Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, November 7, 2015

NRC Hearing on Indian Point Re-Starts Nov. 16


NRC Hearing on Indian Point Re-Starts Nov. 16

It will cover allegations about plant safety not covered during the 2012 hearing.
http://patch.com/new-york/newcity/nrc-hearing-indian-point-re-starts-nov-16?

Nuclear Power Economics Requires Believing In 'Impossible Things'






















Nuclear Power Economics Requires Believing In 'Impossible Things'


http://www.theenergycollective.com/djwamsted/2288575/nuclear-power-economics-requires-believing-impossible-things

Nuclear Fission Works Fine, But Not Fusion. Here’s Why

Nuclear Fission Works Fine, But Not Fusion. Here’s Why


http://www.wired.com/2015/11/nuclear-fission-works-fine-but-not-fusion-heres-why/

Bill Gates bets $2B to beat climate change with faster innovation

Bill Gates bets $2B to beat climate change with faster innovation


http://bgr.com/2015/11/05/bill-gates-climate-change-energy-miracle/

The Next Great Scandal For The Oil Industry?


The Next Great Scandal For The Oil Industry?

http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/The-Next-Great-Scandal-For-The-Oil-Industry.html

Jessica Lovering on Making Nuclear Power Cheaper

Jessica Lovering on Making Nuclear Power Cheaper


http://nucleargreen.blogspot.com/2015/11/jessica-lovering-on-making-nuclear.html

Deeply troubled by FitzPatrick and Pilgrim announcements. We need their clean electricity production to continue

Deeply troubled by FitzPatrick and Pilgrim announcements. We need their clean electricity production to continue



http://atomicinsights.com/deeply-troubled-by-fitzpatrick-and-pilgrim-announcements-we-need-their-clean-electricity-production-to-continue/

Saving the Environment from Environmentalism


Saving the Environment from Environmentalism

http://atomicinsights.com/saving-the-environment-from-environmentalism-2/

Molten Salt Nuclear Reactor Review and Presentations

Molten Salt Nuclear Reactor Review and Presentations


http://nextbigfuture.com/2015/09/molten-salt-nuclear-reactor-review-and.html

More Nuclear Power Plants Shutting Down

More Nuclear Power Plants Shutting Down


http://loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=15-P13-00045&segmentID=1

US nuclear power will still increase slightly by 2020 in spite of some closures

US nuclear power will still increase slightly by 2020 in spite of some closures


http://nextbigfuture.com/2015/11/us-nuclear-power-will-still-increase.html

Iodine-131 in Southern California Kelp: Focus on Port Area

Iodine-131 in Southern California Kelp: Focus on Port Area


http://kelpwatch.berkeley.edu/iodine-131

Internal radiation emitters – cesium and iodine – far more dangerous than external exposure

Internal radiation emitters – cesium and iodine – far more dangerous than external exposure



http://nuclear-news.net/2013/04/05/internal-radiation-emitters-cesium-and-iodine-far-more-dangerous-than-external-exposure/

'McDonald’s diplomacy': The nuclear deal has emboldened Iranian hardliners — and that shouldn't be a surprise

'McDonald’s diplomacy': The nuclear deal has emboldened Iranian hardliners — and that shouldn't be a surprise



http://www.businessinsider.com/iran-nuclear-deal-backlash-2015-11

Everything You Need to Know About America's Advanced Nuclear Resurgence

Everything You Need to Know About America's Advanced Nuclear Resurgence


http://www.thirdway.org/e-binder/everything-you-need-to-know-about-americas-advanced-nuclear-resurgence

Dominion wants nuclear reactors to last 80 years

Dominion wants nuclear reactors to last 80 years


http://www.richmond.com/business/article_c400e2f8-4409-5054-8f6a-c8c79b940f6d.html

Maryland attorney general wants state to reconsider Exelon-Pepco merger approval

Maryland attorney general wants state to reconsider Exelon-Pepco merger approval


http://www.utilitydive.com/news/maryland-attorney-general-wants-state-to-reconsider-exelon-pepco-merger-app/408353/

California ballot initiative would eliminate IOUs, establish statewide public utility

California ballot initiative would eliminate IOUs, establish statewide public utility


http://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-ballot-initiative-would-eliminate-ious-establish-statewide-publ/408452/

Despite All the Evidence, Congress Wants to Weaken Public Protections

Despite All the Evidence, Congress Wants to Weaken Public Protections


http://blog.ucsusa.org/celia-wexler/despite-all-the-evidence-congress-wants-to-weaken-public-protections-948

Dominion to seek license renewal for Surry nuclear station

Dominion to seek license renewal for Surry nuclear station


http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/nov/6/dominion-to-seek-license-renewal-for-surry-nuclear/

FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces Actions to Ensure that Nuclear Energy Remains a Vibrant Component of the United States’ Clean Energy Strategy

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release

FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces Actions to Ensure that Nuclear Energy Remains a Vibrant Component of the United States’ Clean Energy Strategy

As detailed in the Climate Action Plan, President Obama is committed to using every appropriate tool to combat climate change.  Nuclear power, which in 2014 generated about 60 percent of carbon-free electricity in the United States, continues to play a major role in efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the power sector.  As America leads the global transition to a low-carbon economy, the continued development of new and advanced nuclear technologies along with support for currently operating nuclear power plants is an important component of our clean energy strategy. Investing in the safe and secure development of nuclear power also helps advance other vital policy objectives in the national interest, such as maintaining economic competitiveness and job creation, as well as enhancing nuclear nonproliferation efforts, nuclear safety and security, and energy security.
The President’s FY 2016 Budget includes more than $900 million for the Department of Energy (DOE) to support the U.S. civilian nuclear energy sector by leading federal research, development, and demonstration efforts in nuclear energy technologies, ranging from power generation, safety, hybrid energy systems, and security technologies, among other things.  DOE also supports the deployment of these technologies with $12.5 billion in remaining loan guarantee authority for advanced nuclear projects through Title 17. DOE’s investments in nuclear energy help secure the three strategic objectives that are foundational to our nation’s energy system: energy security, economic competitiveness, and environmental responsibility.
Today, the White House is announcing and highlighting the following actions to sustain and advance nuclear energy, including:
  • Launching the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear: DOE is establishing the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) to provide the nuclear energy community with access to the technical, regulatory, and financial support necessary to move new or advanced nuclear reactor designs toward commercialization while ensuring the continued safe, reliable, and economic operation of the existing nuclear fleet. GAIN will provide the nuclear community with a single point of access to the broad range of capabilities – people, facilities, materials, and data – across the DOE complex and its National Lab capabilities. Focused research opportunities and dedicated industry engagement will also be important components of GAIN, ensuring that DOE-sponsored activities are impactful to companies working to realize the full potential of nuclear energy. GAIN will feature:
    •    Access to Capabilities: Through the Clean Energy Investment Center in DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), GAIN will provide a single point of contact for users interested in a wide range of nuclear energy related capabilities and expertise. As an initiating step, Idaho National Lab will serve as the GAIN integrator for Office of Nuclear Energy capabilities.
    •    Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database: DOE is also publishing the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure database (NEID), which provides a catalogue of existing nuclear energy related infrastructure that will enhance transparency and support nuclear community engagement through GAIN.  NEID currently includes information on 802 research and development instruments in 377 facilities at 84 institutions in the United States and abroad.  Nuclear technology developers can access the database to identify resources available to support development and implementation of their technology, as well as contacts, availability, and the process for accessing the capability.
    •    Small Business Vouchers: To support the strong interest in nuclear energy from a significant number of new companies working to develop advanced nuclear energy technologies, DOE plans to make $2 million available in the form of vouchers to provide assistance to small business applicants (including entrepreneur-led start-ups) seeking to access the knowledge and capabilities available across the DOE complex. This will enhance the ability of GAIN to serve a broader segment of the nuclear community. Information on available capabilities can be found HERE.
    • Assisting Navigation of the Regulatory Process: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), consistent with its role as an independent safety and security regulator, will provide DOE with accurate, current information on the NRC’s regulations and licensing processes. DOE will work through GAIN with prospective applicants for advanced nuclear technology to understand and navigate the regulatory process for licensing new reactor technology.
  • Convening Second Workshop on Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors – The NRC and DOE will hold the Second Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors Workshops in spring 2016.  The successful first workshop was held in September 2015.  The purpose of the workshop is to explore options for increased efficiency, from both a technical and regulatory perspective, in the safe development and deployment of innovative reactor technologies. This would include examining both near-term and longer-term opportunities to test, demonstrate, and construct prototype advanced reactors, and evaluate the most appropriate licensing processes.
  •   Supplementing Loan Guarantee Solicitation for Nuclear Energy: Today, DOE is supplementing its existing solicitation that makes up to $12.5 billion in loan guarantees available to support innovative nuclear energy projects.  The solicitation states that eligible projects can include construction of advanced nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, uprates and upgrades at existing facilities, and front-end nuclear facilities.  In addition, the new supplement clarifies that project costs for an eligible project that are incurred as part of the NRC licensing process, such as design certification, construction permits, and combined construction and operating licenses (COL), could be eligible costs that may be financed with a loan guaranteed by DOE. 
  •   Establishing Light Water Reactor (LWR) Research, Development, and Deployment Working Group: DOE is formally announcing the establishment of the LWR Research, Development, and Deployment (RDD) Working Group to examine possible needs for future RDD to support the development of competitive advanced LWRs, as well as maintain the safe, efficient operations of currently operating nuclear power plants. The group will consist of federal, national laboratory, and industry participants. Recommendations are expected to DOE by February 2016.
  •   Addressing Small Modular Reactor Needs through Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors: Today, DOE’s Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) is signing an agreement with NuScale to establish new cost-shared modeling and simulation tools under the CASL Energy Innovation Hub at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This agreement specifies the work that will be done by CASL to install and support the use of its virtual reactor tools on NuScale systems and by NuScale to simulate performance questions using CASL tools.  Through this agreement, CASL tools will be expanded to better simulate SMR operation and inform design decisions. These efforts can lead to more efficient reactor designs that improve lifetime operation in a power plant.                               
  •   Investing in SMR Licensing: DOE began investing up to $452 million dollars over six years starting in FY 2012 to support first-of-a-kind engineering costs associated with certification and licensing activities for SMRs through the NRC. By utilizing cost-share agreements with private industry through a licensing technical support program, DOE supports the domestic development of these innovative nuclear technologies, thereby strengthening American manufacturing capabilities and the associated nuclear supply chain, improving domestic employment opportunities, and creating important export opportunities for the United States. It is expected that the first SMR design application will be submitted to the NRC in late-2016.
  • Designing a Modernized LWR Control Room: DOE is partnering with Arizona Public Service’s Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to design a modernized control room for an operating commercial LWR. Working together through a cost-shared partnership, DOE’s LWR Sustainability Program and Palo Verde will consider the best way to replace traditional analog systems with digital systems that optimize control room operations. This work supports the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the currently operating nuclear power plants by assisting nuclear utilities to address reliability and obsolescence issues of legacy analog control rooms.

Life span of U.S. reactors is an issue for the Clean Power Plan

Life span of U.S. reactors is an issue for the Clean Power Plan


http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060027604

ANS Nuclear Cafe Update: Nuclear Power – Powering the Deep Space Exploration

Nuclear Power – Powering the Deep Space Exploration

By ansnuclearcafe on Nov 06, 2015 12:16 pm

Editor’s note: In his last post Chris Morrison wrote about the two parts of the RTG. The following is the second part of the RTG submission complete with videos. by Christopher Morrison The Continue Reading →
Read in browser »
share on Twitter Like Nuclear Power – Powering the Deep Space Exploration on Facebook

Dominion wants nuclear reactors to last 80 years

Dominion wants nuclear reactors to last 80 years


http://www.richmond.com/business/article_c400e2f8-4409-5054-8f6a-c8c79b940f6d.html?mode=jqm

Making Nuclear Waste Less … Nuclear

Making Nuclear Waste Less … Nuclear



http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/06/making-nuclear-waste-less-nuclear.html

Apply Navy’s nuclear technology to civilian use | Don Brunell

Apply Navy’s nuclear technology to civilian use | Don Brunell


http://www.blscourierherald.com/business/342039691.html

Scientists Study Links Between Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Scientists Study Links Between Climate Change and Extreme Weather


http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/06/science/climate-change-extreme-weather-global-warming.html

India orders Greenpeace to shut down over fraud

India orders Greenpeace to shut down over fraud


http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/06/us-india-greenpeace-idUSKCN0SV1OP20151106?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews#yfXLHi1M3oDFM3kY.97

Antinuclear terrorist arrested in Canada

A Canadian antinuke posted a video calling for the death of scientists whose research shows the Fukushima nuclear accident is not destroying the Pacific. He has been charged with two counts of criminal harassment. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/charges-laid-against-bc-man-who-called-for-death-of-ex-fukushima-researcher/article27136264/

Obama tweaks $12.5 billion in nuclear power loans – Washington Examiner

Obama tweaks $12.5 billion in nuclear power loans – Washington Examiner


http://news.list-online.com/obama-tweaks-12-5-billion-in-nuclear-power-loans-washington-examiner/

Fact Sheet: The Fourth Meeting of the U.S.-Japan Bilateral Commission on Civil Nuclear Cooperation


Fact Sheet: The Fourth Meeting of the U.S.-Japan Bilateral Commission on Civil Nuclear Cooperation


http://energy.gov/articles/fact-sheet-fourth-meeting-us-japan-bilateral-commission-civil-nuclear-cooperation

Nuclear Matters' Carol M. Browner on White House Summit on Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Matters' Carol M. Browner on White House Summit on Nuclear Energy


http://www.electricenergyonline.com/detail_news.php?ID=552123&cat=;52

Friday, November 6, 2015

Prepared Remarks of NRC Chairman Stephen G. Burns Nuclear Energy Summit Maintaining U.S. Leadership November 6, 2015

Prepared Remarks of NRC Chairman Stephen G. Burns
Nuclear Energy Summit
Maintaining U.S. Leadership
November 6, 2015
Washington, D

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/commission/speeches/2015/s-15-009.pdf

White House summit boosts industry's sagging spirits

White House summit boosts industry's sagging spirits


http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060027593

Top Climate Scientists Urge Support of Nuclear Power


Top Climate Scientists Urge Support of Nuclear Power


Letter Calls for ‘Fresh Approach’ to Nuclear in the 21st Century

http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/energy-and-climate/top-climate-scientists-urge-support-of-nuclear-power

Preparing for Subsequent License Renewal

Preparing for Subsequent License Renewal


http://nuclearstreet.com/pro_nuclear_power_blogs/b/united-states-nuclear-regulatory-commission/archive/2015/11/06/preparing-for-subsequent-license-renewal.aspx#.Vj1SF6SKI-8

Entergy Registers Q3 Loss of $723M on Nuclear Closures

Entergy Registers Q3 Loss of $723M on Nuclear Closures


http://www.rtoinsider.com/entergy-q3-19035/

Nuclear fuel has melted through base of Fukushima plant

Nuclear fuel has melted through base of Fukushima plant

The nuclear fuel in three of the reactors at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant has melted through the base of the pressure vessels and is pooling in the outer containment vessels, according to a report by the Japanese government.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8565020/Nuclear-fuel-has-melted-through-base-of-Fukushima-plant.html

The Advanced Nuclear Industry

The Advanced Nuclear Industry



http://www.thirdway.org/report/the-advanced-nuclear-industry

When Nuclear Ends: How Nuclear Retirements Might Undermine Clean Power Plan Progress


When Nuclear Ends: How Nuclear Retirements Might Undermine Clean Power Plan Progress


http://www.thirdway.org/report/when-nuclear-ends-how-nuclear-retirements-might-undermine-clean-power-plan-progress

Dominion Informs NRC of Intent to Seek Second License Renewal for Surry Power Station

 

Dominion News

Dominion Informs NRC of Intent to Seek Second License Renewal for Surry Power Station

-- Would be one of the first U.S. nuclear stations to obtain a second 20-year extension

-- Nuclear energy seen as playing pivotal role in nation's ability to lower carbon emissions

-- Announcement made at White House symposium on the future of nuclear energy


http://dom.mediaroom.com/2015-11-06-Dominion-Informs-NRC-of-Intent-to-Seek-Second-License-Renewal-for-Surry-Power-Station

EIA: Despite recent closures, U.S. nuclear capacity is scheduled to increase by 2020

Despite recent closures, U.S. nuclear capacity is scheduled to increase by 2020

graph of U.S. nuclear capacity, as explained in the article text
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review
Note: Capacity for 2016-20 is based on scheduled retirements and additions and does not take into account uprates or any not-yet-announced reductions in nuclear capacity.

Update: Shortly after this article was published, Entergy Corp. announced the planned retirement of the 852 megawatt James A. Fitzpatrick nuclear plant in Scriba, New York, in late 2016 or early 2017. The numbers in the article and graph have not been updated to reflect this announcement.
Despite the scheduled closure of more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of nuclear generating capacity by 2019, scheduled additions of more than 5,000 MW of capacity between 2016 and 2020 could result in a net increase in total U.S. nuclear capacity.
Entergy Corp. announced in October its intention to close by mid-2019 the 685 MW Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station located in Massachusetts. The closure of Pilgrim could take place even earlier, as Entergy could choose to shut Pilgrim down during the plant's scheduled refueling and maintenance in 2017. In addition to the just-announced plan to close Pilgrim, the 678 MW Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in New Jersey is also scheduled to shut down in 2019.
There are currently five new reactors under construction in the United States. Watts Bar Unit 2 (estimated 1,150 MW capacity) in southeastern Tennessee, which recently received its operating license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is projected to begin commercial operation in 2016. The Vogtle plant in eastern Georgia and the V.C. Summer plant in South Carolina, which have both experienced significant project delays of two to three years, are each currently scheduled to begin operating two new reactors (each with 1,117 MW capacity) in 2019 and 2020.
graph of nuclear capacity for top ten U.S. states, as explained in the article text
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Note: Circles on map are sized by plant capacity.

Thirty U.S. states have nuclear power plants; most are located east of the Mississippi River. Illinois has the most nuclear capacity of any state, followed by Pennsylvania. Exelon, the utility with the highest amount of nuclear power capacity in its generation assets, operates 17 reactors at 10 plants located in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Nuclear reactors are typically larger than natural gas- and coal-fired units—the average nuclear unit capacity is just under 1,000 MW, compared to about 130 MW for natural gas combined-cycle units and 270 MW for coal units. The nation's largest nuclear plant and second-largest power plant of any fuel type is the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona, which has three reactors with a total capacity of 3,937 MW. The smallest operational nuclear plant is Fort Calhoun Nuclear Generating Station in Nebraska, with a capacity of 479 MW.
Including last year's closure of the 604 MW Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, four nuclear power plants (five reactors) have been shut down over the past four years, reducing nuclear capacity by more than 4,000 MW and leaving the United States with 99 operating nuclear power reactors at 62 different nuclear power plants.
Principal contributor: EIA Staff

FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces Actions to Ensure that Nuclear Energy Remains a Vibrant Component of the United States’ Clean Energy Strategy

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release

FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces Actions to Ensure that Nuclear Energy Remains a Vibrant Component of the United States’ Clean Energy Strategy

As detailed in the Climate Action Plan, President Obama is committed to using every appropriate tool to combat climate change.  Nuclear power, which in 2014 generated about 60 percent of carbon-free electricity in the United States, continues to play a major role in efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the power sector.  As America leads the global transition to a low-carbon economy, the continued development of new and advanced nuclear technologies along with support for currently operating nuclear power plants is an important component of our clean energy strategy. Investing in the safe and secure development of nuclear power also helps advance other vital policy objectives in the national interest, such as maintaining economic competitiveness and job creation, as well as enhancing nuclear nonproliferation efforts, nuclear safety and security, and energy security.
The President’s FY 2016 Budget includes more than $900 million for the Department of Energy (DOE) to support the U.S. civilian nuclear energy sector by leading federal research, development, and demonstration efforts in nuclear energy technologies, ranging from power generation, safety, hybrid energy systems, and security technologies, among other things.  DOE also supports the deployment of these technologies with $12.5 billion in remaining loan guarantee authority for advanced nuclear projects through Title 17. DOE’s investments in nuclear energy help secure the three strategic objectives that are foundational to our nation’s energy system: energy security, economic competitiveness, and environmental responsibility.
Today, the White House is announcing and highlighting the following actions to sustain and advance nuclear energy, including:
  • Launching the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear: DOE is establishing the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) to provide the nuclear energy community with access to the technical, regulatory, and financial support necessary to move new or advanced nuclear reactor designs toward commercialization while ensuring the continued safe, reliable, and economic operation of the existing nuclear fleet. GAIN will provide the nuclear community with a single point of access to the broad range of capabilities – people, facilities, materials, and data – across the DOE complex and its National Lab capabilities. Focused research opportunities and dedicated industry engagement will also be important components of GAIN, ensuring that DOE-sponsored activities are impactful to companies working to realize the full potential of nuclear energy. GAIN will feature:
    •    Access to Capabilities: Through the Clean Energy Investment Center in DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), GAIN will provide a single point of contact for users interested in a wide range of nuclear energy related capabilities and expertise. As an initiating step, Idaho National Lab will serve as the GAIN integrator for Office of Nuclear Energy capabilities.
    •    Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database: DOE is also publishing the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure database (NEID), which provides a catalogue of existing nuclear energy related infrastructure that will enhance transparency and support nuclear community engagement through GAIN.  NEID currently includes information on 802 research and development instruments in 377 facilities at 84 institutions in the United States and abroad.  Nuclear technology developers can access the database to identify resources available to support development and implementation of their technology, as well as contacts, availability, and the process for accessing the capability.
    •    Small Business Vouchers: To support the strong interest in nuclear energy from a significant number of new companies working to develop advanced nuclear energy technologies, DOE plans to make $2 million available in the form of vouchers to provide assistance to small business applicants (including entrepreneur-led start-ups) seeking to access the knowledge and capabilities available across the DOE complex. This will enhance the ability of GAIN to serve a broader segment of the nuclear community. Information on available capabilities can be found HERE.
    • Assisting Navigation of the Regulatory Process: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), consistent with its role as an independent safety and security regulator, will provide DOE with accurate, current information on the NRC’s regulations and licensing processes. DOE will work through GAIN with prospective applicants for advanced nuclear technology to understand and navigate the regulatory process for licensing new reactor technology.
  • Convening Second Workshop on Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors – The NRC and DOE will hold the Second Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors Workshops in spring 2016.  The successful first workshop was held in September 2015.  The purpose of the workshop is to explore options for increased efficiency, from both a technical and regulatory perspective, in the safe development and deployment of innovative reactor technologies. This would include examining both near-term and longer-term opportunities to test, demonstrate, and construct prototype advanced reactors, and evaluate the most appropriate licensing processes.
  •   Supplementing Loan Guarantee Solicitation for Nuclear Energy: Today, DOE is supplementing its existing solicitation that makes up to $12.5 billion in loan guarantees available to support innovative nuclear energy projects.  The solicitation states that eligible projects can include construction of advanced nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, uprates and upgrades at existing facilities, and front-end nuclear facilities.  In addition, the new supplement clarifies that project costs for an eligible project that are incurred as part of the NRC licensing process, such as design certification, construction permits, and combined construction and operating licenses (COL), could be eligible costs that may be financed with a loan guaranteed by DOE. 
  •   Establishing Light Water Reactor (LWR) Research, Development, and Deployment Working Group: DOE is formally announcing the establishment of the LWR Research, Development, and Deployment (RDD) Working Group to examine possible needs for future RDD to support the development of competitive advanced LWRs, as well as maintain the safe, efficient operations of currently operating nuclear power plants. The group will consist of federal, national laboratory, and industry participants. Recommendations are expected to DOE by February 2016.
  •   Addressing Small Modular Reactor Needs through Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors: Today, DOE’s Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) is signing an agreement with NuScale to establish new cost-shared modeling and simulation tools under the CASL Energy Innovation Hub at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This agreement specifies the work that will be done by CASL to install and support the use of its virtual reactor tools on NuScale systems and by NuScale to simulate performance questions using CASL tools.  Through this agreement, CASL tools will be expanded to better simulate SMR operation and inform design decisions. These efforts can lead to more efficient reactor designs that improve lifetime operation in a power plant.                               
  •   Investing in SMR Licensing: DOE began investing up to $452 million dollars over six years starting in FY 2012 to support first-of-a-kind engineering costs associated with certification and licensing activities for SMRs through the NRC. By utilizing cost-share agreements with private industry through a licensing technical support program, DOE supports the domestic development of these innovative nuclear technologies, thereby strengthening American manufacturing capabilities and the associated nuclear supply chain, improving domestic employment opportunities, and creating important export opportunities for the United States. It is expected that the first SMR design application will be submitted to the NRC in late-2016.
  • Designing a Modernized LWR Control Room: DOE is partnering with Arizona Public Service’s Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to design a modernized control room for an operating commercial LWR. Working together through a cost-shared partnership, DOE’s LWR Sustainability Program and Palo Verde will consider the best way to replace traditional analog systems with digital systems that optimize control room operations. This work supports the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the currently operating nuclear power plants by assisting nuclear utilities to address reliability and obsolescence issues of legacy analog control rooms.

The inside story of how the Keystone fight was won


The inside story of how the Keystone fight was won

http://grist.org/climate-energy/the-inside-story-of-how-the-keystone-fight-was-won/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Keystone%20decision&utm_term=All%20Edit

The fight against Keystone XL changed the climate movement. Here’s how

The fight against Keystone XL changed the climate movement. Here’s how



https://grist.org/climate-energy/the-fight-against-keystone-xl-changed-the-climate-movement-heres-how/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Keystone%20decision&utm_term=All%20Edit

Power Engineering ENewsletter 11/06

Welcome!
GE Alstom Engineers Begin Brainstorming
After months of rumination, engineers at General Electric and Alstom were able to come together for the first time this week to begin piecing together a new portfolio of products for their new company – GE Power.
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Video Highlights
 



Top Stories
Dynegy Plans 465-MW Coal-Fired Plant Closure
Dynegy Inc. announced plans to retire the 465-MW Wood River coal-fired power plant in Illinois next year.
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Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Says Hawaii's Largest Solar Project Now Operational
The 12-MW Anahola solar facility features 59,000 panels and during daylight hours will generate about 20 percent of the electricity used on the island of Kauai.
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NRG Energy Moves Forward with Plans to Shutter New York Coal Plants
Based on an assessment by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the Western New York electrical system will not be affected if either Dunkirk or Huntley station closes, according to the New York Public Service Commission.
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EDF Picks Westinghouse to Maintain Nuclear Digital Control System
Westinghouse signed a support contract with plant owner EDF Energy to maintain the high-integrity control system and primary protection system at the plant for approximately the next 45 years, or through the end of the plant’s operational life.
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Industry News
Talen Energy Buys Natural Gas-Fired Power Plants, Sells Renewable Unit
The $1.175 billion MACH Gen acquisition adds three combined-cycle natural gas-fired power plants totaling more than 2,500 MW of generating capacity to Talen Energy’s fleet.
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Areva to Supply Nuclear Fuel Assemblies to Spanish Plant
Spanish utility Centrales Nucleares Almaraz-Trillo (CNAT) picked Areva to supply fuel assemblies to the Trillo nuclear power plant in Spain.
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Southern, AGL Ask Maryland Regulators to OK $7.93 Billion Merger
The companies jointly filed with the Maryland Public Service Commission to approve the merger. A request for approval was filed Oct. 26 with Virginia state regulators.
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NOW Inc. Announces Close of Challenger Industries Inc. Acquisition
One of the largest distributors of energy and industrial products worldwide, NOW Inc. announced on Monday the close of its acquisition of Challenger Industries Inc., a leading pipe, valve and fittings supplier.
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Industry Trends
Henry Hub Average Natural Gas Spot Prices
The Henry Hub is the pricing point for natural gas futures contracts. Here's a look at how prices have changed up to Oct. 28, 2015.
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Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' Economic Indicators
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas offers a glimpse into how the markets are doing domestically and internationally.
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EIA’s Weekly Coal Production Report
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has released its coal production report for the week ending Oct. 31, 2015.
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Send UNLIMITED Delegates (Employees) for a Flat Rate
Does your company generate electricity? Is your company a utility, muni, co-op, public power provider, on-site power producer or IPP? Does your company generate at least 1 MW of energy?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then your company qualifies for the Power Generators Discount Program!
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Attend These Networking Events During Power Generation Week
From the awards banquet to networking breakfasts and nights out on the town, rub elbows with your industry peers during POWER-GEN International and Power Generation Week Dec. 6 through 10 in Las Vegas.
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Add Your Hero to Our Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor pays tribute to military personnel around the world. It is on display at all of PennWell's North American conferences. Click to add a name or sponsor the wall.
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From GenerationHub
California Commission Staff Works on Revamped 700-MW Palmdale Project
California Energy Commission staff filed a Nov. 3 report with the commission identifying potential issues and a preliminary schedule for review of a major amendment to a 2011 approval for the Palmdale Hybrid Power Project.
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AES Asks for Expedited Review of Revamped Huntington Beach Project
The AES Southland Development LLC unit of AES Corp. on Oct. 27 asked the California Energy Commission for an expedited schedule, with a commission decision on May 11 of next year, related to its Sept. 9 amendment request for the Huntington Beach Energy Project.
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Slideshow
POWER-GEN International 2016: Hot Topics
The world’s largest power generation event – POWER-GEN International – is in Las Vegas, Nevada Dec. 8 through 10. More than 200 speakers are being featured in more than 70 conference sessions. Here are a few of the topics they will cover.
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