Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Pope: ‘No Compromise With Euthanasia Even in Terminal Illness’
Pope: ‘No Compromise With Euthanasia Even in Terminal Illness’: Francis urges medics to conscientiously object if necessary
Molten-Salt (tritium breeding blanket) for Fusion Reactors: Nuclear Tech Overlap - Slashdot
Molten-Salt (tritium breeding blanket) for Fusion Reactors: Nuclear Tech Overlap - Slashdot: Dr. Charles Forsberg observes technological overlap between Molten-Salt Reactor (fission) development and Fusion Reactors due to manufacturing breakthrough of Rare-Earth Barium Copper Oxide (REBCO) Superconducting Magnets onto steel tape.REBCO superconducting tape enables doubling magnetic fields.Si...
Iran President Admits Trump's Sanctions Wiped Out Obama's Nuclear Deal, Pallets of Cash - The Political Insider
Iran President Admits Trump's Sanctions Wiped Out Obama's Nuclear Deal, Pallets of Cash - The Political Insider: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani admitted that Trump's strict sanctions have cost his country $200 billion, effectively wiping out assets provided by Obama.
Idaho National Laboratory Gets New Supercomputer for Simulation of Advanced Reactor Designs and the Fuels that Will Power Them | Neutron Bytes
Idaho National Laboratory Gets New Supercomputer for Simulation of Advanced Reactor Designs and the Fuels that Will Power Them | Neutron Bytes: A powerful new supercomputer arrived in December at Idaho National Laboratory’s Collaborative Computing Center. The machine has the capability to run complex modeling and simulation applications, w…
Friday, January 3, 2020
Structural Effects of Climate Change on the Utility Business
Structural Effects of Climate Change on the Utility Business: Developers and other sellers of electricity have traditionally viewed utilities as creditworthy counterparties. Utilities are longstanding institutions that provide a public service and receive a regulated
9th Circ. Law Backs PG&E In $500M Bond Fight, Judge Says - Law360
9th Circ. Law Backs PG&E In $500M Bond Fight, Judge Says - Law360: A California federal judge has found he is bound by Ninth Circuit precedent in setting the interest rate for claims by Pacific Gas & Electric noteholders, siding with the utility in a dispute over more than $500 million in potential interest payments.
China’s Oldest Nuclear Power Reactor Passes Long Term Safety Review - China Certification – CCC mark certificate (3C) for China – Your expert for China Compulsory Certification
China’s Oldest Nuclear Power Reactor Passes Long Term Safety Review - China Certification – CCC mark certificate (3C) for China – Your expert for China Compulsory Certification: After passing a safety review by experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the capacity of China’s oldest reactor has been uprated.
Here's What the World Will Look Like in 2030 ... Right? | WIRED
Here's What the World Will Look Like in 2030 ... Right? | WIRED: These six visions from humans today span space colonies, a genetic panopticon, and straight-up apocalypse.
Science just doesn't corroborate collective fear of nuclear power - Opinion - Barnstable Patriot - Hyannis, MA
Science just doesn't corroborate collective fear of nuclear power - Opinion - Barnstable Patriot - Hyannis, MA: Rosemary Shields' Dec. 31 letter, "Fukushima offers ample proof that we can't afford nuclear power," is lusty opinion, but short of recognizing nonsense. The AP year-end report on the Fukushima cleanup to which she refers is a rehash of long-reported “problems.” Worse, the article reemphasizes fear and endless disaster. No solutions to the Japanese government “problem”; the general public fear of all radiation drives endlessly cautious government policies; do nothing
Op-Ed: One Year After Oyster Creek Shutdown, 3.1M Tons of New Carbon Emissions | NJ Spotlight
Op-Ed: One Year After Oyster Creek Shutdown, 3.1M Tons of New Carbon Emissions | NJ Spotlight: Spike in region’s carbon pollution exacerbated the challenge of addressing climate change; to achieve our climate goals, we must preserve existing nuclear plants
Construction Of Akkuyu-2 Scheduled To Begin In Q1 Of 2020, Says Russia :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency
Construction Of Akkuyu-2 Scheduled To Begin In Q1 Of 2020, Says Russia :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Construction of the second unit at the Akkuyu nuclear power station in Turkey could begin in the first quarter of 2020, Alexei Likhachev, director-general of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom told reporters.
“Work onsite is underway,” he said. “Maybe we will hold an official ceremony for pouring concrete by March.”
Mr Likhachev also confirmed that Rosatom subsidiary Titan-2, which is the main contractor for the construction of Akkuyu, and Turkish private investment construction company Ictas had established a joint venture for construction of Akkuyu-2. “This alliance means we can expect successful implementation of the project,” he said.
“Work onsite is underway,” he said. “Maybe we will hold an official ceremony for pouring concrete by March.”
Mr Likhachev also confirmed that Rosatom subsidiary Titan-2, which is the main contractor for the construction of Akkuyu, and Turkish private investment construction company Ictas had established a joint venture for construction of Akkuyu-2. “This alliance means we can expect successful implementation of the project,” he said.
German nuclear phaseout is causing 1,100 additional deaths a year: Study
German nuclear phaseout is causing 1,100 additional deaths a year: Study: More than 1,000 additional people are dying each year from air pollution due to Germany's phase out of nuclear power in response to the 2011 Fukushima disaster, according to a new study.
Idaho Shipments to WIPP Paused Briefly in November Due to Problem Drum - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
Idaho Shipments to WIPP Paused Briefly in November Due to Problem Drum - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
US Regulator Proposes Civil Penalty For Western Nuclear :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency
US Regulator Proposes Civil Penalty For Western Nuclear :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a civil penalty of $14,500 against Colorado-based Western Nuclear for providing incomplete and inaccurate information regarding groundwater flow at the company’s Split Rock uranium mill tailings site near Jeffrey City, Wyoming.
An NRC investigation determined that in May 2015 Western Nuclear submitted information in a technical report to the commission on groundwater flow at the Split Rock site that was not complete and accurate.
An NRC investigation determined that in May 2015 Western Nuclear submitted information in a technical report to the commission on groundwater flow at the Split Rock site that was not complete and accurate.
David Blee, Runnymede Farm Executive, Horse Industry Advocate, Dies At 66 - Horse Racing News | Paulick Report
David Blee, Runnymede Farm Executive, Horse Industry Advocate, Dies At 66 - Horse Racing News | Paulick Report: David Cooper Blee, vice president of Runnymede Farm in Paris, Ky. – founded in 1867 and the state's oldest continuously run Thoroughbred farm – died on Sunday at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Lexington, Ky., after a brief illness at the age of 66. Family members said he suffered a severe reaction days earlier to an […]
Regulators to review handling of water problem at nuke plant
Regulators to review handling of water problem at nuke plant: BROWNVILLE, Neb. (AP) — Federal inspectors plan to review how well a Nebraska nuclear power plant handled a water service safety problem blamed on a silt buildup from the Missouri River, which...
Three Mile Island wants to end siren tests, radiation monitoring as part of reduced emergency planning role - pennlive.com
Three Mile Island wants to end siren tests, radiation monitoring as part of reduced emergency planning role - pennlive.com: By early 2021, the biggest threat from a non-operating nuclear power will be much smaller, according to TMI owner Exelon.
US study estimates costs of German nuclear phase-out - World Nuclear News
US study estimates costs of German nuclear phase-out - World Nuclear News: Germany's phase-out of nuclear power and increased use instead of fossil fuels could have led to 1100 additional deaths each year from air pollution, according to a study by economists at the University of California at Santa Barbara, the University of California at Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Reactor shutdowns outweigh start-ups in 2019 - World Nuclear News
Reactor shutdowns outweigh start-ups in 2019 - World Nuclear News: Global nuclear generating capacity stood at 392.4 GWe net at the end of 2019, down slightly on 2018, according to data from World Nuclear Association. Six power reactors were added to the grid last year and construction of three large reactor projects started, while nine units were permanently shut down.
Russia’s “Chernobyl On Ice” Gets A Major Lifeline | OilPrice.com
Russia’s “Chernobyl On Ice” Gets A Major Lifeline | OilPrice.com: Despite growing defiance from environmentalists, Russia is moving ahead with its plans to develop a key nuclear program in the Arctic Ocean
Op-Ed: One Year After Oyster Creek Shutdown, 3.1M Tons of New Carbon Emissions | NJ Spotlight
Op-Ed: One Year After Oyster Creek Shutdown, 3.1M Tons of New Carbon Emissions | NJ Spotlight: Spike in region’s carbon pollution exacerbated the challenge of addressing climate change; to achieve our climate goals, we must preserve existing nuclear plants
Three Mile Island wants to end siren tests, radiation monitoring as part of reduced emergency planning role - pennlive.com
Three Mile Island wants to end siren tests, radiation monitoring as part of reduced emergency planning role - pennlive.com: By early 2021, the biggest threat from a non-operating nuclear power will be much smaller, according to TMI owner Exelon.
NRC to inspect clogged pipe situation at Cooper Nuclear Station | Power Engineering
NRC to inspect clogged pipe situation at Cooper Nuclear Station | Power Engineering: Federal regulators will inspect a Nebraska nuclear power plant which had trouble pumping water through a cooling system last month. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced it would conduct a special inspection at the Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville. The 820-MW plant is owned and operated by the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). Cooper was operating...
Column: Federal setbacks to nuclear energy will harm climate and raise costs for states - Opinion - The Herald News, Fall River, MA - Fall River, MA
Column: Federal setbacks to nuclear energy will harm climate and raise costs for states - Opinion - The Herald News, Fall River, MA - Fall River, MA: There is no time to lose in the fight against climate change.
As 2020 comes a-knocking, whither Malaysia’s nuclear power plan? | Malaysia | Malay Mail
As 2020 comes a-knocking, whither Malaysia’s nuclear power plan? | Malaysia | Malay Mail: COMMENTARY, Jan 3 — Whatever happened to Malaysia’s plan to have our own nuclear plants by 2030? As the year 2020 approaches, I for one cannot help but notice how this project has yet to see the light of day. The plan was first introduced in 2012, and was led by the Malaysia Nuclear Power...
NRC to Investigate Silt Blockage at Nebraska Nuclear Power Plant
NRC to Investigate Silt Blockage at Nebraska Nuclear Power Plant: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is investigating a problem last month tied to a cooling system at Nebraska Public Power District’s Cooper nuclear plant.
One of Russia’s oldest nuclear reactors set to run until 2034 - Bellona.org
One of Russia’s oldest nuclear reactors set to run until 2034 - Bellona.org: The second reactor unit at the Kola Nuclear Power plant near Murmansk has received the nod from Russian regulators to operate until 2034, …
A Decade of Turmoil: How Nuclear and Coal Have Struggled to Survive
A Decade of Turmoil: How Nuclear and Coal Have Struggled to Survive
https://www.powermag.com/a-decade-of-turmoil-how-nuclear-and-coal-have-struggled-to-survive/
Monday, December 30, 2019
The energy agency that could thwart Democrats’ climate plans - POLITICO
The energy agency that could thwart Democrats’ climate plans - POLITICO: Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have endorsed a call to reshape FERC as a climate regulator, but is it necessary for a Green New Deal?
The Top Energy Stories Of 2019
The Top Energy Stories Of 2019: Many of this year's top energy stories have a common theme weaved through them. The U.S. shale boom continues to have major repercussions on the global energy markets.
State rep wants to boost nuclear power by charging customers up front
State rep wants to boost nuclear power by charging customers up front: Missouri voters banned the practice via initiative petition in 1976.
German nuclear exit continues as planned with next reactor to close Dec 31 | S&P Global Platts
German nuclear exit continues as planned with next reactor to close Dec 31 | S&P Global Platts: Germany's planned phasing out of nuclear power will continue with the closure next Tuesday of the 1.5 GW Philippsburg 2, leaving six reactors with a combined 8 GW online for the next 2 3 years.
Editorial: Georgia Power must deliver on investment - News - Savannah Morning News - Savannah, GA
Editorial: Georgia Power must deliver on investment - News - Savannah Morning News - Savannah, GA: Georgia Power’s regulator-in-chief summarized the rate hike package approved last week glibly."They ought to be happy," said Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, the chair of the state’s Public Service Commission.Now, Georgia Power will be working to make ratepayers happy by delivering on the increased investment.This editorial board has long supported the electricity utility, which serves most of the Coastal Empire. Georgia Power provides reliable energy at reasonable rates and is a good
The Biggest Threat To The Energy Sector
The Biggest Threat To The Energy Sector: The world’s most critical infrastructure is increasingly coming under fire from hackers across the globe, and the potential consequences are growing even more dire
NRC confirms Vogtle manager wrongly removed employee from plant who raised safety concerns - News - The Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA
NRC confirms Vogtle manager wrongly removed employee from plant who raised safety concerns - News - The Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA: A manager at the construction site for Plant Vogtle's new nuclear reactors has been issued a confirmatory order for discrimination by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The commission concluded that Thomas Saunders violated the agency's employee protection regulations by having an employee removed from the Vogtle site in July 2017, knowing the employee had raised concerns about safety-related welding and other issues, according to a commission release. The employee was fired by Saunders
The commission concluded that Thomas Saunders violated the agency's employee protection regulations by having an employee removed from the Vogtle site in July 2017, knowing the employee had raised concerns about safety-related welding and other issues, according to a commission release. The employee was fired by Saunders
Old Florida law says Disney can build a nuclear power plant. Legislators could change that. - Orlando Sentinel
Old Florida law says Disney can build a nuclear power plant. Legislators could change that. - Orlando Sentinel: A Disney historian says there’s no evidence the theme park has ever seriously moved forward on building a nuclear power plant but it shows how much political leverage Disney had before it built the Magic Kingdom in 1971.
Bill introduced this week doesn't change plans for Diablo Canyon closure, PG&E says
Bill introduced this week doesn't change plans for Diablo Canyon closure, PG&E says: Pacific Gas & Electric says a bill introduced this week by Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham to allow nuclear power to qualify as a renewable energy source won't keep Diablo Canyon from shutting down.
Exelon threatens closure of three more Illinois nukes
Exelon threatens closure of three more Illinois nukes: Byron, Dresden and Braidwood are at risk of early retirement, Exelon discloses explicitly for the first time. It's looking for "state policy solutions"—a bailout, in simpler terms—to keep the plants open.
The Nuclear Kid: Memphis youth builds home nuclear fusion reactor
The Nuclear Kid: Memphis youth builds home nuclear fusion reactor: A Memphis teen became the youngest "fusioneer" after building a nuclear fusion reactor at home.
Illinois GOP congressman John Shimkus will not run in 2020 | KMOX-AM
Illinois GOP congressman John Shimkus will not run in 2020 | KMOX-AM: Shimkus was reelected in 2018 with more than 70% of the vote.
Five U.S. Nuclear Power Plants to Close by End of 2025, EIA Says - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
Five U.S. Nuclear Power Plants to Close by End of 2025, EIA Says - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
Factbox: Hurricane Dorian causes power outages as it advances on US Southeast | S&P Global Platts
Factbox: Hurricane Dorian causes power outages as it advances on US Southeast | S&P Global Platts: Hurricane Dorian was nearing Florida's East Coast Monday afternoon, causing power outages and port closures in the state.
OKLO Announces 1.5 MWe Mini-Reactor | The Energy Collective Daily
OKLO Announces 1.5 MWe Mini-Reactor | The Energy Collective Daily |
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- OKLO Announces 1.5 MWe Mini-Reactor
- NRC Approves Early Site Permit for SMRs at TVA’s Clinch River Site
- NuScale’s SMR Design Clears Phase 4 of NRC Design Review Process
- Terrestrial Energy’s IMSR to Get Joint Review by CNSC and NRC
- Poland Plans 300 MW SMR with GE-Hitachi
- The beaches and the electricity sector (Brazil)
Financial sector must 'move faster' on climate crisis, says Bank of England governor - World Nuclear News
Financial sector must 'move faster' on climate crisis, says Bank of England governor - World Nuclear News: The outgoing governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, has said financial companies are failing to act quickly enough to curb their investment in fossil fuels. In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said some financial assets could end up worthless if investment firms don't adjust to a zero-carbon economy. Carney is due to start a new role next year as the United Nation's special envoy for climate action and finance.
Russia's Bilibino 2, Novovoronezh 4 get licence extensions - World Nuclear News
Russia's Bilibino 2, Novovoronezh 4 get licence extensions - World Nuclear News: Russian regulator Rostechnadzor has issued operating licence extensions to two more nuclear power units, bringing the total number to 27 since 2001. Unit 2 of Bilibino NPP and unit 4 of Novovoronezh NPP are now licensed to operate until the end of 2025 and 2032, respectively, which is six and 13 years longer than their previous licences.
South Ukraine 3 clear for operation with Westinghouse fuel - World Nuclear News
South Ukraine 3 clear for operation with Westinghouse fuel - World Nuclear News: The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine has approved commercial operation using Westinghouse fuel at unit 3 of the South Ukraine nuclear power plant. The regulatory authority signed the relevant document after pilot operation of the unit had shown the fuel was "safe, reliable and efficient", Energoatom said on 28 December.
Effectiveness of Fukushima decontamination studied - World Nuclear News
Effectiveness of Fukushima decontamination studied - World Nuclear News: Following the March 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the Japanese government launched decontamination work in the surrounding area. With most of this work now completed, the European Geosciences Union has today published an assessment of the effectiveness of the strategies used, with a focus on radiocaesium.
Revisions to Fukushima Daiichi decommissioning roadmap - World Nuclear News
Revisions to Fukushima Daiichi decommissioning roadmap - World Nuclear News: The trial removal of fuel debris from the damaged reactors at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant will begin at unit 2 in 2021, according to the latest revision to the mid and long-term roadmap towards decommissioning the plant. Meanwhile, the removal of fuel from the storage pools at units 1 and 2 has been delayed by up to five years.
China drills deep in search for uranium - World Nuclear News
China drills deep in search for uranium - World Nuclear News: A ceremony was held on 15 December at the Xiangshan uranium deposit near Fuzhou city in China's Jiangxi province to mark the start of the country's deepest drilling project related to the exploration of uranium resources. China National Nuclear Corporation said a 3000-metre-deep bore hole will be drilled.
The Next-Gen Nuclear Reactors Will Change the Way Nuclear Plants Produce Energy - The Market Associates
The Next-Gen Nuclear Reactors Will Change the Way Nuclear Plants Produce Energy - The Market Associates: the prototype reactor, maintained by an Oregon-based energy startup NuScale Power, represents the next line of reactors in the history of nuclear plants.
More nuclear energy for Turkey as Russia starts work on 2nd power unit for Akkuyu plant — RT Business News
More nuclear energy for Turkey as Russia starts work on 2nd power unit for Akkuyu plant — RT Business News: More nuclear energy for Turkey as Russia starts work on 2nd power unit for Akkuyu plant
UAE affirms commitment to safe nuclear power production - Arabianbusiness
UAE affirms commitment to safe nuclear power production - Arabianbusiness: Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has been subject to more than 40 inspections in last decade
World’s most remote nuclear-power plant gets extended operational license | The Independent Barents Observer
World’s most remote nuclear-power plant gets extended operational license | The Independent Barents Observer: One of the reactors at Bilibino NPP has got permission for another five years despite the nearby new floating nuclear power plant now is in operation.
2020: The Year Of The Oil Bankruptcies | OilPrice.com
2020: The Year Of The Oil Bankruptcies | OilPrice.com: Low crude prices have left the U.S. oil industry has been teetering on the edge, and even more bankruptcies are on the horizon in 2020
NY TIMES: Saudis can't depend on U.S. to protect their oil anymore . . . . - Oil (General) - Oil Price Community
NY TIMES: Saudis can't depend on U.S. to protect their oil anymore . . . . - Oil (General) - Oil Price Community: . . . So they are talking to their enemies. Thats good. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/26/world/middleeast/saudi-iran-qatar-talks.html Its about time. Why should U.S. spend over $30 Billion a year to protect Mideast shipping lanes so Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Iran, Bahrain , ...
Is This The Beginning Of The End For Fossil Fuels? | OilPrice.com
Is This The Beginning Of The End For Fossil Fuels? | OilPrice.com: Goldman Sachs just became the first U.S. bank to rule out financing on new article oil exploration and drilling, and others may be set to follow
Germany Aims To Close All Nuclear Plants By 2022
Germany Aims To Close All Nuclear Plants By 2022
https://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Germany-Aims-To-Close-All-Nuclear-Plants-By-2022.html
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Poland Plans 300 MW SMR with GE-Hitachi | Neutron Bytes
Poland Plans 300 MW SMR with GE-Hitachi | Neutron Bytes: Michał Sołowow, billionaire owner of chemical company Synthos SA, is planning to build a 300 MW small modular reactor (SMR) in Poland in the next decade in cooperation with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energ…
Terrestrial Energy’s IMSR to Get Joint Review by CNSC and NRC | Neutron Bytes
Terrestrial Energy’s IMSR to Get Joint Review by CNSC and NRC | Neutron Bytes: The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have selected Terrestrial Energy’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR®) for the first joint t…
NuScale’s SMR Design Clears Phase 4 of NRC Design Review Process | Neutron Bytes
NuScale’s SMR Design Clears Phase 4 of NRC Design Review Process | Neutron Bytes: NuScale Power announced in December that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has completed the fourth phase of review of the design certification application (DCA) for the company’s revolu…
NRC Approves Early Site Permit for SMRs at TVA’s Clinch River Site | Neutron Bytes
NRC Approves Early Site Permit for SMRs at TVA’s Clinch River Site | Neutron Bytes: TVA became the first utility in the nation to successfully obtain approval for an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to potentially construct and operate small modular reactor…