Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, December 22, 2018

It goes completely against what most believe, but out of all major energy sources, nuclear is the safest - Our World in Data

It goes completely against what most believe, but out of all major energy sources, nuclear is the safest - Our World in Data: This blog post draws on data and research discussed in our entry on Energy Production and Changing Energy Sources.

Regulators Confirm Trump’s Concern: Coal And Nuclear Closures Could Lead To Power Outages | Watts Up With That?

Regulators Confirm Trump’s Concern: Coal And Nuclear Closures Could Lead To Power Outages | Watts Up With That?: From The Daily Caller 6:34 PM 12/18/2018 | Energy Jason Hopkins | Energy Investigator A stress test conducted by the regulatory authority that oversees North America’s electric grid lends credibility to the Trump administration’s warnings that rampant coal and nuclear plant closures could result in power outages. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) —…

Even if there's a government shutdown, NORAD will still track Santa thanks to volunteers | WJLA

Even if there's a government shutdown, NORAD will still track Santa thanks to volunteers | WJLA: A quarter of the government will run out of cash and will close at midnight on Saturday unless Congress and the White House reach an agreement. The Republican-lead House approved a spending package on Thursday night that did include $5. 7 billion for a U. S. -Mexico wall, but that will more than likely be rejected by the Senate. But even if a shutdown were to begin tonight and last through Christmas, NORAD is reassuring kids in the U. S. that Santa tracking won't fall by the wayside.

Putting the IMF Externalized Cost Report in Perspective | The Energy Collective Daily

Putting the IMF Externalized Cost Report in Perspective | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Don't let the window close on a Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage deal - Los Angeles Times

Don't let the window close on a Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage deal - Los Angeles Times

Exclusive: U.S. to offer 'black box' nuclear waste tech to other nations | Reuters

Exclusive: U.S. to offer 'black box' nuclear waste tech to other nations | Reuters: The U.S. Department of Energy's nuclear security office is developing a project to help other countries handle nuclear waste, an effort to keep the United States competitive against global rivals in disposal technology, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

SCANA to sell real estate to pay for ratepayer settlement | The State

SCANA to sell real estate to pay for ratepayer settlement | The State

Nuclear Advisory Group Endorses Seabrook's Plan To Monitor Concrete Cracks | New Hampshire Public Radio

Nuclear Advisory Group Endorses Seabrook's Plan To Monitor Concrete Cracks | New Hampshire Public Radio: An independent group of scientists says they believe the concrete cracks at Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant are under control. The report from the Advisory

Public Service Commission Staff Wants More Money To Vet Plant Vogtle Construction | 90.1 FM WABE

Public Service Commission Staff Wants More Money To Vet Plant Vogtle Construction | 90.1 FM WABE: The Public Service Commission staff is requesting more money to fund outside consultants to help keep track of the Plant Vogtle project. They have asked for an unprecedented additional $3.6 million for 2019, up from the existing $1.1 million in independent contractor monitoring funds. That's money that Georgia Power

UK relaunches repository site selection process - World Nuclear News

UK relaunches repository site selection process - World Nuclear News: The UK has launched a new search for a site to host the country's proposed geological disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste. A previous search process ground to a halt in 2013.

Wolf Creek considering course of action after NRC proposes $232K fine

Wolf Creek considering course of action after NRC proposes $232K fine

Edison's Plans To Resume Nuclear Waste Transfer May Face Legal Challenge | KPBS

Edison's Plans To Resume Nuclear Waste Transfer May Face Legal Challenge | KPBS: Southern California Edison may face more legal challenges before resuming the transfer of highly radioactive spent fuel rods from cooling ponds to silos near the beach at San Onofre.

Seabrook Station: Study: Plant can operate | Local News | newburyportnews.com

Seabrook Station: Study: Plant can operate | Local News | newburyportnews.com

TVA prepared for earthquakes at their nuclear power plants - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports

TVA prepared for earthquakes at their nuclear power plants - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports: TVA ran two simulations Wednesday at their Sequoyah Training Center to demonstrate the control room alarms and how employees respond to earthquakes.

Key events in Belarusian nuclear power plant construction in 2019 mentioned

Key events in Belarusian nuclear power plant construction in 2019 mentioned: The physical startup of the reactor will be performed. Fuel will be loaded into the reactor, power startup will be arranged followed by tests. The reactor will have to reach 40-50% of the output capacity and will be connected to the national power grid.

Study: Nuclear plant capable of proper function | Local News | gloucestertimes.com

Study: Nuclear plant capable of proper function | Local News | gloucestertimes.com

Federal agency proposes $232K fine for Kansas nuclear plant | The Tribune

Federal agency proposes $232K fine for Kansas nuclear plant | The Tribune

US lawmakers seek oversight over any Saudi nuclear power deal - Channel NewsAsia

US lawmakers seek oversight over any Saudi nuclear power deal - Channel NewsAsia

Another outage at Mississippi nuclear plant raises concerns | AP business | The Journal Gazette

Another outage at Mississippi nuclear plant raises concerns | AP business | The Journal Gazette: Another unplanned outage at Mississippi's Grand Gulf nuclear power plant is adding to regulators concerns that reliability problems at the largest single-unit nuclear power plant in the United States may be affecting power markets

What happens when an earthquake hits near a nuclear plant? | Times Free Press

What happens when an earthquake hits near a nuclear plant? | Times Free Press

Why Is China Losing Interest In Nuclear Power? | OilPrice.com

Why Is China Losing Interest In Nuclear Power? | OilPrice.com

TVA Dam Safety Responds To Earthquake - Chattanoogan.com

TVA Dam Safety Responds To Earthquake - Chattanoogan.com

TVA prepared for earthquakes at their nuclear power plants - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports

TVA prepared for earthquakes at their nuclear power plants - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports: TVA ran two simulations Wednesday at their Sequoyah Training Center to demonstrate the control room alarms and how employees respond to earthquakes.

Thorium vs. Molten Salt Reactor | Energy Central

Thorium vs. Molten Salt Reactor | Energy Central

Nuclear Matters December Newsletter

Wow, what a year.
Nuclear energy saw some big wins in 2018. Here’s a snapshot of some of the efforts that many of you helped contribute to this year:
  • The Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act received bipartisan support and was signed into law.
  • The Georgia Public Service Commission approved the final plan to complete construction of two new reactors at Plant Vogtle.
  • Arizona voters rejected a ballot initiative that would have excluded nuclear power from the state’s clean energy plan.
  • New Jersey implemented an energy plan that provides zero emission credits to nuclear plants.
  • Idaho’s Governor Otter signed an executive order supporting small modular reactors.
  • Connecticut’s Zero Carbon Procurement Program correctly recognized Millstone’s contributions to New England’s clean energy supply.
  • Congress took a step forward in used fuel legislation with the passage of H.R. 3053 in the U.S. House of Representatives, a key moment as we look to build momentum into 2019.
Pause for effect.
Many of the successes have been connected to work that advocates like you have been doing in your communities – sharing your support of the industry with your friends and families. So thank you for helping us make 2018 a great year all around.
Now let’s keep pushing forward.
Next year will bring its fair share of legislative opportunities and challenges, and it’s up to us to keep pushing forward. It’s important to make sure our legislators support nuclear energy and we can start by sharing how nuclear benefits our nation’s environment, economy and security:
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Take Action
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Don’t let the megaphone go quiet during the holidays – contact your legislator before the new year!
It may be time to make new resolutions, but we resolve to continue our fight to support nuclear power. Use the link below to contact your legislators to thank them for their hard work and, more importantly, to remind them that our work is not done and that we will work with them in 2019 to advance policies that will preserve and grow nuclear power in the United States.
And to ensure that you stay up-to-date on all of the latest nuclear news in the new year, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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In Case You Missed It
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  • Nuclear Matters Advocacy Council Member Carol Browner attended the inaugural Washington State Clean Energy Summit on December 10 where she gave a keynote address about the national perspective on nuclear energy. The summit, hosted by the UA Local 598, Tri-Cities Legislative Council, EnergyNorthwest and NuScale Power, focused on decarbonization solutions, nuclear power’s role in job creation and the future of clean energy.
  • This month, Nuclear Matters traveled to Minneapolis to meet with new members of the Nuclear Energy Ambassador Program. Xcel Energy hosted Nuclear Matters alongside new Ambassadors from both Monticello and Prairie Island, engaging on the importance of nuclear energy to the state and how we can enhance advocacy efforts into the new year.
Nuclear Matters · NC, United States

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Jim Rogers, former CEO of Duke and PSI Indiana, dies at 71 | 2018-12-18 | Indianapolis Business Journal | IBJ.com

Jim Rogers, former CEO of Duke and PSI Indiana, dies at 71 | 2018-12-18 | Indianapolis Business Journal | IBJ.com: Rogers' path to building the nation's largest electric utility began in 1988, when he took over struggling PSI Energy in Indiana.

Trump Just Says “No” to Crippling Climate Policy

Trump Just Says “No” to Crippling Climate Policy: Trump Just Says “No” to Crippling Climate Policy - Gregory Wrightstone: On December 15th, the United States Department of State issued .12/19/2018 17:57:32PM EST.

Regulators Confirm Trump’s Concern: Coal And Nuclear Closures Could Lead To Power Outages | The Daily Caller

Regulators Confirm Trump’s Concern: Coal And Nuclear Closures Could Lead To Power Outages | The Daily Caller: 'These findings underscore the challenge'

What Government Needs to Do for Bill Gates to Advance Nuclear Innovation

What Government Needs to Do for Bill Gates to Advance Nuclear Innovation: Scores of advanced nuclear energy technology concepts have cropped up over the years and received particular attention as large conventional reactors have become costly to build and the innovation of Silicon Valley has taken off.

EDF ramps up nuclear decommissioning efficiency with eyes on Europe

 

EDF ramps up nuclear decommissioning efficiency with eyes on Europe


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/edf-ramps-nuclear-decommissioning-efficiency-eyes-europe?utm_campaign=NEI%2019DEC18%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=b0b7809044c44844b5375f78d5a9e5db&elq=289202cfde4c47bb85d9b41b0544a7cf&elqaid=41482&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=23133

New decommissioning giant seeks further sites under ‘dominant’ transfer model

 

New decommissioning giant seeks further sites under ‘dominant’ transfer model


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/new-decommissioning-giant-seeks-further-sites-under-dominant-transfer-model?utm_campaign=NEI%2019DEC18%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=a7fc1d4fd7264120a114ce988fa99936&elq=289202cfde4c47bb85d9b41b0544a7cf&elqaid=41482&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=23133

US decommissioning costs fall as operators implement learnings


US decommissioning costs fall as operators implement learnings



https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/us-decommissioning-costs-fall-operators-implement-learnings?utm_campaign=NEI%2019DEC18%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=83cd2954b42047cd9c0a6d16da3ad862&elq=289202cfde4c47bb85d9b41b0544a7cf&elqaid=41482&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=23133

Ontario Power Generation predicts SMR openings in booming mining sectors


Ontario Power Generation predicts SMR openings in booming mining sectors



https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/ontario-power-generation-predicts-smr-openings-booming-mining-sectors?utm_campaign=NEI%2019DEC18%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=d7b198b5cdb444d0a49ee508446826a6&elq=289202cfde4c47bb85d9b41b0544a7cf&elqaid=41482&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=23133

NuScale engineers eye further SMR savings after 20% capacity boost


NuScale engineers eye further SMR savings after 20% capacity boost


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/nuscale-engineers-eye-further-smr-savings-after-20-capacity-boost?utm_campaign=NEI%2019DEC18%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=26a2a069f32146e59a40072408751bfe&elq=289202cfde4c47bb85d9b41b0544a7cf&elqaid=41482&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=23133

NRC ruling boosts SMR build prospects at disused coal plants


NRC ruling boosts SMR build prospects at disused coal plants


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/nrc-ruling-boosts-smr-build-prospects-disused-coal-plants?utm_campaign=NEI%2019DEC18%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=9218da1e64e74747a3d88673db397d40&elq=289202cfde4c47bb85d9b41b0544a7cf&elqaid=41482&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=23133

Nuclear build costs could fall by over 35% using global learnings


Nuclear build costs could fall by over 35% using global learnings


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/nuclear-build-costs-could-fall-over-35-using-global-learnings?utm_campaign=NEI%2019DEC18%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=247c51860ab44dadb6b7f6b2d5e7c705&elq=289202cfde4c47bb85d9b41b0544a7cf&elqaid=41482&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=23133

Robotic spent fuel inspection trials bring commercial use closer


Robotic spent fuel inspection trials bring commercial use closer


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/robotic-spent-fuel-inspection-trials-bring-commercial-use-closer?utm_campaign=NEI%2019DEC18%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=a6446490fe2d4072852d81702038907c&elq=289202cfde4c47bb85d9b41b0544a7cf&elqaid=41482&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=23133

Brazil Takes Step Toward Joining Nuclear-powered Sub Club

Brazil Takes Step Toward Joining Nuclear-powered Sub Club: Brazil on Friday launched the first of five attack submarines built with French technology; construction of a nuclear-powered sub will cap the program

DOE certain SRS plutonium removal efforts will meet 2020 deadline | News | aikenstandard.com

DOE certain SRS plutonium removal efforts will meet 2020 deadline | News | aikenstandard.com

Another outage at Mississippi nuclear plant raises concerns

Another outage at Mississippi nuclear plant raises concerns

Dominion Energy: Beyond The Scana Merger

Dominion Energy: Beyond The Scana Merger: When Dominion Energy announced its takeover offer for Scana Corp in early January, investors were immediately skeptical. Over the next five months, the utility’s shares dropped by nearly 25 percent. Less than a year later, however, Dominion is set to reap the reward for its bold move.

Dominion Energy: Beyond The Scana Merger

Dominion Energy: Beyond The Scana Merger: When Dominion Energy announced its takeover offer for Scana Corp in early January, investors were immediately skeptical. Over the next five months, the utility’s shares dropped by nearly 25 percent. Less than a year later, however, Dominion is set to reap the reward for its bold move.

Federal agency proposes $232K fine for Kansas nuclear plant

Federal agency proposes $232K fine for Kansas nuclear plant: TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Federal regulators have proposed fining Kansas' only nuclear power plant $232,000 over what regulators say was retaliation against an employee reporting a possible safety issue. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced Tuesday that it found the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corp. violated federal regulations. The Wolf Creek plant is 55 miles south of Topeka. The NRC said that during a fall 2016 refueling outage at the plant, a contract employee reported a safety concern. The NRC said the employee was placed on paid administrative leave.

Accelerated retirement of U.S. coal, nuke plants has potential risks –NERC | Reuters

Accelerated retirement of U.S. coal, nuke plants has potential risks –NERC | Reuters: The North American Electric Reliability Corp (NERC), the U.S. watchdog for the electricity grid, said on Tuesday that new pipelines and power lines would be required to meet power demands if there are large-scale retirements of coal and nuclear power plants.

SC attorney general wants Santee Cooper to stop paying executives' legal bills | Business | postandcourier.com

SC attorney general wants Santee Cooper to stop paying executives' legal bills | Business | postandcourier.com

Moody's sees robust utility capital spending in 2018, dip in 2019, 2020 | Energy Central

Moody's sees robust utility capital spending in 2018, dip in 2019, 2020 | Energy Central

Terrestrial signs up BWXT for technical support - World Nuclear News

Terrestrial signs up BWXT for technical support - World Nuclear News: Terrestrial Energy has contracted BWXT Canada Ltd for technical consultation and design assistance in the development of steam generators and heat exchangers for its Integral Molten Salt Reactor.

US academies call for continued fusion research - World Nuclear News

US academies call for continued fusion research - World Nuclear News: The USA should continue its participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project and develop a national research programme towards building a compact pilot plant, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Nuclear Energy: Saudi Arabia’s Impending Battle with Washington | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Nuclear Energy: Saudi Arabia’s Impending Battle with Washington | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com: Current tensions between the US and Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom’s inability to present a credible and sustainable version of...

Ghana needs almost US $10billion to set up nuclear power plant - Owuraku Aidoo | General News 2018-12-19

Ghana needs almost US $10billion to set up nuclear power plant - Owuraku Aidoo | General News 2018-12-19: The Deputy Minister for Energy in-charge of Power, William Owuraku Aidoo, has...

Reactor at 3rd nuclear power plant back in operation: AEC | Economics | FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS

Reactor at 3rd nuclear power plant back in operation: AEC | Economics | FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS

Federal agency proposes $232K fine for Kansas nuclear plant

Federal agency proposes $232K fine for Kansas nuclear plant

Time to pull the plug on Indo-French nuclear-power project | Arab News

Time to pull the plug on Indo-French nuclear-power project | Arab News: French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian attends a joint press conference at the Ministry Of External Affairs in New Delhi on Dec. 15, 2018. (AFP)

Court to get update on sale of Bellefonte nuclear plant | Times Free Press

Court to get update on sale of Bellefonte nuclear plant | Times Free Press

Twenty Years of Country Nuclear Power Profiles: IAEA Releases 2018 Edition

Twenty Years of Country Nuclear Power Profiles: IAEA Releases 2018 Edition

,
IAEA's Country Nuclear Power Profiles offers an interactive world map showing countries that provided information on the status and development of their nuclear power programmes. (Photo: F. Nassif/IAEA)
The IAEA has released its annual edition of the Country Nuclear Power Profiles (CNPP), a major resource on the status and development of nuclear power programmes around the world. The 2018 CNPP edition, marking twenty years since its inauguration, offers a revamped database with new features, including a more user-friendly interface and a mobile version that is compatible with multiple platforms. Thirty-seven countries have contributed new or updated information for the 2018 edition.
Drawn from national contributions, the CNPP provide a descriptive and statistical overview of the economic, energy and electricity situation in participating Member States. The profiles summarize organizational and industrial aspects of national nuclear power programmes and include information about the relevant legislative, regulatory and energy framework in each country.
“When the CNPP publication was first launched 20 years ago, it responded to a need for a database and technical documentation on nuclear power programmes in Member States,” explained Dohee Hahn, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Power. “The revamped version will continue to showcase achievements related to nuclear infrastructure development.”
Currently, there are 454 operational nuclear power reactors in 30 countries, with 54 other units under construction worldwide. Providing about 11% of the world’s electricity and about a third of overall low carbon electricity, nuclear power supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The nuclear power profiles present factors related to the effective planning, decision making and implementation of nuclear power programmes that together lead to safe and economical operations of nuclear power plants,” said Pal Vincze, Head of the IAEA Nuclear Power Engineering Section. “The CNPP database remains an important resource for stakeholders in Member States, including researchers, decision makers and the wider public.”
Typically, the profiles are updated yearly to compile the annual publication. Each profile is self-standing and contains energy statistics or other relevant information officially provided by respective national authorities.
First published in 1998, the preparation of CNPP was initiated within the framework of the IAEA’s programme on assessment and feedback of nuclear power plant performance. Over the last twenty years, the publication has been released in paper form since 1998, CD-ROM since 2002, and online since 2012. As it stands, the CNPP database is now hosted entirely online and also offers online access to historical editions since 2000.

Another outage at Mississippi nuclear plant raises concerns | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Another outage at Mississippi nuclear plant raises concerns | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Grand Gulf nuclear power plant outage: Safety, reliability in Mississippi

Grand Gulf nuclear power plant outage: Safety, reliability in Mississippi

Nuclear Advisory Group Endorses Seabrook's Plan To Monitor Concrete Cracks | New Hampshire Public Radio

Nuclear Advisory Group Endorses Seabrook's Plan To Monitor Concrete Cracks | New Hampshire Public Radio

Federal agency proposes $232K fine for Kansas nuclear plant | The News Tribune

Federal agency proposes $232K fine for Kansas nuclear plant | The News Tribune

‘Unexpected increase’ in reactor power leads to shut down at Grand Gulf

‘Unexpected increase’ in reactor power leads to shut down at Grand Gulf: An inspection is underway after an unplanned shutdown last week at the Grand Gulf nuclear power plant.

Port Gibson nuclear plant to be inspected

Port Gibson nuclear plant to be inspected: According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the nuclear power plant in Port Gibson will be inspected.

Investigation underway after nuclear power plant unexpectedly shut down


Investigation underway after nuclear power plant unexpectedly shut down


https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2018/12/18/nuclear-power-plant-shuts-down-mississippi-entergy-port-gibson-ms/2349439002/

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Anti Yucca crowd embraces hyperbole, scare tactics | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Anti Yucca crowd embraces hyperbole, scare tactics | Las Vegas Review-Journal: I read that Gov. Brian Sandoval went to D.C. to deter funding for Yucca Mountain. This concern over nuclear waste is ludicrous.

Viewpoint: There is no Holy Grail of energy - World Nuclear News

Viewpoint: There is no Holy Grail of energy - World Nuclear News: Germany already knows that it will fail to achieve the CO2 emission reduction targets set for 2020, and the gap will be quite significant. That’s why it is postponing the closure of coal-fired power plants and is building Nord Stream 2, writes Józef Sobolewski, director of the Nuclear Energy Department in Poland's Ministry of Energy.

World’s First EPR Nuclear Unit Begins Commercial Operation

World’s First EPR Nuclear Unit Begins Commercial Operation

Controversial nuclear reactor goes live in southern China | Asia Times

Controversial nuclear reactor goes live in southern China | Asia Times: Reactor at Taishan Plant goes online, after five years of delays, debate and controversies about safety and other issues

Hopes dwindle for nuclear plant exports as growth strategy:The Asahi Shimbun

Hopes dwindle for nuclear plant exports as growth strategy:The Asahi Shimbun: The Abe administration's last hope of nuclear plant technology exports being a pillar of economic gr

As the impacts of power outages rise, the US must embrace smart grids | Utility Dive

As the impacts of power outages rise, the US must embrace smart grids | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Siemens: Cities are prioritizing electrification, but grid modernization is required | Utility Dive

Siemens: Cities are prioritizing electrification, but grid modernization is required | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Moody's sees robust utility capital spending in 2018, dip in 2019, 2020 | Utility Dive

Moody's sees robust utility capital spending in 2018, dip in 2019, 2020 | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

New York Gov. Cuomo pledges 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 | Utility Dive

New York Gov. Cuomo pledges 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

DOE Releases Final Environmental Impact Statement for Cleanup of Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone at Santa Susana Field Laboratory

DOE Office of Environmental Management

EM News Flash | Dec. 18, 2018



DOE Releases Final Environmental Impact Statement for Cleanup of Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone at Santa Susana Field Laboratory

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Remediation of Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) in Ventura County, California. Publishing the Final EIS is an important step to proceed with the cleanup process at SSFL's Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone.
   “The release of the Final EIS is a major milestone in the Department’s mission to clean up the former Energy Technology Engineering Center (ETEC) site at the SSFL,” said John Jones, ETEC Federal Project Director. “Our preferred cleanup alternatives are based upon years of scientific study and analysis, are consistent with the site’s end use as open space, and ensure it will remain safe for nearby communities by protecting human health and the environment.”
   The Final EIS follows the January 2017 release of the Draft EIS, which analyzed the potential environmental and community impacts of remediation options on various resources including: cultural resources, wildlife, and local communities, as well as the potential environmental impacts resulting from the length of cleanup, among many other factors. Substantive comments submitted by stakeholders on the Draft EIS played an important role in the development of the Final EIS.
   The Final EIS also outlines the Department’s preferred remediation alternatives for Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone. The preferred alternatives are:
  • For soils remediation, the Conservation of Natural Resources Alternative, Open Space Scenario. This alternative is consistent with the risk assessment approach typically used at other DOE sites, other California Department of Toxic Substances Control-regulated sites, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund sites, and accounts for the specific future land use of the site.
  • For building demolition, the Building Removal Alternative.
  • For groundwater remediation, a combination of the Monitored Natural Attenuation Alternative and the Treatment Alternative.
   DOE conducted operations at the SSFL from the 1950s to the late 1980s. ETEC, established in the 1960s, served as a premier research facility for the United States during the Cold War. Since the 1980s, more than 200 structures on the site have been removed and only 18 DOE structures remain.
   “During our review process, we analyzed, considered, and incorporated about 2,200 individual comments submitted on the Draft EIS,” said Stephie Jennings, the DOE/ETEC National Environmental Policy Act Compliance Officer. “The preferred alternatives, described in detail, balance the diverse community and agency input received throughout the EIS process while ensuring the site remains safe.”
   In preparing the EIS, DOE collected, analyzed, and reviewed the results for more than 10,000 soil samples. These included samples collected by the EPA during a three-year characterization study of potential radionuclides that found very low levels of impact in Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone. The Department’s groundwater and air monitoring at the site is ongoing. Community engagement, through public meetings and specialized programs such as the Community Alternative Development Workshops, helped provide input into the range of alternatives presented in the Final EIS.
   A copy of the Final EIS can be downloaded here.

EM Update December 18, 2018

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EM Update | Vol. 10, Issue 49 | Dec. 18, 2018
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ENEC completes key testing process at Barakah Nuclear Plant | United Arab Emirates | Utilities | ArabianIndustry.com

ENEC completes key testing process at Barakah Nuclear Plant | United Arab Emirates | Utilities | ArabianIndustry.com

Editorial: Money should not be a factor in Hanford waste cleanup | Opinion | yakimaherald.com

Editorial: Money should not be a factor in Hanford waste cleanup | Opinion | yakimaherald.com: This hasn’t exactly been the most glowing (sorry, poor choice of words) of news cycles for people concerned about safety at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. In the span of a

Future is dim for US nuclear power plants - The National

Future is dim for US nuclear power plants - The National: Industry hit by abundance of cheap natural gas from fracking and lower electricity prices

Guggenheim: Dominion (NYSE:D)'s Scana (NYSE:SCG) Acquisition A 'Big Win' | Benzinga

Guggenheim: Dominion (NYSE:D)'s Scana (NYSE:SCG) Acquisition A 'Big Win' | Benzinga: South Carolina regulators approved a merger that has Virginia-based Dominion Energy Inc (NYSE: D) buying South Carolina's Scana Corporation (NYSE: ...

Hitachi to Acquire ABB's Power Grids Unit Valued at $11 Billion

Hitachi to Acquire ABB's Power Grids Unit Valued at $11 Billion: (Bloomberg) -- Hitachi Ltd. agreed to buy ABB Ltd.’s power grids division in a deal that values the entire business at $11 billion, a plan that’s aimed at turning the Japanese conglomerate into a top global provider of equipment for electricity networks.

ABB will return proceeds of $7.

Hitachi to Acquire ABB's Power Grids Unit Valued at $11 Billion

Hitachi to Acquire ABB's Power Grids Unit Valued at $11 Billion: (Bloomberg) -- Hitachi Ltd. agreed to buy ABB Ltd.’s power grids division in a deal that values the entire business at $11 billion, a plan that’s aimed at turning the Japanese conglomerate into a top global provider of equipment for electricity networks.

ABB will return proceeds of $7.

A Nuclear Tunneling Worm Could Help Us Find Out What's Beneath Europa's Ice

A Nuclear Tunneling Worm Could Help Us Find Out What's Beneath Europa's Ice: NASA reveals a concept model for a new kind of icy challenge.

Dispute over blocked sale of Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in federal court this week

Dispute over blocked sale of Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in federal court this week



https://whnt.com/2018/12/17/dispute-over-blocked-sale-of-bellefonte-nuclear-plant-in-federal-court-this-week/

Monday, December 17, 2018

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire December 17, 2018

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire
December 17, 2018

Closing Time

As the clock continues to tick toward congressional adjournment, hopes are dimming for an omnibus appropriations agreement that could include funding for nuclear waste. There are two main challenges. First, there seems to be little if any movement between Congress and the Trump Administration toward compromise on funding the border wall. Without a bipartisan agreement, it is unlikely that any appropriations bill, other than a short term funding extension, could pass Congress. 

In addition, it has been reported that Nevada Senator Cortez-Masto has an agreement with Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) that he will oppose any funding for Yucca Mountain.
 



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IAEA Reviews the Philippines' Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development

IAEA Reviews the Philippines' Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development

64/2018
Manila, Philippines
Image of officials attending a meeting.
Assistant Secretary of Energy Gerardo Erguiza, Undersecretary of Energy Donato Marcos and Secretary of Energy Alfonso Cusi from the Philippines attend the opening session of the INIR mission to the Philippines together with Dohee Hahn, Director of the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Power and Milko Kovachev, Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section (from left to right).
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded an eight-day mission to the Republic of the Philippines to review its development of infrastructure for nuclear power. The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR), which ended on 17 December, was conducted at the invitation of the Government of the Philippines.
The INIR team reviewed the status of nuclear infrastructure development using the Phase 1 criteria of the IAEA's Milestones Approach, which provides detailed guidance across three phases (consider, prepare, construct) of development. The end of Phase 1 marks the readiness of a country to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power programme. The team was hosted by the Philippines’ Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO), which was established by the Department of Energy in 2016 at the direction of Secretary of Energy Alfonso Cusi.
“We had an excellent collaborative effort. The Philippines was eager to engage openly with our team,” said team leader Milko Kovachev, Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section. “It is evident that the Philippines is following a systematic approach to finalize its nuclear power strategy and complete the associated infrastructure development.”
The INIR team noted that the NEPIO has completed several studies and that draft legislation addressing nuclear safety, security, and safeguards and establishing an independent regulatory body is being considered in the Congress. The INIR team further noted that the Philippines recognizes the importance of open and transparent public communication and the need to include a broader range of stakeholders in preparations to introduce nuclear power.
The team comprised experts from Algeria, Morocco, Spain and the United Kingdom as well as IAEA staff. It reviewed the status of 19 nuclear power programme infrastructure issues using the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series Evaluation of the Status of National Infrastructure Development. Prior to the mission, the Philippines submitted a self-evaluation report covering all infrastructure issues as well as supporting documents to the IAEA.
The team made recommendations and suggestions, highlighting areas where action could assist Philippines in making further progress, including:
  • Involving a broader range of stakeholders in completing the work required to enable a national commitment to introduce nuclear power.
  • Developing a legal and regulatory framework that ensures and demonstrates a commitment to safety, security and non-proliferation.
  • Further enhancing its approaches to human resource and leadership development, nuclear fuel cycle options and electrical grid impacts.
  • Adapting the existing national frameworks for emergency preparedness and response and nuclear security in light of a future nuclear power project.
The team also identified some good practices that would benefit other countries considering the introduction of nuclear power in the areas of legal framework, stakeholder involvement and site and supporting facilities.
Welcoming the outcome of the mission, Secretary Cusi affirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing the team’s recommendations as it takes its next steps in considering the development of a nuclear power programme, in line with international legal instruments and IAEA safety standards and security guidance.
“Our technical working groups have worked hard over the last 24 months preparing the initial studies,” he said. “The results from the INIR mission will help us focus our efforts on the identified gaps, accelerate the legislative process and prepare the national decision. It is high time we put the framework in place to bring nuclear power into the energy mix. We should learn the lessons from the past and catch up with the missed opportunities.”
About INIR Missions
Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions are based on the IAEA Milestones Approach, with its 19 Infrastructure Issues, three Phases and three Milestones. INIR missions enable IAEA Member State representatives to have in-depth discussions with international experts about experiences and best practices in different countries. In developing its recommendations, the INIR team takes into account the comments made by the relevant national organizations. Implementation of any of the team’s recommendations is at the discretion of the Member State requesting the mission. The results of the INIR mission are expected to help the Member State to develop an action plan to fill any gaps, which in turn will help the development of the national nuclear infrastructure. The IAEA publishes the INIR mission report on its website 90 days after its delivery to the Member State, unless the State requests in writing that the IAEA not do so.

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Idaho test reactor is pivotal in US nuclear power strategy

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Indian Point closure will put power supply in flux

 

Indian Point closure will put power supply in flux

https://www.recordonline.com/news/20181215/indian-point-closure-will-put-power-supply-in-flux

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But with BDS moving more into the American mainstream – two incoming members of Congress have expressed support for the movement and even the Anti-Defamation League has, in a leaked internal memo, questioned the wisdom of the anti-BDS campaign – we ask: Is this a war Israel can win?

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