Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, October 21, 2017

South Africa builds nuclear to power economy into future - Minister - Journal du Cameroun

South Africa builds nuclear to power economy into future - Minister - Journal du Cameroun

TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy - Austria most ill-disposed towards nuclear energy in European Union — Russia’s envoy

TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy - Austria most ill-disposed towards nuclear energy in European Union — Russia’s envoy

Army bomb squad called to Sellafield nuclear power plant after 'hazardous' chemicals found - Mirror Online

Army bomb squad called to Sellafield nuclear power plant after 'hazardous' chemicals found - Mirror Online

South Korea developing 'Frankenmissile' to combat North Korean nuclear threat

South Korea developing 'Frankenmissile' to combat North Korean nuclear threat

North Korea Threatens 'Unimaginable Strike at an Unimaginable Time' on U.S.

North Korea Threatens 'Unimaginable Strike at an Unimaginable Time' on U.S.

North Korea latest: Chinese military expert warns of Beijing offensive against Kim Jong-Un | World | News | Express.co.uk

North Korea latest: Chinese military expert warns of Beijing offensive against Kim Jong-Un | World | News | Express.co.uk

North Korea 'Has the Missile Technology to Destroy US Carriers Near Its Shores' - Sputnik International

North Korea 'Has the Missile Technology to Destroy US Carriers Near Its Shores' - Sputnik International

North Korea's Kim dynasty a hodgepodge of influences | Asia Times

North Korea's Kim dynasty a hodgepodge of influences | Asia Times

North Korea is playing a longer-term game than the US | GulfNews.com

North Korea is playing a longer-term game than the US | GulfNews.com

Former North Korean Official Says Nuclear War Threats Are A Bluff And Kim Jong-un Seeks Relationship With U.S.

Former North Korean Official Says Nuclear War Threats Are A Bluff And Kim Jong-un Seeks Relationship With U.S.

North Korea Writes to Australia Calling Itself a 'Solid Nuclear Power' - India.com

North Korea Writes to Australia Calling Itself a 'Solid Nuclear Power' - India.com

Kim sends ‘unprecedented’ letter to Australia | New York Post

Kim sends ‘unprecedented’ letter to Australia | New York Post

South Korea to push ahead with nuclear power plants

South Korea to push ahead with nuclear power plants

Moon likely to speak as early as Sunday on recommendation for resuming reactor construction

Moon likely to speak as early as Sunday on recommendation for resuming reactor construction

South Koreans' support for nuclear projects deals blow to government energy plan, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld

South Koreans' support for nuclear projects deals blow to government energy plan, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld

Republicans Finally Start Demanding Answers On Crooked Uranium Deal - Liberty News Now

Republicans Finally Start Demanding Answers On Crooked Uranium Deal - Liberty News Now

NRC Approves Two Steam Supply Upgrade Evaluation Systems

NRC Approves Two Steam Supply Upgrade Evaluation Systems

SLED needs lots of time, help to get to bottom of South Carolina's nuclear plant fiasco, experts say

SLED needs lots of time, help to get to bottom of South Carolina's nuclear plant fiasco, experts say



http://www.postandcourier.com/news/sled-needs-lots-of-time-help-to-get-to-bottom/article_45d594e2-adc2-11e7-8e5e-ef2748ff2ec2.html

Trump’s Iran Strategy Looks Ominously Familiar - POLITICO Magazine

Trump’s Iran Strategy Looks Ominously Familiar - POLITICO Magazine

South Korea Panel Votes to Restart Nuclear Reactor Projects | Neutron Bytes

South Korea Panel Votes to Restart Nuclear Reactor Projects | Neutron Bytes

The Real Climate Consensus: Nuclear Power

The Real Climate Consensus: Nuclear Power

Westinghouse Receives Regulatory Approval for Analysis Methodologies | Business Wire

Westinghouse Receives Regulatory Approval for Analysis Methodologies | Business Wire

Lawmaker makes a last-minute plea to derail Yucca Mountain bill – Las Vegas Review-Journal

Lawmaker makes a last-minute plea to derail Yucca Mountain bill – Las Vegas Review-Journal

Senator demands answers from DOJ on Russia bribery probe | TheHill

Senator demands answers from DOJ on Russia bribery probe | TheHill

IAEA Completes Nuclear Security Advisory Mission in Lithuania

IAEA Completes Nuclear Security Advisory Mission in Lithuania

2017/51
Vilnius Lithuania
Lithuanian flag. (Photo: Manuel Ignacio/Flickr)
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts today completed a nuclear security advisory mission in Lithuania, which was carried out at the request of the Lithuanian Government.
The scope of the two-week International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission included the legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear security, the physical protection of nuclear material and facilities, transport security, the security of radioactive material, and computer security. Lithuania’s implementation of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) was also included in the scope of the mission. The Amendment, ratified by Lithuania in 2009, entered into force in 2016 and provides a strengthened framework for protecting nuclear material and nuclear facilities.
The IPPAS team visited the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, which is being decommissioned, and facilities located on-site, such as the Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility. It also visited facilities where radioactive sources are in use and storage, including the hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in the city of Kaunas.
The team observed that the nuclear security regime in Lithuania is well established and incorporates the fundamental principles of the amended CPPNM. The team provided recommendations and suggestions to support Lithuania in enhancing and sustaining nuclear security. Good practices were identified that can serve as examples to other IAEA Member States to help strengthen their nuclear security activities.
The team, led by Nancy Fragoyannis, Senior Level Adviser for Nonproliferation and International Nuclear Security at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of the United States, included seven other experts from France, Hungary, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the IAEA. The team met in Vilnius with officials from the State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (VATESI) and the Radiation Protection Centre (RSC), as well as from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of National Defence, and the State Security Department.
“This is the third time that an IPPAS mission has been invited to Lithuania,” said Muhammad Khaliq, Head of the Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section at the IAEA. “Lithuania’s example in applying IAEA Nuclear Security guidance and using IAEA advisory services clearly demonstrates its strong commitment to nuclear security and its enhancement.”
VATESI and RSC said the mission would help them to further enhance nuclear security in Lithuania.
The IPPAS team gave us a comprehensive and competent external view of our system to ensure security of our nuclear facilities and activities,” said Michail Demčenko, Head of VATESI. “The recommendations and suggestions provided by the IPPAS team will help us to further maintain and enhance our regulatory framework in line with the international requirements and best practices.”
“The recommendations and suggestions will support us in the continuous improvement of the existing security system for radioactive sources, to ensure that they are securely protected during and at the end of their useful lives. This includes an effective national legislative and regulatory infrastructure, promotion of a security culture with regard to radioactive sources, and adequate education and training of regulators and operators,” said Albinas Mastauskas, Director of RSC.
Background
The mission was the 79th IPPAS mission conducted by the IAEA since the programme began in 1995. Lithuania had already hosted an IPPAS mission in 1999 and an IPPAS follow-up mission in 2002.
IPPAS missions are intended to help States strengthen their national nuclear security regime. The missions provide peer advice on implementing international instruments, along with IAEA guidance on the protection of nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities.
During missions a team of international experts observes a nation's system of physical protection, compares it with international good practices and makes recommendations for improvement. IPPAS missions are conducted both on a nationwide and facility-specific basis. https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/iaea-completes-nuclear-security-advisory-mission-in-lithuania

Formal complaint filed with S.C. agency over unlicensed engineering at nuclear plant | Business | postandcourier.com

Formal complaint filed with S.C. agency over unlicensed engineering at nuclear plant | Business | postandcourier.com

NRC increasing oversight of Duke Energy’s Catawba Nuclear Plant | www.gaffneyledger.com | Gaffney Ledger

NRC increasing oversight of Duke Energy’s Catawba Nuclear Plant | www.gaffneyledger.com | Gaffney Ledger

Callaway plant performs inspections tied to license extension, routine refueling - News - Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, MO

Callaway plant performs inspections tied to license extension, routine refueling - News - Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, MO

Fluor Selected to Restore Power to Puerto Rico - Power Engineering

Fluor Selected to Restore Power to Puerto Rico - Power Engineering

Limited construction permit issued for Turkish plant

Limited construction permit issued for Turkish plant

Source: Siemens May Downsize Power Turbine Division - Power Engineering

Source: Siemens May Downsize Power Turbine Division - Power Engineering

Russian Uranium Investigation: Bill Clinton Met Putin After Asking to Meet Top Nuclear Industry Official, Emails Show

Russian Uranium Investigation: Bill Clinton Met Putin After Asking to Meet Top Nuclear Industry Official, Emails Show

Bill Clinton sought State’s permission to meet with Russian nuclear official during Obama uranium decision | TheHill

Bill Clinton sought State’s permission to meet with Russian nuclear official during Obama uranium decision | TheHill

Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation Amid Russian Uranium Deal - The New York Times

Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation Amid Russian Uranium Deal - The New York Times

Uranium One Deal: Obama Administration Complicit, Not Just | National Review

Uranium One Deal: Obama Administration Complicit, Not Just | National Review

FERC Faces Barrage of Comments on DOE’s Coal, Nuclear Cost-Recovery Rule

FERC Faces Barrage of Comments on DOE’s Coal, Nuclear Cost-Recovery Rule

Making sense of Russia, uranium and Hillary Clinton - The Washington Post

Making sense of Russia, uranium and Hillary Clinton - The Washington Post

Why coal and nuclear aren't going anywhere

Why coal and nuclear aren't going anywhere

South Korea does a sudden U-turn on nuclear power - KXLY

South Korea does a sudden U-turn on nuclear power - KXLY

Energy Regulators Look To Guard Grid From Cyberattacks | OilPrice.com

Energy Regulators Look To Guard Grid From Cyberattacks | OilPrice.com

Schlumberger Warns Of Moderating Investment In North America | OilPrice.com

Schlumberger Warns Of Moderating Investment In North America | OilPrice.com

Nuclear News Roundup Oct 20, 2017 | Nucleotidings

Nuclear News Roundup Oct 20, 2017 | Nucleotidings

Nuclear Weapons 316 -The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Is Under Attack By Contractors Who Operate Nuclear Weapons Facilities - Part 2 of 3 Parts | Nucleotidings

Nuclear Weapons 316 -The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Is Under Attack By Contractors Who Operate Nuclear Weapons Facilities - Part 2 of 3 Parts | Nucleotidings

Newberry Observer | Scientist partners with SRNL to repurpose nuclear power byproduct

Newberry Observer | Scientist partners with SRNL to repurpose nuclear power byproduct

Bechtel Selected For Savannah River Joint Venture

Bechtel Selected For Savannah River Joint Venture - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street -

Drones with GPS-denied Navigation at 45 mph | NextBigFuture.com

Drones with GPS-denied Navigation at 45 mph | NextBigFuture.com

ANN/Groong -- Minister: Armenia not to give up the idea of building new nu

ANN/Groong -- Minister: Armenia not to give up the idea of building new nu

Green energy a political liability | The London Free Press

Green energy a political liability | The London Free Press

Kepco's deal to run UAE reactors contains toxic clauses: lawmaker

Kepco's deal to run UAE reactors contains toxic clauses: lawmaker

China Bans Foreign Waste – But What Will Happen to the World's Recycling? - Scientific American

China Bans Foreign Waste – But What Will Happen to the World's Recycling? - Scientific American

Natural Gas, Grid Reliability And Respecting Markets


Natural Gas, Grid Reliability And Respecting Markets

By By Energy Tomorrow Blog,   /  Friday, October 20, 2017 10:00 AM
It’s unclear what the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will do with U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry’s request that FERC alter the electricity marketplace in favor of certain generating facilities – a proposal that by design would favor some energy sources over others. A clue, perhaps, from FERC Commissioner Robert Powelson, speaking to the American Association of

Energy Collective

Here's the latest on the status of the Energy Collective which reposts some of my blog posts and those of Rod Adams and several others.

Background

Energy Collective founder Robin Fray Carey died in a car accident in December 2015. Her estate sold the Energy Collective (TEC) to Brussels, Belgium, based Karel Beckman who had been publishing a similar service in the EU and was looking for an opening in the U.S. market. The deal closed in 2Q2016.

Since then Beckman has been looking for new investors, but despite having at least one serious expression of interest, has not been able to land one. Now Beckman is looking for a "publishing partner" or "other type of investor."

Energy Post's cautious view of nuclear

The Energy Post, which focuses on Europe, has in the past run some questionable anti-nuclear tirades though it has also more recently reposted pro-nuclear content from the Energy Collective including some of mine.

Beckman himself admits to being a nuclear skeptic, but he hasn't closed the door. The Energy Collective has not shown a particular bias one way or the the other.

Business case for TEC?

One of the frustrations of sharing my blog posts on TEC is that the site won't share readership data or other analytics with contributors. 

Beckman's Linkedin post, which appeared online this week (sdee below), provides the first public, and confirmed, data on readership. However, he combines data for the U.S. and European sites and doesn't break out data for either one.

The Energy Collective continues to receive advertising at the sponsorship level from Siemens which pulled out of the nuclear reactor business as an EPC after unhappy experiences in France and Finland. It continues to serve the industry as a vendor and maintenace contractor for installed equipment at existing sites mostly in Europe. Siemen's primary interest in TEC is in promoting its wind and solar product lines.

Competition for the Energy Collective comes in several forms including Energy Central (EC) which in 2015 changed its long standing policy prohibiting bloggers from being contributors to the site. I do not post there.

The commercial newsletters about the nuclear energy industry, such as Platts, E&E, etc., are out of reach for many readers in terms of costs which creates the niche filled by TEC and EC among others. The are a number of other sites that are more accessible since they are advertiser supported including Nuclear Engineering International and Power Engineering which as six related energy sites. 

Beckman's post from Linkedin follow below.

I do not have any commercial relationship with TEC.  See full text below from Beckman.

__________________________________
Dan Yurman  dan.yurman@outlook.com
Twitter: @djysrv  
Blog: NeutronBytes  
Mobile: 216-218-3823 


============


Energy Post is looking for a publishing partner

EPP comprises two successful open platforms for debate and analysis – Energy Post (based in Europe) and The Energy Collective (based in the U.S.) – plus a premium newsletter with a growing subscription base.

With our websites drawing over 100,000 unique visitors a month, two free weekly newsletters which go to some 13,000 registered subscribers every week and some 94,000 followers on social media, EPP is one of the world’s leading publishers in the energy sector.

Our mission is to offer the best independent analysis, debates and insights on the global energy transition. Some people think that we already do!

To achieve further growth, we are now looking for a publishing partner or other type of investor who sees an opportunity to help us carry our titles and mission forward.

For more information see http://energypost.eu/investment-offer/


The Electric Revolution Is About To Upend Transportation


The Electric Revolution Is About To Upend Transportation

http://whchronicle.com/the-electric-revolution-is-about-to-upend-transportation/

Friday, October 20, 2017

dotemirates - Having nuclear weapons 'matter of life and de...

dotemirates - Having nuclear weapons 'matter of life and de...

Utility Week – Clean baseload challenge 'overplayed' by nuclear lobby

Utility Week – Clean baseload challenge 'overplayed' by nuclear lobby

Hillary Clinton, uranium, and a Russian spy ring - Western Free Press

Hillary Clinton, uranium, and a Russian spy ring - Western Free Press

Tehran: U.S. ‘irresponsible approach” on nuclear deal has created new situation - Tehran Times

Tehran: U.S. ‘irresponsible approach” on nuclear deal has created new situation - Tehran Times

Kerry: Leaving nuclear deal’s fate to Congress is ‘very dangerous’ - Tehran Times

Kerry: Leaving nuclear deal’s fate to Congress is ‘very dangerous’ - Tehran Times

S Korean Commission Recommends Resuming Construction of Nuclear Reactors

S Korean Commission Recommends Resuming Construction of Nuclear Reactors

UN Disarmament Envoy Urges Russia to Discuss Nuclear Disarmament With US

UN Disarmament Envoy Urges Russia to Discuss Nuclear Disarmament With US

The Expense of Renewables Is Outweighed by the Health-Care Savings They Provide

https://www.technologyreview.com/the-download/608685/the-expense-of-renewables-is-outweighed-by-the-health-care-savings-they-provide/?utm_source=MIT+Technology+Review&utm_campaign=d9dd48349b-The_Download&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-d9dd48349b-153856085

The Lancet Commission on pollution and health

The Lancet Commission on pollution and health

Hanford vit plant 2 steps closer to treating radioactive waste | Tri-City Herald

Hanford vit plant 2 steps closer to treating radioactive waste | Tri-City Herald

Enemies of the Earth: Unmasking the Dirty War Against Clean Energy in South Korea by Friends of the Earth (FOE) and Greenpeace — Environmental Progress

Enemies of the Earth: Unmasking the Dirty War Against Clean Energy in South Korea by Friends of the Earth (FOE) and Greenpeace — Environmental Progress

Victory! Pro-Nuclear Win in South Korea Gives Momentum to Atomic Humanists Everywhere — Environmental Progress

Victory! Pro-Nuclear Win in South Korea Gives Momentum to Atomic Humanists Everywhere — Environmental Progress

South Koreans recommend gov't complete 2 nuclear reactors

South Koreans recommend gov't complete 2 nuclear reactors

Presidential First Use of Nuclear Weapons: Is it Legal? Is it Constitutional? Is it Just? | Arts & Humanities Division

Presidential First Use of Nuclear Weapons: Is it Legal? Is it Constitutional? Is it Just? | Arts & Humanities Division

A dozen reasons for the economic failure of nuclear power | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

A dozen reasons for the economic failure of nuclear power | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Growing threat: Cyber and nuclear weapons systems | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Growing threat: Cyber and nuclear weapons systems | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Time to insert the control rods on North Korea | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Time to insert the control rods on North Korea | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Blockchain: A new aid to nuclear export controls? | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Blockchain: A new aid to nuclear export controls? | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

UPDATE 1-Turkey's first nuclear plant gets initial approval

UPDATE 1-Turkey's first nuclear plant gets initial approval

As world turns off, icy, dark Finland turning on nuclear power

As world turns off, icy, dark Finland turning on nuclear power

South Korea Will Resume Reactor Work, Defying Nuclear Opponents - The New York Times

South Korea Will Resume Reactor Work, Defying Nuclear Opponents - The New York Times

Coal, nuclear power are vital to grid reliability and national security, McKinley says | The State Journal | theet.com

Coal, nuclear power are vital to grid reliability and national security, McKinley says | The State Journal | theet.com

Sen. Cantwell, colleagues urge FERC to reject Perry’s proposed market rules - Daily Energy Insider

Sen. Cantwell, colleagues urge FERC to reject Perry’s proposed market rules - Daily Energy Insider

The Logic Behind Rick Perry's FERC Letter

The Logic Behind Rick Perry's FERC Letter

U.S. nuclear energy would be safe from hurricanes - Washington Times

U.S. nuclear energy would be safe from hurricanes - Washington Times

Ameren making $130M of repairs to Missouri nuclear plant | News & Observer

Ameren making $130M of repairs to Missouri nuclear plant | News & Observer

ARPA-E Modeling Enhanced Innovations Trailblazing Nuclear Energy Reinvigoration (MEITNER) program

ARPA-E-Comms <arpa-e-comms@hq.doe.gov>



10:55 AM (52 minutes ago)

Good Morning:

Today, ARPA-E published a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $20 million for the Modeling Enhanced Innovations Trailblazing Nuclear Energy Reinvigoration (MEITNER) program. The deadline to submit Concept Papers for this FOA is 5:00PM ET, Monday, December 4, 2017.

Through the MEITNER program, ARPA-E seeks to identify and develop innovative technologies to enable the advanced nuclear reactor design community to mature their designs for future commercial deployment. These enabling technologies can establish the basis for a modern, domestic supply chain supporting nuclear technology. The MEITNER program targets transformative technologies that simultaneously achieve lower construction cost and autonomous operations while increasing safety.

Additional information, including a FOA summary, the full FOA, and how to find project teaming partners, is available on ARPA-E’s online application portal at the following link:https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId9688fafc-3b63-42af-9786-77d930987b4a  
                                                                                             
ARPA E encourages outstanding scientists, engineers, and practitioners from different organizations, scientific disciplines, and technology sectors to form new project teams for the MEITNER program. In addition to the advanced nuclear reactor design community, the following disciplines and sectors will also be helpful in advancing the technologies encouraged by MEITNER:

·         mechanical engineering
·         computer science
·         robotics
·         sensors
·         civil and environmental engineering
·         chemical engineering
·         materials science

We apologize if this notification has been sent to you more than once; we are trying to reach the largest possible audience. To that end, please forward this email to any colleagues who may be interested. If you or your colleagues have any questions please submit them by email to ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov.

Sincerely,

ARPA-E Communications

 
ARPA-E Communications

Thursday, October 19, 2017

The Energy Collective Daily: In the Growing Wave of Climate Litigation, Could the Automobile Industry be Next?

In the Growing Wave of Climate Litigation, Could the Automobile Industry Be Next? | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective

Rick Perry to Nuclear Millennials: It’s a Pivotal Moment to Preserve US Nuclear Technology and Leadership - Nuclear Energy Institute

Rick Perry to Nuclear Millennials: It’s a Pivotal Moment to Preserve US Nuclear Technology and Leadership - Nuclear Energy Institute

The UAE’s Nuclear Path: Q&A with Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi


The UAE’s Nuclear Path: Q&A with Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi

Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, United Arab Emirates.
In the run-up to the IAEA’s International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century, read about the nuclear power programme of the conference’s host country, the United Arab Emirates, which is expected to bring its first nuclear power reactor into operation in 2018.
The UAE started building the first unit of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in 2012 and currently has four units under construction. We sat down with Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the IAEA, to talk about his country’s nuclear power programme.
"We chose nuclear power for its commercial and environmental competitiveness. What makes our programme successful is our Government’s robust commitment, a viable business model, high public acceptance and strong international cooperation and support, including with and from the IAEA."
Hamad Alkaabi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the IAEA
Why did the UAE choose to embark on a nuclear power programme?
The UAE’s decision to pursue a nuclear power programme was based on the need to meet the country’s increasing energy demand. We chose nuclear power for its commercial and environmental competitiveness. The early phase of the programme included a detailed road map addressing all infrastructure requirements and associated costs. The decision to go ahead with the programme was based on full understanding of its financial implications. The development of a nuclear power programme requires solid investment and risk mitigation strategies. What makes our programme successful is our Government’s robust commitment, a viable business model, high public acceptance and strong international cooperation and support, including with and from the IAEA.
How has the IAEA helped with this process?
The IAEA has provided guidance on the development of our national nuclear infrastructure. Our planning was based on the IAEA’s Milestones Approach, whereby eight IAEA review missions were conducted covering various areas and stages of the programme. Moreover, the reports from these review missions were made public, which contributed to increased confidence in the programme among stakeholders and the public at large.
How will cooperation with the IAEA evolve once the Barakah Plant is connected to the grid?
The focus of our cooperation will naturally shift to more advanced areas of commissioning and safety of operation, but we will continue to be interested in technical support and peer review missions.
The UAE’s commitment to the highest standards of operational transparency, safety, security and non-proliferation, as well as our cooperation with the IAEA has enabled our programme to serve as a model for many countries embarking on nuclear power. We look forward to sharing our experience with other IAEA Member States.
How can a country develop a strong nuclear regulator when it is developing a nuclear power programme?
A competent nuclear safety regulator is the cornerstone of any successful nuclear programme. First, we established the right framework through a comprehensive nuclear law that gives the regulator the power, independence and resources it needs to carry out its mandate. Second, we have established the regulatory capabilities by focusing on maintaining the needed skills. This is done on the one hand by acquiring external experts with global experience, while training local experts and developing their skills on the other. We also coordinate with the industry so that building regulatory capabilities becomes a gradual process directly linked to the progress of the project and its schedule. Not to mention the valuable support received from the reactor’s country of origin and other internationally recognized technical support organizations.
A foreign workforce has played an important role in the UAE’s nuclear push. How will the country secure a skilled and sustainable workforce in this sector for the long term?
Building a sustainable national capacity is a challenge for any country using nuclear. In newcomer States, nuclear projects necessarily dictate a reliance on a foreign workforce and expertise, particularly at the beginning of a project. To address the challenge of ensuring the availability of sufficient manpower throughout all phases of the nuclear programme, the UAE developed a robust human resources strategy that identifies the scale and type of expertise needed. It is an integrated approach that includes scholarships and on-the-job training and mentoring. Youth empowerment and capacity building are key priorities in our policy.
What is the UAE’s rationale for hosting the IAEA’s International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century?
In 2012, the UAE became the first newcomer State in almost three decades to start the construction of a nuclear power reactor. This makes it a uniquely relevant case to many Member States. The support we received for hosting this Conference is recognition of the UAE’s successful efforts and responsible approach in developing a peaceful nuclear programme. Moreover, the Conference is an important forum to discuss the current and future role of nuclear power in sustainable development and climate change mitigation. The UAE is happy to host such a timely discussion, given our strong commitment to clean energy, where nuclear, solar and other clean sources will play an important role in our nation’s future energy mix. https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/the-uaes-nuclear-path-qa-with-ambassador-hamad-alkaabi

Beyond the Nobel Prize: The Rise of Nuclear-Powered India

Beyond the Nobel Prize: The Rise of Nuclear-Powered India

IAEA Mission Sees Safety Commitment at France’s Bugey Nuclear Power Plant, Areas for Improvement

IAEA Mission Sees Safety Commitment at France’s Bugey Nuclear Power Plant, Areas for Improvement

2017/50
Bugey France
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said the operator of France’s Bugey Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) demonstrated a commitment to safety. The team also identified areas for further improvement.
The Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) concluded a 17-day mission today to assess operational safety at the plant’s four 900 MW pressurized water reactors, which were connected to the grid in 1978-79. The plant, located near the city of Lyon, is operated by Electricité de France (EDF).
OSART missions aim to improve operational safety by objectively assessing safety performance using the IAEA’s safety standards and proposing recommendations for improvement where appropriate.
Nuclear power generates more than 70 percent of France’s electricity, the largest share in the world. The country has 58 reactors at 19 sites, all operated by EDF. Another reactor is under construction at Flamanville, on the north-western coast.
“The staff at Bugey NPP apply a rigorous approach to ensure the plant is operated in a safe and reliable manner, and are currently implementing a comprehensive modernization programme,” said Team Leader Vesselina Ranguelova, a Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA. “The OSART team’s recommendations and suggestions will help further improve the plant’s operational safety, and we also identified good practices that can help improve safety worldwide, if applied by other operators.”
The 15-member OSART team comprised experts from Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, as well as three IAEA officials.
The review covered the areas of leadership and management for safety; training and qualification; operations; maintenance; technical support; operating experience; radiation protection; chemistry; emergency planning and preparedness; accident management; human, technology and organization interactions; and long-term operation.
The team identified a number of good practices that will be shared with the nuclear industry globally, including:
  • The use of 3D digital technologies in an innovative way to enhance the training and performance of plant personnel.
  • An environmentally-friendly way of treating plant cooling water to remove scale or other impurities.
The mission made a number of recommendations to improve operational safety, including:
  • The plant should strengthen its control over revision and application of plant operational documents.
  • The plant should evaluate the effectiveness of its operational experience programme.
  • The plant should improve preparation and conduct of its maintenance activities to optimize plant performance and further improve equipment reliability.
“The input from this OSART mission is very valuable for the plant,” said Pierre Boyer, Bugey NPP Director. “We are committed to implementing the necessary actions to address our areas for improvement in an effective manner”.
The team provided a draft report to the plant’s management. The plant management and the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) will have an opportunity to make factual comments on the draft, which will be reviewed by the IAEA. The final report will be submitted to the French Government within three months.
BACKGROUND: General information about OSART missions can be found on the IAEA Website. An OSART mission is designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. It is not a regulatory inspection, nor is it a design review or a substitute for an exhaustive assessment of the plant’s overall safety status. This was the 197th mission of the OSART programme, which began in 1982.https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/iaea-mission-sees-safety-commitment-at-frances-bugey-nuclear-power-plant-areas-for-improvement

Bulletin of Atomic Scientists Nuclear Roundup October 19, 2017

Nuclear Roundup
October 19, 2017
A daily roundup of quality nuclear policy news.

North Korea

North Korea warns US of ‘unimaginable’ nuclear strike

http://thehill.com/policy/defense/356166-north-korea-warns-us-of-unimaginable-nuclear-strike

North Korea is Building a Bigger, Better Missile Submarine

http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/news/a28687/north-korea-new-missile-submarine-sinpo-c/

South Korea developing missiles to destroy North Korea nuclear facilities

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2017/10/19/South-Korea-developing-missiles-to-destroy-North-Korea-nuclear-facilities/3121508418413/

Calls to Bring U.S. Nuclear Weapons Back to South Korea Are Getting Louder

http://time.com/4988994/south-korea-nuclear-weapons/

Kim Jong Un’s Threats Rattle Japan — but There’s a Line It Won’t Cross

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/japanese-people-don-t-want-nukes-despite-north-korea-s-n811791

Judging responses to the North Korean threat

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2017/10/19/editorials/judging-responses-north-korean-threat/#.WeipjflSxrQ

Pollack: Let’s Walk This Through: If North Korea Launches An ICBM, Then…

http://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2017/10/us-missile-defense-north-korea-icbm/141866/?oref=defenseone_today_nl

Commentary: North Korea playing a longer nuclear game than the U.S.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-north-korea-nuclear-game-1019-story.html

United States

GOP chair of nuclear safety agency secretly urges Trump to abolish it

https://www.publicintegrity.org/2017/10/19/21217/gop-chair-nuclear-safety-agency-secretly-urges-trump-abolish-it

The U.S. Military's Worst Fear: What if Its Nuclear Weapons Don't Work in a War?

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/the-us-militarys-worst-fear-what-if-its-nuclear-weapons-dont-22790

31 Hanford workers test positive for radioactive contamination

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/hanford/article179646261.html

ABC15 gets rare look inside Palo Verde nuclear plant

http://www.abc15.com/news/state/abc15-gets-rare-look-inside-palo-verde-nuclear-plant

21st century nuclear deterrence & missile defense

https://www.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/21st-Century-Nuclear-Deterrence-and-Missile-Defense/

International

Moscow tells Tehran Russia remains committed to nuclear deal

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-nuclear-russia/moscow-tells-tehran-russia-remains-committed-to-nuclear-deal-idUKKBN1CO17I

Russia tests new rocket after beating missile range record

http://www.newsweek.com/russia-tests-new-rocket-after-beating-missile-range-record-687863

General Interest

Growing threat: Cyber and nuclear weapons systems

https://thebulletin.org/growing-threat-cyber-and-nuclear-weapons-systems11201

This nuclear fallout shelter was untouched for 55 years. It might come in handy now.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/the-school-fallout-shelter-was-untouched-for-55-years-it-might-come-in-handy-now/2017/10/17/6b3dfe90-b295-11e7-9e58-e6288544af98_story.html?utm_term=.52185a9b7735

Why There Is No Chance a Piece of Paper Will Ban Nuclear Weapons. Zero.

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/why-there-no-chance-piece-paper-will-ban-nuclear-weapons-22788


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Changes could endanger Vermont Yankee sale | The Brattleboro Reformer | Brattleboro Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic

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(14) John Kutsch - Welcome to Thorium Energy Alliance Conference #8 - TEAC8 - YouTube

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Fukushima Update 10/19/2017

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Lawson will use drones to deliver goods to repopulating evacuees of Minamisoma… Fukushima sake is served to Great Britain’s Parliament… Tokyo will require a new emergency cooling system for BWRs… Kansai Electric Co. intends to decommission Oi units #1 & #2… Nuclear energy may not be a big election issue in Japan.

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

Pictures: Effects of Nuclear Bomb Testing in Kazakhstan

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Diplomat: Nuclear deal stronger, U.S. more isolated - Tehran Times

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Khamenei: We Will Shred 'Nuclear Deal' if Trump Tears it Apart - ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English

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Fuel Assemblies for Nuclear Power Market to Witness Widespread Expansion During 2013 – 2019 – satPRnews

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Radioactive Waste Management Market: Strategic assessment of Evolving Technology, trends and Next Generation Industry analysis by 2022 – satPRnews

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Unification Minister sees “effectively no chance” NK will give up nuclear weapons : North Korea : News : The Hankyoreh

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RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER RYABKOV MEETS IRANIAN DEPUTY FORMIN, CONFIRMS RUSSIA'S COMMITMENT TO NUCLEAR DEAL - RUSSIA'S FORMIN

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Uranium One Means Mueller Must Recuse Himself from Russia Probe - Long Room

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Kazakhstan to supply uranium to China  - Nuclear Engineering International

Kazakhstan to supply uranium to China  - Nuclear Engineering International

The Nuclear Options | Seeking Alpha

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TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy - Putin: US failing to honor commitments for plutonium disposal

TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy - Putin: US failing to honor commitments for plutonium disposal

News Reality - Reuters: Putin accuses US of failing nuclear, chemical weapons treaties obligations

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North Koreans undaunted by the prospect of nuclear war | Euronews

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NTI Highlights Growing Cyber Threat to Nuclear Systems in Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists article | NTI News NTI Highlights Growing Cyber Threat to Nuclear Systems in Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists article | NTI

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TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy - Putin: Russia ready to move towards universal nuclear disarmament

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Connect Offshore Policy With America’s Energy Reality


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https://breakingenergy.com/2017/10/18/connect-offshore-policy-with-americas-energy-reality/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=57529882&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9MaBfGzq2TDBL_IlQpO_84IgMwXExQV5ZF_4a3K2OFUQKCoTi6bIPHQpNaERvVb4X_xYRmMozwIc4qaDmz0tvPYswOHw&_hsmi=57529882

First floating wind farm, built by offshore oil company, delivers electricity | Ars Technica

First floating wind farm, built by offshore oil company, delivers electricity | Ars Technica

US to extend nuclear cooperation deal with Japan: official- Nikkei Asian Review

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NEI calls for reform to design certification process

NEI calls for reform to design certification process

Sessions says Justice to review Russian uranium deal | TheHill

Sessions says Justice to review Russian uranium deal | TheHill

Senate opens probe into Russian nuclear bribery case | New York Post

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Timeline: The Clintons, the Russians, and Uranium - Hot Air Hot Air

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