Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Friday, July 13, 2018

California Sets New Standards For Natural Gas Storage Sites « Breaking Energy - Energy industry news, analysis, and commentary

California Sets New Standards For Natural Gas Storage Sites « Breaking Energy - Energy industry news, analysis, and commentary

Plasma plant starts operations in Bulgaria

Plasma plant starts operations in Bulgaria: A plasma melting facility at Bulgaria's Kozloduy nuclear power plant has started operations, heralding a breakthrough in nuclear waste disposal to boost the decommissioning process, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced today.

Trump Is Right About Russian Energy, And Here's What He Can Do About It

Trump Is Right About Russian Energy, And Here's What He Can Do About It: President Trump is right, Germany sold its energy security to Russia. But American natural gas could keep the rest of Europe from making the same mistake.

How the U.S and Russia negotiate a solution for plutonium disposal - Washington Times

How the U.S and Russia negotiate a solution for plutonium disposal - Washington Times: The upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin holds great promise. Many are hoping that Mr. Trump scolds the Russian leader about his cyber tactics or his Syrian policy, but I think there is much more at stake.

The Nuclear Reactor Renaissance: Space Exploration and National Security | RealClearEnergy

The Nuclear Reactor Renaissance: Space Exploration and National Security | RealClearEnergy: The nuclear power sector is seeing a resurgence in innovation, supported by new policies and emerging technologies. The general public and various governments are starting to grasp the value of...

Contract for Hinkley Point C reactor internals

Contract for Hinkley Point C reactor internals: Škoda JS of the Czech Republic will manufacture and supply two sets of EPR reactor pressure vessel internals for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant project in the UK under a contract signed with France's Framatome. The contract - the value of which was not disclosed - includes the core basket, heavy reflector and the upper internals.

WANO completes reviews of Leningrad and Tianwan plants

WANO completes reviews of Leningrad and Tianwan plants: A team from the World Association of Nuclear Operators' (WANO's) Moscow Centre has completed its independent review of unit 1 of the Leningrad Phase II nuclear power plant in northwest Russia. The VVER 1200 reactor is scheduled to enter commercial operation before the end of this year. The Moscow Centre also organised a pre-operational peer review at unit 4 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant in China's Jiangsu province. The Russian-designed 1060 MWe VVER-1000 pressurised water reactor is expected to begin operating in March 2019.

Yangjiang 5 enters commercial operation

Yangjiang 5 enters commercial operation: Unit 5 of the Yangjiang nuclear power plant in China's Guangdong province has completed commissioning tests and now meets the conditions for entering commercial operation, China General Nuclear (CGN) announced yesterday. The unit is the first ACPR1000 reactor to be built and the first Chinese unit to feature a domestically-developed digital control system.

Unloved uranium sector eyed for revival on reactor build | Reuters

Unloved uranium sector eyed for revival on reactor build | Reuters: Seven years on from Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster, the beaten down uranium sector is attracting interest as analysts and investors see signs its time in the wilderness may drawing to an end.

Ultrashort electron flashes offer new way to harvest nuclear energy - UPI.com

Ultrashort electron flashes offer new way to harvest nuclear energy - UPI.com: Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have developed a new method for exciting and controlling the energy inside an atomic nucleus.

UN chief sees "good possibilities" for Korean Peninsula denuclearization - Xinhua | English.news.cn

UN chief sees "good possibilities" for Korean Peninsula denuclearization - Xinhua | English.news.cn

8 surprising facts about the nuclear arms race - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

8 surprising facts about the nuclear arms race - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Here are some surprising takeaways from the latest article by investigative journalist Eric Schlosser, who has reported extensively on nuclear weapons.

The vicissitudes of Russian missile defense - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

The vicissitudes of Russian missile defense - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The Russian vision of ballistic missile defense has reflected the specifics of the Russian/Soviet political system and decision-making mechanisms, and it is entangled with Moscow’s peculiar perceptions of external military threats, nuclear deterrence, and conventional warfighting. In this article, the author attempts to answer three basic questions about that vision: What is Russia’s long-term aim … Continued

How fast is the Arctic ice retreating? Just listen to it melt. - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

How fast is the Arctic ice retreating? Just listen to it melt. - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

After the Trump-Kim summit: Where does Japan go from here? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

After the Trump-Kim summit: Where does Japan go from here? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The “biggest loser” of the Singapore summit faces tough decisions ahead. Some answers may lie in its recent past.

Kim Jong-un's long game - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Kim Jong-un's long game - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Less than a month after the first-ever US-North Korea summit, news reports began emerging that Pyongyang is continuing to develop its nuclear program, just as it was doing before the June 12th meeting in Singapore between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. While these reported activities violate UN Security Council … Continued

Russian nuclear forces, 2018 - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Russian nuclear forces, 2018 - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Trump and Putin meet under a nuclear cloud - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Trump and Putin meet under a nuclear cloud - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: In a few days, US President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki. Media coverage will undoubtedly highlight Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, but it would be remiss not to discuss the nuclear implications of the Trump-Putin summit as well. Kto vinovat? (Russian for “who is to blame?”) … Continued

Putin: The one-man show the West doesn’t understand - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Putin: The one-man show the West doesn’t understand - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: This assessment of Russian President Vadimir Putin was written by Fiona Hill, at the time a senior fellow and director of the Center for the United States and Europe at The Brookings Institution; it was originally published in April 2016. Approximately a year later, Hill joined the Trump administration as the deputy assistant to the … Continued

At least four firms used foreign trainees to clean up radioactive contamination from Fukushima nuclear plant: ministry | The Japan Times

At least four firms used foreign trainees to clean up radioactive contamination from Fukushima nuclear plant: ministry | The Japan Times

Experts warn of U.S. nuclear industry collapse » Kallanish Energy News

Experts warn of U.S. nuclear industry collapse » Kallanish Energy News

The Case for Saving Nuclear Is Not the Case for Saving Coal – InsideSources

The Case for Saving Nuclear Is Not the Case for Saving Coal – InsideSources: Coal and nuclear power have been yoked together for decades. Nuclear power and nuclear science have both paid the price for this double harness. Now it loo

The Nuclear Reactor Renaissance: Space Exploration and National Security | RealClearEnergy

The Nuclear Reactor Renaissance: Space Exploration and National Security | RealClearEnergy: The nuclear power sector is seeing a resurgence in innovation, supported by new policies and emerging technologies. The general public and various governments are starting to grasp the value of...

Fifth unit of Yangjiang nuclear power plant ready for commercial operation - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Fifth unit of Yangjiang nuclear power plant ready for commercial operation - Xinhua | English.news.cn

How Russia, China Use Nuclear Reactors To Win Global Influence - Defense One

How Russia, China Use Nuclear Reactors To Win Global Influence - Defense One: It starts when state-sponsored nuclear-power companies underbid Western competitors.

Russian Built Rooppur NPP is Safe Against Natural Disasters - Nuclear Experts - Sputnik International

Russian Built Rooppur NPP is Safe Against Natural Disasters - Nuclear Experts - Sputnik International

Federal Agencies Given Full Discretion Over Hiring, Retaining ALJs - Lexology

Federal Agencies Given Full Discretion Over Hiring, Retaining ALJs - Lexology: President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 10 to except the position of Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) from the federal government’s…

Lawmaker says he can’t get info on waste plan | Albuquerque Journal

Lawmaker says he can’t get info on waste plan | Albuquerque Journal: SANTA FE, N.M. — Senator questioned several departments about proposal to store spent nuclear fuel

NM Senator demands answers about Holtec

NM Senator demands answers about Holtec

FEMA report: Seabrook nuclear plant's evacuation plans OK | Local News | gloucestertimes.com

FEMA report: Seabrook nuclear plant's evacuation plans OK | Local News | gloucestertimes.com

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire July 13, 2018

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire
July 13, 2018

Fees, Fuels, & Foreign Trade

The House Energy & Commerce Committee voted yesterday to advance two nuclear bills: H.R. 1320, the Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy Act, which would revise the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) fee recovery structure to increase the predictability, transparency, and efficiency of the NRC's regulatory processes; and H.R. 6140, the Advanced Fuel Nuclear Availability Act, which would direct DOE to establish a program to support the availability of high-assay low-enriched uranium for advanced reactor development. Both bills must now be voted on by the full House of Representatives.
 
The committee also yesterday introduced H.R. 6351, the  Advancing U.S. Civil Nuclear Competitiveness and Jobs Act, sponsored by Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH). The bill would direct DOE to develop a process to expedite approval for low-risk civil nuclear exports, including delegation of Secretarial approval authority. 
 

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Rosatom makes shortlist for Saudi Arabia’s first two nuclear power stations - News - GCR

Rosatom makes shortlist for Saudi Arabia’s first two nuclear power stations - News - GCR: Saudi Arabia’s nuclear authorities have announced that Russian nuclear engineer Rosatom has joined the shortlist ......

EU court dismisses Austrian case against UK nuclear plant – EURACTIV.com

EU court dismisses Austrian case against UK nuclear plant – EURACTIV.com: A European Union court on Thursday (12 July) dismissed a case brought by Austria against EU-approved subsidies for a new nuclear power plant in Britain.

EDF considering options over its 80 percent stake in UK nuclear plants | Euronews

EDF considering options over its 80 percent stake in UK nuclear plants | Euronews: PARIS (Reuters) – French state-controlled power group EDF said on Wednesday it was considering its options regarding Britain’s nuclear plants, adding that it wanted

India to bid for Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Project work - Moneycontrol.com

India to bid for Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Project work - Moneycontrol.com: Post a trilateral pact, India can now work on construction works and also supply non-critical materials and equipment for the project.

Eurasianet | Uzbekistan, Russia agree on nuclear power station

Eurasianet | Uzbekistan, Russia agree on nuclear power station: Uzbekistan has agreed with Russia on construction of a nuclear power plant it says could save it billions of dollars on natural gas and coal

In Response: Build nuclear plants to bolster strained power grid | Duluth News Tribune

In Response: Build nuclear plants to bolster strained power grid | Duluth News Tribune: The perceptive June 28 column about the strained power grid in the U.S. (National View: "Americans support shoring up strained U.S. power grid") raised an important question: With demand for electricity increasing and with our power grid threatened by potent climate-change storms, how should...

This hated energy source is what the world needs to limit environmental damage from oil, coal and gas - MarketWatch

This hated energy source is what the world needs to limit environmental damage from oil, coal and gas - MarketWatch

U.S. Department of Energy Provides Nearly $20 Million for Domestic Advanced Nuclear Technology Projects

U.S. Department of Energy Provides Nearly $20 Million for Domestic Advanced Nuclear Technology Projects

Funding for US advanced nuclear technology projects

Funding for US advanced nuclear technology projects: The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected nine projects to receive almost USD20 million in funding for cost-shared research and development for advanced nuclear technologies. These awards are the second group selected under a DOE Office of Nuclear Energy's funding opportunity for cost-shared projects to develop innovative, industry-driven reactor designs and accompanying technologies with high potential to advance nuclear power in the USA.

Scientists assessed the options for growing nuclear power. They are grim. - Vox

Scientists assessed the options for growing nuclear power. They are grim. - Vox: That’s profoundly concerning for climate change.

Salvation by SMR: The Industry Gets Closer | ANS Nuclear Cafe

Salvation by SMR: The Industry Gets Closer | ANS Nuclear Cafe

Friday Matinee: Carbon-Free Gas, Diesel, & Jet Fuel — With Advanced Reactors | ANS Nuclear Cafe

Friday Matinee: Carbon-Free Gas, Diesel, & Jet Fuel — With Advanced Reactors | ANS Nuclear Cafe

ANS Proudly Introduces…. Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World! | ANS Nuclear Cafe

ANS Proudly Introduces…. Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World! | ANS Nuclear Cafe

Inside MIT’s Nuclear Reactor – ANS Nuclear Cafe Friday Matinee | ANS Nuclear Cafe

Inside MIT’s Nuclear Reactor – ANS Nuclear Cafe Friday Matinee | ANS Nuclear Cafe

CleanEnergy Footprints » Archive » Turkey Point Reactors: Negligence, Litigation, and a “Pause”

CleanEnergy Footprints » Archive » Turkey Point Reactors: Negligence, Litigation, and a “Pause”

Shimkus hopes to show fellow House members that Yucca will work - The Nevada Independent

Shimkus hopes to show fellow House members that Yucca will work - The Nevada Independent: With a dozen House lawmakers expected to visit Yucca Mountain this weekend, Illinois Republican John Shimkus, the congressional champion for building a national nuclear waste repository there, hopes seeing the site will help to broaden and consolidate support for the project.

Wyoming Expected To Take On Full Regulatory Authority Over Uranium Operations | Wyoming Public Media

Wyoming Expected To Take On Full Regulatory Authority Over Uranium Operations | Wyoming Public Media

Why decommissioning Davis-Besse nuclear plant could take decades | Energy News Network

Why decommissioning Davis-Besse nuclear plant could take decades | Energy News Network: Ohio’s Davis-Besse nuclear plant is scheduled to close within three years, but decommissioning could take up to 60 years, and after that a regulated radioactive fuel storage facility will remain on the site indefinitely. FirstEnergy’s generation subsidiaries announced plans to shut down Davis-Besse and two other nuclear plants three days before filing for bankruptcy in […]

Empty Pipe Dreams at Palo Verde - Union of Concerned Scientists

Empty Pipe Dreams at Palo Verde - Union of Concerned Scientists: Regulation and Nuclear Plant Safety #3

In July 2004, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspectors at the Waterford nuclear plant in Louisiana discovered that a portion of piping in a standby emergency system that would provide makeup water to cool the reactor in event of an emergency had been k

Fukushima Update July 12, 2018

Fukushima Update July 12, 2018

Japan’s Olympic torch relay will begin in Fukushima Prefecture on March 26, 2020… Fukushima rice wine wins a prestigious international award… About half of Fukushima’s residents do not want government radiation monitors removed.

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

'Too often we turn away': the faces of the global refugee crisis | Global Sisters Report

'Too often we turn away': the faces of the global refugee crisis | Global Sisters Report: Seeking Refuge - GSR is following the journeys refugees make: living in camps, seeking asylum, experiencing resettlement, and facing deportation to a country they may only vaguely remember or that may still be dangerous. Here are some of the faces you will meet in our Seeking Refuge series, tracing the path of refugees around the world.

Seeking Refuge: Learn more from these resources about migration trends, Catholic action | Global Sisters Report

Seeking Refuge: Learn more from these resources about migration trends, Catholic action | Global Sisters Report: Numerous Catholic organizations are involved in the worldwide refugee and migration crisis, including the Vatican, congregations of women religious and local parishes. We have a list of links to some of the key organizations, along with the United Nations' and other statistics.

Seeking Refuge: Sisters shelter, support asylum-seekers as they adapt to US | Global Sisters Report

Seeking Refuge: Sisters shelter, support asylum-seekers as they adapt to US | Global Sisters Report: Bethany House of Hospitality, a staffed house that serves as a haven for migrant women, is just one of many ways that U.S. Catholic sisters support asylum-seekers. Sisters connect them with legal aid, counseling for trauma and other resources to help them resettle in the U.S.

• All the Seeking Refuge series stories can be found here.

Seeking Refuge: Painful memories, new cultures confront resettled families | Global Sisters Report

Seeking Refuge: Painful memories, new cultures confront resettled families | Global Sisters Report: Rome - Two Syrian families have been easing their way into life in Italy at Casa della Speranza on quiet, shaded grounds owned by the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit. Now in their second year at the house, the Syrians' time with the sisters has "been beautiful — like one family." But ahead is the next challenging step in resettlement: finding permanent housing and work.

• Also in this series: Controversy over migration continues to upend European politics

It’s Blatant | The Vortex

It’s Blatant | The Vortex: And it can't stay this way.

‘Anger and Disgust’ as Trump Blows Up NATO Summit

‘Anger and Disgust’ as Trump Blows Up NATO Summit: With the U.S. president set to meet Vladimir Putin next, current and former alliance officials wonder how the transatlantic military pact can be salvaged.

How Rembrandt Understood the Destruction of Jerusalem (and Poussin Didn't) » Mosaic

How Rembrandt Understood the Destruction of Jerusalem (and Poussin Didn't) » Mosaic: A tale of two paintings and one city.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Crisis in U.S. Nuclear Talks With Pyongyang Not China’s Doing, Experts Say – Foreign Policy

Crisis in U.S. Nuclear Talks With Pyongyang Not China’s Doing, Experts Say – Foreign Policy: Beijing is angry over the U.S. trade war, but Trump’s own mishandling of North Korea talks are the main problem.

Scientists assessed the options for growing nuclear power. They are grim. - Vox

Scientists assessed the options for growing nuclear power. They are grim. - Vox: That’s profoundly concerning for climate change.

Rosatom looks to nuclear newcomers to cement dominance

Rosatom looks to nuclear newcomers to cement dominance

Criticism of Seabrook nuclear power plant finds new momentum - News - The Enterprise, Brockton, MA - Brockton, MA

Criticism of Seabrook nuclear power plant finds new momentum - News - The Enterprise, Brockton, MA - Brockton, MA

American Jewish Anti-Occupation Advocacy Needs To Go Global – LobeLog

American Jewish Anti-Occupation Advocacy Needs To Go Global – LobeLog: by Frima (Merphie) Bubis Two months after the U.S. Embassy officially moved to Jerusalem, the President of the Czech Republic, Miloš Zeman, hosted AIPAC, America’s largest pro-Israel lobby at an of…

ATS Contract Extension With Bruce Power Worth $43 Million - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

ATS Contract Extension With Bruce Power Worth $43 Million - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

China's CGN Seeking To Buy 49 Percent Of Britain's Nuclear Plants - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

China's CGN Seeking To Buy 49 Percent Of Britain's Nuclear Plants - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

ARC Nuclear, New Brunswick Power, To Cooperate On SMR Development - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

ARC Nuclear, New Brunswick Power, To Cooperate On SMR Development - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

Bruce Power, Rolls-Royce deepen digital collaboration

Bruce Power, Rolls-Royce deepen digital collaboration: British engineering group Rolls-Royce has signed a memorandum of understanding with Canada's Bruce Power to deepen their cooperation in digital technology. The agreement expands the two companies' T-104 programme, under which Rolls-Royce's T-104 technology has been implemented to optimise the operational lifetime of Bruce Power's nuclear power plants as part of Bruce's Life-Extension Programme.

Funding for US advanced nuclear technology projects

Funding for US advanced nuclear technology projects: The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected nine projects to receive almost USD20 million in funding for cost-shared research and development for advanced nuclear technologies. These awards are the second group selected under a DOE Office of Nuclear Energy's funding opportunity for cost-shared projects to develop innovative, industry-driven reactor designs and accompanying technologies with high potential to advance nuclear power in the USA.

ANS releases new position statement on advanced reactors

 















ANS releases new position statement on advanced reactors
As
advanced nuclear technologies continue to gain support and recognition,
demonstrated with the passage of the Nuclear Energy Innovation
Capabilities Act (S 97), the American Nuclear Society has released a new
position statement on advanced reactors. The statement supports the
development and deployment of advanced reactors due to their importance
to the sustainability, reliability, and security of the world's
long-term energy supply.



ps35.pdf

Slovakia to launch new Mochovce nuclear power unit in Q2 2019 -PM | Agricultural Commodities | Reuters

Slovakia to launch new Mochovce nuclear power unit in Q2 2019 -PM | Agricultural Commodities | Reuters: Slovak utility Slovenske Elektrarne plans to put its new unit 3 at the Mochovce nuclear power plant into operation in the second quarter of 2019, Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said on Tuesday, a small delay to previous estimates.

Designing A Nuclear Reactor Core Using Genetic Algorithms  | Science Trends

Designing A Nuclear Reactor Core Using Genetic Algorithms  | Science Trends: During the normal operation of a nuclear reactor, the nuclear fuel in the reactor’s core is continuously being “burned”, i.e., the fissionable material,

WIPP Faces Potential Excess of Waste for Disposal - ExchangeMonitor

WIPP Faces Potential Excess of Waste for Disposal - ExchangeMonitor: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.

NRC releases unclassified report on nuclear security inspections in 2017 - Daily Energy Insider

NRC releases unclassified report on nuclear security inspections in 2017 - Daily Energy Insider: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted 19 force-on-force (FOF) inspections of commercial nuclear plants that included simulated attacks in 2017, finding that one exercise was unable to demonstrate effective defense and three demonstrated marginal defenses. ... Read More »

Sen. Steinborn Presses The Martinez Administration For Answers On Proposed Nuclear Waste Site | KRWG

Sen. Steinborn Presses The Martinez Administration For Answers On Proposed Nuclear Waste Site | KRWG: Commentary: (Santa Fe, NM) - Senator Jeff Steinborn today requested Governor Susana Martinez again to direct her State Executive departments and agencies

Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.; Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 3 and 4, Class 1E Motor-Operated Valve Terminal Voltage Testing | Equities.com

Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.; Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 3 and 4, Class 1E Motor-Operated Valve Terminal Voltage Testing | Equities.com: Equities.com is an advanced financial information center and next-generation communication platform that connects self-directed investors with startup and small cap companies, market experts, and professional service providers and vendors.

Funding for thorium molten salt and other advanced nuclear reactors – NextBigFuture.com

Funding for thorium molten salt and other advanced nuclear reactors – NextBigFuture.com

Fermi 2 plant back at full power after repairs | Crain's Detroit Business

Fermi 2 plant back at full power after repairs | Crain's Detroit Business

India will soon get to bid for Bangladesh nuclear power plant work - The Economic Times

India will soon get to bid for Bangladesh nuclear power plant work - The Economic Times: . Primary phase of the first units construction is complete and commercial launch of the unit, powered by a VVER-1200 nuclear reactor which belongs to the latest 3+ generation, is scheduled for 2023.

Nuclear power advocates are running out of fuel - Crikey

Nuclear power advocates are running out of fuel - Crikey: Fans of nuclear power plants will tell you that the greenies are holding back projects, but will say nothing about obsolete technology.

Uzbekistan and Russia Reach Agreement on Construction of New Nuclear Power Plant - Jamestown

Uzbekistan and Russia Reach Agreement on Construction of New Nuclear Power Plant - Jamestown: A series of meetings since late December 2017 between officials from Uzbekistan and ROSATOM, the Russian state nuclear energy corporation, suggests that both sides have reached an agreement to build a two-reactor nuclear power plant (NPP) in this Central Asian republic. According to Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Russia, “[T]he nuclear power plant will definitely be constructed,” and the two …

Northwest projects win shares of $20M in federal grants for nuclear tech – GeekWire

Northwest projects win shares of $20M in federal grants for nuclear tech – GeekWire

Japan’s Energy Basic Plan Avoids the Problems | Nippon.com

Japan’s Energy Basic Plan Avoids the Problems | Nippon.com: The cabinet has approved the fifth energy basic plan, a blueprint for Japan’s energy policy. Nuclear is still positioned as a significant base load power source, but the plan says nothing about replacing deteriorated nuclear power stations or constructing new ones. How long will these issues remain unaddressed?

Nuclear Energy Just Got A Big Vote Of Confidence - Nasdaq.com

Nuclear Energy Just Got A Big Vote Of Confidence - Nasdaq.com: A consortium of countries spearheaded by the United States has just formed an international pact to explore new ways to promote the responsible.

Making nuclear energy safer and more affordable | MIT News

Making nuclear energy safer and more affordable | MIT News: MIT graduate student Xingang Zhao imagines a future with safer, more affordable nuclear energy.

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire 7/11

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire
July 11, 2018

NUKE-lear News
Tomorrow at 10:00am the House Energy & Commerce Committee will mark up a full slate of bills, including Representative Adam Kinzinger's (R-IL) Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy Act
 
The bill, also known as the NUKE Act, revises the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) fee recovery structure, among other provisions. 
 
 
 

Ask Your Rep to Support U.S. Nuclear Exports


Your representative is a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, which will soon be voting on a bill to reform the approval of  U.S. civilian nuclear exports.

This is important legislation. Currently, U.S. nuclear suppliers are facing intense competition from state-owned enterprises in countries like Russia and China. They need a streamlined export approval process that distinguishes between sensitive technologies like enrichment and reprocessing and basic, LWR-based systems which are widely available in the global marketplace.

Congressman Bill Johnson (R-OH) recently introduced the Advancing U.S. Civil Nuclear Competitiveness and Jobs Act. His bill allows the Secretary of Energy to delegate approval to technical experts and creates expedited procedures to export low-proliferation-risk reactor technologies.

The U.S. risks ceding its nuclear leadership and influence on security and safety around the world, and erosion of our supply chain here at home, if we can't compete on international nuclear projects in a timely fashion.

As a nuclear expert and constituent, we urge you to contact your representative and ask them to support American competitiveness in civil nuclear exports.

Sincerely,
Craig Piercy
ANS Washington Representative

20/20: 07/10/18: Triumph in Thailand Watch Full Episode | 07/10/2018

20/20: 07/10/18: Triumph in Thailand Watch Full Episode | 07/10/2018: 20/20 full episode recap, 07/10/2018: 'I felt nervous and worried': 12 boys, coach trapped inside Thai cave; The moment when 12 boys, coach trapped inside Thai cave were found alive

Making nuclear energy safer and more affordable


Making nuclear energy safer and more affordable

Galvanized by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disasters, PhD student Xingang Zhao envisions a future with safe, efficient nuclear power.

http://news.mit.edu/2018/student-profile-xingang-zhao-0711

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

ARC Nuclear Announces Agreement to Work with New Brunswick Power and Its Affiliates to Explore Commercialization of the ARC Advanced SMR in New Brunswick, Canada | Business Wire

ARC Nuclear Announces Agreement to Work with New Brunswick Power and Its Affiliates to Explore Commercialization of the ARC Advanced SMR in New Brunswick, Canada | Business Wire: ARC Nuclear announces agreement to work with New Brunswick Power and its affiliates to explore commercialization of ARC-100 in New Brunswick, Canada

Save the date! Atlanta SMR Summit 2019

Whilst 2019 might seem like a while away we’re already turning our attention to the SMR and Advanced Reactor Summit. Make sure you save the dates 2-3 April 2019 at the Westin Buckhead, Atlanta.
Pre-order the 2019 brochure here
Now in its 9th year, the 2019 SMR and Advanced Reactor Summit will feature exciting new updates from major developers in the global market, roadmaps for future deployment, government and regulatory insights as well as updates from the end user community.
With over 400 senior next generation nuclear trailblazers, brand new workshops and roundtables, more international representation than ever before and a few more surprises in store, next year’s conference will be unmissable.
Need a reminder? Here’s what you may have missed from the 2018 event…
Attendees from over 350 key decision makers: Attendees included companies such as OPG, NuScale, CNL, Bruce Power, KACARE, the NRC, DOE and many more

Fresh updates from the US trailblazers NuScale: As the US partners for the summit, NuScale provided updates on their project and gave critical insight into the road ahead

A brand new Canadian track: We partnered with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories for the summit and worked with them to put on an exciting Canadian track during the conference.
Don’t miss anything! Pre-order the 2019 brochure here
Many thanks,
Ben
Ben Moss
Senior Industry Analyst
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0)207 375 7537
bmoss@fc-bi.com

SONGS, Entergy and Duke join FirstEnergy and US NRC in October

This is your last week to secure the super early bird discount on your pass for the 5th Annual Nuclear Decommissioning and Used Fuel Strategy Summit (October 1-2, Charlotte, NC). As a previous attendee, I wanted you to be the first to hear about our biggest savings.
Register by Friday 13 July to save $600 off your pass!
This is the only event where you’ll meet 400+ decommissioning and used fuel leading decision makers under one roof.
Just some of what you’ll gain from the summit this year:
  • Leading Decision Maker Attendees: President & Chief Nuclear Officer, NextEra Energy Resources, Director of Decommissioning, Entergy, Site Vice President, Entergy, Director of License Renewal and Decommissioning, Duke Energy and more gather to discuss key lessons learned and upcoming opportunities
  • Global Utility Case Studies: VP Decommissioning and Chief Nuclear Officer, SCE, Director of Nuclear Policy & Support, Duke Energy, SVP Commercial Decommissioning at EnergySolutions, and an executive from Entergy share key market openings
  • All the key market players under one roof: network with teams of delegates from FirstEnergy, Entergy, SONGS, NextEra, US NRC, Duke Energy, EnergySolutions, Areva / TN Americas, NAC International and many more
Don’t miss out on this business-critical networking opportunity. I look forward to seeing you there.
Kind regards,
Charlotte
Charlotte HowlettSenior Project Director
Nuclear Energy Insider
+1 800 814 3459 x7182 (US toll free)
+44 (0) 20 7375 7182 (Global)
chowlett@nuclearenergyinsider.com

National Cleanup Workshop

  
DOE Office of Environmental Management

EM News Flash | July 10, 2018


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Rep. Fleischmann, DOE Officials Join List of National Cleanup Workshop Speakers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House Nuclear Cleanup Caucus, and several DOE officials join the list of confirmed speakers for the 2018 National Cleanup Workshop to be held Sept. 11-13 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, Va. 
    The DOE officials newly confirmed to speak at the workshop include:
  •  Melissa Burnison, Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs; 
  • Edward McGinnis, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy;
  • Mark Gilbertson, EM Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regulatory and Policy Affairs;
  • Ken Picha, EM Acting Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Field Operations.
    EM Assistant Secretary Anne White, senior DOE officials, industry executives, and state and local representatives will participate in this year’s workshop. A complete list of confirmed participants is available here
   Early-bird registration for general attendees is open through July 20, 2018. Registration deadlines for the early-bird rate do not apply to DOE-approved attendees.
    The National Cleanup Workshop is hosted by the Energy Communities Alliance, and cooperating organizations include EM and the Energy Facility Contractors Group
    The workshop will bring together senior DOE executives and site officials, industry executives and other stakeholders to discuss EM’s progress on the cleanup of the environmental legacy of the nation’s Manhattan Project and Cold War nuclear weapons program. 
    For more information on the workshop, click here.

New Brunswick should have second nuclear reactor: energy minister | The Chronicle Herald

New Brunswick should have second nuclear reactor: energy minister | The Chronicle Herald: POINT LEPREAU, N.B. — New Brunswick's energy minister says he'd like to see another nuclear reactor built in the Maritime province.
Rick Doucet said the development of small modular reactors could present a significant economic and export opportunity.

Editorial: Critics should cool their jets on Holtec canisters | Albuquerque Journal

Editorial: Critics should cool their jets on Holtec canisters | Albuquerque Journal: As the Nuclear Regulatory Commission considers Holtec International's proposal to build an interim s ...

Fearing climate change, experts in San Diego warn U.S. nuclear industry faces collapse - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Fearing climate change, experts in San Diego warn U.S. nuclear industry faces collapse - The San Diego Union-Tribune: Fearing climate change, experts in San Diego warn U.S. nuclear industry faces collapse – which would more than cut in half the amount of low carbon fuel in the U.S.

Management shift begins at US nuclear weapons lab - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC

Management shift begins at US nuclear weapons lab - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC: The U.S. government on Monday cleared the way for a new management team to begin taking over one of the nation's top nuclear weapons laboratories as it looks to rebuild its reputation.

State Will Postpone Decision On Vermont Yankee Sale Until Federal Ruling | Vermont Public Radio

State Will Postpone Decision On Vermont Yankee Sale Until Federal Ruling | Vermont Public Radio: The Public Utility Commission will postpose its decision on a proposed deal to sell the shuttered Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon.

FirstEnergy to use drones to inspect, protect bird nests - News - The Times - Beaver, PA

FirstEnergy to use drones to inspect, protect bird nests - News - The Times - Beaver, PA

First partner announced for New Brunswick SMR project

First partner announced for New Brunswick SMR project: The New Brunswick Energy Solutions Corporation yesterday announced Advanced Reactor Concepts (ARC) as its first partner in a nuclear research cluster that will work on research and development of small modular reactor technology in the Canadian province.

China’s Sanmen 2 cleared for fuel loading

China’s Sanmen 2 cleared for fuel loading

Former Putin adviser has secret investment in US energy firm praised by Trump | World news | The Guardian

Former Putin adviser has secret investment in US energy firm praised by Trump | World news | The Guardian: Exclusive: Alexander Voloshin has undisclosed stake in American Ethane - which has been hailed by Donald Trump

Duke, Exelon, Entergy, FirstEnergy, SONGS and more meet in October


Duke, Exelon, Entergy, FirstEnergy, SONGS and more meet in October


https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3358932/3358932-6422486255648538627?midToken=AQGwvK6mFRmg4w&trk=eml-group_announcement_message-null-4-null&trkEmail=eml-group_announcement_message-null-4-null-null-1bdnny%7Ejjfx5uwr%7Es6-null-communities%7Egroup%7Ediscussion&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Aemail_group_announcement_message%3BRZgZI1x7QW%2By0KExTi%2FZYw%3D%3D
announcerFullName
 
Charlotte Howlett
Head of Nuclear, Oil & Gas | Nuclear Energy Insider | Upstream Intelligence | 5000+ connections
 
 
Dear member,

This is your last week to secure the $600 super early bird discount on your pass for the 5th Annual Nuclear Decommissioning and Used Fuel Strategy Summit (October 1-2, Charlotte, NC).

Register by Friday 13 July to save $600 off your pass - https://bit.ly/1MhSGIq

This is the only event where you’ll meet 400+ decommissioning and used fuel leading decision makers under one roof.

Just some of what you’ll gain from the summit this year:

• Leading Decision Maker Attendees: Chief Nuclear Officer, NextEra Energy; Director of Decommissioning, Entergy; SVP, Entergy; Director of License Renewal & Decom, Duke Energy and more gather to discuss key lessons learned and upcoming opportunities

• Global Utility Case Studies: VP Decommissioning & CNO at SCE; Director of Nuclear Policy & Support at Duke Energy; SVP Commercial Decommissioning at EnergySolutions, & Senior Counsel from Entergy share key market openings

• All the key market players under one roof: network with teams of delegates from FirstEnergy, Exelon, Entergy, SONGS, NextEra, US NRC, Duke Energy, EnergySolutions and many more

Don’t miss out on this business-critical networking opportunity. I look forward to seeing you there.

Kind regards,
Charlotte

Charlotte Howlett
Senior Project Director
Nuclear Energy Insider
+1 800 814 3459 x7182 (US toll free)
+44 (0) 20 7375 7182 (Global)
chowlett@nuclearenergyinsider.com
 
http://www.nuclearenergyinsider.com/nuclear-decommissioning-used-fuel/
 
 
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Exelon, Entergy, FirstEnergy, Duke & SONGS meet in October
 

EM Releases New Site-Specific Infographics on Cleanup Progress


EM Releases New Site-Specific Infographics on Cleanup Progress

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WASHINGTON, D.C. EM recently updated its “By the Numbers” infographics filled with quick and clear metrics demonstrating EM’s cleanup progress.
   A total of 14 infographics — one for each major cleanup site and EM’s Savannah River National Laboratory — are available on this EM webpage.
   The easy-to-read, one-page infographics summarize each site’s history before delving into eye-catching statistics. For example, the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management’s infographic points out that crews there prevented 5,000 pounds of mercury from entering the environment.
   Other highlights include: 
  • Energy Technology Engineering Center — The DOE, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and Environmental Protection Agency completed soil characterization for about 300 acres of land, taking more than 3,600 radionuclide samples, 6,500 chemical samples, and 100 soil vapor samples.
  • Hanford Site — Workers have demolished 889 facilities, many contaminated.
  • Idaho Site — Crews retrieved 65,000 cubic meters of stored transuranic waste, 50,000 meters of it from under a soil berm inside a building large enough to house an aircraft carrier.
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory Site — The Los Alamos Field Office completed treatment of 60 remediated nitrate salt drums in November 2017 and finished treatment of 27 unremediated nitrate salt drums in March 2018.
  • Moab Site — 9.1 million tons of uranium mill tailings have been shipped to a dedicated disposal cell, amounting to 57 percent of the total tons.
  • Nevada National Security Site — Since 1961, nearly 49 million cubic feet of classified, low-level and mixed low-level radioactive waste have been disposed at the Area 3 and Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Sites.
  • Oak Ridge Site — 1,067 acres of land have been transferred to the community for industrial growth and economic redevelopment.
  • Paducah Site — More than 66 million pounds of contaminated scrap metal — enough to build a World War I battleship — have been removed from storage yards and shipped off-site for disposal. Contaminated scrap metal was a major contributor to surface water contamination.
  • Portsmouth Site — More than 119 million pounds of waste have been shipped and disposed off-site to date.
  • Savannah River Site — More than 4,160 canisters of glassified radioactive waste have been produced at the Defense Waste Processing Facility since it began operating in 1996.
  • Savannah River National Laboratory — Over $5 billion in complex-wide savings have been achieved for the EM program due to innovations developed at the laboratory in the past 5 years.
  • Separations Process Research Unit — More than 9,700 gallons of residual liquid from tanks have been treated through solidification.
  • Waste Isolation Pilot Plant — 172,721 containers have been emplaced in the WIPP underground.
  • West Valley Demonstration Project — More than 6.5 miles of piping and over 50 tons of vessels and equipment have been removed from predominantly high-hazard areas of the former reprocessing plant.
-Contributor: David Sheeley