Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Democrats back down, reach deal to not call witnesses in Trump impeachment trial.

Democrats back down, reach deal to not call witnesses in Trump impeachment trial.: Five Republicans had joined all Democrats in voting to consider witnesses in former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial.

Will the ICC Finally Put an End to Israel’s War Crimes?

Will the ICC Finally Put an End to Israel’s War Crimes?: Juan Cole explains why a recent decision by the International Criminal Court should make all believers in human rights rejoice.

'A Complete Capitulation': Outrage as Democrats Abruptly Back Off Push for Witnesses in Trump Trial | Common Dreams News

'A Complete Capitulation': Outrage as Democrats Abruptly Back Off Push for Witnesses in Trump Trial | Common Dreams News: "This is retreat. White flag. Malpractice. Completely unstrategic."

On China, Biden should stop following in Trump’s footsteps – Responsible Statecraft

On China, Biden should stop following in Trump’s footsteps – Responsible Statecraft: The administration is communicating its intent to contain the rise of China, with little thought to either the costs and or the likelihood of success.

NEI Again Asks Judge to Reverse NRC Interpretation of Very Low-Level Waste Guidelines - ExchangeMonitor

NEI Again Asks Judge to Reverse NRC Interpretation of Very Low-Level Waste Guidelines - ExchangeMonitor: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.

As the United States develops advanced reactors, a new fuel supply chain is critical to national security - Atlantic Council

As the United States develops advanced reactors, a new fuel supply chain is critical to national security - Atlantic Council: Over the past five years, the United States has made meaningful progress in the development of advanced nuclear reactor designs critical to keeping the country on the cutting edge of nuclear technology. These positive trends signal a growing need for the Department of Energy to address a key challenge that many reactor developers face as they move toward deployment: the lack of a reliable source of high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel.

Nuclear Propulsion Fastest Way to Get Astronauts to Mars | Neutron Bytes

Nuclear Propulsion Fastest Way to Get Astronauts to Mars | Neutron Bytes: A National Academy of Sciences Report recommends that NASA get moving to develop nuclear propulsion technologies that will get U.S. astronauts to Mars much faster that conventional chemical rockets…

ICBM Commander Makes Case for US Nuke Modernization – The Diplomat

ICBM Commander Makes Case for US Nuke Modernization – The Diplomat: The Biden administration is highly unlikely to continue with Trump’s maximalist nuclear modernization plans.

Friday, February 12, 2021

Second lawsuit filed to stop storage of nuclear waste in Andrews | newswest9.com

Second lawsuit filed to stop storage of nuclear waste in Andrews | newswest9.com: Beyond Nuclear claim that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission violated the Nuclear Waste Policy Act

Big money, nuclear subsidies, and systemic corruption - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Big money, nuclear subsidies, and systemic corruption - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The speaker of the house of the state of Ohio and four other defendants were charged in July 2020 with racketeering in regard to a $1.5 billion bailout of nuclear power plants in return for $61 million in "dark money.” Ohio is not alone in its nuclear energy corruption. The same month, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a subsidiary of Exelon, was charged with bribery to “Public Official A,” Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who has denied wrongdoing.

DC Circ. Urged To Scrap Texas Nuclear Waste Site License - Law360

DC Circ. Urged To Scrap Texas Nuclear Waste Site License - Law360: Anti-nuclear advocacy group Beyond Nuclear Inc. on Wednesday asked the D.C. Circuit to stop the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from licensing an interim storage facility in the Permian Basin, arguing the license violates the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.

EU considers power import restrictions over Belarus nuclear safety fears | Reuters

EU considers power import restrictions over Belarus nuclear safety fears | Reuters: The European Commission is considering whether to restrict power imports from nuclear plants outside the European Union that flout the bloc's safety standards, it said on Thursday, amid concerns over a nuclear facility in neighbouring Belarus.

WIPP: Nuclear waste shipments reduced, projects delayed amid COVID-19

WIPP: Nuclear waste shipments reduced, projects delayed amid COVID-19: As of Feb. 3, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant was averaging about five shipments per week.

Biden names pick for deputy Energy chief | TheHill

Biden names pick for deputy Energy chief | TheHill: President Biden on Wednesday named former Obama administration official David Turk as his choice for the No. 2 role at the Department of Energy.

Review of pit production, other nuke projects on new deputy defense secretary's radar | Savannah River Site | postandcourier.com

Review of pit production, other nuke projects on new deputy defense secretary's radar | Savannah River Site | postandcourier.com: Kathleen Hicks, confirmed as the deputy secretary of defense Monday, recently pledged to support a review of the nation's nuclear modernization programs, including plutonium pit production.

Investments in nuclear energy could help solve the economic and climate crises | TheHill

Investments in nuclear energy could help solve the economic and climate crises | TheHill: Paired with its comprehensive plan to reach net zero emissions quickly, the Biden administration can build a more resilient economy powered by clean, carbon-free energy sources.

GE Hitachi forms new business in Canada for SMR technologies | WilmingtonBiz

GE Hitachi forms new business in Canada for SMR technologies | WilmingtonBiz: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy has formed a new business in Canada to help bring its Small Modular Reacto

Energy Harbor may decline Ohio plant subsidies -- ANS / Newswire

Energy Harbor may decline Ohio plant subsidies -- ANS / Newswire

Former secretary of state George Shultz dies at 100 -- ANS / Newswire

Former secretary of state George Shultz dies at 100 -- ANS / Newswire

ANS presents webinar on the NPT -- ANS / Newswire

ANS presents webinar on the NPT -- ANS / Newswire

PRA standard for Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors just issued -- ANS / Newswire

PRA standard for Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors just issued -- ANS / Newswire

DOE gets go-ahead to build spent fuel/high-level waste railcars -- ANS / Newswire

DOE gets go-ahead to build spent fuel/high-level waste railcars -- ANS / Newswire

Framatome declares ATF test at Vogtle a success -- ANS / Newswire

Framatome declares ATF test at Vogtle a success -- ANS / Newswire

Uranium conversion facility to reopen -- ANS / Newswire

Uranium conversion facility to reopen -- ANS / Newswire

NIST reactor remains shut down as NRC investigates radiation release -- ANS / Newswire

NIST reactor remains shut down as NRC investigates radiation release -- ANS / Newswire

Exelon Generation’s workforce development and knowledge transfer strategy -- ANS / Newswire

Exelon Generation’s workforce development and knowledge transfer strategy -- ANS / Newswire

Generator for Nuclear Power Market Global Outlook and Insights 2021-2027 – KSU | The Sentinel Newspaper

Generator for Nuclear Power Market Global Outlook and Insights 2021-2027 – KSU | The Sentinel Newspaper: The Market Research on the 'Generator for Nuclear Power Market 2021-2027', now available with Market

Ontario’s nuclear industry is necessary

Ontario’s nuclear industry is necessary: Nuclear power makes electricity clean and affordable for Ontarians and will for years to come. And it plays an important role in fighting disease.

New Brunswick announces funds for SMR development : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

New Brunswick announces funds for SMR development : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has announced a further CAD20 million (USD16 million) of funding towards the next phase of small modular reactor development in the province. The province is partnering with ARC Clean Energy Canada Inc, which is developing the ARC-100 advanced SMR.

Australia could have become a nuclear power: physicist Greg Clark

Australia could have become a nuclear power: physicist Greg Clark: The scientist and businessman says climate science is still a work in progress and that Australia needs a national project.

Construction licence issued for Russia's BREST reactor : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Construction licence issued for Russia's BREST reactor : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: A licence has been issued by the Russian nuclear regulator Rostechnadzor to the Siberian Chemical Combine for the construction of the BREST-OD-300 reactor at its site in Seversk, Russia. It will be the world's first experimental demonstration power unit featuring a lead-cooled fast neutron reactor.

Nuclear and hydrogen - synergistic enablers of net zero - Lexology

Nuclear and hydrogen - synergistic enablers of net zero - Lexology: As part of global decarbonization initiatives, there is a clear need to substantially increase power generation levels in order to electrify -…

Is Nuclear Power Poised for a Resurgence?

Is Nuclear Power Poised for a Resurgence?: Since 1990, nuclear power has consistently supplied about 19% to 20% of the electricity used in the U.S. However, very few nuclear plants have been added

Mini Nuclear Reactors Offer Promise of Cheaper, Clean Power - WSJ

Mini Nuclear Reactors Offer Promise of Cheaper, Clean Power - WSJ: Reactor makers are pitching smaller, modular systems that produce limitless emissions-free energy—but they may not be an easy sell.

Are offshore wind farms coming to California's coastline?

Are offshore wind farms coming to California's coastline?: A bill introduced in the California state Legislature would set ambitious targets for offshore wind energy in California by 2030.

CPUC Triples Resource Projections for CAISO Transmission Plan

CPUC Triples Resource Projections for CAISO Transmission Plan: The California PUC approved a massive increase to its resource-needs projections, which CAISO will use in its transmission planning process for 2021/22.

State bill introduced to jumpstart offshore wind on Central Coast

State bill introduced to jumpstart offshore wind on Central Coast: Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) on Thursday announced the introduction of a bill to jumpstart offshore wind projects on the Central Coast.

California wants to prevent rolling blackouts. Will it use more fossil fuels to get there?

California wants to prevent rolling blackouts. Will it use more fossil fuels to get there?: Regulators told PG&E and other utilities to procure more power supply....

Mini Nuclear Reactors Offer Promise of Cheaper, Clean Power - WSJ

Mini Nuclear Reactors Offer Promise of Cheaper, Clean Power - WSJ: Reactor makers are pitching smaller, modular systems that produce limitless emissions-free energy—but they may not be an easy sell.

Mini Nuclear Reactors Offer Promise of Cheaper, Clean Power - WSJ

Mini Nuclear Reactors Offer Promise of Cheaper, Clean Power - WSJ: Reactor makers are pitching smaller, modular systems that produce limitless emissions-free energy—but they may not be an easy sell.

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Orano completes inspection of NUHOMS nuclear fuel store - Nuclear Engineering International

Orano completes inspection of NUHOMS nuclear fuel store - Nuclear Engineering International: Orano has announced that regulatory inspections of the NUHOMS® used nuclear fuel dry storage facilities at three US nuclear reactor sites, found no corrosion concerns or precursor indications of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) on the...

UTEP receives $1 million grant to introduce minority students to nuclear energy industry | KTSM 9 News

UTEP receives $1 million grant to introduce minority students to nuclear energy industry | KTSM 9 News: EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The University of Texas at El Paso received a $1 million grant from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), opening another door of opportunity for students to get training in competitive jobs in the energy sector. The grant was awarded to Norman Love, associate dean for academic affairs and undergraduate […]

Orano completes ageing inspections at US dry storage facilities : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News

Orano completes ageing inspections at US dry storage facilities : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: Orano NPS has found no corrosion concerns or precursor indications of stress corrosion cracking in 20-year-old stainless steel canisters in use at three US dry storage facilities for used nuclear fuel. Regulatory inspections of the canisters, all of which were loaded into their horizontal, above-ground NUHOMS storage modules more than 20 years ago, were carried out as part of an ageing management programme to verify the NUHOMS system is performing as designed.

Finnish research reactor fuel sent to USA for further use : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News

Finnish research reactor fuel sent to USA for further use : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: Partially used irradiated fuel from the Finnish Reactor 1 in Espoo, Finland, has been transported to the USA for use in a similar TRIGA Mark II research reactor operated by the US Geological Survey in Denver, Colorado. Dismantling of the Finnish reactor, which was shut down in 2015, is scheduled to begin at the end of 2022.

New Brunswick announces funds for SMR development : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

New Brunswick announces funds for SMR development : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has announced a further CAD20 million (USD16 million) of funding towards the next phase of small modular reactor development in the province. The province is partnering with ARC Clean Energy Canada Inc, which is developing the ARC-100 advanced SMR.

Construction licence issued for Russia's BREST reactor : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Construction licence issued for Russia's BREST reactor : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: A licence has been issued by the Russian nuclear regulator Rostechnadzor to the Siberian Chemical Combine for the construction of the BREST-OD-300 reactor at its site in Seversk, Russia. It will be the world's first experimental demonstration power unit featuring a lead-cooled fast neutron reactor.

Rolls-Royce on track for 2030 delivery of UK SMR : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Rolls-Royce on track for 2030 delivery of UK SMR : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Rolls-Royce has almost completed the feasibility stage in the development of its UK small modular reactor and in May will focus on securing investment, its chief technology officer, Paul Stein, said yesterday. The technology will undergo the Generic Design Assessment process with UK regulators in 2024 and will be ready for grid use five years later, he said.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

'Catastrophic' Nuclear Power Accidents 'Highly Likely' If US Reactors Are Extended For 100 Years - Sputnik International

'Catastrophic' Nuclear Power Accidents 'Highly Likely' If US Reactors Are Extended For 100 Years - Sputnik International: Nuclear reactors in the United States were originally only certified to be operated for a maximum of 40 years. However, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been...

Honeywell to restart Metropolis facility in 2023 | News | paducahsun.com

Honeywell to restart Metropolis facility in 2023 | News | paducahsun.com: Even though Tuesday’s announced restarting of operations at Honeywell’s Metropolis Works facility won’t happen until 2023, local officials welcome the news which includes hiring 160 full-time employees by the end

Utah-based UAMPS pioneers next-generation nuclear technology | KSL.com

Utah-based UAMPS pioneers next-generation nuclear technology | KSL.com: The energy and climate crisis has become one of the top challenges facing the United States and the rest of the world. Among entities working to address those challenges is the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, a Utah-based electric utility consortium seeking to generate carbon-free alternatives to fossil fuel for electricity.

Idled US conversion plant preparing for 2023 restart : Corporate - World Nuclear News

Idled US conversion plant preparing for 2023 restart : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Honeywell has said it intends to re-open the USA's only domestic uranium conversion facility, the Metropolis Works plant, in Metropolis, Illinois. Preparations for a 2023 restart will begin this year.

Holtec Asks NRC to Approve Oyster Creek Security Plan Changes to Keep Fuel Transfer on Sked - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1

Holtec Asks NRC to Approve Oyster Creek Security Plan Changes to Keep Fuel Transfer on Sked - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.

Orano completes inspection of NUHOMS nuclear fuel store - Nuclear Engineering International

Orano completes inspection of NUHOMS nuclear fuel store - Nuclear Engineering International: Orano has announced that regulatory inspections of the NUHOMS® used nuclear fuel dry storage facilities at three US nuclear reactor sites, found no corrosion concerns or precursor indications of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) on the...

Nuke Group Says NRC Illegally Upended Waste Policy - Law360

Nuke Group Says NRC Illegally Upended Waste Policy - Law360: A top trade group says the Nuclear Regulatory Commission illegally upended decades of policy for the disposal of low-grade nuclear waste through a single letter that bypassed normal procedure protocols, and wants the D.C. Circuit to vacate that action.

North Korea developed nuclear, missile programs in 2020: U.N. report | Reuters

North Korea developed nuclear, missile programs in 2020: U.N. report | Reuters: North Korea maintained and developed its nuclear and ballistic missile programs throughout 2020 in violation of international sanctions, helping fund them with some $300 million stolen through cyber hacks, according to a confidential United Nations report seen by Reuters...

UTEP Awarded $1 Million NNSA Grant to Expose Minority Students to Nuclear Energy Industry | KRWG

UTEP Awarded $1 Million NNSA Grant to Expose Minority Students to Nuclear Energy Industry | KRWG: EL PASO, Texas – Students from The University of Texas at El Paso will have more opportunities to train for competitive jobs in the energy industry through

Resilient in the face of unprecedented challenges; Globally, net-zero carbon targets support nuclear growth story NYSE:CCJ

Resilient in the face of unprecedented challenges; Globally, net-zero carbon targets support nuclear growth story NYSE:CCJ: SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Feb. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cameco (TSX: CCO; NYSE: CCJ) today reported its consolidated financial and operating results...

Texas on track to get even more nuclear waste as feds tinker with rules | The Texas Tribune

Texas on track to get even more nuclear waste as feds tinker with rules | The Texas Tribune: A hazardous waste disposal company in Andrews County wants to handle more dangerous levels of nuclear waste. Federal agencies are pondering new rules that could allow more of it to come to Texas.

EDITORIAL: NRA needs to re-examine TEPCO’s fitness to operate nuclear plants : The Asahi Shimbun

EDITORIAL: NRA needs to re-examine TEPCO’s fitness to operate nuclear plants : The Asahi Shimbun: Yet another scandal has surfaced to raise doubts about Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s fitness to operate

France Courts Nuclear Deal as Poland-U.S. Ties Weaken Post Trump - Bloomberg

France Courts Nuclear Deal as Poland-U.S. Ties Weaken Post Trump - Bloomberg: Only weeks after Poland’s nationalist government lost its biggest global ally in former U.S. President Donald Trump, France is stepping in to win part of the east European country’s $30 billion nuclear power project.

House Committee Considers Removing Voter Approval Requirement For Proposed Nuclear Power Projects | MTPR

House Committee Considers Removing Voter Approval Requirement For Proposed Nuclear Power Projects | MTPR: A bill before the Montana legislature would repeal a law that requires a majority of voters to approve proposed nuclear power facilities. Representative

Exelon touts reliability of nuclear power in Illinois during pandemic, even as closures loom - Daily Energy Insider

Exelon touts reliability of nuclear power in Illinois during pandemic, even as closures loom - Daily Energy Insider: A new report from Exelon Generation pointed to record reliability showcased by its Illinois nuclear power plants during the COVID-19 pandemic and used the fact as an opportunity to chide the state for policies it ... Read More »

Destiny 2 Season of the Chosen | How Long Do Reactors Last?

Destiny 2 Season of the Chosen | How Long Do Reactors Last?: In Destiny 2, players must disable an ancient—and still active—nuclear reactor. Can reactors really last for centuries? Let's find out.

Utah-based UAMPS pioneers next-generation nuclear technology | KSL.com

Utah-based UAMPS pioneers next-generation nuclear technology | KSL.com: The energy and climate crisis has become one of the top challenges facing the United States and the rest of the world. Among entities working to address those challenges is the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, a Utah-based electric utility consortium seeking to generate carbon-free alternatives to fossil fuel for electricity.

PG&E reveals plans for reducing wildfire risk in 2021

PG&E reveals plans for reducing wildfire risk in 2021: PG&E unveiled plans Friday to reduce wildfire risk, increase public awareness and institute technology to promote community safety.

PG&E Files Wildfire Plan Under Intense Scrutiny | RTO Insider

PG&E Files Wildfire Plan Under Intense Scrutiny | RTO Insider: Pacific Gas & Electric submitted its latest wildfire prevention plan to the California Public Utilities Commission as it faces threats of intense scrutiny.

Can Nuclear Power Make A Comeback This Decade? | OilPrice.com

Can Nuclear Power Make A Comeback This Decade? | OilPrice.com: 2020 is widely considered as a horrible year for the energy industry, and the nuclear power generation sector is no exception

Investments in nuclear energy could help solve the economic and climate crises | TheHill

Investments in nuclear energy could help solve the economic and climate crises | TheHill: Paired with its comprehensive plan to reach net zero emissions quickly, the Biden administration can build a more resilient economy powered by clean, carbon-free energy sources.

Brookfield 'at a crossroads' on whether to sell Westinghouse : Corporate - World Nuclear News

Brookfield 'at a crossroads' on whether to sell Westinghouse : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Brookfield Business Partners is considering whether to sell Westinghouse Electric Company, the investment company's CEO, Cyrus Madon, said in a conference call with analysts on 5 February to discuss its fourth-quarter financial results. Bermuda-headquartered Brookfield completed its purchase of Westinghouse from Japan's Toshiba Corporation in August 2018. This marked Westinghouse's exit from US Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a restructured company.

Honeywell to Reopen Sole U.S. Uranium Conversion Plant

Honeywell to Reopen Sole U.S. Uranium Conversion Plant: Honeywell is gearing up to reopen the Metropolis Works plant in Metropolis, Illinois—the U.S.’s sole uranium conversion facility—and restart production of

German, Canadian reactors set new world records : Corporate - World Nuclear News

German, Canadian reactors set new world records : Corporate - World Nuclear News: The single-unit Grohnde nuclear power plant in Germany has produced more than 400 terawatt hours of electricity since it started up in 1984 - the only reactor to have achieved this milestone. Meanwhile, unit 1 of Canada's Darlington nuclear power plant has set a new world record with 1106 consecutive days of continuous operation.

NRC report updates decommissioning cost guidance -- ANS / Newswire

NRC report updates decommissioning cost guidance -- ANS / Newswire

Lawmakers call for ‘nuclear renaissance’ to support EU’s energy transition – EURACTIV.com

Lawmakers call for ‘nuclear renaissance’ to support EU’s energy transition – EURACTIV.com: Renewables will not be enough for Europe to meet its 2050 climate neutrality goal, says a coalition of centrist and conservative MEPs. Instead, the EU will need a nuclear renaissance to achieve it, they argue, referring to a fresh study on the EU’s climate policy.

NRC report updates decommissioning cost guidance -- ANS / Newswire

NRC report updates decommissioning cost guidance -- ANS / Newswire

Webinar Registration - Zoom

Webinar Registration - Zoom: An expert panel will take a look back at the origins of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as well as discuss its future. Attendees will take a walk through the NPT’s progression as well as examine the status of non-proliferation, disarmament, and the nuclear energy cooperation. Other topics to be covered include: - Nuclear weapons today and the status of other arms control agreements - What can we do as professionals and citizens - The future of the NPT Panelists: Angela Di Fulvio, Assistant Professor of Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Kathryn Huff, Assistant Professor of Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Richard Meserve, President Emeritus, Carnegie Institution for Science Zia Mian, Co-Director, Program on Science and Global Security, Princeton University Stewart Prager, Professor of Astrophysical Sciences and Affiliated Faculty, Program on Science and Global Security, Princeton University Moderator: Craig Piercy, ANS Executive Director/CEO

Decommissioned Crimea nuclear plant to be demolished: government | S&P Global Platts

Decommissioned Crimea nuclear plant to be demolished: government | S&P Global Platts: The government of Crimea has decided to fully demolish the Crimean Atomic Energy station near Shcholkine, construction of which was halted after the Chernobyl accident in 1986, the government said in

Lawmakers call for ‘nuclear renaissance’ to support EU’s energy transition – EURACTIV.com

Lawmakers call for ‘nuclear renaissance’ to support EU’s energy transition – EURACTIV.com: Renewables will not be enough for Europe to meet its 2050 climate neutrality goal, says a coalition of centrist and conservative MEPs. Instead, the EU will need a nuclear renaissance to achieve it, they argue, referring to a fresh study on the EU’s climate policy.

Sea-level rise could threaten coastal nuclear waste facilities » Yale Climate Connections

Sea-level rise could threaten coastal nuclear waste facilities » Yale Climate Connections: A recent study identified vulnerable sites along the U.S. coast.

High-Tech Railcar Designed to Transport Spent Nuclear Fuel Moves to Next Phase | Department of Energy

High-Tech Railcar Designed to Transport Spent Nuclear Fuel Moves to Next Phase | Department of Energy: High-Tech Railcar Designed to Transport Spent Nuclear Fuel Moves to Next Phase

PRA standard for Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors just issued -- ANS / Newswire

PRA standard for Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors just issued -- ANS / Newswire

Framatome to upgrade I&C at Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant - Nuclear Engineering International

Framatome to upgrade I&C at Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant - Nuclear Engineering International: Framatome has recently signed a contract to upgrade a component of the instrumentation and control (I&C) system for the two units of Exelon’s Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in the USA.The new component, Framatome’s...

Honeywell to reopen Metropolis, Ill. plant

Honeywell to reopen Metropolis, Ill. plant: Honeywell will reopen its Metropolis Works plant.

Why is America getting a new $100 billion nuclear weapon? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Why is America getting a new $100 billion nuclear weapon? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The reasons for the United States new intercontinental ballistic missile—the ground-based strategic deterrent, or GBSD—are historical, political, and to a significant extent economic. Many people in the states where the new missile will be built and based see it as an economic lifeline. Their elected officials take campaign donations from defense companies, to be sure, but are also trying to deliver jobs in a political environment that has been hostile to government spending on anything but defense.

On Anti-Nuclear Bullshit | The Breakthrough Institute

On Anti-Nuclear Bullshit | The Breakthrough Institute: Ted Nordhaus examines the lies and "bullshit" that have become pervasive in anti-nuclear rhetoric.

NIA and PGS to host advanced reactor strategy webinar

NIA and PGS to host advanced reactor strategy webinar

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Rosatom joins Arctic Economic Council | The Independent Barents Observer

Rosatom joins Arctic Economic Council | The Independent Barents Observer: With Rosatom’s membership, Russia could be given an easier route to use nuclear energy in the Arctic Region.

European union say nuclear must be part of European Taxonomy - Nuclear Engineering International

European union say nuclear must be part of European Taxonomy - Nuclear Engineering International: Nuclear energy must be part of the European taxonomy as part of of the Green Deal, according to a joint letter sent to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission by 13 European trade unions.The main unions representing Belgian,...

Estonian firm aims to launch modular nuclear reactor in 2035 | Reuters

Estonian firm aims to launch modular nuclear reactor in 2035 | Reuters: Small Estonian firm Fermi Energia said on Monday it was raising capital to start the official planning process for a new generation small modular reactor (SMR) which would be one of the first in Europe and the first nuclear plant in Estonia.

NRC report updates decommissioning cost guidance -- ANS / Newswire

NRC report updates decommissioning cost guidance -- ANS / Newswire

US NRC approves power uprate for Oconee - Nuclear Engineering International

US NRC approves power uprate for Oconee - Nuclear Engineering International: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a request by Duke Energy Carolinas to increase by approximately 1.6% the reactor capacity of Oconee units 1, 2, & 3. NRC staff determined that Duke Energy could safely...

US NRC approves power uprate for Oconee - Nuclear Engineering International

US NRC approves power uprate for Oconee - Nuclear Engineering International: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a request by Duke Energy Carolinas to increase by approximately 1.6% the reactor capacity of Oconee units 1, 2, & 3. NRC staff determined that Duke Energy could safely...

New York State ‘Using More Fossil Fuels’ After Indian Point-2 Closure :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

New York State ‘Using More Fossil Fuels’ After Indian Point-2 Closure :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Despite 2,753 GWh of reduced energy demand during the Covid-19 pandemic, New York state generated significantly more electricity, 5,068 GWh, from fossil fuels in 2020 than in 2019 because of lost nuclear power, according to the Climate Action lobby group.

The group, which supports the use of commercial nuclear power in the state, said that due to this greater fossil fuel consumption, the closure of Indian Point-2 in April 2020 will result in the annual production of about four million tonnes of avoidable carbon dioxide emissions, a figure that will double if Indian Point-3 closes as planned in 2021.

Watch This Billion-Year Journey of Earth’s Tectonic Plates - The New York Times

Watch This Billion-Year Journey of Earth’s Tectonic Plates - The New York Times: A new simulation offers a different view of how the continents we live on drifted into their current configuration.

Monday, February 8, 2021

Could Joe Biden's New Iran Strategy Work? - 19FortyFive

Could Joe Biden's New Iran Strategy Work? - 19FortyFive: Rob Malley, a former Middle East policy official in the Obama administration, will serve as President Biden’s special envoy to Iran. Can he succeed?

A powerful prayer against any kind of sickness

A powerful prayer against any kind of sickness: Throughout the centuries disease and death have plagued most of the world, and Christians have often turned to God for deliverance. While medicine has greatly improved, it does not eliminate the need to invoke God’s powerful aid in the fight against disease. Here is a prayer from The Glories of the Catholic Church that was Read More…

Discouraged by the pandemic? These quotes from the saints can help!

Discouraged by the pandemic? These quotes from the saints can help!: It’s been a year since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and everyone around the world has been affected. As the situation continues to be difficult around the world a year later, it’s normal to feel discouraged; it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yet the world keeps turning. Tragically, Read More…

Could Joe Biden's New Iran Strategy Work? - 19FortyFive

Could Joe Biden's New Iran Strategy Work? - 19FortyFive: Rob Malley, a former Middle East policy official in the Obama administration, will serve as President Biden’s special envoy to Iran. Can he succeed?

Health officials warn COVID-19 eradication unlikely | TheHill

Health officials warn COVID-19 eradication unlikely | TheHill: The arrival of several vaccines against the coronavirus is cause for celebration in the face of a pandemic that has killed millions across the globe, but health officials and experts are warning that wholly eradicating the virus is not likely an achievable goal.

Josep Borrell: MEP leads calls for EU's foreign affairs chief to quit after Moscow 'humiliation' | Euronews

Josep Borrell: MEP leads calls for EU's foreign affairs chief to quit after Moscow 'humiliation' | Euronews: "The visit itself was a total disaster," said Estonian MEP @RihoTerras

Iran Foreign Minister Tells Biden US 'Violated' Nuclear Deal, So It Is US 'That Has to Return' | Common Dreams News

Iran Foreign Minister Tells Biden US 'Violated' Nuclear Deal, So It Is US 'That Has to Return' | Common Dreams News: "If the United States and its partners return to the deal," said the nation's top diplomat, "Iran will reverse its actions. All the actions we are taking are reversible."

Biden’s cybersecurity pick is a threat to US security – Middle East Monitor

Biden’s cybersecurity pick is a threat to US security – Middle East Monitor: Just after Christmas, Jonathan and Esther Pollard were flown on a private jet from New Jersey to Tel Aviv. After touching down, Jonathan kissed the tarmac and was greeted by none other than Prime Mini...

Republican Senators aren't beholden to their base — they'll acquit Trump because they agree with him | Salon.com

Republican Senators aren't beholden to their base — they'll acquit Trump because they agree with him | Salon.com

Qatar signs deal to build hospital in Gaza – Middle East Monitor

Qatar signs deal to build hospital in Gaza – Middle East Monitor: The Qatari Committee on Saturday signed a deal with the Palestinian government in Gaza to build a hospital in the city of Rafah in the south of the besieged coastal enclave. The head of the Qatari ...

Variants v. Vaccines - Tomas Pueyo

Variants v. Vaccines - Tomas Pueyo: The Race between the Tortoise and the Hare

Clinical trial in hospitalized COVID-19 patients evaluates long-acting antibody therapy | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Clinical trial in hospitalized COVID-19 patients evaluates long-acting antibody therapy | National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH trial has begun enrolling participants.

The martyrdom of Mike Pence | Mike Pence | The Guardian

The martyrdom of Mike Pence | Mike Pence | The Guardian: As vice-president, he abased himself and his office. In reward, Donald Trump sent a mob to kill him. Now, as another impeachment trial looms, he is cast out from Republican ranks

Small-scale reactors, large-scale potential

Small-scale reactors, large-scale potential: From Rolls Royce’s plans for British reactors to private investment in South Africa, we profile small modular reactors around the world.

Wales bids for Hitachi nuclear site, report says | The Japan Times

Wales bids for Hitachi nuclear site, report says | The Japan Times: The government of Wales has approached Japan's Hitachi Ltd about acquiring the Horizon nuclear power project in Anglesey and its staff, The Sunday Times re

Rosatom joins Arctic Economic Council | The Independent Barents Observer

Rosatom joins Arctic Economic Council | The Independent Barents Observer: With Rosatom’s membership, Russia could be given an easier route to use nuclear energy in the Arctic Region.

Grossi highlights IAEA support in fighting cancer : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

Grossi highlights IAEA support in fighting cancer : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: Ongoing support to developing countries is essential to ensure adequate cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a panel discussion held on 4 February to mark World Cancer Day. Panelists called for more and urgent action to address the wide gap in diagnosis and therapy access between developed and developing countries.

Brookfield 'at a crossroads' on whether to sell Westinghouse : Corporate - World Nuclear News

Brookfield 'at a crossroads' on whether to sell Westinghouse : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Brookfield Business Partners is considering whether to sell Westinghouse Electric Company, the investment company's CEO, Cyrus Madon, said in a conference call with analysts on 5 February to discuss its fourth-quarter financial results. Bermuda-headquartered Brookfield completed its purchase of Westinghouse from Japan's Toshiba Corporation in August 2018. This marked Westinghouse's exit from US Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a restructured company.

German, Canadian reactors set new world records : Corporate - World Nuclear News

German, Canadian reactors set new world records : Corporate - World Nuclear News: The single-unit Grohnde nuclear power plant in Germany has produced more than 400 terawatt hours of electricity since it started up in 1984 - the only reactor to have achieved this milestone. Meanwhile, unit 1 of Canada's Darlington nuclear power plant has set a new world record with 1106 consecutive days of continuous operation.

The real value of the nuclear ban treaty - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

The real value of the nuclear ban treaty - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons represents a refusal to live forever under this nuclear shadow. It reflects a belief that the status quo represents a grave inequity, in which nuclear costs are imposed upon all, while the benefits of nuclear arms accrue to the few states privileged to possess them.

Why is America getting a new $100 billion nuclear weapon? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Why is America getting a new $100 billion nuclear weapon? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The reasons for the United States new intercontinental ballistic missile—the ground-based strategic deterrent, or GBSD—are historical, political, and to a significant extent economic. Many people in the states where the new missile will be built and based see it as an economic lifeline. Their elected officials take campaign donations from defense companies, to be sure, but are also trying to deliver jobs in a political environment that has been hostile to government spending on anything but defense.

Self-Sustainable Floating 'Continent' Cleans Ocean Waste | IE

Self-Sustainable Floating 'Continent' Cleans Ocean Waste | IE: An award-winning design of a floating "continent" restores our oceans' health and is fully self-sustainable. Read it here.

EXPLAINER: What US ending Saudi war support means for Yemen

EXPLAINER: What US ending Saudi war support means for Yemen: DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Joe Biden's announcement that the U.S. will end its support of a Saudi-led coalition's yearslong war against Yemen's Houthi rebels likely will increase pressure on the kingdom to end its campaign there. However, reaching an enduring peace for the Arab world's poorest country still remains in question. The Iran-backed rebels remain firmly entrenched in the country's north and hold its capital, Sanaa....

UAE drastically cut funding for Palestinian refugees in 2020

UAE drastically cut funding for Palestinian refugees in 2020: JERUSALEM (AP) — The United Arab Emirates drastically reduced its funding to the U.N....

Wales Seeks to Buy Horizon Nuclear Project From Hitachi: Times - Bloomberg

Wales Seeks to Buy Horizon Nuclear Project From Hitachi: Times - Bloomberg: The Wales government is said to have asked Hitachi Ltd. to let it take over the Horizon nuclear project as a caretaker until there’s a new investor, the Times of London reported.

Wylfa Newydd: Planning inspectorate releases report on nuclear plant - Business Live

Wylfa Newydd: Planning inspectorate releases report on nuclear plant - Business Live: Their report asked the Secretary of State to turn down the scheme over biodiversity issues before it was withdrawn

SRS transfers spent nuclear fuel, opening space for mission work | Savannah River Site | postandcourier.com

SRS transfers spent nuclear fuel, opening space for mission work | Savannah River Site | postandcourier.com: EM workers at the Savannah River Site recently began transferring dissolved spent nuclear fuel to a waste processing facility two years early, freeing tank space at a chemical separations facility

NRC opens Palisades license proceedings to public comment -- ANS / Newswire

NRC opens Palisades license proceedings to public comment -- ANS / Newswire

Nonprofit group at center of $60M statehouse corruption case to plead guilty

Nonprofit group at center of $60M statehouse corruption case to plead guilty: The 501(c)(4) nonprofit Generation Now at the center of what prosecutors call the largest corruption case in state history has reached a plea agreemen

More key milestones for ITER - Nuclear Engineering International

More key milestones for ITER - Nuclear Engineering International: San Diego-based General Atomics (GA) said on 4 February that, after nearly five years of fabrication and a two years of challenging tests, it has achieved the first major milestone in one of the largest US contributions to the ITER fusion project...