perspective.

IMO we all need to pray that our representatives stop promoting self-serving agendas, and instead adopt sound scientific solutions to our technical issues. Doing that will benefit everyone — especially the poor.

Sincerely,
john droz, jr.
physicist

PS — Two recommended theological based AGW petitions to consider signing: 1) for citizens and 2) for scientists.
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New Commentary on the Pope’s AGW Position —

Some Prior Worthwhile Articles about the Pope’s AGW Position —
Richard Tol: The Pope on Climate

AEP Energy to build solar power center in Ohio

AEP Energy to build solar power center in Ohio

$subtitles.get($x) The Clyde Solar Energy Center will be capable of powering 550 homes. The installation will be located in Clyde on 20 acres of city-owned land. Commercial operation is expected to begin in the first half of 2016. … Continue Reading http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/09/aep-energy-to-build-solar-power-center-in-ohio.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerSeptember242015&eid=288118515&bid=1185385

Feds to lease offshore wind power sites off New Jersey coast





Feds to lease offshore wind power sites off New Jersey coast

$subtitles.get($x) The Interior Department and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management say that if fully developed, the leases could result in enough wind-generated electricity to power 1.2 million homes. … Continue Reading http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/09/feds-to-lease-offshore-wind-power-sites-off-new-jersey-coast.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerSeptember242015&eid=288118515&bid=1185385