Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, February 27, 2021

The cold truth on energy | TheHill

The cold truth on energy | TheHill: The cold truth is that families will be forced to pay the price of our country’s decision to eliminate reliable energy options from our grid. Now more than ever we see the importance of having all options at our disposal.

Brazil launches tender to resume Angra 3 nuclear plant works - BNamericas

Brazil launches tender to resume Angra 3 nuclear plant works - BNamericas: Concluding the 1,405MW plant is expected to require around US$5.4bn, according to Eletronuclear.

Poland to pinpoint nuclear plant location next year – The First News

Poland to pinpoint nuclear plant location next year – The First News: Poland is planning to select the technology for its first nuclear power plant (NPP) in 2021 and to choose its location in 2022, the climate minister has announced.

Viewpoint: Sweden must reconsider its nuclear policy : Perspectives - World Nuclear News

Viewpoint: Sweden must reconsider its nuclear policy : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: Once a poster child for environmentalism, Sweden has now embarked on a retroactive and harmful journey, write Sama Bilbao y Léon, director general, and John Lindberg, public affairs manager, at World Nuclear Association. The following is a translation from Swedish of their article Sverige bör ompröva sin kärnkraftspolitik published by Dagens Industri on 18 February.

Fukushima disaster: Is TEPCO nuclear plant still a safety risk? | Asia| An in-depth look at news from across the continent | DW | 26.02.2021

Fukushima disaster: Is TEPCO nuclear plant still a safety risk? | Asia| An in-depth look at news from across the continent | DW | 26.02.2021: Ten years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the Tokyo Electric Power Co. has been criticized for failing to learn safety lessons.

Why does Japan still have so many nuclear power plants? - CSMonitor.com

Why does Japan still have so many nuclear power plants? - CSMonitor.com: Ten years after the Fukushima disaster, the country needs the energy source to bridge to a greener future.

Bill Gates: Nuclear Power Will Be Needed For Cleaner Energy | OilPrice.com

Bill Gates: Nuclear Power Will Be Needed For Cleaner Energy | OilPrice.com: Nuclear power generation is necessary for the world to have cleaner energy solutions, although nuclear has yet to convince naysayers who generally associate it with Chernobyl or nuclear weapons, according to Bill Gates

After Years of Turmoil, PG&E Looks to New Playbook - Natural Gas Intelligence

After Years of Turmoil, PG&E Looks to New Playbook - Natural Gas Intelligence: Although still under sporadic criticism from regulators, legislators and customers, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) and parent company PG&E

Lawsuit Reveals New Allegations Against PG&E Contractor Accused of Fraud — ProPublica

Lawsuit Reveals New Allegations Against PG&E Contractor Accused of Fraud — ProPublica: Former PG&E employees are accused of taking bribes to funnel business to a waste-hauling company.

California proposes enhanced oversight of PG&E as concerns rise over wildfire mitigation | Utility Dive

California proposes enhanced oversight of PG&E as concerns rise over wildfire mitigation | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Key lesson for California utilities from Texas: Be proactive | KCRW

Key lesson for California utilities from Texas: Be proactive | KCRW: On the heels of devastating storms and collapse of the power grid in Texas, the question for Californians is: Are there key takeaways from that debacle that can be applied in the region here?

Power Plays: The Bipartisan Origins of Energy Deregulation - CounterPunch.org

Power Plays: The Bipartisan Origins of Energy Deregulation - CounterPunch.org: Shortly after Sen. John Kerry sewed up the delegates needed to seize the Democratic nomination for president in the spring of 2004, he huddled for two hours with James Hoffa, Jr., the boss of the Teamsters union. The topic was oil. The Teamsters wanted more of it at cheaper prices. They had suspicions about Kerry. More

Iran to disable IAEA cameras if sanctions not lifted in 3 months: AEOI chief

Iran to disable IAEA cameras if sanctions not lifted in 3 months: AEOI chief: Cameras installed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at the Iranian nuclear sites will be disabled if sanctions are not removed in three

Biden’s New Energy Secretary Eyes Big Investment to Boost Clean Technologies, Harden Electric Grid - WSJ

Biden’s New Energy Secretary Eyes Big Investment to Boost Clean Technologies, Harden Electric Grid - WSJ: Newly confirmed Biden cabinet member Jennifer Granholm looks to reinvigorate a $40 billion energy loan program left untouched under the Trump administration.

FERC to examine potential market violations in wake of massive Texas power outages | Utility Dive

FERC to examine potential market violations in wake of massive Texas power outages | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

FERC gives preliminary permit to 2.2 GW storage project that would use Navajo coal plant power lines | Utility Dive

FERC gives preliminary permit to 2.2 GW storage project that would use Navajo coal plant power lines | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Who should pay to fix the electric grid? — Quartz

Who should pay to fix the electric grid? — Quartz: A cleaner, more resilient electric grid will help consumers avoid billion-dollar bills.

Atlantic Ocean circulation at weakest in a millennium, say scientists | Environment | The Guardian

Atlantic Ocean circulation at weakest in a millennium, say scientists | Environment | The Guardian: Decline in system underpinning Gulf Stream could lead to more extreme weather in Europe and higher sea levels on US east coast

The Oil Industry Is Ready To Fight President Biden In Court | naked capitalism

The Oil Industry Is Ready To Fight President Biden In Court | naked capitalism: The oil industry is ready to brawl to keep the Biden Administration from halting new Federal energy and mineral leases.

Friday, February 26, 2021

A More Responsible Digital Surveillance Future – Federation Of American Scientists

A More Responsible Digital Surveillance Future – Federation Of American Scientists: Science for a safer, more informed world.

Foreign commercial banks: The essential partner in future discussions of the Iran nuclear deal - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Foreign commercial banks: The essential partner in future discussions of the Iran nuclear deal - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Before any serious discussions of a renewed Iran nuclear deal get underway, international commercial banking interests (not just government finance ministers) must be given an opportunity to provide substantive input—because, as a practical matter, these private enterprises will have the final say as to how much sanctions relief Iran effectively receives.

ICBM Information Project – Federation Of American Scientists

ICBM Information Project – Federation Of American Scientists: Science for a safer, more informed world.

China’s Expanding Missile Training Area: More Silos, Tunnels, and Support Facilities – Federation Of American Scientists

China’s Expanding Missile Training Area: More Silos, Tunnels, and Support Facilities – Federation Of American Scientists: Science for a safer, more informed world.

EIG Article : Polarization vs. Reform in US Power Sector

EIG Article : Polarization vs. Reform in US Power Sector

Israel Getting Ready to ‘Take Action’ to Stop Iran From Going Nuclear, Defence Minister Says - Sputnik International

Israel Getting Ready to ‘Take Action’ to Stop Iran From Going Nuclear, Defence Minister Says - Sputnik International: Joe Biden’s campaign promise to get the US back into the Iran nuclear deal has yet to bear fruit, with Washington demanding that Tehran reduce its enrichment activities...

The Nuclear Deal Disintegrates While Biden Dawdles | The American Conservative

The Nuclear Deal Disintegrates While Biden Dawdles | The American Conservative: Moving to censure Iran at the IAEA is the wrong move at the worst time.

Iran threatens to end deal with IAEA over U.S.-led push to criticize it | Reuters

Iran threatens to end deal with IAEA over U.S.-led push to criticize it | Reuters: Iran is threatening to end a deal struck with the U.N. nuclear watchdog last weekend temporarily salvaging much monitoring of its activities if the agency's board endorses a U.S.-led push to criticise Tehran next week, an Iranian position paper shows.

原発事故10年 福島第一原発 各号機の現状は|NHK原発特設サイト

原発事故10年 福島第一原発 各号機の現状は|NHK原発特設サイト: 【NHK】東京電力福島第一原発事故から10年。世界最悪レベルの事故を起こした原発はいま、どうなっているのか。1号機 2号機 3号機 4号機 5号機 6号機のそれぞれの現状は。

US agrees in principle to S Korea’s partial release of Iran’s assets: Report

US agrees in principle to S Korea’s partial release of Iran’s assets: Report: The United States has reportedly agreed in principle to partial release of some $7 billion in Iranian assets that South Korean banks have frozen in line

National Academies call on Congress to address 'persistent under-investment in electric innovation' | Utility Dive

National Academies call on Congress to address 'persistent under-investment in electric innovation' | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Utilities need to harden the grid as they green it. Consumers aren't ready for the cost | Utility Dive

Utilities need to harden the grid as they green it. Consumers aren't ready for the cost | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

California proposes enhanced oversight of PG&E as concerns rise over wildfire mitigation | Utility Dive

California proposes enhanced oversight of PG&E as concerns rise over wildfire mitigation | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Fukushima Update February 26, 2021

Fukushima Update February 26, 2021 - The IAEA offers to assist in the disposal of F. Daiichi wastewater... F. Daiichi’s decontamination waste disposal cost will be $3.7 billion... Fukushima’s recovery is largely unknown outside the Prefecture... Tepco has moved four damaged F. Daiichi unit #3 fuel assemblies from the spent fuel pool... Saturday’s powerful earthquake caused a Fukushima resident’s death... Two seismometers installed at F. Daiichi unit #3 failed before the quake... Water levels inside F. Daiichi units #1 and #3 containments dropped during the recent quake... The quake caused 53 F. Daiichi wastewater tanks to shift locations... Black rockfish are caught with radioactive Cesium five times above Japan’s limits... About 75% of Fukushima residents say the work at F. Daiichi is not promising... Nuclear energy will remain a major part of Japan’s effort to reduce greenhouse gasses. https://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

Fluor: Engineering with a Nuclear Twist

Fluor: Engineering with a Nuclear Twist: Renewables are essential and will play a growing role in addressing the existential need to sharply cut reliance on fossil fuels, asserts Stephen Leeb, growth stock expert and editor of Investing Daily's The Complete Investor.

Edison International Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2020 Results | Business Wire

Edison International Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2020 Results | Business Wire: Edison International (NYSE: EIX) today reported fourth quarter 2020 net income of $526 million, or $1.39 per share, compared to net income of $143 mil

Lawsuit looks to block dismantlement of Southern California's San Onofre nuclear plant | National | heraldmailmedia.com

Lawsuit looks to block dismantlement of Southern California's San Onofre nuclear plant | National | heraldmailmedia.com: SAN DIEGO — An advocacy group based in Del Mar is taking the California Coastal Commission to court, looking to stop the dismantlement work underway at the now-shuttered San Onofre

PECO parent Exelon Corp. to split into two companies - Philadelphia Business Journal

PECO parent Exelon Corp. to split into two companies - Philadelphia Business Journal: Pending approvals, the split would occur in the first quarter of 2022.

Possibility of an alliance in Sino-Russian Relations - Modern Diplomacy

Possibility of an alliance in Sino-Russian Relations - Modern Diplomacy: The defense ministers’ meeting of NATO member states was held in video format a few days ago (17/2/2021). During the period, the discussion focused on the topic of “China-Russia threat” and believed that a “global approach” should be adopted to curb China-Russia expansion.” At the same time, this meeting also attracted widespread attention from outsiders. […]

More missiles, dispersed forces are key to stopping Chinese invasion of Taiwan, says former US Navy official

More missiles, dispersed forces are key to stopping Chinese invasion of Taiwan, says former US Navy official: A former submarine warfare officer warns two missile types will not be delivered in sufficient numbers under current U.S. procurements plans to defeat any attempted landing operation by China’s People’s Liberation Army across the Taiwan Strait.

Nuclearelectrica expects to make FID for Cernavoda in 2024 : Corporate - World Nuclear News

Nuclearelectrica expects to make FID for Cernavoda in 2024 : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Cosmin Ghită, CEO of Romanian utility Nuclearelectrica, says a final investment decision for the Cernavoda nuclear power plant expansion project is expected in 2024, with commissioning of unit 3 planned within the next 10 years. According to Agerpres, Ghită told a conference on 23 February that Nuclearelectrica will present a proposal to start the project at its next annual general meeting of shareholders.

Let's Talk Nuclear - Features - The Chemical Engineer

Let's Talk Nuclear - Features - The Chemical Engineer

Virginia issues strategic plan for nuclear energy : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

Virginia issues strategic plan for nuclear energy : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Virginia's nuclear industry will focus on four key areas of advanced generation technologies, economic development, workforce education, and research and development in order to help meet its carbon-free goals, according to a newly released strategic plan which has been drawn up at the direction of the Virginia government.

Reports Envision a Leading Role for Nuclear in this Administration | Hogan Lovells - JDSupra

Reports Envision a Leading Role for Nuclear in this Administration | Hogan Lovells - JDSupra: On February 16, the Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA) and the Partnership for Global Security (PGS) issued a report to help guide the Biden Administration in its support of nuclear...

[Salon] The Many Flaws of U.S. Nuclear Policy - micheletkearney@gmail.com - Gmail

[Salon] The Many Flaws of U.S. Nuclear Policy - micheletkearney@gmail.com - Gmail: Google's approach to email

Secretive Israeli nuclear facility undergoes major project, satellite images show - Israel News - Haaretz.com

Secretive Israeli nuclear facility undergoes major project, satellite images show - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Digging, concrete pads seen around the nuclear research center in Dimona – possibly to retrofit its aging reactor – but the reasons remain unclear

A little acknowledged clause may be main obstacle to revival of Iran nuclear accord

A little acknowledged clause may be main obstacle to revival of Iran nuclear accord: A little acknowledged provision of the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program explains jockeying by the United Sta...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

To Prevent Blackouts From Happening Again, Texas Should Go Nuclear

To Prevent Blackouts From Happening Again, Texas Should Go Nuclear: No outage would have occurred if a fraction of the total Texas wind capacity had instead been properly winterized natural gas turbines and nuclear plants.

Texas nuclear plant was just 3 minutes away from going completely off-line during blackout - Raw Story - Celebrating 16 Years of Independent Journalism

Texas nuclear plant was just 3 minutes away from going completely off-line during blackout - Raw Story - Celebrating 16 Years of Independent Journalism: The hearing in the Texas legislature about the power crisis revealed a number of previously unknown issues that power plants faced during the blackout. A Wall Street Journal reporter noted that the most shocking thing said in the hearing was that Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, outside of Fort Wo...

California fire victims sue former PG&E executives, allege neglect - Axios

California fire victims sue former PG&E executives, allege neglect - Axios: The suit alleges the former executives neglected to ensure the equipment would not kill people.

Victims fund sues 22 former PG&E officials over 2017-2018 wildfires - wants more money

Victims fund sues 22 former PG&E officials over 2017-2018 wildfires - wants more money

Wildfire victims sue former PG&E execs for ‘massive dereliction of duty’ - MarketWatch

Wildfire victims sue former PG&E execs for ‘massive dereliction of duty’ - MarketWatch: A trust representing more than 80,000 victims of deadly wildfires ignited by Pacific Gas and Electric’s rickety electrical grid is suing nearly two dozen of...

California wildfire victims sue former PG&E execs | Seeking Alpha

California wildfire victims sue former PG&E execs | Seeking Alpha: A trust representing more than 80K victims of deadly California wildfires ignited by PG&E's (PCG) electrical grid is suing nearly two dozen of the utility's former executives...

How Generation Played a Role in the ERCOT Cold Snap — Yes Energy

How Generation Played a Role in the ERCOT Cold Snap — Yes Energy: Dive into the generation side of the ERCOT cold snap story! Learn what Live Power and Yes Energy data were telling us about this historic event, in real-time.

DOE Issues Draft Request for Proposal for Integrated Tank Disposition Contract at the Hanford Site | Department of Energy

DOE Issues Draft Request for Proposal for Integrated Tank Disposition Contract at the Hanford Site | Department of Energy: DOE Issues Draft Request for Proposal for Integrated Tank Disposition Contract at the Hanford Site

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire February 25, 2021

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire February 25, 2021 Senate Confirms Granholm as Secretary of Energy This afternoon the U.S. Senate confirmed former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to be Secretary of Energy. Granholm will be the 16th leader of the Department of Energy since its inception. She will be the second woman confirmed to lead the agency.

Ministry Extends Construction Licence For Delayed Shin-Hanul Units :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency

Ministry Extends Construction Licence For Delayed Shin-Hanul Units :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: South Korea’s energy ministry has extended the validity of the construction licence for Units 3 and 4 at the Shin-Hanul nuclear power station in the southeast of the country by two years until the end of 2023.

The original licence for the two APR1400 units was due to expire later this week, but the project was suspended in 2017 as part of the country’s nuclear phaseout programme.

Under legislation, if a construction plan is not approved within four years of a licence being granted, the licence can be cancelled. The deadline for Shin-Hanul-3 and -4 project is 26 February, Business Korea reported.

EIG Article : It Wasn't the Wind That Failed Texas

EIG Article : It Wasn't the Wind That Failed Texas

Amid Blackouts, Texas Scrapped Its Power Market and Raised Prices. It Didn’t Work. - WSJ

Amid Blackouts, Texas Scrapped Its Power Market and Raised Prices. It Didn’t Work. - WSJ: The Texas Public Utility Commission voted to raise power prices, hoping it would spur more generation during blackouts. Retail power providers say all it did was generate billions in added bills.

Texas Electric Bills Were $28 Billion Higher Under Deregulation - WSJ

Texas Electric Bills Were $28 Billion Higher Under Deregulation - WSJ: Texas’s deregulated electricity market left millions in the dark last week. For the past 20 years, its consumers have paid more for their electricity than state residents who are served by traditional utilities, a WSJ investigation found.

North Anna quake safety questioned | News | thecentralvirginian.com

North Anna quake safety questioned | News | thecentralvirginian.com: As Dominion Energy pushes to extend North Anna Power Station’s lifespan for another 20 years, critics are calling for a more thorough study of how the plant can withstand a

Oyster Creek Generating Station Spent Nuclear Fuel Moved to Dry Storage | The SandPaper

Oyster Creek Generating Station Spent Nuclear Fuel Moved to Dry Storage | The SandPaper: A vertical cask transporter moves spent fuel at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station site in Lacey Township. (Supplied Photo) A planned Nuclear

Reports Envision a Leading Role for Nuclear in this Administration | Hogan Lovells - JDSupra

Reports Envision a Leading Role for Nuclear in this Administration | Hogan Lovells - JDSupra: On February 16, the Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA) and the Partnership for Global Security (PGS) issued a report to help guide the Biden Administration in its support of nuclear...

GE Hitachi makes headway on SMR design in the U.S. | WilmingtonBiz

GE Hitachi makes headway on SMR design in the U.S. | WilmingtonBiz: Wilmington-based GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy has made further progress on its work to license its smal

How We Keep the Grid Reliable in New York - NYISO | Energy Central

How We Keep the Grid Reliable in New York - NYISO | Energy Central: As a consumer, and former employee of an ISO familiar with capacity markets, I completely agree with NYISO. I'll take reliable grid electricity at the cost of a few dollars per month for capacity payments over scarcity pricing, like they have in Texas charging consumers $17,000 for 3 days of electricity (that's the effect of scarcity pricing), every day of the week. Properly

ERCOT Report on Cold Weather Event 2021; BOD Presentation 2-24-2021 | Energy Central

ERCOT Report on Cold Weather Event 2021; BOD Presentation 2-24-2021 | Energy Central: The Texas Grid was less than 5 minutes from a potentially catastrophic collapse with a frequency below 59.4 for almost 4.5 minutes. There are some really ugly graphs in the linked presentation below, presented by ERCOT Senior Management to the BOD on 2/24/2021. This is further evidence that Scarcity pricing is an economists dream and a grid operators nightmare! And now some

Final+ECA+Transition+Paper+-+Roadmap+for+DOE+to+Successfully+Engage+with+Local+Communities.pdf

Final+ECA+Transition+Paper+-+Roadmap+for+DOE+to+Successfully+Engage+with+Local+Communities.pdf

French regulator approves 50-year operation of 900 MWe reactors : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

French regulator approves 50-year operation of 900 MWe reactors : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: France's nuclear safety regulator, the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire, has set the conditions for the continued operation of EDF's 900 MWe reactors beyond 40 years. The regulator said it considers the measures planned by EDF combined with those prescribed by ASN will ensure the safety of the units for a further 10 years of operation.

Exelon splits utility and generation units : Corporate - World Nuclear News

Exelon splits utility and generation units : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Exelon Corporation plans to separate its regulated utility and competitive energy businesses into two publicly traded companies, creating the USA's biggest fully regulated transmission and distribution utility, as well as its largest carbon-free power producer.

Nuclearelectrica expects to make FID for Cernavoda in 2024 : Corporate - World Nuclear News

Nuclearelectrica expects to make FID for Cernavoda in 2024 : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Cosmin Ghită, CEO of Romanian utility Nuclearelectrica, says a final investment decision for the Cernavoda nuclear power plant expansion project is expected in 2024, with commissioning of unit 3 planned within the next 10 years. According to Agerpres, Ghită told a conference on 23 February that Nuclearelectrica will present a proposal to start the project at its next annual general meeting of shareholders.

Virginia issues strategic plan for nuclear energy : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

Virginia issues strategic plan for nuclear energy : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Virginia's nuclear industry will focus on four key areas of advanced generation technologies, economic development, workforce education, and research and development in order to help meet its carbon-free goals, according to a newly released strategic plan which has been drawn up at the direction of the Virginia government.

Does Australia need Nuclear-Powered Submarines and a Nuclear-Power Sector? - Future Directions International

Does Australia need Nuclear-Powered Submarines and a Nuclear-Power Sector? - Future Directions International: In light of Australia’s climate commitments, the creation of a nuclear-power sector ought to be revisited. The sector could potentially provide much of the foundational skills required to maintain and operate a nuclear-powered submarine fleet that could enhance Australia’s defence several-fold.

Nuclear-Powered Rockets Could Be The Best Option For Bringing Humans To Mars : NPR

Nuclear-Powered Rockets Could Be The Best Option For Bringing Humans To Mars : NPR: Nuclear rocket technology might be the fastest, safest way to get to the red planet. But if NASA wants to go, it should start development now.

It may be time to reconsider nuclear energy options | Forum | bayjournal.com

It may be time to reconsider nuclear energy options | Forum | bayjournal.com: In his opinion column, Where solar arrays shouldn’t go is as critical as where they do go, (December 2020), Lee Epstein states that we should take care to only locate

France to extend lifetime of old nuclear power plants, World News | wionews.com

France to extend lifetime of old nuclear power plants, World News | wionews.com: French safety officials on Thursday gave the green light to extend the lifetime of the country's oldest of nuclear power plants as it seeks to boost the share of renewables in its power mix. Nuclear energy currently provides nearly 70 percent of French electricity, more than in any other country. France, hoping to reduce that share to 50 percent by 2035 -- a target pushed back from an earlier 2025 date -- with the help of renewables, has been holding off from building new reactors.

Former SC utility CEO pleads guilty to nuclear plant fraud - ABC News

Former SC utility CEO pleads guilty to nuclear plant fraud - ABC News: The utility executive who spent billions of dollars on two South Carolina nuclear plants that never generated a single watt of power pleaded guilty in two courts Wednesday

PODCAST: What role does nuclear power play in the energy transition? | ICIS

PODCAST: What role does nuclear power play in the energy transition? | ICIS

Bill Gates: Nuclear power will 'absolutely' be politically acceptable

Bill Gates: Nuclear power will 'absolutely' be politically acceptable: Bill Gates says nuclear power will "absolutely" be politically palatable again. It's safer than oil, coal, and natural gas and technology is improving.

Could Nuclear Power Aid In Travel To Mars? : NPR

Could Nuclear Power Aid In Travel To Mars? : NPR: Nuclear power is potentially dangerous. So is sending humans to Mars. But some researchers think a nuclear-powered rocket might be the best way to travel to the red planet.

Could Nuclear Power Aid In Travel To Mars? : NPR

Could Nuclear Power Aid In Travel To Mars? : NPR: Nuclear power is potentially dangerous. So is sending humans to Mars. But some researchers think a nuclear-powered rocket might be the best way to travel to the red planet.

California proposes procurement of 1,000 MW of geothermal capacity

California proposes procurement of 1,000 MW of geothermal capacity: A ruling by the California Public Utilities Commission proposes at least 1,000 MW of geothermal capacity for procurement? by 2025.

PG&E executive says company's power line sparked the Kincade Fire | abc10.com

PG&E executive says company's power line sparked the Kincade Fire | abc10.com: PG&E has long denied knowing whether it sparked the 2019 Kincade Fire, which injured four people and destroyed nearly 400 homes amid blackouts in Sonoma County.

Scientists see stronger evidence of slowing Atlantic Ocean circulation, an ‘Achilles’ heel’ of the climate - The Washington Post

Scientists see stronger evidence of slowing Atlantic Ocean circulation, an ‘Achilles’ heel’ of the climate - The Washington Post: The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, a system of currents, has long been considered capable of a sudden shutdown, which could have dramatic climate effects.

Israel’s expansion of Dimona nuclear site threatens global security: Iran

Israel’s expansion of Dimona nuclear site threatens global security: Iran: Iran’s permanent ambassador to the UN office in Geneva has raised the alarm at the Israeli regime’s quiet expansion of its highly-secretive Dimona nuclear

Iran wants to join Eurasian union, but will Russia allow it? - Asia Times

Iran wants to join Eurasian union, but will Russia allow it? - Asia Times: The Russia-dominated Eurasian Economic Union might soon be acquiring a new member: Iran. Boxed in because of its rivalry with other states in the Middle

California's approach to power pricing could discourage electrification, experts fear | Utility Dive

California's approach to power pricing could discourage electrification, experts fear | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

ERCOT narrowly avoided 'much more devastating' impacts as nearly half of generation went offline: CEO | Utility Dive

ERCOT narrowly avoided 'much more devastating' impacts as nearly half of generation went offline: CEO | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Exelon announces plan to spin off generation assets into second company | Utility Dive

Exelon announces plan to spin off generation assets into second company | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

Ilargi: But....Then There's the [Lithium] Math | naked capitalism

Ilargi: But....Then There's the [Lithium] Math | naked capitalism: EV fans ignores the lack of enough lithium to meet projected sales with current technology. Will the next big thing arrive soon enough?

Bruce Power Celebrates Refurbishing Record - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Bruce Power Celebrates Refurbishing Record - 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.

Biden, Climate Change, and China - TomDispatch.com

Biden, Climate Change, and China - TomDispatch.com: Slowing the pace of climate change and getting “tough” on China, especially over its human-rights abuses and unfair trade practices, are among the top priorities President Biden has announced for his new administration. Evidently, he

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

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

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

PG&E fire victims file suit against former management

PG&E fire victims file suit against former management: The wildfire victims’ lawsuit is seeking to tap into the $200 million to $400 million in liability insurance that PG&E secured for the former executives and board members, said Frank Pitr…

PG&E wildfire victim trust sues former California utility executives | The Fresno Bee

PG&E wildfire victim trust sues former California utility executives | The Fresno Bee: “They had the facts, they had the information and they buried their heads in the sand.”

Bishops voice opposition to Equality Act as Congress prepares to vote

Bishops voice opposition to Equality Act as Congress prepares to vote: Why is Church opposed to Equality Act?

REPORT: Democrats Don't Want Biden To Have Full Control Of Nuclear Weapons

REPORT: Democrats Don't Want Biden To Have Full Control Of Nuclear Weapons: According to recent reports, there are a number of Democrats who don’t want Joe Biden to have full control of America’s nuclear weapons. Do they know something the rest of us don’t? Or is it possible that they know what everyone knows, that Biden’s mental state is compromised by his advanced age? Either way, this…

Blinken: U.S. Ready to Rejoin Iran Nuclear Deal

Blinken: U.S. Ready to Rejoin Iran Nuclear Deal: The U.S. Secretary of State says Iran showed signs it was moving away from the nuclear deal.

Ten years after Fukushima: could new fuels make nuclear power safer? – Physics World

Ten years after Fukushima: could new fuels make nuclear power safer? – Physics World: Michael Allen investigates claims from academia and industry that the next generation of nuclear fuels could reduce the risk of accidents

Climate change and 'advanced nuclear' solutions | TheHill

Climate change and 'advanced nuclear' solutions | TheHill: Nuclear power is knocking on the government’s door offering solutions — the Biden platform answered by including so-called “advanced nuclear” in its list of climate options.

Will Holtec's consolidated interim storage facility be beneficial?

Will Holtec's consolidated interim storage facility be beneficial?: Used fuel storage at CISF is regulated by several US agencies

Westchester County Executive George Latimer Statement to PSC Hearing on Indian Point Transfer to Holtec

Westchester County Executive George Latimer Statement to PSC Hearing on Indian Point Transfer to Holtec

Nuclear Power’s Planned Exit from CA May Trigger Rise in Emissions and Pollution if Regulators Fail to Act Aggressively, Scientists Say – YubaNet

Nuclear Power’s Planned Exit from CA May Trigger Rise in Emissions and Pollution if Regulators Fail to Act Aggressively, Scientists Say – YubaNet: OAKLAND, Calif. February 23, 2021—With less than four years left before Diablo Canyon Power Plant near San Luis Obispo starts shutting down the state’s last two nuclear reactors, experts at the Uni…

Diablo Canyon is Shutting Down. Is California Ready? - Union of Concerned Scientists

Diablo Canyon is Shutting Down. Is California Ready? - Union of Concerned Scientists: In this moment, California’s electrical grid faces no shortage of challenges. There’s the year-round risk that utility power lines will spark wildfires, and there’s the real possibility that an extreme summer heatwave will trigger more rotating blackouts. But there’s another issue looming on the hor

Netanyahu: Israel will prevent a nuclear Iran whether or not a deal is in place | The Times of Israel

Netanyahu: Israel will prevent a nuclear Iran whether or not a deal is in place | The Times of Israel: PM issues warning after Tehran begins restricting access to IAEA inspectors, in further breach of nuke deal; top Israeli officials hold policy meeting as US seeks to reenter accord

Texas Froze by Design by James K. Galbraith - Project Syndicate

Texas Froze by Design by James K. Galbraith - Project Syndicate: In 2002, under Governor Rick Perry, Texas deregulated its electricity system and established a free market, managed by a non-profit entity, with roughly 70 providers. But while the new system worked most of the time, people need electricity all the time.

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…

Bruce Power marks first year of refurbishment project : Corporate - World Nuclear News

Bruce Power marks first year of refurbishment project : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Bruce Power's Major Component Replacement project remains on track despite a two-month delay caused by the pandemic, the company said yesterday as it marked the first anniversary of the start of work at Bruce 6.

BN-800 fast reactor has first full refuelling with MOX fuel : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News

BN-800 fast reactor has first full refuelling with MOX fuel : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: Unit 4 of the Beloyarsk nuclear power plant, Russia's BN-800 reactor, has been connected to the grid and resumed operations upon completion of scheduled maintenance. For the first time the refuelling has been carried out with uranium-plutonium fuel only.

MIT NSE: Spotlight: 2020: Toward a more secure world

MIT NSE: Spotlight: 2020: Toward a more secure world: The Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

MIT NSE: News: 2020: 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 list

MIT NSE: News: 2020: 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 list: The Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

MIT NSE: News: 2021: A nuclear battery-powered boost

MIT NSE: News: 2021: A nuclear battery-powered boost: The Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

NIH study finds that people with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies may have a low risk of future infection | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

NIH study finds that people with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies may have a low risk of future infection | National Institutes of Health (NIH): Results may explain why reinfection appears to be relatively rare.

Winterization and the Texas Blackout: Fail to Prepare? Prepare to Fail – Baker Institute Blog

Winterization and the Texas Blackout: Fail to Prepare? Prepare to Fail – Baker Institute Blog

Ukraine needs new nuclear capacity, says deputy energy minister : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

Ukraine needs new nuclear capacity, says deputy energy minister : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Ukraine's electricity grid needs the construction of new nuclear power units, Yuriy Boyko, the country's deputy energy minister said last week. Speaking to delegates at Atomic Energy: The Future of the Industry on 17 February, Boyko described the importance of at least three new units. Nuclear power plant operator Energoatom published  Boyko's comments on its website.

FERC to review grid preparedness after terminating resilience inquiry : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News

FERC to review grid preparedness after terminating resilience inquiry : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: Days after terminating a three-year investigation into the resilience of the USA's bulk power system, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has announced it will examine the threats to electric reliability posed by extreme weather and climate change. It is also investigating US wholesale natural gas and electricity market activity during last week's extreme cold weather to determine whether any market participants engaged in market manipulation or other violations.

What New Net-Zero Studies Tell Us About… | The Breakthrough Institute

What New Net-Zero Studies Tell Us About… | The Breakthrough Institute: Zeke Hausfather and Erik Olson examine three net-zero studies that take a deep-dive into how the US could reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

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.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

As Biden seeks new Iran nuclear deal, Netanyahu knows he has little say - Iran - Haaretz.com

As Biden seeks new Iran nuclear deal, Netanyahu knows he has little say - Iran - Haaretz.com: While Netanyahu urges Biden to use 'maximum pressure' on Iran, a swift International Atomic Energy Agency agreement extends the deadline for U.S., Iran negotiations

Texas Power Grid Run by ERCOT Set Up the State for Disaster - The New York Times

Texas Power Grid Run by ERCOT Set Up the State for Disaster - The New York Times: Texas has refused to join interstate electrical grids and railed against energy regulation. Now it’s having to answer to millions of residents who were left without power in last week’s snowstorm.

The Political Making of a Texas Power Outage - WSJ

The Political Making of a Texas Power Outage - WSJ: How bad energy policy led to rolling blackouts in the freezing Lone Star State.

Opinion | The Lessons of the Texas Power Disaster - The New York Times

Opinion | The Lessons of the Texas Power Disaster - The New York Times: The entire nation’s energy delivery system needs an overhaul.

'Reprocess to reuse' nuclear waste is the way forward - cnbctv18.com

'Reprocess to reuse' nuclear waste is the way forward - cnbctv18.com: Global nuclear discourse is now hinting at a profitable reprocessing marketGet latest Energy online at cnbctv18.com

Nuclear waste dump opponents press City of Ottawa to reject the upstream project at Chalk River | Ottawa Citizen

Nuclear waste dump opponents press City of Ottawa to reject the upstream project at Chalk River | Ottawa Citizen

European Council agrees Eur5.61 billion funding for ITER fusion project | S&P Global Platts

European Council agrees Eur5.61 billion funding for ITER fusion project | S&P Global Platts: Nuclear fusion budget to 2027 approved First plasma expected December, 2025 Full operation in 2035, commercial unit by 2050 The European Council has agreed Eur5.61 billion ($6.80 billion) of new fundi

Fuel for world’s largest fusion reactor ITER is set for test run

Fuel for world’s largest fusion reactor ITER is set for test run: Nuclear fusion experiments with deuterium and tritium at the Joint European Torus are a crucial dress rehearsal for the mega-experiment.

Uranium production in the U.S. was close to zero in 2020 | Kitco News

Uranium production in the U.S. was close to zero in 2020 | Kitco News: A roundup of all the mining news in the precious metals sector with a variety of company news, mining sector analysis, newsletter writer insights and executive interviews.

EPRI voices support for American Nuclear Society recommendation to boost nuclear R&D - Daily Energy Insider

EPRI voices support for American Nuclear Society recommendation to boost nuclear R&D - Daily Energy Insider: The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) voiced its support for a new report by the American Nuclear Society that examines research and development (R&D) program funding levels inside the U.S. Department of Energy. The report ... Read More »

Ukraine needs new nuclear capacity, says deputy energy minister : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News

Ukraine needs new nuclear capacity, says deputy energy minister : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Ukraine's electricity grid needs the construction of new nuclear power units, Yuriy Boyko, the country's deputy energy minister said last week. Speaking to delegates at Atomic Energy: The Future of the Industry on 17 February, Boyko described the importance of at least three new units. Nuclear power plant operator Energoatom published  Boyko's comments on its website.

FERC to review grid preparedness after terminating resilience inquiry : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News

FERC to review grid preparedness after terminating resilience inquiry : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: Days after terminating a three-year investigation into the resilience of the USA's bulk power system, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has announced it will examine the threats to electric reliability posed by extreme weather and climate change. It is also investigating US wholesale natural gas and electricity market activity during last week's extreme cold weather to determine whether any market participants engaged in market manipulation or other violations.

ERCOT Reliability: Systematic Unpreparedness | McCullough Research | Energy Central

ERCOT Reliability: Systematic Unpreparedness | McCullough Research | Energy Central: "The mission-critical arena of winter season reliability is too societally important to be governed by Adam Smith's "invisible hand" of the market, and an artificially constructed and imperfect marketplace at that" "The economic theory implemented by the Texas Public Utilities Commission assumes that skyrocketing prices during system emergencies will create incentives to

Deep (Freeze) In The Heart Of Texas | Hoover Institution

Deep (Freeze) In The Heart Of Texas | Hoover Institution: Greater reliance on wind and solar power invites energy meltdowns in extreme conditions.

Why Is American Foreign Policy Tilting Towards Iran? | The National Interest

Why Is American Foreign Policy Tilting Towards Iran? | The National Interest: Washington errs when it prefers to embrace hostile regimes over tradtional allies in the Middle East.

SLO County CA weather: Polar vortex brings cold temperatures | San Luis Obispo Tribune

SLO County CA weather: Polar vortex brings cold temperatures | San Luis Obispo Tribune: Temperatures in SLO County dropped far below freezing in 1990, PG&E meteorologist John Lindsey writes.

Why we need to flick the switch and embrace nuclear power

Why we need to flick the switch and embrace nuclear power: Nick Cater cogently argues the case for nuclear both for domestic power and to enable a switch to nuclear-powered submarines, which have far greater capabilities than the dated diesel version Rise of China puts nuclear option back on table, 222. It makes immense sense. Nuclear power will be an essential energy source for a world aiming to get to net zero emissions and Australia, which has the worlds biggest uranium reserves and is the third biggest exporter, should logically take up the technology.

Illinois nuclear plants pushed to nearly 100% in last week’s cold snap

Illinois nuclear plants pushed to nearly 100% in last week’s cold snap: Exelon operates six nuclear power plants in Illinois

Nuclear Power Would Stabilize the Australian Power Grid | Paige Lambermont

Nuclear Power Would Stabilize the Australian Power Grid | Paige Lambermont: Powered by the Independent Institute

Nuclear Power’s Planned Exit from California May Trigger Rise in Emissions and Pollution if Regulators Fail to Act Aggressively, Scientists Say | Union of Concerned Scientists

Nuclear Power’s Planned Exit from California May Trigger Rise in Emissions and Pollution if Regulators Fail to Act Aggressively, Scientists Say | Union of Concerned Scientists: California is at risk of a 15.5 million metric ton increase in cumulative global warming emissions between now and 2030.

Iran talks 'avert' impact of nuclear inspection deadline - BBC News

Iran talks 'avert' impact of nuclear inspection deadline - BBC News: Iran agrees temporary measures to offset a decision to restrict access to international inspectors.

Six nuclear power plants in Illinois operated nearly at full power during cold snap | Local News | clintonherald.com

Six nuclear power plants in Illinois operated nearly at full power during cold snap | Local News | clintonherald.com: WARRENVILLE, Ill. — While temperatures plunged across the U.S. last week, Exelon Generation’s six Illinois nuclear plants operated around the clock, producing enough power to keep 11 million homes and

Nuclear, pumped storage, and coal power plants are more likely to have multiple owners - Today in Energy - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Nuclear, pumped storage, and coal power plants are more likely to have multiple owners - Today in Energy - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Is Israel trying to keep Hamas from running in Palestinian elections? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Is Israel trying to keep Hamas from running in Palestinian elections? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East: The Israeli army has recently arrested dozens of Hamas cadres and leaders in the West Bank in the lead up to the Palestinian elections, which may affect Hamas’ leaders ability to mobilize the masses, launch electoral campaigns and persuade candidates to join their lists for fear of Israeli arrests.

Monday, February 22, 2021

What Went Wrong in Texas? - The Atlantic

What Went Wrong in Texas? - The Atlantic: What went wrong? The Lone Star State made three fundamental errors.

Texas's Nuclear Power Failed Texas the Least During Its Power Outage – RedState

Texas's Nuclear Power Failed Texas the Least During Its Power Outage – RedState: Texas's nuclear power just set a bar.

Nukes of hazard - America’s ICBMs are ageing. Does it still need them? | United States | The Economist

Nukes of hazard - America’s ICBMs are ageing. Does it still need them? | United States | The Economist: Joe Biden has vital decisions to make about the future of America’s nukes

It Starts: The Cascading Financial Repercussions of the Texas Electricity Crisis | Wolf Street

It Starts: The Cascading Financial Repercussions of the Texas Electricity Crisis | Wolf Street: Now hoping for “corrective action” and “credit intervention” by the State of Texas.

Will Biden’s Iran Diplomacy Become a Shakespearean Tragedy? | The New Yorker

Will Biden’s Iran Diplomacy Become a Shakespearean Tragedy? | The New Yorker: In principle, the U.S. is again committed to inclusive international diplomacy. In practice, Trump so rattled the global order that the damage endures after he has gone.

US, Iran edging back to negotiating table - Indian Punchline

US, Iran edging back to negotiating table - Indian Punchline: New generation of centrifuges at Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment plant  The frozen lake of US-Iran confrontation is generating a pinging sound. The cracking of the ice is yet to produce that loud booming thunderclap. But these are early days.  It was only last Thursday that the US and the three European states who are party … Continue reading "US, Iran edging back to negotiating table"

Sole Purpose Is Not No First Use: Nuclear Weapons and Declaratory Policy - War on the Rocks

Sole Purpose Is Not No First Use: Nuclear Weapons and Declaratory Policy - War on the Rocks: Nuclear weapons by themselves can say a lot. They may deter aggression, for example, through their simple existence, generating a “threat that leaves

China’s Waning Rare Earths Advantage | Geopolitical Futures

China’s Waning Rare Earths Advantage | Geopolitical Futures: In 1992, during a visit to Inner Mongolia, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping quipped: “The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths,” referring to 17

Assembly of Experts: Iran’s missile power non-negotiable

Assembly of Experts: Iran’s missile power non-negotiable: The Assembly of Experts, a panel of clerics electing the leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, stressed that the country’s defense and missile

Czech solution to fuel rod corrosion receives US patent : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News

Czech solution to fuel rod corrosion receives US patent : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: Czech scientists have received a US patent for their discovery that a polycrystalline-diamond coating can significantly protect fuel rods against corrosion during both normal reactor operation and accidents. Researchers from the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics of the Czech Technical University and the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic obtained an EU patent for the technology in April last year.

Increased rate of water leakage at Fukushima reactors : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

Increased rate of water leakage at Fukushima reactors : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: A drop in the water levels in the reactor containment vessels of units 1 and 3 at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan has been detected, Tokyo Electric Power Company has announced. The utility said the decreased levels probably indicate that existing damage to the units' containment vessels has been exacerbated by the recent earthquake that struck the region, allowing more water to leak from them.

IAEA secures 'temporary understanding' with Iran : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

IAEA secures 'temporary understanding' with Iran : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: Parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action now have three months within which to navigate the impasse created by a law passed by the Iranian parliament late last year. In a joint statement yesterday, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed that Iran will stop the implementation of the voluntary measures as envisaged in the JCPoA from tomorrow, thus enabling the AEOI to comply with the law - Strategic Action to Cease Actions and Protect the Interests of the Iranian Nation.

Iran’s Compromise With Nuclear Monitors Limits Escalation - Bloomberg

Iran’s Compromise With Nuclear Monitors Limits Escalation - Bloomberg: Iran offered a last-minute compromise to United Nations’ atomic inspectors that stops short of completely curtailing their intrusive monitoring powers, tapping the brakes on a standoff that is escalating to become the Biden administration’s first major foreign policy challenge.

Navigating Nuclear

Navigating Nuclear: #NavigatingNuclear empowers educators w/ the resources they need to teach the diverse applications of #nucleartechnology! Learn more today! https://bit.ly/2OAXNsJ

State again found liable for Fukushima nuclear accident : The Asahi Shimbun

State again found liable for Fukushima nuclear accident : The Asahi Shimbun: Yet another high court has found the central government as liable as Tokyo Electric Power Co. for no

Bill Gates And Jeff Bezos Back Startup For Unlimited Clean Energy Via Nuclear Fusion

Bill Gates And Jeff Bezos Back Startup For Unlimited Clean Energy Via Nuclear Fusion: The company plans to debut their novel magnet technology in the summer of 2021 and develop SPARC (machine to demonstrate generation of net energy) by 2025.

The Political Making of a Texas Power Outage - WSJ

The Political Making of a Texas Power Outage - WSJ: How bad energy policy led to rolling blackouts in the freezing Lone Star State.

Biden’s Other Nuclear Option – Mother Jones

Biden’s Other Nuclear Option – Mother Jones: Smaller nuclear reactors might be the bridge to a carbon-free economy. But are they worth it?

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.

Gas, lighting, and the weaponization of climate solutions in the post-truth era - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Gas, lighting, and the weaponization of climate solutions in the post-truth era - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Texas’ Governor Abbott and others should have the guts to set the record straight instead of following the tired diatribes employed by Big Oil, the Koch Brothers, and the many special interests aligned with the fossil fuel industry in their decades-long disinformation campaign aimed at keeping Americans confused about climate change.

Ethanol’s clean promise has only led to dirtier air - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Ethanol’s clean promise has only led to dirtier air - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Biden is doubling down on a bad idea that has flourished since the days of President George W. Bush. So why won’t he let this biofuel die already?

Foreign commercial banks: The essential partner in future discussions of the Iran nuclear deal - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Foreign commercial banks: The essential partner in future discussions of the Iran nuclear deal - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Before any serious discussions of a renewed Iran nuclear deal get underway, international commercial banking interests (not just government finance ministers) must be given an opportunity to provide substantive input—because, as a practical matter, these private enterprises will have the final say as to how much sanctions relief Iran effectively receives.

Family of 11-year-old boy who died in Texas deep freeze files $100 million suit against power companies - ABC News

Family of 11-year-old boy who died in Texas deep freeze files $100 million suit against power companies - ABC News: The family of 11-year-old Cristian Pineda, who died in his Texas home after the power was cut off, has filed $100M suit against power companies

Bill Gates, Climate Warrior. And Super Emitter. | The Nation

Bill Gates, Climate Warrior. And Super Emitter. | The Nation: The billionaire’s new book, a bid to be taken seriously as a climate campaigner, has attracted the usual worshipful coverage. When will the media realize that with Gates you have to follow the money?

Biden's climate 'fix' is fantastically expensive and perfectly useless

Biden's climate 'fix' is fantastically expensive and perfectly useless: Across the world, politicians are going out of their way to promise fantastically expensive climate policies. President Biden has promised to spend $500 billion each year on climate — about 13 percent of the entire federal revenue. The European Union will spend 25 percent of its budget on climate.

Weakest link to EV growth is the material supply chain | CFACT

Weakest link to EV growth is the material supply chain | CFACT: There may not be enough minerals and metals in the world to build all the electric vehicles climate campaigners want to mandate and subsidize.

Germany forced to rely on non-renewable energy after cold snap froze renewables - YouTube

Germany forced to rely on non-renewable energy after cold snap froze renewables - YouTube: Sky News host Cory Bernardi says Germany “should be thankful” for non-renewable energy after forced reliance on surrounding countries’ power after a cold sna...

Achtung Baby! (It's Cold Outside) – Germany's "Green" Energy Fail Rescued By Coal And Gas | ZeroHedge

Achtung Baby! (It's Cold Outside) – Germany's "Green" Energy Fail Rescued By Coal And Gas | ZeroHedge: ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

Net zero regulation: Russia will replace all the U.S. oil Biden wants to ban

Net zero regulation: Russia will replace all the U.S. oil Biden wants to ban: Investors are betting that Russian oil giants such as Lukoil, Rosneft and Tatneft will rally as they mop up market share from rivals in the U.S. and and other countries seeking to switch to clean energy.

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.

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.

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.

Port: Yes, our increasing reliance on intermittent wind power really is a problem | INFORUM

Port: Yes, our increasing reliance on intermittent wind power really is a problem | INFORUM: Yes, a problem on the ERCOT and SPP grids, is that many of the power sources serving them were not prepared for frigid weather. Another problem is that those grids are far too dependent on intermittent energy. I'm afraid the latter point is going to be obscured by bleatings of those so besotted by renewable energy's promise that they cannot see its threats.

Offshore Wind: Views on costs from advocates and industry - Offshore-Wind-LCOE.pdf

Offshore Wind: Views on costs from advocates and industry - Offshore-Wind-LCOE.pdf

U.S. Offshore Wind Energy: Real-World Experience Presents Stark Warning | National Review

U.S. Offshore Wind Energy: Real-World Experience Presents Stark Warning | National Review: Real-world experience in the U.K. and indeed in Denmark, a country also analyzed in great detail in the Hughes study for REF, presents a stark warning to the United States; the costs of wind power have not been falling over the last heavily subsidized decade.

U.S. Offshore Wind: Problems Aplenty - Master Resource

U.S. Offshore Wind: Problems Aplenty - Master Resource: “Offshore bird mortality cannot be studied the same way we study land-based wind sites – by searching the ground for carcasses. The sea is an extremely harsh environment. Birds and bats killed by turbines are likely to become fish food, sink or drift away with the currents.” – Christine Morabito, “Did Mass Audubon Sell its […]

Windy City Is One Cruel Place and Caused Us to Lose Our MindsNatural Gas Now

Windy City Is One Cruel Place and Caused Us to Lose Our MindsNatural Gas Now: Texas got lured into Windy City with the promise of government rent but now it's paying the price for that city's energy cruelty.

Hello Clean Energy Advocates, What Do We Do When the Wind Turbines are All Frozen?

Hello Clean Energy Advocates, What Do We Do When the Wind Turbines are All Frozen?: The wholesale price of electricity spikes 10,000% in a Texas power outage. Among other problems, the wind turbines are all frozen.

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.

U.S. Power Crisis Leaves Millions Cold, Dark as Blackouts Expand

U.S. Power Crisis Leaves Millions Cold, Dark as Blackouts Expand: 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.

John Petersen Blog | How Wind Power Caused The Great Texas Blackout of 2021 | Talkmarkets

John Petersen Blog | How Wind Power Caused The Great Texas Blackout of 2021 | Talkmarkets: The Great Texas Blackout of 2021 was a classic domino-effect chain reaction where unreliable wind power experienced a 93% failure rate hours before other power sources began to buckle under the strain of an unprecedented winter storm.

Texas’s Blackouts Are The Result Of Unreliable ‘Green’ Energy

Texas’s Blackouts Are The Result Of Unreliable ‘Green’ Energy: The blackouts, which have left as many as 4 million Texans trapped in the cold, show the numerous chilling consequences of subsidized renewables.

Texas Is Where the Biden Administration Wants Us All to Be: In the DarkNatural Gas Now

Texas Is Where the Biden Administration Wants Us All to Be: In the DarkNatural Gas Now: Texas has powered down in the worst way possible, by increasing dependency on unreliable wind energy as Biden pushes more of the same.

The Energy Solution For Texas — And America | Climate Change Dispatch

The Energy Solution For Texas — And America | Climate Change Dispatch: Solving the basic core problem that essentially no one is talking about.

Tucker Carlson: The great Texas climate catastrophe is heading your way | Fox News

Tucker Carlson: The great Texas climate catastrophe is heading your way | Fox News: The Green New Deal has come, believe it or not, to the state of Texas. How's it working out so far?

Sunday, February 21, 2021

Iran's Zarif says U.S. must first lift sanctions before talks to revive 2015 deal | Reuters

Iran's Zarif says U.S. must first lift sanctions before talks to revive 2015 deal | Reuters: Tehran said on Sunday the United States must first lift sanctions on Iran if it wants to talk about salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal, reiterating its stance that it will not make the first move to restore the pact with major powers.

Power Plays: the Bipartisan Origins of Energy Deregulation - CounterPunch.org

Power Plays: the Bipartisan Origins of Energy Deregulation - CounterPunch.org: Shortly after Sen. John Kerry sewed up the delegates needed to seize the Democratic nomination for president in the spring of 2004, he huddled for two hours with James Hoffa, Jr., the boss of the Teamsters union. The topic was oil. The Teamsters wanted more of it at cheaper prices. They had suspicions about Kerry. More

First steps toward returning to the Iran nuke deal — but what's next? – Responsible Statecraft

First steps toward returning to the Iran nuke deal — but what's next? – Responsible Statecraft: Returning the US to compliance with the JCPOA is a no brainer and time is running out.

IAEA strikes deal with Iran to cushion coming blow of slashed access | Reuters

IAEA strikes deal with Iran to cushion coming blow of slashed access | Reuters: The U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Sunday it had struck a deal with Iran to cushion the blow of steps Tehran plans to take this week that include ending snap inspections, with both sides agreeing to keep "necessary" monitoring for up to three months.

GSA: Saudi-U.S. ties will face major challenges in the next four years  - Tehran Times

GSA: Saudi-U.S. ties will face major challenges in the next four years  - Tehran Times: TEHRAN - Chief executive officer of Gulf State Analytics (GSA) says that U.S.-Saudi relations will witness major challenges in the upcoming four years over the Saudi-led war on Yemen, the Libya crisis, and Riyadh’s human rights record.

Donald Trump opened back channel to Kim Jong-un | World | The Sunday Times

Donald Trump opened back channel to Kim Jong-un | World | The Sunday Times: In late 2017 the spectre of nuclear war loomed over the world as Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, and Donald Trump traded apocalyptic threats and searing invective, while Pyongyang conducted

State Pushes Back on Judge’s Plan to Expand PG&E Shutoffs – NBC Bay Area

State Pushes Back on Judge’s Plan to Expand PG&E Shutoffs – NBC Bay Area: Could we see more planned PGE outages? A federal judge wants to expand the power shutoffs to account for where PG&E has the most trees prone to falling on...

Iran talks with UN nuclear watchdog chief ‘fruitful’, Tehran says

Iran talks with UN nuclear watchdog chief ‘fruitful’, Tehran says: Iran said Sunday it had held “fruitful discussions” with UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi in Tehran, ahead of a deadline when it is set to restrict the agency’s inspections unless the United S…

Deforestation and Mining Increased in Tropically Forested Countries During COVID

Deforestation and Mining Increased in Tropically Forested Countries During COVID: A new report analyzes environmental and social protection rollbacks in five tropically forested countries during COVID and the effect on Indigenous peoples.

China boosts rare-earth output amid growing tech war with US - Nikkei Asia

China boosts rare-earth output amid growing tech war with US - Nikkei Asia: BEIJING -- In a move seen as a defensive measure against possible future U.S.-led trade bans, China has increased its production quota for rare-e

Israel is expanding Dimona nuclear facility – Middle East Monitor

Israel is expanding Dimona nuclear facility – Middle East Monitor: Israel is expanding its Dimona nuclear facility located in the Negev desert, news agencies reported, according to new satellite images released on Thursday. Dimona is Israel's nuclear research fa...

Texas Blackouts Point to Coast-to-Coast Crises Waiting to Happen - The New York Times

Texas Blackouts Point to Coast-to-Coast Crises Waiting to Happen - The New York Times: Continent-spanning storms triggered blackouts in Oklahoma and Mississippi, halted one-third of U.S. oil production and disrupted vaccinations in 20 states.