Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Friday, June 5, 2020

Massachusetts attorney general urges state examine shift from natural gas heating


Massachusetts attorney general urges state examine shift from natural gas heating


https://www.utilitydive.com/news/massachusetts-attorney-general-urges-state-examine-shift-from-natural-gas-h/579277/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202020-06-05%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:27756%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive

IAEA opens Yukiya Amano Laboratories : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

IAEA opens Yukiya Amano Laboratories : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: A ceremony was held today to mark the official opening of a state-of-the-art laboratory building, named after former International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano, at the agency's Seibersdorf site outside Vienna, Austria. The new facility will increase the IAEA's capacity to assist countries in fighting and preventing transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases like COVID-19, and to tackle challenges related to climate change and food safety.

Czech budget council warns of Dukovany cost : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Czech budget council warns of Dukovany cost : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The Czech Fiscal Council, Národní rozpočtová rada, has warned that financing a new nuclear power unit could have a long-term impact on the country's budget and could be "a lot higher" than current estimates.

US Department of Energy backs proposed SMR regulation : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

US Department of Energy backs proposed SMR regulation : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: The US Department of Energy "strongly supports" the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's proposal to apply risk-based emergency preparedness requirements to small modular reactors (SMRs) and other new technologies. DOE said the NRC's proposed rule is "the next step in determining the appropriate Emergency Planning Zone size for SMRs and is crucial for the US nuclear industry and the overall development of the technology".

Ontario completes first Darlington refurbishment : Corporate - World Nuclear News

Ontario completes first Darlington refurbishment : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Unit 2 of Ontario Power Generation's Darlington nuclear power plant has been reconnected to the grid at 100% full power, marking the official completion of the first refurbishment of the site's four Candu units.

Post-COVID recovery brings decarbonisation opportunity : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News

Post-COVID recovery brings decarbonisation opportunity : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: The world's response to COVID-19 is also an opportunity to meet strategic goals that include reducing carbon emissions and attaining a healthier, more sustainable environment, while ensuring economic recovery, the leaders of the Canadian Nuclear Association and World Nuclear Association said yesterday.

DOE Issues Decision on Disposal of Depleted Uranium Oxide From Kentucky, Ohio Plants

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EM News Flash | June 5, 2020

DOE Issues Decision on Disposal of Depleted Uranium Oxide From Kentucky, Ohio Plants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued a formal Record of Decision (ROD) for the safe shipment and disposal of depleted uranium oxide from former gaseous diffusion plants in Portsmouth, Ohio and Paducah, Kentucky.
The ROD announces DOE’s preference to dispose of the material, if declared waste, at one or more of the following locations: the commercial EnergySolutions LLC site near Clive, Utah; the commercial Waste Control Specialists LLC (WCS) site near Andrews, Texas; and the government-owned Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) in Nye County, Nevada. The decision reinforces the department’s commitment to the safe and effective management and disposition of materials from its cleanup sites.
DOE’s near-term plan is to focus on depleted uranium oxide disposal at commercial sites. DOE is planning a pilot project in the next year to ship several railcars containing cylinders of depleted uranium oxide to a commercial disposal facility.
Depleted uranium oxide results from the conversion of depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF6), a byproduct of the gaseous diffusion process that was used to enrich uranium for government and commercial needs. Conversion plants now operating at the Portsmouth and Paducah sites convert DUF6 to depleted uranium oxide, a more stable form for possible reuse or disposal.
Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the DOE completed a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement that evaluated the potential impacts associated with transporting and disposing of depleted uranium oxide, which meets requirements for disposition as low-level radioactive waste.
More information on the ROD is available here.

Follow EM on Twitter: @EMcleanup
Like EM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOEEnvironmentalManagement

Government Approves Phase One Of Latina Decommissioning :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

Government Approves Phase One Of Latina Decommissioning :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Italy's Ministry of Economic Development has issued a decree authorising state-owned nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management company Sogin to begin phase one of decommissioning the Latina nuclear power plant in Lazio, south of Rome.



The Latina plant, a 153-MW Magnox graphite gas-cooled reactor that began commercial operation in January 1964, is the last of Italy’s four commercial nuclear plants to be given a decommissioning decree. It was permanently shut down in December 1987 as a result of a referendum on nuclear power that followed the April 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Sogin took over ownership of the site in November 1999.

OPG, SNC Lavalin complete three-year rebuild of Darlington nuclear Unit 2 | Power Engineering

OPG, SNC Lavalin complete three-year rebuild of Darlington nuclear Unit 2 | Power Engineering: Ontario Power Generation has returned its CANDU Unit 2 reactor back into service after completing the first phase of a decade-long refurbishment project at Darlington Nuclear Generating Station along Lake Ontario. The first part of the nearly $13 billion project was led by SNC Lavalin and competed by more than 2,300 people working over eight...

IAEA launches spent fuel and radioactive waste database - Nuclear Engineering International

IAEA launches spent fuel and radioactive waste database - Nuclear Engineering International: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in close cooperation with the European Commission and the OECD/NEA, has launched a new database for used fuel and radioactive waste that facilitates information sharing and simplifies national...

Why TRISO particles could open a new age for nuclear power

Why TRISO particles could open a new age for nuclear power: The robustness and potential of this type of nuclear fuel gives new hopes of clean and safe nuclear power.

NRC reports on Seabrook nuclear power plant’s safety - News - seacoastonline.com - Portsmouth, NH

NRC reports on Seabrook nuclear power plant’s safety - News - seacoastonline.com - Portsmouth, NH: SEABROOK – The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced this week that NextEra Energy Seabrook nuclear power plant operated safely during 2019.The determination was announced in March in the NRC’s annual assessment letter to the plant’s owners, NextEra Energy, but it was presented publicly on Wednesday during the federal agency’s annual performance assessment public meeting.Although customarily delivered at a public meeting in New Hampshire near the power plant, NRC this

Contractor getting $5M bonus for Hanford vitrification plant

Contractor getting $5M bonus for Hanford vitrification plant: TRI-CITIES, Wash. (AP) — The Department of Energy has announced it will pay the company building the Hanford vitrification plant $5 million in incentive pay after it received its best performance...

Bill Would Prevent the President from Nuking Hurricanes - Nextgov

Bill Would Prevent the President from Nuking Hurricanes - Nextgov: It came on the first day of hurricane season, in response to a recommendation Trump reportedly made in the past.

Fight Over New Mexico Nuke Waste Plan Lands in DC Circuit

Fight Over New Mexico Nuke Waste Plan Lands in DC Circuit: Opponents of a plan to ship highly radioactive nuclear waste from power plants across the U.S. to a site in rural New Mexico elevated their fight Thursday with a lawsuit against the federal regulators considering the plan.

US Department of Energy backs proposed SMR regulation : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

US Department of Energy backs proposed SMR regulation : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: The US Department of Energy "strongly supports" the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's proposal to apply risk-based emergency preparedness requirements to small modular reactors (SMRs) and other new technologies. DOE said the NRC's proposed rule is "the next step in determining the appropriate Emergency Planning Zone size for SMRs and is crucial for the US nuclear industry and the overall development of the technology".

Belarus ready to share nuclear power plant construction experience with Hungary

Belarus ready to share nuclear power plant construction experience with Hungary: The president suggested that the Belarusian side is ready to provide assistance and consultation in these matters if Hungary needs it. “I think you will use our assistance and support with regard to minor details of construction of such a nuclear power plant,” he remarked.

Argonne's Mitch Farmer honored for addressing challenges to U.S. nuclear energy industry

Argonne's Mitch Farmer honored for addressing challenges to U.S. nuclear energy industry: Nuclear engineer Mitch Farmer has been selected as a fellow by the American Nuclear Society for his work to improve light water reactor development, design and safety.

Nuclear Power Market - Installed Capacity, Generation, COVID-19 Impact, New Investment, and Key Country Analysis to 2030

Nuclear Power Market - Installed Capacity, Generation, COVID-19 Impact, New Investment, and Key Country Analysis to 2030: Summary “Nuclear Power Market - Installed Capacity, Generation, COVID-19 Impact, New Investment, and Key Country Analysis to 2030” is the latest market analysis report from the industry analysis specialist.

Fukushima Update... June 5, 2020

Fukushima Update...
June 5, 2020 –
A new Quake/tsunami memorial museum opens in Iwaki… Tokyo funds the Reconstruction Agency until at least 2030… Some local evacuation orders could be lifted before decontamination is complete… JAPC admits to unauthorized research paper alterations concerning a fault under Tsuruga Unit #2… Nuclear weapon abolitionists want the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant’s construction to be terminated.
https://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

Trump expected to sign order lifting environmental review for big projects | TheHill

Trump expected to sign order lifting environmental review for big projects | TheHill: President Trump is expected to sign an executive order Thursday afternoon that would waive requirements under a bedrock environmental law.

ANS calls for US regulatory action on reprocessing : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News

ANS calls for US regulatory action on reprocessing : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: The American Nuclear Society has called on the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to take action on reprocessing and recycling of used nuclear fuel, saying the lack of an efficient, technically robust, and technology-inclusive regulatory foundation is a barrier to innovation, especially for vendors of advanced nuclear reactors.

‘Forever deadly’: State officials, communities scramble to fight a proposal to house high-level nuclear waste in New Mexico | The NM Political Report

‘Forever deadly’: State officials, communities scramble to fight a proposal to house high-level nuclear waste in New Mexico | The NM Political Report: Rose Gardner is not giving up.  A Eunice resident, Gardner has spent the past few years fighting a proposal to store high-level nuclear waste in southeastern New Mexico.  “I was born here in Eunice, New Mexico, and have lived through a lot of ups and downs, oil booms and busts,” Gardner told NM Political Report. […]

Viewpoint: Pandemic underscores nuclear’s role in sustainable development : Perspectives - World Nuclear News

Viewpoint: Pandemic underscores nuclear’s role in sustainable development : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: A sustainable energy supply is crucial for ensuring stable economic growth and improving social welfare while at the same time preserving the ecosystems we live in, writes Evgeny Pakermanov, president of Rusatom Overseas, a subsidiary of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom.In 2020, the world has encountered a new global challenge that has affected a record number of people - the coronavirus pandemic. In a matter of weeks, it caused the biggest social and economic upheaval in decades. From the very start, a joint effort was required to combat both this life-changing infection and its consequences.

Bold American Strategy to Lead on Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy

Bold American Strategy to Lead on Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy: Our nuclear energy industry is at a crossroads. Nuclear, America’s clean energy workhorse, makes up the majority of our zero-carbon power. And it’s so reliable that some plants can operate

Breaking Down Biden's Energy Policy

Breaking Down Biden's Energy Policy



https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Breaking-Down-Bidens-Energy-Policy.html

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Of course technology perpetuates racism. It was designed that way.

Of course technology perpetuates racism. It was designed that way.

Black Americans have seen technology used to target them again and again. Stopping it means looking at the problem differently.


https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/06/03/1002589/technology-perpetuates-racism-by-design-simulmatics-charlton-mcilwain/?truid=e6a9a97f971519b8818ba7420a6d576d&utm_source=the_download&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the_download.unpaid.engagement&utm_term=subs&utm_content=06-04-2020

Webinar Registration - Zoom

Webinar Registration - Zoom: GAIN and ANS Young Members Group are pleased to invite you to discuss the feasibility study highlighting SMRs and Microreactors for Puerto Rico. This study represents a first-of-a- kind collaborative effort – led by Puerto Rican engineers in the nuclear industry, supported by nuclear developers and national labs. This effort highlights the feasibility of next-generation nuclear reactors in response to Puerto Rico's pressing energy needs and legislative interest - House Resolution 1189.

This study was led by The Nuclear Alternative Project (NAP), a non-profit formed by Puerto Rican engineers in the U.S. nuclear industry and involved a team of more than 20 consultants and industry advisors.

In this webinar, Eddie Guerra, Luis Reyes, and Ivan Lugo will present the study’s key findings with a special focus on applications for Puerto Rico’s manufacturing sector and critical infrastructure needs.

Speakers:
- Luis Reyes, Chair Advisory Board for The Nuclear Alternative Project, Former U.S. NRC Executive Director for Operations
- Eddie Guerra, Senior Engineer for Arup, Co-Founder of The Nuclear Alternative Project
- Ivan Lugo, Executive Director, Industry-University Research Center

Bohunice VI Decommissioning Milestone Reached - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Bohunice VI Decommissioning Milestone Reached - 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.

Restart Approved For Japan's HTGR Reactor - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Restart Approved For Japan's HTGR Reactor - 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.

Industry Publishes Open Letter Calling For ‘Clear Signals’ On Nuclear :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

Industry Publishes Open Letter Calling For ‘Clear Signals’ On Nuclear :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: The European Nuclear Industry has published an open letter to European officials calling for policy consistency and clear signals that facilitate investment in and delivery of new nuclear power plants.



The letter calls for policies that allow for the construction of large reactors and small modular reactors, maintenance of the existing fleet and longer-term operation for existing plants.



It says a science-based environmental assessment is needed that delivers “a prompt resolution” of the nuclear energy position within the EU taxonomy.

Shut-down TMI closer to getting permission to cut emergency response requirements and payments - pennlive.com

Shut-down TMI closer to getting permission to cut emergency response requirements and payments - pennlive.com: Nearly 100 sirens will sound for three minutes on Thursday, but the end of that level preparation and practice might arrive early next year.

Nuclear Detection Helicopter Flies Mission Around Washington D.C. Amid Unrest (Updated) - The Drive

Nuclear Detection Helicopter Flies Mission Around Washington D.C. Amid Unrest (Updated) - The Drive: The Aerial Measuring System is designed to map radiation levels after an accident, disaster, or dirty bomb attack.

BWXT Acquisition Aims To Boost Company’s Nuclear Inspections And Maintenance Business :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

BWXT Acquisition Aims To Boost Company’s Nuclear Inspections And Maintenance Business :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: French nuclear company Framatome has completed its acquisition of BWX Technologies Inc’s (BWXT) US commercial nuclear services business.



The company said the transaction expands its comprehensive portfolio of equipment and tooling for nuclear power plant inspections and maintenance.



The acquisition involves an exchange of facilities and resources. Framatome assumes ownership of equipment, tooling and contracts related to BWXT’s US commercial nuclear services business, while transferring to BWXT ownership of a portion of its Mt. Athos Road facility in Lynchburg, Virginia.

NRC To Streamline Advanced Light Water Licensing - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

NRC To Streamline Advanced Light Water Licensing - 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.

PG&E's Bankruptcy Plan Nearing End | KSRO

PG&E's Bankruptcy Plan Nearing End | KSRO: PG&E's over year-long bankruptcy proceeding is seemingly nearing the end. Yesterday, closing arguments began in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in San Francisco on PG&E's financial reorganization plan. PG&E attorney Stephen Karotin urged the judge to confirm the $58 billion exit plan, saying that it will bring quicker

PG&E Lawyer Asks for Bankruptcy Confirmation in Closing Argument

PG&E Lawyer Asks for Bankruptcy Confirmation in Closing Argument: PG&E lawyer Stephen Karotkin told the judge overseeing the company’s bankruptcy that its reorganization plan meets all requirements needed for confirmation.

Closing Arguments Begin On Confirmation Of Pg&E's Bankruptcy Exit Plan - SFGate

Closing Arguments Begin On Confirmation Of Pg&E's Bankruptcy Exit Plan - SFGate: SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
PG&E's 16-month-long bankruptcy proceeding moved a step closer to a possible end Wednesday with the start of closing arguments in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in San Francisco on the utility's financial reorganization plan.
PG&E attorney Stephen Karotkin urged U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali to confirm the $58 billion plan, arguing that it will bring "expedited distribution to fire victims."
"That has been the principal goal since PG&E filed in January 2019" for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Karotkin told the judge.
The plan includes a $13.5 billion trust to compensate victims of wildfires caused by breakages in PG&E electrical lines and equipment in the North Bay and Butte County in 2017 and 2018. Half of that fund would come from PG&E stock.
The plan also allocates $11 billion to insurance companies that have paid claims and $1 billion to state and local government entities.
The closing arguments are scheduled to continue through Friday, after which Montali will issue a written ruling at a later date.
Montali's approval is needed before a June 30 deadline for PG&E to be eligible for a $21 billion state wildfire insurance fund for PG&E and two o

PG&E Predicts Doom If Bankruptcy Plan Is Rejected

PG&E Predicts Doom If Bankruptcy Plan Is Rejected: On the first day of closing arguments on Pacific Gas and Electric’s plan for exiting Chapter 11 bankruptcy, PG&E lawyers offered a doomsday prognosis of what will happen if the utility’s plan is not confirmed by the end of June.

Global Nuclear Power Plants Decommissioning Services Market 2020: Key Players Analysis, Future Developments, Growth and Trends Analysis till 2025 – Sport Reports

Global Nuclear Power Plants Decommissioning Services Market 2020: Key Players Analysis, Future Developments, Growth and Trends Analysis till 2025 – Sport Reports

Industry urges EC to recognise nuclear’s role in economic recovery : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

Industry urges EC to recognise nuclear’s role in economic recovery : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The European nuclear industry has written an open letter to the European Commission, saying it is ready to play an important part in supporting a low-carbon economic revival. The letter, addressed to EC President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President David Maria Sassoli and European Council President Charles Michel, was signed by 25 companies and 14 associations, including European nuclear trade body Foratom.

Falling cost of renewables provides emerging Europe with non-nuclear solution to coal exit - Emerging Europe | Intelligence, Community, News

Falling cost of renewables provides emerging Europe with non-nuclear solution to coal exit - Emerging Europe | Intelligence, Community, News: Renewable power is increasingly cheaper than any new electricity capacity based on fossil fuels, claims a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The report, Renewable Power Generation Costs 2019, shows that more than half of the renewable capacity added last year achieved lower power costs than the cheapest new coal plants. The …

Russia produces equipment for nuclear plant in Bangladesh - Nuclear Engineering International

Russia produces equipment for nuclear plant in Bangladesh - Nuclear Engineering International: The Petrozavodsk branch of Russia’s AEM has produced eight back-turn valves for unit 1 of the Rooppur nuclear plant in Bangladesh, Atomenergomash announced.Rosatom is building two 1200MWe VVER-1200 units at Rooppur, which is on the...

Big reasons to finance small reactors - Nuclear Engineering International

Big reasons to finance small reactors - Nuclear Engineering International

Revealed: China’s plans to dominate the global nuclear energy push | Power Generation | Energy Digital

Revealed: China’s plans to dominate the global nuclear energy push | Power Generation | Energy Digital: We explore China’s ambitious plans to take over the global nuclear energy industry over the next decade.
Whilst COVID-19 has had an evident impact on China, and in this case its energy industry ambitions, the effects are much lower than that of the Fukushima nuclear disaster which happened in Japan back in 2011. Over the years, this has sparked numerous struggled in China’s energy industry as a whole.

Why TRISO particles could open a new age for nuclear power

Why TRISO particles could open a new age for nuclear power: The robustness and potential of this type of nuclear fuel gives new hopes of clean and safe nuclear power.

China Plans To Dominate The Global Nuclear Energy Push | OilPrice.com

China Plans To Dominate The Global Nuclear Energy Push | OilPrice.com: As China continues its slow push away from fossil fuels, it is prioritizing the development of nuclear energy, with hopes of becoming a global leader in the industry over the next 10 years

NRC reports on Seabrook nuclear power plant’s safety - News - seacoastonline.com - Portsmouth, NH

NRC reports on Seabrook nuclear power plant’s safety - News - seacoastonline.com - Portsmouth, NH: SEABROOK – After thousands of hours of inspections, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced this week that NextEra Energy Seabrook nuclear power plant operated safely during calendar year 2019.The determination was originally announced in March in the NRC’s annual assessment letter to the plant’s owners, NextEra Energy. But it was presented publicly on Wednesday afternoon during the federal agency’s annual performance assessment public meeting.Although customarily

Midland is getting some help from state to assist in clean-up, investigation and testing | WEYI

Midland is getting some help from state to assist in clean-up, investigation and testing | WEYI: LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) says they are deploying staff to assist in clean-up, investigation, testing and risk assessment after the floods in Midland. The department says their goal is to work with local responders and industry to ensure the safety of residents as they clean-up after Midland-area flood damage. RELATED LINK: Midland homeowners file lawsuit against State seeking relief after Edenville Dam breaks.

Court overturns compressor station emissions permit    | Energy News Network

Court overturns compressor station emissions permit    | Energy News Network: PIPELINES: A federal appeals court overturns a Massachusetts permit for a compressor station, ruling state environmental officials failed to sufficiently assess available emissions control technologies. (Patriot Ledger) ALSO: A New Jersey brief filed at the U.S. Supreme Court says the pipeline industry exaggerates harm caused by a state decision to block eminent domain seizures of […]

‘Forever deadly’: State officials, communities scramble to fight a proposal to house high-level nuclear waste in New Mexico | The NM Political Report

‘Forever deadly’: State officials, communities scramble to fight a proposal to house high-level nuclear waste in New Mexico | The NM Political Report: Rose Gardner is not giving up.  A Eunice resident, Gardner has spent the past few years fighting a proposal to store high-level nuclear waste in southeastern New Mexico.  “I was born here in Eunice, New Mexico, and have lived through a lot of ups and downs, oil booms and busts,” Gardner told NM Political Report. […]

ANS calls for US regulatory action on reprocessing : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News

ANS calls for US regulatory action on reprocessing : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: The American Nuclear Society has called on the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to take action on reprocessing and recycling of used nuclear fuel, saying the lack of an efficient, technically robust, and technology-inclusive regulatory foundation is a barrier to innovation, especially for vendors of advanced nuclear reactors.

Federal Inspections Set To Ramp Up At Seabrook Nuclear Plant As Economy Reopens | New Hampshire Public Radio

Federal Inspections Set To Ramp Up At Seabrook Nuclear Plant As Economy Reopens | New Hampshire Public Radio: Federal regulators expect to return to more frequent inspections at Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant as New Hampshire reopens its economy. The Nuclear

Britain ‘can lead the world in hydrogen power’, says new CPS report - Utilities Advice | New Business | The Energy Collective Daily

Britain ‘can lead the world in hydrogen power’, says new CPS report - Utilities Advice | New Business | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Energy Department headquarters to reopen next week | TheHill

Energy Department headquarters to reopen next week | TheHill: The Energy Department’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, which closed over the coronavirus pandemic, will reopen for some employees next week.

Bold American Strategy to Lead on Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy

Bold American Strategy to Lead on Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy: Our nuclear energy industry is at a crossroads. Nuclear, America’s clean energy workhorse, makes up the majority of our zero-carbon power. And it’s so reliable that some plants can operate

Bohunice VI Decommissioning Milestone Reached - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Bohunice VI Decommissioning Milestone Reached - 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.

Restart Approved For Japan's HTGR Reactor - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Restart Approved For Japan's HTGR Reactor - 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.

NRC To Streamline Advanced Light Water Licensing - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

NRC To Streamline Advanced Light Water Licensing - 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.

As PG&E highlights potential need for fossil fuels to address power shutoffs, groups press for more storage

As PG&E highlights potential need for fossil fuels to address power shutoffs, groups press for more storage


https://www.utilitydive.com/news/as-pge-highlights-potential-need-for-fossil-fuels-to-address-power-shutoff/579055/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202020-06-03%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:27695%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive

French legislature resets tighter nuclear compensation law | RNZ News

French legislature resets tighter nuclear compensation law | RNZ News: The law has again tightened for those seeking compensation for ill health caused by nuclear weapons tests in French Polynesia.

EDF: Second reactor base completed at Hinkley C nuclear project in U.K. | Power Engineering

EDF: Second reactor base completed at Hinkley C nuclear project in U.K. | Power Engineering: Crews at Britain’s only current nuclear power plant construction project reached another milestone with completion of the second reactor base. The 49,000 metric tonne reactor base of Hinkley Point C’s second unit was completed on schedule, according to plant developer and French-based firm EDF Energy. Construction on the planned 3,200-MW nuclear power plant in Somerset...

China to Dominate Nuclear as Beijing Bets on Homegrown Reactors - Bloomberg

China to Dominate Nuclear as Beijing Bets on Homegrown Reactors - Bloomberg: China probably won’t hit its nuclear energy target this year, but that’s unlikely to derail a broader ambition to become the planet’s chief proponent of the climate-friendly fuel by the end of the decade.

Terrawatch: could granite solve the hard problem of nuclear waste storage? | Science | The Guardian

Terrawatch: could granite solve the hard problem of nuclear waste storage? | Science | The Guardian: Researchers have found the rock has a self-sealing mechanism that keeps fluids locked away

Savannah River Site logs 23 cumulative coronavirus cases | Coronavirus | aikenstandard.com

Savannah River Site logs 23 cumulative coronavirus cases | Coronavirus | aikenstandard.com: The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday morning reported an additional case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, at its Savannah River Site.

County Extends Agreement With SCE On San Onofre Emergency Funds | KPBS

County Extends Agreement With SCE On San Onofre Emergency Funds | KPBS: The remainder of the spent fuel is planned to be moved from spent fuel pools to dry cask storage by the end of this summer, but the memorandum approved by the board runs through the end of Fiscal Year 2049 or whenever all spent fuel is removed from the site — whichever comes first.

Seabrook Nuclear Plant Gets Back Online Safely After Unexpected Shutdown | New Hampshire Public Radio

Seabrook Nuclear Plant Gets Back Online Safely After Unexpected Shutdown | New Hampshire Public Radio: Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant is back online after an unplanned shutdown this past weekend. Officials with the plant and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

‘We Must Regain Ground Lost To China And Russia’, Says Energy Secretary :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

‘We Must Regain Ground Lost To China And Russia’, Says Energy Secretary :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: The US intends to rewrite foreign policy relationships and increase competitiveness in new markets as it attempts to regain its position as a leader in nuclear technology and regain ground it has lost to China and Russia, energy secretary Dan Brouillette said in an article in Defense One.



Mr Brouilette said many countries of geopolitical importance are pursuing nuclear energy for their domestic electricity needs. Those countries are largely turning to Chinese and Russian state-owned enterprises for the technological support needed to build reactors, while the US sits on the sidelines.



“In effect, China and Russia are gaining geopolitical leverage by exporting nuclear expertise and building 100-year bilateral relationships.

First RPV removed in Bohunice V1 decommissioning : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News

First RPV removed in Bohunice V1 decommissioning : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: The programme to decommission the Bohunice V1 nuclear power plant in the Slovak Republic has achieved a major milestone, with the successful removal of the first reactor pressure vessel that will now permit remote dismantling of the facility, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced today.

EDF terminates nuclear electricity supply contracts : Corporate - World Nuclear News

EDF terminates nuclear electricity supply contracts : Corporate - World Nuclear News: French utility EDF has notified three energy suppliers - Alpiq, Gazel Energie and Total Direct Energie - of the termination of their contracts under a mechanism that allows rival suppliers to buy electricity produced by EDF's nuclear power plants. The suppliers had sought to invoke the force majeure clause in their supply contracts with EDF.

JV formed to upgrade Kashiwazaki-Kariwa unit 6 : Corporate - World Nuclear News

JV formed to upgrade Kashiwazaki-Kariwa unit 6 : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Tepco Holdings Corporation and Toshiba Energy Systems Corporation have agreed to establish a joint venture company to conduct safety upgrade work at unit 6 of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. Tepco plans to restart units 6 and 7 of the plant, which is in Japan's Niigata Prefecture.

Japanese gas-cooled reactor clear for restart : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

Japanese gas-cooled reactor clear for restart : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: Japan Atomic Energy Agency has today received permission from the Nuclear Regulation Authority to make changes to the reactor installation of the High-Temperature Test Reactor in conformity with revised safety requirements. This marks the first time a restart permission has been granted for a Japanese gas-cooled reactor.

Industry urges EC to recognise nuclear’s role in economic recovery : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

Industry urges EC to recognise nuclear’s role in economic recovery : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The European nuclear industry has written an open letter to the European Commission, saying it is ready to play an important part in supporting a low-carbon economic revival. The letter, addressed to EC President Gertrud von der Leyen, European Parliament President David Maria Sassoli and European Council President Charles Michel, was signed by 25 companies and 14 associations, including European nuclear trade body Foratom.

Italy approves dismantling of Latina plant : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News

Italy approves dismantling of Latina plant : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: Italy's Ministry of Economic Development recently issued a decree authorising Societa Gestione Impianti Nucleari SpA to begin the initial phase of decommissioning the Latina nuclear power plant. The Latina plant is the last of the four Italian nuclear power plants to obtain a decommissioning decree.

Steel Guard Safety Expands Product Lines for Radiation Shielding in Nuclear Power Plants

Steel Guard Safety Expands Product Lines for Radiation Shielding in Nuclear Power Plants: /PRNewswire/ -- Steel Guard Safety Corp, a leading manufacturer of Industrial Curtain & Specialty Barrier Products announced the release of Lead Wool Blanket...

Alloy 617: Building block for advanced nuclear reactors of future? | Power Engineering

Alloy 617: Building block for advanced nuclear reactors of future? | Power Engineering: Alloy 617 has made heavy metal history and may play a role in a potential nuclear power revival. For the first time in 30 years, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers added a new alloy to its Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Alloy 617 is a combination of nickel, chromium, cobalt and molybdenum. It was...

EDF: Second reactor base completed at Hinkley C nuclear project in U.K. | Power Engineering

EDF: Second reactor base completed at Hinkley C nuclear project in U.K. | Power Engineering: Crews at Britain’s only current nuclear power plant construction project reached another milestone with completion of the second reactor base. The 49,000 metric tonne reactor base of Hinkley Point C’s second unit was completed on schedule, according to plant developer and French-based firm EDF Energy. Construction on the planned 3,200-MW nuclear power plant in Somerset...

US nuclear energy leadership: The way forward - Atlantic Council

US nuclear energy leadership: The way forward - Atlantic Council: The recently released report, Restoring America’s Competitive Nuclear Energy Advantage, commissioned by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nuclear Fuel Working Group, is an important step forward for US national security, the battle against climate change, and the health of the US economy. After decades of misguided policy, this report puts the United States back on track in leading a worldwide nuclear energy system that is effective, reliable, and carbon free.

Bold American Strategy to Lead on Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy

Bold American Strategy to Lead on Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy: Our nuclear energy industry is at a crossroads. Nuclear, America’s clean energy workhorse, makes up the majority of our zero-carbon power. And it’s so reliable that some plants can operate

Viewpoint: Pandemic underscores nuclear’s role in sustainable development : Perspectives - World Nuclear News

Viewpoint: Pandemic underscores nuclear’s role in sustainable development : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: A sustainable energy supply is crucial for ensuring stable economic growth and improving social welfare while at the same time preserving the ecosystems we live in, writes Evgeny Pakermanov, president of Rusatom Overseas, a subsidiary of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom.In 2020, the world has encountered a new global challenge that has affected a record number of people - the coronavirus pandemic. In a matter of weeks, it caused the biggest social and economic upheaval in decades. From the very start, a joint effort was required to combat both this life-changing infection and its consequences.

Oregon Utility Gets Break on Spent-Fuel Site Security Requalifications - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1

Oregon Utility Gets Break on Spent-Fuel Site Security Requalifications - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.

Reduced Demand for Electricity During COVID-19 Outbreak - ResearchAndMarkets.com | Business Wire

Reduced Demand for Electricity During COVID-19 Outbreak - ResearchAndMarkets.com | Business Wire: ResearchAndMarkets.com published a new article on the energy and natural resources industry

County Extends Agreement With SCE On San Onofre Emergency Funds | KPBS

County Extends Agreement With SCE On San Onofre Emergency Funds | KPBS: The remainder of the spent fuel is planned to be moved from spent fuel pools to dry cask storage by the end of this summer, but the memorandum approved by the board runs through the end of Fiscal Year 2049 or whenever all spent fuel is removed from the site — whichever comes first.

Shut-down TMI closer to getting permission to cut emergency response requirements and payments - pennlive.com

Shut-down TMI closer to getting permission to cut emergency response requirements and payments - pennlive.com: Nearly 100 sirens will sound for three minutes on Thursday, but the end of that level preparation and practice might arrive early next year.

Seabrook Nuclear Plant Gets Back Online Safely After Unexpected Shutdown | Earthwhile

Seabrook Nuclear Plant Gets Back Online Safely After Unexpected Shutdown | Earthwhile: The malfunction involved Seabrook’s control rods. Officials with the plant and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission say the incident did not pose a safety risk, and a watchdog group agrees.

Visualizing US Oil & Gas Production (Through February 2020) | The Energy Collective Daily

Visualizing US Oil & Gas Production (Through February 2020) | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

US protesters risk COVID-19 'for health of nation'

US protesters risk COVID-19 'for health of nation': Thousands of people protesting at close quarters, shouting demands and coughing violently when hit by tear gas: experts fear demonstrations roiling the US could reignite the spread of the coronavirus.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Another American first: A self-collapsing empire! | Just World News

Another American first: A self-collapsing empire! | Just World News

Where is the media outrage on thee deaths and shootings?

1600 Daily
The White House • June 2, 2020

Where is the media outrage on these deaths and shootings?


All Americans were rightly sickened by the brutal death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week, President Trump says. “My administration is fully committed that, for George and his family, justice will be served. He will not have died in vain.”

Four days ago, another African-American man was killed, this time gunned down while standing outside the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland, California.

Dave Patrick Underwood isn’t a household name. His death didn’t make nearly as many headlines. But his life mattered, too, and his murder should sicken every American.

Underwood was a law enforcement officer in the Federal Protective Service. He and a colleague were standing guard when the gunshots came, killing Underwood and sending his fellow officer to the hospital in critical condition. Oakland’s interim police chief says the shooting was most likely an attack that deliberately targeted uniformed officers.

All across America, violent domestic terrorists have exploited the real hurt and pain felt by thousands of peaceful protesters. The need to save innocent lives and protect our most vulnerable communities from these criminals should be obvious to every peace-loving citizen. Yet media talking heads and opportunistic politicians would rather keep exploiting fear instead of solving the problem and restoring order. That’s unacceptable.

“If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” President Trump said in an address last night.

Ending domestic terrorism shouldn’t be a partisan issue that Democrats leave to Republicans. Neither should loudly supporting the thousands of decent, brave law enforcement officers who put themselves on the line every night to keep us safe.

Violence against police officers is an affront to everything America stands for. Stories about the assaults against them over the past week need to be told, even if corporate media executives decide that it isn’t the “right” narrative to push:
How does any of this help our nation heal from the tragedy in Minnesota?

It doesn’t. No American, from any community, should ever feel unsafe on our streets—and that includes those who risk their lives to protect us. The rule of law applies to everyone, from bad cops who abuse their power to violent rioters who attack the police.

President Trump wants justice for all, with no exceptions. The actions he announced last night will bring order to our streets and get us closer to making sure that happens.

Vox chooses to lie about the President instead of shining a light on violence.

WATCH: President Trump’s address to the country last night
 

Photo of the Day

President Trump and the First Lady visit the Saint John Paul II National Shrine | June 2, 2020

What’s behind the India and China border brawls? - The Washington Post

What’s behind the India and China border brawls? - The Washington Post: India is close to completing a major upgrade of border roads.

James Miller: A letter of resignation to Defense Secretary Mark Esper - The Washington Post

James Miller: A letter of resignation to Defense Secretary Mark Esper - The Washington Post: Where will you draw the line, and when will you draw it?

Gavin Newsom weighs options after missed N95 mask deadline | The Sacramento Bee

Gavin Newsom weighs options after missed N95 mask deadline | The Sacramento Bee: California still has not received millions of N95 masks it purchased from China-based BYD and is weighing how to proceed after the company missed an extended deadline to secure federal certification for the products, the Newsom administration says.

Mike Mullen: I Cannot Remain Silent - The Atlantic

Mike Mullen: I Cannot Remain Silent - The Atlantic: Our fellow citizens are not the enemy, and must never become so.

Belarus receives IAEA radiological monitoring equipment - Nuclear Engineering International

Belarus receives IAEA radiological monitoring equipment - Nuclear Engineering International: In the wake of the forest fires in the Chernobyl exclusion zone straddling Ukraine and Belarus in April, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it had helped to design and procure a mobile laboratory for Belarus, complete with...

Contract awarded for Demo fusion project - Nuclear Engineering International

Contract awarded for Demo fusion project - Nuclear Engineering International: A consortium comprising Ansaldo Nucleare, Empresarios Agrupados Internacional and Framatome has been awarded a four-year, €10 million ($11 million) framework contract by the European Commission for the pre-conceptual design of...

New engineering collaboration aims for commercial fusion energy in UK

New engineering collaboration aims for commercial fusion energy in UK

Funding, authorizations the 'biggest' risks pit production faces, Defense official says | News | aikenstandard.com

Funding, authorizations the 'biggest' risks pit production faces, Defense official says | News | aikenstandard.com: Proper funding and necessary authorizations represent the "biggest" hurdles the plutonium pit production endeavor must clear, a U.S. Department of Defense executive said last week, echoing sentiments other nuclear officials

Webinar Set on Nuclear Power Safety at PA Sites - The Post

Webinar Set on Nuclear Power Safety at PA Sites - The Post: Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission staffers say Limerick nuclear plant operations were normal and of "very low safety significance" during 2019.

Hydrogen pilot projects could eventually boost nuclear plants’ bottom lines | Energy News Network

Hydrogen pilot projects could eventually boost nuclear plants’ bottom lines | Energy News Network: Using nuclear power to produce hydrogen likely would not be enough to help nuclear plants compete with renewables.

The Covid-19 Crisis Will Only Intensify The Dominance of Oil

The Covid-19 Crisis Will Only Intensify The Dominance of Oil: Oil powers almost all transportation—and Covid-19 will only intensify its dominance.

AWED Energy & Environmental Newsletter 6/1/20


 
 
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Energy & Environmental
Newsletter - 6/1/20

Guaranteed interesting & informative
or double your money back.
 
 
AWED Friends:

Our latest Energy & Environmental Newsletter is now available... For the full version of this issue, go here, page 38.  To review some of the highlights, see below.

Three COVID-19 upbeat specials:
Doctors were asked if we should re-open the country. Their responses.
28 Coronavirus Jokes to retrain your face how to smile.
Short video: Coronavirus Horse Race.

My votes for the most outstanding articles this cycle are:
——————————
Wind and solar weaknesses: Part 1 and Part 2
——————————————————

COVID-19: Therapies and Prevention 

COVID-19: Models and Data 

COVID-19: Misc 

Greed Energy Economics —
 
Renewable Energy Health and Eco-system Consequences —
Natural Gas Energy —

NYS re Energy, Climate, etc. —

Here is a new location to watch Moore’s movie
Good commentary on the movie: Green Energy Truths in Vermont
Moore’s website has some good responses to criticisms.
“Old Data” is a Lie (Jeff Gibbs, director of Planet of the Humans


Education Related —

US Politics and Socialism —

Other US Politics and Related —

Science and Misc Matters —

John Droz, jr.
physicist & citizen advocate

Note 1: We recommend reading the Newsletter on your computer, not your phone, as some documents (e.g. PDFs) are much easier to read on a large computer screen… We’ve tried to use common fonts, etc. to minimize display issues.

Note 2: Originally this was a monthly Newsletter. However, as pertinent material proliferated, it has been issued more frequently. As a guideline, once we collect a hundred worthwhile articles, a new Newsletter will be issued on the following Monday. Recently this has resulted in a once every three weeks frequency — and occasionally once every two weeks.

Note 3: To accommodate numerous requests received about prior articles, we’ve put together detailed archives — where you can search by year, or over the ten+ years of the Newsletter.

Note 4: Our intention is to put some balance into what most people see from the mainstream media about energy, environmental and education issues… If you want to know our perspective on current events, please read the Big Picture New Year/New Decade commentary.

Note 5See this extensive list of reasonable books on climate change. As a parallel effort, we have also put together a list of some good books related to industrial wind energy.

Note 6Please pass the Newsletter on to open-minded citizens, and link to it on your social media sites. If there are others who you think would benefit from being on our Energy & Environmental email list, please let me know. If at any time you'd like to be taken off this free distribution, simply send me an email saying that.