Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Friday, June 19, 2020
Three more ‘Hinkley Point C scale’ nuclear projects would help UK reach net zero - New Civil Engineer
Three more ‘Hinkley Point C scale’ nuclear projects would help UK reach net zero - New Civil Engineer: In its report Nuclear for Net Zero, the Energy Systems Catapult backs nuclear projects as a means to achieving the UK’s 2050 net zero carbon emissions
Wind alone too risky – UK needs nuclear hydrogen to hit 2050 net-zero goal: study | Recharge
Wind alone too risky – UK needs nuclear hydrogen to hit 2050 net-zero goal: study | Recharge: Nation may need up to 50GW of nuclear with next-gen technologies allied to H2 output, claims government-backed Energy Systems Catapult
Global annual installed capacity of nuclear power to decline to 3GW
Global annual installed capacity of nuclear power to decline to 3GW: The reduced power consumption has led to operators curtailing their plants or optimising plant outputs to match nuclear power demand.
Department of Energy Invests $65 Million at National Laboratories and American Universities to Advance Nuclear Technology | Department of Energy
Department of Energy Invests $65 Million at National Laboratories and American Universities to Advance Nuclear Technology | Department of Energy: Department of Energy Invests $65 Million at National Laboratories and American Universities to Advance Nuclear Technology
In Other News
IN OTHER NEWS:
| • | Rosatom has made its first shipment
of equipment to India for the Kudankulam nuclear power plant since the pandemic
travel restrictions began. A vessel with equipment, including for passive heat
removal systems, for units 3 and 4 has departed from the port of Saint Petersburg
with the 17th shipload for the project. The 4200 cubic metre cargo is scheduled
to arrive at the construction site in Tamil Nadu in the second half of July. |
| • | Atomproject, an engineering subsidiary
of Russia’s Rosatom, has submitted its investment assessment for plans to extend
the operation of unit 3 of the Beloyarsk nuclear power plant - a BN-600 fast reactor
- to 2040. Work on the project must be completed before 2024, Rosatom said, before
applying to regulator Rostechnadzor to extend the operating licence, which currently
covers 2020-2025. The unit started operations in 1980. |
| • | The US Department of Energy has
announced more than USD65 million in nuclear energy research, cross-cutting technology
development, facility access and infrastructure awards for 93 advanced nuclear
technology projects in 28 states. The awards fall under the DOE’s Nuclear Energy
University Program, the Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies and the Nuclear Science
User Facilities. The DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy has now awarded more than
USD800 million in clean energy innovation and to train the next generation of
nuclear engineers and scientists through its competitive opportunities since 2009. |
| • | Canada's Bruce Power has launched its Medical Isotope Advisory Panel consisting of experts and medical professionals. James Scongack, executive vice-president of corporate affairs and operational services, said Bruce Power is committed to building on its leadership in isotope supply "through our plan to operate our facility through 2064 providing reliable, clean and low-cost electricity, while leveraging this infrastructure to secure a supply of life-saving isotopes to tackle some the greatest challenges facing global health." |
Energy Systems Catapult makes case for UK new build : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
Energy Systems Catapult makes case for UK new build : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: The UK's Nuclear Industry Association and project developer Horizon Nuclear Power have welcomed a technical and economic assessment that delivering a clean energy system ought to include a significant proportion of new nuclear capacity. The analysis by Energy Systems Catapult says committing to a further 10 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity beyond EDF Energy/CGN's Hinkley Point C project is a "low-regrets option", but that costs needed to fall significantly if the technology was to fulfil its long-term potential.
Judge rules in MEAG Power's favour on Vogtle PPA : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Judge rules in MEAG Power's favour on Vogtle PPA : Corporate - World Nuclear News: A US district judge has ruled that the power purchase agreement (PPA) signed in 2008 between JEA and Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG Power) for electricity from the AP1000 units under construction at the Vogtle site in Georgia is "valid and enforceable". JEA, together with the City of Jacksonville, Florida, launched a series of legal and regulatory cases in 2018 in an attempt to have the agreement invalidated.
IAEA calls on Iran to meet safeguards obligations : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
IAEA calls on Iran to meet safeguards obligations : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors today adopted a resolution calling on Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA in implementing its NPT Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol and satisfy the IAEA's requests without further delay. The resolution, submitted by France, Germany and the UK, was adopted by a vote of 25 to 2 with 7 abstentions. The two objections were made by China and Russia.
Fukushima Update June 19, 2020
Fukushima Update June 19, 2020 –
Tepco posts a final overview of last week’s
covering of the F. Daiichi Unit #2 SFP… Tokyo plans on creating an
international education and research center in Fukushima… (Kepco) sues former
executives to try and recover local trust.
https://www.hiroshimasyndrome.bne IntelliNews - LONG READ: Construction work on Belarus’ Ostrovets nuclear power station almost complete, but is it safe?
bne IntelliNews - LONG READ: Construction work on Belarus’ Ostrovets nuclear power station almost complete, but is it safe?: Construction work at Belarus’ Ostrovets nuclear power plant (NPP) is coming to an end, which expected to come online in July. But the facility ...
Analysis: Nuclear power investment is still key to UK reaching net zero
Analysis: Nuclear power investment is still key to UK reaching net zero: A new report suggests the UK should commit to a further 10GW of new nuclear beyond Hinkley Point C as the government targets a net zero emissions economy.
Compact fast reactor proposed at east Idaho nuclear site | Lexington Herald Leader
Compact fast reactor proposed at east Idaho nuclear site | Lexington Herald Leader: A California company wants to build and operate a compact fast nuclear reactor in Idaho.
Dept. Of Energy Accepts Bay Area Company’s Application To Build New-Design Nuclear Reactor – CBS San Francisco
Dept. Of Energy Accepts Bay Area Company’s Application To Build New-Design Nuclear Reactor – CBS San Francisco: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has accepted a license application submitted by Sunnyvale-based Oklo Inc., to build a 1.5-megawatt compact nuclear reactor at the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear site in eastern Idaho
Indian Point: Mass. nuclear plant deal could be decommissioning model
Indian Point: Mass. nuclear plant deal could be decommissioning model: Massachusetts has dropped its challenge of the sale of a nuclear power plant to Holtec in a hint at what could be in store for Indian Point.
Settlement Reached in Nuclear Plant Transfer Dispute - CapeCod.com
Settlement Reached in Nuclear Plant Transfer Dispute - CapeCod.com: PLYMOUTH – Holtec International has reached an agreement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts over the challenge of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s decision to transfer the plant’s ownership …
Dept. Of Energy Accepts Bay Area Company’s Application To Build New-Design Nuclear Reactor – CBS San Francisco
Dept. Of Energy Accepts Bay Area Company’s Application To Build New-Design Nuclear Reactor – CBS San Francisco: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has accepted a license application submitted by Sunnyvale-based Oklo Inc., to build a 1.5-megawatt compact nuclear reactor at the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear site in eastern Idaho
Big Oil faces battle to form offshore wind 'Seven Sisters': Atlantic Shores chief | Recharge | The Energy Collective Daily
Big Oil faces battle to form offshore wind 'Seven Sisters': Atlantic Shores chief | Recharge | The Energy Collective Daily |
|
- Big Oil faces battle to form offshore wind 'Seven Sisters': Atlantic Shores chief | Recharge
- How we reduced our energy bills by 60%
- Electric power and negative real interest rates in Brazil
- EC's draft EU hydrogen plan calls for robust GOs, demand targets | S&P Global Platts
- Clean energy groups to propose FERC rules for national transmission system saving $47B a year
- HydroFLEX secures funding for hydrogen-powered train design
- In New England, declining car sales prompt call for electric bike rebates
- To Support Recovery, Protect Environmental Agency Budgets
- BP Downgrades Asset Value by $17.5 Billion, Sends ‘Shock Waves’ Through Fossil Industry
- Government Stimulus Packages Lock In Fossil Growth, Squander Opportunity for Green Recovery, Global Assessment Warns
- Study: Background Sources, Not Oil and Gas, Main Contributors To Colorado Methane Emissions
- Activist Consulting Firm Covers Its Tracks on Wikipedia
- Report: California’s clean truck rule will save the economy billions, eliminate vast amounts of pollution
Webinar Registration - Zoom
Webinar Registration - Zoom: The workshop will provide an opportunity for designers, vendors, owners, regulators, and representatives of standards development organizations (SDOs) to discuss standards needs to support advanced reactors. The discussion will include advanced reactor developer perspectives, codes and standards organization perspectives as well as DOE and NRC perspectives. The objective is to help ensure alignment of developer needs and codes and standard organization priorities. In addition, as priorities are identified, the discussion will shift to what is needed to be able to fund these activities and the actions necessary to link DOE funding to high priority activities. The workshop will include a brief introduction allowing for the majority of time for focus sessions to achieve the goal of developing a path forward and setting priorities for the development of standards from across all SDOs.
Rosatom Signs Cooperation Agreements With Framatome And GE For Belene New Build Project :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency
Rosatom Signs Cooperation Agreements With Framatome And GE For Belene New Build Project :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has signed two agreements with France’s Framatome and US-based General Electric Steam Power in relation to the investor selection procedure for the Belene nuclear power station project in northern Bulgaria.
Rosatom said that the three companies will cooperate in taking part in the eventual tender for the construction of two nuclear power units at the Belene site.
According to a statement, if Rosatom becomes an investor in the project, GE would become a partner by delivering its Arabelle turbine-generator set and turbine hall equipment, while Framatome would be a “key partner” to supply instrumentation and control systems.
Rosatom said that the three companies will cooperate in taking part in the eventual tender for the construction of two nuclear power units at the Belene site.
According to a statement, if Rosatom becomes an investor in the project, GE would become a partner by delivering its Arabelle turbine-generator set and turbine hall equipment, while Framatome would be a “key partner” to supply instrumentation and control systems.
Cheaper nuclear at the heart of UK's deep decarbonisation says report
Cheaper nuclear at the heart of UK's deep decarbonisation says report: Innovation agency Energy Systems Catapult has released a new report stating that committing to a further 10GW of new nuclear beyond Hinkley Point C is a low regrets option for the UK as it targets a Net Zero economy.
US-based Last Energy invests in Estonian SMR project - Nuclear Engineering International
US-based Last Energy invests in Estonian SMR project - Nuclear Engineering International: US-based risk investor Last Energy has made an undisclosed investment in Fermi Energia, which is planning to build a small modular reactor (SMR) in Estonia.“The Last Energy investment, together with the contribution of Estonian investors...
Nuclear fusion update: Start-ups enter race for the sun
Nuclear fusion update: Start-ups enter race for the sun: Nuclear fusion has captured the imagination of scientists, science fiction writers and the broader public, writes members of the Renaissance Fusion
Polish and U.S. presidents to discuss nuclear energy - Reuters
Polish and U.S. presidents to discuss nuclear energy - Reuters: Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Thursday that he would discuss cooperation with the United States on nuclear energy in talks with President Donald Trump in Washington next week.
Nuclear Power’s Role Essential For Post-Pandemic Recovery :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency
Nuclear Power’s Role Essential For Post-Pandemic Recovery :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: The role of nuclear power in the energy mix needs to be maintained as the world seeks to overcome the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, with many facilities facing financial challenges because of lower revenues, heightening the risk of early retirements and limiting the prospects for new investment, the International Energy Agency said.
In a report which offers a post-pandemic recovery plan for the energy sector, the Paris-based agency says hydropower and nuclear power are the two largest sources of low-carbon generation, together providing 70% of all low-carbon electricity.
However, many facilities are ageing and face financial challenges because of lower revenues as a result of the pandemic, heightening the risk of early retirements and limiting the prospects for new investment.
In a report which offers a post-pandemic recovery plan for the energy sector, the Paris-based agency says hydropower and nuclear power are the two largest sources of low-carbon generation, together providing 70% of all low-carbon electricity.
However, many facilities are ageing and face financial challenges because of lower revenues as a result of the pandemic, heightening the risk of early retirements and limiting the prospects for new investment.
Bacteria Found in Nuclear Reactors Could Be the Secret to Faster, Cheaper Vaccines
Bacteria Found in Nuclear Reactors Could Be the Secret to Faster, Cheaper Vaccines: The extremophile bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans was first discovered in 1956 at Oregon State University, where it was busy ruining a gamma ray experiment designed to sterilize a tin of ground meat. The “sterilized” meat spoiled, thanks to D. radiodurans and its preternatural durability in the face of radiation: The hearty microbe can withstand somewhere up to 5,000 gray (Gy), or about 1,500 times the dose that would kill a human being.
DOE Secretary announces nuclear energy research funding - Local News 8
DOE Secretary announces nuclear energy research funding - Local News 8: The U.S. Department of Energy has announced more than $65 million in nuclear energy research funding will target 93 advanced nuclear technology projects in 28 states.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
IEA outlines three-year plan for sustainable recovery | S&P Global Platts
IEA outlines three-year plan for sustainable recovery | S&P Global Platts: Governments can spur economic growth and jobs at the same time as cutting greenhouse gas emissions, the International Energy Agency said Thursday in a $1 trillion per year pandemic recovery plan.
Rosatom, Framatome, GE team up for Bulgarian nuclear tender - Reuters
Rosatom, Framatome, GE team up for Bulgarian nuclear tender - Reuters: Russia's state nuclear company Rosatom said on Thursday it had signed a memoranda of understanding with France's Framatome and GE Steam Power to work together to participate in a tender to build the Belene Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Bulgaria.
Our National Security Requires a Stronger Nuclear-Energy Industry - Defense One
Our National Security Requires a Stronger Nuclear-Energy Industry - Defense One: The Energy Department’s new strategy lays out what needs to be done.
Our National Security Requires a Stronger Nuclear-Energy Industry - Defense One
Our National Security Requires a Stronger Nuclear-Energy Industry - Defense One: The Energy Department’s new strategy lays out what needs to be done.
An affordable zero-emissions grid needs new nuclear | TheHill
An affordable zero-emissions grid needs new nuclear | TheHill: Combining cheap wind and solar power with the reliability of nuclear power generation could fight climate change faster.
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.
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
DOE Awards New Cleanup Contract at the Nevada National Security Site
Office of Environmental Management
DOE Awards New Cleanup Contract at the Nevada National Security Site
June 17, 2020
Cincinnati
– Today, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded Navarro Research and
Engineering, Inc. the new Environmental Management (EM) Nevada
Environmental Program Services (EPS) contract that will provide a
variety of cleanup services at the Nevada National Security Site
(NNSS). EM competed this contract using the End State Contracting
Model, which is expected to significantly reduce risk and environmental
liability to provide the best overall solution to EM Nevada’s mission at
NNSS to accelerate completion and closure.
The new contract is an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity contract under which firm-fixed-price and/or Cost Reimbursement task orders may be issued. The maximum contract ceiling value is $350 million with a 10-year ordering period. EM determined that Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc.’s proposal provides best value to the government, considering Key Personnel, Technical and Management Approach, Past Performance, and Cost. The contract was awarded by DOE under a small business set-aside competition.
Cleanup services to be provided under the contract will include, but not limited to: Groundwater Characterization and Monitoring; Radioactive Waste Acceptance Program (RWAP) management; Soils and Industrial Sites close-out/post-closure monitoring (PCM); Decontamination and Demolition (D&D); and Program Management Support. The services will be provided at the NNSS, as well as the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) and the Tonopah Test Range (TTR).
The new contract resulting from this acquisition will replace the EM Nevada EPS contract, held by Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc. The current EM NV EPS expires on July 31, 2020. Following a notice to proceed to the new contractor, the transition to the new contract will commence.
Additional information is available via the procurement website at https://www.emcbc.doe.gov/SEB/emnevadaeps/.
The new contract is an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity contract under which firm-fixed-price and/or Cost Reimbursement task orders may be issued. The maximum contract ceiling value is $350 million with a 10-year ordering period. EM determined that Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc.’s proposal provides best value to the government, considering Key Personnel, Technical and Management Approach, Past Performance, and Cost. The contract was awarded by DOE under a small business set-aside competition.
Cleanup services to be provided under the contract will include, but not limited to: Groundwater Characterization and Monitoring; Radioactive Waste Acceptance Program (RWAP) management; Soils and Industrial Sites close-out/post-closure monitoring (PCM); Decontamination and Demolition (D&D); and Program Management Support. The services will be provided at the NNSS, as well as the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) and the Tonopah Test Range (TTR).
The new contract resulting from this acquisition will replace the EM Nevada EPS contract, held by Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc. The current EM NV EPS expires on July 31, 2020. Following a notice to proceed to the new contractor, the transition to the new contract will commence.
Additional information is available via the procurement website at https://www.emcbc.doe.gov/SEB/emnevadaeps/.
Chemistry helps reconstruct the origin of 2017 ruthenium plume
Chemistry helps reconstruct the origin of 2017 ruthenium plume: Samples from Viennese air filters help piece together the details of a controversial nuclear accident
Compact Neutron Generators and Nuclear Fusion | Tiny Reactor News
Compact Neutron Generators and Nuclear Fusion | Tiny Reactor News: These tiny neutron generators could pave the way for nuclear fusion energy. Because to achieve big nuclear goals, you have to start small.
Fluor Idaho completes first spent nuclear fuel shipments - Local News 8
Fluor Idaho completes first spent nuclear fuel shipments - Local News 8: Fluor Idaho has completed two of about 40 planned shipments of spent nuclear fuel to a temporary storage area at the Idaho National Laboratory.
Energy Dept. Changes to Main Nuke Safety Management Reg in 'Draft Final' Form - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
Energy Dept. Changes to Main Nuke Safety Management Reg in 'Draft Final' Form - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
Secretary of Energy making announcement Thursday as he tours INL | East Idaho News
Secretary of Energy making announcement Thursday as he tours INL | East Idaho News: IDAHO FALLS – U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette is making a stop in Idaho Falls this week to tour the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls. He’ll be touring the facility Thursday. INL spokeswoman Sarah Neumann tells EastIdahoNews.com Brouillette is expected to make an announcement on advanced nuclear energy in conjunction with his visit. …
State Reaches Deal With Pilgrim Owners On Cleanup | Earthwhile
State Reaches Deal With Pilgrim Owners On Cleanup | Earthwhile: Agreement ensures financial, environmental, and public safety protections during the dismantlement and cleanup of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth
Kingdom has ‘no nuclear plans until 2040’ - Khmer Times
Kingdom has ‘no nuclear plans until 2040’ - Khmer Times: Cambodia has no ambitious plan for a civil nuclear power programme: official sources.
Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Raises Funds to Help Local Community During Pandemic | thebaynet.com | TheBayNet.com | Articles
Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Raises Funds to Help Local Community During Pandemic | thebaynet.com | TheBayNet.com | Articles: More than $115,000 donated to local organizations in less than four weeks.
Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Raises Funds to Help Local Community During Pandemic | thebaynet.com | TheBayNet.com | Articles
Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Raises Funds to Help Local Community During Pandemic | thebaynet.com | TheBayNet.com | Articles: More than $115,000 donated to local organizations in less than four weeks.
Deal reached in dispute over sale of Pilgrim nuclear plant - SFChronicle.com
Deal reached in dispute over sale of Pilgrim nuclear plant - SFChronicle.com: BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts has agreed to drop its legal challenges to the sale of a shuttered nuclear plant as part of a deal that requires the new owner to keep a financial reserve to cover unexpected costs as it cleans up the site. State officials on Wednesday announced a settlement with Holtec International, which bought the Pilgrim power plant last year and promised to decommission and demolish the site within eight years. The plant's sale was approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission last August, but Massachusetts filed two lawsuits and a federal petition raising concerns that Holtec lacked the funding to clean the site safely and store spent nuclear fuel. As part of the settlement, Holtec will be required to maintain at least $193 million through most of the cleanup in case the project faces delays or other unexpected costs. The company also must secure a $30 million pollution insurance policy. Other provisions require Holtec to meet state safety standards that are stricter than federal requirements, and the company will be required to provide funding to the state's Department of Public Health to monitor for contamination. Gov. Charlie Baker issued a statement calling t
Trump had no idea UK was a nuclear power, former aide John Bolton claims | The Independent
Trump had no idea UK was a nuclear power, former aide John Bolton claims | The Independent: President Donald Trump apparently had no idea the UK was a nuclear power, according to claims made in former National Security Advisor John Bolton's new book.
Settlement sets guardrails for nuclear plant decommissioning | WWLP
Settlement sets guardrails for nuclear plant decommissioning | WWLP: Attorney General Maura Healey and the Baker administration have struck a deal with the company that owns the inactive nuclear plant in Plymouth that will require the company to maintain a decommissioning trust fund at a minimum balance and will settle lawsuits the state filed against federal nuclear energy regulators.
Advising Nuclear Power Plants on Lifetime Extensions: the IAEA's SALTO Service | IAEA
Advising Nuclear Power Plants on Lifetime Extensions: the IAEA's SALTO Service | IAEA: An increasing number of countries are looking into the long-term operation of their nuclear power plants – extending their lifetime beyond what they had originally been designed for three or four decades ago. To support operators and regulators in the safe extension of the useful life of power plants, the IAEA offers a safety review service known as SALTO — Safety Aspects of
Revised emergency zones to be implemented at Swedish plants : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
Revised emergency zones to be implemented at Swedish plants : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: The Swedish government has approved a Radiation Safety Authority proposal to implement new emergency preparedness zones around nuclear power plants by July 2022. Internal and external emergency zones as well as a planning zone will be set at a radius of 5, 25 and 100 km, respectively.
Holtec now able to progress Pilgrim decommissioning : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News
Holtec now able to progress Pilgrim decommissioning : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Holtec International have signed an agreement on key issues related to the decommissioning of the Pilgrim nuclear power plant, including a guarantee by Holtec to ensure funds are available to cover future cost increases and other contingencies.
Framatome, GE and Rosatom team up for Belene project : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Framatome, GE and Rosatom team up for Belene project : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom announced today it has signed Memoranda of Understanding with France's Framatome and GE Steam Power of the USA to participate in a tender to construct the Belene nuclear power plant in Bulgaria.
IEA recovery plan proposes investment in nuclear : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
IEA recovery plan proposes investment in nuclear : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Investing in existing nuclear power plants, new nuclear build and supporting innovation in small modular reactors are among measures set out to support a broad range of clean energy technologies in an energy-focused COVID-19 economic recovery plan released today by the International Energy Agency. Its emphasis for nuclear investment, however, is on existing plants rather than new power units.
The long road back will clearly affect SLO City budgets
The long road back will clearly affect SLO City budgets: By Stephen Barasch and Leslie Halls According to the chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, Jerome H. Powell, the domestic labor markets and the
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
PG&E Takeover Bill Advances in California Legislature (1)
PG&E Takeover Bill Advances in California Legislature (1): California’s Assembly passed a bill Monday that would allow the state to create a nonprofit public-benefit corporation to acquire PG&E if the utility does not meet certain bankruptcy deadlines or fails to perform required safety work.
PG&E to Exit Bankruptcy After Wildfires, Still Saddled With Debt - WSJ
PG&E to Exit Bankruptcy After Wildfires, Still Saddled With Debt - WSJ: With a federal judge’s approval granted, the California utility leaves chapter 11 more leveraged than ever after settling billions of dollars in liability claims from deadly wildfires sparked by its equipment.
PG&E Pleads Guilty to 84 Counts of Manslaughter in Camp Fire Case - The New York Times
PG&E Pleads Guilty to 84 Counts of Manslaughter in Camp Fire Case - The New York Times: The California utility’s transmission line started the 2018 fire that killed dozens and destroyed the town of Paradise.
Georgia Nuclear: Vogtle – The Atomic Empire Strikes Back - Nuclear Energy Info
Georgia Nuclear: Vogtle – The Atomic Empire Strikes Back - Nuclear Energy Info: Georgia Nuclear: Vogtle Unit 3 Is Sinking! [BREDL Petition] , What Does the Leaning Tower of Pisa Have In Common with the Vogtle Nuclear Reactor? If you are a regular reader of our Demystifying Nuclear Power Blog, you know that the Fairewinds Crew posted this article on May 14, 2020, and if you
Georgia Nuclear: Vogtle Unit 3 Is Sinking! [BREDL Petition] - Nuclear Energy Info
Georgia Nuclear: Vogtle Unit 3 Is Sinking! [BREDL Petition] - Nuclear Energy Info: The famous tower in Pisa, Italy was designed to stand straight up, and like Vogtle, it began to lean during construction. During the ensuing years after construction, the Pisa tower continued to sink into the ground due to the inability of the failing foundation to sustain the tower’s heavy weight…
Work Begins On Installation Of Main Equipment At Fuel Fabrication Facility :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency
Work Begins On Installation Of Main Equipment At Fuel Fabrication Facility :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Russia has begun work on installation of the main equipment for a nuclear fuel fabrication facility at a pilot demonstration energy complex under construction near the city of Seversk in central Russia.
The complex is at the site of the Siberian Chemical Plant, which is run by state nuclear fuel company Tvel, a subsidiary of state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom.
It is part of the country’s “Proryv” or “Breakthrough” project, which is designed to demonstrate a closed nuclear fuel cycle.
The complex is at the site of the Siberian Chemical Plant, which is run by state nuclear fuel company Tvel, a subsidiary of state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom.
It is part of the country’s “Proryv” or “Breakthrough” project, which is designed to demonstrate a closed nuclear fuel cycle.
Regulator Says It Supports Principle Of Deep Geological Repository :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency
Regulator Says It Supports Principle Of Deep Geological Repository :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Belgium’s nuclear regulator said it is in favour of the proposed principle of deep geological storage for high-level and long-lived radioactive waste, but the safety of disposal plans is still to be demonstrated.
The Federal Agency for Nuclear Control said in a statement that current proposals deal only with the principle of geological disposal. “At this stage, it is not yet a question of discussing how, where and when the storage facility would be built,” the statement said.
In April the Belgian National Agency for Radioactive Waste and enriched Fissile Material (Ondraf/Niras) submitted a draft long-term management plan for high-level and long-lived conditioned radioactive waste to Fanc.
The plan, which is also the subject of a public inquiry, calls for a deep geological storage system on Belgian territory.
The Federal Agency for Nuclear Control said in a statement that current proposals deal only with the principle of geological disposal. “At this stage, it is not yet a question of discussing how, where and when the storage facility would be built,” the statement said.
In April the Belgian National Agency for Radioactive Waste and enriched Fissile Material (Ondraf/Niras) submitted a draft long-term management plan for high-level and long-lived conditioned radioactive waste to Fanc.
The plan, which is also the subject of a public inquiry, calls for a deep geological storage system on Belgian territory.
Global annual installed capacity of nuclear power to decline to 3GW
Global annual installed capacity of nuclear power to decline to 3GW: The reduced power consumption has led to operators curtailing their plants or optimising plant outputs to match nuclear power demand.
US regulator accepts Oklo's Aurora licence application for review - Nuclear Engineering International
US regulator accepts Oklo's Aurora licence application for review - Nuclear Engineering International: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has accepted for review a combined licence application from Oklo Power to build and operate its 1.5MW Aurora reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory site in Idaho.The proposed Aurora design uses heat...
European power prices impacted by COVID-19 pandemic : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News
European power prices impacted by COVID-19 pandemic : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: Weaker economic activity amid the COVID-19 pandemic means that S&P Global Ratings' base-case assumptions for power prices in some of Europe's main markets in 2020-2021 are now up to 20% lower than its previous assumptions in November 2019. This, it says, is despite a drastic cut in French nuclear power production rates over the coming three years.
Leningrad II-2 gets regulatory approval for physical start-up : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Leningrad II-2 gets regulatory approval for physical start-up : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Russia's regulator Rostechnadzor has issued a permit for the physical start-up of Leningrad II unit 2, which completed hot tests last week. The regulator's inspection of the unit "confirmed its high degree of readiness for the start of physical launch, during which nuclear fuel will be loaded into the reactor core for the first time", state nuclear corporation Rosatom said today.
Polish climate minister lists benefits of adopting nuclear : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Polish climate minister lists benefits of adopting nuclear : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Nuclear power will give Poland energy security, keep its rapid industrialisation cost-competitive and help it to achieve climate neutrality, Minister of Climate Michał Kurtyka said during a Nuclear Energy Agency WebChat this week. In conversation with NEA Director General William Magwood, Kurtyka said Poland had long-coveted nuclear power and was looking forward to the many benefits it offers as the country plans a clean energy future.
State Reaches Deal With Pilgrim Owners On Cleanup | Earthwhile
State Reaches Deal With Pilgrim Owners On Cleanup | Earthwhile: Agreement ensures financial, environmental, and public safety protections during the dismantlement and cleanup of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth
European power prices impacted by COVID-19 pandemic : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News
European power prices impacted by COVID-19 pandemic : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: Weaker economic activity amid the COVID-19 pandemic means that S&P Global Ratings' base-case assumptions for power prices in some of Europe's main markets in 2020-2021 are now up to 20% lower than its previous assumptions in November 2019. This, it says, is despite a drastic cut in French nuclear power production rates over the coming three years.
Second nuclear reactor concrete base at Hinkley Point C completed
Second nuclear reactor concrete base at Hinkley Point C completed: Construction of the 49,000-tonne concrete base for the second reactor at Hinkley Point C is now completed. The base was made from 20,000 m3 of nuclear grade concrete
OPG Becomes First Utility to Snag Ownership Stake in Nuclear Microreactor Project
OPG Becomes First Utility to Snag Ownership Stake in Nuclear Microreactor Project: Marking the first time a utility has taken an ownership stake in a small modular reactor (SMR) project, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) formed a joint
Ghana to generate one gigawatt nuclear power by 2030 [ARTICLE] - Pulse Nigeria
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Nuclear plant 'moves to construction phase'
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Kinzinger praises federal nuclear energy rule change proposal - Ripon Advance
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Polish climate minister lists benefits of adopting nuclear : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
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The current North American power grid is showing its age. What's next?
The current North American power grid is showing its age. What's next?: Upgrading the grid would cost trillions. But replacing it with a decentralized, distributed power model would fit a carbon-zero future.
HyWay 27 investigating use of Dutch gas network to transport hydrogen | The Energy Collective Daily
HyWay 27 investigating use of Dutch gas network to transport hydrogen | The Energy Collective Daily |
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Tuesday, June 16, 2020
How PG&E missed its chance to prevent the Camp Fire: Damning report on utility’s negligence
How PG&E missed its chance to prevent the Camp Fire: Damning report on utility’s negligence
https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/fires/article243571222.html?
Supreme Court lifts major hurdle to $7.5B Atlantic Coast Pipeline
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https://www.utilitydive.com/news/pge-to-plead-guilty-on-84-counts-of-involuntary-manslaughter-ahead-of-bank/579876/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202020-06-16%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:27945%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive
PG&E to plead guilty on 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter ahead of bankruptcy court decision
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https://www.utilitydive.com/news/pge-to-plead-guilty-on-84-counts-of-involuntary-manslaughter-ahead-of-bank/579876/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202020-06-16%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:27945%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive
PG&E pleads guilty in 84 deaths from 2018 Camp Fire
PG&E pleads guilty in 84 deaths from 2018 Camp Fire
https://seekingalpha.com/news/3583545-pg-and-e-pleads-guilty-in-84-deaths-from-2018-camp-fire?utm_medium=email&utm_source=seeking_alpha&mail_subject=pcg-pg-e-pleads-guilty-in-84-deaths-from-2018-camp-fire&utm_campaign=rta-stock-news&utm_content=link-3
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Saudi Arabia Plans to Unify Strategy of Saudi-Foreign Business Councils | Asharq AL-awsat
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NIRAB recommends the development of SMRs and AMRs - Nuclear Engineering International
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Uranium exploration in Bannu, Kohat approved - Pakistan - DAWN.COM
Uranium exploration in Bannu, Kohat approved - Pakistan - DAWN.COM: Government plans to invest heavily in nuclear medicines.
IEA says nuclear is not on track to meet sustainability goals - Nuclear Engineering International
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GTI Resources’ (ASX:GTR) sample assays confirm potential of Rat Nest Project - The Market Herald
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New Invention to Prevent Future Fukushima - Innovation Origins
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Demolition begins in July for contaminated Santa Susana Field Laboratory buildings – Daily News
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1.5M pound nuclear reactor to be largest ever object transported on Nevada roads | Las Vegas Review-Journal
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Tests start on modified VVER-440 fuel for Dukovany : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News
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IAEA works to bolster preparedness for pandemics : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News
IAEA works to bolster preparedness for pandemics : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: An initiative to strengthen global preparedness for future pandemics like COVID-19 has been launched by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The project, called ZODIAC, builds on the IAEA's experience in assisting countries in the use of nuclear and nuclear-derived techniques for the rapid detection of pathogens that cause transboundary animal diseases, including ones that spread to humans.
EM Update June 16, 2020
The
DOE Office of Legacy Management is set to assume long-term stewardship
responsibility for 70 sites — represented by the yellow dots in this map
— on the Nevada Test and Training Range where the EM Nevada Program
completed environmental corrective actions in accordance with the
Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order.
LAS VEGAS – The EM Nevada Program and DOE Office of Legacy Management
(LM) are nearing completion of a transfer of long-term stewardship
responsibilities for 70 sites on the Nevada Test and Training Range
(NTTR), including the Tonopah Test Range (TTR).
The transfer from EM to LM — among EM's ambitious priorities for 2020 — is expected to occur by Sept. 30.
"In
partnership with the Office of Legacy Management and our lead
environmental program services contractor, Navarro Research and
Engineering, the EM Nevada Program is proud to be advancing the transfer
of these sites,” EM Nevada Program Manager Rob Boehlecke said. “We
fully expect to complete the transfer on time and on budget. This
progress supports our federal cleanup mission and shows firsthand what
can be accomplished when a dedicated team works together to accomplish a
goal.”
The transfer process also involves the review and transmission of more than 7,200 documents and records
from the EM Nevada Program to LM. Once the transfer is complete, LM
will assume responsibility for long-term surveillance and maintenance of
the sites in perpetuity.
In accordance with the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO),
the EM Nevada Program recently completed cleanup at sites on NTTR where
contaminated soil and debris resulted from historic nuclear weapons
testing and support activities. FFACO is a legally-binding agreement
signed in 1996 that outlines a schedule of cleanup and monitoring
commitments.
In
the 1960s, sites at the NTTR were used to test nuclear weapons to
determine if they could be accidentally set off and produce a nuclear
yield. These experiments resulted in the contamination of soil and
debris. During recently completed cleanup of these sites, contaminated soil and debris were transported to the Nevada National Security Site for permanent disposal.
For more information on the EM Nevada Program’s environmental restoration activities, click here.
-Contributor: Michelle French
Oak Ridge Marks Another Teardown on Path to Vision 2020
Demolition
begins on Building K-2500-H. The facility was located near the massive
K-25 gaseous diffusion building and supported demolition efforts for
that project.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – The Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) has conducted large-scale demolition at the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) for nearly 15 years.
OREM
and its contractor UCOR are nearing completion of teardowns there, and
one facility they recently demolished had supported demolition work over
the years.
Crews
took down K-2500-H, also known as the Segmentation Shop. Contaminated
equipment, piping, and other items generated by demolition projects were
sent to the facility to be prepared for shipment for disposal.
Constructed in 2007 near the massive K-25 gaseous diffusion building,
the Segmentation Shop was used to process items from K-25, the K-27
gaseous diffusion building, and other facilities that once supported the
site’s uranium enrichment operations.
“The
Segmentation Shop served a crucial purpose, allowing for efficient
disposal of a variety of components pulled from various buildings,” said
James Daffron, acting ETTP portfolio federal project director. “The
fact that it is no longer needed highlights how close we are to
completing site cleanup.”
A
view of the remains from the demolition of the Segmentation Shop as Oak
Ridge crews come closer to achieving Vision 2020. Cleanup efforts at
the East Tennessee Technology Park will remove more than 13 million
square feet of facilities.
While
crews have completed demolition of all facilities that previously
supported uranium enrichment operations, the Segmentation Shop became
the latest in a long list of unneeded buildings that crews have removed
at ETTP.
Only
a handful of unneeded structures remain at the site. Demolition and
major cleanup activities are expected to be completed at ETTP this year —
a goal known as Vision 2020.
It will account for the elimination of more than 13 million square
feet, marking the first time in the world an entire uranium enrichment
complex is removed. More than 12 million square feet of the complex has
been removed already.
OREM
and UCOR are working together to transform ETTP into a multi-use
industrial park, national park, and conservation area for the community.
That vision has already started to become a reality. OREM has
transferred almost 1,300 acres at ETTP for economic development, with
another 600 acres slated for transfer in the years ahead. OREM has also
set aside more than 100 acres for historic preservation and placed more
than 3,000 acres in conservation for community recreational use.
-Contributor: Wayne McKinney
EM Names New WIPP, Los Alamos Managers, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Safety, Security
EM has named new managers for the Carlsbad and Los Alamos
field offices, and a new Deputy Assistant Secretary for Safety,
Security, and Quality Assurance, among leadership updates at its sites
and at headquarters.
Reinhard
Knerr has been selected as manager of the Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO),
where he will oversee operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
(WIPP). He will transition from his current role as DUF6 Federal Project
Director at the Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office where he supervises the depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF6) conversion facilities at the Portsmouth, Ohio and Paducah, Kentucky sites.
Knerr
has held leadership and strategic planning roles at the Paducah site
since 2004, including managing environmental remediation work,
transitioning the site’s gaseous diffusion plant from the United States
Enrichment Corporation back to the Department of Energy, and initiating
utility and infrastructure optimization projects. He also has served as
the transuranic waste certification team leader at WIPP, and has over
nine years of experience as a nuclear criticality safety engineer
supporting contractor operations at the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant. Knerr holds a Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering from the Pennsylvania State University.
At
Carlsbad, Knerr will replace Greg Sosson, who has served as acting
manager since December 2019. Sosson will return to EM headquarters to
serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Safety, Security, and Quality
Assurance. That position holds broad responsibility for overseeing the
development of strategies, policy, and guidance for safety, security,
and emergency preparedness to support the EM mission.
Sosson
previously held the position of Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Field Operations Oversight at EM headquarters. Prior to joining DOE,
Sosson was in the commercial nuclear industry for 28 years in senior
operations and engineering positions with a focus on safe and efficient
mission accomplishment, including 10 years as a senior reactor operator.
He also spent 10 years as a light and mechanized infantry officer in
the Army Reserve and National Guard. Sosson holds a Bachelor of Science
in mechanical engineering from the Pennsylvania State University and a
Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University. He is a
licensed professional engineer.
Mike
Mikolanis, who has been serving as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance, will return to his role as
assistant manager for nuclear material stabilization at the DOE-Savannah River Operations Office (DOE-SR).
Kirk
Lachman has been selected as manager of the EM-Los Alamos Field Office,
following a tenure as deputy manager and acting manager of CBFO. Before
joining CBFO, Lachman was the Deputy Chief for Field Operations at EM
headquarters. He has served in a variety of line management and safety
oversight positions from 2010-2017 at the Nevada Field Office. He served
from 2005 until 2010 as the engineering design group supervisor for the
Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management in Las Vegas.
Lachman
graduated from the DOE Senior Executive Service Candidate Development
Program as well as the Harvard Senior Executive Fellows Program. He has a
Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of
Nebraska and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Colorado
State University.
Lachman
will replace Thomas Johnson, who has served as acting manager of EM-Los
Alamos since March. Johnson will return to the Savannah River Site,
where he serves as deputy manager of DOE-SR. In that role, Johnson has
broad leadership responsibility for approximately $1 billion in annual
operating and construction activities at SRS in the areas of
environmental stewardship, and nuclear materials processing and
disposition.
Hanford Marks 25 Years of Successfully Treating Wastewater
A
view of the Effluent Treatment Facility’s process floor. Since 1995,
the facility has processed more than 330 million gallons of contaminated
wastewater to remove radioactive and chemical waste.
RICHLAND, Wash. – A significant component of EM’s complex chain of Hanford Site
waste treatment facilities is marking a quarter century of safely
treating contaminated wastewater while stretching the storage capacity
of underground double-shell tanks.
The “Liquid Waste Processing Facilities”
is a term used to collectively describe four primary facilities that
work together to store, treat, and dispose of large volumes of liquid
waste from around the site. The four facilities are the Liquid Effluent
Retention Facility, Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF), Treated Effluent Disposal Facility, and the State-Approved Land Disposal Site.
Since
1995, the four facilities have processed more than 330 million gallons
of contaminated wastewater to remove radioactive and chemical waste,
primarily from the 242-A Evaporator.
That equipment boils liquid tank waste to evaporate water, also called
effluent, to reduce the volume of waste stored in Hanford’s underground
tanks. Waste volume reduction is also critical for single-shell tank
waste retrievals to double-shell tanks.
“Continued
operations and volume management are important to meeting the Hanford
mission need,” said Richard Valle, Tank Farm program manager.
Two
new vessels were installed in the Effluent Treatment Facility in 2019.
The facility is undergoing upgrades as it prepares to support
Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste operations to begin by the end of 2023.
The
Liquid Effluent Retention Facility is currently designed to store about
23 million gallons of liquid waste until it can be processed at the
ETF. The ETF processes the liquid waste to remove chemical and
radioactive contaminants. Treated hazardous and radioactive effluent
from ETF is then discharged to the State-Approved Land Disposal Site.
The Treated Effluent Disposal Facility collects nonhazardous and
nonradioactive treated wastewaters that are pumped to two infiltration
basins on the site.
“In
2019, the ETF treated 3.4 million gallons of contaminated wastewater,
exceeding its goal for the year by 1.4 million gallons,” said Brandon
McFerran, ETF manager for Washington River Protection Solutions, EM’s
Hanford tank operations contractor.
The
ETF is undergoing upgrades to improve operations and reliability as
crews prepare it to support Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste operations.
The ETF is part of the planned 24/7 conversion of liquid waste to a safe
solidified glass form in the new Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant.
-Contributor: Michael Butler
Spent Nuclear Fuel Transfers Support EM’s Commitment to State of Idaho
EM
workers use a crane to lower a canister filled with spent nuclear fuel
into a liner inside the Radioactive Scrap and Waste Facility at the
Idaho National Laboratory Site.
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Crews recently completed the first two of nearly 40 shipments of spent nuclear fuel to a temporary storage area at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site
planned for 2020, helping EM move toward meeting its commitment with
the State of Idaho to transfer the material from wet to dry storage by
2023.
Spent
nuclear fuel handlers and other employees with Fluor Idaho, EM’s INL
Site cleanup contractor, retrieved the fuel from an underwater basin at
Chemical Processing Plant (CPP)-666 at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and
Engineering Center (INTEC). They transferred the fuel to a shipping
cask, which was loaded onto a tractor trailer and transported to the
Radioactive Scrap and Waste Facility (RSWF) at the Materials and Fuels
Complex (MFC). The cask was then unloaded from the trailer, placed over
below-ground steel fuel storage liners, and lowered into place.
The
RSWF, measuring almost 450 feet long and 390 feet wide, was originally
built to receive remote-handled transuranic waste. However,
modifications allowed it to serve as a temporary storage area for the
fuel.
“The
first shipments went off perfectly,” said Russ Cottam, Fluor Idaho
spent nuclear fuel manager. “Our crews had practiced the processes using
a mock-up and used a mobile crane and forklift to simulate the
conditions at the RSWF. The placement of fuel at RSWF went according to
plan.”
Equipment operators move a cask filled with spent nuclear fuel to a storage liner at the Radioactive Scrap and Waste Facility.
Workers
are scheduled to make as many as 38 additional shipments of the fuel
from INTEC to RSWF this year, with shipments continuing into 2021.
Beginning
in September last year, equipment operators, engineers, fuel handlers,
fabricators, and others worked as a team to conduct mock-ups of the fuel
transfers at INTEC. Using a cask assembly built by the INTEC
fabrication shop and a cask designed by INTEC engineers, the team
practiced the transfers.
“So
many dedicated people were involved in this effort,” Cottam said.
“Using a mock-up allowed the team to identify challenges, revise
procedures, and perform the steps flawlessly. It was the epitome of a
well thought-out and executed project.”
The
fuel had originated from the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II)
reactor, which operated at the former Argonne National Laboratory-West,
now MFC, from 1964 until 1994. The reactor generated power for the INL
and provided reactor research benefits. Spent nuclear fuel from EBR-II
was transferred to wet storage at CPP-666 from 1986 to 1999.
The
spent nuclear fuel basin at INTEC is now nearly 95 percent empty. Just
two fuel types remain: EBR-II and Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). ATR fuel
continues to be transferred to CPP-603 for dry storage.
-Contributor: Erik Simpson
Shift Technical Engineer Program Growing to Meet SRS Mission Needs
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EM Update | Vol. 12, Issue 13 | June 16, 2020
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EM Nevada Transfer of 70 Sites to Legacy Management Nearly Complete | ||
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Reinhard Knerr has been selected as manager of the Carlsbad Field Office.
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Greg Sosson will serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance.
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After
serving as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Safety, Security, and
Quality Assurance, Mike Mikolanis will return to his role as assistant
manager for nuclear material stabilization at the DOE-Savannah River
Operations Office.
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Kirk Lachman has been selected as manager of the EM-Los Alamos Field Office.
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After
serving as acting manager of the EM-Los Alamos Field Office, Thomas
Johnson will return to the Savannah River Site, where he serves as
deputy manager of the DOE-Savannah River Operations Office.
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John
Mills conducts plant gauge checks at the Defense Waste Processing
Facility as part of his job as a shift technical engineer for Savannah
River Remediation at the Savannah River Site.
AIKEN, S.C. – A team of technical engineers is among the many groups growing to support the increased pace of liquid waste operations at EM’s Savannah River Site (SRS).
These
engineers with SRS liquid waste contractor Savannah River Remediation
(SRR) play a key role in daily operations at liquid waste facilities. As
the engineering point of contact on each shift, they work at the Defense Waste Processing Facility
(DWPF) and Tank Farm facilities, home to the underground waste tanks,
helping ensure safe operations, making critical decisions in the field,
and resolving emergent plant issues.
There
are currently two shift technical engineers per shift covering the Tank
Farm facilities and DWPF, and SRR plans to increase it to three per
shift to provide staffing for the ramped-up waste processing expected to
support the new Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF). SWPF is the EM
facility that will process the remaining salt waste at SRS, which makes
up about 90 percent of the remaining radioactive waste stored in
underground tanks.
“With
SWPF coming online, there will be more waste transfers, procedure
changes, and emergent issues, and so there is a need to evaluate current
shift technical engineer staffing,” SRR President and Project Manager
Phil Breidenbach said. “The additional technical engineers will provide
increased capability for solving emergent issues on shift without
detracting from their primary role, which is to ensure compliance with
the safety basis.”
More
than 14 engineers have been promoted to shift technical engineer roles
over the last four years, and there are currently 25 in the program —
nine of which are training. Because of the high level of facility
knowledge required, the training and qualification process to become a
shift technical engineer is rigorous. It’s a four-part process:
prerequisites, additional classroom training, on-the-job training, and a
demanding oral examination. It usually takes about a year to become
qualified.
“It
is important to the overall liquid waste mission and day-to-day
operations to identify key people who will perform well as a shift
technical engineer and train them early and thoroughly to take on this
vital role,” Breidenbach said.
For SRR shift technical engineer Annah Garrison, the best part of the job is the people.
“Working
on shift you get to know the people well, and it feels like family,”
said Garrison, who has worked in the position in the tank facilities for
just over two years. “We look out for each other, and we work together
to do the right thing. My shift always challenges me and motivates me to
improve. It feels good to work as a team to accomplish something
together.”
-Contributor: Colleen Hart
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