Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Friday, March 30, 2018
Romania’s nuclear plant disconnects unit after glitch - The Washington Post
Romania’s nuclear plant disconnects unit after glitch - The Washington Post: The operator of Romania’s nuclear power plant says one of the reactors has been disconnected from the grid due to a glitch in the electrical system.
Energy Northwest to hlep with Terrestrial Energy new nuclear power reactor | Tri-City Herald
Energy Northwest to hlep with Terrestrial Energy new nuclear power reactor | Tri-City Herald: Energy Northwest in Richland will help a new nuclear company, Terrestrial Energy USA, with what could be its first operating nuclear power reactor. Energy Northwest, which operates Columbia Generating Station, signed a memorandum of understanding.
China warns U.S. not to open Pandora's Box, unleash trade ills on world
China warns U.S. not to open Pandora's Box, unleash trade ills on world: China warned the United States on Thursday not to open Pandora's Box and spark a flurry of protectionist practices across the globe, even as Beijing pointed to U.S. goods that it could target in a deepening Sino-U.S. trade dispute.
Even Bill Kristol is Worried About Bolton – LobeLog
Even Bill Kristol is Worried About Bolton – LobeLog: by Jim Lobe Bill Kristol was not altogether pleased with with last week’s announcement of the appointment of John Bolton as Donald Trump’s next national security advisor. Indeed, Kristol, who remai…
Trump’s Silence on a Saudi Nuclear Bomb – LobeLog
Trump’s Silence on a Saudi Nuclear Bomb – LobeLog: by Joe Cirincione It’s said that the only two people Donald Trump does not criticize are Vladimir Putin and Stormy Daniels. You can add Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) to that list. Wi…
Trump and his tariffs | Frontline
Trump and his tariffs | Frontline: China is the rhetorical target of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff policy on aluminium and steel, even though Chinese firms export neither aluminium nor steel to the U.S. By VIJAY PRASHAD
Anne Marie White Sworn in as Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management
EM News Flash | March 30, 2018 |
Anne Marie White Sworn in as Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Anne Marie White was sworn in March 29 as Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management at the U.S. Department of Energy.
As Assistant Secretary, White will provide leadership to continue the
safe cleanup of the environmental legacy brought about from five decades
of nuclear weapons development and government-sponsored nuclear energy
research. She will work closely with communities that have partnered
with DOE and its predecessor agencies for many decades.
“It’s an honor to serve as Assistant Secretary of Energy for EM,”
White said. “I look forward to the challenges ahead and know that with
the talented federal staff, our dedicated workers in the field, and the
support of a wide array of stakeholders, we will deliver the EM mission
safely and cost effectively.”
White is the founder of Bastet Technical Services LLC, a consulting
firm that has provided solutions to environmental challenges across the
Department of Energy. She has more than 25 years of experience in the
nuclear field, mainly focused on project and program management with
complex technical, regulatory, and stakeholder challenges. She has had
extensive field experience at a number of the Environmental Management
sites for which she will have responsibility.
A native of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, White received her
Master’s Degree of Science in nuclear engineering/health physics from
the University of Missouri-Columbia. White was confirmed by the U.S.
Senate to serve as Assistant Secretary on March 22, 2018.
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Robot will crawl through pipes to help decommission nuclear facility | ZDNet
Robot will crawl through pipes to help decommission nuclear facility | ZDNet: Robots have found a particularly important niche working in radioactive and toxic environments.
Nuclear Roundup: 3/29/2018 | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Nuclear Roundup: 3/29/2018 | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: A daily roundup of quality nuclear policy news.North Korea
Internet of nuclear things: Managing the proliferation risks of 3-D printing technology | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Internet of nuclear things: Managing the proliferation risks of 3-D printing technology | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Managing the proliferation risks of 3-D printing technology.
The Bolton threat to the Iran nuclear deal
The Bolton threat to the Iran nuclear deal
https://thebulletin.org/bolton-threat-iran-nuclear-deal11645
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Dominion warns bill removing nuke surcharge could end merger - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC
Dominion warns bill removing nuke surcharge could end merger - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC: A Virginia power company says if South Carolina lawmakers pass a bill removing the monthly charge for two nuclear plants that will not be built then it will likely withdraw a merger offer.
Japan's New Energy Strategy Should Boost Both Renewables and Nuclear Power - The Energy Collective
Japan's New Energy Strategy Should Boost Both Renewables and Nuclear Power - The Energy Collective: Japan needs both renewables and nuclear energy in its energy mix to reduce dependence on imports and lower greenhouse gas emissions, writes David Livingston of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center. According to Livingston, it is in the interest of the international community that the country’s new energy strategy, which is expected in the middle of …
Building Nuclear On Time and On Budget: It Is Possible, and Essential
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Posted: 29 Mar 2018 12:00 AM PDT
Large
capital projects are hard. They require a huge amount of planning, the
logistics are often staggering and depend upon many contractors and
suppliers, all who must perform completely in step for everything to
come together as planned. The project manager is like the conductor of a
large orchestra and as good as all the […]
The post Building Nuclear On Time and On Budget: It Is Possible, and
Essential appeared first on The Energy Collective.http://theenergycollective.com/mzconsulting/2429936/building-nuclear-on-time-and-on-budget-it-is-possible-and-essential?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29
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Bulletin of Atomic Scientists Nuclear Roundup March 29, 2018
Fukushima Update 3/29/18
Genkai unit #3 resumed operation on Friday, March 23… Ikata unit #2 to be decommissioned… Russia ends its ban of Japanese marine products, but Fukushima is required to provide safety certification with its seafood… Fukushima evacuees win another lucrative mental anguish case.
http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.
FirstEnergy's plans for the Beaver Valley nuclear plant - Pittsburgh Business Times
FirstEnergy's plans for the Beaver Valley nuclear plant - Pittsburgh Business Times: The potential decommissioning process could last 60 years.
Texas Consolidated Nuclear Waste Storage Facility to Be Revived
Texas Consolidated Nuclear Waste Storage Facility to Be Revived: WCS and Orano USA intend to revive licensing of a consolidated interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel in Andrews County, Texas.
Perry Nuclear Power Plant to close in 2021
Perry Nuclear Power Plant to close in 2021: FirstEnergy Solutions announced on March 28 that it plans to close three of its nuclear power plants, including the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in North Perry Village.
Remote reactor monitoring project launched
Remote reactor monitoring project launched: An international multi-laboratory and university collaboration has been launched to develop detection hardware and algorithms to improve non-proliferation detector capabilities for remote monitoring of nuclear reactors. Its developers say the initial project will be the first demonstration of remote monitoring of individual reactor operations at a significant distance, using scalable water-based technology.
FirstEnergy gives notice to deactivate four units
FirstEnergy gives notice to deactivate four units: FirstEnergy Solutions (FES) has notified regional transmission organisation PJM Interconnection (PJM) that it will deactivate the Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear power plants during the next three years. The company, which is aiming to leave the competitive market, is seeking legislative policy solutions to keep the plants operating.
French Nuclear Giant Gambles Big On Energy Storage
French Nuclear Giant Gambles Big On Energy Storage: Electricite de France said today that it plans to invest a whopping $9.93 billion in electricity storage by 2035.
Nuclear industry facing crisis that Trump must address, think tank says
Nuclear industry facing crisis that Trump must address, think tank says: The nation's nuclear energy industry is facing a crisis that the Trump administration must immediately address as a core part of its "energy dominance" agenda, a Washington think tank said Thursday.
China Moves to Destroy the US Dollar, Launches Gold-Backed Petroyuan
China Moves to Destroy the US Dollar, Launches Gold-Backed Petroyuan: In a massive move against the global dominance of the U.S. dollar, China’s highly anticipated Petro-Yuan has been launched in Shanghai. With China being the world’s largest consumer of oil, this new currency is an international game-changer that was a predicted move by China to directly compete—and subsequently devalue—the US dollar.
FirstEnergy Solutions will close its nuclear power plants, but is silent on bankruptcy restructuring (photos) | cleveland.com
FirstEnergy Solutions will close its nuclear power plants, but is silent on bankruptcy restructuring (photos) | cleveland.com: FirstEnergy's power plant subsidiary late Wednesday informed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and grid manager PJM that it will close its Perry, Davis-Besse and Beaver Valley nuclear power plants within the next three years.
Are We Prepared for Nuclear Terrorism? | NEJM
Are We Prepared for Nuclear Terrorism? | NEJM: Special Report from The New England Journal of Medicine — Are We Prepared for Nuclear Terrorism?
Concerns at Hinkley Point C lead to Office of Nuclear Regulation “amber” rating | | Health and Safety at Work | Safe systems of work
Concerns at Hinkley Point C lead to Office of Nuclear Regulation “amber” rating | | Health and Safety at Work | Safe systems of work: An early inspection of the new build nuclear power station Hinkley Point C, carried out by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has raised concerns around safety and management systems, with an “amber” award highlighting five areas where further improvements are required.
Unproven allegations against Trump and Putin are risking nuclear war - Stephen Cohen — RT Op-ed
Unproven allegations against Trump and Putin are risking nuclear war - Stephen Cohen — RT Op-ed: “Russiagate” and the Skirpal affair have escalated dangers inherent in the new Cold War beyond those of the preceding one, Stephen Cohen writes.
NUCLEAR: Safety and cost — a tale of two Vogtles -- Thursday, March 29, 2018 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial
NUCLEAR: Safety and cost — a tale of two Vogtles -- Thursday, March 29, 2018 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial: WAYNESBORO, Ga. — In this small town roughly 175 miles away from Southern Co.'s headquarters, there's a company executive who has a completely different job than the lawyers and lobbyists in Atlanta.
Japan Shikoku Electric to scrap one nuclear reactor
Japan Shikoku Electric to scrap one nuclear reactor: Reuters reported that Japan's Shikoku Electric Power Co Inc said that it will decommission an ageing reactor at its Ikata nuclear plant as the country's power industry struggles to meet new nuclear safety standards set after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
[MS No.3/2018] Agreement extending the Framework Agreement for International Collaboration on Research and Development of Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems - GOV.UK
We've stopped talking about nuclear disarmament. Labour cannot let that happen | Owen Jones | Opinion | The Guardian
We've stopped talking about nuclear disarmament. Labour cannot let that happen | Owen Jones | Opinion | The Guardian: Nuclear apocalypse looms over humanity, yet it’s not even on the political radar. Let’s work to change that, says Guardian columnist Owen Jones
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Another aging nuclear reactor in western Japan to be scrapped
Another aging nuclear reactor in western Japan to be scrapped
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/03/27/national/another-aging-nuclear-reactor-western-japan-scrapped/#.WrpRA9TwZaR
San Francisco Uses Solar+Storage to Make Emergency Facilities More Resilient to Disaster - The Energy Collective
San Francisco Uses Solar+Storage to Make Emergency Facilities More Resilient to Disaster - The Energy Collective: The Institute for Sustainable Communities recently released Resilient Solar: Powering and Empowering Communities, a report that shares the stories of trailblazing resilient solar projects in New York City, Baltimore, Duluth, and San Francisco, and connects readers to tools, resources, and lessons learned that they can put to use in their own communities. This is the second …
Meeting the Goals of the Paris Agreement - The Energy Collective
Meeting the Goals of the Paris Agreement - The Energy Collective: Over the past few months I have been deeply involved with my colleagues in the Shell Scenario team preparing a new scenario that illustrates a technically possible but challenging pathway for society to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. From an emissions mitigation perspective, those goals are as follows; Holding the increase …
Theresa May urged to build 10 more nuclear power plants to get millions of electric cars on the road
Theresa May urged to build 10 more nuclear power plants to get millions of electric cars on the road: Theresa May has been urged to fast-track the building of ten nuclear power plants to get more electric cars on the road. Unions said electricity supply would need to be raised by 30 gigawatts to get 35 million electric cars by 2050
Bill to help Xcel plan for hefty nuclear plant costs heads to Senate floor | Minnesota Public Radio News
Bill to help Xcel plan for hefty nuclear plant costs heads to Senate floor | Minnesota Public Radio News: Nuclear power is expensive, especially when you're dealing with power plants that were built in the early 1970s. Xcel Energy wants to keep running its Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear plants for another 12 to 15 years, but utility officials are also concerned about how much that will cost.
North Korea Is Firing Up a Reactor. That Could Upset Trump’s Talks With Kim. - The New York Times
North Korea Is Firing Up a Reactor. That Could Upset Trump’s Talks With Kim. - The New York Times: As President Trump plans to meet Kim Jong-un, satellite evidence suggests that North Korea is expanding the complex that makes fuel for its nuclear weapons.
Buletin of Atomic Scientists Nuclear Roundup March 28, 2018
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A daily roundup of quality nuclear policy news.
North Korea Trump sees “good chance” Kim will do “what is right for his people and for humanity” North Korea is firing up a reactor. That could upset Trump’s talks with Kim. North Korea orders sharp cut in troop strength at nuclear site With secretive China trip, North Korea's Kim builds bargaining power China says North Korea's Kim pledged commitment to denuclearization Differing views of “denuclearization” complicate North Korea talks Jimmy Carter: US on a path of nuclear confrontation with North Korea Walls and ladders: The latest UN panel of experts report on North Korea sanctions How does Kim tell North Korea he's giving up nuclear weapons? The US-DPRK summit: Assessing Chinese anxieties United States National security veterans urge Trump not to scrap Iran nuclear deal National Coalition to Prevent an Iranian Nuclear Weapon: Keep the Iran deal — 10 good reasons why John Kerry warns against leaving the Iran deal America has a plan to dismantle the Iran deal; now it needs one for the aftermath US nuclear stockpile decreasing in size, but not capability MOX construction afforded $335M in proposed federal spending bill Scuttlebiz: Fuzzy math at heart of MOX shutdown efforts Did Russia use kitten videos to hack our energy systems? Construction to begin soon on Y-12's uranium processing facility International Waning nuclear deterrence in South Asia Syria’s nuclear program was always a doomed idea Oil-rich nation to open Arab world’s first nuclear power plant Send Jodi Lieberman items of interest for the Nuclear Roundup at brodnica67@gmail.com. Receive this message as a forward? Subscribe to the Nuclear Roundup here. |
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Waste Management Showcases Robots That Could Support EM’s Cleanup
Waste Management Showcases Robots That Could Support EM’s Cleanup
Featured
at the Waste Management Symposia 2018 in Phoenix, the NASA Valkyrie
weighs 300 pounds, and stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall. While EM is
many years from using a humanoid robot, Valkyrie’s highly dexterous
arms could replace gloves in EM glove boxes, making work easier and
safer for laboratory technicians and workers. Tele-operated robotic arms
and manipulators could provide key advances in glove box and hot cell
design and operations. NASA and EM have been partnering on this and
other robotics projects for more than 2 years.
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On
display at the Waste Management Symposia 2018, the Gemini-Scout from
Sandia National Laboratories is a robotic system that could support mine
rescue teams. Equipped with cameras and sensors, it can provide
feedback to first responders and serve as a two-way communications
device with trapped miners while providing critical lifesaving
information. The High Consequence Automation and Robotics (HCAR) group
at Sandia developed the robot. The concept would allow for exploration
and assessment of mine conditions ahead time.
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The
Pipe Crawler, which can be activated by a smart phone, can travel
through the air supply line that leads to the central plenum of the
tanks at Hanford. This robot, featured at the Waste Management Symposia
2018, provides information regarding the health of the tank floor around
the center of the tank. The crawler’s movement mimics that of an
inchworm and can navigate through several 90-degree elbows, reducers,
and vertical runs. It also houses a camera for video feedback.
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The
Robotic Rabbit was on hand at the Waste Management Symposia 2018. It
was designed, built, and deployed at Exelon Generation, Nine Mile Point
Nuclear Generating Station, in collaboration with the State University
of New York Oswego. The goal was to create a simple-to-operate, easily
modified, remote surveillance unit that can reduce collective radiation
exposure to workers, obtain particulate air samples, and perform
surveillances in high heat areas in search of steam leaks.
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The
Sandia Hand, developed by Sandia National Laboratories, is low-cost,
dexterous, and modular, enabling it to support a variety of applications
including glove box manipulation, search and rescue, casualty care, and
explosive ordnance disposal. The hand, shown at the Waste Management
Symposia 2018, consists of a frame that supports a set of identical
fingers that magnetically attach and detach from the frame.
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WIPP’s Future is ‘Bright,” Officials Say at Waste Management Conference
WIPP’s Future is ‘Bright,” Officials Say at Waste Management Conference
Waste
handlers at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant emplace containers of
transuranic waste 2,150 feet underground in Panel 7. Waste containers
shipped from DOE generator sites across the country are stacked in waste
panels mined out of an ancient salt bed.
PHOENIX – EM and contractor officials discussed here last week the path forward for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) following the resumption of waste shipments to the facility.
During a panel discussion at this year’s Waste Management Symposia, officials discussed
the road to resuming waste emplacement in January 2017, including the
implementation of new waste acceptance criteria and progress since waste
shipments resumed in April 2017.
“WIPP is an incredibly robust facility for disposal,” said EM Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) Manager Todd Shrader.
“WIPP is now operating in ‘the new normal,’” said Bruce Covert,
president and project manager of Nuclear Waste Partnership, the
management-and-operations contractor at WIPP.
“Safety is paramount in everything we do,” Covert said. “We’re operating very well. We’re operating safely and compliantly.”
More than 180 shipments have been made to WIPP since waste shipments
resumed, with emplacement rates ramping up to about eight shipments per
week. Shipments have been received from Idaho, Oak Ridge, Savannah River Site, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Waste Control Specialists.
Panelists highlighted the resumption of mining operations in January
2018. More than 3,600 tons of salt have been mined from Panel 8. Waste
is currently being emplaced in Panel 7, which will take about three
years to fill.
They also discussed the supplemental ventilation system startup, which
was necessary for mining to begin. The system provides additional
underground airflow by creating an unfiltered air exhaust pathway for
portions of the mine. Previously, all exhaust was directed through
high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter units, which results in a
lower airflow. Also, de-dusters were installed to remove salt dust
suspended in the air during mining operations. This reduces the
frequency with which HEPA filters must be replaced.
The panel also covered WIPP capital projects, including a new safety
significant confinement ventilation system and utility shaft. Together,
these would replace the existing, aging ventilation system and provide
sufficient airflow for simultaneous mining, waste emplacement, and
maintenance activities. The utility shaft would also allow for a
supplemental hoisting capability.
Other plans highlighted by the panel included keeping safety at the
forefront, addressing facility infrastructure needs, and ramping up
waste emplacement rates with an emphasis on the integration of DOE waste
complex resources.
- Contributor: Victoria Parker
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