Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, August 24, 2019

These airport chapels offer Catholic Mass on Sundays

These airport chapels offer Catholic Mass on Sundays: More than half of U.S. hubs (airports that handle more than 1 percent of the country's air traffic) have interfaith chapels, and about a dozen of them celebrate Catholic Mass for travelers, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center survey.

14 Activities that help fathers and sons strengthen their bond

14 Activities that help fathers and sons strengthen their bond

Priest competes on Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America" -- Aleteia

Priest competes on Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America" -- Aleteia

Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Cousy reflects on his Jesuit education at Medal of Freedom ceremony--Aleteia

Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Cousy reflects on his Jesuit education at Medal of Freedom ceremony--Aleteia

How a temple in India was purified by St. Bartholomew the Apostle --Aleteia

How a temple in India was purified by St. Bartholomew the Apostle --Aleteia

The Benedictine monk who changed the way we learn music

The Benedictine monk who changed the way we learn music

When the world is full of serpents, pray this prayer to be a dove --Aleteia

When the world is full of serpents, pray this prayer to be a dove --Aleteia: "Give me the courage to show the dove in a world so full of serpents."

Generation Atomic Week Recao


Gen A Logo
How’s your summer going? Ours has been-- I’m going to go with-- atomically amazing!
We spent the first week of August in Idaho Falls, where we had “Atomic Week”!  The purpose of the week was two-fold.  How can we develop the advocacy skills of people that already support nuclear energy, and how can we get the topic of nuclear into new communities in a fun and creative way.  To do the first we had our Nuclear Ambassador Training at Idaho National Lab. We had the pleasure of collaborating with our friends at the Nuclear Alternative Project and drawing on their experience to make it even better than the version of the training we did last year. The afternoon was a social media content creation workshop where participants learned mobile filmmaking, meme making, and how to tweet their research.
 
Jesa of Nuclear Alternative Project
Jesabel Rivera of Nuclear Alternative Project working through some nuclear conversation scenarios.
 
The next day we had a climate board game and beer night at Snow Eagle Brewing.  (Sign up for more info on the board game here, btw).
Night three we partnered with a local Citizens Climate Lobby chapter to put on “Save the Ales”-- a moderated discussion about climate impacts on beer at Idaho Brewing Company.  During the event we had a raffle for some growlers of beer and Gen A swag, where attendees could earn tickets by completing various actions in support of nuclear energy (like emailing their legislators, wearing a button, or singing a song). So fun!
Save the Ales
Katelyn Morales, Mike Griffle, and Kemal Pasamehmetoglu of INL, with Linda Engle of Citizens Climate Lobby, having an entertaining discussion on climate change and beer.
We finished up Atomic Week with three days at an art festival called YouthJam.  Here we played a run-around tag game called "Climate Clash" where kids learned about our various clean energy sources by teaming up to take down the fossil fuel team and convert them to clean energy over the course of five action packed rounds. Almost 300 kids played the game over the course of the three days, and many of them told us it was their favorite part of the festival!
Climate Clash at the YouthJam
Wind (white team), Hydro (blue team), Nuclear (green team), and Solar (orange team) work together to stop Fossil fuels (Gen A staff) from bringing dirty energy to the grid in the dramatic final round.
 
What a week! And none of it would have been possible without the support of the Gateway to Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear, and the amazing staff at Idaho National Lab. They continue to be an absolute joy to work with and the great work they do is helping usher in a whole new era of clean energy abundance. Best tax dollars I’ve ever spent!
 
Last Month On the Internet
Top post on FB last month? This meme. Beware--it’s a bit spicy! We managed to ruffle the feathers of folks on both the right and the left, but that's ok! At least we can all agree that we need more nuclear power.
Anti-Science Club Meme
Top Story from Gen A Mag - Our story comparing nuclear power to “One-Punch Man” . It was featured on google news, resulting in some new folks from the anime community hearing about nuclear power. Pretty cool.
THAT'S IT! Thanks for tuning in, and thanks for all the work you do in the fight for fission.  If you like what we’re doing, join in the fun by volunteering, or help us do more great work with a tax deductible gift!
Have a great weekend,
Eric

Friday, August 23, 2019

Can solar increase emissions? A debate erupts | Energy Central

Can solar increase emissions? A debate erupts | Energy Central

More staff needed for Turkey Point licence review - World Nuclear News

More staff needed for Turkey Point licence review - World Nuclear News: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a revised schedule for its review of the first subsequent licence renewal for a US nuclear power plant because it is taking more staffing hours than originally expected. It still expects to complete the process within its original 18-month timescale.

A look at the NuScale small modular nuclear reactor project | East Idaho News

A look at the NuScale small modular nuclear reactor project | East Idaho News: IDAHO FALLS — New nuclear reactor technology is being developed here in Idaho, and Idaho Falls Power wants a piece of it. NuScale Power is developing a new kind of nuclear reactor they believe will be safer, smaller and cheaper than current reactors. Idaho Falls Power is hoping to take advantage of the new reactors …

Photos: Remembering the August 23, 2011 Virginia earthquake | WTKR.com

Photos: Remembering the August 23, 2011 Virginia earthquake | WTKR.com: Eight years ago today on August 23, 2011, a 5.8 earthquake out of central Virginia would be felt by millions across the U.S. eastern shore and in some provinces in Canada.

Senator Markey Issues Statement on License Transfer for Pilgrim Plant | CapeCodToday.com

Senator Markey Issues Statement on License Transfer for Pilgrim Plant | CapeCodToday.com: Senator Markey Issues Statement on License Transfer for Pilgrim Plant

Pilgrim License Transfer Approved by Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Pilgrim License Transfer Approved by Nuclear Regulatory Commission: PLYMOUTH, Mass., Aug. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission yesterday approved the application to transfer the licenses for the...

Climate Lawsuit Promoters Dinged for Flouting State Laws | The Energy Collective Daily


Climate Lawsuit Promoters Dinged for Flouting State Laws | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

Slovenia PM pushes for construction of new nuclear reactor - Reuters

Slovenia PM pushes for construction of new nuclear reactor - Reuters: Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec threw his weight on Thursday behind a tentative plan to build a new nuclear reactor to help support the country's economic growth.

Ukrainian Nuclear Plant Workers Caught Mining Cryptocurrency

Ukrainian Nuclear Plant Workers Caught Mining Cryptocurrency: Ukrainian nuclear power plant employees were using two mining rigs to mine cryptocurrency, but their operation was scrapped by the nation's secret services.

Bitcoin Hackers Charged As Nuclear Power Plant Security Compromised

Bitcoin Hackers Charged As Nuclear Power Plant Security Compromised: Illicit Bitcoin mining consumes a lot of electricity. So what could be better, or should that be worse, than hacking into a nuclear power plant to mine your cryptocurrency?

Feds fear EMP 'meltdown' of nuclear power plants

Feds fear EMP 'meltdown' of nuclear power plants: The federal government’s new focus on preventing disaster in a natural or terrorist electromagnetic pulse attack is drawing attention to a lack of testing and preparation at the nation’s nuclear power plants, where a resulting meltdown could cause radiation deaths.

'Floating Chernobyl: Russia tows nuclear power station to the Arctic - CNN

'Floating Chernobyl: Russia tows nuclear power station to the Arctic - CNN

Administration policies seek to promote use of space nuclear power - SpaceNews.com

Administration policies seek to promote use of space nuclear power - SpaceNews.com: A revised policy for approving the launch of spacecraft with nuclear power systems is the latest measure to support greater use of such systems in space.

Consolidated Edison's Exposure To PG&E Is Worrisome Given Its Rich Valuation - Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) | Seeking Alpha

Consolidated Edison's Exposure To PG&E Is Worrisome Given Its Rich Valuation - Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) | Seeking Alpha: Consolidated Edison is exposed to the ongoing problems at embattled California-based utility PG&E Corporation. As shares of Consolidated Edison are already rich

Law Firm Bills in Big Bankruptcy Cases Growing Rapidly | The American Lawyer

Law Firm Bills in Big Bankruptcy Cases Growing Rapidly | The American Lawyer: Several Am Law 100 firms stand to gain millions of dollars from the most active Chapter 11 bankruptcies this summer including Sears and PG&E.

PG&E Hires Morrison & Foerster to Defend CPUC Investigation | The Recorder

PG&E Hires Morrison & Foerster to Defend CPUC Investigation | The Recorder: Morrison & Foerster is now one of several large firms with a hand in the utility giant's bankruptcy proceedings.

Jones Day Jumps Into PG&E Bankruptcy Lobbying Fray in Sacramento | The Recorder

Jones Day Jumps Into PG&E Bankruptcy Lobbying Fray in Sacramento | The Recorder: Jones Day was paid just under $24000 to lobby in California for the investment funds in the second quarter.

Judge Says PG&E Wildfire Claims Should Be Estimated - Law360

Judge Says PG&E Wildfire Claims Should Be Estimated - Law360: The judge overseeing Pacific Gas and Electric Co.'s bankruptcy is recommending that the utility's total liability for California's 2017 and 2018 wildfires be estimated, saying there is not enough time to deal with the billions of dollars in claims individually.

How much could PG&E's rates rise? What you need to know | CalMatters

How much could PG&E's rates rise? What you need to know | CalMatters: PG&E's 16 million customers could be on the hook for an average $300 more a year. The state Public Utilities Commission must OK any increases.

PG&E Shareholders Are Worried That They Now Might Be Wiped Out - PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) | Seeking Alpha

PG&E Shareholders Are Worried That They Now Might Be Wiped Out - PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) | Seeking Alpha

Should PG&E customers pay more due to CA wildfire threat? | The Fresno Bee

Should PG&E customers pay more due to CA wildfire threat? | The Fresno Bee: Pacific Gas and Electric wants $1.1 billion in new revenue from higher rates in order to protect the California electrical system from wildfires. The Fresno Bee Editorial Board says the increases are necessary.

PG&E seeks help in paying wildfire victims - Electric Light & Power

PG&E seeks help in paying wildfire victims - Electric Light & Power: Lawmakers have about three weeks left to pass legislation before adjourning for the year. Because the bill was filed so late, it could not come up for a vote without permission from the Senate's Democratic leadership

SoCal Edison versus PG&E has had far fewer preemptive power outages

SoCal Edison versus PG&E has had far fewer preemptive power outages

Thursday Morning What's Up: PG&E Wants To Borrow Money Now

Thursday Morning What's Up: PG&E Wants To Borrow Money Now: An arrest has been made in a fatal assault in SoMa, Alice Walker has stepped into the fray regarding those murals at George Washington High, and the ACLU calls BART's proposed panhandling ban unconstitutional.

Fukushima Update; August 23, 2019

Fukushima Update; August 23, 2019 –

Fukushima decides to end the maternal health survey for adverse radiation effects…  Okuma strawberries are going to market… South Korea asks a Japanese envoy to explain why Japan is considering releasing Fukushima wastewater to the sea.

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

Ukraine: Crypto Miners Arrested for Compromising Nuclear Plant Security

Ukraine: Crypto Miners Arrested for Compromising Nuclear Plant Security: Ukrainian nuclear power plant officials have been arrested for compromising security with a crypto mining setup at the facility

Japan expects no nuclear reactor restarts this year - Nikkei Asian Review

Japan expects no nuclear reactor restarts this year - Nikkei Asian Review: TOKYO -- None of the six Japanese nuclear reactors that have been cleared to restart by regulators are expected to become operational this year becaus

Political pressure to remove nuclear waste builds - The Coast News Group

Political pressure to remove nuclear waste builds - The Coast News Group: REGION — California Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) wants spent nuclear fuel out of the 36th district as soon as possible. Bates, together with Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel), introduced a resolution in Sacramento last week urging the United States Congress and President Donald Trump to approve legislation that would prioritize...

Storm temporarily cuts power output at TVA nuclear plant | Times Free Press

Storm temporarily cuts power output at TVA nuclear plant | Times Free Press: The Tennessee Valley Authority's biggest nuclear power plant was forced to reduce power generation this week when a lighting strike cut power to the plant's seven cooling towers and temporarily limited the ability to cool the heated water in the plant's condensers.

Richland busness wins Hanford tank farms subcontract | Tri-City Herald

Richland busness wins Hanford tank farms subcontract | Tri-City Herald: Washington River Protection Solutions has awarded a 1-year subcontract for electrical work worth up to $24.5 million at the Hanford nuclear reservation site tank farms to American Electric of Richland.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Holds Meeting On Palisades' Decommissioning | News/Talk 94.9 WSJM

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Holds Meeting On Palisades' Decommissioning | News/Talk 94.9 WSJM: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Holds Meeting On Palisades’ Decommissioning

Nuclear Weapons Council briefed on plutonium pits, tritium during SRS, LANL meetings | News | aikenstandard.com

Nuclear Weapons Council briefed on plutonium pits, tritium during SRS, LANL meetings | News | aikenstandard.com

Judge will wait to sign off on FirstEnergy Solutions bankruptcy emergence - News - Akron Beacon Journal - Akron, OH

Judge will wait to sign off on FirstEnergy Solutions bankruptcy emergence - News - Akron Beacon Journal - Akron, OH: The confirmation of FirstEnergy Solutions’ bankruptcy plan has been put on hold until the company reaches a deal with two unions on labor agreements or wins court approval to reject the contracts.U.S. Bankruptcy Court Alan Koschik said in court in Akron on Wednesday that he was putting off confirmation of the plan until the labor agreements are addressed.He scheduled a Sept. 10 status conference.The judge stressed he was not denying confirmation of the plan.Wednesday marked the second

Control room launched at Hanford waste treatment plant - World Nuclear News

Control room launched at Hanford waste treatment plant - World Nuclear News: The control room for the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Facility at the US Department of Energy's Hanford site in Washington State has been commissioned. The facility is one of four major facilities that together will form the Waste Treatment and Immobilisation Plant, which will process and stabilize radioactive and chemical waste stored at the Hanford Site.

Ukraine further diversifies fuel supply with Canadian agreement - World Nuclear News

Ukraine further diversifies fuel supply with Canadian agreement - World Nuclear News: Energoatom and Cameco have signed a memorandum of cooperation and understanding as part of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant operator's strategy to diversify its nuclear fuel supply. The document was signed yesterday at the uranium producer's headquarters in Saskatoon, Canada.

Canadian, Korean waste organisations agree cooperation - World Nuclear News

Canadian, Korean waste organisations agree cooperation - World Nuclear News: The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency has signed agreements with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organisation to cooperate on decommissioning nuclear facilities and radioactive waste management.

Russia's floating plant heads for final destination - World Nuclear News

Russia's floating plant heads for final destination - World Nuclear News: Akademik Lomonosov, which Rosatom describes as the world's first floating nuclear power plant and the world's northernmost nuclear power installation, today set sail from Murmansk for its final destination of Pevek.

Employees connect nuclear plant to the internet so they can mine cryptocurrency | ZDNet

Employees connect nuclear plant to the internet so they can mine cryptocurrency | ZDNet: The Ukrainian Secret Service is investigating the incident as a potential security breach.

Decommissioning Nuclear Power Plants in the United States: Plans for Today, Planning for Tomorrow

Decommissioning Nuclear Power Plants in the United States: Plans for Today, Planning for Tomorrow 
More and more plants are coming up for decommissioning - not just in the US at Three Mile Island, Crystal River, Diablo Canyon, Humboldt Bay & more, but also in Japan, Canada and Sweden to name a few. With this in mind, it’s essential that those in the industry hear from the plant owners in order to develop a strategy to be a part of these projects, or risk getting left out in the cold.

That’s why the Nuclear Decommissioning & Used Fuel Strategy Summit 2019 (30 Sep – 1 Oct, Charlotte, NC) is providing you with the opportunity to hear ground-breaking insight from key decision makers running decommissioning projects in the US and internationally. With the global market taking shape, make sure you secure your first mover advantage at NDUF 2019.

Want to know more? Download the brochure to get access to the full program at NDUF 2019 >>>

Here’s a sneak peak of the case studies at NDUF 2019:

  • The inside scoop on Three Mile Island from Energy Solutions themselves, who will be detailing not only how they managed to secure this project, but future expectations from all verticals. Be a part of America’s most famous plants decommissioning by attending NDUF 2019
  • Further US Case Studies from top decision makers at Crystal River, Diablo Canyon, Humboldt Bay, Vermont Yankee & more. Ensure you know what’s happening in the USA from those that are making it happen.
  • Fukushima Daiichi: hear from Koichi Noda, Executive Director, Japanese Atomic Energy Agency will give exclusive updates on what is happening in Japan – find out how you can be involved at NDUF 2019 
  • Canadian Decommissioning: discover what’s happening north of the border from Mark Lesinski, President & CEO, CNL and executives at Canada’s largest utility, OPG – make sure you take advantage of the massive opportunities available

With such a strong program including the largest players in the industry, NDUF 2019 is the place to be if you are serious about your Decommissioning & Used Fuel strategy.

Want to know more? Download the brochure to get access to the full program at NDUF 2019 >>>

If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or give me a call – I’d be more than happy to talk further.
Best regards,

Kevin

Kevin Anderson
Global Project Director
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0) 20 7375 7190
kevin@nuclearenergyinsider.com

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Holds Meeting On Palisades' Decommissioning | News/Talk 94.9 WSJM

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Holds Meeting On Palisades' Decommissioning | News/Talk 94.9 WSJM

Han pledges to start mothballed nuclear power plant

Nuclear power critical to Taiwan's development: Han Kuo-yu | Economics | FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS

Nuclear power critical to Taiwan's development: Han Kuo-yu | Economics | FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS: Taipei, Aug. 21 (CNA) Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), the opposition Kuomintang's (KMT's) 2020 presidential candidate, said Wednesday that is important to keep nuclear power as viable option in Taiwan since it is crucial to the country's development.

Kepco’s losses pile up amid debate over anti-nuclear power policy

Kepco’s losses pile up amid debate over anti-nuclear power policy: To blame or not to blame the performance of South Korea’s power generator on the anti-nuclear power policy? This question has emerged yet again following news of Korea Electric Power Corp.’s quarterly loss last week. State-owned Kepco said its operating loss reached 298.6 billion won ($248 million) in the second quarter, following its worst-ever first-quarter operating loss of 630 billion won. In the firs...

Developer Blasts Ohio Nuclear Deal, Pulls Plug on Gas Plant Project

Developer Blasts Ohio Nuclear Deal, Pulls Plug on Gas Plant Project

Russia to launch floating nuclear reactor | Financial Times

Russia to launch floating nuclear reactor | Financial Times

PG&E Shareholders Are Worried That They Now Might Be Wiped Out


PG&E Shareholders Are Worried That They Now Might Be Wiped Out


https://seekingalpha.com/article/4287424-pg-and-e-shareholders-worried-now-might-wiped

President Trump signs memo to launch spacecraft with nuclear power

President Trump signs memo to launch spacecraft with nuclear power: Trump directed the Department of Transportation to issue public guidelines within a year for commercial companies seeking a license to launch spacecraft with nuclear systems.

Nuclear energy is green solution for Missouri | Free | marshfieldmail.com

Nuclear energy is green solution for Missouri | Free | marshfieldmail.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

Uranium Energy: I'm Bullish This Time - Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEMKT:UEC) | Seeking Alpha

Uranium Energy: I'm Bullish This Time - Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEMKT:UEC) | Seeking Alpha: UEC is a bet on rising uranium prices. The Working Group's report to President Trump will clarify the outlook for domestic uranium miners, including UEC. The st

Fusion Energy: Who Has The Courage To Take It To Market?

Fusion Energy: Who Has The Courage To Take It To Market?: Fusion is practically a silver bullet for energy scarcity and anthropogenic climate change caused by burning fossil fuels so why is commercial fusion energy still not here?

Should We Eat Less Rice? - Scientific American Blog Network

Should We Eat Less Rice? - Scientific American Blog Network

Nuclear News Roundup Aug 19, 2019 | Nucleotidings

Nuclear News Roundup Aug 19, 2019 | Nucleotidings

Radioactive Waste 402 - South Dakota Rejects Storage Of Any Type Of Radioactive Waste In The State | Nucleotidings

Radioactive Waste 402 - South Dakota Rejects Storage Of Any Type Of Radioactive Waste In The State | Nucleotidings

IAEA Mission Sees Safety Commitment at Belarus NPP Ahead of Commercial Operation

IAEA Mission Sees Safety Commitment at Belarus NPP Ahead of Commercial Operation

27/2019
Ostrovets, Belarus
Flag of Belarus
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has observed a commitment by the operator of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (NPP) to strengthening safety, ahead of the start of commercial operations of the NPP’s first unit. The team also identified areas for further safety enhancement to assure operational readiness.
The Pre-Operational Safety Review Team (Pre-OSART) concluded an 18-day mission today at the facility in Ostrovets, about 150 km northwest of Minsk, where Belarus is completing construction of its first NPP. The plant comprises two 1194 megawatt-electric units of the Russian VVER technology, with the first unit expected to begin operation next year.
Pre-OSART missions aim to assist nuclear operators in strengthening the operational safety of nuclear power plants. The missions identify areas for safety enhancement by assessing proposed operational programmes against IAEA safety standards and making recommendations where appropriate. The missions do not assess a plant’s overall safety status.
“Constructing a large, modern nuclear power plant designed for 60 years of operation requires senior plant leaders to adopt a sustained commitment to nuclear safety throughout the installation’s lifetime,” said team leader Yury Martynenko, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA. “The Pre-OSART team has observed a commitment by plant management to assure safe and reliable operation. The team has also offered recommendations for further strengthening safety and for timely implementation of operational programmes.”
The 15-member team comprised experts from Armenia, Belgium, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, the Russian Federation, the Slovak Republic and the United States of America as well as IAEA officials.
The review covered operational programmes under implementation, including the following areas: leadership and management for safety; training and qualification; operations; maintenance; technical support; operating experience; radiation protection; chemistry; emergency preparedness and response; accident management; and commissioning.
The team identified a number of good practices that will be shared with the nuclear industry globally, including:
  • A reliable alarm system that not only sounds the alarm but can also be used by the plant to give verbal information and instructions to the population in case of radiological and other emergencies.
  • An emergency shelter for the plant Fire Department providing the same level of radiological protection as that used for plant personnel.
  • An integrated display panel in the main control room, specially designed for the management and control of mobile equipment necessary during emergencies.
The mission made several recommendations aimed at strengthening operational safety in a timely manner to assure operational readiness, including:
  • Ensure that all activities related to development and implementation of operational programmes are properly managed.
  • Enhance monitoring and supervision of the commissioning programme, including measures for preventing the potential intrusion of foreign objects into plant systems and components important to safety.
  • Implement an operating experience feedback programme to ensure lessons from internal and external operating experiences are acted upon.
“The Pre-OSART mission is a great opportunity to get top international experts to provide an independent review to help enhance operational safety ahead of the planned start of the new reactor,” said Anatoly Bondar, Chief Engineer of the Belarusian NPP. “The development areas of this OSART assessment will be taken into account as part of our principle of continuous improvement.”
The team provided a draft of its report to plant management. Plant management and the national regulator have an opportunity to make factual comments on the draft, which will be reviewed by the IAEA. The final report will be submitted to the Belarusian Government within three months. The IAEA encourages governments to make OSART reports publicly available.
Plant management said it would address the team’s recommendations and request a follow-up OSART mission in about 18 months.
Background
General information about OSART missions can be found on the IAEA Website. An OSART mission is designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. It is not a regulatory inspection, nor is it a design review or a substitute for an exhaustive assessment of the plant’s overall safety status.

Committee Tells Gov’t To Make Nuclear Financing Decision By End Of Year :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

Committee Tells Gov’t To Make Nuclear Financing Decision By End Of Year :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: The British government must make a decision on the future finance framework for new nuclear power by the end of 2019 and should support new nuclear generation if it wants to meets its net zero-emissions target by 2050, a report published today said.



The parliamentary report by MPs on the science and technology select committee said the government should “sustain, but not grow” the UK’s nuclear power industry. It must anticipate any gap in future generation capacity such a policy would cause, and support sufficient renewable power alternatives to fill the gap.



The committee concluded that it is not possible to directly compare the costs of different power generation technologies, but “the government is right to support nuclear power subject to it representing value for money, because full lifecycle emissions from nuclear power will help the UK to achieve its emissions reduction targets”.

AEE Goes to Court to Stop Utilities and States From ‘Opting Out’ of FERC Energy Storage Rules | Energy Central

AEE Goes to Court to Stop Utilities and States From ‘Opting Out’ of FERC Energy Storage Rules | Energy Central

N. Korea dismisses nuclear talks if US 'hostile military moves' continue

N. Korea dismisses nuclear talks if US 'hostile military moves' continue: Seoul (AFP) Aug 22, 2019 - North Korea said Thursday it has no interest in dialogue unless Washington stops escalating hostile military moves, as a senior US envoy visited Seoul with an eye on reviving nuclear talks with Pyongyang.

NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board to Hold Oral Argument on Turkey Point Subsequent Renewal Application

 No: 19- 040 August 22, 2019CONTACT: Scott Burnell, 301-415-8200 



 NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board to Hold Oral Argument on Turkey Point Subsequent Renewal Application



19-040.pdf

Nuclear Notebook: an interactive nuclear weapons count - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Nuclear Notebook: an interactive nuclear weapons count - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: China Will Soon Surpass France as the World’s Third-Largest Nuclear Armed State Since 1987, the Bulletin’s Nuclear Notebook column has revealed surprise nuclear activity and spot-on arsenal estimates around the world. Researched and compiled by Hans M. Kristensen and Matt Korda of the Federation of American Scientists, the Nuclear Notebook is a critical resource for scholars, activists, and … Continued

IAEA reviews pre-operational safety at Belarusian plant - World Nuclear News

IAEA reviews pre-operational safety at Belarusian plant - World Nuclear News: The operator of Belarus's first nuclear power plant has shown a commitment to strengthening safety, an expert team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded. The team also identified areas for further enhancements as plant owner Belarusian NPP prepares to start up Ostrovets unit 1 next year.

AEP seeking close to 11 million tons of coal RFPs by 2022 - Power Engineering

AEP seeking close to 11 million tons of coal RFPs by 2022 - Power Engineering: Coal currently fuels about 47 percent of the company’s electric generation capacity.

Wind And Solar Gaining Edge Over Natural Gas | Energy Central

Wind And Solar Gaining Edge Over Natural Gas | Energy Central

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.

IAEA reviews pre-operational safety at Belarusian plant - World Nuclear News

IAEA reviews pre-operational safety at Belarusian plant - World Nuclear News: The operator of Belarus's first nuclear power plant has shown a commitment to strengthening safety, an expert team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded. The team also identified areas for further enhancements as plant owner Belarusian NPP prepares to start up Ostrovets unit 1 next year.

UK needs policy action to meet net-zero target, reports says - World Nuclear News

UK needs policy action to meet net-zero target, reports says - World Nuclear News: The UK government's legally binding target for 'net-zero' emissions by 2050 is "undeliverable" unless clean growth policies are introduced, according to a parliamentary report published today by the cross-party science and technology committee.

In Memoriam: IAEA pays tribute to Yukiya Amano - World Nuclear News

In Memoriam: IAEA pays tribute to Yukiya Amano - World Nuclear News: At a memorial service held at the Vienna headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency yesterday, dignitaries, diplomats and colleagues paid tribute to the late Yukiya Amano, its director general since 2009, who passed away last month. The following is the text of an IAEA statement about the service.

Chinese nuclear forces, 2019 - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Chinese nuclear forces, 2019 - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: China’s nuclear arsenal includes about 290 warheads for delivery by ballistic missiles and bombers and is likely to grow over the next decade,

PG&E Power Line That Sparked Camp Fire Was Inspected Weeks Earlier - WSJ

PG&E Power Line That Sparked Camp Fire Was Inspected Weeks Earlier - WSJ: PG&E conducted an unusual inspection of the power line that sparked the deadliest wildfire in California history, a step the utility said it normally takes only when it suspects a problem.

Recent disclosures raise questions about what PG&E knew before Camp Fire - PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) | Seeking Alpha

Recent disclosures raise questions about what PG&E knew before Camp Fire - PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) | Seeking Alpha: PG&E ([[PCG]] -3.4%) conducted an unusual inspection of the power line that sparked last November's deadly Camp Fire just weeks before the line failed, WSJ

Mines No Safer Despite $1 Billion In Fines, Federal Audit Says


Mines No Safer Despite $1 Billion In Fines, Federal Audit Says


https://www.npr.org/2019/08/22/752868484/no-link-between-fines-and-safety-in-mines-government-audit-says?fbclid=IwAR3GTFXrWwFoEpqQAiMEStCl2GvGDR5S0RRFSgAmCyuyPvnVG-kEu9Zaxng&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202019-08-22%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:22601%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive

California Proposes $100M in Energy Storage Incentives to Boost Wildfire Resiliency | Greentech Media

California Proposes $100M in Energy Storage Incentives to Boost Wildfire Resiliency | Greentech Media

What will electricity pricing look like in 2040? | Utility Dive

What will electricity pricing look like in 2040? | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Coal sector outlook drops from 'stable' to 'negative': Moody's | Utility Dive

Coal sector outlook drops from 'stable' to 'negative': Moody's | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

AEE Goes to Court to Stop Utilities and States From ‘Opting Out’ of FERC Energy Storage Rules | The Energy Collective Daily

AEE Goes to Court to Stop Utilities and States From ‘Opting Out’ of FERC Energy Storage Rules | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

A jury of our peers could now decide PG&E’s fate thanks to bankruptcy judge - Manteca Bulletin

A jury of our peers could now decide PG&E’s fate thanks to bankruptcy judge - Manteca Bulletin

The Turf War Between the Bankruptcy Courts and FERC Escalates | Jones Day - JDSupra

The Turf War Between the Bankruptcy Courts and FERC Escalates | Jones Day - JDSupra: The recent chapter 11 filings by PG&E Corp. and its Pacific Gas & Electric Co. utility subsidiary (collectively, "PG&E") and FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. have reignited the debate over...

IN BRIEF: Wildfire victims demand bankrupt PG&E share business plans - Reuters

IN BRIEF: Wildfire victims demand bankrupt PG&E share business plans - Reuters: The committee for wildfire victims in the bankruptcy of PG&E Corp is seeking a court order to compel the power producer to share its business plans after it recently said it could soon produce a reorganization plan.

PG&E CEO asks lawmakers to approve $20 billion debt plan - SFChronicle.com

PG&E CEO asks lawmakers to approve $20 billion debt plan - SFChronicle.com: PG&E Corp. CEO Bill Johnson was in Sacramento on Wednesday advocating for legislation that would let the company use as much as $20 billion in tax-exempt municipal bonds to pay wildfire victims.

Russia, China and South Korea vie for Bulgarian nuclear project - Reuters

Russia, China and South Korea vie for Bulgarian nuclear project - Reuters: State run energy companies from Russia, China and South Korea are among seven groups interested in becoming strategic investors in Bulgaria's Belene nuclear power project, the Balkan nation's energy minister said on Tuesday.

Fusion Energy: Who Has The Courage To Take It To Market?

Fusion Energy: Who Has The Courage To Take It To Market?: Fusion is practically a silver bullet for energy scarcity and anthropogenic climate change caused by burning fossil fuels so why is commercial fusion energy still not here?

INTERIOR: USGS reactor staffers lax about informing superiors — probe -- Wednesday, August 21, 2019 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial

INTERIOR: USGS reactor staffers lax about informing superiors — probe -- Wednesday, August 21, 2019 -- www.eenews.net E&E News -- Start a free trial: Two U.S. Geological Survey staffers kept senior officials in the dark while the Nuclear Regulatory Commission was uncovering violations in 2018 at a Denver-area test reactor, Interior Department investigators found.

Watts Bar 'Bee-Team' saves 25,000+ swarming bees at nuclear plant | wbir.com

Watts Bar 'Bee-Team' saves 25,000+ swarming bees at nuclear plant | wbir.com: A swarm of honeybees discovered at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant last May is thriving months after being relocated.

Over 100 Three Mile Island workers losing jobs Oct. 1 when Unit 1 closes, according to Exelon notice | Local News | lancasteronline.com

Over 100 Three Mile Island workers losing jobs Oct. 1 when Unit 1 closes, according to Exelon notice | Local News | lancasteronline.com

Nevada will seek new court order to remove plutonium

Nevada will seek new court order to remove plutonium

Trump Issues New Launch Guidelines for Nuclear Spacecraft | Space

Trump Issues New Launch Guidelines for Nuclear Spacecraft | Space

CGNP to CASLC Opposing Wind Generators Offshore of VAFB 08 22 19

 CGNP to CASLC Opposing Wind Generators Offshore of VAFB 08 22 19

California State Lands Commission 100 Howe Avenue, Suite 100 South Sacramento, CA 95825. cslc.commissionmeetings@slc.ca.gov email 
August 22, 2019 
SUBJECT: CGNP's Opposition to Agenda Item 78 for the August 23, 2019 CASLC Meeting in Los Angeles 
RATIONALE: Agenda Item 78 sacrifices national security for unnecessary wind generation proposed to be constructed offshore of Vandenberg Air Force Base. 
1. Agenda item 78 proposes activities leading to the construction of wind turbines 3 miles to the west of Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) on an oil platform in the Pacific Ocean. Wind turbines are incompatible with maintaining a high level of RADAR surveillance against threats to VAFB such as surface-skimming cruise missiles coming from the west. 
2. Wind energy's contribution to VAFB's energy resilience is negligible, as wind generation is intermittent. VAFB requires 24/7 always "ON" power to support its national security missions. Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) currently supplies the reliable power to VAFB. Our nonprofit, Californians for Green Nuclear Power, Inc. (CGNP) continues to advocate for the operation of the nearby DCPP beyond 2025 as a reliable generator that operates independently of California's aging and vulnerable natural gas distribution and storage system. Instead, DCPP's energy source is located within DCPP's twin reactor cores. Brief refueling outages occur on a staggered basis very 18-20 months. Thus, DCPP reliably produces power without interruption for VAFB for many years at a time. 
3. The alternative to DCPP's safe, reliable, cost-effective and zero-emissions power is natural-gas-fired generation. Furthermore, California has already constructed several large bulk energy storage systems based on hydroelectric pumped storage. As a consequence of the large amount of California's intermittent solar and intermittent wind generation, those bulk energy storage systems must be used instead to provide "ancillary services" which insure voltage and frequency stability for California's power grid. Solar and wind's generation maxima are poorly-aligned with California's energy needs. As a consequence of this poor alignment, substantial curtailment of solar and wind by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is already taking place. Thus, California already has too much solar and wind, so offshore wind generation would further exacerbate the existing glut of wind generation. Both solar and wind are backed up with natural-gas-fired generation, operated in an inefficient, intermittent fashion that increases emissions (Battery electric storage (BES) is extremely expensive and too small by at least a factor of 10,000. Furthermore today's rechargeable batteries are plagued with short operational lives, typically less than a decade.) 
DISCUSSION
1. Wind turbines are incompatible with maintaining a high level of RADAR surveillance against threats to VAFB such as surface-skimming cruise missiles coming from the west. 
The first CORONA launch in 1959 was from VAFB, as were all of the remaining CORONA, GAMBIT, and HEXAGON missions. The last of those film-return missions was launched in 1986. The 30th Space Wing at VAFB continues to launch important surveillance assets. In addition, an installation of the Missile Defense Agency's Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system is at VAFB. These assets merit protection from any adversary's cruise missiles launched from the west of VAFB. VAFB's defense requires unobstructed RADAR surveillance. RADARs must be programmed to ignore the random RADAR reflections caused by the rotating wind turbine blades. This "intentional blinding" extends far beyond the solid angle subtended by the turbine's rotating blades. RADAR surveillance is incompatible with offshore wind generators. In my many tours of VAFB, I've observed many large RADAR domes. However, I have not observed any on-shore wind 
generators within the base perimeter, nor nearby. Please see the Exhibits for additional information supporting this incompatibility. 
RADARs must be programmed to ignore the random reflections associated with the operation of a wind turbine. However, that means turning off surveillance to that section of the sky. As an example, please see the November 12, 2013 Ottawa Citizen article found in the Exhibits section. 
Please also recall the story of the sinking of the HMS Sheffield (D80) by Argentina's Air Force during the Falklands War using an Exocet missile on May 4, 1982. With VAFB's RADARs blinded near any wind turbine installation, such sea-skimming missiles would not be seen by the defenders of VAFB, perhaps until the very last second. Then it would be too late, just as it was for the HMS Sheffield. 
Additional references regarding this national security topic are found here: http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/NC/RadarReports.pdf A copy of this page of references is found in the Exhibits section. 
2. Nearby Diablo Canyon Power Plant currently supplies energy resiliency to VAFB. DCPP's "always ON" power currently supports VAFB's important national security mission. CGNP continues to advocate for the continued safe operation of DCPP beyond 2025 to support national security, among other rationales. On the other hand, inherently-intermittent wind generation, as proposed by the applicants, fails to make any significant contribution to VAFB's energy resiliency. Instead, wind generation furthers California's dependency on an aging (mostly 50 to 60-year-old) system of bulk natural gas transmission and storage - as intermittent wind and solar are backed up with natural-gas-fired generation. See the August 11, 2016 Washington Post article by Chris Mooney, "Turns out wind and solar have a secret friend: Natural gas" http://tinyurl.com/Natural-Gas-Secret As evidence of this aging infrastructure, in the fall and winter of 2015-2016, Sempra's Aliso Canyon Storage Field failed spectacularly, causing the largest leak in history of the potent greenhouse gas methane into the atmosphere. Recall also PG&E's San Bruno Natural Gas Pipeline explosion, on September 9, 2010 which killed 8, injured many more, and caused millions in property damage. 
CGNP established in written testimony before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) using CAISO's official that the capacity factor (percentage ON time) for both solar and wind for the half year ending on January 31, 2017 for all of California's wind and solar was a paltry 20%. Natural gas filled in for almost all of the 80% required for backup of solar and wind. Summary performance data is presented here: "NECG Commentary - Diablo Canyon Retirement" by Gene Nelson, Ph.D. January 11, 2018 found in the Exhibits section. 
3. California already has too much solar and wind, as is shown by CAISO's recent records showing a dramatic curtailment increase of both solar and wind in 2019. This information is shown in the Exhibits. The above-referenced NECG Commentary provides graphical representation of the unreliable and erratic nature of California's solar and wind generation. Furthermore, two large bulk energy storage systems (Helms Pumped Storage and Castaic Pumped Storage) are shown to only have modest utilization for energy storage. The most likely use of these expensive facilities is to provide important voltage and frequency stability to the California power grid, as both solar and wind destabilize California's power grid. 
The pristine environment offshore of VAFB should be preserved from encroachment for military R&D purposes. Wind turbines produce random RADAR echoes above the surface and the infrasound from their operation obscures SONAR under the surface. Both problems would prevent important R&D work to detect and deter our nation's adversaries. All of these arguments support the rejection of Agenda item 78. 
2

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

PG&E CEO Bill Johnson could make millions after bankruptcy | The Sacramento Bee

PG&E CEO Bill Johnson could make millions after bankruptcy | The Sacramento Bee: PG&E CEO Bill Johnson could make up to $110 million if he gets the company back on track after bankruptcy. Bondholders and stockholders are fighting over whether California should issue state bonds.

Keynote speaker from U.S. Department of Energy added for nuclear innovation summit

Keynote speaker from U.S. Department of Energy added for nuclear innovation summit

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The various roles that nuclear power plays in space exploration, medicine, robotics and sustainability will be the focus of “What IF Nuclear Innovation Could Save the World?: Atoms for Humanity” on Sept. 3-5.
Rita Baranwal, assistant secretary of nuclear energy for the U.S. Department of Energy, will provide the opening keynote at 4 p.m. on Sept. 3.
Baranwal’s keynote, as well as the individual conversations and panel sessions, are free and open to the public. No registration required. All events take place in Stewart Center’s Fowler Hall.
In June, Baranwal was sworn in as the first woman to lead the Office of Nuclear Energy. She is responsible for promoting research and development of existing and advanced nuclear technologies, maintaining the existing fleet of nuclear reactors, and advancing the development of a pipeline of advanced reactor designs and supply chain capabilities. Her conversation will be moderated by PBS science correspondent Miles O’Brien.
Baranwal joins these other summit keynote speakers:
* Naomi Hirose, executive vice chair for Fukushima Affairs Tokyo Electric Power Co., 3:30-5 p.m., Sept. 4, “Fukushima Forward.” A panel discussion will follow this talk.
* U.S. Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and William Bookless, NNSA principal deputy administrator, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Sept. 5. “America’s Role in the Nuclear Future.”
During the summit, Purdue also will celebrate the university’s recent announcement of the nation’s first all-digital nuclear reactor system being installed at the university.
The summit is a part of Purdue’s Ideas Festival, the centerpiece of the university’s Giant Leaps Sesquicentennial Campaign, which is a series of events that connect world-renowned speakers and Purdue expertise in a conversation on the most critical problems facing the world. This is the first Ideas Festival event in which all four Giant Leaps themes are featured: space exploration, artificial intelligence, health and longevity, and sustainable economy and planet.
A complete list of featured speakers and panelists is available online. They will discuss nuclear energy's impacts on health, space exploration, artificial intelligence, robotics and sustainability. They also will explore next-generation nuclear technology and the lessons learned from the tsunami that threatened nuclear power plants near Fukushima, Japan.
The summit is a partnership between Purdue and Third Way, a think tank that focuses on energy policy. The panels will be moderated by O’Brien and Jackie Kempfer, Third Way clean energy policy advisor.
Other panel topics include:
Sept. 3, 4-5:30 p.m., “Advancing Nuclear.” In the face of an accelerating climate crisis, nuclear power is at a crossroads. While the industry is an important source of carbon-free energy in the U.S., old plants are getting shuttered and new plants are struggling to gain financial footing. Enter next-generation nuclear. Innovations driven by advanced materials, supercomputing and modular construction – along with government and venture funding – is making a new era for nuclear power possible. A powerful lineup of industry and government movers and shakers, as well as advanced nuclear innovators, will provide a glimpse of the future.
Sept. 4, 10:30 a.m. to noon, “Next Gen Nuclear: Space Exploration.” Not since the 1950s and 1960s, at the height of the Cold War-era race with the Soviet Union, has the quest for exploration beyond Earth been as starry-eyed and urgent. NASA, along with billionaire and venture-backed startups, has its eyes set on the moon and beyond as global competition heats up. This session will focus on how nuclear energy is necessary to provide power for a lunar outpost and to propel future space missions farther and longer than ever before.
Sept. 4, 1:30-3 p.m., “Next Gen Nuclear: Climate and Clean Energy.” What is nuclear energy’s role in a world weaning itself off carbon? That question has become an essential element of the growing debate over how to mitigate the near- and long-term effects of global warming. A panel of leading global experts will bring context to a debate that has become more public and more urgent.
Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. to noon. “Next Gen Nuclear: Medicine and Health.” About one-third of all procedures used in modern hospitals involve radiation or radioactivity. This session will focus on the successes and challenges facing the field of nuclear medicine. How is the recent restructuring of the Tc-99m radioisotope market playing out domestically? How are nuclear diagnostics and treatments advancing personalized medicine? And how can fusion research spin out health applications?
Sept. 5, 1:30-3 p.m. “Next Gen Nuclear: Safety and Security.” The digital revolution – not just software and hardware, but big data, artificial intelligence and robotics as well – is transforming the nuclear power industry. Purdue is home to the PUR-1 reactor, now upgraded with the first fully digital instrumentation and control system in the United States. In this session, leading experts will discuss how digital technology promises to revolutionize the industry.
This is the third summit O'Brien will have moderated as part of the Ideas Festival. The first two explored "What IF We Could Engineer Better Health" and "What IF Food Was Digital." Before joining the “PBS NewsHour,” O'Brien was a science, environmental and aerospace correspondent for CNN.
Media contact: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: A YouTube video is available at https://youtu.be/Iv-hWfmRZQQ. The various roles that nuclear power plays in space exploration, medicine, robotics and sustainability will be the focus of “What IF Nuclear Innovation Could Save the World?: Atoms for Humanity” on Sept. 3-5 in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall on the campus of Purdue University.