IAEA Director General Visits Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia

IAEA Director General Visits Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano visited Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia to discuss ways in which the IAEA can support the Balkan nations in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Priority areas for Bosnia and Herzegovina include nuclear medicine, radiation protection and animal health, Mr Amano was informed by his hosts.
Mr Amano met Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mladen Ivanić and Minister of Civil Affairs Adil Osmanović, and visited the State Regulatory Agency for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety and the Sarajevo University Clinical Center.
The country is currently benefiting from four IAEA technical cooperation projects. These aim to strengthen the national regulatory infrastructure, improve emergency preparedness and response, enhance nuclear medicine capabilities in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging, and establish national diagnostic reference levels in diagnostic radiology.
New PET Centre in Skopje
In the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Mr Amano participated in the opening of the University Institute for Positron Emission Tomography in Skopje. The IAEA has supported the establishment of the Institute through technical advice, training of professional staff and the donation of equipment.
“This impressive facility will greatly benefit patients in the country and the wider region suffering from cancer and other conditions,” he said. “It will also provide an important basis for ongoing work to strengthen public cancer care in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.”
The new equipment will allow Institute staff to perform diagnosis of cancer and other conditions. It will also serve as a production facility for radiopharmaceuticals, including for export throughout the Balkans.
A nuclear medicine quality management audit by the IAEA at the Institute is planned for November. The Institute has already supported the work of the IAEA by hosting a training course for African radiopharmacists.

Fukushima Commentary

Commentary - May 26, 2017

Fukushima’s On-going Repopulation is Ignored by the Press

The slow, but steady, repopulation of Fukushima’s former “no-go” zone is an undeniable fact. By all indications the return of former residents will continue well into the foreseeable future. However, most of the Japanese and International Press outlets are not reporting on it! Why?

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-s-on-going-repopulation-is-ignored-by-the-press.html

Experts: US Still 'Needlessly Vulnerable' to Fukushima-Style Disaster


Experts: US Still 'Needlessly Vulnerable' to Fukushima-Style Disaster

Nuclear industry pressured regulatory commission into low-balling consequences of meltdown, especially in case of reactor fire, new article says

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/05/26/experts-us-still-needlessly-vulnerable-fukushima-style-disaster

Nuclear industry prices itself out of power market, demands taxpayers keep it afloat


Nuclear industry prices itself out of power market, demands taxpayers keep it afloat

Nuclear power is so expensive even some conservatives are turning on it


https://thinkprogress.org/nuclear-demands-subsidies-b8bfa9bdd8fa

Bulletin of Atomic Scientists Nuclear Roundup 5/26/17

 
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Nuclear Roundup
May 26, 2017
A compilation of quality nuclear policy news published on the Web, around the world.

United States

Senate Panel Approves Stiff Iran Sanctions and Says Russia Is Next

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/25/world/middleeast/iran-sanctions-senate-foreign-relations.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fmiddleeast&_r=0

Modernization, Replacement Programs Constitute Nuclear Deterrence Priority

https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1194684/modernization-replacement-programs-constitute-nuclear-deterrence-priority/

Time to end the decay at the Energy Department

http://thebulletin.org/time-end-decay-energy-department10798

Navy Strategic Missile Boss: Interoperable Warhead Not Yet Required

http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20170525-IW.html

U.S. House members mixed on MOX

http://www.aikenstandard.com/news/u-s-house-members-mixed-on-mox/article_9ae8f478-418a-11e7-8806-1f3bac6cf40c.html

Sandia Labs names NM contractors for $135 million worth of projects

http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2017/05/25/sandia-labs-names-nm-contractors-for-135-million.html

International

Kim's rocket stars - The trio behind North Korea's missile program

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/25/kims-rocket-stars--the-trio-behind-north-koreas-missile-program.html

Asia nuclear arms race feared as Julie Bishop and US sound warnings

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/world/asia-nuclear-arms-race-feared-as-julie-bishop-and-us-sound-warnings/news-story/a14a724a4bcfc4268ee3b96b277c321f

Trump: North Korea ‘A Particular Focus’ for G-7 Leaders at Summit

https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-north-korea-problem-will-be-solved/3872157.html

Trump: ‘You can bet’ North Korea nuclear problem gets solved

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/335274-trump-you-can-bet-north-korea-nuclear-problem-gets-solved

Russia's Putin drafts new rearmament program

http://www.defensenews.com/articles/russias-putin-drafts-new-rearmament-program

China unveils flagship nuclear tech to be used in Karachi atomic plants

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-unveils-flagship-nuclear-tech-to-be-used-in-karachi-atomic-plants/story-8mcI9oXr8JqlqkdwW5eyIK.html

Kazakhstan to produce nuclear fuel for China

http://indianexpress.com/article/world/kazakhstan-to-produce-nuclear-fuel-for-china-4674996/

General Interest

A new nuclear arms race?

http://thebulletin.org/multimedia/new-nuclear-arms-race

Scientists Have Figured Out How to Detect Nuclear Materials Up to 1 Km Away

https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-uncover-method-to-detect-nuclear-materials-from-up-to-one-kilometre-away

New life for New START?

http://thebulletin.org/new-life-new-start10792



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US nuclear regulators greatly underestimate potential for nuclear disaster, researchers say

US nuclear regulators greatly underestimate potential for nuclear disaster, researchers say


Please see below a statement from Rod McCullum, NEI Senior Director, Fuel and Decommissioning:

"The U.S. nuclear industry has safely and effectively stored used fuel in steel-lined, water-filled concrete vaults at plant sites for decades. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission regularly inspects equipment and processes for managing used fuel at nuclear plant sites to ensure this occurs.
This most recent perspective on the oft studied topic offers nothing new and does not change abundant evidence that used fuel at U.S. plant sites is properly managed – a claim consistently verified by industry experts, independent scientists, and the NRC.  After completing the latest in a series of over a dozen independent studies, the NRC recommended (NUREG 2161) that “no further generic assessments be pursued related to possible regulatory actions to require the expedited transfer of spent fuel to dry cask storage.”
 Thanks to sharing of best practices our already safe methods for storing used fuel have gotten progressively safer in recent years because of additional measures, such as improved neutron absorber materials and operational practices that assure increased spacing between the hottest assemblies. In addition, U.S. nuclear plants now have FLEX equipment on site and stationed at regional locations to respond to an unlikely event involving these used fuel vaults.
 America’s nuclear energy facilities have a strong record of properly managing these materials, yet we also look forward to renewed progress toward licensing of the Yucca Mountain repository."
 

Utilities experiment with distributed energy resources



Utilities experiment with distributed energy resources

By By Michael McDonald,   /  Thursday, May 25, 2017 8:49 AM
A recent survey indicated that many of the nations electric companies are planning on incorporating distributed energy resources (DERs) into their business model. However, as is typical with this sector (and many others), most companies would prefer to see the concept proven before they make a significant investment in it themselves. Many utilities are investing

U.S. Nuclear Regulators Greatly Underestimate Potential for Nuclear Disaster

U.S. Nuclear Regulators Greatly Underestimate Potential for Nuclear Disaster


http://wws.princeton.edu/news-and-events/news/item/us-nuclear-regulators-greatly-underestimate-potential-nuclear-disaster


Please see below a statement from Rod McCullum, NEI Senior Director, Fuel and Decommissioning:

"The U.S. nuclear industry has safely and effectively stored used fuel in steel-lined, water-filled concrete vaults at plant sites for decades. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission regularly inspects equipment and processes for managing used fuel at nuclear plant sites to ensure this occurs.
This most recent perspective on the oft studied topic offers nothing new and does not change abundant evidence that used fuel at U.S. plant sites is properly managed – a claim consistently verified by industry experts, independent scientists, and the NRC.  After completing the latest in a series of over a dozen independent studies, the NRC recommended (NUREG 2161) that “no further generic assessments be pursued related to possible regulatory actions to require the expedited transfer of spent fuel to dry cask storage.”
 Thanks to sharing of best practices our already safe methods for storing used fuel have gotten progressively safer in recent years because of additional measures, such as improved neutron absorber materials and operational practices that assure increased spacing between the hottest assemblies. In addition, U.S. nuclear plants now have FLEX equipment on site and stationed at regional locations to respond to an unlikely event involving these used fuel vaults.
 America’s nuclear energy facilities have a strong record of properly managing these materials, yet we also look forward to renewed progress toward licensing of the Yucca Mountain repository."
 

Bulletin of Atomic Scientists: Open Now! Visit Turn Back the Clock at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago



Open Now! Visit Turn Back the Clock at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is delighted to announce the opening of a new exhibit showcasing the rich history of our organization at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. The exhibit, Turn Back the Clock, highlights the Bulletin and one of the most provocative and important symbols of the 20th century—the Doomsday Clock. Created in partnership with the Museum, Turn Back the Clock showcases the urgency of two major challenges facing our world today: nuclear weapons and climate change.

As guests explore Turn Back the Clock, they will learn about the significance of the Doomsday Clock and how it has evolved to include risks we face today. Through compelling personal stories, innovative interactive media, and pop culture artifacts, the exhibit takes guests through seven decades of history—from the dawn of the nuclear age to significant policy questions our leaders face today.

Guests will:

•    Interact with a digital representation of the Clock through time, offering a snapshot of the science, policy and culture at that moment.

•    Learn how the atomic age extended into pop culture, including inspiring comic book series, music, and films directed by Stanley Kubrick.

•    Walk through a visual, historic timeline of the nuclear age.

•    Learn how the existential threat of climate change has influenced the Clock since 2007, becoming more and more urgent as global leaders resist taking necessary action.

For the past seventy years, the Doomsday Clock has served as a clarion call to all of us—scientists, policy makers, artists and ordinary citizens—to get engaged and help build a safer and healthier planet. The aim of the exhibit is to raise awareness about the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, create greater understanding about nuclear risk and climate change, and motivate each of us to get involved.

Visit the Museum of Science and Industry to walk through this fascinating exploration of our scientific history and future. It won’t be the same without you.

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Garwin on Strategic Security Challenges to the US

Garwin on Strategic Security Challenges to the US

There are at least four major “strategic security challenges” that could place the United States at risk within the next decade, physicist Richard L. Garwin told the National Academy of Sciences earlier this month. “The greatest threat, based on expected value of damage, is cyberattack,” he said. Other challenges arise from the actions of North […]https://fas.org/blogs/secrecy/2017/05/garwin-challenges/

Bethe, Oppenheimer and Teller: Their Accomplishments

Bethe, Oppenheimer and Teller: Their Accomplishments

In 1959, physicists Hans Bethe, J. Robert Oppenheimer and Edward Teller were candidates to receive the Enrico Fermi Award for contributions to the development of atomic energy. In a newly discovered letter written in June 1959, Los Alamos physicist Norris Bradbury provided his evaluation of the achievements of each of the three eminent scientists. His […]https://fas.org/blogs/secrecy/2017/05/bradbury-fermi/

1955: First Sale of Atomic Electricity


1955: First Sale of Atomic Electricity

By ansnuclearcafe on May 24, 2017 04:55 pm

The now-obscure and thick “Atoms for Peace Manual” published in 1955 by the U.S. Government Printing Office (and presented by Senator Alexander Wiley) contains, near its end, a curious and Continue Reading →
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