Open source software security vulnerabilities exist for over four years before detection | ZDNet | The Energy Collective Daily |
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Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Friday, December 4, 2020
Biden urged to extend U.S.-Russia arms treaty for full 5 years without conditions | Reuters
Biden urged to extend U.S.-Russia arms treaty for full 5 years without conditions | Reuters: Arms control advocates are urging Joe Biden to extend the last U.S.-Russian treaty limiting deployed strategic nuclear arms for five years, but some experts argue the U.S. president-elect should go for a shorter period to maintain leverage over Moscow.
USAF Plans To Expand Nuclear Bomber Bases – Federation Of American Scientists
USAF Plans To Expand Nuclear Bomber Bases – Federation Of American Scientists: By Hans M. Kristensen
The US Air Force is working to expand the number of strategic bomber bases that can store nuclear weapons from two today to five by the 2030s.
The plan will also significantly expand the number of bomber bases that store nuclear cruise missiles from one base today to all
Trump Administration Again Refuses To Disclose Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Size – Federation Of American Scientists
Trump Administration Again Refuses To Disclose Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Size – Federation Of American Scientists: By Hans M. Kristensen
The Trump administration has denied a request from the Federation of American Scientists to disclose the size of the US nuclear weapons stockpile and the number of dismantled warheads.
The denial was made by the Department of Defense Formerly Restricted Data Declassificat
Scott O'Grady: Trump Pentagon nominee spreads debunked conspiracies and tweets suggesting Trump declare martial law - CNNPolitics
Scott O'Grady: Trump Pentagon nominee spreads debunked conspiracies and tweets suggesting Trump declare martial law - CNNPolitics: President Donald Trump's nominee to become a senior Pentagon official spread debunked conspiracies on Twitter that called Trump's election loss to Joe Biden a "coup" attempt and shared tweets that suggest Trump should declare martial law.
Energy Communities Allaince ECA Update December 4, 2020
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How Asia can boost growth through technological leapfrogging | McKinsey
How Asia can boost growth through technological leapfrogging | McKinsey: Asia has experienced a significant technological transformation over the past decade, and there is more to come if the region addresses remaining gaps in core capabilities.
Licensing milestone for BWRX-300 SMR - Nuclear Engineering International
Licensing milestone for BWRX-300 SMR - Nuclear Engineering International: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) announced on 1 December that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) had issued a Final Safety Evaluation Report for the first of several licensing topical reports (LTRs) that have been submitted for the BWRX-300...
Fukushima Update December 4, 2020
Fukushima Update December 4, 2020 –
A court renders a landmark decision by rejecting Japan’s post-Fukushima nuclear safety rules… Many voluntary evacuees are paying the price for their radiophobic decision to flee.
https://www.hiroshimasyndrome.DOE Awards Basic Ordering Agreements for Nationwide Low-Level Mixed Low-Level Waste Treatment Services | Department of Energy
DOE Awards Basic Ordering Agreements for Nationwide Low-Level Mixed Low-Level Waste Treatment Services | Department of Energy: DOE Awards Basic Ordering Agreements for Nationwide Low-Level Mixed Low-Level Waste Treatment Services
Google calls for more RTOs, designs 'intelligent platform' to meet 24/7 clean energy goal | The Energy Collective Daily
Google calls for more RTOs, designs 'intelligent platform' to meet 24/7 clean energy goal | The Energy Collective Daily |
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- Google calls for more RTOs, designs 'intelligent platform' to meet 24/7 clean energy goal
- Top energy stories week 5 Nov 2020: GM Tells its Cadillac Dealers to Support EVs or Take A Buy-Out
- The potential of artificial intelligence to combat climate change
- Moody’s gives US utility issuers a transition risk wake-up call
- 5 ways “CNG/LNG Vehicle Leasing Companies” can help drive “NGV” adoption in Africa - Megathos Law Practice
- OPEC Agrees to Increase Output Gradually During 2021
- Colete Creek coal to close. Can Texas shut down all its remaining coal by 2030?
- Thanks to Fleet Orders and New Models, Trucks Are Poised to Drive U.S. Electric Vehicle Adoption
- Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) Opens Small Business Funding Program
- BREAKING: Countries’ Fossil Extraction Plans Drive Emissions Far Past 1.5°C Limit
- Saskatoon Company Strikes ‘Gusher’ with Groundbreaking Geothermal Project
- Why Electric Utilities Must Engage in Climate Resilience Planning
- DOJ, State Officials Among Supporters Of Energy Producers In Supreme Court Case As Oral Arguments Scheduled
- Report: Estimated $87 Billion Investment in Ohio’s Shale To Date
- Report: Oil and Natural Gas Production Expected to Grow in Coming Years
- New government in Puerto Rico must focus on transforming the energy sector
- 5 opportunities for renewed American climate leadership on methane
- Climate Policy in the Biden Era: Divided They Are
- Powering a Sustainable Future: Digital Strategies for Combating Mega Disruption in Utilities With a Special Interactive Industry Panel
Bill Gates says US needs a federal agency to fight climate change
Bill Gates says US needs a federal agency to fight climate change: The Microsoft co-founder's comments accompany a corporate push for President-elect Joe Biden to impose policies that address climate change.
Commentary: The US is falling behind in science and engineering. Here are 3 ways to catch up
Commentary: The US is falling behind in science and engineering. Here are 3 ways to catch up: In January of this year the National Science Board, which is part of the National Science Foundation, published its biennial report on Science and Engineering Indicators. It captures how the United States compares to other countries from the perspective of degree production, investments in research and development, and scientific articles and patents (as a proxy for technical prowess). ...
Article: Israel's Gift to Joe Biden 52 Days Before He Even Takes Office - War with Iran | OpEdNews
Article: Israel's Gift to Joe Biden 52 Days Before He Even Takes Office - War with Iran | OpEdNews: Article: Israel's Gift to Joe Biden 52 Days Before He Even Takes Office - War with Iran - The assassination of Tehran's top nuclear scientist is a ploy by Israel to compel the likely US president-elect to reject diplomacy and choose military action to deal with Iran's nuclear ambition.
Extending nuclear cooperation to the Middle East : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
Extending nuclear cooperation to the Middle East : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: International treaties governing nuclear security serve as frameworks based on shared experience, but they are not a substitute for practical and ongoing cooperation. This was one of the messages from delegates at NP1 - The Nuclear Power Conference Israel - Threats, Challenges, Opportunities.
Energy Bridge has geopolitical significance, says Polenergia : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Energy Bridge has geopolitical significance, says Polenergia : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Grzegorz Stanislavsky, a member of the supervisory board of the Polish company Polenergia, as well as of the management board of the Ukraine Power Bridge Company, has insisted that the Ukraine-European Union Energy Bridge project should go ahead. The project has geopolitical significance, not only for Energoatom and the Ukrainian state, he said, but above all for the countries of Europe, "which are forced to fight for their energy independence".
Speech: Hosting the world's first fusion power plant : Perspectives - World Nuclear News
Speech: Hosting the world's first fusion power plant : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: The UK government announced this week its invitation to local communities to put forward proposals to host the country's prototype fusion energy power plant. The successful site will be home to the construction of STEP - the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production - that is targeted for completion by 2040. At a media briefing ahead of the government's announcement, Professor Ian Chapman, CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, explained why this is an exciting prospect for the whole world.
PG&E Receives State Approval for Investments Aimed at Improving Safety, Reducing Wildfire Risk and Building a Stronger Energy System for the Future | Business Wire
PG&E Receives State Approval for Investments Aimed at Improving Safety, Reducing Wildfire Risk and Building a Stronger Energy System for the Future | Business Wire: Today, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved most aspects of a multi-party settlement agreement between Pacific Gas and Electric
CPUC whistleblower thinks PG&E not punished enough | abc10.com
CPUC whistleblower thinks PG&E not punished enough | abc10.com: The CPUC allowed PG&E to avoid punishment for sparking deadly wildfires by breaking safety rules. The agency's most recent manager says she's sorry and it was wrong.
First-of-its-kind 3D printed nuclear fuel component to enter use : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News
First-of-its-kind 3D printed nuclear fuel component to enter use : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: Framatome has announced that 3D-printed fuel assembly channel fasteners manufactured at the US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in a joint project with Tennessee Valley Authority are to be loaded into a US commercial reactor for the first time. The project is part of the laboratory's Transformational Challenge Reactor programme. The four components will be loaded into TVA's Browns Ferry nuclear power plant in early 2021.
Nuclear needed in future Dutch energy mix, says EPZ : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Nuclear needed in future Dutch energy mix, says EPZ : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: EPZ, operator of the Borssele nuclear power plant, has called for an extension to its operation beyond 2033 and/or the construction of two new large reactors at the site in order to help the Netherlands meet its energy and climate goals. The company's director, Carlo Wolters, presented EPZ's vision yesterday at a parliamentary debate on the role of nuclear power in the Dutch energy system.
Op-ed: Nuclear power must challenge public perception
Op-ed: Nuclear power must challenge public perception: Nuclear power, challenged by negative public perception, is by far the best way to tackle our energy crisis in South Africa.
In climate change debate, nuclear power subsidy likely to surface - Axios
In climate change debate, nuclear power subsidy likely to surface - Axios: The topic is carbon-free but controversial for other reasons.
Lithuanians Urged To Stockpile Food Amid Reports Of Nuclear Power Incident | OilPrice.com
Lithuanians Urged To Stockpile Food Amid Reports Of Nuclear Power Incident | OilPrice.com: Days after reports emerged that the newly opened Belarus nuclear power plant suffered an incident, authorities in neighboring Lithuania told the Baltic country’s population on Thursday to stock up on food in case of an incident at the nuclear power facility in Belarus
SCANA agrees to settlement on fraud charges in failed nuclear power plant expansion
SCANA agrees to settlement on fraud charges in failed nuclear power plant expansion: SCANA Corporation and its subsidiary, SCE&G, agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging they defrauded investors about a nuclear plant expansion that was ultimately abandoned, the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina announced Thursday.
ENERGY TRANSITIONS: Biden, once a critic, may boost nuclear power -- Thursday, December 3, 2020 -- www.eenews.net
ENERGY TRANSITIONS: Biden, once a critic, may boost nuclear power -- Thursday, December 3, 2020 -- www.eenews.net: President-elect Joe Biden has included proposals for a new generation of nuclear reactors in his clean energy platform and parted ways with "no-nuke" progressives on his left. What does his stance mean for the electricity mix and presidential politics?
Thursday, December 3, 2020
China's carbon pledge hinges on a buildout of nuclear power — Quartz
China's carbon pledge hinges on a buildout of nuclear power — Quartz: In order to meet its carbon pledge, China will likely become the leading nuclear energy superpower.
OPG completes defuelling of Darlington reactor : Corporate - World Nuclear News
OPG completes defuelling of Darlington reactor : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Ontario Power Generation has completed the defuelling of Darlington unit 3 ahead of schedule. It is the second of four units at the site that are being refurbished in a 10-year project that will enable the plant to continue operations until 2055. OPG and its project partner CanAtom Power Group - a joint venture of SNC-Lavalin Nuclear Inc and Aecon Construction Group - have now begun to prepare unit 3 for disassembly.
NRC OKs Three Mile Island Unit 2 Custody Transfer - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers
NRC OKs Three Mile Island Unit 2 Custody Transfer - 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.
Britain Seeking Site For Fusion Power - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers
Britain Seeking Site For Fusion Power - 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.
'Dead-End for Climate': Coalition Denounces Senate Bill to Fund Nuclear Industry Bailout | Common Dreams News
'Dead-End for Climate': Coalition Denounces Senate Bill to Fund Nuclear Industry Bailout | Common Dreams News: "Instead of propping up the nuclear energy industry, Congress should be driving the transition to truly renewable energy.”
To Fight Climate Change, Get Real Activists want the Democrats to transform America. That isn't happening.
To Fight Climate Change, Get Real
Activists want the Democrats to transform America. That isn't happening.
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Judging by the claims of many prominent climate advocates, journalists and scientists, the stakes of the 2020 presidential election could not have been higher. If Trump were re-elected, there’d be no hope of limiting the rise in global atmospheric temperatures to safe levels. A Biden victory, by contrast, would bring the boldest climate agenda of any president in U.S. history.
In reality, the stakes were considerably lower.
Thanks to the pandemic, the shift from coal to natural gas to generate electricity, and falling renewable energy prices, U.S. emissions fell at about the same rate during the four years of the Trump administration as the prior eight years of the Obama administration. Biden’s election likely means that the United States will rejoin the Paris Agreement that aims to strengthen the global response to climate change. He will overturn some executive actions undertaken by the Trump administration, and reinstate others undertaken in the Obama years. But, like the Obama administration, Biden’s is likely to find its ambitions hamstrung by a range of long-standing political, economic and technological constraints.
Hopes that a Biden landslide and control of both houses of Congress would allow Democrats and environmentalists to strike a decisive blow against climate change were always illusory. Even if the Democrats had gained a 53-seat majority and abolished the filibuster, it was unlikely that Biden would have had enough Democratic votes in the Senate to spend $2 trillion on clean-energy technology and infrastructure, or to mandate 100% clean energy in the electricity sector by 2035, as he proposed in his campaign.
Since the last major effort to pass federal climate legislation in the early days of the Obama administration failed with virtually no Republican support, environmentalists have bet the farm on the Democratic Party. Green strategists went all in on the emerging Democratic majority hypothesis—the idea that demographic change would eventually deliver lasting majorities to the party. Activists focused their organizing, electoral campaigning and policy efforts almost exclusively on creating a climate faction within the Democratic Party that would demand far-reaching policies in the way that factions on the right enforce Republican opposition to abortion, immigration and tax increases.
Environmentalists persisted in this strategy even after the originators of the emerging Democratic majority hypothesis, John B. Judis and Ruy Teixeira, had made clear that national dominance was not the inevitable fate of the party. In the recent election, climate change again proved not to be a top concern for most voters, and nearly a third of those who did rank climate change highly pulled the lever for Donald Trump.
In the weeks since the election, prominent philanthropists, activists and scholars have insisted that climate voters have given the Biden administration a “mandate,” that low-income communities of color are the strongest proponents of climate action, and that, contradictorily, more resources need to be invested in communications and organizing within those communities to convince them of the necessity of climate action.
In reality, the preconditions for politically viable and sustainable climate action have always pointed in the opposite direction. The balance of power in American politics is held by rural and industrial states with energy intensive and resource-based economies. Those states tend to be culturally hostile and economically vulnerable to the regulatory and pricing agenda that the environmental community remains doggedly committed to, and Democrats can’t win or sustain governing majorities without them.
As such, there is no path to significant U.S. climate action that is predicated upon routing these areas politically, and thereby moving the nation away from fossil fuels via brute-force regulations, mandates and taxation. This has been the case since climate issues first emerged in the late 1980s, and it remains so today.
A more pragmatic environmental movement would have long ago come to terms with these realities. The states and regions that Democrats need to win for governing majorities place major political constraints on what they can do about climate change. These political dynamics make the speculation that Biden might announce sweeping executive actions—from declaring a national climate emergency to banning fracking to diverting funds from the Defense Department budget to climate action—equally fanciful.
That doesn’t mean that there is nothing to be done at the federal level. Even with continuing Republican control of the Senate in 2021, it is possible that there will be substantial support in both parties for significant investments in clean energy and agricultural innovation, and for substantial new energy and transportation infrastructure to help ensure that U.S. emissions continue to fall, as they have for more than a decade now.
Speculation around executive action has focused on regulatory measures that, even in the best case, will be subject to reversal by a future Republican administration. But there are other pathways for executive action that, over the long-term, could prove both more effective and more resilient. Federal technology procurement has long driven innovation and market formation. As with past cases, such as jet engines and semiconductors, federal procurement of nascent technologies—things like advanced nuclear reactors or hydrogen-refining technologies—could be game-changing, particularly if targeted toward early-stage and pre-commercial technology.
Such steps won’t satisfy much of the environmental community, which continues to view the issue in Manichean terms. But an effective climate response needs to help a variety of regional economies across the nation to transition away from fossil fuels over a term defined by decades, not presidential elections. That demands a response that is resilient to the changing fortunes and ideological priorities of both parties. It needs to account for the substantial costs a rapid transition will impose on energy-intensive sectors of the economy, and to reckon with the limitations of both regulation and top-down planning in a federal system in which neither political representation nor the costs of climate action are evenly distributed across the country.
Hitching the future of the climate to the political fortunes of one party—particularly one increasingly centered around Americans who work in the knowledge economy, live in coastal cities, and won’t bear the lion’s share of the costs associated with cutting emissions—was never a good idea.
A more sweeping Democratic victory could never have proven decisive in the fight against climate change. But the election result has shown us the only way forward. A sustainable path toward significant long-term emissions reductions will require disentangling the issue from the polarizing loop of apocalyptic environmental politics and right-wing climate-change denial that has paralyzed federal efforts to address the issue for decades.
Ted Nordhaus is executive director and Alex Trembath is deputy director of the Breakthrough Institute, an environmental research center in Oakland, California.
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