Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire: 5/5/19

Friday, May 10, 2019

It may become impossible to tell if Iran starts making a nuclear bomb | New Scientist

It may become impossible to tell if Iran starts making a nuclear bomb | New Scientist: US hostility to arms control treaties has put Iran back on a path to building nuclear weapons, and inspectors could be left blind if the deal collapses

Nuclear Power Plant and Equipment Market 2019 – Estimates CAGR Analysis, Competitive Strategies, Growth Factors And Regional Outlook – TechZiffy

NASA's Kilopower nuclear reactor would be a space exploration game changer | TheHill

From the A bomb to the AI bomb, nuclear weapons' problematic evolution

From the A bomb to the AI bomb, nuclear weapons' problematic evolution: From autonomous nuclear submarines to algorithms detecting a threat, to robot-guided high-speed missiles, artificial intelligence could revolutionise nuclear weapons – risking some profound ethical conundrums – a recent report reveals.

No irregularities reported at nuclear power plants - News - NHK WORLD - English

No irregularities reported at nuclear power plants - News - NHK WORLD - English: Kyushu Electric Power Company says there are no irregularities at its Sendai nuclear plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, and that the reactors are operating normally.

China Focus: Chinese scientists develop virtual nuclear power plant for safety assessment - Xinhua | English.news.cn

If Nuclear Energy Is Replaced By Natural Gas, Say Goodbye To Climate Goals

If Nuclear Energy Is Replaced By Natural Gas, Say Goodbye To Climate Goals: Nuclear energy’s financial troubles, ironically, come as the global community is seeking out low-to-no carbon fuels. If policymakers pice carbon, it will change nuclear's fate. If not, natural gas may consume it, which isn't what climate hawks want.

RIP Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant, 1974-2019

PG&E power deals ruling set for judicial decision | Windpower Monthly

PG&E power deals ruling set for judicial decision | Windpower Monthly: Read PG&E power deals ruling set for judicial decision and other wind energy news & analysis on Windpower Monthly

Senators critique Newsom’s wildfire response plan

Growing insurance claims from wildfires making it harder for some Californians to get coverage | KSBY.com

Growing insurance claims from wildfires making it harder for some Californians to get coverage | KSBY.com: Local firefighters are getting ahead of fire season by starting training efforts just as a new report reveals insurance claims for damages from the state's deadly November wildfires have topped $12 billion.

Insurance Claims from Deadly California Wildfires Top $12B | FOX40

Insurance Claims from Deadly California Wildfires Top $12B | FOX40: SACRAMENTO (AP) — Insurance claims have topped $12 billion for the November wildfires in California, making them the most expensive in state history.

A $10 Billion Fund for California Fire Costs May Dry Up by 2030 - Bloomberg

A $10 Billion Fund for California Fire Costs May Dry Up by 2030 - Bloomberg: California has for months been weighing the idea of a fund that utilities could dip into when facing crippling costs tied to wildfires. On Wednesday, state lawmakers got a feel for how big that fund would have to be.

Diablo Canyon already produces clean energy | Letters | San Luis Obispo | New Times San Luis Obispo

Diablo Canyon already produces clean energy | Letters | San Luis Obispo | New Times San Luis Obispo: I see the Mothers for Peace is once again assuring us that PG&E will keep its word and replace Diablo Canyon Power Plant's production with...

Can PG&E Corp (PCG) Stock Bounce Back from Recent Selloff? - InvestorsObserver

Can PG&E Corp (PCG) Stock Bounce Back from Recent Selloff? - InvestorsObserver: PG&E Corporation (PCG) stock is lower by -54.85% over the last 12 months, and the average rating from Wall Street... Read More >

PG&E Judge Wary of Push for Official Voice for Ratepayers in Bankruptcy Court - WSJ

PG&E Judge Wary of Push for Official Voice for Ratepayers in Bankruptcy Court - WSJ: PG&E Corp. ratepayers Thursday faced tough questioning from a bankruptcy judge as they sought to gain an official voice in the California utility’s bankruptcy.

California regulators dig into safety qualifications of new PG&E board | Utility Dive

California regulators dig into safety qualifications of new PG&E board | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

US keeps raising Iran pressure, but to what end?

US keeps raising Iran pressure, but to what end?: Washington (AFP) May 9, 2019 - One year after President Donald Trump bolted from the Iran nuclear deal, the United States is ratcheting up pressure on Tehran nearly by the day, from expanding sanctions to deploying B-52 bombers.

US sanctions scare EU firms from Iran, imperilling nuke deal

US sanctions scare EU firms from Iran, imperilling nuke deal: London (AFP) May 9, 2019 - The Iran nuclear deal requires that its partners take action to boost the country's economy, but European companies remain fearful of exposing themselves to US sanctions, experts told AFP.

Iran nuclear deal: what happens now?

Iran nuclear deal: what happens now?: Vienna (AFP) May 8, 2019 - After Iran's announcement on Wednesday that it will stop respecting some limits on its nuclear activities imposed under a landmark 2015 deal with world powers, attention has turned to what repercussions the latest move will have.

How The Integral Fast Reactor Was killed - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

How The Integral Fast Reactor Was killed - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

Macron defends Saudi arms sales with new shipment in focus

Macron defends Saudi arms sales with new shipment in focus: Sibiu, Romania (AFP) May 9, 2019 - French President Emmanuel Macron defended his country's arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday as campaigners focused attention on a new shipment set to leave from the northern port of Le Havre.

Europe feels powerless as US faces off against Iran

Europe feels powerless as US faces off against Iran: Brussels (AFP) May 9, 2019 - European powers find themselves powerless to head off a looming clash between the United States and Iran, with no influence over Donald Trump's Washington and fading credibility in Tehran.

N.Korea says weapons test involved 'long-range' capability

Europe rejects Iran 'ultimatum' but stands by nuke deal

Europe rejects Iran 'ultimatum' but stands by nuke deal: Sibiu, Romania (AFP) May 9, 2019 - European powers Thursday denounced Tehran's threat to resume nuclear work, drawing a sharp response from the Iranian foreign minister who accused them of caving in to US bullying.

'Nobody's happy' about N. Korea missile launch, says Trump

'Nobody's happy' about N. Korea missile launch, says Trump: Seoul (AFP) May 10, 2019 - US President Donald Trump said that nobody's happy after North Korea raised the pressure over the future of their deadlocked nuclear negotiations by launching two short-range missiles.

Saudi Arabia Builds Nuclear Reactor. Some Worried. | RealClearEnergy

Saudi Arabia Builds Nuclear Reactor. Some Worried. | RealClearEnergy: Saudi Arabia Builds Nuclear Reactor. Some Worried. | RealClearEnergy

Time We Gave Nuclear Another Chance? | RealClearEnergy

Time We Gave Nuclear Another Chance? | RealClearEnergy: Time We Gave Nuclear Another Chance? | RealClearEnergy

Agreement Sets Up Cernavoda 3 & 4 Development - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Agreement Sets Up Cernavoda 3 & 4 Development - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

German Nuclear Groups Merge To Form New Industry Association

Rosatom expects foreign business income to double by 2024 - World Nuclear News

Rosatom expects foreign business income to double by 2024 - World Nuclear News: Rosatom expects to double revenue from its overseas business, from USD6.6 billion last year to USD15 billion by 2024, its director general, Alexey Likhachov, has told Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. In their meeting, on 6 May, Likhachov said foreign projects were the "key theme" of the state nuclear corporation’s future growth.

Nuclear Plant Construction Delay and Cost 6 | ANS Nuclear Cafe

What’s the Future of Nuclear Security? IAEA Launches Essay Competition for Students and Early Career Professionals

Artemy Konstantinov, IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security

The International Conference on Nuclear Security: Sustaining and Strengthening Efforts is taking place at the Agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 10 to 14 February 2020.

Students and professionals below the age of 35 can now submit entries to the IAEA’s 2020 International Essay Competition on Nuclear Security for Students and Early Career Professionals in cooperation with the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN). The contest is part of the IAEA's International Conference on Nuclear Security: Sustaining and Strengthening Efforts, taking place from 10 to 14 February, 2020 at IAEA headquarters in Vienna.
“Through this competition, the IAEA hopes to learn about innovative ideas and perspectives on the future of nuclear security,” said Senior Nuclear Security Officer Darren Chen, the scientific secretary for the 2020 conference. “The conference themes may serve as an inspiration for the essays, but we welcome entries related to any nuclear security topics. We in particular encourage qualified women and authors from developing countries to participate.”
The essays can be submitted in any of the official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish). Please refer to the Announcement for details.

The Award

Three finalists will be announced by 31 October 2019. They will each receive a cash prize of €2000 and a certificate signed by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano.
The finalists will be invited to attend and present their essays at a side event of the Conference; the IAEA will cover all travel expenses. Winning essays will also be posted on the Conference website.
Through the Conference, the IAEA will raise awareness to maintain and further strengthen national nuclear security regimes, review the status of nuclear security efforts, promote IAEA nuclear security guidance and good practices and discuss further enhancements of IAEA nuclear security activities as well as the central role of the IAEA. Other topics on the agenda include: international legally and non-legally binding instruments, national nuclear security regimes, emerging technologies and the digital age, international cooperation and information exchange.

FERC Denies Rehearing in PG&E Bankruptcy Dispute, Asserting Parallel Authority to Review the Effects of Rejection - Lexology

FERC Denies Rehearing in PG&E Bankruptcy Dispute, Asserting Parallel Authority to Review the Effects of Rejection - Lexology: On May 1, 2019, FERC denied Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (“PG&E”) requests for rehearing of two prior orders in which FERC held that it and the…

Unpaid victims: PG&E still owes more than $200M in Butte Fire claims and liabilities;

In PG&E Bankruptcy, FERC Reasserts Concurrent Jurisdiction over the Disposition of Wholesale Power Contracts | Blank Rome LLP - JDSupra

Judge: San Francisco can pursue fight with PG&E over charges - SFChronicle.com

Judge: San Francisco can pursue fight with PG&E over charges - SFChronicle.com: SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A judge on Thursday allowed San Francisco to renew its stalled legal fight with Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. over power delivery costs. The city has been fighting with PG&E for years, arguing the utility requires it to install unnecessary and costly equipment in large projects like affordable housing development and public safety buildings. When PG&E filed for bankruptcy in January all legal actions were stopped, a routine procedure with all bankruptcy filings. On Thursday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali granted the city's request for an exemption to the litigation hold. The city argued that public safety consideration trumps the bankruptcy rules and the judge agreed. But the judge said San Francisco would have to wait with other creditors for PG&E to emerge from bankruptcy to collect any possible monetary damages. San Francisco generates its own electricity from a city-owned dam and reservoir near Yosemite National Park about 180 miles (290 kilometers) east of the city. The city pays PG&E to deliver the electricity. San Francisco is asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to force PG&E to lower its fees. San Francisco is

ORNL reactor technology might provide power in U.S. within 15 to 20 years - News - Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN - Oak Ridge, TN

ORNL reactor technology might provide power in U.S. within 15 to 20 years - News - Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN - Oak Ridge, TN: By mid-century in the United States, many existing nuclear power plants, mostly aging water-cooled reactors, will be shut down. Lou Qualls would like to see them replaced by passively safe, salt-cooled and salt-fueled reactors based on the molten salt reactor (MSR) technology developed in the 1950s and '60s at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

On eve of security site visit and after giving maiden Senate speech, Rosen promises to hound DOE's Perry over promise to remove plutonium - The Nevada Independent

Europe's Biggest Economy Is Worrying About Blackouts

Dem spending bill would block funds to support nuclear sales to Saudis | TheHill

Dem spending bill would block funds to support nuclear sales to Saudis | TheHill: A spending bill released Thursday by House Democrats would restrict the Trump administration from selling nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia.

California electric customers could see rising bills due to wildfires, declining sales: CPUC

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-electric-customers-could-see-rising-bills-due-to-wildfires-decl/554524/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202019-05-10%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:20838%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive

NERC to analyze first potential cyberattack on US grid | Utility Dive

NERC to analyze first potential cyberattack on US grid | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

China Focus: Chinese scientists develop virtual nuclear power plant for safety assessment - Xinhua | English.news.cn

House Appropriators Envision More Energy and Water Funding for 2020 - ExchangeMonitor

House Appropriators Envision More Energy and Water Funding for 2020 - ExchangeMonitor: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.

Salt Waste Processing Facility should be ready before 2020, SRS manager says | News | aikenstandard.com

Here's how you shut down a 47-year-old nuclear power station | Boston 25 News

Work at Savannah River National Laboratory suspended for two weeks | News | aikenstandard.com

Budget vetoes, Santee Cooper allowed in SC special session

Budget vetoes, Santee Cooper allowed in SC special session: COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina lawmakers will come back in special session to deal with the future of state-owned utility Santee Cooper and budget vetoes by the governor. The House...

Budget vetoes, Santee Cooper allowed in SC special session

Salt Waste Processing Facility should be ready before 2020, SRS manager says | News | aikenstandard.com

Rosatom expects foreign business income to double by 2024 - World Nuclear News

Shine breaks ground for US medical isotope facility

http://world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Ground-broken-for-US-medical-isotope-facility

Rising China Sells More Weapons – Federation Of American Scientists

Rising China Sells More Weapons – Federation Of American Scientists: "In 2018, China's arms sales increased, continuing a trend that enabled China to become the world's fastest-growing arms supplier during the past 15 years," according to the 2019 China Military Power report published by the Department of Defense. "From 2013 through 2017, China was the world's fourth

Defense Contracting Fraud: A Persistent Problem – Federation Of American Scientists

Defense Contracting Fraud: A Persistent Problem – Federation Of American Scientists: During the five year period from 2013-2017, there were 1,059 criminal cases of defense contracting fraud resulting in the conviction of 1,087 defendants, including 409 businesses, according to a newly released Department of Defense report to Congress. There were another 443 fraud-related civil cases

Thursday, May 9, 2019

ORNL reactor technology might provide power in U.S. within 15 to 20 years - News - Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN - Oak Ridge, TN

The Reason They Fictionalize Nuclear Disasters Like Chernobyl Is Because They Kill So Few People

The Reason They Fictionalize Nuclear Disasters Like Chernobyl Is Because They Kill So Few People: HBO’s “Chernobyl” mini-series suggests that it is difficult to make an exciting movie about nuclear disasters without leading viewers to believe that they were much worse than they actually were.

Making Nuclear Energy Smaller, Cheaper And Safer : NPR

Making Nuclear Energy Smaller, Cheaper And Safer : NPR: An Oregon company plans a new kind of nuclear power plant that many consider the future of the industry. It's smaller and cheaper and could work well with renewable energy.

ORNL reactor technology might provide power in U.S. within 15 to 20 years - News - Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN - Oak Ridge, TN

MOX contractor: Recent congressional funding was not enough for 'meaningful progress' | News | aikenstandard.com

Nevada senators, Rick Perry to tour site where plutonium stored | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Nevada senators, Rick Perry to tour site where plutonium stored | Las Vegas Review-Journal: Nevada senators and Energy Secretary Rick Perry will visit the Nevada National Security Site on Friday as part of a deal to remove weapons-grade plutonium from the state.

USS California arrives at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

USS California arrives at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: KITTERY, Maine (AP) — The USS California has arrived for scheduled maintenance at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The Virginia-class attack submarine traveled up the Piscataqua River to the...

Three Mile Island reactor shutdown to start soon; Exelon says Pennsylvania nuclear rescue is dead

Three Mile Island reactor shutdown to start soon; Exelon says Pennsylvania nuclear rescue is dead: Exelon says a Pennsylvania nuclear rescue is dead and plans to go forward with plans to shut down Three Mile Island, which employs 700 people. "We don’t see a path forward."

Excluding hydropower makes no sense | CALmatters

Excluding hydropower makes no sense | CALmatters: Excluding hydroelectric power from the state's renewable portfolio to reduce greenhouse gases makes no sense. A pending bill would bring some rationality to the situation.

Unpaid victims: PG&E still owes more than $200M in Butte Fire claims and liabilities;

Unpaid victims: PG&E still owes more than $200M in Butte Fire claims and liabilities;: Pacific Gas & Electric, the utility that sparked the devastating 2015 Butte Fire which scorched more than 110 square miles of Calaveras County, still owes $212 million in Butte Fire-related claims and liabilities, according to a quarterly report the utility filed with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission last week.

Insurance Claims from Deadly California Wildfires Top $12B | FOX40

Battle lines drawn in fight over proposed PG&E ratepayers' committee - Reuters

Battle lines drawn in fight over proposed PG&E ratepayers' committee - Reuters: PG&E Corp, its unsecured creditors and the U.S. trustee will urge a judge Thursday to deny an advocacy group's request for the appointment of a committee for ratepayers in the power provider's bankruptcy, saying the group has a thin argument for standing and history working against it.

FERC Denies Rehearing in PG&E Bankruptcy Dispute, Asserting Parallel Authority to Review the Effects of Rejection - Lexology

Unpaid victims: PG&E still owes more than $200M in Butte Fire claims and liabilities;

PG&E Probed by Plaintiffs' Lawyers, SEC | RTO Insider

PG&E Probed by Plaintiffs' Lawyers, SEC | RTO Insider: PG&E Corp. came under criticism from a federal judge, who ordered its new CEO and board members to view the scene of the devastating Camp Fire.

Posiva plugs repository demonstration tunnel - World Nuclear News

Posiva plugs repository demonstration tunnel - World Nuclear News: The full-scale in situ system test at the Onkalo underground characterisation facility near Olkiluoto has proceeded to the concreting phase in the construction of the end plug for the deposition tunnel, Finnish waste management company Posiva has announced.

Sellafield decommissioning partnerships announced - World Nuclear News

Sellafield decommissioning partnerships announced - World Nuclear News: Sellafield Ltd has awarded four 20-year contracts which together form the new Programme and Project Partnership. The company said it will work collaboratively with the four partners - Doosan Babcock Ltd, Kellogg Brown & Root Ltd, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and Wood plc - to deliver major projects in support of the site's 100-year decommissioning programme.

Rosatom committed to Iranian plant project - World Nuclear News

Rosatom committed to Iranian plant project - World Nuclear News: Rosatom's project to build nuclear power units at Bushehr is unaffected by current tensions surrounding US sanctions against Iran, its director general said yesterday.

Three Mile Island unit 1 closure confirmed - World Nuclear News

Three Mile Island unit 1 closure confirmed - World Nuclear News: Three Mile Island unit 1 will shut down by 30 September as no state-level policy solution can now be enacted in time to reverse the premature retirement of the Pennsylvania plant, Exelon Generation announced yesterday.

RNE 20: What is a Design Certification? Dr. Jose Reyes Guests! | ANS Nuclear Cafe

Hiding U.S. Nuclear Missiles in Arctic Ice? Not So Fast | Time

Hiding U.S. Nuclear Missiles in Arctic Ice? Not So Fast | Time: The U.S. once thought it had a genius plan. Nature got in the way. Here's what happened to Project Iceworm.

LTE: We should protect our nuclear plants - Opinion - The Intelligencer - Doylestown, PA

Cavendish Nuclear to build liquid waste plant at Hinkley Point A

Cavendish Nuclear to build liquid waste plant at Hinkley Point A: Babcock International Group’s wholly owned subsidiary Cavendish Nuclear has secured a contract to design and build a liquid waste treatment plant.

Rosatom committed to Iranian plant project - World Nuclear News

Massachusetts Needs to Reconsider Nuclear Energy

Massachusetts Needs to Reconsider Nuclear Energy: Nuclear power plants of the near future promise to be safer, cheaper, and more efficient than anything we’ve seen before. So why don’t we build more?

Iran rolls back nuclear pledges but stops short of violating pact

Iran rolls back nuclear pledges but stops short of violating pact: Iran announced on Wednesday it was scaling back curbs to its nuclear program, announcing steps that stop short of violating its 2015 deal with world powers for now.

Iran Threatens More Enrichment If No New Nuclear Deal – 710am KURV

Iran’s Nuclear Program - The Washington Post

Iran’s Nuclear Program - The Washington Post: Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been the subject of global hand-wringing for more than two decades. While Iran’s leaders long insisted the country was not building nuclear weapons, its enrichment of uranium and history of deception created deep mistrust. After more than two years of negotiations and threats to bomb the country’s facilities, Iran and world powers agreed in 2015 to settle the dispute. The deal set limits on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear work in exchange for relief from economic

Nuclear subsidy could have 'profound impact' on energy bills, consumer advocate tells lawmakers | State | thecourierexpress.com

Nuclear subsidy could have 'profound impact' on energy bills, consumer advocate tells lawmakers | State | thecourierexpress.com: Since the initial hearing nearly a month ago, the word “complex” has been used frequently to describe the provisions in a bill that could fortify Pennsylvania’s nuclear power industry.

Drones Find Unexpected Radiation 'Hotspots' in Forest Near Chernobyl

Drones Find Unexpected Radiation 'Hotspots' in Forest Near Chernobyl: Surveys conducted by aerial drones are helping scientists to map the radiation that still lingers in a forest near Chernobyl.

Here's how you shut down a 47-year-old nuclear power station | Boston 25 News

Here's how you shut down a 47-year-old nuclear power station | Boston 25 News: A big switch is about to be flipped off on the South Shore.

Funding could help expand Joint Base Charleston's Nuclear Power Training School

Funding could help expand Joint Base Charleston's Nuclear Power Training School: NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Money may soon be on the way to expand the nuclear power training school on Joint Base Charleston.

bne IntelliNews - Romania and China sign deal on nuclear power plant expansion

Russia’s Nuclear Power Exports are Booming

Russia’s Nuclear Power Exports are Booming: Rosatom has been using nuclear power plants as a way of cementing ties with its fellow emerging markets.

Three Mile Island nuclear plant to proceed with closure - U.S. - Stripes

Three Mile Island nuclear plant to proceed with closure - U.S. - Stripes: Three Mile Island, site of the U.S.’s worst commercial nuclear power accident, will begin a planned shutdown starting June 1 now that it is clear that it will not get a financial rescue from Pennsylvania, its owner said Wednesday.

Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant Is Shutting Down - The New York Times

Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant To Close, Latest Symbol Of Struggling Industry : NPR

Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant To Close, Latest Symbol Of Struggling Industry : NPR: The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, site of the nation's worst nuclear accident, will shut down by the end of September. Backers failed to secure subsidies to keep the plant operating.

Exelon says again: Three Mile Island is closing in September because Legislature has not acted | Press & Journal

Exelon's Three Mile Island-1 nuclear unit to shut by September | S&P Global Platts

Exelon's Three Mile Island-1 nuclear unit to shut by September | S&P Global Platts: Exelon Generation's 890 MW Three Mile Island 1 nuclear unit in Middletown, Pennsylvania, will permanently shut by September 30, the company said Wednesday.

No Time Left to Save Three Mile Island Reactor, Exelon Says

https://www.exchangemonitor.com/no-time-left-save-three-mile-island-reactor-exelon-says/?printmode=1

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

The Latest: the fire safety plan of PG&E - Tech Know Bits

The Latest: the fire safety plan of PG&E - Tech Know Bits: 5:10 p.m. California regulators are currently recommending adoption of Pacific Gas & Electric’s security plan geared toward reducing wildfires in the state. Staff members on Monday with the California Public Utilities Commission urged members if they meet on May 30 to reevaluate the program. The Northern California utility suggests adding more inspectors, along with other […]

Community Choice Aggregators And Wildfires - Stressors For California Utilities

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4261633-community-choice-aggregators-wildfires-stressors-california-utilities

NRC Board Denies Hearing on Holtec Planned Storage Facility -- Occupational Health & Safety

NRC Board Denies Hearing on Holtec Planned Storage Facility -- Occupational Health & Safety: While the three judges agreed some of the six petitioners met the qualifications for standing, they concluded the nearly 50 contentions raised were not admissible for an evidentiary hearing, holding that the contentions either were not relevant to the application or did not establish a genuine dispute with aspects of the application.

Federal panel rejects all objections to proposed New Mexico nuclear dump | KRWG

Federal panel rejects all objections to proposed New Mexico nuclear dump | KRWG: Commentary: On Tuesday, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that its Atomic Safety and Licensing Board had rejected every objection made by

Three Mile Island, site of worst-ever US nuclear plant disaster, will close without financial rescue

Floating Nuclear Power Plants: The Future of Energy? | American Council on Science and Health

Floating Nuclear Power Plants: The Future of Energy? | American Council on Science and Health: The ships could be floated to developing countries that often lack the capital for large construction projects, and they could simply plug a ship into their grid and buy electricity like any consumer.

Does nuclear power have a place in the world of renewable energy?

Does nuclear power have a place in the world of renewable energy?: The effects of global warming have hastened the switch to renewable energy sources, including hydro, biomass, wind, solar and geothermal generation of electricity. However, nuclear power has seemingly been put on the shelf — but is this the right move?

Closing nuclear plants will spike pollution, regulator says | Toledo Blade

Making Nuclear Energy Smaller, Cheaper And Safer : NPR

Bankrupt PG&E’s Economic Consultant Pick Has Conflict of Interest

Bankrupt PG&E’s Economic Consultant Pick Has Conflict of Interest: Bankrupt utility giant PG&E Corp. shouldn’t be able to hire Compass Lexecon LLC to evaluate damages resulting from the California wildfires because of a potential conflict of interest with the consultant’s parent company, a federal government watchdog said.

PG&E power deals ruling set for judicial decision | Windpower Monthly

PG&E power deals ruling set for judicial decision | Windpower Monthly: Read PG&E power deals ruling set for judicial decision and other wind energy news & analysis on Windpower Monthly

Iran’s Master Plan To Beat U.S. Sanctions | OilPrice.com

Nuclear News Roundup May 07, 2019 | Nucleotidings

Nuclear Weapons 677 - PAX Published Report On Profiteering On Nuclear Weapons Production - Part 1 of 2 Parts | Nucleotidings

Now Available: IAEA Handbook for Regulatory Inspectors of Nuclear Power Plants

Joanne Liou, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

Nuclear safety regulators and inspectors require rigorous training, particularly as their workload increases with new nuclear reactors opening and older ones going through decommissioning. While nuclear safety is a national responsibility, the IAEA provides support to regulators worldwide. The recently issued Handbook for Regulatory Inspectors of Nuclear Power Plants is part of the IAEA’s continued effort to develop training materials to support regulatory inspection programmes.
“The handbook is a very practical document. It offers general guidance on how to plan, prepare and conduct regulatory inspections. It also offers some guidance on how to evaluate inspection findings,” said Greg Rzentkowski, Director of Nuclear Installation Safety at the IAEA. “It is designed to support regulatory inspectors in developing and enhancing their competencies to inspect nuclear power plants.”
The handbook was developed to support newer inspectors, who take around two years to train, and also to help veterans of the field mentor the next generation of inspectors.

Enhancing inspection methods

The handbook covers methods to plan and perform inspection activities on safety-related systems, structures and components, evaluate the safety significance of inspection findings and document the results. Specific inspection considerations, such as radiation protection, weather-related hazards, fire protection and corrective action programmes, are also presented in the publication.
The handbook also outlines how to use a graded approach to select systems, structures and components for conducting inspections at nuclear power plants.
Though the publication focuses on the inspection of operating power plants, it also describes how inspection techniques can be applied to facilities under construction, pre-operational testing and decommissioning. Also covered are general techniques that may be applied to other types of nuclear facilities. “Technologies may change, but the fundamentals of an inspection process remain the same,” said Tim Kobetz, the IAEA Nuclear Safety Officer in charge of the publication. “Planning, interviewing, report writing, communications are key tasks for inspectors worldwide. You have to have on-the-job training and soft skills like effective communication – and this handbook helps with both.”
The handbook will be a useful component for IAEA workshops and training activities aimed at enhancing inspection procedures and safety measures at nuclear power plants, as well as a refresher for experienced inspectors, Kobetz highlighted. Twice per year, the IAEA conducts a two-week inspector training at Austria’s Zwentendorf Nuclear Power Plant and in other nuclear installations such as research reactors, and this handbook will now be included as a component of the training material.
The IAEA collaborated with nuclear regulators from Belarus, Canada, China, Finland, Pakistan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, the United States of America and Viet Nam to develop the content of the handbook.

The end of investment-grade utilities in California? | Utility Dive

The end of investment-grade utilities in California? | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

PG&E Under Investigation by SEC Over Wildfire Losses | Energy Central

Korea's Doosan to supply NuScale parts; French energy bill to delay reactor closures

https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/koreas-doosan-supply-nuscale-parts-french-energy-bill-delay-reactor-closures?utm_campaign=NEI%2008MAY19%20Newsletter%202&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=8ae765f8ee6a46af994d771c429d832b&elq=11f816eb00974a518d1ecbce24557302&elqaid=44696&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=25872

Orano eyes US spent fuel transfer after one year of cooling

https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/orano-eyes-us-spent-fuel-transfer-after-one-year-cooling?utm_campaign=NEI%2008MAY19%20Newsletter%202&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=25a0d9ae2dc34acc974304ae71cfecc1&elq=11f816eb00974a518d1ecbce24557302&elqaid=44696&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=25872

Final call to save the world from 'climate catastrophe'

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-45775309?utm_campaign=the_download.unpaid.engagement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=72468246&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ejpqmNAdCq6HQPoPSeCE2oXIYnqiPnvq3Kd8FF_3SQxFjTZpfYpD70SDqsPTytxnxFajzGmFtMF0-2oqKICf4N3Y6CmenbO9lCzIUqQ3tZs2VLeI&_hsmi=72468247

WHO Expert Consultation: Risk communication and intervention to reduce exposure and to minimize the health effects of air pollution

WHO Expert Consultation: Risk communication and intervention to reduce exposure and to minimize the health effects of air pollution

The two-day consultation took place on
12–14 February 2019 at WHO headquarters in Geneva. It included presentations on the current review of evidence, methods and applications, and will include significant time for discussion, identification of data gaps, research needs, and the next steps to derive expert suggestions in a consistent and harmonized approach, while providing elements of guidance in the form of specific and practical advice.

View the Expert Consultation homepage for more information

Air pollution and health

Air pollution kills an estimated 7 million people worldwide every year. WHO data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. WHO is working with countries to monitor air pollution and improve air quality. For more information:

A collection of short videos

How air pollution is destroying our health

A schoolboy walks through smoke and fumes emitted from a waste dump in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt

The First WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health took place from 30 October to 1 November 2018 in Geneva

Remote participation was facilitated by webcasting and live-streaming of the sessions and is available on the conference website.
The programme (linked below) provides an overview of the sessions and topics covered during the conference.
The Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, 30 October–1 November 2018 was organized at WHO headquarters in Geneva, in collaboration with UN Environment, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC) the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and The World Bank.

View the conference homepage for more...

Conference programme
pdf, 505kb

Conference overview agenda
pdf, 205kb

Spotlight on air pollution and health

A schoolboy walks through smoke and fumes emitted from a waste dump in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt (photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images)

News release: 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air

2 May 2018, Geneva – Air pollution levels remain at dangerously high levels in many parts of the world. New data reveals that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. like black carbon which penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system.
WHO estimates that around 7 million people die every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air that lead to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections, including pneumonia.

WHO/Yoshi Shimizu

Invisible killer

Air pollution is an invisible killer that lurks all around us, preying on the young and old. Learn how it slips unnoticed past our body's defenses causing deaths from heart attack, strokes, lung disease and cancer.

Watch the video

https://www.who.int/airpollution/en/?utm_campaign=the_download.unpaid.engagement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=72468246&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ejpqmNAdCq6HQPoPSeCE2oXIYnqiPnvq3Kd8FF_3SQxFjTZpfYpD70SDqsPTytxnxFajzGmFtMF0-2oqKICf4N3Y6CmenbO9lCzIUqQ3tZs2VLeI&_hsmi=72468247

Making Nuclear Energy Smaller, Cheaper And Safer : NPR

CAMPAIGN 2020: Opposing Yucca Mountain becomes Democratic litmus test -- Wednesday, May 8, 2019 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial

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Nuclear energy is crucial for a clean-energy future | The Seattle Times

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How to End a Decade of US Energy Policy Drought and Fight Climate Change

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Founded in 1961, the Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic shifts in economic and political influence that are shaping the twenty-first century by educating and galvanizing its uniquely influential, nonpartisan network of international political, business, and intellectual leaders. Through the papers we write, the ideas we promote, and the communities we build, the Council's ten regional centers and functional programs shape today's policy choices and foster transatlantic strategies to advance international security and global economic prosperity.

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Overview of the European electricity revolution: getting down to business | Energy Central

Air pollution from every single power plant in the world, tracked - Vox

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Closing nuclear plants will spike pollution, regulator says | Toledo Blade

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Vogtle 3 plant equipment energised - World Nuclear News

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CGN agrees to invest in completion of Romanian reactors - World Nuclear News

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ANS Nuclear Policy Wire May 8, 2019

May 8, 2019

Appropriators Look to Move Forward in the House

Most appropriations observers expect that the FY2020 House and Senate Energy and Water bills will be among the first to move in Congress this year.

The latest word is that the House will begin marking up these bills before Memorial Day recess. The Senate is expected to begin mark ups after the Memorial Day recess.

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EBRD Declares Chernobyl Confinement Dome Complete - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

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DOE Says Tunnel 2 At Hanford Site Is Stabilized - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

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NuScale Signs MOU With Doosan Heavy Industries - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

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NRC Says It Will Certify APR1400 Design - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

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Cold Testing Underway At Fuqing Unit 5 - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

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Kern County In Depth: How will PG&E bankruptcy affect ratepayers

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Judge Orders PG&E Directors to Visit Town Destroyed by Wildfire - The New York Times

PG&E board ordered by judge to tour wildfire-ravaged Paradise - Los Angeles Times

Federal judge tells PG&E board to tour wildfire-ravaged Paradise

https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/PG-E-officials-ordered-to-tour-wildfire-ravaged-13825750.php

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

EM Update May 7, 2019

EM Update \| Vol. 11, Issue 18 \| May 7, 2019

Efficiencies Drive Continued Success of Hanford Groundwater Treatment Oak Ridge Site Helps Establish First Nuclear Cleanup Minor Degree in U.S. DUF6 Conversion Project Reaches Highest Plant Reliability Mark at Portsmouth Site Workers Install Essential Tank Pump for SRS Salt Waste Processing Facility Hanford Trains Technicians for Deployment to Waste Treatment Plant Early Career Engineer Finds Fulfillment in SRS Liquid Waste Mission Worker Improvements to Save More Than $300,000 Annually at Hanford Bechtel Earns Nearly Half of Available Fee for Hanford Work in 2018 West Valley Contractor Supports Environmental Competition for Students

Georgia Power's Vogtle Unit 3 achieves Initial Energization

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Sohn: Climate clouds gather over U.S. nukes - Part 3 | Times Free Press

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Oyster Creek Licensing Decision To Be Made By July 1 | Lacey, NJ Patch

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US Nuclear Energy Foundation

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Bad Policy and the Unplugging of California - WSJ

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PG&E Leaders Ordered to Meet Officials in Fire-Razed Paradise

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PG&E: Fire investigation could show utility violated San Bruno probation - SFChronicle.com

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Federal judge asks California attorney general if PG&E committed state crime - SFChronicle.com

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Federal judge tells PG&E board to tour wildfire-ravaged Paradise - SFChronicle.com

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PG&E expands forced power shut-offs to help prevent wildfires | abc7news.com

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What is nuclear power? | Questions | Naked Scientists

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Environmental Campaigns Against Nuclear Science Limits Its Acceptance, Even In Thought Experiments On Reducing CO2 | Science 2.0

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Nuclear should complement wind and solar — not compete | TheHill

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Slovakia delays nuclear plant expansion under pressure from Austria | News | DW | 07.05.2019

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Lawmaker: Nuclear plant legislation far from done deal | News | ncnewsonline.com

Nuclear power advocates say they offer 'green' climate solution

http://www.norwalkreflector.com/Business/2019/05/06/Nuclear-power-advocates-say-they-offer-green-climate-solution

Much Ado About Saudi Research Reactor; Justified or Not?

https://neutronbytes.com/2019/04/07/much-ado-about-saudi-research-reactor-justified-or-not/

Visualizing Haynesville oil & gas production (through January 2019) | The Energy Collective Daily

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Huge move of HEU from UK to USA - World Nuclear News

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Azarga evaluating situation after Kyrgyzstan uranium ban - World Nuclear News

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Final testing of Chernobyl used fuel store - World Nuclear News

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As Saudi Arabia Builds A Nuclear Reactor, Some Worry About Its Motives : NPR

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U.S., U.K. complete history-making highly enriched uranium transfer | News | aikenstandard.com

Nevada braces for renewed fight over Yucca storing nuclear waste | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Congressional hearing puts focus on struggling PA nuclear industry | StateImpact Pennsylvania

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Is it time we gave nuclear power another chance?

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MOX Services Sues for $53M Over Savannah River MOX Plant Fees - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1

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Ocasio-Cortez: Green New Deal ‘Leaves the Door Open’ on Nuclear

Freshman lawmaker clarifies that the resolution 'leaves open both clean and renewable energy'

https://morningconsult.com/2019/05/06/ocasio-cortez-green-new-deal-leaves-door-open-nuclear/

Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un need the European Union - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

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Energy Was and Will Be Key to Economic, Military and Tech Dominance – NextBigFuture.com

Prepare For Battery Metal Shortage: Tesla | OilPrice.com

Nuclear News Roundup May 03, 2019 | Nucleotidings

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F-35 Stealth Fighter Will Have 50% More Missiles – NextBigFuture.com

US Air Force completes successful shoot down of air-launched missiles

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N. Korea tested rocket launchers and 'tactical guided weapons'

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Air Force tests Minuteman III missile in launch at Vandenberg

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Kamala Uncle India Ministry of Defense Defence | Mining Awareness +

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Novovoronezh 2-2 Supplies First Electricity To Grid, Says Russia

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Iran dismisses US naval deployment as old news

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Huge move of HEU from UK to USA - World Nuclear News

NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Denies Evidentiary Hearing onHoltec International’s Proposed Spent Fuel Storage Facility in New Mexico

No: 19- 021 May 7, 2019CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8205NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Denies Evidentiary Hearing onHoltec International’s Proposed Spent Fuel Storage Facility in New Mexico

19-021.pdf