Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Friday, July 27, 2018
Nuclear and the Chasm between Science and Politics | 5-Minute Nuclear
Nuclear and the Chasm between Science and Politics | 5-Minute Nuclear: In a democracy, political policy is shaped by the views and opinions of the community. Nuclear technology carries significant historical baggage, often fuelled
Fluor Awarded Contracts for Naval Nuclear Laboratory | Fluor Newsroom
Fluor Awarded Contracts for Naval Nuclear Laboratory | Fluor Newsroom: IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) announced today that the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command and the U.S.
Move Over Chernobyl, Fukushima is Now Officially the Worst Nuclear Power Disaster in History
Move Over Chernobyl, Fukushima is Now Officially the Worst Nuclear Power Disaster in History: The radiation dispersed into the environment by the three reactor meltdowns at Fukushima-Daiichi in Japan has exceeded that of the April 26, 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe, so we may stop calling it the “second worst” nuclear power disaster in history. Total atmospheric releases from Fukushima are estimated to be betwe
Sandia simulates used fuel storage cask temperatures - World Nuclear News
Sandia simulates used fuel storage cask temperatures - World Nuclear News: A scaled test assembly that simulates a dry cask storage container for used nuclear fuel has been constructed by researchers at the USA's Sandia National Laboratories.
Ensuring Safe and Secure Passage for the Nuclear Industry's Vital Natural Resource
Ensuring Safe and Secure Passage for the Nuclear Industry's Vital Natural Resource
Most uranium is shipped in the form of yellowcake.
Countries work with the IAEA to ensure the safe and secure transport of
more than 50,000 tonnes of yellowcake typically shipped worldwide each
year. (Photo: IAEA)
Uranium shipments are like VIP travellers. They go by land, sea
or air and have layovers like any other traveller, but their global
influence and appeal to criminals means every detail of their journey is
designed to ensure safety and security each step of the way.
“Uranium is only produced by a few countries and is required to produce fuel for most nuclear power plants worldwide, which is why it’s a high-value, strategic global commodity,” said Robert Floyd, Director General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO). “Given the need to transport uranium globally, it is important that high standards are sustained internationally.”
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element. Uranium ore concentrate, or yellowcake, is a concentrated powder form of uranium made by removing impurities from raw uranium ore. (For more information on how yellowcake is made, see page 23 of the IAEA Bulletin on Uranium: From Exploration to Remediation). Most uranium is shipped as yellowcake because it is more cost-effective than transporting unrefined uranium ore.
Although yellowcake poses little radiation hazard, it still requires safe handling. “From a safety perspective, only basic radiation protection measures are necessary,” said Eric Reber, a transport safety specialist at the IAEA.
From a security standpoint, explained David Ladsous, an IAEA senior nuclear security officer, “protection measures ensure uranium does not end up in the wrong hands. They are particularly important because uranium has major economic and strategic value that can also motivate theft or sabotage.”
The IAEA works with authorities worldwide to train personnel and help develop national safety and security regulations for transporting uranium. National regulations for the safety and security of radioactive material should be designed to meet international standards and be integrated into a global safety and security regime, Reber said. This joint effort covers the whole transport process, from production and packaging to transit routes and delivery. It also addresses potential issues such as piracy.
“Even though the transport of yellowcake is of relatively lower risk than other parts of the nuclear fuel cycle, having high standards of safety and security is vital to building domestic and international confidence in the nuclear industry as a whole,” Floyd said.
“Uranium is only produced by a few countries and is required to produce fuel for most nuclear power plants worldwide, which is why it’s a high-value, strategic global commodity,” said Robert Floyd, Director General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO). “Given the need to transport uranium globally, it is important that high standards are sustained internationally.”
Even though the transport of yellowcake is of relatively lower risk than other parts of the nuclear fuel cycle, having high standards of safety and security is vital to building domestic and international confidence in the nuclear industry as a whole.More than 80% of the uranium used worldwide is produced by just five countries. Of the 31 countries that operate 450 nuclear power reactors, few produce their own uranium. This means that more than 50,000 tonnes of uranium ore concentrate are typically shipped each year.
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element. Uranium ore concentrate, or yellowcake, is a concentrated powder form of uranium made by removing impurities from raw uranium ore. (For more information on how yellowcake is made, see page 23 of the IAEA Bulletin on Uranium: From Exploration to Remediation). Most uranium is shipped as yellowcake because it is more cost-effective than transporting unrefined uranium ore.
Although yellowcake poses little radiation hazard, it still requires safe handling. “From a safety perspective, only basic radiation protection measures are necessary,” said Eric Reber, a transport safety specialist at the IAEA.
From a security standpoint, explained David Ladsous, an IAEA senior nuclear security officer, “protection measures ensure uranium does not end up in the wrong hands. They are particularly important because uranium has major economic and strategic value that can also motivate theft or sabotage.”
The IAEA works with authorities worldwide to train personnel and help develop national safety and security regulations for transporting uranium. National regulations for the safety and security of radioactive material should be designed to meet international standards and be integrated into a global safety and security regime, Reber said. This joint effort covers the whole transport process, from production and packaging to transit routes and delivery. It also addresses potential issues such as piracy.
“Even though the transport of yellowcake is of relatively lower risk than other parts of the nuclear fuel cycle, having high standards of safety and security is vital to building domestic and international confidence in the nuclear industry as a whole,” Floyd said.
Building confidence for a stable uranium industry
Confidence is
built in part on these national regulations and international standards,
because it means all countries in the supply chain are working within
the same high standards of safety and security, Ladsous said. This is
particularly important for new or small uranium producers and countries
such as Malawi that are trying to re-enter the uranium industry.
“Up until recently, one of our biggest challenges was the possibility that our interim competent authority, the Environmental Affairs Department, may not be recognized by other countries as having an acceptable mandate in the transport of radioactive material, including yellowcake, and so some shipments could be occasionally denied,” said Burnett Msika, Chief Mining Engineer in the Department of Mines in Malawi’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining.
Although, in 2014, Malawi temporarily closed its only mine after five years of operation owing to a crash in uranium prices and high operating costs, the country is actively updating its regulations and training staff with the support of the IAEA to prepare uranium operations to restart.
“That’s part of why, through the Environmental Affairs Department, we have made our national atomic energy regulatory authority operational and are building and strengthening human resources and improving collaboration with regulators throughout the transport process,” Msika said.
For more experienced exporters like Australia — the third largest producer of uranium and home to the world’s largest uranium deposits — the focus is on maintaining confidence as reliable energy exporters.
Australia constantly reviews and updates its regulations and permits and trains staff to ensure its 8,000 tonnes of exports each year reach their final destinations, Floyd said. Each Australian state and territory has additional regulations and codes for transport. Together, these set out the requirements for packaging, conveyances, routes and safety and security for transporting yellowcake.
Coordinating this work across state and federal levels is particularly important for such a large country. “Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, so one of the major challenges we have to deal with is covering long distances, often going through vast remote areas. If an incident happens, help can take a long time to arrive. It’s important to be prepared and have continuous communication, self-reliance and the right tools,” Floyd said.
Australian authorities plan to continue working closely with the IAEA to further strengthen the country’s transport regime. Action items for the future include producing a consolidated list of national resources available in the event of an incident, improving training materials and developing a model guide for yellowcake transport plans to enhance understanding of new mining endeavours.
“Up until recently, one of our biggest challenges was the possibility that our interim competent authority, the Environmental Affairs Department, may not be recognized by other countries as having an acceptable mandate in the transport of radioactive material, including yellowcake, and so some shipments could be occasionally denied,” said Burnett Msika, Chief Mining Engineer in the Department of Mines in Malawi’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining.
Although, in 2014, Malawi temporarily closed its only mine after five years of operation owing to a crash in uranium prices and high operating costs, the country is actively updating its regulations and training staff with the support of the IAEA to prepare uranium operations to restart.
“That’s part of why, through the Environmental Affairs Department, we have made our national atomic energy regulatory authority operational and are building and strengthening human resources and improving collaboration with regulators throughout the transport process,” Msika said.
For more experienced exporters like Australia — the third largest producer of uranium and home to the world’s largest uranium deposits — the focus is on maintaining confidence as reliable energy exporters.
Australia constantly reviews and updates its regulations and permits and trains staff to ensure its 8,000 tonnes of exports each year reach their final destinations, Floyd said. Each Australian state and territory has additional regulations and codes for transport. Together, these set out the requirements for packaging, conveyances, routes and safety and security for transporting yellowcake.
Coordinating this work across state and federal levels is particularly important for such a large country. “Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, so one of the major challenges we have to deal with is covering long distances, often going through vast remote areas. If an incident happens, help can take a long time to arrive. It’s important to be prepared and have continuous communication, self-reliance and the right tools,” Floyd said.
Australian authorities plan to continue working closely with the IAEA to further strengthen the country’s transport regime. Action items for the future include producing a consolidated list of national resources available in the event of an incident, improving training materials and developing a model guide for yellowcake transport plans to enhance understanding of new mining endeavours.
America is the global energy leader: Energy Secretary Rick Perry | Fox Business
America is the global energy leader: Energy Secretary Rick Perry | Fox Business: Innovation, fracking and direct access to shale gas is putting America in a place it hasn’t been in 60 years, according to Perry.
TEPCO's next step is contact with melted fuel inside reactor：The Asahi Shimbun
TEPCO's next step is contact with melted fuel inside reactor：The Asahi Shimbun: The operator of the stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant plans a more extensive survey of melted f
Work to demolish nuke weapons plant to resume in September
Work to demolish nuke weapons plant to resume in September: SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Work to demolish a former nuclear weapons production factory in Washington state may resume in September, about six months after it was halted when workers w
Settlement Over California Nuclear Plant Closure Gets OK | California News | US News
Settlement Over California Nuclear Plant Closure Gets OK | California News | US News: SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Southern California electric customers are in line to save $775 million in the coming years after state utility regulators approved a settlement stemming from the closure of a nuclear plant.
NextEra Energy Resources and Alliant Energy agree to shorten the term of the Duane Arnold Energy Center power purchase agreement; Alliant Energy customers to save hundreds of millions of dollars - Jul 27, 2018
WANO member support missions achieve record - World Nuclear News
WANO member support missions achieve record - World Nuclear News: The World Association of Nuclear Operators delivered a record number of member support missions last year. Such missions enable WANO members to assist each other in improving safety or reliability at a plant.
Mission reviews Chernobyl waste management - World Nuclear News
Mission reviews Chernobyl waste management - World Nuclear News: International Atomic Energy Agency experts have carried out a mission to review a feasibility study for the creation and location of new facilities for the management of radioactively contaminated materials at Chernobyl.
Rosatom, Necsa to cooperate in nuclear medicine - World Nuclear News
Rosatom, Necsa to cooperate in nuclear medicine - World Nuclear News: Rusatom Healthcare and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation have signed an agreement to cooperate on non-power applications of nuclear technology, particularly nuclear medicine.
S. Africa leaves door to future Russian nuclear power deal open, Energy & Commodities - THE BUSINESS TIMES
S. Africa leaves door to future Russian nuclear power deal open, Energy & Commodities - THE BUSINESS TIMES: : THE BUSINESS TIMES Energy & Commodities - SOUTH Africa cannot afford large-scale expansion of its nuclear power fleet, but would still be open to future nuclear deals with Russia, the ruling party's Treasurer-General said on Thursday, shortly before President Vladimir Putin arrival for a multi-lateral summit. . Read more at The Business Times.
Russia's Putin raises nuclear deal at Ramaphosa meeting during BRICS | Reuters
Russia's Putin raises nuclear deal at Ramaphosa meeting during BRICS | Reuters: Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the subject of a nuclear deal at a private meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, but his host said Pretoria could not sign such a deal for now.
Arizona’s nuclear power caught in crossfire — High Country News
Arizona’s nuclear power caught in crossfire — High Country News: A renewable energy ballot measure could shutter the largest nuclear plant in the country.
Hot Weather Spells Trouble For Nuclear Power Plants : NPR
Hot Weather Spells Trouble For Nuclear Power Plants : NPR: Multiple nuclear power facilities in Europe have reduced their electricity production because seawater, which is used to keep the reactors cool, has been warmer than usual.
China's long game to dominate nuclear power relies on the UK | Environment | The Guardian
China's long game to dominate nuclear power relies on the UK | Environment | The Guardian: Approval of Chinese nuclear technology in the UK would act as a springboard to the rest of the world
APCC Seeks AG’s Help
APCC Seeks AG’s Help: DENNIS – The Association to Preserve Cape Cod is seeking to enlist the assistance of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s office as they look to prevent relaxing the rules for …
Las Cruces council votes down nuclear storage facility | Albuquerque Journal
Las Cruces council votes down nuclear storage facility | Albuquerque Journal: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — 'I just feel that we get dumped on,' said one city councilor during the debate
Diablo Canyon tours expanded to take in surrounding lands | Local News | santamariatimes.com
Diablo Canyon tours expanded to take in surrounding lands | Local News | santamariatimes.com: Members of the public will have opportunities in August and September to tour some of the 12,000 acres that surround the Diablo Canyon Power Plant so they can provide input
Get Yankee sale right | Rutland Herald
Get Yankee sale right | Rutland Herald: Regulatory delays, while frustrating to developers and other interested parties, sometimes signify that the process is working correctly. Such is likely the
State regulators approve San Onofre nuclear settlement, trimming $750M from original deal - The San Diego Union-Tribune
State regulators approve San Onofre nuclear settlement, trimming $750M from original deal - The San Diego Union-Tribune: The California Public Utilities Commission OK'd a new deal that overrides a settlement approved in 2014.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Awards Worcester Polytechnic Institute Nearly $600,000 to Address Workforce and Research Needs
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Awards Worcester Polytechnic Institute Nearly $600,000 to Address Workforce and Research Needs: Worcester, Mass. (PRWEB) July 27, 2018 -- – July 25, 2018 – Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has received nearly $600,000 from the Nuclear Regulatory
Flooding at a Florida Nuclear Plant - Union of Concerned Scientists
Flooding at a Florida Nuclear Plant - Union of Concerned Scientists: Role of Regulation in Nuclear Plant Safety #5
St. Lucie Unit 1 began operating in 1976. From the beginning, it was required by federal regulations to be protected against flooding from external hazards. After flooding in 2011 led to the meltdown of three reactors at Fukushima Dai-ichi in Japan, t
St. Lucie Unit 1 began operating in 1976. From the beginning, it was required by federal regulations to be protected against flooding from external hazards. After flooding in 2011 led to the meltdown of three reactors at Fukushima Dai-ichi in Japan, t
Uranium Leaked Through Floor of South Carolina Nuclear Plant
Uranium Leaked Through Floor of South Carolina Nuclear Plant: A nuclear plant in Richmond County, South Carolina with a history of contaminating groundwater has leaked radioactive uranium into the soil below the plant, The State reported Tuesday.
"Anytime there's leaking chemicals...there's a problem" Chemical Leak Raises Concerns | wltx.com
"Anytime there's leaking chemicals...there's a problem" Chemical Leak Raises Concerns | wltx.com: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is investigating after radioactive uranium leaked through the floor of Westinghouse's Nuclear Fuel Plant in Columbia and into the soil.
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North Korea said to be dismantling key parts of launch site
North Korea said to be dismantling key parts of launch site
https://hosted.ap.org/bendbulletin/article/c98682458fbe49fdbd03a7abae8fd128/us-group-north-korea-dismantling-key-launch-site-facilities?utm_source=FAS+General&utm_campaign=8cf866c92f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_02_21_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_56a7496199-8cf866c92f-199338577
Trump says new images show North Korea has begun dismantling 'key missile site'
Trump says new images show North Korea has begun dismantling 'key missile site'
https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/23/politics/north-korea-satellite-images-38-north-sohae/index.html?utm_source=FAS+General&utm_campaign=8cf866c92f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_02_21_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_56a7496199-8cf866c92f-199338577
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Former Trump official: No one 'minding the store' at White House on cyberthreats
Former Trump official: No one 'minding the store' at White House on cyberthreats: “On cyber, there is no clear person and or clear driver, and there is no clear muscle memory,” said Tom Bossert, who served as White House homeland security adviser until last April, in an interview with the Yahoo News podcast Skullduggery.
Fukushima Update 7/26/18
Fifteen new “Fukushima Reconstruction Ambassadors” begin their work… Tepco has decided to begin damaged nuclear fuel recovery with unit #2… Another Fukushima beach reopens… More on the F. Daiichi Tritiated water issue, posted 7/19… A court rejects a damages suit filed by families of fishermen subjected to fallout from the 1954 Bikini Atoll H-bomb test… Former Prime Minister, and current antinuclear fanatic, Junichiro Koizuma, continues his crusade… There might be minute traces of Fukushima radioactive particles in California wines.
http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.
Think: U.S. Oil, Increased Access To Boost Global Supply
Think: U.S. Oil, Increased Access To Boost Global Supply
By By Energy Tomorrow Blog, / July 25, 2018 10:00 AM
Big news in the latest API Monthly Statistical Report: U.S. crude oil production rose to an all-time record of 10.7 million barrels per day (mbd) in June – the largest monthly output, ever. Below, the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s chart showing U.S. oil production since the era of Col. Edwin Drake, with annual output peaking at 9.637
Keep reading →https://breakingenergy.com/2018/07/25/think-u-s-oil-increased-access-to-boost-global-supply/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy+Newsletters+Master+List&utm_campaign=be4a6828ad-MAILCHIMP_BD_DAILY&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_88392479a3-be4a6828ad-411632309
"Anytime there's leaking chemicals...there's a problem" Chemical Leak Raises Concerns | wltx.com
"Anytime there's leaking chemicals...there's a problem" Chemical Leak Raises Concerns | wltx.com: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is investigating after radioactive uranium leaked through the floor of Westinghouse's Nuclear Fuel Plant in Columbia and into the soil.
DOE Releases Draft Request for Proposal for Environmental Management (EM) Nevada Environmental Program Services (EPS) Contract | Department of Energy
DOE Releases Draft Request for Proposal for Environmental Management (EM) Nevada Environmental Program Services (EPS) Contract | Department of Energy: DOE Releases Draft Request for Proposal for Environmental Management (EM) Nevada Environmental Program Services (EPS) Contract
Xconomy: FDA Approves NorthStar Medical to Make Isotope Generator at WI Plant
Xconomy: FDA Approves NorthStar Medical to Make Isotope Generator at WI Plant: A Wisconsin company seeking to become the first domestic producer in decades of a crucial medical isotope said Tuesday that it received another key
Industry Infographic: Nuclear Plant Digitalization
Industry Infographic: Nuclear Plant Digitalization
The nuclear industry is undergoing a lot of changes in the face of increasingly subsidized competition, and aging fleet and high operating costs. Despite industry bodies having put together several programs to help utilities minimize their costs and renew plant licenses, the future for civil nuclear remains uncertain. With an unprecedented number of early closures and the constraints of complicated regulations, the time to modernize nuclear plants and make them more efficient and competitive is upon us.
Nuclear Energy Insider has put together an infographic that quickly spans all the factors that will impact the foundation of your digital strategy.
View the full infographic here
The infographic outlines business critical information, including what your competitors are investing in, and the ROI being received from digital.
Highlights include:
- In some places NPP operating costs have risen by 30% in the last few years: The industry invests about $7.5 billion per year in maintenance and upgrades of the plants.
- Delivering the Nuclear Promise result: The NEI has declared the initiative a success, with U.S. Nuclear Plant operating costs reduced by 19% since 2012 and achieved $1.6 billion in savings.
- Most challenging aspects of testing digital implementation: Integration services (including local, private, and public cloud), Multi-channel interface (mobile, social, traditional), Data and Service orchestration, End-to-end workflows
Any questions, please let me know.
Kind regards,
Louis
Louis Thomas
Nuclear Project Director
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0)207 375 7246
lthomas@nuclearenergyinsider.
Nuclear still UK’s main low-carbon power source - World Nuclear News
Nuclear still UK’s main low-carbon power source - World Nuclear News: Official statistics confirm nuclear as the largest source of low-carbon electricity in the UK, contributing 20.8% of all electricity generated last year, which was broadly stable on 2016 when it accounted for 21.1%.
IAEA reviews Rooppur design safety documentation - World Nuclear News
IAEA reviews Rooppur design safety documentation - World Nuclear News: The International Atomic Energy Agency last month completed a peer review of selected parts of the design safety documentation for the Rooppur nuclear power plant under construction in Bangladesh.
Cameco shutdown extended indefinitely - World Nuclear News
Cameco shutdown extended indefinitely - World Nuclear News: Cameco is extending the suspension of production at McArthur River and Key Lake "for an indeterminate duration", CEO Tim Gitzel has announced. The operations have been out of production since January.
UAE nuclear plant receives licence from Department of Energy - The National
UAE nuclear plant receives licence from Department of Energy - The National:
DoE licence is a major regulatory step for the project
DoE licence is a major regulatory step for the project
EDF Wooing Pension Funds to Finance Sizewell U.K. Nuclear Plant - Bloomberg
EDF Wooing Pension Funds to Finance Sizewell U.K. Nuclear Plant - Bloomberg: The developer of Britain’s first nuclear power station in more than three decades has approached 12 pension funds about helping finance a sister plant on the other side of the country.
South Africa opens door to future Russian nuclear power deal | Reuters
South Africa opens door to future Russian nuclear power deal | Reuters: South Africa cannot afford large-scale expansion of its nuclear power capacity but would still be open to future deals with Russia, a senior ruling party official said on Thursday, shortly before the arrival of President Vladimir Putin for a summit.
Warm sea water in Finland reduces power from Loviisa nuclear plant | Reuters
Warm sea water in Finland reduces power from Loviisa nuclear plant | Reuters: Finland's Loviisa power plant, consisting of two reactors with a combined capacity of 1 gigawatt, had to reduce power by 170 megawatts on Wednesday as the sea water that is used to cool the reactors had become too warm, operator Fortum said.
India's Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project raises safety concerns after Fukushima accident | Global Edition | Devdiscourse
India's Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project raises safety concerns after Fukushima accident | Global Edition | Devdiscourse: Global Edition | There have been sporadic protests by a section of the locals against setting up of the nuclear power plant at Jaitapur. Groups ideologically
Infrastructure Boom in Bangladesh Could Herald a New Era for Development - Future Directions International
Infrastructure Boom in Bangladesh Could Herald a New Era for Development - Future Directions International: The development of a number of infrastructure projects in Bangladesh could bring significant socio-economic benefits, but, if that outcome is to be achieved, much will depend on the ability to contain costs and maximise economic alliances.
Nominee poses threat to side with polluters, undermine public health - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper
Nominee poses threat to side with polluters, undermine public health - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper: The stakes for our environment, our health and our democracy have never been higher, and the fight over this Supreme Court vacancy could not be more important to the Nevada Conservation League and …
Nuke Project Fallout Lingers Over Dominion-SCANA Deal | 2018-07-25 | Engineering News-Record
Nuke Project Fallout Lingers Over Dominion-SCANA Deal | 2018-07-25 | Engineering News-Record: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved Dominion Energy’s proposed acquisition of South Carolina-based SCANA Corp., but ongoing issues related to SCANA’s role as a partial owner of the abandoned V.C. Summer nuclear power plant expansion project continue to raise uncertainty surrounding the merger.
Safety, Transport Concerns Linger over Proposed Lea County Nuclear Storage Site | KRWG
Safety, Transport Concerns Linger over Proposed Lea County Nuclear Storage Site | KRWG: New Jersey-based nuclear equipment company Holtec International is applying for an initial 40-year license from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Receives Nearly $600,000 to Enhance Nuclear Science and Engineering Program
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Receives Nearly $600,000 to Enhance Nuclear Science and Engineering Program: In an effort to address an aging nuclear science and engineering workforce and bolster academic research, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has awarded Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) nearly $600,000 to support the university’s growing nuclear science and engineering (NSE) undergraduate and graduate programs.
NUCLEAR: NRC's 'transformation' fuels debate over regulation -- Wednesday, July 25, 2018 -- www.eenews.net
NUCLEAR: NRC's 'transformation' fuels debate over regulation -- Wednesday, July 25, 2018 -- www.eenews.net: A debate over new fuels is a front-and-center case study of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's "transformational" goal of speeding up its regulatory processes while giving the nuclear power industry more leeway to introduce new nuclear power technology.
NUCLEAR WASTE: Westinghouse plant leaked uranium through floor, NRC says -- Wednesday, July 25, 2018 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial
NUCLEAR WASTE: Westinghouse plant leaked uranium through floor, NRC says -- Wednesday, July 25, 2018 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial: The soil around the Westinghouse fuel factory in South Carolina is contaminated with radioactive uranium, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
DHS warning: Russians probing deeper into U.S. power grid
DHS warning: Russians probing deeper into U.S. power grid
Wolverine! Michigan utilities partner to strengthen electric grid
Wolverine! Michigan utilities partner to strengthen electric grid
https://www.elp.com/articles/2018/07/wolverine-michigan-utilities-partner-to-strengthen-electric-grid.html?cmpid=enl_powergridinternational_energy_news_update_2018-07-26&pwhid=1e90004a8e081f3272fb5f8e0e9a20316c85258cc50faf993491663afd10a38f41b62c13180d825ec81f1c72848099c33ec83965e1b8e8ff4a01aa5c32296aec&eid=288118515&bid=2186763
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Candu Energy To Decommission SLOWPOKE-2 Reactor - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers
Candu Energy To Decommission SLOWPOKE-2 Reactor - 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.
Advancing Ocean Acidification Science: IAEA Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre Turns Five
Advancing Ocean Acidification Science: IAEA Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre Turns Five
The potential impacts of ocean acidification on marine
organisms and livelihoods are an emerging concern for many countries,
and the focus of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.3. (Photo:
Jean-Louis Teyssié/IAEA)
As ocean acidification research evolves and more scientific
papers are published each year, there is a mounting need to synthesize
and compare data so that countries can properly respond to the issue.
The IAEA Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre, or
OA-ICC, has been facilitating this process for five years now.
“Ocean acidification is a growing international problem that affects all Member States either directly or indirectly”, said James Orr, Research Director at the Laboratory for Climate and Environment Sciences (LSCE) in France.
The IAEA OA-ICC provides an umbrella for international coordination, building the capacity of states to develop informed responses to this global problem. The Centre’s activities compare and standardize methodologies to measure ocean acidification. Its role is also to develop best practice guidelines and promote data access and sharing within the research community. “These activities are crucial to ensure that data, often generated at great cost, is available to all, in a comparable and consistent format,” Orr said.
Five years ago, the OA-ICC was launched in Monaco under the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative. Since then the project has grown in scale and complexity as IAEA Member States have sought to improve their understanding of how increasing ocean acidification may affect their livelihoods and their ability to report on target 3 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14, which specifically addresses ocean acidification.
Intensive fossil-fuel burning and deforestation over the last two centuries has increased atmospheric carbon dioxide by 50 % above pre-industrial values. The global ocean currently absorbs roughly one third of this human-caused carbon dioxide, and its carbonate chemistry is fundamentally altered in the process. By doing so, the ocean undergoes a decrease in pH, referred to as ocean acidification.
Ocean acidification has been recognized as a major threat to marine ecosystems. Concern about its impacts on socioeconomically valuable seafood is increasing world-wide, and nuclear and isotopic techniques are used to study the phenomenon. The techniques have widely contributed to the understanding of the field both in terms of investigating past changes in ocean acidity and the impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms.
The IAEA’s OA-ICC maintains a comprehensive bibliographic database, with more than 4500 references, and a scientific database with easy access to more than 900 data sets of impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms. These databases are available for scientists to identify current research gaps and help develop OA-ICC activities to address them.
The Centre supports efforts led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IOC-UNESCO) to develop a standardized methodology for countries to report on SDG target 14.3, which will contribute to generating comparable data across the globe.
Developing capacity around the world
Ocean acidification research is complex and interdisciplinary. The OA-ICC, in collaboration with international partners, organizes specialized training courses tailored to local research needs. These courses cover both chemical and biological aspects of ocean acidification, and use the latest methodologies — including nuclear and isotopic techniques — and guidelines to promote best practices. During the past five years, the OA-ICC has trained more than 150 researchers from around the world and enabled more than 60 scientists from developing IAEA Member States to present their work and connect with peers at major international conferences.
The OA-ICC actively supports the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) that aims to increase observations in critical data-sparse areas, such as along the African coasts and within the Indian Ocean, as well as regional ocean acidification networks in Latin America (LAOCA) and Africa .
“The OA-ICC played a key role in developing the LAOCA network and in so doing inspired hundreds of Latin American scientists,” said Cristian Vargas, LAOCA co-chair based at the University of Concepción in Chile. “To advance the understanding of ocean acidification, it is essential to have a centre that coordinates and supports the work of the scientific community around the globe.”
The Centre also collaborates with the Ocean Foundation, GOA-ON, IOC-UNESCO, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean Acidification Program (NOAA OAP), and other partners to develop specialized toolkits designed for research institutes with limited technical infrastructure and capacities.
Striving to raise awareness about ocean acidification among stakeholders, including the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques to assess ecosystem impact, the OA-ICC news stream disseminates daily news on ocean acidification with more than 1000 posts and close to 40 000 visitors from 185 countries per year. Recently, the OA-ICC designed a new IAEA Coordinated Research Project that will allow countries to use a collaborative approach to evaluate the impacts of ocean acidification on key seafood species in several regions of the world.
The OA-ICC has received direct and in-kind contributions from eight IAEA Member States: Australia, France, Italy (the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA), Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as major international organizations and projects. It is adapting its activities to evolve with this rapidly growing research field and to ensure that resources are used where they are needed most.
“To address the growing concern about ocean acidification, sustained international cooperation and coordination is crucial,” said David Osborn, Director of the IAEA Environment Laboratories.
This topic will be discussed at the IAEA's Scientific Forum: Nuclear Technology for Climate: Mitigation, Monitoring and Adaptation, taking place in Vienna, Austria, from 18 to 19 September 2018.
“Ocean acidification is a growing international problem that affects all Member States either directly or indirectly”, said James Orr, Research Director at the Laboratory for Climate and Environment Sciences (LSCE) in France.
The IAEA OA-ICC provides an umbrella for international coordination, building the capacity of states to develop informed responses to this global problem. The Centre’s activities compare and standardize methodologies to measure ocean acidification. Its role is also to develop best practice guidelines and promote data access and sharing within the research community. “These activities are crucial to ensure that data, often generated at great cost, is available to all, in a comparable and consistent format,” Orr said.
Five years ago, the OA-ICC was launched in Monaco under the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative. Since then the project has grown in scale and complexity as IAEA Member States have sought to improve their understanding of how increasing ocean acidification may affect their livelihoods and their ability to report on target 3 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14, which specifically addresses ocean acidification.
Intensive fossil-fuel burning and deforestation over the last two centuries has increased atmospheric carbon dioxide by 50 % above pre-industrial values. The global ocean currently absorbs roughly one third of this human-caused carbon dioxide, and its carbonate chemistry is fundamentally altered in the process. By doing so, the ocean undergoes a decrease in pH, referred to as ocean acidification.
Ocean acidification has been recognized as a major threat to marine ecosystems. Concern about its impacts on socioeconomically valuable seafood is increasing world-wide, and nuclear and isotopic techniques are used to study the phenomenon. The techniques have widely contributed to the understanding of the field both in terms of investigating past changes in ocean acidity and the impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms.
The IAEA’s OA-ICC maintains a comprehensive bibliographic database, with more than 4500 references, and a scientific database with easy access to more than 900 data sets of impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms. These databases are available for scientists to identify current research gaps and help develop OA-ICC activities to address them.
The Centre supports efforts led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IOC-UNESCO) to develop a standardized methodology for countries to report on SDG target 14.3, which will contribute to generating comparable data across the globe.
Developing capacity around the world
Ocean acidification research is complex and interdisciplinary. The OA-ICC, in collaboration with international partners, organizes specialized training courses tailored to local research needs. These courses cover both chemical and biological aspects of ocean acidification, and use the latest methodologies — including nuclear and isotopic techniques — and guidelines to promote best practices. During the past five years, the OA-ICC has trained more than 150 researchers from around the world and enabled more than 60 scientists from developing IAEA Member States to present their work and connect with peers at major international conferences.
The OA-ICC actively supports the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) that aims to increase observations in critical data-sparse areas, such as along the African coasts and within the Indian Ocean, as well as regional ocean acidification networks in Latin America (LAOCA) and Africa .
“The OA-ICC played a key role in developing the LAOCA network and in so doing inspired hundreds of Latin American scientists,” said Cristian Vargas, LAOCA co-chair based at the University of Concepción in Chile. “To advance the understanding of ocean acidification, it is essential to have a centre that coordinates and supports the work of the scientific community around the globe.”
The Centre also collaborates with the Ocean Foundation, GOA-ON, IOC-UNESCO, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean Acidification Program (NOAA OAP), and other partners to develop specialized toolkits designed for research institutes with limited technical infrastructure and capacities.
Striving to raise awareness about ocean acidification among stakeholders, including the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques to assess ecosystem impact, the OA-ICC news stream disseminates daily news on ocean acidification with more than 1000 posts and close to 40 000 visitors from 185 countries per year. Recently, the OA-ICC designed a new IAEA Coordinated Research Project that will allow countries to use a collaborative approach to evaluate the impacts of ocean acidification on key seafood species in several regions of the world.
The OA-ICC has received direct and in-kind contributions from eight IAEA Member States: Australia, France, Italy (the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA), Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as major international organizations and projects. It is adapting its activities to evolve with this rapidly growing research field and to ensure that resources are used where they are needed most.
“To address the growing concern about ocean acidification, sustained international cooperation and coordination is crucial,” said David Osborn, Director of the IAEA Environment Laboratories.
This topic will be discussed at the IAEA's Scientific Forum: Nuclear Technology for Climate: Mitigation, Monitoring and Adaptation, taking place in Vienna, Austria, from 18 to 19 September 2018.
SNC-Lavalin, Holtec create decommissioning JV - World Nuclear News
SNC-Lavalin, Holtec create decommissioning JV - World Nuclear News: SNC-Lavalin and Holtec International group have formed a USA-based joint venture, Comprehensive Decommissioning International (CDI), to work on the accelerated decommissioning of retired nuclear power plants.
High temperatures to cut French nuclear production: EDF | S&P Global Platts
High temperatures to cut French nuclear production: EDF | S&P Global Platts: France s EDF expects nuclear-fired power production at its Bugey and Saint-Alban power stations to be curtailed due to extreme temperature forecast the utility said Tuesday.
Las Cruces City Council opposes nuclear waste facility in state
Las Cruces City Council opposes nuclear waste facility in state: The Las Cruces City Council on Monday approved a resolution opposing a proposed nuclear waste storage facility in southeastern New Mexico
EDF’s Flamanville nuclear reactor to face further delays | Financial Times
EDF’s Flamanville nuclear reactor to face further delays | Financial Times: French power utility EDF has said there will be further delays and cost overruns at its flagship Flamanville nuclear site.
EDF reveals further cost overruns and delays to its Flamanville nuclear reactor – The New Economy
EDF reveals further cost overruns and delays to its Flamanville nuclear reactor – The New Economy: Problems at EDF's long-awaited Flamanville Nuclear Power Plant will see the group's flagship EPR project encounter fresh delays and cost overruns, raising questions over its commercial viability
South Korea to restart two nuclear reactors to meet energy demands - Power Technology
South Korea to restart two nuclear reactors to meet energy demands - Power Technology: Two nuclear plants are to be restarted in South Korea, in a bid to tackle rising energy demands as the country's heatwave continues.
TASS: Business & Economy - Russia eyes building nuclear power plant in South Africa
TASS: Business & Economy - Russia eyes building nuclear power plant in South Africa: Russia and South Africa concluded an intergovernmental agreement on strategic partnership in the nuclear sphere in 2014
Mapped: The US nuclear power plants ‘at risk’ of shutting down
Mapped: The US nuclear power plants ‘at risk’ of shutting down: Nuclear power plants generate more than half of the US’s low-carbon electricity. However, record low gas prices associated with the US fracking boom have made many existing nuclear plants uncompetitive in the current market.
Xconomy: FDA Approves NorthStar Medical to Make Isotope Generator at WI Plant
Xconomy: FDA Approves NorthStar Medical to Make Isotope Generator at WI Plant: A Wisconsin company seeking to become the first domestic producer in decades of a crucial medical isotope said Tuesday that it received another key
Las Cruces City Council opposes nuclear waste facility in state
Las Cruces City Council opposes nuclear waste facility in state: The Las Cruces City Council on Monday approved a resolution opposing a proposed nuclear waste storage facility in southeastern New Mexico
The ‘Open Grid’ and the Future of Distribution Network Reliability
The ‘Open Grid’ and the Future of Distribution Network Reliability
https://www.elp.com/Electric-Light-Power-Newsletter/articles/2018/07/the-open-grid-and-the-future-of-distribution-network-reliability.html?cmpid=enl_elp_electric_light__power_executive_digest_e-newsletter_2018-07-25&pwhid=1e90004a8e081f3272fb5f8e0e9a20316c85258cc50faf993491663afd10a38f41b62c13180d825ec81f1c72848099c33ec83965e1b8e8ff4a01aa5c32296aec&eid=288118515&bid=2185283
EM News Flash July 25, 2018
EM News Flash | July 25, 2018 |
 DOE Under Secretary Dabbar to Speak at 2018 National Cleanup Workshop
Detailed Agenda Released
WASHINGTON, D.C. – DOE Under Secretary for Science Paul Dabbar is set to provide a keynote address at the 2018 National Cleanup Workshop, to be held Sept. 11-13 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia.
Serving as DOE’s principal advisor on fundamental energy research,
energy technologies, and science, Dabbar oversees the environmental
cleanup and legacy management missions of DOE and is responsible for the
direct management over a majority of the Department’s national
laboratories. He joins DOE officials, industry executives, and state and local representatives participating at this year’s workshop.
The detailed agenda, including speakers and new sessions, is available here.
Session topics include:
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.
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Donald Trump’s Dalliance With Vladimir Putin Has CIA Spies Spooked
Donald Trump’s Dalliance With Vladimir Putin Has CIA Spies Spooked: CIA spies are carrying on their work, but many veterans worry secret operations will be damaged—or worse.
The US Does Not Need New Tactical Nukes - Defense One
The US Does Not Need New Tactical Nukes - Defense One: There’s a false narrative afoot: that we lack the weapons to deter a Russian nuclear strike.
Tactical nuclear weapon launches into development with Pentagon policy bill
Tactical nuclear weapon launches into development with Pentagon policy bill: Defense policy bill contains $65 million for new submarine-launched low-yield, nuclear weapon.
Why can't existing nuclear plants make money in today's electricity markets? - Atomic Insights
Why can't existing nuclear plants make money in today's electricity markets? - Atomic Insights: What does it mean when nuclear plant owners tell people that their plants are struggling to make money in competitive markets as currently structured?
Framatome Reaches Le Creusot Data Review Milestone - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers
Framatome Reaches Le Creusot Data Review Milestone - 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.
Barakah 1 receives generation licence - World Nuclear News
Barakah 1 receives generation licence - World Nuclear News: An electricity generation licence has been issued to Barakah One Company, a key regulatory requirement prior to operation of the UAE's first nuclear power plant. Meanwhile, further steps to develop the Emirati nuclear workforce.
EDF revises schedule, costs of Flamanville EPR - World Nuclear News
EDF revises schedule, costs of Flamanville EPR - World Nuclear News: Fuel loading at the Flamanville EPR will now take place in the fourth quarter of 2019, instead of the previously scheduled fourth quarter of this year. Its cost has increased from EUR10.5 billion to EUR10.9 billion.
What's really killing America's nuclear plants - World Nuclear News
What's really killing America's nuclear plants - World Nuclear News: The premature shutdown of America's nuclear power plants is nothing short of a national catastrophe, writes Jarret Adams.
All set for the new generation? - World Nuclear News
All set for the new generation? - World Nuclear News: The International Atomic Energy Agency is holding its Third International Conference on Human Resource Development for Nuclear Power Programmes next week. Here, Patricia Wieland, head of World Nuclear University (WNU), who will be a speaker at the event, shares her thoughts on working with young professionals. The conference, on 'meeting challenges to ensure the future nuclear workforce capability', is taking place on 28–31 May in Gyeongju, South Korea.
Viewpoint: Nuclear energy’s fate depends on the story we tell
Viewpoint: Nuclear energy’s fate depends on the story we tell
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Nuclear-Energy%E2%80%99s-Fate-Depends-on-the-Story-We-Tell
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
ANS Nuclear Policy Wire July 24, 2018
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July 24, 2018
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