Friday, July 26, 2019

A vision of nuclear energy buoyed by molten salt | MIT News

A vision of nuclear energy buoyed by molten salt | MIT News: MIT nuclear science and engineering graduate student Kieran Dolan tackles a critical technical challenge to fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature nuclear reactors, using graphite to trap fission products and suck up tritium before it escapes the reactor.

Evaluating US Nuclear Competitiveness and its Future as a Carbon-Free Clean Energy Source

Evaluating US Nuclear Competitiveness and its Future as a Carbon-Free Clean Energy Source: Your free daily email from Fuller Treacy Money Comments of the Day 26 July 2019     Video commentary for July 25th 2019     Eoin Treacy's view A link to today's v

NRC could finish design review of small reactor by 2020 - Oak Ridge Today

NRC could finish design review of small reactor by 2020 - Oak Ridge Today: NuScale Power of Portland, Oregon, said Monday that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has completed the second and third phases of its review of NuScale’s design for a small modular nuclear reactor, and the NRC is on track to complete the design review by September 2020. This could be important to Oak Ridge because small …

First applications for Diakont's decontamination robot - World Nuclear News

First applications for Diakont's decontamination robot - World Nuclear News: Diakont of the USA provided cleaning and decontamination services using its new underwater robotic decontamination systems at four undisclosed nuclear power plants during early 2019, cleaning refuelling cavities, dryer-separator pools, and a suppression pool.

Uranium market not yet ready for Cameco restarts, says CEO   - World Nuclear News

Uranium market not yet ready for Cameco restarts, says CEO   - World Nuclear News: Although uranium market challenges are easing, Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel says there is still far to go before the Canadian uranium company restarts operations at McArthur River/Key Lake. Gitzel made the comment during the presentation of its second quarter results yesterday.

Walden, Shimkus, Upton promote Republican climate change plan - Ripon Advance

Walden, Shimkus, Upton promote Republican climate change plan - Ripon Advance: Republican leaders on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee this week advocated for a GOP climate plan in anticipation of Democrats releasing their new strategy. “Climate change is real. If we’re serious about tackling this challenge, we need to Read more...

As Ohio Decides To Save Its Nuclear Plants, Big Oil Is Displeased

As Ohio Decides To Save Its Nuclear Plants, Big Oil Is Displeased: Ohio passed legislation to create subsidies to avoid the early shutdown of the state’s two nuclear power reactors. Which is good since nuclear generates over 90% of the state’s clean energy, its 600 MW of wind notwithstanding. But it also helps coal die more slowly and hurts renewables just a little

Nuclear Energy Insider white paper Premature NPP Closure in the US: Market Trends, Risk Factors & Remedies

With massive political, industrial and operational change on the horizon for the Nuclear Decommissioning industry, the importance of understanding the market of the future is more significant than ever before.
Nuclear Energy Insider has recently produced a U.S. Market Forecast whitepaper, aiming to identify risk factors for premature shutdown and which plants are likely to close in the next 10 years.
Click here to secure your copy of the white paper
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see in the whitepaper:
  • Predictions for upcoming reactor closures: Hear expert opinions on which operational plants are currently at risk of premature closure due to the shifting political, economic and regulatory landscapes and learn where procurement opportunities may lie
  • The latest market forecast: Get an industry update on the U.S. plants currently in decommissioning and those already announced to shut down in the next 10 years to identify key market openings and where to focus your business efforts
  • How can we save plants from early retirement? Ascertain the industry’s response to plant closures and understand how the risk of premature closure can be mitigated through state support and the use of tax credits
Don’t miss out on key information in the Nuclear Decommissioning & Used Fuel industry and the future opportunities that it will create.
Click here to secure your copy of the white paper
Want to know more? Contact me to discuss how you can be a part of the industry moving forwards.
Best regards,
Kevin
Kevin Anderson
Global Project Director
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0) 20 7375 7190
kevin@nuclearenergyinsider.com

Fukushima Update July 26, 2019

Fukushima Update July 26, 2019 –

A popular Fukushima beach reopens for the first time since 2011… The number of overnight visitors to Fukushima hits an all-time high... Fukushima’s last tsunami-damaged port reopens… A Kyoto mother’s group hosts a 3-week retreat for Fukushima kindergarteners and parents… Tepco makes the decommissioning of F. Daini official… A Japanese academic warns that pumping F. Daiichi waste water out to sea could take 17 years!

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

U.N. nuclear watchdog appoints Romanian diplomat Feruta as interim chief - Reuters

U.N. nuclear watchdog appoints Romanian diplomat Feruta as interim chief - Reuters: Romanian diplomat Cornel Feruta will head the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) until member states agree on a permanent successor to deceased Director General Yukiya Amano, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog said on Thursday.

ENERGY POLICY: Top Republican wants broader ARPA-E mandate -- Thursday, July 25, 2019 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial

ENERGY POLICY: Top Republican wants broader ARPA-E mandate -- Thursday, July 25, 2019 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial: The top Republican on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee is floating legislation to expand the focus of the Energy Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy to address nuclear waste disposal and an assortment of other technological challenges.

NASA starts fueling up Mars 2020 rover's nuclear powerplant

NASA starts fueling up Mars 2020 rover's nuclear powerplant: NASA has given the green light to begin placing the plutonium-238 dioxide fuel into the nuclear Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) on the Mars 2020 robotic rover that will provide it with heat and electricity.

FirstEnergy Solutions announces it will refuel at Davis-Besse

FirstEnergy Solutions announces it will refuel at Davis-Besse: FirstEnergy Solutions announced Wednesday night it will rescind its deactivation notice for the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant.

PG&E Keeps Bankruptcy Control for Now After Judge Delays Ruling

PG&E Keeps Bankruptcy Control for Now After Judge Delays Ruling: PG&E Corp. remains in exclusive control of its bankruptcy for at least another two weeks after a judge sided with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s call for more time to develop alternatives to a bondholder restructuring proposal.

Judge imposes 'time out' on PG&E bondholders' bid to file Ch. 11 plan - Reuters

Judge imposes 'time out' on PG&E bondholders' bid to file Ch. 11 plan - Reuters: PG&E Corp bondholders with a reorganization plan for the power provider will need to wait until next month to file it after the judge in the company's bankruptcy on Wednesday deferred a key hearing at the urging of California's governor.

Insurers propose PG&E bankruptcy plan | Business Insurance

Insurers propose PG&E bankruptcy plan | Business Insurance: Insurers who say they face more than $20 billion in wildfire claims are proposing their own plan to deal with Pacific Gas & Electric’s bankruptcy.

PG&E Wants In on Wildfire Insurance Fund, But Others Will Decide - Bloomberg

PG&E Wants In on Wildfire Insurance Fund, But Others Will Decide - Bloomberg: All three of California’s investor-owned utilities have now signed off on the creation of a $21 billion wildfire fund that any one of them could tap the next time a power line sparks a catastrophic blaze.

Insurers Offer Competing Plan to Rescue PG&E from Bankruptcy

Insurers Offer Competing Plan to Rescue PG&E from Bankruptcy: SAN FRANCISCO -- Insurance companies contending that Pacific Gas & Electric owes them more than $20 billion from wildfire claims want to take over the

California gets time to consider bids to take over PG&E

California gets time to consider bids to take over PG&E: A federal judge agreed Wednesday to give California officials two weeks to sort out competing proposals to seize control of Pacific Gas & Electric and pull the utility out of a bankruptcy tied to billions in wildfire claims.

Nuclear remains UK’s main low-carbon energy source, despite outages - World Nuclear News

Nuclear remains UK’s main low-carbon energy source, despite outages - World Nuclear News: The UK obtained 19% of its primary energy from low-carbon sources last year, with 39% of this from nuclear power, but this was 7% lower than in 2017 due to outages at Dungeness B and Hunterston B towards the end of 2018, official statistics published today show. Nuclear capacity was broadly the same as in 2017, at 9.3 GW.

PG&E, SCE and Sempra participating in $21B state wildfire fund - Power Engineering

PG&E, SCE and Sempra participating in $21B state wildfire fund - Power Engineering: PG&E, which is in bankruptcy reorganization partially because of its liabilities in deadly, destructive blazes, initially will pitch in about $4.8 billion, with subsequent annual contributions of approximately $193 million.

UN nuclear watchdog names interim chief

UN nuclear watchdog names interim chief: Vienna (AFP) July 25, 2019 - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Thursday chose Romanian diplomat Cornel Feruta as its acting director general to replace the last chief, Yukiya Amano, who died last week.

Boeing drops out of nuclear missile development program

Boeing drops out of nuclear missile development program: Washington (UPI) Jul 25, 2019 -
Boeing has dropped out of a program to develop a new nuclear missile for the Air Force over concerns with the bidding process.

New Missiles for Old in North Korea

New Missiles for Old in North Korea: Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jul 26, 2019 -
Pundits and boffins are debating how to interpret a recent sequence of North Korean missile tests, which coincide with a period of strong diplomatic engagement between North Korea and the USA.

PSEG shedding fossil-fueled capacity, will fight for nuclear generation - Power Engineering

PSEG shedding fossil-fueled capacity, will fight for nuclear generation - Power Engineering: The utility will persist in trying to preserve its Salem and Hope Creek nuclear plants, which currently generate more than 90 percent of New Jersey’s zero-carbon electricity.

Nuclear Remains Largest Component Of Low-Carbon Generation :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

Nuclear Remains Largest Component Of Low-Carbon Generation :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Low-carbon energy including nuclear was used to generate more than half of the electricity used in the UK for the first time last year, according to official data.



A rise in renewable energy, combined with low-carbon electricity from nuclear reactors, made up almost 53% of generation in 2018, the government’s annual review of energy statistics revealed.

Snag-hit new French nuclear power station delayed by further 3 years

Snag-hit new French nuclear power station delayed by further 3 years: A new-generation nuclear power plant in northern France that has been hit by huge cost over-runs and manufacturing problems will not be ready before the end of 2022, French power group EDF said Friday, pushing back the date by three years. "The time that we will need to prepare the repairs, carry

As Ohio Decides To Save Its Nuclear Plants, Big Oil Is Displeased

As Ohio Decides To Save Its Nuclear Plants, Big Oil Is Displeased: Ohio passed legislation to create subsidies to avoid the early shutdown of the state’s two nuclear power reactors. Which is good since nuclear generates over 90% of the state’s clean energy, its 600 MW of wind notwithstanding. But it also helps coal die more slowly and hurts renewables just a little

Nuclear energy is green solution for state | Farmington-press | dailyjournalonline.com

Nuclear energy is green solution for state | Farmington-press | dailyjournalonline.com: Aesop vividly illustrated the foolishness of killing the goose that lays golden eggs. Some of us feel we are observing the modern-day version of that fable when it comes to

UK’s new premier promises boost for nuclear power - World Nuclear News

UK’s new premier promises boost for nuclear power - World Nuclear News: Boris Johnson expressed his "passionate" support for nuclear power when he addressed the House of Commons for the first time as UK prime minister yesterday. Seven of the country’s eight existing nuclear plants are set to be retired by 2030, while new-build projects have faced financial uncertainty over the last two years.

Hot weather cuts French, German nuclear power output | Euronews

Hot weather cuts French, German nuclear power output | Euronews: PARIS/FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Scorching temperatures across Europe coupled with prolonged dry weather has reduced French nuclear power generation by around 5.2 gigawatts (GW) or 8%,

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Andrews, Texas Wants U.S. Nuclear Waste - Bloomberg

Andrews, Texas Wants U.S. Nuclear Waste - Bloomberg: As Blake Roberts bounced along a single-lane dirt road in his red Ford Super Duty pickup he pointed to a pumpjack bobbing in the West Texas heat.

Exelon Braidwood-1 reactor in Illinois cuts output for valve maintenance | S&P Global Platts

Exelon Braidwood-1 reactor in Illinois cuts output for valve maintenance | S&P Global Platts: Exelon Generation's 1,320 MW Braidwood 1 nuclear reactor in Braceville, Illinois, was operating at significantly reduced output Wednesday afternoon for maintenance, according to a company spokesman.

NRC has public hearing on Clinch River Nuclear Site in August - Oak Ridge Today

NRC has public hearing on Clinch River Nuclear Site in August - Oak Ridge Today: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will have a mandatory hearing on August 14 regarding an application for an early site permit for one or more small modular nuclear reactors at the Clinch River Nuclear Site in west Oak Ridge. It’s the final step in the agency’s review of the application. The Commission hearing will include …

PG&E Pays SLO County 23.8 Million Dollars | News Talk 920FM | 96.5FM

PG&E Pays SLO County 23.8 Million Dollars | News Talk 920FM | 96.5FM: Pacific Gas and Electric will soon be paying San Luis Obispo County roughly 23.8 million dollars. The money is part of an agreement to help offset the economic impact of decommissioning the Diablo Canyon Nuclear power plant.

PG&E, SCE and Sempra participating in $21B state wildfire fund - Power Engineering

PG&E, SCE and Sempra participating in $21B state wildfire fund - Power Engineering: PG&E, which is in bankruptcy reorganization partially because of its liabilities in deadly, destructive blazes, initially will pitch in about $4.8 billion, with subsequent annual contributions of approximately $193 million.

Certain PG&E Shareholders Comment on Continuance for Exclusivity Termination Motion

Certain PG&E Shareholders Comment on Continuance for Exclusivity Termination Motion: Certain PG&E Corp. Shareholders (the “Investors”) are pleased with the Company, California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”), and Governor’s plan to develop a protocol for PG&E moving forward, as well as Judge Montali’s order for a continuance of the hearing of the Ad Hoc Bondholder Group’s motion

PG&E Wants In on Wildfire Insurance Fund, But Others Will Decide - Bloomberg

PG&E Wants In on Wildfire Insurance Fund, But Others Will Decide - Bloomberg: All three of California’s investor-owned utilities have now signed off on the creation of a $21 billion wildfire fund that any one of them could tap the next time a power line sparks a catastrophic blaze.

PG&E Bondholders Rip CPUC's 'Road To Nowhere' Proposal - Law360

PG&E Bondholders Rip CPUC's 'Road To Nowhere' Proposal - Law360: The California Public Utilities Commission and Gov. Gavin Newsom can propose a protocol for managing dueling PG&E Chapter 11 reorganization plans, a bankruptcy judge ruled Wednesday over bondholders' objections that the proposal would be "an unprecedented, undocumented road to nowhere" that will stall the bankruptcy proceeding.

Judge calls on state to develop plan to evaluate PG&E restructuring proposals | KRCR

Judge calls on state to develop plan to evaluate PG&E restructuring proposals | KRCR: A federal judge has granted a two-week period for California officials to develop a way to evaluate competing bids to restructure Pacific Gas & Electric and pull it out of bankruptcy. Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration and state regulators requested the time Wednesday to work with PG&E Corp. and two groups of investors who want to take over the troubled utility. PG&E filed for bankruptcy amid an estimated $30 billion in liabilities from recent wildfires its equipment may have ignited.

California gets time to consider bids to take over PG&E

California gets time to consider bids to take over PG&E: SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge agreed Wednesday to give California officials two weeks to sort out competing proposals to seize control of Pacific Gas & Electric and pull the utility out of...

3 major California utilities agree to pay into wildfire fund

3 major California utilities agree to pay into wildfire fund: All three of California's investor-owned utilities have agreed to pay into a new fund to cover costs from catastrophic wildfires caused by power company equipment.

California utilities agree to pay $10.5 billion into new wildfire fund - Los Angeles Times

California utilities agree to pay $10.5 billion into new wildfire fund - Los Angeles Times: California's three largest investor-owned utilities have agreed to pay $10.5 billion into a new wildfire fund signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month.

PG&E expects US$4.8 billion of initial contribution to California wildfire fund - CNA

PG&E expects US$4.8 billion of initial contribution to California wildfire fund - CNA: Power producer PG&E Corp on Thursday said https://bit.ly/32Nn2Qg its initial contribution to California Wildfire Fund would be about US$4.8 ...

NASA starts fueling up Mars 2020 rover's nuclear powerplant

NASA starts fueling up Mars 2020 rover's nuclear powerplant: NASA has given the green light to begin placing the plutonium-238 dioxide fuel into the nuclear Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) on the Mars 2020 robotic rover that will provide it with heat and electricity.

After 61 Years, U.S. Testing Site For Nuclear Weapons Still 10 Times More Radioactive Than Chernobyl

After 61 Years, U.S. Testing Site For Nuclear Weapons Still 10 Times More Radioactive Than Chernobyl: Radioactive contamination at the former nuclear weapons testing site of Bikini and Enewetak is still 10 times higher than in Chernobyl, 61 years after the last test. Now rising sea levels are threatening an unsafe nuclear waste repository.

World's Largest Nuclear Fusion Experiment Clears Milestone - Scientific American

World's Largest Nuclear Fusion Experiment Clears Milestone - 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.

Armenia's nuclear threat to the region and beyond - Daily Sabah

Armenia's nuclear threat to the region and beyond - Daily Sabah: HBO's five-episode drama 'Chernobyl,' which tells the story of the infamous nuclear accident of 1986 in Soviet Ukraine that turned the whole city into a...

Experts concerned about earthquake potential at WA's only nuclear plant | Columbia Basin | ifiberone.com

Experts concerned about earthquake potential at WA's only nuclear plant | Columbia Basin | ifiberone.com: HANFORD – A recent uptick in seismic activity in and around Central Washington over the past few weeks has reminded many residents there that being prepared to drop, cover, and

Nuclear energy is green solution for Missouri | Opinion | dailystarjournal.com

Nuclear energy is green solution for Missouri | Opinion | dailystarjournal.com: Aesop vividly illustrated the foolishness of killing the goose that lays golden eggs. Some of us feel we are observing the modern-day version of that fable when it comes to

Heatwave to affect French nuclear power generation beyond July 26 - EDF - Energy & Oil - Reuters

Heatwave to affect French nuclear power generation beyond July 26 - EDF - Energy & Oil - Reuters: Electricity generation at EDF's Bugey, St-Alban and Tricastin nuclear power plants may be curbed until after July 26 as the low flow rate and high temperatures of the Rhone limit the utility's ability to use river water to cool its reactors.

Hot weather cuts French, German nuclear power output - Reuters

Hot weather cuts French, German nuclear power output - Reuters: Scorching temperatures across Europe coupled with prolonged dry weather has reduced French nuclear power generation by around 5.2 gigawatts (GW) or 8%, French power grid operator RTE's data showed on Thursday.

Andrews, Texas Wants U.S. Nuclear Waste - Bloomberg

Andrews, Texas Wants U.S. Nuclear Waste - Bloomberg: As Blake Roberts bounced along a single-lane dirt road in his red Ford Super Duty pickup he pointed to a pumpjack bobbing in the West Texas heat.

New York Nuclear Plants Operate at Full Power During Extreme Heat | WebWire

New York Nuclear Plants Operate at Full Power During Extreme Heat | WebWire: While the sun beat down on upstate New York over the weekend, sending temperatures and energy demand soaring, Exelon Generation’s three New York nuclear power plants operated at full power, producing enough carbon-free electricity to keep more than 3.3 million homes and businesses safe and cool. That predictable, sustained energy production helped keep prices stable throughout the heatwave. Our zero-carbon nuclear energy facilities remain online when customers need us most, during extrem...

NRC has public hearing on Clinch River Nuclear Site in August - Oak Ridge Today

NRC has public hearing on Clinch River Nuclear Site in August - Oak Ridge Today: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will have a mandatory hearing on August 14 regarding an application for an early site permit for one or more small modular nuclear reactors at the Clinch River Nuclear Site in west Oak Ridge. It’s the final step in the agency’s review of the application. The Commission hearing will include …

UAMPS achieves key Carbon Free Power Project milestone | Sanpete County News | heraldextra.com

UAMPS achieves key Carbon Free Power Project milestone | Sanpete County News | heraldextra.com: SALT LAKE CITY — The Carbon Free Power Project (CFPP) being planned by Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) has reached a significant milestone. Participating members have executed power sales

Exelon Braidwood-1 reactor in Illinois cuts output for valve maintenance | S&P Global Platts

Exelon Braidwood-1 reactor in Illinois cuts output for valve maintenance | S&P Global Platts: Exelon Generation's 1,320 MW Braidwood 1 nuclear reactor in Braceville, Illinois, was operating at significantly reduced output Wednesday afternoon for maintenance, according to a company spokesman.

U.S. GAO - Cybersecurity: Agencies Need to Fully Establish Risk Management Programs and Address Challenges

U.S. GAO - Cybersecurity: Agencies Need to Fully Establish Risk Management Programs and Address Challenges: To protect against cyber threats, federal agencies should incorporate key practices in their cybersecurity risk management programs.These key practices include:Designating a cybersecurity risk executiveDeveloping a risk management strategy and policiesAssessing cyber risksCoordinating between cybersecurity and enterprise-wide risk management functionsAll but one of the 23 agencies we reviewed designated a risk executive. However, none of these agencies fully incorporated the other key practices into their programs.We made 58 recommendations to federal agencies to help improve their cybersecurity risk management programs.codeKey practices for establishing an agency-wide cybersecurity risk management program include designating a cybersecurity risk executive, developing a risk management strategy and policies to facilitate risk-based decisions, assessing cyber risks to the agency, and establishing coordination with the agency's enterprise risk management (ERM) program.

TMI Two could be changing ownership, decommissioning changes | WHP

TMI Two could be changing ownership, decommissioning changes | WHP: New developments in the decommissioning of the power plant reactors at Three Mile Island. Energy Solutions Incorporated announced they are negotiating to take control of Unit Two. That's the one that suffered the partial meltdown, and has been in the decommissioning process for decades. The company says they would completely dismantle the reactor and remove all of the waste. President and CEO Ken Robuck issued this statement:

NuScale marks regulatory milestone | Local | gazettetimes.com

NuScale marks regulatory milestone | Local | gazettetimes.com: NuScale Power has cleared a substantial regulatory hurdle on the way to bringing its novel nuclear reactor design to market.

Countries Planning to Launch Nuclear Power Learn to Draft Safety Regulation at IAEA School

Countries Planning to Launch Nuclear Power Learn to Draft Safety Regulation at IAEA School

,
Participants in the School on Drafting Nuclear Safety Regulations during a working session. (Photo: J.R. Jubin / IAEA)
Staff from regulatory bodies in 10 countries that are considering or preparing to introduce the use of nuclear power strengthened their ability to draft safety regulations during an IAEA workshop held in July in Moscow.
The 5 to 19 July course marked the first time that the School on Drafting Nuclear Safety Regulations targeted only regulators from Member States that are in the process of establishing the safety infrastructure for a nuclear power programme. Earlier Schools mainly targeted regulators from countries that already operate nuclear power.
The IAEA has offered the regulation drafting school regularly since 2010, helping participants incorporate IAEA safety standards and good international practices in their regulations.
The Moscow School, attended by 17 participants from Belarus, Egypt, Ghana, Jordan, Niger, Nigeria, Poland, Sudan, Uganda and Uzbekistan, focused on how to draft regulations related to management for safety and safety culture.
Supported and guided by international experts, the participants prepared draft regulations or revised existing regulations to improve them. They also worked on plans to establish the regulations needed in various step of a nuclear power programme.
“The continuous mentoring by high-level experts was a very effective way to strengthen my knowledge and skills in developing sound nuclear safety regulations,” said participant Barbara Zielińska, an Expert at Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency.
U.S. Senior Regulatory Expert Cynthia Pederson, who lead the School, said the broad international experience shared during the workshop helped participants ensure that their regulations enable authorities to effectively oversee nuclear power plant safety.

Envisioning the future of hydropower: What do you see? - Power Engineering

Envisioning the future of hydropower: What do you see? - Power Engineering: On Tuesday, July 23 at the HydroVision International keynote, Vice President Marla Barnes asked the audience to close their eyes and envision their next vacation. “Are you sitting on a beach? Are you packing your family into the car for a wild adventure? What do you see,” she asked.

77% Of People Want To Learn How To Live More Sustainably

77% Of People Want To Learn How To Live More Sustainably: A significant majority of Americans and Australians are intent on learning more about humanity’s impact on the environment, and what they can do to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

The EIA's July Energy Report In Pictures

The EIA's July Energy Report In Pictures: Analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that fossil fuels continue to dominate America's energy consumption, led by petroleum. Renewables are making inroads in the power sector as coal-fired capacity shrinks, but natural gas remains the market leader by a sizeable margin

Doosan, NuScale sign agreements for SMR cooperation - World Nuclear News

Doosan, NuScale sign agreements for SMR cooperation - World Nuclear News: South Korea's Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction yesterday signed the 'business collaboration agreement' with US small modular reactor developer NuScale Power for supply of NuScale Power Modules and other equipment. Doosan also signed the 'unit purchase agreement' through which it will make a cash equity investment in NuScale with Korean financial investors.

Ohio clean energy bill becomes law - World Nuclear News

Ohio clean energy bill becomes law - World Nuclear News: Ohio's House of Representatives passed House Bill 6 yesterday at a session held earlier than the 1 August date that had been expected, and it was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine. The law will provide clean energy credits to zero-emission power producers, including nuclear power plants.

'No Impropriety' by Trump in Transfer of Nuclear Technology to Saudi Arabia, GOP Probe Concludes

'No Impropriety' by Trump in Transfer of Nuclear Technology to Saudi Arabia, GOP Probe Concludes: Democrats have previously alleged the administration may have broken federal laws and guidelines in its numerous transfers of U.S. nuclear technology to the Middle Eastern country.

India takes leap towards fusion power to produce world's largest cryostat | Business Insider India

India takes leap towards fusion power to produce world's largest cryostat | Business Insider India: India on Tuesday achieved a key milestone towards realising full fusion power by manufacturing the world's largest high-vacuum pressure chamber -- crucial

Infamous Three Mile Island Reactor Set to Be Sold, Dismantled - Bloomberg

Infamous Three Mile Island Reactor Set to Be Sold, Dismantled - Bloomberg: Three Mile Island’s Unit 2 has been closed since 1979, when it was the site of the worst ever U.S. reactor accident. Now a Salt Lake City-based nuclear services company is in talks to buy and dismantle the facility.

Secret ingredient of nuclear success: Independent regulation | TheHill

Secret ingredient of nuclear success: Independent regulation | TheHill: Nuclear Regulatory Commission makes expert decisions on sophisticated technical questions, which is exactly what the public should expect.

Lawmakers name all-GOP nuclear fuel storage study team | WyoFile

Lawmakers name all-GOP nuclear fuel storage study team | WyoFile: Seven legislators will find a wealth of information in applications by private companies in Texas and New Mexico to temporarily store tons of radioactive fuel rods.

Ohio governor signs bill to save nuclear power plants - Reuters

Ohio governor signs bill to save nuclear power plants - Reuters: Ohio's governor signed a bill on Tuesday to create subsidies to avoid the early shutdown of the state's two nuclear power reactors, according to analysts tracking the legislation.

California's Wildfire Reset: Unequal Benefits

California's Wildfire Reset: Unequal Benefits: California has delivered on Governor Gavin Newsom’s pledge for a legislative fix to state utilities’ bottomless liability for wildfire damages. The cornerstone of AB 1054 is a wildfire fund that will take one of two forms.

Tepco To Decommission All Four Units At Fukushima-Daini, Reports Say :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

Tepco To Decommission All Four Units At Fukushima-Daini, Reports Say :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) plans to permanently shut down and decommission its Fukushima-Daini nuclear power station, about 12 km south of the bigger Fukushima-Daiichi facility where three reactors melted down in 2011 after an earthquake and tsunami, Kyodo News reported on Wednesday.



Tepco president Tomoaki Kobayakawa will visit the governor of Fukushima prefecture to convey the plan and the company’s board will formally approve the decision later this month, Kyodo said, without citing sources.



Fukushima-Daini has four 1,067-MW boiling water reactors that began commercial operation between April 1982 and August 1987.

EnergySolutions signs deal on final decommissioning efforts for Three Mile Island Unit 2 - Power Engineering

EnergySolutions signs deal on final decommissioning efforts for Three Mile Island Unit 2 - Power Engineering: nit 2 suffered a partial meltdown in March 1979 and has been out of operation ever since then. The nuclear fuel was removed in the 1980s and relocated to an offsite storage facility at the Idaho National Laboratory.

Permian Producers Underreport Fracking Activity | OilPrice.com

Permian Producers Underreport Fracking Activity | OilPrice.com: Oil and gas producers in the Permian underreported their fracking activity by as much as 20 percent for 2018, energy-focused data analysis services provider Kayrros has reported

Doosan, NuScale sign agreements for SMR cooperation - World Nuclear News

Doosan, NuScale sign agreements for SMR cooperation - World Nuclear News: South Korea's Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction yesterday signed the 'business collaboration agreement' with US small modular reactor developer NuScale Power for supply of NuScale Power Modules and other equipment. Doosan also signed the 'unit purchase agreement' through which it will make a cash equity investment in NuScale with Korean financial investors.

Bailout bill passed and signed by the Governor; opponents talk referendum to overturn | WDTN

Bailout bill passed and signed by the Governor; opponents talk referendum to overturn | WDTN: Just after 11:30 a.m. on July 23, most of the members of the Ohio House of Representatives voted whether to agree to changes the Senate made to House Bill 6, also known as the Ohio Clean Air Act.

Secret ingredient of nuclear success: Independent regulation | TheHill

Secret ingredient of nuclear success: Independent regulation | TheHill: Nuclear Regulatory Commission makes expert decisions on sophisticated technical questions, which is exactly what the public should expect.

FREE White Paper – Premature NPP Closure in the US: Market Trends, Risk Factors & Remedies

With massive political, industrial and operational change on the horizon for the Nuclear Decommissioning industry, the importance of understanding the market of the future is more significant than ever before.
Nuclear Energy Insider has recently produced a U.S. Market Forecast whitepaper, aiming to identify risk factors for premature shutdown and which plants are likely to close in the next 10 years.
Click here to secure your copy of the white paper
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see in the whitepaper:
  • Predictions for upcoming reactor closures: Hear expert opinions on which operational plants are currently at risk of premature closure due to the shifting political, economic and regulatory landscapes and learn where procurement opportunities may lie
  • The latest market forecast: Get an industry update on the U.S. plants currently in decommissioning and those already announced to shut down in the next 10 years to identify key market openings and where to focus your business efforts
  • How can we save plants from early retirement? Ascertain the industry’s response to plant closures and understand how the risk of premature closure can be mitigated through state support and the use of tax credits
Don’t miss out on key information in the Nuclear Decommissioning & Used Fuel industry and the future opportunities that it will create.
Click here to secure your copy of the white paper
Want to know more? Contact me to discuss how you can be a part of the industry moving forwards.
Best regards,
Kevin
Kevin Anderson
Global Project Director
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0) 20 7375 7190
kevin@nuclearenergyinsider.com

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Bondholders aim for driver’s seat in bid to shut down PG&E’s exclusive period - Reuters

Bondholders aim for driver’s seat in bid to shut down PG&E’s exclusive period - Reuters: PG&E Corp at a hearing on Wednesday will square off against bondholders who want to take control of the bankrupt power producer by terminating its exclusive period in which it has the sole right to file a reorganization plan.

Ad Hoc Subrogation Group Files Plan Proposal to Resolve PG&E Chapter 11

Ad Hoc Subrogation Group Files Plan Proposal to Resolve PG&E Chapter 11: The Ad Hoc Group of Subrogation Claim Holders (“Ad Hoc Subrogation Group”) today filed a motion, as described below, which contains a proposal outlining the key terms of a potential plan of reorganization. If granted, the motion would advance the Chapter 11 cases of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas

PG&E Creditors Push to Wrench Control From Bankrupt Utility - Bloomberg

PG&E Creditors Push to Wrench Control From Bankrupt Utility - Bloomberg: A group of PG&E Corp. creditors is making a final push to present a rival restructuring plan rather than let the bankrupt utility continue to control its own reorganization.

Insurance companies seek control of bankrupt PG&E | The Sacramento Bee

Insurance companies seek control of bankrupt PG&E | The Sacramento Bee: Insurance companies owed an estimated $20 billion by PG&E Corp. filed a plan Tuesday to take control of the bankrupt utility and pay wildfire claims and other debts.

Generation Atomic


Dear friend,
We've been working to save nuclear plants in Ohio for OVER TWO YEARS. We knocked on over 43,000 doors and sent 1000s of postcards, emails, and calls to make the case that *we need these plants*. Finally that work, and the work of thousands of others involved in this push, has paid off. We did it.
Davis-Besse and Perry Saved
 
While the bill wasn’t perfect, at the end of the day it preserved 90% of Ohio’s clean energy, over 4000 jobs, and tens of millions in local school funding.  That’s a win no matter how you look at it.
There are still reactors under threat of closing early, and with an energy hungry world and the threat of catastrophic warming, we're going to need advanced reactors as soon as possible. With your help, we will do everything we can to save endangered nuclear plants and usher in the next generation of reactors.

What’s the best way for you to chip in?
[Volunteer][Contact My Representative about an Advanced Nuclear Bill] [Donate]

 
Thank you for your continued support.
Eric Meyer
Executive Director, Generation Atomic

BP Sees Electric Cars Charging 100% in 5 Mins by 2021: Q&A | BloombergNEF

BP Sees Electric Cars Charging 100% in 5 Mins by 2021: Q&A | BloombergNEF: BP Plc said it is focused on reducing the amount of time that drivers need to spend at refilling station forecourts, as the oil major expands its footprint in electric vehicle charging.

Ohio Passes Controversial Bill to Bail Out Nuclear and Coal Plants | Greentech Media

Ohio Passes Controversial Bill to Bail Out Nuclear and Coal Plants | Greentech Media: House Bill 6 passed amid broad opposition, propping up bankrupt FirstEnergy Solutions’ nuclear plants while undercutting renewables.

There's A Cancer On The U.S. Economy: It's Climate Change Denial

There's A Cancer On The U.S. Economy: It's Climate Change Denial: Donald Trump will visit West Virginia, where he will tout his undying support for coal, all at a time when natural gas, wind and solar are replacing the fuel and providing a lot more jobs. The question now is whether America will meet this energy and climate transition head on, or go backwards.

Nuclear Energy Benefits The Environment - Bechtel

Nuclear Energy Benefits The Environment - Bechtel: Understanding the science behind nuclear power is the first step to understanding its important role in our clean energy future and the ways nuclear energy benefits the environment.

Congress Moves Ahead with Legislation to Promote Development of Advanced Nuclear Reactors | Neutron Bytes

Congress Moves Ahead with Legislation to Promote Development of Advanced Nuclear Reactors | Neutron Bytes: Bipartisan legislative efforts in the Senate and the House show that Congress is serious about promoting the development of advanced nuclear reactors. In the Senate, Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Joe M…

Gov’t Announces Plans To Explore New Financing Model :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

Gov’t Announces Plans To Explore New Financing Model :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: New nuclear power plants could be rolled out under a new financing model and government investment to decarbonise the UK’s energy sector, the British government has announced.



The government today set out proposals to explore the use of the regulated asset base (RAB) approach to attract “significant private investment” for future nuclear power in the UK.



The government said the RAB financing approach, already used in major UK infrastructure projects like the Thames Tideway Tunnel sewer project, could reduce the cost of financing infrastructure and risk for developers while limiting the impact on consumers’ bills in the long-term.

CNNC Announces Plans For ‘Linglong One’ SMR :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

CNNC Announces Plans For ‘Linglong One’ SMR :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: China National Nuclear Corporation has begun a project to build an ACP100 small modular reactor at Changjiang in Hainan, an island province in the south of the country.



The company said on its website that construction of the demonstration unit – also referred to as the Linglong One design – is scheduled to begin by the end of this year.

Russia and China sign fuel contract for new Tianwan units - World Nuclear News

Russia and China sign fuel contract for new Tianwan units - World Nuclear News: TVEL, the nuclear fuel manufacturer subsidiary of Russia's Rosatom, has signed a supply contract for units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant in China's Jiangsu province. The customers are Suneng Nuclear Power Corporation and China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation, which are both subsidiaries of China National Nuclear Corporation.

NRC cites Wolf Creek nuclear plant for false inspection record - Power Engineering

NRC cites Wolf Creek nuclear plant for false inspection record - Power Engineering: Earlier this year, the NRC determined that a Wolf Creek maintenance worker and supervisor both falsified records about the cleaning and inspection of the reactor’s control rod drive mechanisms in October 2016.

Canada launches environmental assessment of Micro Modular Reactor - World Nuclear News

Canada launches environmental assessment of Micro Modular Reactor - World Nuclear News: The Canadian government has issued the notice of commencement of an environmental assessment for a small modular reactor project proposed by Global First Power with support from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation and Ontario Power Generation. The companies described the move as a significant "first" for the Canadian nuclear industry.

Three US firms awarded Mo-99 production funds - World Nuclear News

Three US firms awarded Mo-99 production funds - World Nuclear News: The US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration has awarded cooperative agreements for the production of molybdenum-99 to three US companies. The announcement came as one of the companies - Shine Medical Technologies - submitted an application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to produce medical isotopes at its new production facility in Janesville, Wisconsin.

EDF cuts output at St. Alban nuclear power plant as France boils - Agricultural Commodities - Reuters

EDF cuts output at St. Alban nuclear power plant as France boils - Agricultural Commodities - Reuters: French utility EDF will cut output at the two reactors at its St. Alban nuclear power plant from Tuesday evening due to scorching temperatures and dry weather which have limited its use of river water to cool the reactors.

Thomas Elias: Will this be yet another phony PUC investigation | TheUnion.com

Thomas Elias: Will this be yet another phony PUC investigation | TheUnion.com: If you want to see a phony investigation, check out virtually every one of the last decade involving the California Public Utilities Commission. It will be no surprise if

Fires giving utilities vast new powers

Fires giving utilities vast new powers: The new reality is that no one living near a potential fire area now can be sure when the lights will go off and come back on.

Deadline set for victims of P.G.&E.-caused wildfires

Deadline set for victims of P.G.&E.-caused wildfires: An important legal notice impacting victims of wildfires caused by Pacific Gas & Electric is starting to arrive in the mailboxes across Northern California.

Mill Valley Denies Permits For Backup Generators As PG&E Power Shutoffs Loom – CBS San Francisco

Mill Valley Denies Permits For Backup Generators As PG&E Power Shutoffs Loom – CBS San Francisco: Large wildfires may be the new normal in Northern California and everyone should be ready for power outages, as a result. Still, many cities and towns are still holding to regulations that prevent people from installing backup generators...

Utility Builds Zero-Carbon Gas Power Plants | OilPrice.com

Utility Builds Zero-Carbon Gas Power Plants | OilPrice.com: NET Power, a utility set up in 2010, is building zero-carbon natural gas-fired power plants in the United States and abroad and plans on making them cheap enough in the future to compete with traditional fossil fuel power plants

Why hedge funds are fighting for control of PG&E — and what it means for you - SFChronicle.com

Why hedge funds are fighting for control of PG&E — and what it means for you - SFChronicle.com: Hedge funds’ battle for control could have a long-lasting impact on the makeup of California’s largest utility and the 16 million people it serves.

Tubbs Fire victims look to pursue case against PG&E - SFChronicle.com

Tubbs Fire victims look to pursue case against PG&E - SFChronicle.com: A committee of PG&E’s creditors wants a bankruptcy judge to allow a trial by victims of the deadly Tubbs Fire, even though state investigators have found that the October 2017 blaze was started by a private electrical system and not the utility’s equipment.

Eastern U.S. cities spewing more methane into air than thought - WHYY

Eastern U.S. cities spewing more methane into air than thought - WHYY: Scientists flew a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration airplane over New York City, Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and Providence, Rhode Island, for 1,200 hours in 2018 and found nine times as much natural gas in the air than the federal government had thought.