Friday, October 30, 2020

The Trouble with Carbon Pricing | Boston Review

The Trouble with Carbon Pricing | Boston Review: The Trouble with Carbon Pricing from Boston Review. Carbon pricing has dominated conversations around climate policy for decades, but it is ineffective. Only a bold approach that centers politics can meet the problem at its scale.

Holtec sees growing interest in its SMR-160 - Nuclear Engineering International

Holtec sees growing interest in its SMR-160 - Nuclear Engineering International: US-based Holtec said earlier this month that it was “pleased to observe” that the growing demand for clean and reliable base load energy was fuelling interest in its SMR-160 small modular reactor (SMR). The SMR-160 is a 160MW...

Shakeup for 720-MW Nuclear SMR Project as More Cities Withdraw Participation

Shakeup for 720-MW Nuclear SMR Project as More Cities Withdraw Participation: At least eight cities have now dropped shares in the Carbon Free Power Project (CFPP), a 720-MWe NuScale Power small modular reactor (SMR) project

Two Nevada towns among those betting on ‘new nuclear’ | Nevada Current

Two Nevada towns among those betting on ‘new nuclear’ | Nevada Current: It’s a national nuclear energy saga set in city council meetings across the West, the Idaho National Laboratory and, among other places, in two Northern Nevada towns. It’s been less than a month since the Wells Rural Electric Company joined the City of Fallon as the second Nevada entity in an effort to develop a… Continue Reading Two Nevada towns among those betting on ‘new nuclear’

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Bangor University to create 15 nuclear research roles | Insider Media

Bangor University to create 15 nuclear research roles | Insider Media: Bangor University is to create 15 new nuclear research roles supported by a £3m Welsh Government investment.

Kenya defers nuclear plans - Nuclear Engineering International

Kenya defers nuclear plans - Nuclear Engineering International: Kenya’s nuclear development plans have been deferred beyond the previous 2030 timeline.The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA – formerly the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board) said that the lengthy compliance procedures...

First Plasma Achieved At UK’s £55m ‘Mast’ Tokamak :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

First Plasma Achieved At UK’s £55m ‘Mast’ Tokamak :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: The UK Atomic Energy Authority’s £55m Mast (Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak ) Upgrade machine has achieved first plasma – where all the essential components work together simultaneously.

The UKAEA said the device, which has taken seven years to build at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy near Oxford, will take the UK closer to delivering fusion energy and will be a vital testing facility for delivering the Step fusion power plant. Step (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is due for completion by 2040.

Fusion energy offers the potential of an abundant, inherently safe low-carbon electricity supply. It involves fusing hydrogen particles in a hot gas known as a plasma to unlock large amounts of energy.

DOE awards $18 million to support high-intensity laser facilities -- ANS / Newswire

Lovelace cited over flawed records on radioactive materials | Local News | santafenewmexican.com

Lovelace cited over flawed records on radioactive materials | Local News | santafenewmexican.com: The biomedical research institute faces a $225,000 fine, but its CEO insists the institute has complied with requirements on disposal of radioactive material.

Second Public Meeting on Planned Los Alamos Tritium Venting Scheduled for Thursday - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1

Second Public Meeting on Planned Los Alamos Tritium Venting Scheduled for Thursday - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.

2 Ohio political operatives plead guilty in bribery probe

2 Ohio political operatives plead guilty in bribery probe: COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Two Ohio political operatives pleaded guilty Thursday to charges that they conspired as part of what another defendant called an “unholy alliance” aimed at bailing out two...

GEH And Synthos Begin Discussions With Regulator For Potential SMR :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

GEH And Synthos Begin Discussions With Regulator For Potential SMR :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy announced that Synthos Green Energy, a member of Poland-based Synthos Group, has begun discussions with Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) about a potential BWRX-300 small modular reactor project.

Under Polish legislation, before applying for a permit to construct a nuclear facility, a party such as Synthos may ask the PAA to issue a general opinion about the organisational and technical solutions to be applied in the construction and operation of a potential facility in Poland.

Synthos, part of the largest private industrial group in Poland, intends to request a general opinion and has submitted to PAA a document describing technical attributes of the BWRX-300.

Synthos president Rafał Kasprów said this is a first step and “we are prepared to move forward with the regulatory process together with the PAA.”

Outdated policies, lack of investment hinder transformative potential of hydrogen energy | The Energy Collective Daily

Supply agreement signed for medical isotope from Candu reactors : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

Supply agreement signed for medical isotope from Candu reactors : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: ITM Medical Isotopes GmbH of Germany and Framatome-Kinectrics joint venture Isogen have signed a formal supply arrangement to provide a reliable supply of lutetium-177 to the world's health-care system using Bruce Power's Candu reactors as a key supply source. The agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed last November.

South Korea to test decontamination technology at Chernobyl : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News

South Korea to test decontamination technology at Chernobyl : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: The Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine is to become a "testing ground" for South Korean technologies for the treatment of radioactively contaminated materials, Oleksandr Skomarokhov, ChNPP deputy director of radioactive waste management, announced on 28 October.

Putin decrees development of Arctic with more nuclear icebreakers : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Putin decrees development of Arctic with more nuclear icebreakers : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order, On the Strategy for Developing the Russian Arctic Zone and Ensuring National Security until 2035, which foresees the construction of at least five new nuclear-powered icebreakers of the Project 22220 series, and three of the Project 10510 series. The vessels are needed to ensure year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant passes restart review : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant passes restart review : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: Japan's Nuclear Regulatory Authority today approved the operational safety programme submitted by Tokyo Electric Power Company for its seven-unit Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. Tepco is working towards restarting units 6 and 7 at the site in Niigata prefecture.

Now is the time to invest in new nuclear, says Bilbao y León : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

Now is the time to invest in new nuclear, says Bilbao y León : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Recent moves to decarbonise the electricity supply system have overall been ineffective, said Sama Bilbao y León, the new director general of World Nuclear Association, in a presentation during Singapore International Energy Week 2020. The coronavirus pandemic, she said, has given countries the opportunity to plan for low-carbon, resilient and affordable energy systems.

Company begins SMR discussions with Polish regulator : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Company begins SMR discussions with Polish regulator : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Synthos Green Energy has entered discussions with the Polish nuclear regulator about a potential GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX-300 small modular reactor project. SGE is seeking a general opinion from the regulator, Państwowa Agencja Atomistyki, which it described as the first step of the procedure before the regulatory process for the planned construction of a nuclear power plant in Poland.

Electricity generation from renewables is eclipsing both coal and nuclear in nearly 30 states

Electricity generation from renewables is eclipsing both coal and nuclear in nearly 30 states: The SUN DAY Campaign has analyzed data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration and found that renewable energy sources have generated more

IAEA webinar addresses space safety : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

IAEA webinar addresses space safety : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: The International Atomic Energy Agency has developed arrangements to help countries respond quickly to protect the public and the environment in the event of an accident involving radioactive materials launched into orbit or travelling in spacecraft.

Ohio Political Operatives to Plead Guilty in Nuclear Plant Bribery Case | Manufacturing.net

Ohio Political Operatives to Plead Guilty in Nuclear Plant Bribery Case | Manufacturing.net: The five are accused of shepherding $60 million in energy company money for personal and political use.

Nuclear power stations, airports at risk after hackers breach security giant | TechRadar

Nuclear power stations, airports at risk after hackers breach security giant | TechRadar: Swedish security firm Gunnebo suffers hack, resulting in thousands of client documents being published online.

Nuclear Operations Technology Program students receive scholarship to attend operations training at Chernobyl in Ukraine | Community | idahostatejournal.com

Assessing the viability of small modular nuclear reactors

Assessing the viability of small modular nuclear reactors: Small modular nuclear reactors could provide nuclear power to small communities and rural areas currently served by environmentally damaging fossil fuel energy-sources. Assessing the potential of these reactors means keeping one eye on the past, with another fixed firmly in thefuture.

Trump Admin to Give $1.4 Billion to Try to Revive the Nuclear Power Industry

Trump Admin to Give $1.4 Billion to Try to Revive the Nuclear Power Industry: A new study, however, raises serious doubts about the low carbon emissions claimed by proponents of nuclear power.

In the heat of political crisis, Belarus launches first nuclear power plant · Global Voices

In the heat of political crisis, Belarus launches first nuclear power plant · Global Voices: Next month, the Astravets nuclear power plant commences operation with fanfare. But in a country which suffered greatly from the Chernobyl disaster, not everybody shares the government's optimism.

Seven Utah cities have now bailed out of an Idaho nuclear power project - The Salt Lake Tribune

Nuclear Power for the Future: New IAEA Publication Highlights Status of SMR Development | IAEA

Nuclear Power for the Future: New IAEA Publication Highlights Status of SMR Development | IAEA: A new IAEA publication on small modular reactors (SMRs), among the most promising emerging technologies in nuclear power, can help countries identify reactor designs to suit their needs as they look for reliable and affordable energy sources to slash greenhouse gas emissions and drive sustainable development.

PG&E says it could face significant liability due to September Zogg Fire | Utility Dive

PG&E says it could face significant liability due to September Zogg Fire | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

FirstEnergy fires CEO, 2 other top executives in wake of $61M political bribery scandal | Utility Dive

FirstEnergy fires CEO, 2 other top executives in wake of $61M political bribery scandal | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Energy Communities Alliance ECA Update October 30, 2020

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ECA UPDATE

Oct 30, 2020

FEATURED

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE

DOE and the Safety Board Should Collaborate to Develop a Written Agreement to Enhance Oversight

GAO Report | 10/29/2020

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board provides independent analysis, advice, and recommendations on health and safety protections for the Department of Energy's defense nuclear facilities. For example, its staff monitor activities involving nuclear explosives at the Pantex Plant in Texas.

We found that provisions of DOE’s 2018 order governing its interactions with the Board were inconsistent with the law and long-standing practices. For example, some restrictions on the Board's access to information were not found in law. DOE replaced this order in June 2020.

Recommendations:

The Secretary of Energy, in collaboration with the Chairman of DNFSB, should develop a formal written agreement, such as a memorandum of understanding, that could be used to, among other things, establish a common understanding of how DOE will implement section 2286c(b) of DNFSB's enabling statute regarding denial of DNFSB staff access to information, and clarify procedures for regular interactions between DOE and DNFSB related to each agency's responsibilities for ensuring the adequacy of public health and safety protections at DOE's defense nuclear facilities.
The Chairman of DNFSB, in collaboration with the Secretary of Energy, should develop a formal written agreement, such as a memorandum of understanding, that could be used to, among other things, establish a common understanding of how DOE will implement section 2286c(b) of DNFSB's enabling statute regarding denial of DNFSB staff access to information, and clarify procedures for regular interactions between DOE and DNFSB related to each agency's responsibilities for ensuring the adequacy of public health and safety protections at DOE's defense nuclear facilities.
The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Office of the Departmental Representative to DNFSB, should develop clearer and more robust training on Order 140.1A for DOE sites to ensure that DOE, NNSA, and contractor staff have a uniform understanding of the order and that those staff interacting with DNFSB implement the order more consistently.
The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Office of the Departmental Representative to DNFSB, should develop clearer and more standardized guidance on how to respond to DNFSB document requests under Order 140.1A to ensure a more uniform and efficient document request process at DOE sites with defense nuclear facilities.

Follow the latest DOE budget updates with ECA's budget tracker

Monitor DOE spending bills, detailed site budgets, and more.

Find everything you need to know about the DOE budget here!

ECA AND ECOS: ANALYZING THE 2020 ELECTION

November 12, 1:00PM - 3:00PM EST

On November 12, ECA and ECOS will discuss several post-election topics such as outlook on the federal budget, COVID relief legislation, and what the newly elected Congress will bring. The panelists will discuss the outcome of key congressional races as they impact everything from committee chairmanship to the national political landscape.

Registration is free but we do ask that you register prior to attending. Information about the meeting, and other ECA meetings, can be found on our event page: http://www.energyca.org/events

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

DOE Releases Final Request for Proposals for Carlsbad Field Office Technical Assistance Contract (CTAC) Acquisition

Office of EM | 10/29/2020

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Final Request for Proposals for the CTAC procurement. The primary objective of this contract is to provide technical assistance in the areas of quality assurance, project management, engineering and technical reviews and assessments, Capital Asset Projects oversight, nuclear safety, WIPP site oversight, administrative and business operations, environmental compliance, industrial hygiene and industrial safety, TRU waste certification, Central Characterization Program, and scientific activities.

The CTAC contract is anticipated to be an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with an estimated contract ceiling of $100M over a 5-year ordering period, which includes the issuance of task orders that shall not exceed five years beyond the end of the contract ordering period. The new contract resulting from this acquisition will replace the current CTAC, held by North Wind Portage, Inc., which is currently set to expire December 3, 2020. DOE expects to exercise an option extending the incumbent contract by up to six months.

IN OTHER NEWS

NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT

Seven Utah cities have now bailed out of an Idaho nuclear power project (Salt Lake Tribune, 10/29)

WASTE SHIPMENT

First Shipments Of DOE-EM Transuranic Waste From LANL’s RANT Facility Head To WIPP (Los Alamos Reporter, 10/27)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov. 9 Understanding the Outlook for New, Advanced Nuclear Technologies and Fuels with Dr. Everett Redmond, NEI; Virtual [Closed to ECA Members Only]

Nov. 12 ECA and ECOS: Analyzing the 2020 Election; Virtual

Nov. 17-18 Annual Intergovernmental Meeting; Virtual [Closed to ECA Members Only]

Dec. 2020 New Nuclear Webinar; Virtual

Feb. 4 Annual ECA Meeting; Virtual

Sept. 8-10 National Cleanup Workshop 2021

ECA PUBLICATIONS

Read about DOE's High Level Waste Interpretation

Have questions about DOE’s recent high-level waste (HLW) interpretation? Download ECA’s Key Points and FAQs on the issue to better understand what ECA believes are the potential benefits of implementation.

ECA's Key Points on DOE HLW Interpretation

ECA's FAQs on DOE HLW Interpretation

Interested in learning more? Read the ECA report “Making Informed Decisions on DOE's Proposed High Level Waste Definition” at www.energyca.org/publications

ECA BULLETIN

Stay Current on Activities in the DOE World

Read the latest edition of the ECA Bulletin, a regular newsletter providing a detailed brief of ECA activities, legislative news, and major events from across the DOE complex. Have suggestions for future editions? Email bulletin@energyca.org.

View current and previous editions of the ECA Bulletin at www.energyca.org/bulletin

DOE SITE PROFILES

Learn More about Cleanup Sites with ECA's DOE Site Profiles

ECA's new site profiles detail DOE's 13 active Environmental Management cleanup sites and national laboratories, highlighting their history, missions, and priorities. The profiles are a key source for media, stakeholders, and the public to learn more about DOE site activities, contractors, advisory boards, and their surrounding local governments.

Access your community's profile by visiting: www.energyca.org/site-profiles

Energy Communities Alliance

1625 Eye St., NW
Suite 800
Washington DC 20006
USA

Gwyn Morgan: Liberals’ plan to replace fossil fuel with wind and solar is technically impossible and economically disastrous | Financial Post

Gwyn Morgan: Liberals’ plan to replace fossil fuel with wind and solar is technically impossible and economically disastrous | Financial Post: Trying to solve any problem with a fix that defies the laws of physics is bound to fail

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Northern California offshore transmission line could fast-track wind farms powering SF Bay | AJOT.COM

Northern California offshore transmission line could fast-track wind farms powering SF Bay | AJOT.COM: Proposed floating wind farms off Northern California’s Humboldt Bay could generate power for the San Francisco Bay Area utilizing an underwater transmission line system extended over 250 miles and costing upwards of $3.1 billion, according to a Humboldt State University report.

State and local leaders order new restrictions amid autumn’s coronavirus surge - The Washington Post

State and local leaders order new restrictions amid autumn’s coronavirus surge - The Washington Post: “We’re in a bad place,” Rhode Island’s governor says. Denver’s mayor is dismayed by the lack of a national strategy.

ANS Virtual Winter Meeting November 16-19, 202

Expert panel to discuss “The Next Transformation”

Register today to attend one of the year’s most exciting, informative, and provocative conferences covering every facet of nuclear science and technology!

ANS members save $200. Not a member? Join today!

The 2020 ANS Virtual Winter Meeting will feature more than 30 panels, including the General Chair’s session on Tuesday, November 17.

Join Dr. Paul Kearns, Director, Argonne National Laboratory, and Bryan Hanson, Executive Vice President and Chief Generation Officer, Exelon Nuclear, for their special plenary entitled “Nuclear Science and Industry: The Next Transformation.” An esteemed panel of science and industry experts (listed below) will discuss how innovation is transforming both the current fleet of reactors and preparing for a future with advanced reactors, integrated systems, and smarter grids.

ADDITIONAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Three nights of networking!
Attendees will have exclusive access to virtual networking events throughout the meeting, including ANS Professional Division socials, an Argonne National Laboratory virtual tour, and ANS’s popular Trivia Night events on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Learn more.

Pitch Your PhD competition
Are you a student finishing your PhD, or have you recently defended your thesis in nuclear engineering? Then make plans to compete for a $200 cash prize on Thursday, November 19. To participate, contact Ishita Trivedi by November 8 with your name, university, thesis subject, and a defense date (you must be registered for the meeting to compete).

Organizational Participant/Virtual Booth Packages
We have multiple options to showcase your organization at the Winter Meeting, including organizational participant packages and virtual booths!

A special thank you to our Organizational Participants:

Click here to unsubscribe.

American Nuclear Society | 555 N. Kensington Ave. | La Grange Park, IL 60526

Expert panel to discuss “The Next Transformation”

Register today to attend one of the year’s most exciting, informative, and provocative conferences covering every facet of nuclear science and technology!

ANS members save $200. Not a member? Join today!

The 2020 ANS Virtual Winter Meeting will feature more than 30 panels, including the General Chair’s session on Tuesday, November 17.

PG&E Corporation 10-Q Oct. 29, 2020 8:47 AM | Seeking Alpha

Leningrad II, Unit 2, Connected To Grid - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Leningrad II, Unit 2, Connected To Grid - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

Altrad Lands Four-Year Service Deal In Britain - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Altrad Lands Four-Year Service Deal In Britain - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

New Fuqing Unit Reaches Initial Criticality - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

New Fuqing Unit Reaches Initial Criticality - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

S.Korea 'Seriously' Concerned Over Japanese Radioactive Water Dump | Asharq AL-awsat

S.Korea 'Seriously' Concerned Over Japanese Radioactive Water Dump | Asharq AL-awsat: Middle-East Arab News and Opinion - Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities

IAEA webinar addresses space safety : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

Bulgaria and USA agree to nuclear cooperation : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

Bulgaria and USA agree to nuclear cooperation : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The USA and Bulgaria recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on civil nuclear cooperation. Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov noted that nuclear energy is one of the "greenest and cleanest" energies and that is why the country wants to use "safer technology of the latest generation" and to achieve diversification of nuclear fuel.

Company begins SMR discussions with Polish regulator : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

America’s technological leadership is at stake in this election | MIT Technology Review

America’s technological leadership is at stake in this election | MIT Technology Review: The US presidential election next Tuesday will shape the world for years, if not decades, to come. Not only because Joe Biden and Donald Trump have radically different ideas about immigration, health care, race, the economy, climate change, and the role of the state itself, but because they represent very different visions of the US’s…

Finding homes for the waste that will (probably) outlive humanity | MIT Technology Review

Finding homes for the waste that will (probably) outlive humanity | MIT Technology Review: On a seasonably warm day in August along a rugged stretch of the Southern California coast, work crews put on their reflective vests and hard hats. They directed a fleet of heavy vehicles known as cask handlers to haul great white concrete barrels from the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, known as SONGS. Each…

Webinaar: Retail sector energy efficiency impacts with Kohl's, Walgreens, and the U.S. DOE November 5

Retail sector energy efficiency impacts with Kohl's, Walgreens, and the U.S. DOE

COVID-19 has been particularly rough on the retail sector. But could the resulting changes in store operations actually accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency best practices?

REGISTER

Utilities need to take into account the state of the industry for essential and non-essential retailers in designing customer engagement and rebate programs. Join our webinar to hear directly from energy efficiency experts from Kohl's, Walgreens, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings initiative on what adjustments are being made due to the pandemic, such as:

Changes in store operations, market shifts, and customer engagement amidst COVID-19.
Energy efficiency improvements, new construction, and engagement with utilities and rebate programs.
HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, and other enhancements due to COVID-19.

If you can’t attend live, register to receive the recorded presentation.