Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Two Reports Chart a Course for Pres. Biden to Support Development of Advanced Nuclear Reactors | Energy Central

Two Reports Chart a Course for Pres. Biden to Support Development of Advanced Nuclear Reactors | Energy Central: Two Reports Outline Path Forward for Pres Biden to Support Advanced Nuclear Reactors

Speeding Up Time to Market: A Role for Standards and Reference Designs for Advanced Nuclear Reactors in the U.S. | Neutron Bytes

Speeding Up Time to Market: A Role for Standards and Reference Designs for Advanced Nuclear Reactors in the U.S. | Neutron Bytes: The use of reference designs in the U.S. has a good history in the form of the experience of the U.S. Railroad Administration during World War I.  To reason by analogy, nuclear reactors boil water …

Evergy's Wolf Creek pulled its share during extreme cold

Evergy's Wolf Creek pulled its share during extreme cold: A diverse grid is a stronger grid, since the more sources we have, the better chance something can keep the power flowing.

California Officials Oppose PG&E Mandates That Could Expand Blackouts – Courthouse News Service

California Officials Oppose PG&E Mandates That Could Expand Blackouts – Courthouse News Service: PG&E is willing to consider all trees that could hit power lines when it decides where to cut power to prevent fires, but California officials say that approach could have unintended consequen…

Gas Companies “Hit the Jackpot” On Deep Freeze | OilPrice.com

Gas Companies “Hit the Jackpot” On Deep Freeze | OilPrice.com: While Texans are struggling to keep the lights and the heating on, gas producers in the Lone Star state, or at least those whose wellheads did not freeze, are having a blast

Chinese–Russian ballistic missile cooperation signals deepening trust | East Asia Forum

Chinese–Russian ballistic missile cooperation signals deepening trust | East Asia Forum

USA to hold inquiry into cold-weather operations : Corporate - World Nuclear News

USA to hold inquiry into cold-weather operations : Corporate - World Nuclear News: The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation are to hold a joint inquiry into the operations of the bulk-power system during the extreme winter weather conditions currently being experienced in parts of the USA. The severe cold weather has contributed to power outages affecting millions of electricity customers.

Water leaks indicate new damage at Fukushima nuclear plant

Water leaks indicate new damage at Fukushima nuclear plant: TOKYO (AP) — Cooling water levels have fallen in two reactors at the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant since a powerful earthquake hit the area last weekend, indicating possible additional damage,...

FERC closes resilience docket opened in response to DOE coal, nuclear bailout proposal | Utility Dive

FERC closes resilience docket opened in response to DOE coal, nuclear bailout proposal | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

How Texas’ Power Generation Failed During the Storm, In Charts - The New York Times

How Texas’ Power Generation Failed During the Storm, In Charts - The New York Times: All energy sources fell short, but natural gas power broke down the most.

Expert: Texas energy crisis, extreme weather underscore role for nuclear, balanced power mix

Expert: Texas energy crisis, extreme weather underscore role for nuclear, balanced power mix: John Kotek, Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Vice President of Policy Development and Public Affairs on why the NEI strives to "decarbonize the grid" especially after what happened in Texas.

U.S. Officially Rejoins Paris Agreement On Climate Change : NPR

U.S. Officially Rejoins Paris Agreement On Climate Change : NPR: The United States on Friday officially rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change. The landmark 2016 accord is designed to limit global warming and avoid its potentially catastrophic impacts.

Texas-Style Blackouts Are the Future - WSJ

Texas-Style Blackouts Are the Future - WSJ: The grid is designed to shut down, and we’re designing it to shut down more often.

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols: Is our grid safe? - Atlanta Business Chronicle

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols: Is our grid safe? - Atlanta Business Chronicle: Never say never, but Georgia’s situation is very different from Texas.

Congress, Texas should 'rethink' ERCOT's 'go it alone approach': FERC Chair Glick | Utility Dive

Congress, Texas should 'rethink' ERCOT's 'go it alone approach': FERC Chair Glick | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

California moves to address 'extraordinarily frightening' energy debt amid COVID-19 | Utility Dive

California moves to address 'extraordinarily frightening' energy debt amid COVID-19 | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

FERC, NERC to investigate mass outages across ERCOT, SPP, MISO | Utility Dive

FERC, NERC to investigate mass outages across ERCOT, SPP, MISO | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Friday, February 19, 2021

Fukushima Update February 19, 2021

Fukushima Update February 19, 2021 - Tokyo High Court finds both Tepco and the national government liable for the 2011 F. Daiichi accident... KEPCO says they will identify a site for used fuel storage by the end of 2023... Miyagi fishermen say their poor catches since 2011 are mostly due to global warming. https://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

Biden: End U.S. Hypocrisy on Israeli Nukes

Biden: End U.S. Hypocrisy on Israeli Nukes: For decades, U.S. presidents have pledged not to talk about Israel’s nuclear arsenal despite pushing for nonproliferation in the region. It’s time for Washington to…

Manchin to vote “no” on Tanden’s nomination for White House budget office director - Axios

Manchin to vote “no” on Tanden’s nomination for White House budget office director - Axios: The announcement marks the first time a Senate Democrat has stated opposition to a Biden Cabinet nominee.

Resolving South Korea’s Iran conundrum | East Asia Forum

Resolving South Korea’s Iran conundrum | East Asia Forum

Farming in Fukushima -- ANS / Newswire

Farming in Fukushima -- ANS / Newswire

Gates highlights nuclear’s role in fighting climate change -- ANS / Newswire

Gates highlights nuclear’s role in fighting climate change -- ANS / Newswire

ANS touts benefits of nuclear energy in letter to FERC -- ANS / Newswire

ANS touts benefits of nuclear energy in letter to FERC -- ANS / Newswire

Beyond Nuclear appeals NRC decision in Texas CISF licensing proceeding -- ANS / Newswire

Beyond Nuclear appeals NRC decision in Texas CISF licensing proceeding -- ANS / Newswire

New Brunswick awards additional funding for SMR development -- ANS / Newswire

New Brunswick awards additional funding for SMR development -- ANS / Newswire

The week in Texas -- ANS / Newswire

The week in Texas -- ANS / Newswire

The U.S. Nuclear R&D Imperative -- ANS / Public Policy

The U.S. Nuclear R&D Imperative -- ANS / Public Policy

ANS Task Force: Accelerating nuclear R&D investment is key to securing America’s clean energy future -- ANS / Newswire

ANS Task Force: Accelerating nuclear R&D investment is key to securing America’s clean energy future -- ANS / Newswire

Cuomo-gate: A Nixonian Scandal Is Engulfing New York - The Daily Poster

Cuomo-gate: A Nixonian Scandal Is Engulfing New York - The Daily Poster: Gov. Cuomo is threatening retribution against Dems demanding answers about underreported COVID deaths and his effort to help an industry group shield nursing home execs.

Iran reacts coolly to U.S. talk offer, demands lifting of sanctions | Reuters

Iran reacts coolly to U.S. talk offer, demands lifting of sanctions | Reuters: Iran will "immediately reverse" actions in its nuclear programme once U.S. sanctions are lifted, its foreign minister said on Friday, reacting coolly to Washington's initial offer to revive talks with Tehran aimed at restoring the 2015 nuclear deal.

Africa COVID deaths surpass 100,000 amid second wave | Coronavirus pandemic News | Al Jazeera

Africa COVID deaths surpass 100,000 amid second wave | Coronavirus pandemic News | Al Jazeera: South Africa, where a more contagious COVID-19 variant has been found, accounts for nearly half of continent’s deaths.

Blinken tells EU counterparts U.S. is ready to open talks with Iran - Axios

Blinken tells EU counterparts U.S. is ready to open talks with Iran - Axios: The U.S. and Iran still haven't engaged in direct talks since President Biden assumed office.

Cold Truth: The Texas Freeze is a Catastrophe of the Free Market | naked capitalism

Cold Truth: The Texas Freeze is a Catastrophe of the Free Market | naked capitalism: The Texas electricity market “reforms” made the current crisis inevitable.

How Serious Are Biden and the Democrats About Fighting Climate Change? - WSJ

How Serious Are Biden and the Democrats About Fighting Climate Change? - WSJ: To make real progress on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, President Biden and Congress will need to break with environmentalist dogmas.

Texas Spins Into the Wind - WSJ

Texas Spins Into the Wind - WSJ: An electricity grid that relies on renewables also needs nuclear or coal power.

Innovation for sustainable recovery in Europe - Nuclear Engineering International

Innovation for sustainable recovery in Europe - Nuclear Engineering International

Western Power investing in IoT to predict the future of energy consumption | ZDNet

Western Power investing in IoT to predict the future of energy consumption | ZDNet: The state-owned entity is leveraging sensor data and machine learning to understand how customers are using electricity, now and into the future.

Advances in Radiation Oncology: Join the free IAEA flagship conference, 16-19 February

Advances in Radiation Oncology: Join the free IAEA flagship conference, 16-19 February: Over 19 million new cancer cases were reported worldwide in 2020, claiming the lives of almost 10 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The picture will likely get grimmer with time: These numbers are projected to increase to over 30 million new cases and over 16 million deaths per year by 2040.

Navigating Ocean Acidification | IAEA

Navigating Ocean Acidification | IAEA

First IAEA Webinar to Encourage Women for Careers in Accelerator Science and Technology | IAEA

First IAEA Webinar to Encourage Women for Careers in Accelerator Science and Technology | IAEA: Women account for less than 30% of the world’s scientists and researchers and this percentage is even lower in nuclear physics and nuclear engineering.

PG&E Launches EV Fast Charge Program to Help Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption in California

PG&E Launches EV Fast Charge Program to Help Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption in California: Today, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that the first public, electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers installed through its EV Fast Charge program are now open at the 7-Eleven® store in West Sacramento at 4010 Lake Road.

Judge Presses PG&E for Zogg Fire Answers – NBC Bay Area

Judge Presses PG&E for Zogg Fire Answers – NBC Bay Area: A judge is pressing PG&E to explain why one of its contract tree inspectors concluded an apparently healthy but leaning tree that may have started the the Zogg...

Vistra proposes battery project double the size of world's largest facility

Vistra proposes battery project double the size of world's largest facility: Vistra Energy, a retail power company has proposed a new battery project in the state of California that will double the output of the world's largest battery storage facility

World's largest energy storage system proposed in Morro Bay

World's largest energy storage system proposed in Morro Bay: The world's largest energy storage system could soon go up in Morro Bay.

The Activists Who Embrace Nuclear Power | The New Yorker

The Activists Who Embrace Nuclear Power | The New Yorker: In the face of climate change, some environmentalists are fighting not to close power plants but to save them.

TVEL announces manufacturing contracts for fast reactor : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

TVEL announces manufacturing contracts for fast reactor : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Siberian Chemical Combine has signed a contract with CKBM for the manufacture and supply of equipment for the refuelling of the BREST-OD-300 fast reactor demonstration plant. The production, supply and installation supervision of steam generators for the reactor facility will be provided by ZiO-Podolsk Machine-Building Plant. Both CKBM and ZiO-Podolsk are part of the machine-building division of Russia's Rosatom.

Chinese fast reactor begins high-power operation : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Chinese fast reactor begins high-power operation : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The China Experimental Fast Reactor has been restarted and reconnected to the grid, marking its entry into its high-power operation phase. The sodium-cooled, pool-type fast reactor began a refuelling and maintenance outage at the end of July last year, having completed commissioning tests for the power test phase of the reactor, which verified that its performance had met the design requirements under stable conditions and expected transient operating conditions.

E3, USA reopen door to diplomacy with Iran : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

E3, USA reopen door to diplomacy with Iran : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: The E3 - France, Germany and the UK - has welcomed the prospect of a US and Iranian return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The E3 foreign ministers and the US secretary of state held a virtual meeting yesterday to discuss Iran and other pressing issues. It was the second time in this format since Secretary Antony Blinken took office.

Perseverance starts exploration of Mars : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Perseverance starts exploration of Mars : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: NASA's Perseverance rover successfully touched down on Mars yesterday, 203 days after being launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida. The rover, which is powered by a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator developed and fuelled in partnership with the US Department of Energy, will explore the Jezero Crater and collect samples that will eventually be returned to Earth.

L&T arm to build 2 units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project | Business Standard News

L&T arm to build 2 units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project | Business Standard News: Read more about L&T arm to build 2 units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project on Business Standard. The construction arm of L&T has secured an order in the range of Rs 1,000-2,500 crore to construct the Main Plant Civil Works of the Kudankulam 5 and 6 units.

Spain's nuclear regulator approves Cofrentes license renewal | S&P Global Platts

Spain's nuclear regulator approves Cofrentes license renewal | S&P Global Platts: Spain's nuclear regulator Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear (CSN) has approved the renewal of the operating license of Spain's largest nuclear reactor, the 1.1 GW Cofrentes BWR, operated by Iberdrola, it s

Swans bask in warm waters from Ukrainian nuclear plant during winter freeze | Reuters

Swans bask in warm waters from Ukrainian nuclear plant during winter freeze | Reuters: Dozens of swans have flocked to a reservoir in western Ukraine this winter, evading snow and ice to enjoy the warm waters discharged from a nearby nuclear power plant.

Swedish companies seek funding for SMR development - Nuclear Engineering International

Swedish companies seek funding for SMR development - Nuclear Engineering International: German utility Uniper Sweden, Swedish reactor company Blykalla and Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) said on 15 February that they have submitted an application to the Swedish Energy Agency for co-financing of a non-nuclear...

Grand Canyon Uranium Mining Ban Reintroduced In Congress | KNAU Arizona Public Radio

Grand Canyon Uranium Mining Ban Reintroduced In Congress | KNAU Arizona Public Radio: Arizona Democratic Congressman Raul Grijalva has reintroduced a bill that would ban uranium mining near the Grand Canyon. It’s the latest attempt to make

Groups ask Biden for wider environmental review of nuke work

Groups ask Biden for wider environmental review of nuke work: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Watchdog groups want the Biden administration to reconsider a decision by a U.S. agency not to conduct a more extensive environmental review related to production of the...

Texas nuclear unit returns to service after outage related to cold weather | S&P Global Platts

Texas nuclear unit returns to service after outage related to cold weather | S&P Global Platts: STP Nuclear Operating Co.'s 1,312 MW South Texas Project 1, which automatically shut Feb. 15 amid bitter cold, connected to the grid at 9:07 pm CT Feb. 17 "and is currently ascending to 100% power," c

Why China, with same size of power grid, won’t suffer outage like in the US - Global Times

Why China, with same size of power grid, won’t suffer outage like in the US - Global Times

Why Big Oil needs to consider spinning off their renewables and new-energy businesses | Energy Central

Why Big Oil needs to consider spinning off their renewables and new-energy businesses | Energy Central: The best perfoming energy stocks over the past five years were all renewables-focused. Companies like Enel, Iberdrola, NextEra and Orsted have significantly outperformed the Big Oil companies.What’s interesting though is that the worst performing oil and gas companies were also those most aggressive about decarbonisation, namely Total, Shell, BP, Eni and Repsol. It begs the

All sanctions imposed by Trump must be lifted: Iran FM Zarif

All sanctions imposed by Trump must be lifted: Iran FM Zarif: In reaction to the White House retreat from the snapback mechanism, FM Zarif said that the US unconditionally and effectively must lift all sanctions

Grid Resiliency | Utility Dive

Grid Resiliency | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Power experts cite gas constraints as main cause of ERCOT outages, but system planning questions remain | Utility Dive

Power experts cite gas constraints as main cause of ERCOT outages, but system planning questions remain | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

FERC closes resilience docket opened in response to DOE coal, nuclear bailout proposal | Utility Dive

FERC closes resilience docket opened in response to DOE coal, nuclear bailout proposal | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Congress, Texas should 'rethink' ERCOT's 'go it alone approach': FERC Chair Glick | Utility Dive

Congress, Texas should 'rethink' ERCOT's 'go it alone approach': FERC Chair Glick | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Finding a Path to Development of Advanced Reactors: Report | Neutron Bytes

Finding a Path to Development of Advanced Reactors: Report | Neutron Bytes: Leading Think Tanks Release a Strategy for Development of Advanced Nuclear Energy in the United States The Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA) and Partnership for Global Security (PGS) released a joi…

ANS Task Force Seeks Support for Nuclear Energy R&D | Neutron Bytes

ANS Task Force Seeks Support for Nuclear Energy R&D | Neutron Bytes: Recommended R&D increase just 0.6% the cost of Biden climate planA task force commissioned by the American Nuclear Society (ANS) issued an assessment of U.S. nuclear energy research and develop…

Texas Power Crisis Puts Keystone XL Cancelation in Perspective

Texas Power Crisis Puts Keystone XL Cancelation in Perspective: Rolling blackouts in Texas have put the importance of oil pipelines into perspective, according to business executives. Ryan Palazzo, ...

Texas nuclear unit returns to service after outage related to cold weather | S&P Global Platts

Texas nuclear unit returns to service after outage related to cold weather | S&P Global Platts: STP Nuclear Operating Co.'s 1,312 MW South Texas Project 1, which automatically shut Feb. 15 amid bitter cold, connected to the grid at 9:07 pm CT Feb. 17 "and is currently ascending to 100% power," c

Finland to proceed with research reactor decommissioning following return of fuel to USA - Nuclear Engineering International

Finland to proceed with research reactor decommissioning following return of fuel to USA - Nuclear Engineering International: On 10 February 2021, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) submitted a letter to Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment amending its 2017 application to decommission the FiR 1 research reactor in Otaniemi,...

NuScale and Kozloduy NPP Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore SMR Development in Bulgaria | Business | valdostadailytimes.com

NuScale and Kozloduy NPP Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore SMR Development in Bulgaria | Business | valdostadailytimes.com: PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 17, 2021--

Texas Power Outage Underscores Looming Climate Tests - Scientific American

Texas Power Outage Underscores Looming Climate Tests - Scientific American: Scientific American is the essential guide to the most awe-inspiring advances in science and technology, explaining how they change our understanding of the world and shape our lives.

ANS task force calls for boost in federal R&D funding : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

ANS task force calls for boost in federal R&D funding : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: A near doubling in annual federal appropriated funding levels for core nuclear research and development activities is needed to ensure the commercial deployment of US advanced reactors in the 2030s, a task force commissioned by the American Nuclear Society has concluded. The group said the additional funding will help meet the Biden Administration's climate goals.

USA to hold inquiry into cold-weather operations : Corporate - World Nuclear News

USA to hold inquiry into cold-weather operations : Corporate - World Nuclear News: The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation are to hold a joint inquiry into the operations of the bulk-power system during the extreme winter weather conditions currently being experienced in parts of the USA. The severe cold weather has contributed to power outages affecting millions of electricity customers.

No state is an island — Transmission keeps the lights on | Utility Dive

No state is an island — Transmission keeps the lights on | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

S&P: Despite storage growth, US to achieve 'marginal' carbon-free capacity increases through 2035 | Utility Dive

S&P: Despite storage growth, US to achieve 'marginal' carbon-free capacity increases through 2035 | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Power experts cite gas constraints as main cause of ERCOT outages, but system planning questions remain | Utility Dive

Power experts cite gas constraints as main cause of ERCOT outages, but system planning questions remain | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

How and why a nuclear reactor shut down in Texas cold snap when energy was needed most

How and why a nuclear reactor shut down in Texas cold snap when energy was needed most: The shutdown of a nuclear reactor in Texas has contributed to the state's power shortage crisis caused by extreme cold weather.

ELECTRICITY: Blackout crisis: Fallout, furor and fact checks -- Wednesday, February 17, 2021 -- www.eenews.net

ELECTRICITY: Blackout crisis: Fallout, furor and fact checks -- Wednesday, February 17, 2021 -- www.eenews.net: Fallout from sweeping winter power outages echoed from Texas to the White House yesterday, as power restoration commingled with debates about whether to blame renewables or fossil fuels.

Rick Perry says Texans would rather blackouts than regulate power grid

Rick Perry says Texans would rather blackouts than regulate power grid: Perry wrote, "the sun will come out, the temperatures will moderate, and this will become part of our rearview mirror."

ENERGY TRANSITIONS: Texas grid collapse points to looming climate tests -- Wednesday, February 17, 2021 -- www.eenews.net

ENERGY TRANSITIONS: Texas grid collapse points to looming climate tests -- Wednesday, February 17, 2021 -- www.eenews.net: The power grid in Texas nearly melted down during a heat wave in 2019. Now a deep freeze is causing widespread blackouts. The whiplash crises warn of what's to come in a warming world, experts say.

Texas Blackouts In Polar Vortex Echo California Wildfires - Bloomberg

Texas Blackouts In Polar Vortex Echo California Wildfires - Bloomberg: Both emergencies have a lot in common, including a lack of cheap or easy solutions.

Third of UK’s Emission-Free Hydrogen Needs Could be Met by Nuclear Power by 2050 - Bloomberg

Third of UK’s Emission-Free Hydrogen Needs Could be Met by Nuclear Power by 2050 - Bloomberg: As much as one-third of the U.K.’s emissions-free hydrogen requirements could be produced by nuclear power by 2050, according to the Nuclear Industry Council.

Texas blackouts show power grid needs to rely on coal, gas and nuclear energy

Texas blackouts show power grid needs to rely on coal, gas and nuclear energy: Wind and solar can certainly contribute to the nation’s power grid. But smart future planning dictates that coal, natural gas, and nuclear power will still be needed to help with the heavy lifting during uncooperative weather.

R&D For Nuclear Propulsion In Space Called Urgent - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

R&D For Nuclear Propulsion In Space Called Urgent - 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.

Bulgaria To Study NuScale SMR Option - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Bulgaria To Study NuScale SMR Option - 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.

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

PG&E knew old power line parts had ‘severe wear’ | abc10.com

PG&E knew old power line parts had ‘severe wear’ | abc10.com: Evidence used to convict PG&E of the 2018 Camp Fire shows the company knew old parts needed replacing, but tried to show they could last longer.

Russia Will Never See the United States the Same Way Again | Foreign Affairs

Russia Will Never See the United States the Same Way Again | Foreign Affairs: After Trump, Washington must work through allies to influence Moscow.

‘Positive signals’ needed to save JCPOA, Merkel tells Rouhani | Nuclear Energy News | Al Jazeera

‘Positive signals’ needed to save JCPOA, Merkel tells Rouhani | Nuclear Energy News | Al Jazeera: German leader calls for diplomatic solution in call with Iran’s president, who insists on ending of US sanctions.

America Is (Sort of) Back by Shlomo Ben-Ami - Project Syndicate

America Is (Sort of) Back by Shlomo Ben-Ami - Project Syndicate: From its botched pandemic response to the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, America’s political dysfunction has lately been on stark display. And that is only one obstacle President Joe Biden's administration faces in pursuing a robust foreign policy.

Texas Power Outages to Drag Into Third Day as Deep Freeze Persists - WSJ

Texas Power Outages to Drag Into Third Day as Deep Freeze Persists - WSJ: Gov. Greg Abbott called for an investigation into what caused a failure of the state’s power supplies, after blackouts sparked a health emergency.

Fukushima spillage raises questions about threat of future earthquakes : International : News : The Hankyoreh

Fukushima spillage raises questions about threat of future earthquakes : International : News : The Hankyoreh: S. Korean experts note “large vibrations” relative to earthquake’s 7.3 scale, stress need to prepare for possibility of “compound disaster”

Lithuania sees red, EU nuke team checks Rosatom-built Belarus plant | New Europe

Lithuania sees red, EU nuke team checks Rosatom-built Belarus plant | New Europe: European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group ENSREG has just visited Belarus in order to complete a report that summarises the first stage of peer review of Belarus’s National Action Plan. The controversial Ostrovets nuclear plant in Belarus, built by Russian state atomic energy corporation Rosatom,

LANL looks to reduce risks of volatile waste | Local News | santafenewmexican.com

LANL looks to reduce risks of volatile waste | Local News | santafenewmexican.com: The lab is responding to a report in October by the federal Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, which found the lab had failed to analyze chemicals present in hundreds of

Beyond Nuclear appeals NRC decision in Texas CISF licensing proceeding -- ANS / Newswire

Beyond Nuclear appeals NRC decision in Texas CISF licensing proceeding -- ANS / Newswire

A rare look at South Dakota’s first and only nuclear power plant called Pathfinder | KELOLAND.com

A rare look at South Dakota’s first and only nuclear power plant called Pathfinder | KELOLAND.com: Right now about 25 percent of the power we use in our homes in South Dakota is generated by two nuclear power plants in Minnesota.

Regulatory Harmonization: An Upcoming Hurdle for SMRs? | Greentech Media

Regulatory Harmonization: An Upcoming Hurdle for SMRs? | Greentech Media: Nuclear developers may have problems selling small modular reactors abroad.

Iran set to restrict IAEA access to nuclear sites : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

Iran set to restrict IAEA access to nuclear sites : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that it will stop implementing ‘voluntary transparency measures’ under the 2015 nuclear deal. Specifically, Tehran says it will halt snap nuclear inspections outside of its declared sites as of 23 February.

Viewpoint: Japan needs nuclear power to reduce its energy plight : Perspectives - World Nuclear News

Viewpoint: Japan needs nuclear power to reduce its energy plight : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: The harsh winter at the turn of 2021 has made the case for nuclear power stronger than ever, writes Masakazu Toyoda, CEO and chairman of the Institute of Energy Economics in Japan.

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.

U.S. deep freeze prompts natural-gas rally, and uranium prices melt up - MarketWatch

U.S. deep freeze prompts natural-gas rally, and uranium prices melt up - MarketWatch: Winter storms in parts of the south and central U.S. have led to a surge in the need for power, rallying prices for natural gas as traders look toward a rise...

ENERGY TRANSITIONS: Texas grid collapse points to looming climate tests -- Wednesday, February 17, 2021 -- www.eenews.net

ENERGY TRANSITIONS: Texas grid collapse points to looming climate tests -- Wednesday, February 17, 2021 -- www.eenews.net: The power grid in Texas nearly melted down during a heat wave in 2019. Now a deep freeze is causing widespread blackouts. The whiplash crises warn of what's to come in a warming world, experts say.

U.S. Power Crisis Leaves Millions Cold, Dark as Blackouts Expand - The Washington Post

U.S. Power Crisis Leaves Millions Cold, Dark as Blackouts Expand - The Washington Post: The energy crisis crippling power grids across the U.S. showed no sign of abating on Tuesday morning as blackouts left almost 5 million customers without electricity during unprecedented cold weather.

A Glimpse of America’s Future: Climate Change Means Trouble for Power Grids - The New York Times

A Glimpse of America’s Future: Climate Change Means Trouble for Power Grids - The New York Times: Systems are designed to handle spikes in demand, but the wild and unpredictable weather linked to global warming will very likely push grids beyond their limits.

The Largest-Ever Opinion Poll on Climate… | The Breakthrough Institute

The Largest-Ever Opinion Poll on Climate… | The Breakthrough Institute: A new climate opinion survey by the United Nations Development Program and Oxford University may be one of the worst. Here's why.

The atmospheric setup behind a deadly Arctic outbreak | Boston.com

The atmospheric setup behind a deadly Arctic outbreak | Boston.com

Grid Resiliency | Utility Dive

Grid Resiliency | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

FERC, NERC to investigate mass outages across ERCOT, SPP, MISO | Utility Dive

FERC, NERC to investigate mass outages across ERCOT, SPP, MISO | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Setting a Course Away from the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile - War on the Rocks

Setting a Course Away from the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile - War on the Rocks: As the new administration reassesses U.S. nuclear policy, it will be forced to make decisions about the future of the country’s ground-based,

East China Sea: how China and Japan can begin to resolve the Diaoyu Islands dispute | South China Morning Post

East China Sea: how China and Japan can begin to resolve the Diaoyu Islands dispute | South China Morning Post: Japan should acknowledge there is a legitimate sovereignty dispute, and that the features cannot be used to justify exclusive economic zone or continental shelf claims. In exchange, China could tacitly accept Japan’s temporary administration of the features.

IEA report on India sidelines nuclear - Nuclear Engineering International

IEA report on India sidelines nuclear - Nuclear Engineering International: A recent 251-page report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) - India Energy Outlook 2021- focuses on renewables, gas, coal and bioenergy, with barely a mention of nuclear power outside the figures and tables.In the foreward, Executive...

Think-Tank To Explore How Nuclear Can Play Its Part :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

Think-Tank To Explore How Nuclear Can Play Its Part :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: A London-based pro-nuclear think-tank is launching an initiative to explore how nuclear science and technology can help achieve the 17 UN sustainable development goals by the target date of 2030.

New Nuclear Watch Institute
(NNWI) said the ‘Yes to Nuclear Perspectives’ initiative is backed by Belgium-based nuclear consultancy Nuclear-21, the Nuclear Innovation Alliance and World Nuclear Transport Institute.

The sustainable development goals were set by the UN general assembly in 2015, the same year that COP21 led to the signing of the Paris climate agreement by almost 200 countries.

Storage site near Chernobyl to house Ukraine's nuclear waste | Daily Sabah

Storage site near Chernobyl to house Ukraine's nuclear waste | Daily Sabah: A modern storage site to house Ukraine's spent nuclear fuel is set to go into operation in July near the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant,...

Montana considers nuclear option for Colstrip power plant | Energy News Network

Montana considers nuclear option for Colstrip power plant | Energy News Network: NUCLEAR: Two Montana bills focused on nuclear power pass their committees, one approving a feasibility study on replacing the Colstrip power plant’s coal-fired boilers with small nuclear reactors. (Montana Standard, S&P Global)  OIL & GAS: • An appeals court stops the construction of a $2 billion-plus ConocoPhillips oil project on Alaska’s North Slope. (Anchorage Daily […]

IAEA Assists Armenia to Strengthen its National Nuclear Legal Framework | IAEA

IAEA Assists Armenia to Strengthen its National Nuclear Legal Framework | IAEA: Senior officials from Armenia recently attended a virtual IAEA seminar to assist the country in bringing its national nuclear legal framework in line with the relevant international legal instruments on nuclear safety, security, safeguards and civil liability for nuclear damage.

Joint venture formed to spur SMR deployment in Sweden : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Joint venture formed to spur SMR deployment in Sweden : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Uniper Sweden, LeadCold and the Royal Institute of Technology are collaborating to explore the possibility of constructing a demonstration LeadCold SEALER lead-cooled small modular reactor at Sweden's Oskarshamn plant site by 2030. The partners have also applied for funding towards building a non-nuclear prototype at Oskarshamn for testing and verifying materials and technology.

Brazil’s Angra 3 nuclear reactor: a political undertaking, not a common good - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Brazil’s Angra 3 nuclear reactor: a political undertaking, not a common good - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Why is Brazil planning to resume work on a nuclear reactor mothballed for decades? The answer has more to do with politics than with electricity needs.

Advanced Nuclear Backers See Opening for Low-Carbon Source (1)

Advanced Nuclear Backers See Opening for Low-Carbon Source (1): The U.S. will need to accelerate deployment of low-carbon advanced nuclear technologies to meet President Joe Biden’s goal of putting the U.S. on a path of net-zero emissions by 2050, according to a report released Tuesday.

Plant as superhero during nuclear power plant accidents | EurekAlert! Science News

Plant as superhero during nuclear power plant accidents | EurekAlert! Science News: A collaborative study by a group of scientists from Iwate University, The University of Tokyo and Shimane University, Japan demonstrated for the first time that two ATP binding cassette proteins ABCG33 and ABCG37 function as potassium-independent cesium uptake carriers.

Grid manager says Texas power situation to improve today

Grid manager says Texas power situation to improve today: CenterPoint Energy and the state's grid manager said the power situation appears to be...

PREVIEW: The history of South Dakota’s first and only nuclear power plant | KELOLAND.com

PREVIEW: The history of South Dakota’s first and only nuclear power plant | KELOLAND.com

A rare look at South Dakota’s first and only nuclear power plant called Pathfinder | KELOLAND.com

A rare look at South Dakota’s first and only nuclear power plant called Pathfinder | KELOLAND.com: Right now about 25 percent of the power we use in our homes in South Dakota is generated by two nuclear power plants in Minnesota.

Blackouts Hit 13 States Beyond Texas in Deepening Power Crisis | Newsmax.com

Blackouts Hit 13 States Beyond Texas in Deepening Power Crisis | Newsmax.com: Blackouts are spreading across the central U.S. as an energy crisis that has already brought Texas's power grid to its knees deepens.The Southwest Power Pool, which controls a power grid spanning 14 states from North Dakota to Oklahoma, ordered utilities to start rotating...

Texas’ power grid crumples under the cold | Ars Technica

Texas’ power grid crumples under the cold | Ars Technica: Competition for natural gas and frozen wind turbines are only some of the problems.

The Reason Why A Lot Of People Are Leaving San Francisco Might Surprise You | End Of The American Dream

The Reason Why A Lot Of People Are Leaving San Francisco Might Surprise You | End Of The American Dream: Over the past year we have seen a mass exodus from major cities along the west coast, but what is happening to San Francisco is particularly sad.  Once upon a time, San Francisco was one of the most beautiful cities on the entire planet.  There is so much culture there, and the rolling hills make it

Leading Think Tanks Release Strategy for Development of Advanced Nuclear Energy in the United States | NIA

Leading Think Tanks Release Strategy for Development of Advanced Nuclear Energy in the United States | NIA: WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 16, 2021) – Today the Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA) and Partnership for Global Security (PGS) released a joint report defining a comprehensive strategy for the U.S. to become the global leader in advanced nuclear power.

IAEA notified of Iran’s decision on Additional Protocol

IAEA notified of Iran’s decision on Additional Protocol: The International Atomic Energy Agency’s director general has been handed a letter about Iran’s decision to suspend the voluntary implementation of the

More Nukes Is Good Nukes: Congress Puts $1.5 Billion Into Nuclear In Green Energy Bid – Free Press of Jacksonville

More Nukes Is Good Nukes: Congress Puts $1.5 Billion Into Nuclear In Green Energy Bid – Free Press of Jacksonville

Historic winter storm freezes Texas wind turbines

Historic winter storm freezes Texas wind turbines: Texas grid operators urge conservation as frozen wind turbines freeze up electric generation.

For members: TVA could test new nuclear reactors in Oak Ridge - Oak Ridge Today

For members: TVA could test new nuclear reactors in Oak Ridge - Oak Ridge Today: The Tennessee Valley Authority could use the potential nuclear reactor site in west Oak Ridge to test new reactors and nuclear technologies.The rest of this story is available if you are a member: a subscriber, advertiser, or contributor to Oak Ridge Today.Already a member? Great! Thank you! Sign in here.Not a member? No problem! Subscribe […]

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.

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.

Op-Ed: What opponents of nuclear energy do not tell you

Op-Ed: What opponents of nuclear energy do not tell you: South Africa's recent spate of anti-nuclear media coverage coincides with national energy regulator, NERSA’s, public consultation process on the procurement of 2,500MW of nuclear energy.

Monday, February 15, 2021

The United States would be more secure without new intercontinental ballistic missiles - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

The United States would be more secure without new intercontinental ballistic missiles - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: There are strong arguments to be made against building new US intercontinental ballistic missiles, on the basis of their cost, their vulnerability, and the contribution of their launch-on-warning posture to the danger of accidental nuclear war. This piece lays out those arguments and points out that, if Congress is unable to make a decision on eliminating US ICBMs in the next few years, the life of existing Minuteman III missiles could be extended to 2060 at a much lower cost than the new ICBM.