Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire: 9/23/18

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Holtec, Entergy Discuss License Transfer for Pilgrim Plant

Holtec, Entergy Discuss License Transfer for Pilgrim Plant: ROCKVILLE, MD – Representatives from Holtec International and Entergy met with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Tuesday in Maryland to discuss plans to transfer the license for the Pilgrim N…

How to Jump-Start a Micro Nuclear Reactor Industry in the US | Greentech Media

How to Jump-Start a Micro Nuclear Reactor Industry in the US | Greentech Media: Reestablishing an economically competitive domestic nuclear industry in America will require taking a different technology approach. Small and micro reactors offer such a solution, but the sector struggles with regulatory barriers and a lack of construction experience, according to a new paper from the Breakthrough Institute, the R Street Institute and Clearpath.

Wyoming Becomes 38th NRC Agreement State -- Occupational Health & Safety

Wyoming Becomes 38th NRC Agreement State -- Occupational Health & Safety: The agreement signed Sept. 25 transfers regulatory authority over certain radioactive materials to the state. NRC transferred responsibility for licensing, rulemaking, inspection, and enforcement activities needed to regulate source material involved in uranium or thorium milling and the management and disposal of milling waste.

Kinzinger’s measure to reform Nuclear Regulatory Commission advances to Senate - Ripon Advance

Kinzinger’s measure to reform Nuclear Regulatory Commission advances to Senate - Ripon Advance: U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger’s (R-IL) bipartisan proposal to revise the functions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) received unanimous approval from the full U.S. House on Sept. 25 and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The Nuclear Utilization Read more...

Fukushima Update 9/27/18

Fukushima Update 9/27/18 –

Tokai unit #2 satisfies its nuclear safety requirements for restart… The Hiroshima high court reverses its injunction preventing restart of Ikata unit #3… The Environment Ministry says that the nuclear contribution to the grid will be less than 10% in 2050… The New York Times makes a flimsy attempt to connect Japan’s nuke recycling plans to building a nuclear arsenal.

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

U.S. stresses safety in talks on nuclear power with Saudi Arabia: Perry | Reuters

U.S. stresses safety in talks on nuclear power with Saudi Arabia: Perry | Reuters: The United States is close to working with Saudi Arabia on building nuclear power reactors, but talks on tough non-proliferation standards with the kingdom remain a challenge, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said on Wednesday.US

Viewpoint: UAE's programme strategic to future of global nuclear energy - World Nuclear News

Viewpoint: UAE's programme strategic to future of global nuclear energy - World Nuclear News: Building a nuclear energy programme is a truly global undertaking. It requires a strong and long-term commitment from the nation pursuing the programme, and partnerships with governments and global experts that offer guidance and insight based on best practices and operating experience. As the first new nuclear energy programme in decades, the United Arab Emirates offers a unique example of this process, writes Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi.Read more from Ambassador Al Kaabi, permanent representative of the UAE to the IAEA, in our latest Viewpoint.

Iran's president predicts US will eventually rejoin nuclear deal | The Times of Israel

Iran's president predicts US will eventually rejoin nuclear deal | The Times of Israel: Rouhani says it is Washington, not Tehran, that is isolated, as European powers say they will find ways to evade impending sanctions

Bill Gates-led energy fund is investing in Commonwealth Fusion Systems — Quartz

UPDATE 1-Uranium import probe threatens U.S. nuclear power industry -group | Agricultural Commodities | Reuters

UPDATE 1-Uranium import probe threatens U.S. nuclear power industry -group | Agricultural Commodities | Reuters: (Adds comments from Ur-Energy and Energy Fuels)AF

Brad Berryman to oversee Susquehanna nuclear power plant - Pennsylvania Business Report

Brad Berryman to oversee Susquehanna nuclear power plant - Pennsylvania Business Report: Talen Energy recently promoted Brad Berryman to senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. He will oversee all aspects of the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Luzerne County.Brad Berryman Berryman previously served as site vice president for Susquehanna Nuclear. The plant is a two-unit, 2,700-megawatt facility. “Brad is an experienced nuclear professional with proven leadership …

Fuel at former New Jersey nuclear plant removed from reactor

Fuel at former New Jersey nuclear plant removed from reactor: LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — The owner of what was considered to be America's oldest nuclear power plant until its shutdown last week says it has removed the nuclear fuel from the

Connecticut shipyard delivers new nuclear sub - Connecticut Post

Connecticut shipyard delivers new nuclear sub - Connecticut Post: The U.S. Navy took delivery of the nuclear-powered submarine South Dakota from the Electric Boat shipyard in Groton operated by General Dynamics, the 17th Virginia-class attack sub.

The 377-foot South Dakota carries Tomahawk cruise missiles, with the sub able to dive more than 800 feet and travel more than 25 knots. Construction commenced in 2013, with the sub slated to be commissioned early next year.

Among other innovations, Electric Boat designed the sub with two payload tubes that can each launch a half-dozen Tomahawks, representing a cost savings over separate launch tubes installed in earlier Virginia-class subs.

Given the designation SSN 790, it is the third U.S.

U.S. stresses safety in talks on nuclear power with Saudi Arabia: Perry | Reuters

Deal Keeps Alive Last U.S. Nuclear Power Plant Under Construction - WSJ

Deal Keeps Alive Last U.S. Nuclear Power Plant Under Construction - WSJ: Owners of the last remaining nuclear-power plant under construction in the U.S. agreed to keep working, even as rising costs and unpredictable financial risks threaten the half-built project.

IAEA-led project looks at climate change mitigation - World Nuclear News

IAEA-led project looks at climate change mitigation - World Nuclear News: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has partnered with 12 Member States in the development of effective climate change mitigation strategies, including the use of nuclear energy, through a Coordinated Research Project.

Engineering firms unite for Hinkley Point C - World Nuclear News

Engineering firms unite for Hinkley Point C - World Nuclear News: Altrad, Balfour Beatty Bailey, Cavendish Nuclear and Doosan Babcock have joined forces to officially form the MEH Joint Venture to deliver the erection sequence for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant site in the UK.

Tokai 2 cleared for restart - World Nuclear News

Tokai 2 cleared for restart - World Nuclear News: Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority yesterday approved the restart of unit 2 of the Tokai nuclear power plant after concluding that safety measures submitted by Japan Atomic Power Company passed revised safety standards.

Vogtle owners vote to continue construction - World Nuclear News

Vogtle owners vote to continue construction - World Nuclear News: All four co-owners of the Vogtle 3 and 4 project have voted to continue with the construction of the two nuclear reactors in Georgia. Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities have also agreed actions to help mitigate potential future financial exposure for each of them.

DOE Releases Draft Request for Proposal and Announces Pre-Solicitation Conference for Hanford Central Plateau Cleanup Contract | Department of Energy

DOE Releases Draft Request for Proposal and Announces Pre-Solicitation Conference for Hanford Central Plateau Cleanup Contract | Department of Energy: DOE Releases Draft Request for Proposal and Announces Pre-Solicitation Conference for Hanford Central Plateau Cleanup Contract

Is building nuclear power plants the best way to boil water for generating electricity? - Los Angeles Times

Is building nuclear power plants the best way to boil water for generating electricity? - Los Angeles Times: There are multiple sources of clean energy, including biomass and new engine technology being developed, that deserve priority over risky nuclear power.

U.S. Makes Shortlist for Saudi Nuclear-Plant Deal - WSJ

U.S. Makes Shortlist for Saudi Nuclear-Plant Deal - WSJ: Saudi Arabia has put the U.S. on its shortlist of potential partners competing to build nuclear- power plants in the kingdom, while the two countries negotiate how to do a deal without spreading nuclear weapons, Energy Secretary Rick Perry said.

India, Russia may wrap up strategy to expand nuclear ties - The Economic Times

India, Russia may wrap up strategy to expand nuclear ties - The Economic Times: Russia-supported Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) is one of the largest nuclear power stations in India. It is scheduled to have six VVER-1,000 reactors with an installed capacity of 1,000 MW each.

NuScale sees 'pivotal' step in selecting manufacturer for small modular reactor | Utility Dive

NuScale sees 'pivotal' step in selecting manufacturer for small modular reactor | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Bill Gates-led energy fund is investing in Commonwealth Fusion Systems — Quartz

Bill Gates-led energy fund is investing in Commonwealth Fusion Systems — Quartz: The company that first develops financially feasible nuclear fusion won’t just give the world a new source of carbon-free energy, but can also expect to make billions.

A good announcement and a bad announcement for two nuclear-energy startups | Ars Technica

Uranium import probe threatens U.S. nuclear power industry, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld

Uranium import probe threatens U.S. nuclear power industry, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld: The move is a double-edged sword for President Donald Trump. While it helps domestic uranium producers by targeting importers, it undercuts the admini..

Uranium import probe threatens U.S. nuclear power industry -group | Reuters

Uranium import probe threatens U.S. nuclear power industry -group | Reuters: U.S. nuclear power generators urged the federal government against taking action in a dispute over imported uranium, arguing tariffs or quotas would increase costs for the struggling industry and possibly cause some reactors to shut, according to a statement emailed on Wednesday.US

Small question, big consequences: Is North Korea a nuclear power?

Georgia Nuclear plant gets go-ahead despite budget overages | WTOP

Georgia Nuclear plant gets go-ahead despite budget overages | WTOP: Georgia Nuclear plant gets go-ahead despite budget overages on WTOP | ATLANTA (AP) — The owners of the last nuclear power plant still under construction in the U.S. say the project will continue after a disagreement about budget overages was resolved. The utilities said in a joint statement late…

Last US Nuclear Power Plant Being Built Lives to See Another Day | Fortune

Last US Nuclear Power Plant Being Built Lives to See Another Day | Fortune: The Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia is billions over budget and years behind schedule—and it just got saved.

Deal Keeps Alive Last U.S. Nuclear Power Plant Under Construction - WSJ

Floating nuclear plant headed to Port of Brownsville | Local News | themonitor.com

Floating nuclear plant headed to Port of Brownsville | Local News | themonitor.com: The former USS Sturgis, a World War II military cargo ship that was converted into a floating nuclear power plant, is on her way to the Rio Grande Valley. The

Decommissioned floating nuclear power plant departs Galveston for final shipbreaking in Brownsville - HoustonChronicle.com

Decommissioned floating nuclear power plant departs Galveston for final shipbreaking in Brownsville - HoustonChronicle.com: The Sturgis, formerly a World War II Liberty ship and later turned into a floating nuclear power plant, departed from Galveston, Texas, for dismantling.

Nuclear Power Used to Seem Like the Future. Now Its Fate in the US Is in Question.

Nuclear Power Used to Seem Like the Future. Now Its Fate in the US Is in Question.: If we still need nuclear plants as a stopgap to moving away from fossil fuels, fine. But overall, atomic power no longer feels like the future.

Abandoning nuclear power plans 'would push up carbon emissions' | Business | The Guardian

Abandoning nuclear power plans 'would push up carbon emissions' | Business | The Guardian: Report due to be published on Thursday warns of ‘folly of technological tribalism’

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Former presidential candidate on Viganò testimony: ‘This is a homosexual scandal’ | News | LifeSite

Former presidential candidate on Viganò testimony: ‘This is a homosexual scandal’ | News | LifeSite: Pat Buchanan is demanding answers from the Church hierarchy, as are many other Catholics.

Pope Francis refuses to take reporters’ questions on abuse crisis | News | LifeSite

Pope Francis refuses to take reporters’ questions on abuse crisis | News | LifeSite: Reporters were told that they must restrict their questions to the Pope’s trip.

Uranium import probe threatens U.S. nuclear power industry -group | Reuters

Deal Keeps Alive Last U.S. Nuclear Power Plant Under Construction - WSJ

Georgia's Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion gets owners' OK

Georgia's Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion gets owners' OK: Plant Vogtle nuclear power project in Georgia gets OK from all four owners, including hold-out Oglethorpe Power.

Utilities reach deal on Plant Vogtle

https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060099847

Knights of Columbus urged membership to support Kavanaugh's confirmation | National Catholic Reporter

Knights of Columbus urged membership to support Kavanaugh's confirmation | National Catholic Reporter: Days before allegations of sexual assault against Judge Brett Kavanaugh went public, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council urged its membership to contact their senators to support the federal appel...

Georgetown panel deals with 'moral catastrophe' of church's own making | National Catholic Reporter

Georgetown panel deals with 'moral catastrophe' of church's own making | National Catholic Reporter: Sept. 25 was a night of powerful admissions in a packed lecture hall at Georgetown University. Perhaps that was not surprising, given the topic up for discussion — "Confronting a Moral Catastrophe: ...

Belgian Regulator Confirms New Concrete Problems Found - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Belgian Regulator Confirms New Concrete Problems Found - 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.

NRC Grants Indian Point Truncated License Extension - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

NRC Grants Indian Point Truncated License Extension - 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.

World Nuclear Association's Rising Calls For Nuclear Power Future - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

World Nuclear Association's Rising Calls For Nuclear Power Future - 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.

BWXT To Start SMR Engineering For Manufacturing Phase - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

BWXT To Start SMR Engineering For Manufacturing Phase - 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.

NuScale Takes Step Toward U.S. Deployment in Selecting Manufacturer - Morning Consult

Belgium Faces Winter Blackouts as Aging Nuclear Plants Falter

Belgium Faces Winter Blackouts as Aging Nuclear Plants Falter: (Bloomberg) -- Belgium is bracing for power shortages this winter as the nation grapples with extended outages at its aging fleet of nuclear reactors.

Army Corps lifts stop-order on $350 million contract for nuclear waste cleanup | TribLIVE

Protecting our electric grid | TheHill

Flyability radiation drone to improve nuclear safety - Power Technology

Fermi 2 plant shut down for routine maintenance - News - Monroe News - Monroe, Michigan - Monroe, MI

SC regulators ask for 20% cut in SCE&G’s power bills | The State

SC regulators ask for 20% cut in SCE&G’s power bills | The State: Cayce-based SCE&G should cut its customers’ power bills by more than 20 percent, S.C. regulators argue in a new filing challenging the utility’s charges to its customers for a failed nuclear project.

Chinese AP1000 reaches full power operation - World Nuclear News

Chinese AP1000 reaches full power operation - World Nuclear News: Unit 1 of the Sanmen nuclear power plant in China's Zhejiang province has reached full power operation for the first time. In late-June, the unit became the world's first AP1000 to achieve grid connection and power generation.

Swedish regulator calls for national strategy - World Nuclear News

Swedish regulator calls for national strategy - World Nuclear News: National coordination is needed for long-term knowledge management in the field of nuclear safety and radiation protection, the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority has told the government.

NuScale SMR enters first manufacturing phase - World Nuclear News

NuScale SMR enters first manufacturing phase - World Nuclear News: NuScale Power has selected BWX Technologies Inc as the first manufacturer of its small modular reactor. This marks the transition to the manufacturing phase and represents major progress in bringing the technology to market, NuScale said yesterday.

Injunction lifted on operation of Japanese reactor - World Nuclear News

Injunction lifted on operation of Japanese reactor - World Nuclear News: Shikoku Electric Power Company expects unit 3 of its Ikata nuclear power plant in Japan's Ehime Prefecture to resume power generation by the end of next month following a high court decision to overturn an injunction imposed last December.

Viewpoint: UAE's programme strategic to future of global nuclear energy - World Nuclear News

Regulators Meet With Pilgrim Nuclear Plant Owners To Discuss Decommissioning Process | Bostonomix

Kenya now pushes nuclear power plant plan to 2036 - Business Daily

Kenya now pushes nuclear power plant plan to 2036 - Business Daily: Kenya has postponed its plan to build Sh968 billion nuclear power plant by nine years to 2036 in favour renewable energy projects and coal plant.

UPDATE: Oglethorpe sets Tuesday deadline for Vogtle construction funding plan | S&P Global Platts

UPDATE: Oglethorpe sets Tuesday deadline for Vogtle construction funding plan | S&P Global Platts: Oglethorpe Power said in a statement Monday night that Southern Company and its Georgia Power subsidiary, along with Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities, have agreed to extend

Owners Vote To Stick With Beleaguered Nuclear Plant Project | The Daily Caller

Owners Vote To Stick With Beleaguered Nuclear Plant Project | The Daily Caller: The project will continue on

Cost caps sought for Georgia nuclear project to move forward

Fermi 2 nuclear plant shut down for refueling, maintenance - News, Weather, Sports, Toledo, OH

Transatomic to Shutter Its Nuclear Reactor Plans, Open-Source Its Technology | Greentech Media

Transatomic to Shutter Its Nuclear Reactor Plans, Open-Source Its Technology | Greentech Media: Nuclear reactor startup Transatomic Power is shutting down operations, after deciding it doesn’t see a viable path to bringing its molten salt reactor designs to scale.

But the startup still wants its technology to play a role in the future of advanced nuclear reactors — so it’s making it all public.

JEA trying to avoid charging customers extra money for nuclear power plant | firstcoastnews.com

JEA trying to avoid charging customers extra money for nuclear power plant | firstcoastnews.com: A nuclear power plant currently being built in East Georgia could now have an impact on JEA customers here on the First Coast.

Georgia owners battle over future of Vogtle nuclear plant

Georgia owners battle over future of Vogtle nuclear plant: Georgia's Plant Vogtle project owners traded accusations as they scrambled over the future of the troubled nuclear power project.

Fate of $28 billion Georgia nuclear plant down to 'game of chicken' | AL.com

Fate of $28 billion Georgia nuclear plant down to 'game of chicken' | AL.com: Southern Co. and one of its minority partners in the troubled $28 billion Vogtle project are squaring off ahead of a Tuesday afternoon deadline.

Georgia Nuclear Power Project on the Brink — Is U.S. Nuclear Energy in Trouble? - Countable

Owners of Last U.S. Nuclear Plant Face Few Good Options as Deadline Nears - WSJ

Owners of Last U.S. Nuclear Plant Face Few Good Options as Deadline Nears - WSJ: The owners of the last remaining nuclear-power plant under construction in the U.S. continued Tuesday to negotiate a deal to finish the half-built project. But in some ways, the choice of whether to keep going amounts to a no-win proposition.

WASHINGTON, D.C. | House Passes Rep. Kinzinger Legislation: NUKE Act | STL.News

WASHINGTON, D.C. | House Passes Rep. Kinzinger Legislation: NUKE Act | STL.News: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House passed H.R. 1320, the Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy (NUKE) Act by voice vote. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced the legislation with his colleague Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA) last year to put in place a framework for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) fees to increase transparency and provide long-term…

Judicial Confirmation Battles: Longer & Longer | National Review

Judicial Confirmation Battles: Longer & Longer | National Review: Expanding government means that court decisions have higher stakes, which explains why confirmation battles keep getting longer.

Ghana’s nuclear power agenda on course- Phase II of project scheduled for Q1 2019 - BusinessGhana News | Business

Ghana’s nuclear power agenda on course- Phase II of project scheduled for Q1 2019 - BusinessGhana News | Business: Marriott's programs celebrate 1st promo

Vogtle 3 & 4 co-owners agree to 11:30 p.m. extension on vote to move forward with construction

Anti-nuclear waste tour kicks off in Houston

Anti-nuclear waste tour kicks off in Houston: By Matt Zdun, The Texas Tribune Sept. 25, 2018

Nuclear Reaction | Energy in Florida | Featured - Florida Trend

Nuclear Reaction | Energy in Florida | Featured - Florida Trend: FloridaTrend.com delivers Florida business news along with reports on Florida politics, Florida public policy and government. Florida executives and professionals rely on FloridaTrend.com for in-depth analysis and perspectives on the issues, people and ideas that define Florida.

Contractor appointed for first US small modular reactor | News | New Civil Engineer

Contractor appointed for first US small modular reactor | News | New Civil Engineer: The United States has moved a step closer to building its first small modular nuclear reactor (SMR), after energy giant NuScale selected a contractor to build its facility.

Virginia company gets small modular reactor contract | Local News | postregister.com

BWXT to build first NuScale reactor - KIFI

America’s First SMR Makes Pivotal Advancement with Selection of Manufacturer

https://www.oaoa.com/news/business/article_689cafe6-c0b7-5837-910e-19e79fc3131e.html

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Gina Haspel Is Skeptical of North Korea’s Willingness to Give Up Nuclear Arms - The New York Times

Gina Haspel Is Skeptical of North Korea’s Willingness to Give Up Nuclear Arms - The New York Times: The C.I.A. director is supportive of the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts, but reflects a widespread view that North Korea is reluctant to denuclearize.

U.S. Near Bottom, Hong Kong and Singapore at Top of Health Havens - Bloomberg

U.S. Near Bottom, Hong Kong and Singapore at Top of Health Havens - Bloomberg: Want medical care without quickly draining your fortune? Try Singapore or Hong Kong as your healthy havens.

US to be hit worse than almost any other country by climate change, report says | The Independent

Vogtle progress rests on Oglethorpe vote - World Nuclear News

Vogtle progress rests on Oglethorpe vote - World Nuclear News: Three of the four owners of the Vogtle nuclear construction project have voted to complete the project. The fourth owner, Oglethorpe Power, is still to vote on whether construction at the Georgia site can continue.

Senegal aims to build nuclear technology centre - World Nuclear News

Senegal aims to build nuclear technology centre - World Nuclear News: Senegal and the French National Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology have signed an agreement to collaborate on a project to create a centre of excellence in nuclear science and technology.

Nuclear Power Plant Instrumentation Cables Market Research 2018 | Development, Revenue, Growth Rate and Outlook by 2023 – Advertising Market

Global Nuclear Power Plant Market 2018 Insights and Trends by 2023

Global Nuclear Power Plant Market 2018 Insights and Trends by 2023: This report gives a thorough analysis of this global Nuclear Power Plant market 2018 with an outline of market design and growth, segmentation of economy by services & products and leading niches, top market players, etc. The analysis projects the Nuclear Power Plant facets which are going to be soon accountable for this increase in …

Nuclear Power Plant Market Segmentation and Analysis by Recent Trends, Development and Growth by Regions to 2023 - The Lansing Post

Nuclear Power Plant Market Segmentation and Analysis by Recent Trends, Development and Growth by Regions to 2023 - The Lansing Post: Nuclear Power Plant Market report 2018 Market report enrolls a few essential elements, beginning from the nuts and bolts to...

Saudi Arabia to unlock region’s nuclear energy potential | Saudi Arabia | Utilities | ArabianIndustry.com

Saudi Arabia to unlock region’s nuclear energy potential | Saudi Arabia | Utilities | ArabianIndustry.com: The kingdom plans to start building its first two nuclear power reactors this year and as many as 16 over the next 25 years at a cost of more than US$80bn

EM Update September 25, 2018

EM Update \| Vol. 10, Issue 38 \| Sept. 25, 2018

EM Crews Successfully Complete Major Demolition at West Valley Hanford Workers Prevent Contaminants From Reaching Groundwater Protecting Workers from Chemical Vapors is Key Focus at Hanford Oak Ridge SafetyFest Draws 1,200 Participants From 23 States Hanford Site Public Outreach Program Tops 330 Visitors During Tour Season Security Contractor's Helicopter Pilots Respond to Wildfire on Savannah River Site SRS Offers Undergraduates Landscape to Study Radioecology Savannah River Site Contractors Earn DOE Legacy of Stars Safety Award EM Nevada Distributes More Than 3,400 Learning Materials

Keeping Up with the Advanced Nuclear Industry – Third Way

Keeping Up with the Advanced Nuclear Industry – Third Way: For the third year in a row, the advanced nuclear industry has grown in both size and strength. Our new interactive map will help you keep up with this fast-moving sector, see where the activity is happening across North America, and connect to any project’s website to learn more.

Let’s get real about the myths surrounding “100% renewable” energy | Energy Institute | The University of Texas at Austin

Let’s get real about the myths surrounding “100% renewable” energy | Energy Institute | The University of Texas at Austin: Georgetown, TX has received a lot of attention in the media and elsewhere for its decision a few years ago to contract for 100% renewable electricity...

Accident Tolerant Fuel

Accident Tolerant Fuel: Accident tolerant fuels have the potential to transform the safety and operation of nuclear plants—if regulatory roadblocks are removed.

As U.S. sanctions near, Europe fails to protect Iran deal | Reuters

As U.S. sanctions near, Europe fails to protect Iran deal | Reuters: At a meeting in Washington after Donald Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal in May, a senior U.S. official told European diplomats that their efforts to save the deal by protecting EU investment in the Islamic republic were pointless.US

Insights Following Exposure Of Iran's Military Nuclear Program – Part II: IAEA's Closure Of File On Iran's Possible Development Of Nuclear Weapons (PMD) Was Collusion By Obama Administration, Europeans, IAEA | MEMRI

Insights Following Exposure Of Iran's Military Nuclear Program – Part II: IAEA's Closure Of File On Iran's Possible Development Of Nuclear Weapons (PMD) Was Collusion By Obama Administration, Europeans, IAEA | MEMRI: Introduction

Iran top aide dismisses U.S. meeting offer as 'Trump's dream' | Reuters

Iran top aide dismisses U.S. meeting offer as 'Trump's dream' | Reuters: viser to Iran's Supreme Leader on Tuesday rejected a U.S. offer for top-level meetings, as both countries' presidents were due to attend the U.N. General Assembly in New York.US

Georgia nuclear project: crucial partner calls for cap on costs

Georgia nuclear project: crucial partner calls for cap on costs: Vogtle nuclear project: Georgia project costs should be capped and Southern Company should cover any excess, project partner says.

Duke's two Brunswick nuclear units in North Carolina return to service after hurricane | S&P Global Platts

Duke's two Brunswick nuclear units in North Carolina return to service after hurricane | S&P Global Platts: Both nuclear units at Duke Energy's 1,978 MW Brunswick plant near Wilmington, North Carolina, returned to service over the weekend after shutting for a week during Hurricane Florence, the company said

'Serious Near Miss' Accident at San Onofre Sparks NRC Investigation - NBC 7 San Diego

Uranium imports put security, electricity at risk

Uranium imports put security, electricity at risk: America used to export uranium, but now it is dependent on other countries. In order to protect ourselves, we need to increase uranium mining.

Domestic uranium mining protects national security, nuclear program

Domestic uranium mining protects national security, nuclear program: America used to export uranium, but now it is dependent on other countries. In order to protect ourselves, we need to increase uranium mining.

Fate of Southern Co.'s Vogtle Rests Wholly on Oglethorpe

Owners of Last U.S. Nuclear Plant Face Few Good Options as Deadline Nears - WSJ

Co-owners of partly built Georgia nuclear units argue as decision looms | S&P Global Platts

Co-owners of partly built Georgia nuclear units argue as decision looms | S&P Global Platts: One of the owners of the two nuclear generating units being built at the Vogtle station in Georgia is demanding protection from future cost overruns from the largest owner, Georgia Power, and threaten

Fate of $28 billion Georgia nuclear plant down to 'game of chicken' | AL.com

NUCLEAR: Cost fights leave Vogtle's fate uncertain -- Tuesday, September 25, 2018 -- www.eenews.net

NUCLEAR: Cost fights leave Vogtle's fate uncertain -- Tuesday, September 25, 2018 -- www.eenews.net: The fate of the nation's lone nuclear construction project grew even bleaker last night, with utility partners exchanging sharp words and pointing fingers after one called for a cost cap.

Trump Lets Yucca Mountain Go Again - ExchangeMonitor

Trump Lets Yucca Mountain Go Again - ExchangeMonitor: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.

A nuclear startup will fold after failing to deliver reactors that run on spent fuel - MIT Technology Review

A nuclear startup will fold after failing to deliver reactors that run on spent fuel - MIT Technology Review: Transatomic Power, an MIT spinout that drew wide attention and millions in funding, is shutting down almost two years after the firm backtracked on bold claims for its design of a molten-salt reactor.

America’s First SMR Makes Pivotal Advancement with Selection of Manufacturer - MarketWatch

BWXT to build first NuScale reactor - KIFI

Georgia nuclear power project on the brink

https://www.axios.com/georgia-nuclear-power-project-vogtle-af85ca83-e759-494d-8f7f-a0b0b387269a.html

Monday, September 24, 2018

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire September 24, 2018

September 24, 2018

NUKE Act in the House

Tomorrow, the House will vote on H.R. 1320, the Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy Act, otherwise known as the NUKE Act.

Sponsored by Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), the bill would implement an updated NRC fee structure, provide greater transparency and certainty in the licensing process for new plants, and require the NRC to begin a new rulemaking process on decommissioning.

The legislation faces an uncertain fate in the Senate, where a similar bill (NEIMA) has not moved forward since being reported from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works in May 2017.

Radioactive Waste Company Seeks Exemption For Depleted Uranium, State Requests Public Input | KUER 90.1

Radioactive Waste Company Seeks Exemption For Depleted Uranium, State Requests Public Input | KUER 90.1: State regulators are asking for public input on a radioactive waste company’s request for special permission to bury depleted uranium waste at its Tooele

China drafts new nuclear energy law, focus on international market | Reuters

China drafts new nuclear energy law, focus on international market | Reuters: China will provide more support for its nuclear firms to go overseas and strengthen their position on the international market, according to new draft legislation submitted to the industry for consultation on Friday.US

S.C. governor's nuclear council to talk SRS, MOX at October meeting | News | aikenstandard.com

Hanford vit plant has new director named by Bechtel | Tri-City Herald

NRC to meet on proposed sale of nuke plant after closing | Boston.com

NRC to meet on proposed sale of nuke plant after closing | Boston.com: Federal regulators are reviewing plans by the owner of the Pilgrim nuclear plant to sell the facility next year. Read more on Boston.com.

The Latest: Feds say canceling nuke plant could cost owners

The Latest: Feds say canceling nuke plant could cost owners: ATLANTA (AP) — The Latest on cost overruns from construction at a nuclear power plant in Georgia (all times local):
6:40 p.m.
The federal government is

Duke shuts down gas plant after Florence flooding breaches coal ash pit | Utility Dive

Duke shuts down gas plant after Florence flooding breaches coal ash pit | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

DOE urges Vogtle nuke owners to complete project ahead of Monday vote | Utility Dive

DOE urges Vogtle nuke owners to complete project ahead of Monday vote | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Permit moves Leningrad II-1 closer to launch - World Nuclear News

Permit moves Leningrad II-1 closer to launch - World Nuclear News: Russian regulator Rostechnadzor has issued a permit for the commissioning of Unit 1 of the Leningrad Phase II nuclear power plant in northwest Russia. Rosatom said the permit confirms the unit is "fully ready for operation".

Outages extended at Belgian plants - World Nuclear News

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IAEA Safety Mission Sees Significant Progress at Canada’s Pickering Nuclear Power Plant, Encourages Continued Improvement

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Pickering, Canada

Fuming Jiang (left) of the IAEA's Operational Safety Section, hands over the OSART team's draft report to Randy Lockwood, Senior Vice President, Pickering Nuclear, Ontario Power Generation, at the conclusion of the OSART Follow-Up mission on 21 September 2018. (Photo: Ontario Power Generation)

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said the operator of Canada’s Pickering Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) demonstrated strengthened operational safety by addressing the findings of an initial IAEA review in 2016. The team also encouraged a focus on continued improvement.
The Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) concluded a five-day follow-up mission on 21 September to Pickering NPP, which is operated by Ontario Power Generation and has eight CANDU reactors at a site about 40 km east of Toronto along the northern coast of Lake Ontario. Two of the reactors have been permanently shut down. Nuclear power generates almost 15% of Canada’s electricity.
OSART missions aim to improve operational safety by objectively assessing safety performance using the IAEA's safety standards and proposing recommendations and suggestions for improvement where appropriate. The follow-up missions are standard components of the OSART programme and are typically conducted within two years of the initial mission.
“We are pleased to observe that the plant has shown a strong commitment and made a tremendous effort to address the findings from the initial OSART mission in 2016,” said team leader Fuming Jiang, a Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA. “Improvements in initially identified important safety areas, such as human performance, outage management and equipment performance, are visible as measured by relevant key performance indicators. The OSART team encourages the plant to complete all the remaining improvement actions as planned and to build on this momentum to improve its safety performance further.”
The five-member team comprised experts from Brazil, Germany and Sweden as well as well as IAEA officials.
Several recommendations and suggestions from the 2016 review were fully implemented, including:

Enhanced work control process to ensure timely repair of equipment important to safety
Improvements in the development and implementation of corrective actions
Better identification and elimination of industrial safety hazards

The team noted that significant progress has been made on several other 2016 recommendations and suggestions. However, more time is required to fully implement some action plans, including:

Improvements in housekeeping conditions in some areas of the plant
Improvement in the conduct of plant event investigation
Control of auxiliary chemicals and substances

“As a learning organization, we welcome the opportunity to align with industry best practices and continually challenge ourselves to keep moving the bar higher,” said Randy Lockwood, Senior Vice President, Pickering Nuclear, Ontario Power Generation. “We are pleased the team recognized the significant improvements we have made in our performance, in part due to the recommendations from the 2016 OSART Mission. The results of this follow-up mission will help us continue our record of safe operations and ensure we deliver on our commitment to secure Ontario’s clean power future.”
The team provided a draft report of the mission to the plant’s management. The plant management and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, which is responsible for nuclear safety oversight in Canada, will have the opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. These will be reviewed by the IAEA and the final report will be submitted to the Government of Canada within three months.
Background
General information about OSART missions can be found on the IAEA Website. An OSART mission is designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. It is not a regulatory inspection, nor is it a design review or a substitute for an exhaustive assessment of the plant’s overall safety status.

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