Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Friday, March 27, 2020

Key components of second HTR-PM reactor connected : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Key components of second HTR-PM reactor connected : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The reactor pressure vessel, steam generator and hot gas duct of the second reactor at China's demonstration high-temperature gas-cooled reactor plant (HTR-PM) have been successfully paired and connected, China National Nuclear Corporation announced today.

Used fuel containers ordered for Spanish nuclear power plants - Nuclear Engineering International

Used fuel containers ordered for Spanish nuclear power plants - Nuclear Engineering International: Spain’s Council of Ministers on 23 March authorised the National Radioactive Waste Company (Enresa) to enter into two contracts to manufacture and supply containers for the dry storage of used fuel from the Almaraz, Trillo and Santa...

Coronavirus Is Starting to Hit Usually Safe Utility Earnings

Coronavirus Is Starting to Hit Usually Safe Utility Earnings: (Bloomberg) -- The outlook for Europe’s utilities and power generators is worsening as the coronavirus curbs energy demand and prices plunge.Utilities from Centrica Plc to EON SE are being hit on several fronts from lower consumption to customers not paying their bills, which may lead to earning downgrades

IAEA launches project to examine economics of SMRs : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

IAEA launches project to examine economics of SMRs : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The International Atomic Energy Agency is launching a three-year Coordinated Research Project focused on the economics of small modular reactors (SMRs). The project will provide Member States with an economic appraisal framework for the development and deployment of such reactors.

Coronavirus Test: Nuclear Scientists Developing Faster €10 Test - Bloomberg

Coronavirus Test: Nuclear Scientists Developing Faster €10 Test - Bloomberg: Nuclear scientists in Austria are closing in on new coronavirus testing kits that could dramatically lower the cost and time it takes to diagnose people for the disease.

Commercial Nuclear Fusion Is Closer Than Ever | OilPrice.com

Commercial Nuclear Fusion Is Closer Than Ever | OilPrice.com: Nuclear fusion, labeled by many as the ‘holy grail of clean energy,’ is now closer than its ever been to becoming a commercial reality

How Will The Coronavirus Affect Energy Use In America?

How Will The Coronavirus Affect Energy Use In America?: Recessions lower energy use, and this one may be a whopper. U.S. energy use breaks down as Industrial (32%), Transportation (29%), Commercial (18%) and Residential (20%), the first three being heavily affected by this pandemic, losing up to 15 quadrillion BTU, ~$400 billion, in just 3 months.

Why the EU needs nuclear - Nuclear Engineering International

Why the EU needs nuclear - Nuclear Engineering International

Bernie Sanders is all wrong on nuclear power

Bernie Sanders is all wrong on nuclear power: It is difficult to take Bernie Sanders's vision for a carbon-free energy future seriously when he vehemently rejects the technology that does the most to achieve such a goal.

Construction of Additional Macstors Likely to be Delayed Again - Businesskorea

Construction of Additional Macstors Likely to be Delayed Again - Businesskorea: Experts who recently reviewed the Korean government's spent nuclear fuel management policy have reached an agreement that a permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuels as high-level radioactive wastes is necessary. However, they failed to reach a consensus on when the spent nuclear fuel storage fa

EDF to delay applying for UK nuclear plant building consent - Reuters

EDF to delay applying for UK nuclear plant building consent - Reuters: Utility EDF said on Thursday it will apply for development consent later than planned to build its Sizewell C nuclear plant in Britain due to the coronavirus crisis.

A successful assembly rehearsal for the world’s largest tokamak - Power Engineering International

A successful assembly rehearsal for the world’s largest tokamak - Power Engineering International: DYNAMIC SNC has taken a decisive step in the delivery of the ITER development contract by completing a successful ‘dry run’ of the project’s impressive upending tool.

NRC Renews Licence For Honeywell’s Illinois Uranium Conversion Plant :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

NRC Renews Licence For Honeywell’s Illinois Uranium Conversion Plant :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed the operating licence of Honeywell International’s uranium conversion plant in Metropolis, Illinois, for an additional 40 years until 24 March 2060.



Honeywell submitted its licence renewal application in February 2017. In its review, the NRC staff focused on Honeywell’s decommissioning funding, the environmental effects of the facility for the duration of the licence, facility changes and safety basis, and the controls to monitor material degradation and aging for the duration of a licence term.

West Valley Shifts to Mission-Critical Work Due to Pandemic - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1

West Valley Shifts to Mission-Critical Work Due to Pandemic - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.

TVA delays two spring reactor refueling outages by two weeks due to pandemic | S&P Global Platts

TVA delays two spring reactor refueling outages by two weeks due to pandemic | S&P Global Platts: Tennessee Valley Authority took the "precautionary step" of delaying planned outages at the Sequoyah 2 and Watts Bar 1 nuclear reactors this spring by two weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, TVA sp

Diablo Canyon on-site workforce 'greatly reduced' | News | San Luis Obispo | New Times San Luis Obispo

Diablo Canyon on-site workforce 'greatly reduced' | News | San Luis Obispo | New Times San Luis Obispo: In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, PG&E has asked all but essential employees at Diablo Canyon Power Plant to work from home, as the...

Nuclear plant shut down after coolant pumps experience issue | Toledo Blade

Nuclear plant shut down after coolant pumps experience issue | Toledo Blade: OAK HARBOR, Ohio — Davis-Besse nuclear power plant resumed a startup Thursday after experiencing a problem Wednesday with two of its four reactor coolant ...

JET team discovers neon can improve plasma barrier : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

JET team discovers neon can improve plasma barrier : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Scientists working on the Joint European Torus device have discovered that neon could be used to force extreme heat load away from a fusion reactor's exhaust system while maintaining high performance. Recent tests used neon to radiate and improve the edge of plasma known as a 'pedestal', which separates the very hot core from a cooler layer and away from material surfaces.

Canada's NWMO outlines repository plans : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News

Canada's NWMO outlines repository plans : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organisation says it remains on track to select a single, preferred site by 2023 for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel. The organisation has released its latest Triennial Report, including for the first time a strategic plan beyond site selection.

NWMO-Triennial-Report-201719.ashx

NWMO-Triennial-Report-201719.ashx

Canada's NWMO outlines repository plans : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News

Canada's NWMO outlines repository plans : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organisation says it remains on track to select a single, preferred site by 2023 for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel. The organisation has released its latest Triennial Report, including for the first time a strategic plan beyond site selection.

OPG completes first Darlington rebuild : Corporate - World Nuclear News

OPG completes first Darlington rebuild : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Reconstruction of unit 2 at the Darlington nuclear power plant in Canada has been completed and the process to restart the reactor can now begin, Ontario Power Generation has announced. The company will delay the planned start of the refurbishment of Darlington 3, scheduled to begin in May, as part of its measures to ensure stable electricity supplies during the COVID-19 crisis.

Message: Nuclear power in the fight against COVID-19 : Perspectives - World Nuclear News

Message: Nuclear power in the fight against COVID-19 : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: Nuclear power has responded to the call to action in the public health crisis that each and every one of us is facing, writes World Nuclear Association Director General Agneta Rising."The global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is prompting dramatic actions from governments, placing great restrictions on people and on business in order to save potentially millions of lives.At this time more than ever we need to be able to rely on electricity supply. It goes without saying that the huge efforts of medical staff worldwide depend on the ventilators, the monitors and all the other vital equipment that it proving so vital to giving people the chance to recover from this disease."

Diablo Canyon on-site workforce 'greatly reduced' | News | San Luis Obispo | New Times San Luis Obispo

Diablo Canyon on-site workforce 'greatly reduced' | News | San Luis Obispo | New Times San Luis Obispo: In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, PG&E has asked all but essential employees at Diablo Canyon Power Plant to work from home, as the...

PG&E wants to pay criminal fine from Camp Fire victims' fund - New York Daily News

PG&E wants to pay criminal fine from Camp Fire victims' fund - New York Daily News: PG&E reportedly plans to pay $4 million in manslaughter fines linked to California’s deadly 2018 Camp Fire using money from its planned $13.5 billion victims’ compensation fund.

PG&E fire victims concerned that COVID-19 market turmoil could affect payouts | Utility Dive

PG&E fire victims concerned that COVID-19 market turmoil could affect payouts | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Green Budgeting: Ensuring Policy Cohesiveness towards India’s Climate Goals | The Energy Collective Daily

Green Budgeting: Ensuring Policy Cohesiveness towards India’s Climate Goals | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

Health officials confront new threat to speed of testing | TheHill

Health officials confront new threat to speed of testing | TheHill: Public health officials are warning that a massive ramp-up in the number of tests for the coronavirus coupled with disruptions to the global supply chain are creating new shortages of some of the chemicals needed to process those tests.

Coronavirus Testing And A Retracted Study : Shots - Health News : NPR

Coronavirus Testing And A Retracted Study : Shots - Health News : NPR: When pressed on why the U.S. didn't import coronavirus tests after the CDC's effort ran into trouble, government officials drew on a study that had been retracted.

How to Practice Social Distancing | The New Yorker

How to Practice Social Distancing | The New Yorker: Dr. Asaf Bitton discusses what to do when you go outside, the importance of walks, how to respond if someone you are sheltering with gets sick, and the unsung heroes at American medical facilities.

How Does the Coronavirus Behave Inside a Patient? | The New Yorker

How Does the Coronavirus Behave Inside a Patient? | The New Yorker: We’ve counted the viral spread across peoples; now we need to count it within people.

How #coronavirus conspiracy theories went viral, and the Israeli connection - World News - Haaretz.com

How #coronavirus conspiracy theories went viral, and the Israeli connection - World News - Haaretz.com: When asked if COVID-19 could have been a biological weapon, one Israeli expert told me, ‘Do you really think that someone would develop a virus to kill people 70 and older?’

Dr. Anthony Fauci, dedicated to public service, formed at Jesuit high school | National Catholic Reporter

Dr. Anthony Fauci, dedicated to public service, formed at Jesuit high school | National Catholic Reporter: He's America's tough-love grandpa at a moment when top political leaders are frequently more like irresponsible dads prone to happy talk nonsense. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute...

What I Learned When My Husband Got Sick With Coronavirus - The New York Times

What I Learned When My Husband Got Sick With Coronavirus - The New York Times: Our world became one of isolation, round-the-clock care, panic and uncertainty — even as society carried on around us with all too few changes.

I’m a Calamity Obsessive. After My Trip to Italy, I Was the Calamity. - The New York Times

I’m a Calamity Obsessive. After My Trip to Italy, I Was the Calamity. - The New York Times: I wasn’t planning to be on vacation in a pandemic. It changed the way I’ll think about risk forever.

America Is Now The COVID-19 Epicenter: The U.S. Just Had 17,224 Newly Confirmed Coronavirus Cases In A Single Day! – End Of The American Dream

America Is Now The COVID-19 Epicenter: The U.S. Just Had 17,224 Newly Confirmed Coronavirus Cases In A Single Day! – End Of The American Dream: As I write this article, headlines all over the globe are announcing the fact that the United States now has more confirmed coronavirus cases than anybody else

The Annunciation and the mystery of the Incarnation – Catholic World Report

The Annunciation and the mystery of the Incarnation – Catholic World Report

What might Edward Gibbon say today? – Catholic World Report

What might Edward Gibbon say today? – Catholic World Report

A Time to Read Nicolas Diat’s “A Time to Die” – Catholic World Report

A Time to Read Nicolas Diat’s “A Time to Die” – Catholic World Report

Analysis: The sacramental shutdown, coronavirus, and canon law – Catholic World Report

Analysis: The sacramental shutdown, coronavirus, and canon law – Catholic World Report

Spanish doctors are forced to choose who to let die - The Boston Globe

Spanish doctors are forced to choose who to let die - The Boston Globe: People are dying in waiting rooms before they can even be admitted as the coronavirus pandemic overpowers medical staff. With some funeral services halted in the Spanish capital and no space left in the morgues, corpses are being stored at the main ice rink.

Conservatives push Trump to end social distancing, citing a conspiracy of the left to impose its agenda - The Boston Globe

Conservatives push Trump to end social distancing, citing a conspiracy of the left to impose its agenda - The Boston Globe: A chorus of conservative thinkers, pundits, and politicians have been sowing arguments to support a potential walk-back of the policies that public health experts say will slow the spread of coronavirus and limit the number of severe cases inundating hospitals.

Could we really end the coronavirus crisis in two weeks if we stopped all interaction? Sorry, no. Here’s why - The Boston Globe

Could we really end the coronavirus crisis in two weeks if we stopped all interaction? Sorry, no. Here’s why - The Boston Globe: Epidemiologists are cautioning against wishful thinking that we could defeat COVID-19 in a matter of 14 days.

More than 160 Boston hospital workers test positive for coronavirus - The Boston Globe

More than 160 Boston hospital workers test positive for coronavirus - The Boston Globe: Officials believe much of the increase may be due to community spread, as opposed to contact with infected patients.

To Slow Virus, China Bars Entry by Almost All Foreigners - The New York Times

To Slow Virus, China Bars Entry by Almost All Foreigners - The New York Times: Beijing halted most international flights, making it hard for citizens to return. And it blocked even foreigners with Chinese residency or visas from entering.

Trump Administration Pulls Back From $1 Billion Coronavirus Ventilator Deal - The New York Times

Trump Administration Pulls Back From $1 Billion Coronavirus Ventilator Deal - The New York Times: A deal with General Motors and Ventec Life Systems to produce tens of thousands of the critical lifesaving devices seemed imminent. Then the announcement was pulled back.

Can This Pandemic Usher in a New Era? – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website

Can This Pandemic Usher in a New Era? – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website: Trump should go further, turn the tables, and seize this crisis to do what he was elected to do — impose a new foreign policy. To fight the coronavirus at home, France is removing all military forces from Iraq. When NATO scaled back its war games in Europe because of the pandemic, Russia reciprocated. Moscow…

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Are Mass Plane Travel and Mass Tourism Unsustainable? | Common Dreams Views

Are Mass Plane Travel and Mass Tourism Unsustainable? | Common Dreams Views: “Ah, for the days when flying was a gentleman’s pursuit! – before every Joe Sweatsock could wedge himself behind a lunch tray and ‘jet off’ to Raleigh-Durham.” —Robert (“Sideshow Bob”) Terwillinger, The Simpsons, “Sideshow Bob’s Last Gleaming." | By Mike Lofgren

Global coronavirus epidemic finds United States in self-isolation, not leading - The Washington Post

Global coronavirus epidemic finds United States in self-isolation, not leading - The Washington Post: As the coronavirus spreads, U.S. rivals such as China and Russia are stepping up to fill the void.

How Power and Gas Utilities Keep Energy Flowing in the Pandemic | 2020-03-25 | SupplyChainBrain

How Power and Gas Utilities Keep Energy Flowing in the Pandemic | 2020-03-25 | SupplyChainBrain: As millions of people across Europe and the U.S. stay home to avoid the coronavirus, thousands of workers in the energy industry must remain at their posts. Utilities from SSE to Electricite de France SA to Duke Energy Corp. are implementing emergency plans to manage power and gas grids even as other sectors of the economy are forced to close. Despite the spread of digital technology, much of the industry still requires operators to be physically present to manage electricity flows and repairs. “Our job . . .

Confronting India’s nuclear regulation challenge | ORF

Confronting India’s nuclear regulation challenge | ORF: The Modi government has been silent about a related issue: that of nuclear security-related legislation or institutional measures.

Seabrook nuclear power plant following pandemic protocol - News - fosters.com - Dover, NH

Seabrook nuclear power plant following pandemic protocol - News - fosters.com - Dover, NH: SEABROOK – Government watchdog agencies and nuclear power plants across the nation are dealing with ramifications of the coronavirus, while protecting the health and safety of employees and the public.According to the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, the nation’s nuclear power plants supply about 20% of the country’s total electrical output.All power plants, including nuclear, are essential businesses that remain functioning even while one

US report identifies nuclear workforce trends | Energy Central

US report identifies nuclear workforce trends | Energy Central

PG&E to suspend service disconnections for non-payment for those facing COVID-19-related hardships - MarketWatch

PG&E to suspend service disconnections for non-payment for those facing COVID-19-related hardships - MarketWatch: PG&E Corp. said Wednesday it was providing support for customers facing hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic, through a series of billing and...

PG&E Fire Victims Warn Market Turmoil Endangers Settlement

PG&E Fire Victims Warn Market Turmoil Endangers Settlement: (Bloomberg) -- Market turmoil from the coronavirus is spilling into the bankruptcy of California power giant PG&E Corp.Victims of wildfires blamed on PG&E’s equipment are concerned the sell-off on Wall Street could hobble stock payments that make up half of a $13.5 billion settlement over claims from

New CRP: Economic Appraisal of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Projects: Methodologies and Applications (I12007)

New CRP: Economic Appraisal of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Projects: Methodologies and Applications (I12007)

The IAEA is launching a 3-year, Coordinated Research Project (CRP) focusing on the economics of SMRs, including micro-reactors, by providing Member States with an economic appraisal framework for their development and deployment.

,
,
new generation of mini-nuclear power reactors
Significant advances have been made on Small Modular Reactors, some of which will use pre-fabricated systems and components to reduce construction costs and shorten delivery schedules.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with electrical power up to 300MW per module, have specific design, safety and siting features, as well as a wide range of applications. In response to increased interest, the IAEA is launching a 3-year, Coordinated Research Project (CRP) focusing on the economics of SMRs, including micro-reactors, by providing Member States with an economic appraisal framework for their development and deployment.
The new generation of nuclear power reactors is relatively small in size compared to large, gigawatt-scale, nuclear power plants. Micro-reactors are MW-scale, factory-built SMR that can be easily transported — by trucks, ships, airplanes or railcars — to provide reliable heat and power in remote areas and small power grids.
SMRs can be used to generate electricity, process heat and ancillary services in evolving power grids, relying increasingly on variable generation from renewables and a variety of energy storage systems. Their reduced size, upfront costs, and construction times would make them easier to deploy compared to large nuclear power plants.
Multiple SMR projects are currently under development (about 50 designs and concepts) and have varying technology readiness levels. Their costs and delivery times need to be adequately estimated, analyzed and optimized. Specific business models have to be developed to address markets’ needs and expectations. The market itself should be large enough to sustain demand for components and industrial support services. The economic impact of SMR development and deployment has to be quantified and communicated to gain societal support.

CRP Overall Objective

The CRP aims at providing Member States with a canvas and a framework for the economic appraisal of SMR development and deployment. The approach would account for: (1) differences in technology readiness levels; (2) specifics of the technologies being considered; and (3) potential end-users, revenue streams, and risk profiles, attached to each concept.

Specific Research Objectives

Participants in the CRP will be co-developing a systematic approach to the economic appraisal of SMR Projects encompassing the following areas of investigation:
- Market research;
- Analysis of the competitive landscape (SMR vs non-nuclear alternatives);
- Value proposition and strategic positioning;
- Project planning cost forecasting and analysis;
- Project structuring, risk allocation and financial valuation;
- Business planning and business case demonstration;
- Economic cost-benefit analysis.
The framework would be applied, in particular, to assess the economics of multiples (serial production of reactors in a factory setting), factory fabrication (conditions to be met for a factory to exist), and supply chain localization (opportunities and impacts).

How to join the CRP

Proposals must be received no later than 30 April 2020. Please submit your Proposal for Research Contract or Agreement by email to the IAEA’s Research Contracts Administration Section, using the appropriate template on the CRA website.

EDF to delay applying for UK nuclear plant building consent - Energy & Oil - Reuters

EDF to delay applying for UK nuclear plant building consent - Energy & Oil - Reuters: Utility EDF said on Thursday it will apply for development consent later than planned to build its Sizewell C nuclear plant in Britain due to the coronavirus crisis.

Why the EU needs nuclear - Nuclear Engineering International

Why the EU needs nuclear - Nuclear Engineering International

Bruce Power cuts staff amid COVID-19 but maintains output | The London Free Press

Bruce Power cuts staff amid COVID-19 but maintains output | The London Free Press: The Southwestern Ontario nuclear plant that supplies about one-third of Ontario's power has scaled back its active workforce by two-thirds in the coronavirus fallout and reduced work on a massive rebuild of the eight-reactor plant.

Nuclear plant shut down after coolant pumps experience issue | Toledo Blade

Nuclear plant shut down after coolant pumps experience issue | Toledo Blade: OAK HARBOR, Ohio — Davis-Besse nuclear power plant is resuming its startup Thursday after experiencing a problem Wednesday with two of its four reactor ...

US low-carbon power seeks way past pandemic : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

US low-carbon power seeks way past pandemic : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The USA's clean energy sectors have outlined the government support they need to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Associations representing the nuclear, hydro, solar and wind energy industries have all written to Federal leaders for help.

Nuclear plant in Germany taken offline, corona crisis impacts on deconstruction plans | Clean Energy Wire

Nuclear plant in Germany taken offline, corona crisis impacts on deconstruction plans | Clean Energy Wire

San Onofre nuclear plant continues waste transfers amid COVID-19 restrictions - The San Diego Union-Tribune

San Onofre nuclear plant continues waste transfers amid COVID-19 restrictions - The San Diego Union-Tribune: Southern California Edison temporarily curtails some dismantlement work

Seabrook nuclear power plant following pandemic protocol - News - seacoastonline.com - Portsmouth, NH

Seabrook nuclear power plant following pandemic protocol - News - seacoastonline.com - Portsmouth, NH: SEABROOK – Government watchdog agencies and nuclear power plants across the nation are dealing with ramifications of the coronavirus, while protecting the health and safety of employees and the public.According to the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, the nation’s nuclear power plants supply about 20% of the country’s total electrical output.All power plants, including nuclear, are essential businesses that remain functioning even while one

Utility Dive Spotlight COVID-19 power sector impacts

 
Dive Spotlight

Topic: COVID-19 power sector impacts

COVID-19's unprecedented hit to the U.S. economy has state and federal lawmakers scrambling to provide relief and industry leaders formulating new strategies to stay afloat. For Utility Dive, that means shifting our coverage to provide the insights you need in this extraordinary time.

That's why today, two months since the first reported U.S. case, we are releasing a Spotlight newsletter that includes three new features tracking the pandemic's impacts on nuclear plant operations, distributed energy growth and state energy legislation. All our reporting and additional resources can also be found in our COVID-19 power sector impacts tracker.

How is this global crisis impacting you and your industry? What coverage would you like to see more of? Please let us know.

Thanks for reading and stay safe,

Catherine Morehouse
Reporter, Utility Dive
Twitter | E-mail
 

News and Trends


 
 
Deep Dive

Distributed storage could see growth in demand amid COVID-19 pandemic, analysts say

 
Despite short-term delays to projects, some industry players think demand for distributed storage could see an uptick following the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

 
Deep Dive

How COVID-19 is impacting 5 state energy legislation efforts

 
24 states have delayed legislative sessions and most others are shifting priorities toward the pandemic. That means state energy progress will likely take a hit this session, stakeholders say.
 

 
Deep Dive

Coronavirus could disrupt normal refueling practices for nuclear facilities as staffing concerns grow

 
Across the U.S., nuclear sites need to accommodate an influx of workers during the spring for cyclical refueling procedures, which will be difficult based on public health restrictions put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
 

 

Utilities beginning to see the load impacts of COVID-19 as economic shutdown widens

 
Demand for electricity is falling and experts say that could mean higher rates in some territories.
 

 

'An immediate and dramatic business concern:' How COVID-19 is disrupting the energy sector

 
The industry could face declines in demand, distracted regulators and disrupted supply chains, according to experts.
 

 

Nearly $2T stimulus package omits direct renewable sector aid after Trump, McConnell opposition

 
Despite a lack of direct funding, power sector leaders see broad benefits stemming from the stimulus package, including small business and unemployment loans.
 

 

ComEd CEO: Exelon expects to have pandemic plan in place through the summer

 
The regulated utility subsidiaries are adjusting their plans to the specific characteristics of the coronavirus under the expectation that it could last a while.
 

 

'Defensive' utility stocks hit hard amid COVID-19 fears; Xcel, ConEd among those expected to recover quickly

 
It's been about a month since broad stock market indices began falling amid novel coronavirus concerns. The utility sector has followed suit, but experts say some have a better chance for a speedy recovery.
 

 

Unemployment poised to skyrocket, creating urgent need to spur renewables: Obama veteran of 2008 financial crisis

 
Power sector leaders are pushing Congress to address hits to the industry, as a former Obama transition team member says renewables and transmission buildouts could be the first jobs to start hiring.
 

 
Deep Dive

COVID-19 may sport the thinnest silver lining: a cleaner climate

 
There is evidence of declining carbon emissions and improved air quality as societies lock down. Experts say potential stimulus funding could present an opportunity to perpetuate these changes.
 

What We're Reading


 
 
Power Technology
 

Covid-19 update: Power sector situation in lockdown countries

 

 
Power Engineering
 

Tucson Electric, SCE, AVANGRID & Enel among latest utilities to deploy resources toward fighting COVID-19

 

 
DOE Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response
 

COVID-19 Energy Sector Response Efforts and Frequently Asked Questions

 

 
S&P Global Market Intelligence
 

Coronavirus slows gas ban momentum, creates obstacles for pipeline opponents

 

 
CNBC
 

Wind energy enjoyed bumper 2019, but the coronavirus poses a challenge

 
 Utility Dive March​ 26,​ 2020 | Sign up | Forward

IAEA launches project to examine economics of SMRs : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

IAEA launches project to examine economics of SMRs : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The International Atomic Energy Agency is launching a three-year Coordinated Research Project focused on the economics of small modular reactors (SMRs). The project will provide Member States with an economic appraisal framework for the development and deployment of such reactors.

EnBW sets provisional date for cooling tower demolition : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News

EnBW sets provisional date for cooling tower demolition : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: The coronavirus outbreak has impacted German utility EnBW’s deconstruction plans for its Philippsburg nuclear power plant, which is in the federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg. The controlled detonation of the plant's cooling towers will take place on 14 May at the earliest as the date may be subject to change, it said.

Energoatom separates plant personnel for protection against COVID-19 : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

Energoatom separates plant personnel for protection against COVID-19 : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: Energoatom yesterday announced the introduction of measures to protect its key workers from exposure to COVID-19. They are being housed in separate rooms within specially appointed hotels, where all the necessary measures for disinfection and medical monitoring are being carried out, the Ukrainian nuclear power plant operator said.

US national lab supercomputers to help fight COVID-19 : Corporate - World Nuclear News

US national lab supercomputers to help fight COVID-19 : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Five US National Laboratories will play a key role in a consortium tasked with harnessing the power of supercomputers to combat COVID-19, Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said in a video address yesterday. President Donald Trump announced the launch of the consortium on 23 March. The five are Argonne, Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge and Sandia.

Rosatom Exploring SMR Development - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Rosatom Exploring SMR Development - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

FORATOM chief on why Germany nuclear phase-out is a poor decision

FORATOM chief on why Germany nuclear phase-out is a poor decision: While many countries are ramping up nuclear capacity to meet emission targets, Germany has taken the opposite approach with a planned phase-out by 2022

Vattenfall To Assist Estonia In SMR Development - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Vattenfall To Assist Estonia In SMR Development - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

Westinghouse Wins Cook NPP Service Contract - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Westinghouse Wins Cook NPP Service Contract - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

San Onofre nuclear plant continues waste transfers amid COVID-19 restrictions - The San Diego Union-Tribune

San Onofre nuclear plant continues waste transfers amid COVID-19 restrictions - The San Diego Union-Tribune: Southern California Edison temporarily curtails some dismantlement work

Seabrook nuclear power plant following pandemic protocol - News - seacoastonline.com - Portsmouth, NH

Seabrook nuclear power plant following pandemic protocol - News - seacoastonline.com - Portsmouth, NH: SEABROOK – Government watchdog agencies and nuclear power plants across the nation are dealing with ramifications of the coronavirus, while protecting the health and safety of employees and the public.According to the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, the nation’s nuclear power plants supply about 20% of the country’s total electrical output.All power plants, including nuclear, are essential businesses that remain functioning even while one

Sandia, LANL help hunt for vaccine » Albuquerque Journal

Sandia, LANL help hunt for vaccine » Albuquerque Journal: SANTA FE, N.M. — Labs part of network seeking ways to fight coronavirus

DOE To Grant $16m For R&D In Isotope Production :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

DOE To Grant $16m For R&D In Isotope Production :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: The US Department of Energy is to provide up to $16m to finance the research and development for isotope production – part of a key federal programme that produces critical isotopes otherwise unavailable or in short supply for US science, medicine, and industry.



The DOE said it will provide up to $16m, half of which will be available in fiscal year 2021 and the other half in 2022. All funding will be contingent on congressional approval.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road Map | The Energy Collective Daily

Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road Map | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Coronavirus: What this crisis reveals about US - and its president - BBC News

Coronavirus: What this crisis reveals about US - and its president - BBC News: Nations, like individuals, reveal themselves at times of crisis. So what does this global catastrophe tell us?

U.S.-Saudi alliance one of 'many ideas' being discussed: U.S. energy secretary - Reuters

U.S.-Saudi alliance one of 'many ideas' being discussed: U.S. energy secretary - Reuters: Forging an oil alliance between the United States and OPEC's top producer Saudi Arabia is one of "many, many ideas" being floated by U.S. policy makers but it is uncertain whether it will become a formal proposal, the U.S. energy secretary told Bloomberg TV on Monday.

How Pakistan Became a Coronavirus Super-spreader to the Entire Muslim World


How Pakistan Became a Coronavirus Super-spreader to the Entire Muslim World

Iran banned congregational prayer. Saudi Arabia closed the Ka’aba to pilgrims. Imran Khan allowed a quarter of a million Muslims to gather - and returning home, they've spread the coronavirus from Kyrgyzstan to Gaza

https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/.premium-how-pakistan-became-a-coronavirus-super-spreader-to-the-muslim-world-1.8708783?utm_source=smartfocus&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=haaretz-most-read&utm_content=https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/.premium-how-pakistan-became-a-coronavirus-super-spreader-to-the-muslim-world-1.8708783

Pope Francis Grants Plenary Indulgence to Those Affected by Coronavirus | Rebecca Hamilton

Pope Francis Grants Plenary Indulgence to Those Affected by Coronavirus | Rebecca Hamilton: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. St Paul  Pope Francis has granted a Plenary Indulgence to all of us who suffer from the Coronavirus. Those who are subject to quarantine, health care workers, family members and all those who care for those who are sick with Coronavirus are all

Coronavirus updates: Death toll in California reaches 60 | The Sacramento Bee

Coronavirus updates: Death toll in California reaches 60 | The Sacramento Bee: California’s shutdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic could very well last into the summer, as the virus has now resulted in at least 60 deaths in the state.

How are American Views of the Coronavirus Crisis Evolving as It Intensifies? - Lawfare

How are American Views of the Coronavirus Crisis Evolving as It Intensifies? - Lawfare: Findings from poll of 2,395 American Adults, over a nine-day period.

PG&E expands reorganization plans to comply with California bankruptcy law | Energy Central

PG&E expands reorganization plans to comply with California bankruptcy law | Energy Central

UPDATE 1-EDF reduces workforce at UK's Hinkley Point C nuclear power project - Reuters

UPDATE 1-EDF reduces workforce at UK's Hinkley Point C nuclear power project - Reuters: EDF Energy is reducing the workforce at its Hinkley Point C nuclear plant project in Britain by more than half in the coming days because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Plan to dispose of Fukushima wastewater drafted | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Plan to dispose of Fukushima wastewater drafted | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News: NHK has learned that Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, has drafted a plan for disposing of radioactive wastewater stored at the troubled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

The coronavirus crisis reminds us that electricity is more indispensable than ever – Analysis - IEA

The coronavirus crisis reminds us that electricity is more indispensable than ever – Analysis - IEA: The coronavirus crisis reminds us that electricity is more indispensable than ever - A commentary by Dr Fatih Birol

Great River Energy, Xcel planning to sequester critical workers if necessary - StarTribune.com

Great River Energy, Xcel planning to sequester critical workers if necessary - StarTribune.com

Fennovoima changes spur progress with Hanhikivi project : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Fennovoima changes spur progress with Hanhikivi project : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Finland's Fennovoima said operational changes made in 2019, both within the company and throughout the Hanhikivi 1 nuclear power plant project, have brought significant progress in different areas of the plant design and preparatory work. In a newly-published report, the company describes the project's progress and the sustainability work it carried out last year.

US low-carbon power seeks way past pandemic : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

US low-carbon power seeks way past pandemic : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The USA's clean energy sectors have outlined the government support they need to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Associations representing the nuclear, hydro, solar and wind energy industries have all written to Federal leaders for help.