Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Friday, October 9, 2020

Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 | Science

Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 | Science: There is overwhelming evidence that inhalation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents a major transmission route for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is an urgent need to harmonize discussions about modes of virus transmission across disciplines to ensure the most effective control strategies and provide clear and consistent guidance to the public. To do so, we must clarify the terminology to distinguish between aerosols and droplets using a size threshold of 100 μm, not the historical 5 μm ([ 1 ][1]). This size more effectively separates their aerodynamic behavior, ability to be inhaled, and efficacy of interventions.

Viruses in droplets (larger than 100 μm) typically fall to the ground in seconds within 2 m of the source and can be sprayed like tiny cannonballs onto nearby individuals. Because of their limited travel range, physical distancing reduces exposure to these droplets. Viruses in aerosols (smaller than 100 μm) can remain suspended in air for many seconds to hours, like smoke, and be inhaled. They are highly concentrated near an infected person, so they can infect people most easily in close proximity. But aerosols containin

The Shell Energy Transition report | The Energy Collective Daily

 


The Shell Energy Transition report | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

What does the Supreme Court have to do with nuclear waste? -- ANS / Newswire

What does the Supreme Court have to do with nuclear waste? -- ANS / Newswire

Foratom sounds alarm over nuclear skills shortage in Europe -- ANS / Newswire

Foratom sounds alarm over nuclear skills shortage in Europe -- ANS / Newswire

EIA: Nine of top 10 electricity generators in 2019 were nuclear plants -- ANS / Newswire

EIA: Nine of top 10 electricity generators in 2019 were nuclear plants -- ANS / Newswire

Crystal River-3 operating license transferred to decommissioning company -- ANS / Newswire

Crystal River-3 operating license transferred to decommissioning company -- ANS / Newswire

A closer look at SPARC’s burning plasma ambitions -- ANS / Newswire

A closer look at SPARC’s burning plasma ambitions -- ANS / Newswire

Vision 2020 -- ANS / Newswire

Vision 2020 -- ANS / Newswire

U.S., Russia finalize amendment to uranium import agreement -- ANS / Newswire

U.S., Russia finalize amendment to uranium import agreement -- ANS / Newswire

US DOE announces $26.9M for advanced nuclear technology - Green Car Congress

US DOE announces $26.9M for advanced nuclear technology - Green Car Congress: The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding for three domestic projects that will accelerate advanced nuclear technology development. These projects, valued at $26.9 million including industry cost-share contributions, will allow industry-led teams to advance the state of domestic commercial nuclear capability. Two awards will advance flexible operation of light-water...

R&D of nuclear reactor signifies big milestone

R&D of nuclear reactor signifies big milestone

Teen Builds Working Fusion Reactor: Youngest to Achieve Fusion

Teen Builds Working Fusion Reactor: Youngest to Achieve Fusion: A 12-year-old kid built a working nuclear fusion reactor and broke an epic record. He's the youngest person to ever achieve fusion.

Bechtel leading EPC work on TerraPower next-gen nuclear reactor demonstration bid | Power Engineering

Bechtel leading EPC work on TerraPower next-gen nuclear reactor demonstration bid | Power Engineering: TerraPower, the advanced nuclear reactor design firm founded by Bill Gates, has selected Bechtel as its engineering, procurement and construction partner to build a proposed demonstration power plant. The deal with Bechtel will be included in a federal grant application to fund construction of the plant for the company’s Natrium reactor and energy system architecture....

Certifying Nuclear Reactors: How The NRC Approved Its First Small Modular Reactor Design | Hackaday

Certifying Nuclear Reactors: How The NRC Approved Its First Small Modular Reactor Design | Hackaday

US to Finance Nuclear Plant Extension in Romania | Balkan Insight

US to Finance Nuclear Plant Extension in Romania | Balkan Insight: Four months after Romania halted Chinese participation in the project, the US and Romania are signing an agreement to bring Washington on board in a 8-billion-dollar project to construct two new reactors at the country’s only nuclear plant.

Hitachi says it will quit stalled British nuclear power project, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld

Hitachi says it will quit stalled British nuclear power project, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld: "Hitachi made this decision given that 20 months have passed since the suspension, and the investment environment has become increasingly severe due t..

DOE Has Chosen Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Winners

DOE Has Chosen Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Winners: The Department of Energy (DOE) on Oct. 7 notified Congress that it has chosen recipients for its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) and will

Ontario utility working with three companies on advanced nuclear SMR development | Power Engineering

Ontario utility working with three companies on advanced nuclear SMR development | Power Engineering: Ontario Power Generation is working with three companies on developing grid-scale small modular reactors (SMR) for nuclear power. The Toronto-based utility is doing engineering and design work with GE Hitachi, Terrestrial Energy and X-energy. SMRs, if built and commissioned, could generate anywhere from one to 300 MWs of carbon-free energy into the grid and deployed...

Korea takes another step toward floating nuclear power plants - News - GCR

Korea takes another step toward floating nuclear power plants - News - GCR: South Korea has become the latest state to announce plans to build floating nuclear power ......

9th Circuit Vacates FERC Orders in PG&E PPA Dispute

9th Circuit Vacates FERC Orders in PG&E PPA Dispute: An appeals court vacated FERC orders that threatened to force a jurisdictional standoff with the judge overseeing PG&E’s bankruptcy.

Nuclear power: clean, cheap, and sustainable source of energy for Pakistan - Global Village Space

Nuclear power: clean, cheap, and sustainable source of energy for Pakistan - Global Village Space: The great power of the atom is not limited to warfare. The nuclear technology can supply a clean, cheap and sustainable source of energy for Pakistan

The Federal Council for Nuclear Regulation reviews the developments of Barakah

The Federal Council for Nuclear Regulation reviews the developments of Barakah: The Federal Council for Nuclear Regulation reviews the developments of Barakah

SHINE Medical Isotope Production Facility

SHINE Medical Isotope Production Facility: Medical Isotope Production Facility Janesville, Wisconsin Client: SHINE Medical Technologies Project Highlights: ...

DOE Has Chosen Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Winners

DOE Has Chosen Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Winners: The Department of Energy (DOE) on Oct. 7 notified Congress that it has chosen recipients for its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) and will

Ontario utility working with three companies on advanced nuclear SMR development | Power Engineering

Ontario utility working with three companies on advanced nuclear SMR development | Power Engineering: Ontario Power Generation is working with three companies on developing grid-scale small modular reactors (SMR) for nuclear power. The Toronto-based utility is doing engineering and design work with GE Hitachi, Terrestrial Energy and X-energy. SMRs, if built and commissioned, could generate anywhere from one to 300 MWs of carbon-free energy into the grid and deployed...

Fukushima Update October 9, 2020

 

Fukushima Update October 9, 2020 –

First harvests in ten years occur in two former “no-go” Fukushima communities… Enough Namie residents have returned home to allow a local electrical store to resume business… National fisheries continue to oppose the harmless release of treated F. Daiichi wastewater to the sea… A recycled nuclear fuel plant in Aomori Prefecture meets government safety standards… The race to be the first community to host a high level nuclear waste repository begins… A suit to shut down Takahama units #3 and 4 has been filed in Nagoya District Court.

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

New Government Stands By Phaseout Plans, But Calls For Report On Security Of Supply :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

New Government Stands By Phaseout Plans, But Calls For Report On Security Of Supply :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Belgium’s new governing coalition will stand by its predecessors’ plans to shut down the country’s nuclear fleet in 2025 on condition that security of the country’ power supply will not be affected.



Plans to shut down Belgium’s seven commercial reactor units were enshrined in a law of 2003, then confirmed in 2015 and again in 2018. A commission was appointed to assess the impact of the phaseout but it has not yet reported back.



Following a general election in May 2019 the new administration was expected to consider the decision, but political parties were unable to form a federal government for more than a year.

Hercules tested as France battles Brussels over power giant EDF | Reuters

Hercules tested as France battles Brussels over power giant EDF | Reuters: French plans to ring-fence EDF's nuclear arm from the rest of the power giant have triggered differences between Paris and Brussels over how it should be structured, a source close to the discussions told Reuters.

Bechtel leading EPC work on TerraPower next-gen nuclear reactor demonstration bid | Power Engineering

Bechtel leading EPC work on TerraPower next-gen nuclear reactor demonstration bid | Power Engineering: TerraPower, the advanced nuclear reactor design firm founded by Bill Gates, has selected Bechtel as its engineering, procurement and construction partner to build a proposed demonstration power plant. The deal with Bechtel will be included in a federal grant application to fund construction of the plant for the company’s Natrium reactor and energy system architecture....

NASA's clean-up plan for toxic site near Simi outrages activists

NASA's clean-up plan for toxic site near Simi outrages activists: But NASA says its remediation plan for Santa Susana Field Lab site would be protective of human health and environment.

Romania, U.S. to sign cooperation agreements over nuclear reactors | Reuters

Romania, U.S. to sign cooperation agreements over nuclear reactors | Reuters: Romania's economy ministry will sign cooperation and financing agreements with the United States on Friday regarding the construction of two nuclear reactors at its plant on the river Danube, U.S. ambassador Adrian Zuckerman said on Thursday.

Teen Builds Working Fusion Reactor: Youngest to Achieve Fusion

Teen Builds Working Fusion Reactor: Youngest to Achieve Fusion: A 12-year-old kid built a working nuclear fusion reactor and broke an epic record. He's the youngest person to ever achieve fusion.

Bechtel leading EPC work on TerraPower next-gen nuclear reactor demonstration bid | Power Engineering

Bechtel leading EPC work on TerraPower next-gen nuclear reactor demonstration bid | Power Engineering: TerraPower, the advanced nuclear reactor design firm founded by Bill Gates, has selected Bechtel as its engineering, procurement and construction partner to build a proposed demonstration power plant. The deal with Bechtel will be included in a federal grant application to fund construction of the plant for the company’s Natrium reactor and energy system architecture....

TerraPower chooses Bechtel as engineering, construction partner for Natrium™ reactor and energy system demonstration project

TerraPower chooses Bechtel as engineering, construction partner for Natrium™ reactor and energy system demonstration project: /PRNewswire/ -- TerraPower today unveiled Bechtel as its plant design, licensing, procurement, and construction partner in a federal grant application to build...

Romania, U.S. to sign cooperation agreements over nuclear reactors | Reuters

Romania, U.S. to sign cooperation agreements over nuclear reactors | Reuters: Romania's economy ministry will sign cooperation and financing agreements with the United States on Friday regarding the construction of two nuclear reactors at its plant on the river Danube, U.S. ambassador Adrian Zuckerman said on Thursday.

Rosatom and US DOC welcome change to uranium agreement : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News

Rosatom and US DOC welcome change to uranium agreement : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: The US Department of Commerce (DOC) and Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom have confirmed they have signed a final amendment to the Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Uranium from the Russian Federation. This extends the agreement through to 2040 and reduces US reliance on uranium from Russia during that time period. It is unchanged from a draft amendment released for public comment on 11 September.

US DOE provides funding for $26 million in nuclear plant hydrogen projects | S&P Global Platts

US DOE provides funding for $26 million in nuclear plant hydrogen projects | S&P Global Platts: The US Department of Energy has provided funding to two projects worth $26 million seeking to advance hydrogen generation by nuclear reactors, starting with a facility at an Xcel Energy plant, DOE sai

DOE Has Chosen Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Winners

DOE Has Chosen Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Winners: The Department of Energy (DOE) on Oct. 7 notified Congress that it has chosen recipients for its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) and will

OPG advances towards SMR deployment : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

OPG advances towards SMR deployment : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Ontario Power Generation has today announced plans to pave the way for the deployment of small modular reactors by advancing engineering and design work with three developers of grid-scale SMRs: GE Hitachi, Terrestrial Energy and X-energy. At the same time, GEH has entered into MoUs with five Canadian companies to set up a supply chain for its SMR.

Opinion | Environmental organizations need to support nuclear energy

 

Opinion | Environmental organizations need to support nuclear energy

 https://pittnews.com/article/160810/opinions/opinion-environmental-organizations-need-to-support-nuclear-energy/

Article: The fundamental issue going unaddressed in this country, an electoral system corrupted by big moneyed interests | OpEdNews

Article: The fundamental issue going unaddressed in this country, an electoral system corrupted by big moneyed interests | OpEdNews: Article: The fundamental issue going unaddressed in this country, an electoral system corrupted by big moneyed interests - These are trying times w/ COVID, a coming presidential election along w/ a fractious electorate. Yet a fundamental issue goes unaddressed in this country. An electoral system corrupted by big moneyed interests. It's the standard 'pay to play' in all elections whether local, state & federal. All our other problems & issues won't be addressed adequately as long as our corrupted electoral system remains in place.

Lawsuit Alleges Trump-Appointed CEO Broke Laws In Seeking To Steer VOA Coverage : NPR

Lawsuit Alleges Trump-Appointed CEO Broke Laws In Seeking To Steer VOA Coverage : NPR: Five executives, now suspended, accuse U.S. Agency for Global Media CEO Michael Pack of illegally interfering in newsroom coverage of President Trump, Joe Biden and Black Lives Matter.

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Nine Days in Wuhan, the Ground Zero of the Coronavirus Pandemic | The New Yorker

Nine Days in Wuhan, the Ground Zero of the Coronavirus Pandemic | The New Yorker: There’s no other country where the pandemic’s effects have been so concentrated in a single city.

What Happens If the U.S. Withdraws From the W.H.O.? - The Atlantic

What Happens If the U.S. Withdraws From the W.H.O.? - The Atlantic: While the U.S. is distracted, China is rewriting the rules of the global order.

Winners and losers - The pandemic has caused the world’s economies to diverge | Leaders | The Economist

Winners and losers - The pandemic has caused the world’s economies to diverge | Leaders | The Economist: But its long-term impact will be even more far-reaching

Opinion | U.S. foreign policy might be too broken for Biden to fix - The Washington Post

Opinion | U.S. foreign policy might be too broken for Biden to fix - The Washington Post: The Trump administration might be leaving its successor a host of intractable problems.

Johns Hopkins doctor on Trump’s coronavirus treatment team has plenty of experience treating contagious diseases - Baltimore Sun

Johns Hopkins doctor on Trump’s coronavirus treatment team has plenty of experience treating contagious diseases - Baltimore Sun: Doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore are often called on to treat top corporate executives, Supreme Court justices and even Arab royalty. In recent days, the president of the United States joined the roster.

NIH launches trial of new COVID-19 treatment | TheHill

NIH launches trial of new COVID-19 treatment | TheHill: The National Institutes of Health on Thursday

DC-area health officials urge COVID-19 testing for anyone at White House event | TheHill

DC-area health officials urge COVID-19 testing for anyone at White House event | TheHill: Health officials in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are urging people connected with a recent White House Rose Garden event to contact their local health departments and get tested for COVID-19.

Kissinger Warns U.S. and China Must Set Limits to Avoid a Blowup - Caixin Global

Kissinger Warns U.S. and China Must Set Limits to Avoid a Blowup - Caixin Global: Kissinger Warns U.S. and China Must Set Limits to Avoid a Blowup - His warnings came as Trump’s administration reverses the opening to China that is the former secretary of state‘s legacy

Rick Bright’s Resignation Shows We’re Failing Whistleblowers

Rick Bright’s Resignation Shows We’re Failing Whistleblowers: Months after he was demoted for raising concerns about the Trump administration’s handling of COVID-19, Rick Bright resigned alleging that he was unable to work due to whistleblower retaliation.

In debate, Harris signaled a sharper break with Trump administration over China – Responsible Statecraft

In debate, Harris signaled a sharper break with Trump administration over China – Responsible Statecraft: A more constructive approach toward trade and public health relations with Beijing would certainly be welcome.

Trump’s rhetoric is at odds with Pope Francis’ call to recognize the humanity of refugees | America Magazine

Trump’s rhetoric is at odds with Pope Francis’ call to recognize the humanity of refugees | America Magazine: The Trump administration has lowered refugee admissions to an all-time low. Giulia McPherson of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA explains why this is both inhumane and shortsighted.

MoA - Why U.S. Elections Do Not Change Its Foreign Policies

MoA - Why U.S. Elections Do Not Change Its Foreign Policies

India works to boost influence in Iran as Beijing-Tehran ties warm

India works to boost influence in Iran as Beijing-Tehran ties warm: India is seeking to remain involved in the development projects at Iran's ports, especially since Chabahar Port helps India gain access to an important geopolitical region.

It is being projected that there could be an “eight billion meal shortage” at America’s food banks over the next 12 months – End Of The American Dream

It is being projected that there could be an “eight billion meal shortage” at America’s food banks over the next 12 months – End Of The American Dream: In 2020, we are witnessing an explosion of hunger in the United States that is unlike anything that we have seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Tens

Chinese bishop resigns as deadline for renewing Vatican deal nears

Chinese bishop resigns as deadline for renewing Vatican deal nears: Ahead of the expected renewal of the Vatican-China deal this month, the former underground bishop of Mindong has announced his complete resignation from public life.

Brooklyn bishop: ‘Outrageous’ NY coronavirus restrictions ignore church successes – Catholic World Report

Brooklyn bishop: ‘Outrageous’ NY coronavirus restrictions ignore church successes – Catholic World Report

Support Grows for Confirming Barrett for Supreme Court, Poll Finds

Support Grows for Confirming Barrett for Supreme Court, Poll Finds: Support for Senate confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett jumps among Republicans, independents, and even Democrats.

Senators reject claim Amy Coney Barrett 'too Christian' for Supreme Court

Senators reject claim Amy Coney Barrett 'too Christian' for Supreme Court: Senators on Wednesday decried attacks on Catholic Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s religious beliefs.

Amy Barrett: What’s Really at Stake - The Catholic Thing

Amy Barrett: What’s Really at Stake - The Catholic Thing: Randall Smith: Why will Democrats attempt to publicly humiliate a talented, extremely qualified, perfectly decent mother of seven? One word: abortion.

Equity and unintended consequences in the Washington suburbs | The Thomas B. Fordham Institute

Equity and unintended consequences in the Washington suburbs | The Thomas B. Fordham Institute: Two big public-school systems in the D.C. area are on the verge of letting their zeal for equity and racial justice lead to consequences they may end up regretting. Fairfax County, which operates one of America’s best known and most esteemed “exam schools,” is may use a lottery, rather than test scores and other quality measures, for admissions. And Loudoun County is considering revising its rules for “professional conduct” by school staff to punish employees—teachers included—in truly Orwellian ways.

Lessons from Socialism in East Germany | PolicyEd

Lessons from Socialism in East Germany | PolicyEd: Published October 8, 2020 Socialism promises greater equality and shared prosperity, but the contrasting experiences of East and West Germany after World War II suggest a different reality. When the Soviet Union implemented repressive socialism in East Germany, their citizens fled to West Germany’s capitalism and freedom. East Germany eventually abandoned socialism for the

OPG advances towards SMR deployment : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

OPG advances towards SMR deployment : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Ontario Power Generation has today announced plans to pave the way for the deployment of small modular reactors by advancing engineering and design work with three developers of grid-scale SMRs: GE Hitachi, Terrestrial Energy and X-energy. At the same time, GEH has entered into MoUs with five Canadian companies to set up a supply chain for its SMR.

South Korea Companies Sign MoU On Development :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

South Korea Companies Sign MoU On Development :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: South Korea’s Kepco Engineering & Construction Company and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the development of floating nuclear power plants.



The two companies said they will develop technology for offshore nuclear power plants equipped with Bandi-60S reactors, a small modular reactor design that Kepco Engineering & Construction has been developing since 2016.

£2bn aid plan to build 16 mini nuclear power stations by 2050  | Daily Mail Online

£2bn aid plan to build 16 mini nuclear power stations by 2050  | Daily Mail Online: The project to build 16 sites by 2050 could also revive ailing engineering titan Rolls-Royce, which is leading the nine-member consortium to design the 'rapid assembly' power stations.

French nuclear group opens new facility in the US

French nuclear group opens new facility in the US: French nuclear group Framatome has announced that it has opened its new uranium recovery facility at its nuclear fuel manufacturing site at Richland in the US state of Washington. The new facility cost $20-million, took three years to build and covers 11 000 ft2 (nearly 1 022 m2). The new facility is equipped with the latest technologies and processes to recover uranium from the fuel manufacturing process. ‘Scrapped’ uranium is recovered from the fuel fabrication feed streams and then converted into uranium dioxide powder. This uranium dioxide is then re-used in the manufacture of nuclear fuel.

Former Cotter Uranium Mill cleanup near Canon City needs input

Former Cotter Uranium Mill cleanup near Canon City needs input: Federal and state health officials are seeking public input on cleanup at the former Cotter Uranium Mill near Canon City as part of decommissioning.

Judge says 2 SC law firms can’t spend $75 million they received from plutonium removal settlement yet

Judge says 2 SC law firms can’t spend $75 million they received from plutonium removal settlement yet: The money is from a $600 million plutonium removal settlement between the state and federal government.

OPG Announces Collaboration On Three SMR Designs :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

OPG Announces Collaboration On Three SMR Designs :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Ontario Power Generation is advancing engineering and design work with three developers of grid-scale small modular rectors as it seeks to become a world leader in the SMR sector.



The company, which owns and operates the Pickering and Darlington nuclear stations in Ontario, said it would be collaborating with GE Hitachi (GEH), Terrestrial Energy and X-energy.



OPG has chosen three SMR technologies for further evaluation. They are GEH’s BWRX-300, Terrestrial Energy’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) and X-energy’s Xe-100 SMR. The three technologies were chosen after a due diligence proves held in collaboration with other major energy utilities.



“Our work with these three developers, along with our partnership with Global First Power and its SMR project, demonstrates OPG’s

First batch of radioactive waste moved to SWPF; processing will take 10 days | News | postandcourier.com

First batch of radioactive waste moved to SWPF; processing will take 10 days | News | postandcourier.com: The first batch of radioactive waste was handled at the Savannah River Site’s Salt Waste Processing Facility this week, a milestone nearly two decades in the making and one that

Green Ribbon Panel provides roadmap for policymakers : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News

Green Ribbon Panel provides roadmap for policymakers : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: The Green Ribbon Panel, a group of Canadian environmental and economic leaders, has published a roadmap for provincial and federal policymakers, which includes recommendations on how to meet Canada's greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Rosatom and US DOC welcome change to uranium agreement : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News

Rosatom and US DOC welcome change to uranium agreement : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: The US Department of Commerce (DOC) and Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom have confirmed they have signed a final amendment to the Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Uranium from the Russian Federation. This extends the agreement through to 2040 and reduces US reliance on uranium from Russia during that time period. It is unchanged from a draft amendment released for public comment on 11 September.

UK report highlights benefits of nuclear cogeneration : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News

UK report highlights benefits of nuclear cogeneration : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: Nuclear energy could help the UK achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, not only through the generation of low-carbon electricity but also by fully utilising the generated heat, according to a policy briefing published yesterday by the Royal Society. This heat could be used to heat homes, produce hydrogen and decarbonise industry, it says.

Uranium market is coping with impact of the pandemic : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News

Uranium market is coping with impact of the pandemic : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: Most respondents to UxC's annual summer survey agreed that the uranium market has so far managed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic effectively, and is proving robust, despite some initial issues with mine production. There is general consensus that the crisis will not harm the future of nuclear power, UxC said.

EmTech October 19-22, 2020

 


Image taken by Len Rubenstein

MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Get an inside look at the second-largest university research reactor in the US and its experimental facilities. Plus, our lab expert will answer your questions about the lab and its work on molten-salt reactors, a leading candidate for next-generation nuclear power.

Broad Institute COVID Testing Facility

Since March, the Broad Institute has performed over 1 million covid-19 tests, at a low cost and with a 24-hour turnaround. Hear directly from the scientists who run the lab about how they set it up to process covid-19 tests at scale and how they have supported state public health needs throughout the pandemic.

MIT.nano Lab

Vladimir Bulovic, the director of MIT.nano, will share how 25 years of intensive research now gives us the power to reshape our world from the nanoscale up.


In addition, EmTech attendees are invited to participate in a Collaboration Cohort to connect with like-minded problem solvers and take advantage of our networking tools to share thoughts and ideas throughout the event. Space is limited, and today is the last day to register for your chance to join.

Time is running out–purchase your ticket today!


REGISTER NOW
EmTech
October 19–22, 2020
Virtual conference

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Get a behind-the-scenes look into some of MIT’s most innovative labs

In less than two weeks, learn to lead with innovation at EmTech MIT, our flagship virtual event. This year, we’re introducing the MIT Inside Track–offering even more ways for you to connect with speakers, attendees, and the MIT community.

Go inside these world-renowned labs:

Coal, nuclear retirements in US Midwest might boost gas-fired power demand | S&P Global Platts

Coal, nuclear retirements in US Midwest might boost gas-fired power demand | S&P Global Platts: As natural gas storage surpasses five year maximum levels in the US Midwest, a swath of coal and nuclear power plant retirements look to boost gas' share of generation winter over winter, helping bala

£2bn aid plan to build 16 mini nuclear power stations by 2050  | This is Money

£2bn aid plan to build 16 mini nuclear power stations by 2050  | This is Money: The project to build 16 sites by 2050 could also revive ailing engineering titan Rolls-Royce, which is leading the nine-member consortium to design the 'rapid assembly' power stations.

Texas A&M Researchers Developing Clean Nuclear Fuel - Texas A&M Today

Texas A&M Researchers Developing Clean Nuclear Fuel - Texas A&M Today: News from Texas A&M University

Ukraine’s president embraces nuclear energy while relying on elderly reactors - Bellona.org

Ukraine’s president embraces nuclear energy while relying on elderly reactors - Bellona.org: On a visit to Ukraine’s Rivne nuclear plant, President Volodomyr Zelensky issue full throated support for the development of his …

Obninsk, Russia, home of the world's first nuclear power plant, gets its first synagogue - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Obninsk, Russia, home of the world's first nuclear power plant, gets its first synagogue - Jewish Telegraphic Agency: The nuclear plant had many Jewish employees and some of their families stayed in the Obninsk, which was built to accommodate the the reactor's staff.

Poll: 60% of respondents see themselves buying an EV within 3 years | The Energy Collective Daily

 

Poll: 60% of respondents see themselves buying an EV within 3 years | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective Network

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Is There New Hope for UK’s Wylfa Nuclear Project? | Neutron Bytes

Is There New Hope for UK’s Wylfa Nuclear Project? | Neutron Bytes: Is There New Hope for UK Wylfa Nuclear Project? UK / Head Of EDF ‘Demands Clarity’ on Funding For New Nuclear Projects include Sizewell C China Launches CAP1400 a New Generation III Reactor Design …

OPG advances towards SMR deployment : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

OPG advances towards SMR deployment : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Ontario Power Generation has today announced plans to pave the way for the deployment of small modular reactors by advancing engineering and design work with three developers of grid-scale SMRs: GE Hitachi, Terrestrial Energy and X-energy. At the same time, GEH has entered into MoUs with five Canadian companies to set up a supply chain for its SMR.

US Nuclear: Tritium Monitor Market Soars Due to Construction of $20+ Billion ITER Fusion Energy Project

US Nuclear: Tritium Monitor Market Soars Due to Construction of $20+ Billion ITER Fusion Energy Project: Los Angeles, CA, Oct. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire \-- As the construction of the huge ITER tokamak grows towards completion, the tritium monitoring market is soaring.  As the world leader in quality tritium monitoring instrumentation, US Nuclear’s (OTC: UCLE) Overhoff division is

US cybersecurity agency urges utilities to increase protections, warns of potential attacks from China | Utility Dive

US cybersecurity agency urges utilities to increase protections, warns of potential attacks from China | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Could Argonne's mini nuclear reactor solve the e-truck recharging dilemma?

Could Argonne's mini nuclear reactor solve the e-truck recharging dilemma?: Electric semitrucks could revolutionize the transportation industry. But not until a convenient source of electricity is found. Could mini nuclear reactors at rest stops solve this problem?

Kremlin says no cause for optimism in nuclear arms talks with U.S. | Reuters

Kremlin says no cause for optimism in nuclear arms talks with U.S. | Reuters: The Kremlin said on Wednesday that it saw no cause for optimism in Russia's talks with the United States over extending a major nuclear arms control pact and wanted the negotiations to be more successful.

U.K. Weighs $2.6 Billion Investment in Small Nuclear Reactors - Bloomberg

U.K. Weighs $2.6 Billion Investment in Small Nuclear Reactors - Bloomberg: Britain is said to be weighing investing as much as 2 billion pounds ($2.6 billion) in a program to build small nuclear reactors.

U.S. power use to drop over 2% in 2020 due coronavirus - EIA | Reuters

U.S. power use to drop over 2% in 2020 due coronavirus - EIA | Reuters: U.S. electricity consumption will decline 2.3% this year as coronavirus lockdowns cause businesses to close, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Tuesday in its Short Term Energy Outlook (STEO).

Agreement finalised to reduce US reliance on uranium from Russia

Agreement finalised to reduce US reliance on uranium from Russia: The governments of the US and Russia have finalised a deal extending the limits of uranium imports from Russia for another 20 years, a move which US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross hailed as a “landmark agreement”.

The final amendment to the agreement suspending the antidumping investigation on uranium from Russia now extends through 2040. It was previously set to expire on December 31, 2020, which would have resulted in unchecked imports of Russian uranium.

“This landmark agreement will contribute to the revitalisation of American nuclear industry, while promoting America’s long-term strategic interests,” said Ross in a statement.

The Commerce Department pointed out that the amendment was unchanged from a draft amendment released for public comment on September 11.

Nuclear power is a huge opportunity to save the planet and boost our economy

Nuclear power is a huge opportunity to save the planet and boost our economy: It's time for the Government to take a stand by backing the Sizewell C reactor

Tomlinson: Crenshaw's tired talking points on renewable energy no longer apply - HoustonChronicle.com

Tomlinson: Crenshaw's tired talking points on renewable energy no longer apply - HoustonChronicle.com: Renewables are taking over the Texas grid, but we’ll still need emission-free nuclear, columnist Chris Tomlinson writes.

The Biggest Obstacle For Nuclear Energy | OilPrice.com

The Biggest Obstacle For Nuclear Energy | OilPrice.com: Nuclear energy is often touted as key in the green energy transition, but there are a number of glaring problems that cannot be ignored

The BreakThrough Weekly

 



Will clean energy transitions free countries from the energy security game? Not quite, says Seaver Wang.

While decarbonization will dramatically alter the relationship between energy and geopolitics, we should expect this relationship to evolve, not disappear. After all, the networked power grids of a clean energy world come with their own strategic considerations —  including raw materials supply chains, cybersecurity, and electricity exchanges — meaning that in all likelihood, energy will remain a critical security issue for many governments, even in a decarbonized future. 

Nevertheless, decarbonization represents a rare opportunity for countries to completely reinvent their energy sectors and overturn existing energy dependencies, giving governments a valuable chance to capture geopolitical rewards through the process of transitioning to clean energy.

How the rules of the game will change >>>

"Seaver Wang on Where Reality and Fiction Align"



Many a science fiction plot has involved a rich new energy resource and the ensuing scramble of corporations and world powers to secure it. From unobtanium in James Cameron’s Avatar to Sakuradite in the classic anime series Code Geass, we as the audience take it for granted that energy features heavily in geopolitics. 

Why, then, would we assume in our real world that transitioning to clean energy sources will make energy conflicts and insecurity into phenomena of the past? 

While we should avoid obsessively thinking of tomorrow’s energy trade as a zero-sum competition, we should still consider how decarbonization could alter international power relationships, and plan proactively to minimize future risks and vulnerabilities.


Hydroelectric dams account for about 20% of the US’s emissions-free electricity, making them one of the largest and most useful sources of clean energy in the nation. But this distinction has come at a high cost to both humans and the environment and, consequently, drawn frequent calls for dam removal from environmentalists.

But is dam removal a compatible goal with decarbonization? On the surface, that appears unlikely, but a thorough analysis reveals that many of the US’s most hazardous dams are quite small and could be removed without significant impacts to our clean energy supply. What’s more, numerous, less damaging methods could compensate for our lost capacity. 

That being said, whatever decisions we make, dam removal will always have human impacts that must we must consider.

Why dam removal doesn’t have to be a dam shame >>>

📚 This is what we're "reading" this week 📚

Leah Stokes on the "fog of enactment" in law-making.

BTI's Emma Kovak in The Journal of Science Policy & Governance!

Much love to our fellow Oakland neighbor/rapper-turned vegan restauranteur.

Who Burns for the Perfection of Paper?

 




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