Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Thyroid cancer study re-ignites debate over Three Mile Island accident's health effects | News | witf.org

Thyroid cancer study re-ignites debate over Three Mile Island accident's health effects | News | witf.org

Are these tiny, ‘inherently safe’ nuclear reactors the path to a carbon-free future?

Are these tiny, ‘inherently safe’ nuclear reactors the path to a carbon-free future?

Federal, state agencies object to FirstEnergy Solutions reorganization - News - Akron Beacon Journal - Akron, OH

Federal, state agencies object to FirstEnergy Solutions reorganization - News - Akron Beacon Journal - Akron, OH

Opinion: Climate change's threat to nuclear plants - Opinion - The Herald News, Fall River, MA - Fall River, MA

Opinion: Climate change's threat to nuclear plants - Opinion - The Herald News, Fall River, MA - Fall River, MA

Federal regulators sued for delay in releasing documents on San Onofre mishap - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Federal regulators sued for delay in releasing documents on San Onofre mishap - The San Diego Union-Tribune: San Diego attorney Michael Aguirre is suing the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for withholding documents he requested last year under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents relate to regulators' investigation of August "near-miss" accident.

Cooper Nuclear Station still operating but preparing for shutdown as Missouri River hits record levels | Iowa | omaha.com

Cooper Nuclear Station still operating but preparing for shutdown as Missouri River hits record levels | Iowa | omaha.com

Chinese delegation set to revive stalled Argentina nuclear power plant talks | South China Morning Post

Chinese delegation set to revive stalled Argentina nuclear power plant talks | South China Morning Post: Technical team expected to go to Latin American country to discuss project reportedly worth up to US$8 billion.

Nuclear power will become dominant | Columnists | lancasteronline.com

Nuclear power will become dominant | Columnists | lancasteronline.com: Clean, safe, inexpensive and abundant energy is crucial to the progress of civilization. Nuclear energy is an important contributor today and will become much more prevalent in the future.

Rising river expected to prompt Nebraska nuke plant shutdown - The Washington Post

Rising river expected to prompt Nebraska nuke plant shutdown - The Washington Post: A nuclear power plant along the swollen Missouri River in southeast Nebraska will likely be shut down this weekend as the river continues to rise following heavy rain

Nuclear power industry seeks lighter federal oversight - SFGate

Nuclear power industry seeks lighter federal oversight - SFGate

In Era of Aging Reactors, Nuclear Industry's Push for Deregulation Sparks Warning of 'Collision Course' With Disaster

In Era of Aging Reactors, Nuclear Industry's Push for Deregulation Sparks Warning of 'Collision Course' With Disaster: Critics raise alarm about ongoing efforts to shift to "self-assessments" for safety and limit information shared with the public

Floods drown Nebraska as alarms are raised at the nuclear power plant - International news - Jerusalem Post

Floods drown Nebraska as alarms are raised at the nuclear power plant - International news - Jerusalem Post: "Nebraskans should watch the forecast closely in the coming days and be prepared for severe weather events in conjunction with potential historic flooding," Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts said.

Debate over nuclear power hits home in rural Pennsylvania | Consumer & Retail | pilotonline.com

Debate over nuclear power hits home in rural Pennsylvania | Consumer & Retail | pilotonline.com

Why don’t U.S. nuclear regulators acknowledge the dangers of climate change? - The Washington Post

Why don’t U.S. nuclear regulators acknowledge the dangers of climate change? - The Washington Post: Climate change is causing new weather threats. Our nuclear reactors should have to prepare accordingly.

China’s losing its taste for nuclear power. That’s bad news. - MIT Technology Review

China’s losing its taste for nuclear power. That’s bad news. - MIT Technology Review: Once nuclear’s strongest booster, China is growing wary about its cost and safety.

Nuclear tests – How North Korea compares to other nuclear powers - Washington Post

Nuclear tests – How North Korea compares to other nuclear powers - Washington Post: In the name of national security, eight countries have tested nuclear weapons all over the world since 1945, frequently near populated places.

Are these tiny, ‘inherently safe’ nuclear reactors the path to a carbon-free future?


Are these tiny, ‘inherently safe’ nuclear reactors the path to a carbon-free future?


https://www.philly.com/news/nuclear-industry-bets-future-small-modular-reactors-nuscale-holtec-20190316.html

Robert Naiman - Is Russiagate the 9/11 Truther movement of the...

Robert Naiman - Is Russiagate the 9/11 Truther movement of the...

Friday, March 15, 2019

PG&E Saga Shows Calif. Utility Model Untenable, Execs Say - Law360

PG&E Saga Shows Calif. Utility Model Untenable, Execs Say - Law360: Pacific Gas & Electric Co.’s bankruptcy in the wake of catastrophic wildfires highlights how “unsustainable” California’s utility model is and the need for change, the CEOs of Vistra Energy and Florida Power & Light Co. said at a Houston energy conference Thursday.

Judge Sides with PG&E over FERC in PPA Dispute

Judge Sides with PG&E over FERC in PPA Dispute


https://www.rtoinsider.com/pge-ferc-ppa-dispute-112885/

Remington can be sued over marketing of rifle used in Sandy Hook shooting - Axios

Remington can be sued over marketing of rifle used in Sandy Hook shooting - Axios: Gun control measures have been on the rise in at least 26 states since February.

IAEA Concludes Long Term Operational Safety Review at Mexico's Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant

IAEA Concludes Long Term Operational Safety Review at Mexico's Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant

9/2019
Laguna Verde, Mexico
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts today completed a review of long term operational safety at the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Mexico.
The SALTO (Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation) review mission was requested by CFE (Comision Federal de Electricidad), a state owned public utility, which operates the two unit NPP.
The SALTO team, whose review began on 5 March, focused on aspects essential to the safe Long Term Operation (LTO) of Units 1 and 2 at Laguna Verde, which respectively went into commercial operation in 1990 and 1995. The operator has prepared and submitted a license renewal application to the National Commission for Nuclear Safety and Safeguards (CNSNS), Mexico’s nuclear regulator. In the application, CFE requested a 30-year lifetime extension of the two units beyond the current 30-year license.
The SALTO team reviewed preparedness, organization and programmes related to LTO. SALTO reviews are based on IAEA safety standards.
The team observed that CFE has a good basis to effectively manage LTO. The operator demonstrated that it is implementing preparations for safe LTO in a timely manner. The team said ageing management and LTO activities already meet many recommendations of IAEA safety standards. The team found staff to be professional, open and receptive to suggestions for improvement.
The team—comprising 10 experts from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Hungary, Pakistan, Sweden and two IAEA staff members—identified good performances that will be shared with the nuclear industry globally, including:
  • A user-friendly database to effectively manage plant technical documentation to support LTO.
  • A monitoring system on fire water pumps to help early detection of leakages.
  • An effective programme to transfer critical knowledge from employees leaving the plant.
The team also provided recommendations for further enhancing preparations for LTO safety, including that the operator should:
  • Perform a comprehensive Periodic Safety Review to identify potential safety improvements for LTO.
  • Ensure adequate process and documentation for determining the scope of structures, systems and components (SSCs) that needs to be reviewed for LTO preparation.
  • Perform a comprehensive condition assessment of all in-scope SSCs.
The plant management said it was committed to implementing the recommendations and requested that the IAEA schedule a SALTO follow-up mission to Laguna Verde NPP in 2021.
The team provided a draft report to the plant management at the end of the mission. The plant management and the CNSNS will have an opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. A final report will be submitted to the plant management, the regulatory authority and the Mexican Government within three months.
Background
General information about SALTO missions can be found on the IAEA Website. A SALTO peer review is a comprehensive safety review addressing strategy and key elements for the safe long-term operation of nuclear power plants. They complement OSART missions, which are designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. Neither SALTO nor OSART reviews are regulatory inspections, nor are they design reviews or substitutes for an exhaustive assessment of a plant's overall safety status.

India, USA document their commitment to new build - World Nuclear News

India, USA document their commitment to new build - World Nuclear News: India and the USA have committed to strengthen bilateral security and civil nuclear cooperation, including the establishment of six US-designed nuclear power plants in India.

Nebraska preps nuclear plant for possible flooding, no public danger | Reuters

Nebraska preps nuclear plant for possible flooding, no public danger | Reuters: Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) on Friday declared an "unusual event" at its Cooper nuclear power station in Nebraska due to the possibility of flooding along the Missouri River following a powerful winter storm this week.

International Study Group on North Korea Policy FAS-DPRK-SG.pdf

 International Study Group on North Korea Policy



FAS-DPRK-SG.pdf

Last Call FAS Intl. Study Group on DPRK Policy Report Release
March 21 from 9:30-11 a.m. (Washington, DC)
Study Group co-director Adam Mount and members Jieun Baek and Tom Plant will discuss the report at USIP. Moderated by NPR's Elise Hu. RSVP 
International Study Group on North Korea Policy Briefing
March 28, 2019 at 6 p.m. (New York)
FAS' Adam Mount and Mira Rapp-Hooper of the International Study Group on North Korea Policy will discuss their latest report on North Korea strategy. Tickets 


Maintaining US Leadership in Science and Technology – FAS Congressional Hearing Readout

Maintaining US Leadership in Science and Technology – FAS Congressional Hearing Readout: This week's hearing: A robust dialogue on bolstering US leadership in science and technology took place during last week’s House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing.

Fukushima Update 3/15/19

Fukushima Update 3/15/19 –

Numerous articles have been posted this week inside Japan commemorating the 8th anniversary of the 2011 quake and tsunami… International Press coverage focuses on the Fukushima accident, with little or no mention of the real disaster… A Yamaguchi court shoots down a suit to stop operation of Ikata unit #3… 70% of the Cesium released from F. Daiichi in 2011 remains in Fukushima’s forests… 3 former Tepco executives make a final plea to absolve them of criminal blame for the Fukushima accident.

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

The History Of Nuclear Warfare And The Future Of Nuclear Energy | Hoover Institution

The History Of Nuclear Warfare And The Future Of Nuclear Energy | Hoover Institution: The first atomic strike in 1945 changed the world forever.

Distrust Between U.S. and Russia Puts Arms Control at Risk | Opinion | OZY

Distrust Between U.S. and Russia Puts Arms Control at Risk | Opinion | OZY: Washington and Moscow are barely speaking, and if they don’t start rebuilding trust, a new arms race may soon get underway.

Roger Cloutier — scientist, mentor and community advocate

Roger Cloutier — scientist, mentor and community advocate: One of the joys of my past 13 years of producing “Historically Speaking” columns for The Oak Ridger has been the many wonderful people I have met who contributed stories about Oak Ridge history. Certainly, among the most pleasurable encounters was with Roger Cloutier!

Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville sandbagging as Missouri River rises | Nebraska | omaha.com

Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville sandbagging as Missouri River rises | Nebraska | omaha.com

Riding the Wild Bull of Nuclear Power

Riding the Wild Bull of Nuclear Power: From atomic theory to nukes I am proud the Greek philosophers Leucippus and Democritus invented the Atomic Theory, which says that everything in the cosmos is atoms and void. But who could have foreseen that, 2,500 years later, American “physicists” would turn such a glorious insight on the structure of matter into

Cooper Nuclear Station declares “Notification of Unusual Event”

Cooper Nuclear Station declares “Notification of Unusual Event”: Nebraska Public Power District’s Cooper Nuclear Station, an electric power plant in southeast Nebraska, declared a “Notification of Unusual Event” at 5:46 a.m. Friday, March 15, when the Missouri River reached 899.05 feet at the plant.

US-designed Chinese nuclear reactor forced to shut by pump defect | S&P Global Platts

US-designed Chinese nuclear reactor forced to shut by pump defect | S&P Global Platts: China's Sanmen 2 nuclear reactor, the third US designed Westinghouse AP1000 unit to begin operating in the world, has been shut temporarily because of a defect in a reactor coolant pump, which is bein

NRC approves Seabrook plant's license extensionNuclear plant now eligible to operate until March 2050 | Energy Central

NRC approves Seabrook plant's license extensionNuclear plant now eligible to operate until March 2050 | Energy Central

Brazil Seeks Nuclear Pact With U.S. During Bolsonaro's Visit - Bloomberg

Brazil Seeks Nuclear Pact With U.S. During Bolsonaro's Visit - Bloomberg: Brazil’s energy minister said the country plans to sign an accord next week with President Donald J. Trump that could pave the way for U.S. companies to explore the Latin American country for uranium and invest in new nuclear-power plants.

Ohio Legislators, Staff Hear from AEE Members at Advanced Energy Showcase | The Energy Collective Daily

Ohio Legislators, Staff Hear from AEE Members at Advanced Energy Showcase | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

TRISO project clears first phase of loan guarantee process - World Nuclear News

TRISO project clears first phase of loan guarantee process - World Nuclear News: The US Department of Energy Loan Programs Office has invited X-energy to submit the second part of its application for a loan guarantee for the construction of a facility to fabricate TRISO-X fuel.

French, US regulators expand cooperation - World Nuclear News

French, US regulators expand cooperation - World Nuclear News: France's Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission have signed an agreement to cooperate in emergency preparedness.

Foundation for Akkuyu nuclear plant's 1st reactor laid - Daily Sabah

Foundation for Akkuyu nuclear plant's 1st reactor laid - Daily Sabah: The laying of the foundation for the first reactor of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant (NPP) was completed on March 8, Russian State Atomic Energy...

NuScale officials: Small modular reactor plant slated for desert site will be a 'worldwide showcase' | Local News | postregister.com

NuScale officials: Small modular reactor plant slated for desert site will be a 'worldwide showcase' | Local News | postregister.com: CORVALLIS, Ore. — Since the 1940s, the Idaho National Laboratory has played a central role in the country’s nuclear power industry.

FERC chair says power market shifts 'vexing' - HoustonChronicle.com

FERC chair says power market shifts 'vexing' - HoustonChronicle.com: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Neil Chatterjee said he was struggling with the possibility that the commission might need to intervene to address the rapid shift on the power grid into natural gas and renewable sources and away from coal and nuclear, in an interview Thursday.

Courts Misread Hughes on Nuke Subsidies, Supreme Court Told

Courts Misread Hughes on Nuke Subsidies, Supreme Court Told

SECURITY: Nuclear execs fret over finding cyber know-how -- Wednesday, March 13, 2019 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial

SECURITY: Nuclear execs fret over finding cyber know-how -- Wednesday, March 13, 2019 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial: As hackers close in on U.S. pipeline and grid networks, nuclear cybersecurity manager Jason Castro has a more pressing concern: finding workers.

WIPP workers trapped underground during power outage

WIPP workers trapped underground during power outage

CERAWeek: Perry says he supports states that think nukes are 'worth subsidizing' | S&P Global Platts

CERAWeek: Perry says he supports states that think nukes are 'worth subsidizing' | S&P Global Platts: Cites need for baseload spending Expresses willingness to discuss Green New Deal US Energy Secretary Rick Perry said Wednesday that he and the Department of Energy support states that find their nucle

Nuclear industry pushing for fewer inspections at plants


Nuclear industry pushing for fewer inspections at plants

https://www.apnews.com/875c6dc62c554acbaa6247cfc3354617

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Nuclear industry pushing for fewer inspections at plants | WSOC-TV

Nuclear industry pushing for fewer inspections at plants | WSOC-TV

US Missile Defense Against North Korea Nuclear Attack Doesn’t Work, Delayed At Least 2 Years, Budget Reveals

US Missile Defense Against North Korea Nuclear Attack Doesn’t Work, Delayed At Least 2 Years, Budget Reveals: A newly resigned missile interceptor system designed to protect the United States from a North Korean nuclear strike has not “performed up to expectations” in tests, according to the ...

PG&E Judge Calls New Fire Season Hidden `Elephant’ in Bankruptcy

PG&E Judge Calls New Fire Season Hidden `Elephant’ in Bankruptcy: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali said he is concerned that another disastrous wildfire could cause the utility to default on the loans it is using to help pay for operations while under court protection.

PG&E Bankruptcy Financing Stumbles on Worries About More Fires - WSJ

PG&E Bankruptcy Financing Stumbles on Worries About More Fires - WSJ: The judge presiding over the bankruptcy of PG&E Corp. is worried that another year of wildfires could upend the utility’s efforts to pull out of massive financial and legal trouble.

CeraWeek 2019 Day 4: Even Coal Thinks Solar Power Is Ascendant - Bloomberg

CeraWeek 2019 Day 4: Even Coal Thinks Solar Power Is Ascendant - Bloomberg: It’s Day 4 of CERAWeek by IHS Markit, the annual week-long gathering in Houston of some of the energy industry’s biggest names. Today’s agenda includes offshore wind, Latin American power auctions, electric vehicles and coal’s challenges.

Electric company equipment started the Thomas Fire, investigators rule

Electric company equipment started the Thomas Fire, investigators rule: At a time in which PG&E has been driven into bankruptcy over its proven and suspected involvement in Northern California wildfires, Ventura County

PG&E Saga Shows Calif. Utility Model Untenable, Execs Say - Law360

PG&E Saga Shows Calif. Utility Model Untenable, Execs Say - Law360: Pacific Gas & Electric Co.’s bankruptcy in the wake of catastrophic wildfires highlights how “unsustainable” California’s utility model is and the need for change, the CEOs of Vistra Energy and Florida Power & Light Co. said at a Houston energy conference Thursday.

Who Deserves PG&E’s Assets? Fire Victims Face a New Ordeal

Who Deserves PG&E’s Assets? Fire Victims Face a New Ordeal



https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/14/business/energy-environment/pge-bankruptcy-claims.html

Will PG&E Get Help From California? Don’t Count On It.


Will PG&E Get Help From California? Don’t Count On It.


https://www.barrons.com/articles/will-pg-e-get-help-from-california-dont-count-on-it-51552579292

FERC Using Power Deal Spat To Alter Bankruptcy Law: PG&E


FERC Using Power Deal Spat To Alter Bankruptcy Law: PG&E


https://www.law360.com/california/articles/1138999/ferc-using-power-deal-spat-to-alter-bankruptcy-law-pg-e

PG&E Saga Shows Calif. Utility Model Untenable, Execs Say


PG&E Saga Shows Calif. Utility Model Untenable, Execs Say


https://www.law360.com/texas/articles/1138947/pg-e-saga-shows-calif-utility-model-untenable-execs-say

Edison Chief Warns Junk Rating is Imminent

Edison Chief Warns Junk Rating is Imminent (12:52 p.m.)

Edison International’s chief executive said the utility owner’s credit could be downgraded to junk within months unless California comes up with a fix to wildfire liability issues that forced PG&E Corp. to file for bankruptcy.
At the same time, another year of catastrophic fires could prove fatal for the Southern California utility giant, Edison CEO Pedro Pizarro said Thursday on the sidelines of the CERAWeek by IHS Markit conference in Houston.
“We do not face the risk of bankruptcy based on the prior events of 2017 and 2018,” he said. “The risk for all of us is what happens ahead.”

NuScale officials: Small modular reactor plant slated for desert site will be a 'worldwide showcase' | Local News | postregister.com

NuScale officials: Small modular reactor plant slated for desert site will be a 'worldwide showcase' | Local News | postregister.com: CORVALLIS, Ore. — Since the 1940s, the Idaho National Laboratory has played a central role in the country’s nuclear power industry.

UPDATE 2-U.S. and India commit to building six nuclear power plants By Reuters

UPDATE 2-U.S. and India commit to building six nuclear power plants By Reuters: UPDATE 2-U.S. and India commit to building six nuclear power plants

Trump's 2020 budget request highlights MOX, pit production, plutonium removal and more | News | aikenstandard.com

Trump's 2020 budget request highlights MOX, pit production, plutonium removal and more | News | aikenstandard.com

No uranium ore exposure for Grand Canyon park employees

No uranium ore exposure for Grand Canyon park employees: FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities say preliminary findings indicate no current uranium ore exposure for employees and visitors at Grand Canyon National Park. Park officials announced last...

New regulations coming for US nuclear plants 8 years after Fukushima disaster

New regulations coming for US nuclear plants 8 years after Fukushima disaster: Federal regulators are marking the eight-year anniversary of the horrendous tsunami and nuclear power plant disaster that rocked Fukushima, Japan, by issuing major new regulations this spring to harden the U.S. power plant fleet against multiple threats that could lead to similar disasters in the United States.

Perry says he's 'thrown a lot of jello at the wall,' on coal, nuclear closures - Houston Chronicle

Perry says he's 'thrown a lot of jello at the wall,' on coal, nuclear closures - Houston Chronicle

Nuclear Jobs Outlook Hinges on Advanced Designs' Success, Existing Plants

Nuclear Jobs Outlook Hinges on Advanced Designs' Success, Existing Plants: The U.S. nuclear industry faces a reckoning over whether existing nuclear plants will continue to operate or be pushed out by cheaper energy sources like natural gas, as well as whether new, advanced reactor designs will make it through the licensing process and onward to domestic construction.

Green energy failed the polar vortex test

Green energy failed the polar vortex test

San Francisco mulls creating its own 100 percent renewables-focused utility from PG&E wreckage | Energy Central

San Francisco mulls creating its own 100 percent renewables-focused utility from PG&E wreckage | Energy Central

No criminal charges against PG&E for string of Bay Area wildfires in 2017 | Energy Central

No criminal charges against PG&E for string of Bay Area wildfires in 2017 | Energy Central

New replacement steam generator for Gravelines 5 - World Nuclear News

New replacement steam generator for Gravelines 5 - World Nuclear News: One of three new replacement steam generators has arrived at the port of Dunkerque in northern France ahead of their installation at unit 5 of the nearby Gravelines nuclear power plant. Installation of the original replacement components was delayed from 2016 after discrepancies were found in their manufacturing files.

India, USA document their commitment to new build - World Nuclear News

India, USA document their commitment to new build - World Nuclear News: India and the USA have committed to strengthen bilateral security and civil nuclear cooperation, including the establishment of six US-designed nuclear power plants in India.

Yucca battle pits Shimkus against Democratic heavyweights over nuclear waste | St. Louis Public Radio

Yucca battle pits Shimkus against Democratic heavyweights over nuclear waste | St. Louis Public Radio: This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, May 6, 2011 - WASHINGTON - He's been vilified in the Las Vegas media, accused of staging a "publicity

Ahead Of Hearing On Concrete Cracks, Feds Approve 20-Year License For Seabrook Nuclear Plant | New Hampshire Public Radio

Ahead Of Hearing On Concrete Cracks, Feds Approve 20-Year License For Seabrook Nuclear Plant | New Hampshire Public Radio: Federal regulators have approved a new license for Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant. It caps months of controversy over whether they'd delay the decision,

FirstEnergy Solutions restructuring plan hits roadblock as federal agencies object - cleveland.com

FirstEnergy Solutions restructuring plan hits roadblock as federal agencies object - cleveland.com: The U.S. EPA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Trustee for the federal bankruptcy court are objecting to plans filed by FirstEnergy Solutions to shed all of its $3.6 billion in debt and emerge from bankruptcy as a company owned by its creditors.

Nuclear Jobs Outlook Hinges on Advanced Designs' Success, Existing Plants

Nuclear Jobs Outlook Hinges on Advanced Designs' Success, Existing Plants: The U.S. nuclear industry faces a reckoning over whether existing nuclear plants will continue to operate or be pushed out by cheaper energy sources like natural gas, as well as whether new, advanced reactor designs will make it through the licensing process and onward to domestic construction.

Seabrook nuke plant gets 20-year license extension   | State News | salemnews.com

Seabrook nuke plant gets 20-year license extension   | State News | salemnews.com

NRC grants license extension to Seabrook nuke plant | Local News | gloucestertimes.com

NRC grants license extension to Seabrook nuke plant | Local News | gloucestertimes.com

NRC grants license extension to Seabrook Station | News | eagletribune.com

NRC grants license extension to Seabrook Station | News | eagletribune.com: SEABROOK — NextEra Energy, the group that operates Seabrook Station, officially had its operating license renewed until 2050 after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted its approval Tuesday.

Nuclear watchdog group, citing potential safety issue at Three Mile Island, wants NRC to investigate | News | witf.org

Nuclear watchdog group, citing potential safety issue at Three Mile Island, wants NRC to investigate | News | witf.org

Britain’s on the Path to the Total Nuclear Meltdown | New Eastern Outlook

Britain’s on the Path to the Total Nuclear Meltdown | New Eastern Outlook: If only half a century ago Britain was among the leading players in the nuclear industry market that was exporting its technologies and building nuclear plants all across the world, it’s safe to say that today it’s nothing but a hollow shadow of its former glory. The number of operational nuclear power plants across the UK has been…

Report: India, Russia Sign $3 Billion Nuclear Attack Submarine Deal | The Diplomat

Report: India, Russia Sign $3 Billion Nuclear Attack Submarine Deal | The Diplomat: India and Russia have reportedly signed a $3 billion lease agreement for a nuclear-powered attack sub today.

Spain, UAE plan cooperation in fuel services - World Nuclear News

Spain, UAE plan cooperation in fuel services - World Nuclear News: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Enusa Industrias Avanzadas, defining a framework for collaboration and the exchange of information and expertise in the field of nuclear fuel services.

MIT Historian Alleges United Nations Scientific Cover-Up Of Death And Disease Toll From Chernobyl

MIT Historian Alleges United Nations Scientific Cover-Up Of Death And Disease Toll From Chernobyl: The new book "Manual for Survival" alleges a vast UN cover-up of Chernobyl deaths. Chernobyl experts strongly disagree.

Amid e-commerce surge, California cities want relief from truck pollution | The Energy Collective Daily

Amid e-commerce surge, California cities want relief from truck pollution | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

Underground power line to carry Iowa wind power to Chicago - Electric Light & Power

Underground power line to carry Iowa wind power to Chicago - Electric Light & Power: More than 36 percent of Iowa's electricity comes from wind turbines across the state

Nuclear Jobs Outlook Hinges on Advanced Designs' Success, Existing Plants

Nuclear Jobs Outlook Hinges on Advanced Designs' Success, Existing Plants: The U.S. nuclear industry faces a reckoning over whether existing nuclear plants will continue to operate or be pushed out by cheaper energy sources like natural gas, as well as whether new, advanced reactor designs will make it through the licensing process and onward to domestic construction.

The Drilldown: U.S. to build six nuclear power plants in India - iPolitics

The Drilldown: U.S. to build six nuclear power plants in India - iPolitics: The Lead The United States and India have agreed to a deal that would see the U.S. build six nuclear power plants in India.  The agreement, announced in a joint statement from the countries, came Wednesday following two days of discussions between Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for …

Duke rate hike due in part to abandoned Upstate nuclear plant plans

Duke rate hike due in part to abandoned Upstate nuclear plant plans: Duke Energy held the second of three public meetings about a proposed rate hike at Anderson County Council Chambers on Wednesday evening as they confirm that the rate increase is partially...

Is nuclear part of a solution to climate change? [Opinion] - HoustonChronicle.com

Is nuclear part of a solution to climate change? [Opinion] - HoustonChronicle.com: Forty years ago this month, the United States dodged a major bullet with the Three Mile Island disaster in Pennsylvania. The fright was good for us, since it put the brakes on enthusiasm for nuclear power. Now, as presidential candidates discuss a Green New Deal, it is easy to envision renewed interest in nuclear to reduce our nation’s impact on global climate. After all, it produces no carbon dioxide emissions beyond those associated with the construction of power plants. And nuclear power is not burdened with the indirect health effects associated with the mining and combustion of coal for electricity, nor does it destroy mountaintops in West Virginia. Nevertheless, we should be cautious about nuclear. We’ve seen two big examples of the dangers of nuclear power beyond the partial meltdown of a reactor at Three Mile Island, located near Harrisburg in Dauphin County. The 1986 disaster at Chernobyl left about 1,000 square miles of land uninhabitable by humans for the foreseeable future, including dangerous levels of Plutonium-239 in the soil. Plutonium-239 has a half-life of 24,000 years. Imagine the same for a nuclear power plant near you. For central North Carolina, where I live,

Does the United States Need a Civilian Nuclear Industry? | The National Interest

Does the United States Need a Civilian Nuclear Industry? | The National Interest: Instead of a greater financial cushion, what the nuclear industry needs is more transparent exposure to market signals.

PPL blasts proposal to subsidize nuclear power, save Three Mile Island plant from closing | Local News | lancasteronline.com

PPL blasts proposal to subsidize nuclear power, save Three Mile Island plant from closing | Local News | lancasteronline.com: PPL Electric Utilities, which delivers most of the power to Lancaster County residents, has spoken out strongly against a legislative proposal to subsidize nuclear energy in Pennsylvania, including saving the

European Parliament votes against Turkey's upcoming nuclear power plant

European Parliament votes against Turkey's upcoming nuclear power plant: The parliament has called on Turkey to halt constructing a nuclear power plant and consult Greece and Greek Cypriots for negotiations.

Pennsylvania Nuclear Power Bill Designed to Compete with NatGas | 2019-03-13 | Natural Gas Intelligence

Pennsylvania Nuclear Power Bill Designed to Compete with NatGas | 2019-03-13 | Natural Gas Intelligence

U.S. to help in building 6 nuclear power plants in India - The Hindu

U.S. to help in building 6 nuclear power plants in India - The Hindu: An agreement to cooperate in civil nuclear energy sector was signed in October 2008.

US to build six nuclear power plants in India


US to build six nuclear power plants in India

India and US sign a deal on closer security and civil nuclear cooperation after two days of talks in Washington.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/03/build-nuclear-power-plants-india-190314072408714.html

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Arguments Heat Up as PSEG Fights for State to Subsidize Nuclear Plants - NJ Spotlight

Arguments Heat Up as PSEG Fights for State to Subsidize Nuclear Plants - NJ Spotlight: Company claims South Jersey plants uneconomic otherwise. Rate Counsel Stefanie Brand accuses it of ‘holding a gun to the regulators’ head’

LANL would benefit from Trump budget plan on nukes | Local News | santafenewmexican.com

LANL would benefit from Trump budget plan on nukes | Local News | santafenewmexican.com: The nuclear funding would have implications for New Mexico.

US to build fast neutron test reactor; Finland awards operating licence to Europe’s first EPR

 

US to build fast neutron test reactor; Finland awards operating licence to Europe’s first EPR


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/us-build-fast-neutron-test-reactor-finland-awards-operating-licence-europes-first-epr?utm_campaign=NEI%2013MAR19%20Newsletter%20Version%20A&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=f781530ba49646d0b218f5cd71ae4e16&elq=54d4347d2cb24854b35303679d1f3d4d&elqaid=43513&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=24781

PG&E seeks decommissioning head start as cost estimates rise



PG&E seeks decommissioning head start as cost estimates rise


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/pge-seeks-decommissioning-head-start-cost-estimates-rise?utm_campaign=NEI%2013MAR19%20Newsletter%20Version%20A&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=1fd10d4bdec044859a5698c9ac94c1b1&elq=54d4347d2cb24854b35303679d1f3d4d&elqaid=43513&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=24781

Canada SMR groups pass early development tests in first reactor push

 

Canada SMR groups pass early development tests in first reactor push


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/canada-smr-groups-pass-early-development-tests-first-reactor-push?utm_campaign=NEI%2013MAR19%20Newsletter%20Version%20A&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=f88f5188ba3140249d0a8bba3794dd63&elq=54d4347d2cb24854b35303679d1f3d4d&elqaid=43513&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=24781

Spain, UAE plan cooperation in fuel services - World Nuclear News

Spain, UAE plan cooperation in fuel services - World Nuclear News: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Enusa Industrias Avanzadas, defining a framework for collaboration and the exchange of information and expertise in the field of nuclear fuel services.

JEEP-II research reactor faces uncertain future - World Nuclear News

JEEP-II research reactor faces uncertain future - World Nuclear News: Norway's Institute for Energy Technology has delayed the restart of the JEEP-II research reactor at Kjeller after corrosion was discovered on several components during a maintenance outage. The reactor will require "extensive and costly" repairs if it is to be restarted.

Korean companies team up for overseas I&C projects - World Nuclear News

Korean companies team up for overseas I&C projects - World Nuclear News: An agreement to jointly participate in overseas nuclear digital instrumentation and control projects has recently been signed between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction. Both companies were involved in the development of the Korean Digital I&C system.

Power firms at odds over how to shut down Spain's oldest nuclear plant | Reuters

Power firms at odds over how to shut down Spain's oldest nuclear plant | Reuters: Spain's main electricity providers have signed up to a protocol for phasing out nuclear power, but failed to agree on the country's oldest plant as a deadline to decide its fate looms.

New regulations coming for US nuclear plants 8 years after Fukushima disaster

New regulations coming for US nuclear plants 8 years after Fukushima disaster: Federal regulators are marking the eight-year anniversary of the horrendous tsunami and nuclear power plant disaster that rocked Fukushima, Japan, by issuing major new regulations this spring to harden the U.S. power plant fleet against multiple threats that could lead to similar disasters in the United States.

Fight over nuclear plants arrives at Pennsylvania Capitol - News - Bucks County Courier Times - Levittown, PA

Fight over nuclear plants arrives at Pennsylvania Capitol - News - Bucks County Courier Times - Levittown, PA

PG&E Update: California Utility May Face More Wildfire Challenges Ahead

PG&E Update: California Utility May Face More Wildfire Challenges Ahead: Gov. Gary Newson is considering overhauling California's Public Utilities Commission, which could mean challenges ahead for PG&E and other utilities in the state.

PG&E bankruptcy raises worries about wildfire-linked loan

PG&E bankruptcy raises worries about wildfire-linked loan: PG&E was forced to wait until later this month to learn if it can land $5.5 billion in financing in a bankruptcy case linked to a series of lethal infernos in Northern California, and some attorneys urged a judge to remember the victims of the wildfires of recent years.

PG&E Judge Calls New Fire Season Hidden `Elephant’ in Bankruptcy

PG&E Judge Calls New Fire Season Hidden `Elephant’ in Bankruptcy: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali said he is concerned that another disastrous wildfire could cause the utility to default on the loans it is using to help pay for operations while under court protection.

PG&E bankruptcy judge raises prospect of government running company - SFChronicle.com

PG&E bankruptcy judge raises prospect of government running company - SFChronicle.com: US Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali brought up the hypothetical possibility that the government could run PG&E during a San Francisco hearing about the utility’s request to access $5.5 billion in credit and loans.

PG&E Bankruptcy Financing Stumbles on Worries About More Fires - WSJ

PG&E Bankruptcy Financing Stumbles on Worries About More Fires - WSJ: The judge presiding over the bankruptcy of PG&E Corp. is worried that another year of wildfires could upend the utility’s efforts to pull out of massive financial and legal trouble.

PG&E spared criminal charges in deadly 2017 California wildfires | Reuters

PG&E spared criminal charges in deadly 2017 California wildfires | Reuters: An investigation into fierce wildfires that swept Northern California's wine country in 2017, killing 46 people, found no basis to criminally charge PG&E, the utility whose power lines helped spark the conflagration, prosecutors said on Monday.

DA: No Criminal Charges Filed Against PG&E For 2017 Wine Country Wildfires – CBS San Francisco

DA: No Criminal Charges Filed Against PG&E For 2017 Wine Country Wildfires – CBS San Francisco

No criminal charges against PG&E in 2017 North Bay wildfires | The Sacramento Bee

No criminal charges against PG&E in 2017 North Bay wildfires | The Sacramento Bee: Officials in four north bay counties, including Sonoma and Napa, announced on Tuesday they will not file criminal charges against Pacific Gas & Electric for power line equipment failures that triggered a series of wildfires in 2017.

Troubled PG&E reportedly close to naming next CEO - San Francisco Business Times

Troubled PG&E reportedly close to naming next CEO - San Francisco Business Times

Federal court denies FERC jurisdiction in PG&E bankruptcy case | Utility Dive

Federal court denies FERC jurisdiction in PG&E bankruptcy case | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

NRC approves Seabrook plant’s license extension

 

NRC approves Seabrook plant’s license extension


https://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20190312/nrc-approves-seabrook-plants-license-extension

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Bill Gates: If Africa Can Be Electrified, The Whole World Will Benefit Too

Bill Gates: If Africa Can Be Electrified, The Whole World Will Benefit Too: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation sets out to improve the quality of healthcare and agribusiness in Africa, while delivering clean energy. It is spending $2 billion a year to, in part, electrify the continent — the foundation from which it can build a future.

PG&E Corporation (PCG) filed on Tuesday, Mar 12 8-K | Thorold News

PG&E Corporation (PCG) filed on Tuesday, Mar 12 8-K | Thorold News: PG&E Corporation filed 8-K with SEC. Read (PCG)'s full filing at 000095015719000264.Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year. The disclosure under Item 8.01 of this current report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference. Item 8.01 Other Events. On March 12, 2019, the Board of Directors (the 'Board') of PG&E Corporation (the 'Corporation') determined to further extend the deadline (the 'Shareholder Proposal Deadline') pursuant to the Corporation's Bylaws for receipt of written notice by a shareholder of any business, including the nomination of any person for election to the Board, to be brought before the Corporation's 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, including any adjournments, postponements, reschedules or continuations thereof (the '2019 Annual Meeting'), from 5:00 p.m. PDT on March 12, 2019 to 5:00 p.m. PDT on March 19, 2019. Any director nomination or other proposal received by the Corporate Secretary of the Corporation

PG&E completes natural gas pipeline safety report - Electric Light & Power

PG&E completes natural gas pipeline safety report - Electric Light & Power: The Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan was first submitted to regulators in August 2011, 11 months after a PG&E gas line exploded in San Bruno. The blast and resulting fire killed eight people in the quiet neighborhood.

San Francisco’s Version of a Green New Deal Is Taking Over Its Power Company - Bloomberg

San Francisco’s Version of a Green New Deal Is Taking Over Its Power Company - Bloomberg: Think flower power—but literally.

California Weighs Overhauling Utility Regulator After PG&E Bankruptcy - WSJ

California Weighs Overhauling Utility Regulator After PG&E Bankruptcy - WSJ: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering replacing the head of the state Public Utilities Commission and overhauling the body in the wake of PG&E's bankruptcy as he and other leaders prepare for another wildfire season.

Calif governor could make sweeping change at state's power regulator

Calif governor could make sweeping change at state's power regulator

In defense of $5.5 bln loan, PG&E says plans housing fund for wildfire victims | Reuters

In defense of $5.5 bln loan, PG&E says plans housing fund for wildfire victims | Reuters: PG&E Corp said on Monday it will soon create a fund to provide housing for victims of California wildfires but argued that court approval of a $5.5 billion bankruptcy loan should not be conditioned on establishment of the fund.

Don’t let PG&E’s perfectly good bankruptcy go to waste - SFChronicle.com

Don’t let PG&E’s perfectly good bankruptcy go to waste - SFChronicle.com: Should PG&E be saved? Only if it can be transformed into a utility serving 21st century needs. Here’s what that would look like.

PG&E Update: California Utility May Face More Wildfire Challenges Ahead

PG&E Update: California Utility May Face More Wildfire Challenges Ahead: Gov. Gary Newson is considering overhauling California's Public Utilities Commission, which could mean challenges ahead for PG&E and other utilities in the state.

PG&E and the future of U.S. utilities – pv magazine USA

PG&E and the future of U.S. utilities – pv magazine USA: California utility Pacific Gas & Electric’s bankruptcy points to a crisis not only at the company, but in the business model for utilities in the United States. And it is far from clear what will come next.

PG&E’s next CEO could be leader of Tennessee Valley Authority - Los Angeles Times

PG&E’s next CEO could be leader of Tennessee Valley Authority - Los Angeles Times: Bill Johnson of the Tennessee Valley Authority, a federally operated utility, is the frontrunner for the PG&E job, sources said. They also said PG&E is close to picking new directors for its board.

PG&E Bankruptcy: TVA Chief Bill Johnson Is Front-Runner for CEO - Bloomberg

PG&E Bankruptcy: TVA Chief Bill Johnson Is Front-Runner for CEO - Bloomberg: The person to lead California utility giant PG&E Corp. out of the biggest utility bankruptcy in U.S. history may be Bill Johnson, the outgoing chief of the federally operated Tennessee Valley Authority.

Courts reject FERC’s bid for jurisdiction in PG&E bankruptcy – pv magazine USA

Courts reject FERC’s bid for jurisdiction in PG&E bankruptcy – pv magazine USA: A district court has ruled that the bankruptcy court will be where the decisions are made as to what happens to power contracts, ending a push by developers to give FERC a greater say.

Bankruptcy Court To Keep FERC-PG&E Power Deals Fight - Law360

Bankruptcy Court To Keep FERC-PG&E Power Deals Fight - Law360: A California district judge Monday denied a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission move to take its dispute over whether it can stop Pacific Gas and Electric Co. from tearing up $42 million in power purchase agreements out of bankruptcy court.

Letter: PG&E needs to liquidate all assets before bankruptcy – The Mercury News

Letter: PG&E needs to liquidate all assets before bankruptcy – The Mercury News: PG&E should not give employees bonuses -- PG&E needs to pay the wildfire victims first.

US budget request supports Yucca Mountain - World Nuclear News

US budget request supports Yucca Mountain - World Nuclear News: The US Administration's budget request for fiscal 2020, which begins on 1 October, seeks to restart the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing procedure for the Yucca Mountain geologic repository and also provides for the regulator to prepare for licensing advanced reactors.

Romania enhances safety at Cernavoda, IAEA reports - World Nuclear News

Romania enhances safety at Cernavoda, IAEA reports - World Nuclear News: The International Atomic Energy Agency said yesterday that the operator of Romania’s Cernavoda nuclear power plant had demonstrated "strengthened operational safety" by addressing the findings of an initial IAEA review in 2016.

Bulgaria invites investment in Belene project - World Nuclear News

Bulgaria invites investment in Belene project - World Nuclear News: Bulgaria's National Electricity Company yesterday announced a call for selection of a strategic investor for the construction of Belene nuclear power plant on the Danube River near the Romanian border. The call also allows for expressions of interest to acquire a minority shareholding in the future project.

General contract signed for Tianwan Phase IV - World Nuclear News

General contract signed for Tianwan Phase IV - World Nuclear News: The general contract has been signed for the construction of two further Russian-supplied reactors at the Tianwan nuclear power plant in China's Jiangsu province. In addition, a technical design contract was signed for a second pair of reactors at the Xudabao site in Liaoning province.

TVA investigating power loss to Alabama nuclear plant - al.com

TVA investigating power loss to Alabama nuclear plant - al.com: TVA said there was no danger to the public or plant employees.

Trump budget to include funds to restart Yucca Mountain process | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Trump budget to include funds to restart Yucca Mountain process | Las Vegas Review-Journal

TVA investigating power outage at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant | News | timesdaily.com

TVA investigating power outage at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant | News | timesdaily.com: ATHENS — Tennessee Valley Authority nuclear personnel are trying to determine why an off-site power source failed, causing Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Unit 3 to automatically shut down late Saturday

Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Massachusetts returns to normal NRC oversight - Daily Energy Insider

Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Massachusetts returns to normal NRC oversight - Daily Energy Insider: Entergy’s Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Mass., returned to normal oversight by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission this week after successfully addressing past performance issues. © Shutterstock In August 2017, NRC detailed specific actions Entergy ... Read More »

Feds seek public input on Pilgrim performance assessment - News - The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA - Quincy, MA

Feds seek public input on Pilgrim performance assessment - News - The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA - Quincy, MA

US budget request supports Yucca Mountain - World Nuclear News

US budget request supports Yucca Mountain - World Nuclear News: The US Administration's budget request for fiscal 2020, which begins on 1 October, seeks to restart the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing procedure for the Yucca Mountain geologic repository and also provides for the regulator to prepare for licensing advanced reactors.

Dealing with Diablo Canyon's nuclear waste | KCBX

Dealing with Diablo Canyon's nuclear waste | KCBX: On Wednesday, March 13, the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel is hosting a public hearing on the management—over the coming decades—of the

Trump's 2020 budget proposal calls for restarting Yucca Mountain licensing | KSNV

Trump's 2020 budget proposal calls for restarting Yucca Mountain licensing | KSNV: President Donald Trump's budget proposal for 2020 calls for restarting licensing at the long-dormant Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository. The White House on Monday released its budget plan to Congress for the 2020 fiscal year, asking for $31. 7 billion in funding for the U. S. Energy Department.

Yucca Mountain budget request includes funds to hire 77 lawyers | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Yucca Mountain budget request includes funds to hire 77 lawyers | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Healey seeks delay, but NRC moves ahead on Seabrook license extension | Local News | newburyportnews.com

Healey seeks delay, but NRC moves ahead on Seabrook license extension | Local News | newburyportnews.com

Fukushima Nuclear Accident's 8th Anniversary: Book Review: An Alarming Inside View from the Top of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission - SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean EnergySACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

Fukushima Nuclear Accident's 8th Anniversary: Book Review: An Alarming Inside View from the Top of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission - SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean EnergySACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy: Today, March 11, marks the 8th anniversary of the devastating nuclear accident at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan in 2011. The ramifications of the triple nuclear meltdown continue today as thousands of Japanese are still displaced and an extremely complicated cleanup effort continues. On this somber anniversary, we wanted to call attention to the regulatory side of the nuclear power industry here in the U.S. and highlight a unique perspective from a former regulator, Gregory Jackzo, who was Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission during the accident and recently released a book about his experiences, which include the U.S. response to the #Fukushima disaster.

Radioactive Glass Beads May Tell the Terrible Tale of How the Fukushima Meltdown Unfolded - Scientific American

Radioactive Glass Beads May Tell the Terrible Tale of How the Fukushima Meltdown Unfolded - Scientific American: Scientific American is the essential guide to the most awe-inspiring advances in science and technology, explaining how they change our understanding of the world and shape our lives.

Footage of cracks in North Ayrshire nuclear reactor released | Environment | The Guardian

Footage of cracks in North Ayrshire nuclear reactor released | Environment | The Guardian: EDF Energy says cracks in offline Hunterston B reactor growing faster than expected

Trump budget to include funds to restart Yucca Mountain process | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Trump budget to include funds to restart Yucca Mountain process | Las Vegas Review-Journal

TVA investigating power outage at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant | News | timesdaily.com

TVA investigating power outage at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant | News | timesdaily.com: ATHENS — Tennessee Valley Authority nuclear personnel are trying to determine why an off-site power source failed, causing Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Unit 3 to automatically shut down late Saturday

Officials prepare for end of Indian Point closure

Officials prepare for end of Indian Point closure: It's the beginning of the end for nuclear power generation at Indian Point in Buchanan.

Cortez Masto puts hold on all DOE nominees in a bid to fend off any more secret plutonium shipments - The Nevada Independent

Cortez Masto puts hold on all DOE nominees in a bid to fend off any more secret plutonium shipments - The Nevada Independent

UPDATE 1-U.S. energy exports a lever in trade talks with China -Perry | Reuters

UPDATE 1-U.S. energy exports a lever in trade talks with China -Perry | Reuters: Rapidly expanding exports of U.S. fossil fuels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), serve as leverage in trade negotiations with China, Energy Secretary Rick Perry said on Monday.

Pennsylvania state lawmaker offers bill to save nuclear power plants | Reuters

Pennsylvania state lawmaker offers bill to save nuclear power plants | Reuters: Pennsylvania state Representative Tom Mehaffie introduced legislation on Monday that would compensate the state's nuclear reactors for the zero-carbon energy they produce, in an effort to provide the plants with enough revenue to stay open.

Hungry for green power, tech giants choose between utilities, independent developers


Hungry for green power, tech giants choose between utilities, independent developers


https://www.utilitydive.com/news/hungry-for-green-power-tech-giants-choose-between-utilities-independent-d/550032/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202019-03-12%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:19836%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive

Pennsylvania lawmaker: State crafted nuke subsidy bill after DOE said not to wait for bailout

 

Pennsylvania lawmaker: State crafted nuke subsidy bill after DOE said not to wait for bailout


https://www.utilitydive.com/news/pennsylvania-lawmaker-state-crafted-nuke-subsidy-bill-after-doe-said-not-t/550287/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202019-03-12%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:19836%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive

Germany′s atomic phase-out: How to dismantle a nuclear power plant | Environment| All topics from climate change to conservation | DW | 11.03.2019

Germany′s atomic phase-out: How to dismantle a nuclear power plant | Environment| All topics from climate change to conservation | DW | 11.03.2019: Germany now has just seven nuclear plants left in operation, but what becomes of those that are already decommissioned? Bits of them are recycled, and could ultimately end up in our kitchens.

Legislation Being Introduced To Give Millions To Pa.'s 5 Nuclear Power Plants - CBS Pittsburgh

Legislation Being Introduced To Give Millions To Pa.'s 5 Nuclear Power Plants - CBS Pittsburgh

Nuclear power backers push cheaper, smaller plants | Financial Times

Nuclear power backers push cheaper, smaller plants | Financial Times: Reactors need to be built on time and at lower cost to remain competitive

Pa. bill would add nuclear power to alternative energy lists

Pa. bill would add nuclear power to alternative energy lists: Financially struggling plants such as Dauphin County's Three Mile Island could be saved from premature closure if the legislation passes, said the bill's prime sponsor, state Rep. Thomas Mehaffie, R-Dauphin County.

Video Footage Reveals Hairline Cracks In A Nuclear Reactor In Scotland | IFLScience

Video Footage Reveals Hairline Cracks In A Nuclear Reactor In Scotland | IFLScience: Video footage reveals hairline cracks in the graphite bricks inside a nuclear reactor.

Ohio Weighs a Nuclear Plant Bailout at FirstEnergy's Urging. Will It Boost Renewables, Too? | InsideClimate News

Ohio Weighs a Nuclear Plant Bailout at FirstEnergy's Urging. Will It Boost Renewables, Too? | InsideClimate News: The powerful utility FirstEnergy has been pushing nuclear subsidies for years. It spent big in the last election and won a power shift in the legislature.

Fight over nuclear plants arrives at Pennsylvania Capitol - The Washington Post

Fight over nuclear plants arrives at Pennsylvania Capitol - The Washington Post: Legislation to pump hundreds of millions of ratepayer dollars into Pennsylvania’s five nuclear power plants could usher in heated debate over whether the plants deserve what critics call a bailout

Pennsylvania state lawmaker offers bill to save nuclear power plants | Reuters

Pennsylvania state lawmaker offers bill to save nuclear power plants | Reuters

Bill introduced to subsidize nuclear power in Pennsylvania, save Three Mile Island | Local News | lancasteronline.com

Bill introduced to subsidize nuclear power in Pennsylvania, save Three Mile Island | Local News | lancasteronline.com

Fight over nuclear power

Fight over nuclear power: HARRISBURG (AP) — Legislation designed to pump hundreds of millions of ratepayer dollars into Three Mile Island and Pennsylvania's other nuclear power plants was introduced Monday and could usher in heated debate over whether the plants deserve what critics call a bailout.The debate in Pennsylvania's Capitol will run up against a June 1 deadline in the nation's No. 2 nuclear power state.That's when Three Mile Island's owner, Chicago-based Exelon Corp., has said it will begin the

Business daily - Shutting down Fukushima nuclear plant could cost €648 billion, experts say

Business daily - Shutting down Fukushima nuclear plant could cost €648 billion, experts say: Eight years after a tsunami knocked out power and caused a meltdown at three of its four reactors, Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant is still in crisis. The biggest challenge facing TEPCO is the build-up of radioactive cooling water. More than 1.2 million tons have already been stored in tanks built on the site, and space is running out. Meanwhile, the clean-up costs are set to be much higher than initially estimated, according to a private think tank.

Fukushima And The Fatal Flows of Nuclear Power – KPFA

Fukushima And The Fatal Flows of Nuclear Power – KPFA: Marking the eight anniversary of the devastating earthquake that rocked Japan and subsequent tsunami that created a disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, we are in conversation with Gregor…

In aftermath of Fukushima triple meltdown, Japan's nuclear industry faces fierce headwind | The Japan Times

In aftermath of Fukushima triple meltdown, Japan's nuclear industry faces fierce headwind | The Japan Times: This is the last in a five-part series examining how the northeast and the nation are progressing with efforts to deal with the March 2011 earthquake, tsun

Hans Blix: Nuclear Energy Can Help Us Stop Climate Change | Time

Hans Blix: Nuclear Energy Can Help Us Stop Climate Change | Time

Opinion | Stephen Kinzer: We're edging closer to nuclear war - The Boston Globe

Opinion | Stephen Kinzer: We're edging closer to nuclear war - The Boston Globe: The India-Pakistan border skirmish underscores the risks of President Trump’s dangerous approach.

DOE: There's a definite need for a fast test reactor

DOE: There's a definite need for a fast test reactor

March 1, 2019
Graphic of a fast test PRISM reactor
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy is working with Idaho National Laboratory on the Versatile Test Reactor concept design that is based off of its PRISM reactor.
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
There’s a growing interest in advanced nuclear energy.
Private companies have already invested more than $1 billion in new reactor designs that will be smaller, more affordable, highly flexible and extremely safe. So safe, in fact, that in the event of a problem, human intervention is not necessary.
More than 40 U.S. companies are already working on these incredible reactor designs that could help power our homes, provide clean water, and decarbonize energy-intensive industries.
There’s just one problem…
The United States doesn’t have a facility to effectively test and qualify the materials needed to develop some of these advanced reactors.
That’s why it is imperative that the U.S. Department of Energy moves forward with its plans to build a versatile test reactor, or VTR.   

What is a versatile test reactor?

VTR, tightly coupled with the rest of our research infrastructure, will be the state-of-the-art science and technology lab for advanced nuclear energy.
It will feature a sodium-cooled fast reactor that uses high energy neutrons to test and develop advanced reactor fuels and materials.
Fast reactors use fast-moving neutrons to operate at higher temperatures and lower pressures. They can be cooled by molten salt, liquid metal, or helium gas.
This leads to inherent safety features, higher operating efficiencies and less waste.

Why do we need VTR?

Many of the advanced reactor designs that will likely produce power in the future will be fast reactors.
Because these designs use high energy neutrons, they interact differently with the materials they come in contact with.
Unfortunately, U.S. developers are limited in the amount of data they can use to properly characterize these materials.
That’s because America hasn’t operated a fast test reactor in more than two decades.
VTR eliminates this research gap and would drastically speed up the time it takes to test, develop and qualify advanced reactor technologies.
It would also be pivotal in creating new fuels, materials, instrumentation and sensors that could position the U.S. as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology.
These innovations could drastically extend lifetime reactor cores, boost fuel performance and even accelerate fusion research.

Putting America first

Advanced nuclear will be developed with or without the United States.
If we don’t build this capability, U.S. companies will have no choice but to rely on foreign countries like Russia and China to develop their technologies.
This would be a missed opportunity for our nation to modernize its nuclear research infrastructure and export new technologies that could re-energize the nuclear industry.
Regaining global leadership in this emerging technology space is also essential in protecting our interests, along with our allies, when it comes to nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.

What’s next?

DOE will now move forward with its conceptual design of the reactor, which could be completed as early as 2026 at the site of one our national labs.

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