Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Friday, October 12, 2018

Michael devastates Florida Panhandle, climate change an unavoidable subject - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Michael devastates Florida Panhandle, climate change an unavoidable subject - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Perhaps the most appropriate shorthand analysis of Hurricane Michael, which howled ashore in the Florida Panhandle Wednesday, came in a headline at Grist, which called the 155-mile-per-hour superstorm “an unnatural disaster.” The New York Times drew an even more direct line between climate change and increasingly powerful hurricanes (although the research that might confirm that … Continued

Michael leaves 1.2 million without power, but coal ash pits intact | Utility Dive

Michael leaves 1.2 million without power, but coal ash pits intact | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Competitive Generators Look to the Supreme Court After Seventh Circuit Declines Rehearing on Nuclear Subsidies

Competitive Generators Look to the Supreme Court After Seventh Circuit Declines Rehearing on Nuclear Subsidies

US moves to limit nuclear sales to China - CNNPolitics

US moves to limit nuclear sales to China - CNNPolitics

ASN gives go-ahead for Flamanville RPV - World Nuclear News

ASN gives go-ahead for Flamanville RPV - World Nuclear News: France's nuclear safety regulator, the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire, has announced its conditional authorisation for EDF to commission and use the Flamanville 3 reactor pressure vessel. The EPR is under construction in Normandy, northern France.

USA announces China export policy - World Nuclear News

USA announces China export policy - World Nuclear News: The US Department of Energy has established a new policy framework on civil nuclear cooperation with China, following a government policy review led by the US National Security Council. The policy covers exports of technology, equipment and components, and material to China.

Pa. and the nation need nuclear energy | Opinion | PennLive.com

Pa. and the nation need nuclear energy | Opinion | PennLive.com

San Onofre's 3,600,000-Pound Nuclear Waste Dilemma Is a National Emergency | The Inertia

San Onofre's 3,600,000-Pound Nuclear Waste Dilemma Is a National Emergency | The Inertia

First Westinghouse AP1000® Plant Sanmen 1 Begins Commercial Operation - MarketWatch

First Westinghouse AP1000® Plant Sanmen 1 Begins Commercial Operation - MarketWatch

U.S. Puts New Restrictions on Nuclear Technology Exports to China - The New York Times

U.S. Puts New Restrictions on Nuclear Technology Exports to China - The New York Times: The announcement appeared to be part of a strategy to ramp up pressure against Beijing while also curbing China’s ambition to project its military power globally.

Westinghouse Could Be Hurt by New U.S. Curbs on Nuclear Exports - Bloomberg

Westinghouse Could Be Hurt by New U.S. Curbs on Nuclear Exports - Bloomberg: The Trump administration on Thursday announced new limits on the sharing of civilian nuclear power technology with China, export controls U.S. officials said were warranted in response to theft of American nuclear technology and intellectual property for military and other purposes.

U.S. Strengthens Controls on Nuclear Technology Exports to China



U.S. Strengthens Controls on Nuclear Technology Exports to China

Heightened controls follow Chinese efforts to illicitly acquire U.S. technology, U.S. officials say


https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-to-strengthen-controls-on-nuclear-technology-exports-to-china-1539287722

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

DOE Releases Request for Information/Sources Sought for Environmental Management (EM) West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Phase 1B Deactivation & Demolition (D&D) and Soil Remediation Procurement | Department of Energy

DOE Releases Request for Information/Sources Sought for Environmental Management (EM) West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Phase 1B Deactivation & Demolition (D&D) and Soil Remediation Procurement | Department of Energy: DOE Releases Request for Information/Sources Sought for Environmental Management (EM) West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Phase 1B Deactivation & Demolition (D&D) and Soil Remediation Procurement

Swiss need energy reforms to plug nuclear gaps says IEA - Power Engineering International

Swiss need energy reforms to plug nuclear gaps says IEA - Power Engineering International

GE wins contract for Egypt's first nuclear power plant - The National

GE wins contract for Egypt's first nuclear power plant - The National

Los Alamos lab marks milestone with shipment of waste

Los Alamos lab marks milestone with shipment of waste: LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — Officials at Los Alamos National Laboratory say they have completed the first shipment of waste from a key area at the lab to the federal government's underground nuclear waste repository since the dump resumed operations in early 2017. An official with the U.S. Energy Department's Office of Environmental Management called the shipment a significant milestone for the cleanup effort at the northern New Mexico lab. The waste was shipped from a location known as Area G. It holds radioactive and other hazardous waste generated by weapons production during World War II's Manhattan Project and the Cold War that followed.

Ohio nuclear plants get support from Ohio Clean Energy Jobs Alliance

Ohio nuclear plants get support from Ohio Clean Energy Jobs Alliance: A new group has been formed to lobby legislators about the need to keep Davis-Besse and Perry's nuclear power plants open.

Pilgrim's repeated shutdowns prove costly - News - capecodtimes.com - Hyannis, MA

Pilgrim's repeated shutdowns prove costly - News - capecodtimes.com - Hyannis, MA

US energy secretary: 'Don't mess with the United States'

US energy secretary: 'Don't mess with the United States'

Vogtle Nuclear Project Crews Making Construction Progress - Power Engineering

Vogtle Nuclear Project Crews Making Construction Progress - Power Engineering

Southern reduces Alabama Farley nuke plant ahead of Hurricane Michael | Reuters

Southern reduces Alabama Farley nuke plant ahead of Hurricane Michael | Reuters: Southern Co said on Wednesday it is reducing power at Units 1 and 2 at the Farley nuclear power plant in Alabama as a precautionary safety measure in case Hurricane Michael should reach the plant with hurricane-force winds.

Federal appeals court sides with DOE, lifts pro-MOX injunction | News | aikenstandard.com

Federal appeals court sides with DOE, lifts pro-MOX injunction | News | aikenstandard.com

Are regulators hindering EV acceleration? | Utility Dive

Are regulators hindering EV acceleration? | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Westmoreland Chapter 11 marks 4th major US coal company to declare bankruptcy | Utility Dive

Westmoreland Chapter 11 marks 4th major US coal company to declare bankruptcy | Utility Dive

After another overpressurization, Massachusetts regulators call halt to work on gas system | Utility Dive

After another overpressurization, Massachusetts regulators call halt to work on gas system | Utility Dive

DOE energy storage grants look to the day when renewables rule the grid | Utility Dive

DOE energy storage grants look to the day when renewables rule the grid | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

AEP to shutter 1,590 MW Ohio coal plant two years ahead of schedule | Utility Dive

AEP to shutter 1,590 MW Ohio coal plant two years ahead of schedule | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

PG&E lines caused 2017 Cascade fire that killed 4, state officials say | Utility Dive

PG&E lines caused 2017 Cascade fire that killed 4, state officials say | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Storm Tracker: Power utilities in Hurricane Michael's path stage thousands of workers | S&P Global Platts

Storm Tracker: Power utilities in Hurricane Michael's path stage thousands of workers | S&P Global Platts: Loads to drop 20 30% Prices may rebound after the storm Power utilities in the forecast path of Hurricane Michael have staged thousands of workers to help restore power for customers along the Florida

NRC Approves Final Safety Evaluation Of APR 1400 Design - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

NRC Approves Final Safety Evaluation Of APR 1400 Design - 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.

First Unit 3 Coolant Pumps In Place At Vogtle Project - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

First Unit 3 Coolant Pumps In Place At Vogtle Project - 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.

NASA officials updated on nuclear thermal propulsion - World Nuclear News

NASA officials updated on nuclear thermal propulsion - World Nuclear News: BWX Technologies, Inc yesterday hosted officials from NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate for progress updates and technology demonstrations related to BWXT’s nuclear thermal propulsion programme.

MoU for Australian and Vietnamese nuclear organisations - World Nuclear News

MoU for Australian and Vietnamese nuclear organisations - World Nuclear News: The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and the Vietnam Atomic Energy Agency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to allow further collaboration between the two organisations.

About Archives Authors Contact Trump Has Put US On Path To War With Iran While Nobody is Paying Attention


Trump Has Put US On Path To War With Iran While Nobody is Paying Attention



https://lobelog.com/trump-has-put-us-on-path-to-war-with-iran-while-nobody-is-paying-attention/#more-46281

The Bulletin joins the Climate Desk


 

The Bulletin joins Climate Desk!
 
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is delighted to announce that it is joining the Climate Desk collaboration, which means we'll be bringing a wider variety of the very best environmental writing to the Bulletin's audience.
Climate Desk is a consortium of the most respected media outlets "dedicated to exploring the impact—human, environmental, economic, political—of a changing climate.” We’ll be contributing articles and analysis to the partners of Climate Desk and bringing Bulletin readers stories from those same partners.
More outlets mean more coverage. Climate Desk partners are The Atlantic, Atlas Obscura, CityLab, Grist, The Guardian, High Country News, HuffPost, Medium, Mother Jones, National Observer, New Republic, Newsweek, Reveal, Slate, Undark, Wired and, now, the Bulletin.

Visit our climate page to see the very latest from the Bulletin on climate change, like this op/ed published yesterday by Nobel Laureate Mario Molina, Veerabhadran Ramanathanon, and Durwood J. Zaelke, in which they argue that Monday's startling IPCC report understates the threat.
And be sure to check out the first article that we’ve published from Climate Desk. Visit the Bulletin often for the latest evidence-based writing on climate change from our experts and from our Climate Desk partners.Together, we can create a safer and healthier planet.

Scientists: Saving forests as urgent as reduced carbon emissions
by Oliver Milman, environment reporter for The Guardian
 

Study: Adding power choices reduces cost and risk of carbon-free electricity | MIT News

Study: Adding power choices reduces cost and risk of carbon-free electricity | MIT News: MIT researchers find that including a variety of zero-carbon power sources is a more cost effective way of lowering greenhouse gas emissions than relying solely on solar, wind, and batteries.

A new path to solving a longstanding fusion challenge | MIT News

A new path to solving a longstanding fusion challenge | MIT News: A design developed at MIT suggests a solution to a longstanding problem for next-generation fusion power plants: how to get rid of excess heat they generate.

NSE News at MIT

Dear friends and colleagues of NSE,

Welcome to the start of a new academic year. I hope you all enjoyed a great summer. Certainly, those of us in the department enjoyed some downtime — but the summer is also a great time to focus on research projects — it’s hard to get bored at MIT! Of course there is always the excitement of ramping up to our fall classes and welcoming a fresh group of undergraduate and graduate students to the NSE ranks.

Earlier this semester MIT released the report on The Future of Nuclear Energy in a Carbon-Constrained World. Co-chaired by NSE’s Professor Jacopo Buongiorno, the study suggests that new policy models and cost cutting technologies are needed for nuclear energy to play an effective and meaningful role in global climate solutions. A recent MIT News article provides an excellent summary of the report’s findings. The recommendations have been presented at events in Europe, Asia, Washington DC, and other national and international meetings. The reception to the Report, which really looked at this issue with fresh analysis and thinking, has been well received. Congratulations to Jacopo and the entire study team.

This year NSE celebrates 60 years since the official establishment of nuclear engineering at MIT in 1958.  Course 22 was launched seven years earlier, in 1951, within the Department of Chemical Engineering. It was also the year that Manson Benedict became MIT’s first professor of nuclear engineering. Benedict played a key role shepherding the development of nuclear science and engineering as a field. He was the first head of the MIT Department of Nuclear Engineering. His enduring legacy is one of pride in and self-less devotion to the Department and the Institute — it is very much at the heart of NSE today. Learn more about the history of the Department.

To recognize and connect our rich community, we have started a new spotlight series that features NSE alums. The first four feature Gail H. Marcus,  Luisa Kenausis, Ashok Ajoy, and Matt Ellis and Sam Shaner. Please enjoy these articles, and let us know if you have a great story to share.

Do stay in touch and let us know what you are doing, and please stop by the Department if you are in the area. Enjoy the fall!


Dennis

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Earth's Ice Loss "Is a Nuclear Explosion of Geologic Change"

Earth's Ice Loss "Is a Nuclear Explosion of Geologic Change": A study shows that 3 trillion tons of ice have disappeared into the oceans since 1992.

The Left’s Icarus SyndromeThe American Spectator

The Left’s Icarus SyndromeThe American Spectator: Going into the 2016 presidential election, the Left had all of the advantages working in their favor. They had a majority of the young people behind them; the Left controlled the Pop Culture; they controlled the media; most corporations kowtowedto the Left; they held positions of power within the government; and the Left controlled academia. In fact, for three generations, Cultural Marxism has been force fed to our children in major films, in the schools, and in every facet of life (which explains why so many of my fellow Millennials support socialism). It wasn’t only Millennials who were more sympathetic to the Left than the Right. More troublingly, many Baby Boomers were nominally center-Left.

John Henry Newman’s long war on liberalism – Catholic World Report

John Henry Newman’s long war on liberalism – Catholic World Report

The Kavanaugh Smear and the FBI: A Connection? | Power Line

The Kavanaugh Smear and the FBI: A Connection? | Power Line: James Kunstler is a liberal who has a site called Clusterf*** Nation. Although a liberal, he casts a cold, intelligent eye on the follies of our time. The linked post begins by questioning why anyone would believe Christine Ford. What follows is an explosive theme: I believe that the Christine Blasey Ford gambit was an extension of the sinister activities underway since early 2016 in the Department of Justice and

Three Decades After Nuclear Disaster, Chernobyl Goes Solar | RealClearEnergy

Three Decades After Nuclear Disaster, Chernobyl Goes Solar | RealClearEnergy

'Unprecedented Changes' Needed to Stop Global Warming | RealClearEnergy

'Unprecedented Changes' Needed to Stop Global Warming | RealClearEnergy: 'Unprecedented Changes' Needed to Stop Global Warming | RealClearEnergy

UN report shows increased need for nuclear - World Nuclear News

UN report shows increased need for nuclear - World Nuclear News: A large increase in the use of nuclear power would help keep global warming to below 1.5 degrees, according to a United Nations report published today.

GE Power to supply nuclear turbine islands for El Dabaa plant - World Nuclear News

GE Power to supply nuclear turbine islands for El Dabaa plant - World Nuclear News: GE Power has won the contract to deliver the turbine island equipment for the El Dabaa nuclear power plant project in Egypt through AAEM, its joint venture with Russia’s Atomenergomash.

IEA warns of challenges from Swiss nuclear phase-out - World Nuclear News

IEA warns of challenges from Swiss nuclear phase-out - World Nuclear News: Switzerland's phased withdrawal from nuclear power presents challenges for maintaining its electricity security, the International Energy Agency says in a report it published yesterday.

Vogtle Nuclear Project Crews Making Construction Progress - Power Engineering

Vogtle Nuclear Project Crews Making Construction Progress - Power Engineering

NRC Approves Final Safety Evaluation Of APR 1400 Design - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

NRC Approves Final Safety Evaluation Of APR 1400 Design - 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.

IAEA Holds Training Course on Nuclear Law | IAEA

IAEA Holds Training Course on Nuclear Law | IAEA

More milestones for Vogtle project


More milestones for Vogtle project

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/More-milestones-for-Vogtle-project?feed=feed

Monday, October 8, 2018

Wylfa nuclear planning bid accepted for examination | News | New Civil Engineer

Wylfa nuclear planning bid accepted for examination | News | New Civil Engineer: Proposals for a new  power grid connection running beneath the Menai Strait, between Anglesey and Wales, have been accepted for examination. 

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom: ‘One more site apart from Kudankulam needed for greater localisation’ | The Indian Express

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom: ‘One more site apart from Kudankulam needed for greater localisation’ | The Indian Express: Alexey Likhachev asserted that in order to accommodate India’s request for more localisation, there is need for at least one more site in addition to Kudankulam.

TO MARS AND BEYOND: HOW NUCLEAR ENERGY POWERS DEEP SPACE MISSIONS, Oct 10, 2018, DC, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm ET – SpacePolicyOnline.com

TO MARS AND BEYOND: HOW NUCLEAR ENERGY POWERS DEEP SPACE MISSIONS, Oct 10, 2018, DC, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm ET – SpacePolicyOnline.com: Posted: October 7, 2018 1:25 pm ET | Last Updated: October 7, 2018 1:25 pm ET | The Space Foundation, with support from the Department of Energy, will hold a

Chernobyl fires back up as a solar power plant

Chernobyl fires back up as a solar power plant: More than 30 years after the worst nuclear disaster in history, the Chernobyl area is once again producing power. From the (somewhat literal) ashes of the Nuclear Power Plant springs the Chernobyl Solar Power Plant, which was officially launched with an opening ceremony on Friday.

Model colony for Nuclear power plant oustees at Pedda Kovvada soon

Model colony for Nuclear power plant oustees at Pedda Kovvada soon

Whatever it takes: ScoMo prepared to go nuclear if it cuts power prices

Whatever it takes: ScoMo prepared to go nuclear if it cuts power prices: Scott Morrison says he would overturn the ban on building nuclear reactors in Australia if he believed it would put downward pressure on power prices.

Scott Morrison: 'No issue' with nuclear power but it doesn't stack up | afr.com

Scott Morrison: 'No issue' with nuclear power but it doesn't stack up | afr.com: Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he has "no issue" with nuclear power except it doesn't stack up as an investment.

RPI President Shirley Ann Jackson to receive 2018 W.E.B. Du Bois Medal | Local News | troyrecord.com

RPI President Shirley Ann Jackson to receive 2018 W.E.B. Du Bois Medal | Local News | troyrecord.com

IPCC confirms need for low-carbon nuclear to tackle climate change

IPCC confirms need for low-carbon nuclear to tackle climate change

Valve Problem Prompts Pilgrim Shutdown

Valve Problem Prompts Pilgrim Shutdown: PLYMOUTH – The Pilgrim nuclear power plant experienced an automatic shutdown Friday afternoon. The so-called scram happened just after 12 p.m. when a feedwater regulating valve unexpecte…

Nuke plant emergency ops move request under review | Local News | somdnews.com

Nuke plant emergency ops move request under review | Local News | somdnews.com

India, Russia agree to develop 6 nuclear power plant projects | Reuters

India, Russia agree to develop 6 nuclear power plant projects | Reuters: India and Russia signed a pact on Friday to develop six nuclear power projects in India, following summit talks between their leaders in New Delhi.

Pompeo says North Korea ready to let inspectors into missile, nuclear sites

Pompeo says North Korea ready to let inspectors into missile, nuclear sites



https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-nuclear-pompeo/pompeo-says-north-korea-ready-to-let-inspectors-into-missile-nuclear-sites-idUSKCN1MH114?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29&&rpc=401

Column: 'Small modular reactors' could play big part in emissions drop - Opinion - The Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA

Column: 'Small modular reactors' could play big part in emissions drop - Opinion - The Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA: In a rare show of bipartisanship, Congress recently voted to ramp up funding for the development of advanced nuclear technologies. It is heartening to see Congress approve $1.3 billion in funding for nuclear energy research, development and deployment programs for fiscal 2019, an increase of $121 million over fiscal 2018.
As the United States enters a long era of expanding the use of zero-carbon energy sources – it will not be confined to renewables – we are obliged to make the best

What is Plant Vogtle anyway? Answering your questions on the latest JEA issue - News - The Florida Times-Union - Jacksonville, FL

What is Plant Vogtle anyway? Answering your questions on the latest JEA issue - News - The Florida Times-Union - Jacksonville, FL

DOE letter: SRR's performance 'excellent'; contractor secures more than $12M | News | aikenstandard.com

DOE letter: SRR's performance 'excellent'; contractor secures more than $12M | News | aikenstandard.com

Bechtel National buying restrictions lifted at Hanford vit plant | Tri-City Herald

Bechtel National buying restrictions lifted at Hanford vit plant | Tri-City Herald: Restrictions on large purchases by Bechtel National following a subcontracting audit have been lifted. There were no negative impacts to work at the Hanford nuclear reservation vitrification plant, contractor says.

India Doubles Down on Domestic 700 MW PHWR Design | Neutron Bytes

India Doubles Down on Domestic 700 MW PHWR Design | Neutron Bytes: India Doubles Down on 700 MW PHWR Design India’s installed nuclear power capacity is expected to rise with the addition of 12 new nuclear reactors. Nine of the new reactors to be built and co…

Australia quietly makes first uranium shipment to India three years after supply agreement - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Australia quietly makes first uranium shipment to India three years after supply agreement - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): Three years after signing a civilian nuclear supply treaty, the Federal Government confirms the first shipment of Australian uranium has left for India.

Kavanaugh pick threatens EPA policies, FERC authority, lawyers say | Utility Dive

Kavanaugh pick threatens EPA policies, FERC authority, lawyers say | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

UN: We have 12 years left to take action on climate change | Utility Dive

UN: We have 12 years left to take action on climate change | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

How rising global temperatures will affect 6 major cities | Utility Dive

How rising global temperatures will affect 6 major cities | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Dominion, SCANA inch closer to merger with North Carolina PSC staff deal | Utility Dive

Dominion, SCANA inch closer to merger with North Carolina PSC staff deal | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

INL’s Rita Baranwal Nominated to be DOE A/Sec of Nuclear Energy


INL’s Rita Baranwal Nominated to be DOE A/Sec of Nuclear Energy


https://neutronbytes.com/2018/10/07/inls-rita-baranwal-nominated-to-be-doe-a-sec-of-nuclear-energy/

DOD Seeks SMRs for Tactical Readiness at Military Bases


DOD Seeks SMRs for Tactical Readiness at Military Bases

A Big Move Toward Small: Micro-reactors and the Pentagon
https://neutronbytes.com/2018/10/06/dod-seeks-smrs-for-tactical-readiness-at-military-bases/