Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Friday, May 24, 2019

Will Sacramento enable PG&E to plunder two thirds of California? - Manteca Bulletin

Will Sacramento enable PG&E to plunder two thirds of California? - Manteca Bulletin: What you are about to read is not a joke unless you consider being set up for a legal shakedown by the California Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom is funny.

Edison's fire prevention plan, explained - News - vvdailypress.com - Victorville, CA

Edison's fire prevention plan, explained - News - vvdailypress.com - Victorville, CA: OAK HILLS — Southern California Edison is using aircraft equipped with infrared technology, inspections, and a "vegetation management plan" to reduce the risk of wildfires, a utility representative told area residents Tuesday night. Jennifer Cusack, government relations manager for Edison, presented aspects of her company’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan to a group of about 30 local residents, firefighters, and sheriff’s deputies at a Municipal Advisory Council

Document of the Week: How JFK Tried to Stop Nuclear Proliferation – Foreign Policy

Document of the Week: How JFK Tried to Stop Nuclear Proliferation – Foreign Policy: When a U.S. president threatened to cut support for Israel over nukes.

Trump approves arms deals to Saudi Arabia, UAE amid Iran tensions

Trump approves arms deals to Saudi Arabia, UAE amid Iran tensions

Total Depravity: The Origins of the Drug Epidemic in Appalachia Laid Bare


Total Depravity: The Origins of the Drug Epidemic in Appalachia Laid Bare

In an excerpt from his essay collection, Australian journalist Richard Cooke reports on the American opioid crisis through the astonished eyes of a foreigner visiting steel and coal country.

https://longreads.com/2019/05/22/total-depravity-the-origins-of-the-drug-epidemic-in-appalachia-laid-bare/?utm_source=Longreads+Newsletters&utm_campaign=aa079d04de-Longreads_Top_5_May_24_2019&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2ad42066-aa079d04de-239031537&mc_cid=aa079d04de&mc_eid=9528811089

How Refugees Die

How Refugees Die: Wars and heightened border security have created a humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.

Artificial Intelligence: The Next Nuke? - The American Interest

Artificial Intelligence: The Next Nuke? - The American Interest: Artificial intelligence could do more damage than a nuclear war or global pandemic. Why aren't we talking about it?

A Catholic Reflection on the Meaning of Suffering | A Catholic Reflection on the Meaning of Suffering - Coffee & Crucifix

A Catholic Reflection on the Meaning of Suffering | A Catholic Reflection on the Meaning of Suffering - Coffee & Crucifix: It is easy to view suffering in such a negative light. Nobody likes to suffer. It’s within our nature to avoid suffering in any way possible. But the funny thing is that sometimes we relate with others more when we understand each other's struggles.

How a Catholic Charities shelter on the Texas border is coping with the influx of asylum seekers | America Magazine

How a Catholic Charities shelter on the Texas border is coping with the influx of asylum seekers | America Magazine: Federal officials are releasing thousands of asylum seekers in Texas. A Catholic Charities facility is taking up the challenge of providing temporary food and shelter after grueling journeys.

Foreign Policy and the Establishment of Religion – LobeLog

Foreign Policy and the Establishment of Religion – LobeLog: by Paul R. Pillar The opening line of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bans any law “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. It is no acciden…

Survey: Most Americans want to curb the president’s power to launch nuclear attacks


Survey: Most Americans want to curb the president’s power to launch nuclear attacks


https://publicintegrity.org/national-security/survey-most-americans-want-to-curb-the-presidents-power-to-launch-nuclear-attacks/?utm_source=FAS+General&utm_campaign=8ceb7f4e73-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_02_21_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_56a7496199-8ceb7f4e73-199338577

Trump Admin Backs Oil Firms in Calif. Nuisance Case | RealClearEnergy

Trump Admin Backs Oil Firms in Calif. Nuisance Case | RealClearEnergy: Trump Admin Backs Oil Firms in Calif. Nuisance Case | RealClearEnergy

Mystery Solved: Warming Superpollutant Tracked to China - Scientific American

Mystery Solved: Warming Superpollutant Tracked to China - 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.

Enel Green Power starts construction of 90-MW Azov wind farm in Russia - Renewable Energy World

Enel Green Power starts construction of 90-MW Azov wind farm in Russia - Renewable Energy World: Enel Green Power announces it has begun construction of the 90-MW Azov wind farm, located in the Rostov region of Southern Russia.

We Can't Solve Climate Change without Nuclear Power - Scientific American Blog Network

We Can't Solve Climate Change without Nuclear Power - Scientific American Blog Network

US Needs To Face Up To Nuclear Industry Challenge From China And Russia, Says Report

US Needs To Face Up To Nuclear Industry Challenge From China And Russia, Says Report

Sargent & Lundy buying into NuScale SMR nuclear design efforts - Power Engineering

Sargent & Lundy buying into NuScale SMR nuclear design efforts - Power Engineering: Sargent & Lundy, which has 60 years experience in nuclear unit design, will become a NuScale investor, actively engage in development of the plant design and provide architectural engineering support.

"Tug-of-War" between Air Pollution and CO2 Masks Warming's Impacts - Scientific American

"Tug-of-War" between Air Pollution and CO2 Masks Warming's Impacts - 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.

IAEA Wraps Up International Symposium on Isotope Hydrology

IAEA Wraps Up International Symposium on Isotope Hydrology

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The IAEA International Symposium on Isotope Hydrology closed in Vienna today. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
Lasers, atom traps, krypton. These exciting, isotope hydrology techniques were discussed, together with the importance of big data, during the IAEA’s International Symposium on Isotope Hydrology that took place in Vienna this week. Almost 250 international experts from 78 countries exchanged ideas and knowledge on this wide-reaching application of nuclear technology.
“This IAEA Isotope Hydrology Symposium is a testament to the important role nuclear techniques have played in improving water management for almost 60 years,” said Melissa Denecke, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences.
Overall, the global trajectory for sustainable and clean water looks rather bleak in many regions, and yet we have also seen positive signs that are a testament to taking serious action on water issues.
Melissa Denecke, Director, Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, IAEA
Many of the papers presented this week revolved around themes of water supply, replenishment and sustainability, or the impacts of pollution or scarcity, and in all cases the use of nuclear techniques added an important and informative dimension that could not be attained with traditional hydrologic approaches, Denecke said.

Understanding water problems

At the Symposium, experts shared examples of how countries, cities and regions are facing varying degrees of water stress, ranging from overexploitation of aquifers and surface waters, to drought and water shortages, to systemic and widespread surface and groundwater pollution.
Although United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 includes access to safe water for everyone by 2030, statistics from the Global Water Institute suggest that 700 million people worldwide could be displaced by intense water scarcity as soon as 2030. This is so because, globally, water supplies are being stretched beyond sustainable limits to meet the growing demands from population growth and intensive agriculture.
“Overall, the global trajectory for sustainable and clean water looks rather bleak in many regions, and yet we have also seen positive signs that are a testament to taking serious action on water issues,” Denecke said. She gave the example of the changing attitudes on conserving water in Cape Town, South Africa, after their water crisis, or the long-term reversal of serious nitrate contamination of shallow aquifers in the Netherlands. “These, in the global context, are but small costly steps in the right direction,” she said.
To read more about the work of the IAEA in Isotope Hydrology, read our latest Bulletin on Water.

Emerging techniques

At the Symposium, water experts looked at new isotope techniques that could help address widespread pollution problems. These include new analytical methods for nitrogen, phosphorus and boron isotopes to address nutrient pollution issues by fertilizers, manure and other sources.
Scientists talked about emerging isotope techniques with lasers and atom trap analysis to increasingly use long lived non-reactive argon and krypton noble gas isotopes to assess replenishment over hundreds to million-year timescales.
“Being here and hearing what state-of-the-art tools we can use and what challenges some scientists have is useful for spurring new ideas,” said Tricia Stadnyk, Associate Professor of water resources engineering at the University of Manitoba in Canada and keynote speaker at the Symposium. “It’s useful for scientists to know what data can do and to see the greater picture: the application of their results.”
They also discussed the importance of big data — from remote sensing vigilance like GRACE satellite data, to the IAEA’s Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) — which allow for new, more advanced isotope-enabled water balance models to help scientists predict how global rain water distribution and aquifer replenishment rates will change over time due to land use, agriculture and climate change. Radioisotopes such as tritium and helium were part of the discussion too, since these can increasingly help map areas of the world’s landscapes and watersheds to ensure the effective protection of the most vulnerable aquifers from contamination.
An outreach event called “Water, Water Everywhere? Helping IAEA Member States with Water Resources and Water Security” took place on the sidelines of the Symposium. IAEA experts discussed the various ways nuclear science and technology can help advance water management, from improving water availability, optimizing efficiency of water use, treating wastewater in an environment-friendly way to monitoring marine pollution.

5 Coming Breakthroughs In The Energy Sector | Energy Central

5 Coming Breakthroughs In The Energy Sector | Energy Central

Washington Targets Russia With Yet More Sanctions | OilPrice.com

Washington Targets Russia With Yet More Sanctions | OilPrice.com: Washington is preparing yet another sanctions package for Russia, aimed at anyone involved in the Nord Stream 2 project

Tiris project produces first yellowcake - World Nuclear News

Tiris project produces first yellowcake - World Nuclear News: The first samples of uranium oxide product have been produced from ore from Aura Energy's Tiris mine in Mauritania, West Africa. The yellowcake samples were produced during test work at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation's laboratories.

Hanbit NPP Investigation Expands - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Hanbit NPP Investigation Expands - 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.

Russia Mulls Processing Germany's Used Nuclear Fuel - Rosatom - Sputnik International

Russia Mulls Processing Germany's Used Nuclear Fuel - Rosatom - Sputnik International: MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow and Berlin have agreed to look into conditions for future processing of spent nuclear fuel from German research reactors in Russia, according to the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom’s procurement website.

As Trump talks infrastructure, power lines remain a hard sell - HoustonChronicle.com

As Trump talks infrastructure, power lines remain a hard sell - HoustonChronicle.com: Interstate power lines remain a hard sell across much of the United States, particularly the landowners who would have to live underneath metal cables carrying thousands of megawatts of electricity.

Why Advanced Nuclear Reactors May Be Here Sooner Than Many Imagine | Greentech Media

Why Advanced Nuclear Reactors May Be Here Sooner Than Many Imagine | Greentech Media: Advanced nuclear reactors are moving toward commercialization faster and with less government support than many realize. Their smaller size and advances in computing are helping.

Finland's Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor begins work to fix vibrations - CNA

Finland's Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor begins work to fix vibrations - CNA: OSLO: Finland's Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor has begun work to repair a previously reported problem that causes vibrations in its cooling unit, and ...

Nation’s nuclear power safe with tech breakthrough - Global Times

Nation’s nuclear power safe with tech breakthrough - Global Times

Southern Company's Tom Fanning Talks Carbon Emission Reduction, Plant Vogtle At Annual Meeting | 90.1 FM WABE

Southern Company's Tom Fanning Talks Carbon Emission Reduction, Plant Vogtle At Annual Meeting | 90.1 FM WABE: Southern Company is the largest producer of electricity in the Southeast, and the parent company of Georgia Power. At its annual stockholders' meeting Tom Fanning, its president, CEO and chairman spoke about his confidence in the business's future and answered nearly three hours of questions from shareholders.

New Savannah River Site cleanup contract targets liquid waste, nuclear materials | News | aikenstandard.com

New Savannah River Site cleanup contract targets liquid waste, nuclear materials | News | aikenstandard.com

Momentum grows for nuclear thermal propulsion - SpaceNews.com

Momentum grows for nuclear thermal propulsion - SpaceNews.com: With congressional funding and industry support, nuclear thermal propulsion is making progress for potential use on future NASA deep space missions.

Nuclear bailout bill clears Ohio House committee - Business - The Columbus Dispatch - Columbus, OH

Nuclear bailout bill clears Ohio House committee - Business - The Columbus Dispatch - Columbus, OH: A revised bill that would shore up the state's two nuclear power plants along with two coal-fired power plants cleared an Ohio House committee Thursday afternoon along party lines.
The Energy and Natural Resources Committee adopted House Bill 6 by an 8-5 vote, with all of the committee's Republicans voting for it and Democrats opposing it. The bill will go the full House for consideration.
Under the bill, consumers would pay 50 cents a month with the fee rising to $1 a month on their utility

Fukushima Update 5/24/19

Fukushima Update 5/24/19 –

Tepco decides to postpone its decision on employment of foreign workers at F. Daiichi… Japan’s nuclear companies unite to accelerate construction of anti-terrorism facilities… Former antinuclear activist Michael Shellenberger explained why he became pronuclear.

Germany’s Dangerously Flawed Energy Policies by Hans-Werner Sinn - Project Syndicate

Germany’s Dangerously Flawed Energy Policies by Hans-Werner Sinn - Project Syndicate: Germany has made a noble effort to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and replace conventional energy sources with wind and solar power. But now it is time to face reality: the country cannot possibly play a role in combating climate change until it first reverses its decision to phase out nuclear power.

For one graduate student, MIT's nuclear reactor is like a "second home" | MIT News

For one graduate student, MIT's nuclear reactor is like a "second home" | MIT News: MIT graduate student Agata Wiśniowska sustains her decade-plus connection to the MIT Nuclear Reactor Lab, which has served as a gateway to nuclear science, a testing ground for technical competence, a domain for practicing management skills, and a launchpad for her career.

Plan to rescue Ohio's nuclear plants won't aid wind, solar - SFChronicle.com

Plan to rescue Ohio's nuclear plants won't aid wind, solar - SFChronicle.com: TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Adding a new charge on every electricity bill in Ohio would provide a financial rescue to the state's two struggling nuclear plants, but would come at the expense of wind and solar energy projects. Republican members of an Ohio House committee on Thursday approved the proposal that would generate nearly $200 million each year mostly for the nuclear plants, which are in danger of closing without help from the state. The plan revised over the past few days after weeks of debate would no longer allow renewable energy projects to seek the same type of clean air incentives being offered to the nuclear plants. It also would eliminate mandates that promote the use of wind and solar power. Democrats on the House Energy and Resources Committee voted against the plan, which will now go the Ohio House for a vote. The legislation would put a $1 monthly charge on all residential electricity bills starting in 2021 while businesses and industrial users would pay more — anywhere from $15 to $2,500 per month. Republicans who control the committee also added this week a provision that would allow the owners of two-coal fired power plants to charge customers to fund operations of

Nuclear power plan needs long, hard look | Letters to the Editor | hjnews.com

Nuclear power plan needs long, hard look | Letters to the Editor | hjnews.com: To the editor: Thanks for printing Peter Bradford’s essay on the financial irresponsibility of the nuclear power industry (“If pattern holds true, Utah nuclear power plan doomed to fail”, May

Bill subsidizing Ohio's two nuclear power plants heads to full House for vote | News | news-herald.com

Bill subsidizing Ohio's two nuclear power plants heads to full House for vote | News | news-herald.com: Several hours-long hearings and substitute versions later, an Ohio House bill that would subsidize the state’s two nuclear power plants set for closure and eliminate existing green energy mandates is

Guest editorial: Yes, humans err, but that’s no reason to forsake nuclear energy | ParkRecord.com

Guest editorial: Yes, humans err, but that’s no reason to forsake nuclear energy | ParkRecord.com: In response to Martin Jedlicka’s guest editorial titled “Nuclear power is subject to human error — and that makes it a poor solution to climate change” in the May

The U.S. Is Losing The Nuclear Race To Russia And China | OilPrice.com

The U.S. Is Losing The Nuclear Race To Russia And China | OilPrice.com

Ohio House advances nuclear subsidy bill, ditching renewable components | Utility Dive

Ohio House advances nuclear subsidy bill, ditching renewable components | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Ohio needs nuclear energy, not nuclear talking points

Ohio needs nuclear energy, not nuclear talking points: Ohio needs nuclear energy, not nuclear talking points

Ohio House committee passes bill to save nuclear power plants - Reuters

Ohio House committee passes bill to save nuclear power plants - Reuters: A committee in Ohio's House of Representatives voted along party lines to approve a bill to save the state's two nuclear power reactors from retirement and provide some financial support for a couple of ailing coal plants.

Could Disney World Build Its Own Nuclear Reactor? - Pacific Standard

Could Disney World Build Its Own Nuclear Reactor? - Pacific Standard: Florida law allows the company to do it, but it seems highly unlikely that the company would ever go through with such a project.

Vermont Yankee cooling towers to be demolished | The Brattleboro Reformer | Brattleboro Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic

Vermont Yankee cooling towers to be demolished | The Brattleboro Reformer | Brattleboro Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic: VERNON — They once gave Entergy Nuclear a giant public relations headache. But soon Vermont Yankee's old cooling towers will be demolished, a NorthStar executive said Monday, as decommissioning …

Speedy reactor cleanups may carry both risks and rewards | Business | phillytrib.com

Speedy reactor cleanups may carry both risks and rewards | Business | phillytrib.com: PLYMOUTH, Mass. — Companies specializing in the handling of radioactive material are buying retired U.S. nuclear reactors from utilities and promising to clean them up and demolish them in dramatically

Edison gets federal approval to resume fuel-loading operations - The Coast News Group

Edison gets federal approval to resume fuel-loading operations - The Coast News Group: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced on May 21 that Southern California Edison can safely resume spent-fuel storage operations at San Onofre.

If the US doesn't lead on nuclear energy, others will | Guest Column | postregister.com

If the US doesn't lead on nuclear energy, others will | Guest Column | postregister.com

C-10 discusses measuring Seabrook Station radiation in Plaistow | New Hampshire | eagletribune.com

C-10 discusses measuring Seabrook Station radiation in Plaistow | New Hampshire | eagletribune.com

NM Environment Review: ‘political connections and tax breaks’ + news from around NM | The NM Political Report

NM Environment Review: ‘political connections and tax breaks’ + news from around NM | The NM Political Report: Holtec International was in the news last month when the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission denied requests from some groups to hold an additional hearing over the company’s license to build an interim storage site in southeastern New Mexico to hold nuclear waste from commercial power plants. The Camden, N.J.-based company is also hoping the NRC will allow […]

NRC Sets $782.5M Fee Take for FY19


NRC Sets $782.5M Fee Take for FY19


https://www.exchangemonitor.com/nrc-sets-782-5m-fee-take-fy19-2/

Bill Gates: This is what we need to do to tackle climate change | World Economic Forum

Bill Gates: This is what we need to do to tackle climate change | World Economic Forum: There are three key solutions we need for the transition to clean electricity says Bill Gates, with one being improved energy storage systems and another being high-voltage, long-distance transmission lines.

Southern Company's Tom Fanning Talks Carbon Emission Reduction, Plant Vogtle At Annual Meeting | 90.1 FM WABE

Southern Company's Tom Fanning Talks Carbon Emission Reduction, Plant Vogtle At Annual Meeting | 90.1 FM WABE: Southern Company is the largest producer of electricity in the Southeast, and the parent company of Georgia Power. At its annual stockholders' meeting Tom Fanning, its president, CEO and chairman spoke about his confidence in the business's future and answered nearly three hours of questions from shareholders.

New Savannah River Site cleanup contract targets liquid waste, nuclear materials | News | aikenstandard.com

New Savannah River Site cleanup contract targets liquid waste, nuclear materials | News | aikenstandard.com

Parties Prepare to Start Mediation Over WIPP Waste Volume - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1

Parties Prepare to Start Mediation Over WIPP Waste Volume - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.

Momentum grows for nuclear thermal propulsion - SpaceNews.com

Momentum grows for nuclear thermal propulsion - SpaceNews.com: With congressional funding and industry support, nuclear thermal propulsion is making progress for potential use on future NASA deep space missions.

Nuclear bailout bill clears Ohio House committee - Business - The Columbus Dispatch - Columbus, OH

Nuclear bailout bill clears Ohio House committee - Business - The Columbus Dispatch - Columbus, OH: A revised bill that would shore up the state's two nuclear power plants along with two coal-fired power plants cleared an Ohio House committee Thursday afternoon along party lines.
The Energy and Natural Resources Committee adopted House Bill 6 by an 8-5 vote, with all of the committee's Republicans voting for it and Democrats opposing it. The bill will go the full House for consideration.
Under the bill, consumers would pay 50 cents a month with the fee rising to $1 a month on their utility

Why Advanced Nuclear Reactors May Be Here Sooner Than Many Imagine

Advanced nuclear reactors are moving toward commercialization faster and with less government support than many realize. Their smaller size and advances in computing are helping.


https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/why-advanced-nuclear-reactors-may-be-here-sooner-than-many-imagine#gs.di0luw

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Southern CEO says a no-carbon future must include nuclear | S&P Global Platts

Southern CEO says a no-carbon future must include nuclear | S&P Global Platts: Diversified portfolio with renewables, nuclear and gas is needed Shareholders support linking Fanning's pay to emissions goals Nuclear must be included with renewables as part of any serious effort to

EDF must sell more nuclear power at fixed cost to protect consumers-lobby groups - Reuters

EDF must sell more nuclear power at fixed cost to protect consumers-lobby groups - Reuters: France should double the amount of nuclear energy that state-controlled utility EDF must sell to rivals at a fixed price to protect consumers from higher prices, alternative suppliers and consumer lobbies said on Thursday.

PG&E Gets More Time to File Bankruptcy Plan | RTO Insider

PG&E Gets More Time to File Bankruptcy Plan | RTO Insider: The federal judge overseeing PG&E Corp.’s bankruptcy case gave the company four more months to come up with a Chapter 11 reorganization plan.

PG&E Announces Plan To Move Paradise Electric Lines Underground | KCBS 740AM | 106.9 FM

PG&E Announces Plan To Move Paradise Electric Lines Underground | KCBS 740AM | 106.9 FM: PG&E tells Paradise residents that all distribution lines that serve the town will be moved underground.

PG&E Approved to Set Up $100 Million Fund to Pay Fire Victims

PG&E Approved to Set Up $100 Million Fund to Pay Fire Victims: Bankrupt utility PG&E Corp. won court permission to set up a $100 million fund to cover the living expenses, including temporary housing, for people harmed by wildfires allegedly caused by the company’s maintenance lapses.

PG&E will build Paradise power lines underground | The Sacramento Bee

PG&E will build Paradise power lines underground | The Sacramento Bee: Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said Wednesday it will put all of the electric distribution lines in Paradise underground, as it rebuilds the town’s power system after the Camp Fire.

As Paradise Rebuild Begins, PG&E Commits to Underground Power Lines

As Paradise Rebuild Begins, PG&E Commits to Underground Power Lines

As Paradise Rebuild Begins, PG&E Commits to Underground Power Lines | FOX40

As Paradise Rebuild Begins, PG&E Commits to Underground Power Lines | FOX40

PG&E Gets More Time to File Bankruptcy Plan | RTO Insider

PG&E Gets More Time to File Bankruptcy Plan | RTO Insider: The federal judge overseeing PG&E Corp.’s bankruptcy case gave the company four more months to come up with a Chapter 11 reorganization plan.

PG&E gets approval for $105 million fire victim housing fund - SFChronicle.com

PG&E gets approval for $105 million fire victim housing fund - SFChronicle.com: A bankruptcy judge has allowed PG&E to establish a $105 million fund for wildfire victims. Victims’ attorneys had argued that the company should provide more.

Bankruptcy judge approves $105M PG&E fund to help wildfire survivors


Bankruptcy judge approves $105M PG&E fund to help wildfire survivors


https://www.foxnews.com/us/bankruptcy-judge-approves-pge-105-million-fund-to-help-wildfire-survivors

Final Oak Ridge gaseous diffusion facilities demolished - World Nuclear News

Final Oak Ridge gaseous diffusion facilities demolished - World Nuclear News: Work has begun to demolish the last two buildings that once supported the gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment process at Oak Ridge in Tennessee. Buildings K-131 and K-631 are the most contaminated structures remaining on the 2,200-acre (890 hectare) site.

Russia, Vietnam progress with nuclear research centre project - World Nuclear News

Russia, Vietnam progress with nuclear research centre project - World Nuclear News: A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom and Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology on the implementation of a centre for nuclear science and technology in Vietnam.

TVO starts work to resolve Olkiluoto 3 vibration issue - World Nuclear News

TVO starts work to resolve Olkiluoto 3 vibration issue - World Nuclear News: Finnish utility Teollisuuden Voima Oyj is to employ liquid absorbers featuring bitumen in order to eliminate vibrations in the pressuriser surge line of the first-of-a-kind EPR at Olkiluoto. Suppressing the vibrations is one of the issues TVO must resolve before the regulator will allow fuel loading to proceed.

Bulgaria starts formal process to find investor for Belene project - World Nuclear News

Bulgaria starts formal process to find investor for Belene project - World Nuclear News: The Bulgarian government has invited strategic investment in the Belene nuclear power plant project. The "call for expressions of interest for a strategic investor and/or acquisition of a minority shareholding and/or purchase of electricity" was published in the Official Journal of the European Union yesterday.

Oil Companies Join Corporate Lobbying Push for U.S. Carbon Tax | Energy Central

Oil Companies Join Corporate Lobbying Push for U.S. Carbon Tax | Energy Central

Oil Companies Join Corporate Lobbying Push for U.S. Carbon Tax | The Energy Collective Daily

Oil Companies Join Corporate Lobbying Push for U.S. Carbon Tax | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

Russia begins removing spent nuclear fuel rods from its most radioactive ship - Bellona.org

Russia begins removing spent nuclear fuel rods from its most radioactive ship - Bellona.org: Officials at the Nerpa Shipyard near Murmansk said they have begun removing hundreds of spent nuclear assemblies, many of them damaged from …

TEPCO decides not to hire foreign workers at nuclear plant:The Asahi Shimbun

TEPCO decides not to hire foreign workers at nuclear plant:The Asahi Shimbun: Tokyo Electric Power Co. announced May 22 it was backtracking on plans to use foreign workers at its

Pilgrim partially back online after full shutdown - News - capecodtimes.com - Hyannis, MA

Pilgrim partially back online after full shutdown - News - capecodtimes.com - Hyannis, MA: PLYMOUTH — Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station reconnected to the electrical grid late Tuesday afternoon following a full power down last Friday to address a problem with a pump that draws seawater from Cape Cod Bay to cool steam.
The reactor was still at only 30 percent of full power this morning, according to the status report from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's website
Patrick O’Brien, spokesman for Entergy, Pilgrim’s owner and operator, said the problem was related to one

South Carolina lawmakers want binding bids for Santee Cooper | Bond Buyer

South Carolina lawmakers want binding bids for Santee Cooper | Bond Buyer

Wanted: 1,900 new Sandia employees » Albuquerque Journal

Wanted: 1,900 new Sandia employees » Albuquerque Journal: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Unprecedented expansion will include 500 summer interns

Nuclear oversight board will keep an eye on proposed MOX rework, chairman says | News | aikenstandard.com

Nuclear oversight board will keep an eye on proposed MOX rework, chairman says | News | aikenstandard.com

Push to make Yucca Mountain nuclear dump stalls

Push to make Yucca Mountain nuclear dump stalls: The latest effort push Yucca Mountain closer to becoming the country’s nuclear waste repository died Tuesday.

House panel advances $46 billion energy bill, defying Trump


House panel advances $46 billion energy bill, defying Trump


https://thehill.com/homenews/house/444899-house-panel-advances-46-billion-energy-bill-defying-trump

UK suffers crushing defeat in UN vote on Chagos Islands | World news | The Guardian

UK suffers crushing defeat in UN vote on Chagos Islands | World news | The Guardian: General assembly strongly condemns British occupation of Indian Ocean territory

The Future of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle | MIT Energy Initiative

The Future of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle | MIT Energy Initiative: The implications on the world energy system, beyond short-term price increases from greater use of oil and liquefied natural gas, are yet unknown and go beyond nuclear energy. From a technical perspective, there will be the lessons learned such as higher tsunami walls and the need for vented reactor containments that do not require emergency …

Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT - YouTube

Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT - YouTube

MIT Energy Initiative study reports on the future of nuclear energy


MIT Energy Initiative study reports on the future of nuclear energy

Findings suggest new policy models and cost-cutting technologies could help nuclear play vital role in climate solutions


https://energy.mit.edu/news/mit-energy-initiative-study-reports-on-the-future-of-nuclear-energy/

Xcel Energy Fast-Forwards Minnesota Coal Plant Closures but Extends Nuclear Window | Energy Central

Xcel Energy Fast-Forwards Minnesota Coal Plant Closures but Extends Nuclear Window | Energy Central

SC lawmakers set decision on Santee Cooper sale for 2020, leaving employees in limbo | Energy Central

SC lawmakers set decision on Santee Cooper sale for 2020, leaving employees in limbo | Energy Central

PG&E CORP FILES (8-K) Disclosing Other Events, Financial Statements and Exhibits | Energy Central

PG&E CORP FILES (8-K) Disclosing Other Events, Financial Statements and Exhibits | Energy Central

Strong Magnetic Storm May Cause Satellites to Deorbit - Russian Academy

Strong Magnetic Storm May Cause Satellites to Deorbit - Russian Academy: Moscow (Sputnik) May 15, 2019 -
One of the strongest magnetic storms in recent years, which began earlier on 14 May and is forecast to continue through the evening, may increase the possibility of spacecraft deorbiting and cause p

IAEA Safety Mission Sees Significant Progress at France’s Golfech Nuclear Power Plant, Encourages Continued Improvement | IAEA

IAEA Safety Mission Sees Significant Progress at France’s Golfech Nuclear Power Plant, Encourages Continued Improvement | IAEA

More Needs To Be Done On Nuclear Medicine In Latin America And Caribbean, Says Amano

More Needs To Be Done On Nuclear Medicine In Latin America And Caribbean, Says Amano

Using Nuclear Science to Better Understand Drought | IAEA

Using Nuclear Science to Better Understand Drought | IAEA

US needs new approach to advanced reactor demonstration, report says - World Nuclear News

US needs new approach to advanced reactor demonstration, report says - World Nuclear News: The US Department of Energy should learn from the legacy of the NASA commercial orbital transportation services programme to return the USA to a leadership role in nuclear energy, the Nuclear Innovation Alliance says in a report issued today.

Xcel's New Plan: Coal-Free by 2030, Nuclear Until 2040 | RealClearEnergy

Xcel's New Plan: Coal-Free by 2030, Nuclear Until 2040 | RealClearEnergy: Xcel's New Plan: Coal-Free by 2030, Nuclear Until 2040 | RealClearEnergy

Nuclear News Roundup May 21, 2019 | Nucleotidings

Nuclear News Roundup May 21, 2019 | Nucleotidings

Fears rise China could weaponise rare earths in US tech war

Fears rise China could weaponise rare earths in US tech war: Beijing (AFP) May 22, 2019 - The US has hit China where it hurts by going after its telecom champion Huawei, but Beijing's control of the global supply of rare earths used in smartphones and electric cars gives it a powerful weapon in their escalating tech war.

Westinghouse targets fast licensing, tiny footprint for new SMR | Nuclear Energy Insider

Westinghouse targets fast licensing, tiny footprint for new SMR | Nuclear Energy Insider: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently allocated Westinghouse $12.9 million of DOE funding to develop its eVinci micro reactor design based on sodium heat pipe technology. Westinghouse aims to design, test, manufacture and site a demonstration unit by 2022 and will provide $15.7 million to the project. The company is currently developing an electrical demonstration unit and plans to demonstrate manufacturing capability by 2020.

Russia And Uzbekistan Sign Contract To Begin Nuclear Site Engineering Surveys

Russia And Uzbekistan Sign Contract To Begin Nuclear Site Engineering Surveys

We Broke the Atmosphere; Here's a Way We Can Start to Fix It - Scientific American Blog Network

We Broke the Atmosphere; Here's a Way We Can Start to Fix It - Scientific American Blog Network

U.S. set to overtake South Korea in 2019 as world’s largest grid-connected battery energy-storage market - Renewable Energy World

U.S. set to overtake South Korea in 2019 as world’s largest grid-connected battery energy-storage market - Renewable Energy World: The United States in 2019 will become the world’s largest market for grid-connected battery energy storage, as solar-plus-storage and peaking capacity requirements drive increased procurement, according to IHS Markit.

GEH Begins Vendor Design Review Of Small Modular Reactor In Canada

GEH Begins Vendor Design Review Of Small Modular Reactor In Canada

Report: Global electricity access up but sustainable development goals are not being met - Renewable Energy World

Report: Global electricity access up but sustainable development goals are not being met - Renewable Energy World: A new report produced by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO) and released this week says that despite significant progress in recent years, the world is falling short of meeting the global energy targets set in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for 2030.

New nuclear flashpoints - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

New nuclear flashpoints - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Over the last couple of weeks, tensions between the United States and Iran have flared and subsided, only to be reignited over the weekend as President Trump issued tweets seeming to threaten Iran’s very existence. And although many experts believe there is broad consensus in Iran that the benefits of staying in the nuclear deal … Continued

IAEA Team Inspects Qinshan NPP In China - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

IAEA Team Inspects Qinshan NPP In China - 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.

Opportunity for a New Iran Nuclear Deal | Institute for Science and International Security

Opportunity for a New Iran Nuclear Deal | Institute for Science and International Security: ISIS is a non-profit, non-partisan institution providing public knowledge of nuclear proliferation and international security.

Canadian pre-licensing review starts for BWRX-300 - World Nuclear News

Canadian pre-licensing review starts for BWRX-300 - World Nuclear News: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy has initiated a vendor design review by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for its BWRX-300 small modular reactor.

2019 Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp Comes to Europe – August 19-30 | Neutron Bytes

2019 Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp Comes to Europe – August 19-30 | Neutron Bytes: The Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp seeks to train students and early-career professionals in skills essential to accelerate innovation in nuclear energy through self-selected team projects. The 2019 N…

Saudi Arabia and the Future of China-US Financial Balance of Power – NextBigFuture.com

Saudi Arabia and the Future of China-US Financial Balance of Power – NextBigFuture.com

TASS Claims Russia’s T-500 Anti-Missile System Can Shoot Down Hypersonic Missiles – NextBigFuture.com

TASS Claims Russia’s T-500 Anti-Missile System Can Shoot Down Hypersonic Missiles – NextBigFuture.com

NuScale, Lightbridge to develop advanced SMR fuel; UK launches 'virtual engineering' for new reactors | Nuclear Energy Insider

NuScale, Lightbridge to develop advanced SMR fuel; UK launches 'virtual engineering' for new reactors | Nuclear Energy Insider: NuScale, Lightbridge to develop advanced fuel for SMRs Small modular reactor (SMR) developer NuScale and Enfission, a joint venture of U.S. fuel developer Lightbridge and France's Framatome, have agreed to co-develop Lightbridge's metallic fuel rod technology for use in NuScale's IPWR SMR design, the companies announced May 15.

Oil Companies Join Corporate Lobbying Push for U.S. Carbon Tax | Energy Central

Oil Companies Join Corporate Lobbying Push for U.S. Carbon Tax | Energy Central

Can China's "Green Soft Power" Ensure Billions In Belt and Road Initiative Investments Are Low-Carbon? | Energy Central

Can China's "Green Soft Power" Ensure Billions In Belt and Road Initiative Investments Are Low-Carbon? | Energy Central

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Democrats warn Trump may soon push through Saudi arms sale | TheHill

Democrats warn Trump may soon push through Saudi arms sale | TheHill

Southern CEO says a no-carbon future must include nuclear | S&P Global Platts

Southern CEO says a no-carbon future must include nuclear | S&P Global Platts: Diversified portfolio with renewables, nuclear and gas is needed Shareholders support linking Fanning's pay to emissions goals Nuclear must be included with renewables as part of any serious effort to

This Environmentalist Says Only Nuclear Power Can Save Us Now – Reason.com

This Environmentalist Says Only Nuclear Power Can Save Us Now – Reason.com: Michael Shellenberger believes the Green New Deal’s focus on wind and solar is a waste of time and money.

US must 'reassert global leadership' in nuclear energy or lose out to Russia and China

US must 'reassert global leadership' in nuclear energy or lose out to Russia and China

The Critical Importance of Investing in American Energy Infrastructure | RealClearEnergy

The Critical Importance of Investing in American Energy Infrastructure | RealClearEnergy: With Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer meeting with President Trump recently to continue their conversation on infrastructure, the importance of rebuilding, modernizing and expanding America’s...

Will Sacramento enable PG&E to plunder two thirds of California? - Manteca Bulletin

Will Sacramento enable PG&E to plunder two thirds of California? - Manteca Bulletin: What you are about to read is not a joke unless you consider being set up for a legal shakedown by the California Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom is funny.

PG&E's housing assistance fund approved for northern California wildfire survivors | KRCR

PG&E's housing assistance fund approved for northern California wildfire survivors | KRCR: PG&E announced Wednesday that it received approval from the bankruptcy court to create a $105 million housing assistance fund to support those displaced by the 2017 Northern California wildfires and 2018 Camp Fire. The Wildfire Assistance Fund is intended to aid those displaced by the 2017 and 2018 wildfires, specifically those uninsured or need assistance with alternative living expenses, or other urgent needs.

Judge approves $105M fund for California wildfire survivors - The Washington Post

Judge approves $105M fund for California wildfire survivors - The Washington Post: Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. has received approval to establish a $105 million fund to help survivors of recent California wildfires started by the utility’s power lines

PG&E Clings to Sole Control of Its Bankruptcy Through September - WSJ

PG&E Clings to Sole Control of Its Bankruptcy Through September - WSJ: PG&E will stay in control of its bankruptcy proceeding until Sept. 29, less time than it wanted, but long enough to find out what California lawmakers will do this year about wildfire liabilities facing the state’s largest utility.

PG&E wins court approval to set up $105 million wildfire assistance fund


PG&E wins court approval to set up $105 million wildfire assistance fund

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pg-e-us-housingfund/pge-wins-court-approval-to-set-up-105-million-wildfire-assistance-fund-idUSKCN1SS2MA

Democrats’ Pentagon budget bill would curb Trump’s war powers

Democrats’ Pentagon budget bill would curb Trump’s war powers: A bill to fund the Pentagon at $8 billion less than what the White House requested passed the House Appropriations Committee.

NuScale, Lightbridge to develop advanced SMR fuel; UK launches 'virtual engineering' for new reactors


NuScale, Lightbridge to develop advanced SMR fuel; UK launches 'virtual engineering' for new reactors


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/nuscale-lightbridge-develop-advanced-smr-fuel-uk-launches-virtual-engineering-new-reactors?utm_campaign=NEI%2022MAY19%20Newsletter%20A&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=e4e87d2d28ef4342ae043f5b000b4d39&elq=1a2117ddb9dc4055914dcdad456a9fe4&elqaid=45040&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=26171

Westinghouse targets fast licensing, tiny footprint for new SMR

 

Westinghouse targets fast licensing, tiny footprint for new SMR


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/westinghouse-targets-fast-licensing-tiny-footprint-new-smr?utm_campaign=NEI%2022MAY19%20Newsletter%20A&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=668e9ad59bc342598a65b38cf307f63f&elq=1a2117ddb9dc4055914dcdad456a9fe4&elqaid=45040&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=26171

Three Mile Island owner tackles fuel storage risks as closure looms

 

Three Mile Island owner tackles fuel storage risks as closure looms


https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/three-mile-island-owner-tackles-fuel-storage-risks-closure-looms?utm_campaign=NEI%2022MAY19%20Newsletter%20A&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=333ffd1af5fb4467865b8c163a8ae29a&elq=1a2117ddb9dc4055914dcdad456a9fe4&elqaid=45040&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=26171

Reactor shut down after electrical cable fails at Plymouth nuclear plant | Energy Central

Reactor shut down after electrical cable fails at Plymouth nuclear plant | Energy Central

The global Nuclear Industry's premier event September 4-6, 2019, London, UK


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