Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Chairs Rodgers, Duncan, and Johnson Request Information Regarding Implementation of NEPA Reforms at Federal Agencies
Chairs Rodgers, Duncan, and Johnson Request Information Regarding Implementation of NEPA Reforms at Federal Agencies: The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
Friday, September 1, 2023
Brics Aims to Prime Non-Dollar Oil Trade | Energy Intelligence
Brics Aims to Prime Non-Dollar Oil Trade | Energy Intelligence: The potential expansion of the Brics group of developing nations raises questions about the future of the US dollar's dominance in the global energy trade.
PG&E begins shutting off power in some Northern California areas amid wildfire threat | Energy Central
PG&E begins shutting off power in some Northern California areas amid wildfire threat | Energy Central: In the first preventive power shutoff of the year, PG&E says it has deliberately cut off electricity to some 4,100 homes and businesses in Northern California due to high fire danger. The so-called public safety power shutoff began about 2 a.m. Wednesday, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said, affecting eight counties and two tribal areas under a red flag warning due to strong
Walking robot tested in Finnish repository : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Walking robot tested in Finnish repository : Corporate - World Nuclear News: A four-legged robot designed for autonomous operation in challenging environments has been put through its paces at a depth of more than 400 metres in the tunnels of the Onkalo underground used nuclear fuel repository near Olkiluoto, Finland.
El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant: Egypt permits construction of plant's final unit - Dailynewsegypt
El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant: Egypt permits construction of plant's final unit - Dailynewsegypt: Egypt's nuclear regulatory authority granted on Wednesday permission to establish the fourth and final unit at the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant, with a
Walking robot tested in Finnish repository : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Walking robot tested in Finnish repository : Corporate - World Nuclear News: A four-legged robot designed for autonomous operation in challenging environments has been put through its paces at a depth of more than 400 metres in the tunnels of the Onkalo underground used nuclear fuel repository near Olkiluoto, Finland.
Gretchen Whitmer Pushes For Carbon-Free Power | HuffPost Latest News
Gretchen Whitmer Pushes For Carbon-Free Power | HuffPost Latest News: The legislation would require rapidly shifting away from fossil fuels in the heart of the United States’ heavy industry.
US projects to look at nuclear role in carbon capture : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
US projects to look at nuclear role in carbon capture : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: Two projects to explore the feasibility of using nuclear energy in systems to remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere - one led by GE Vernova and one led by Northwestern University - are included in a list of 19 projects selected to receive US Department of Energy support.
U.S. Air Force Selects Fast Microreactor for Nuclear Power Pilot
U.S. Air Force Selects Fast Microreactor for Nuclear Power Pilot: The U.S. Air Force’s first nuclear microreactor planned for Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska under a federal nuclear microreactor pilot program will be an
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Micro Nuclear Plants Gain Traction With Alaska Military Base Win
Micro Nuclear Plants Gain Traction With Alaska Military Base Win: Oklo Inc. plans to install an advanced nuclear reactor at a military base in Alaska.
U.S. Air Force Selects Fast Microreactor for Nuclear Power Pilot
U.S. Air Force Selects Fast Microreactor for Nuclear Power Pilot: The U.S. Air Force’s first nuclear microreactor planned for Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska under a federal nuclear microreactor pilot program will be an
Micro-reactor pilot program reaches major milestone > Air Force > Article Display
Micro-reactor pilot program reaches major milestone > Air Force > Article Display: Oklo Inc. will site, design, construct, own and operate a micro-reactor facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
US projects to look at nuclear role in carbon capture : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
US projects to look at nuclear role in carbon capture : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: Two projects to explore the feasibility of using nuclear energy in systems to remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere - one led by GE Vernova and one led by Northwestern University - are included in a list of 19 projects selected to receive US Department of Energy support.
Why We’re Winning — And Will Win Much More
Why We’re Winning — And Will Win Much More: Government and corporate officials are finally starting to say and do the right thing on climate, homelessness, and censorship. Why is that?
Bulgaria offers Slovenia to become part of project to install new nuclear reactors at Kozloduy
Bulgaria offers Slovenia to become part of project to install new nuclear reactors at Kozloduy: Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov invited Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob to establish cooperation
Power outages caused by Idalia exposes U.S. aging infrastructure
Power outages caused by Idalia exposes U.S. aging infrastructure: The average U.S. electricity customer experienced 7.3 hours of power outages in 2021.
Nuclear Reactors Are a Clean Energy Solution for Civil Maritime
Nuclear Reactors Are a Clean Energy Solution for Civil Maritime: Nuclear power has historically been used to power US military vessels but not civilian maritime. Patrick Pennella, Alex Polonsky, and Jane Accomando explain how innovation in nuclear technology provide a safe and clean energy solution.
How China became king of new nuclear power, how U.S. could catch up
How China became king of new nuclear power, how U.S. could catch up: China is the current king of new nuclear power construction. The US is attempting to launch a comeback, but its still unknown whether that will be successful.
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
The U.S. Is Finally Challenging Russia's Monopoly Over Key Nuclear Fuel | HuffPost Impact
The U.S. Is Finally Challenging Russia's Monopoly Over Key Nuclear Fuel | HuffPost Impact: The Putin government's control over a special nuclear fuel has rattled the West's atomic industry. New deals show the U.S. is finally trying to catch up.
Government reacts to nuclear slump with $605 million order
Government reacts to nuclear slump with $605 million order: The government will place nuclear component orders worth 800 billion won ($604.7 million) for local part suppliers, which have suffered a years-long demand slump during the previous administration’s nuclear phase-out.
Court annuls licence for Texas used fuel store : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News
Court annuls licence for Texas used fuel store : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: The licence issued for the construction and operation of a consolidated interim storage facility for used nuclear fuel in Texas has been cancelled by a US appeals court. The court ruled that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not have the authority to license a private storage facility away from nuclear reactors.
Westinghouse expands fuel offerings of Columbia plant : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News
Westinghouse expands fuel offerings of Columbia plant : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: Westinghouse has announced the creation of a centre of excellence for Low Enriched Uranium Plus fuel manufacturing at its Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility in Hopkins, South Carolina.
PanTera and TerraPower Isotopes Join Forces to Accelerate Access to Actinium-225 | Imaging Technology News
PanTera and TerraPower Isotopes Join Forces to Accelerate Access to Actinium-225 | Imaging Technology News: Strategic collaboration signed to support the development of radiopharmaceuticals in the fight against cancer
Ms. Nuclear Energy is winning over nuclear skeptics | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ms. Nuclear Energy is winning over nuclear skeptics | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology: First-year MIT nuclear science doctoral student Kaylee Cunningham, known as “Ms. Nuclear Energy” on TikTok, is committed to dispelling myths about nuclear energy. She is pursuing studies in both computer science and nuclear science and engineering for her PhD work with Prof. Michael Short.
Young climate activist tells Greenpeace to drop ‘old-fashioned’ anti-nuclear stance | Greenpeace | The Guardian
Young climate activist tells Greenpeace to drop ‘old-fashioned’ anti-nuclear stance | Greenpeace | The Guardian: Swedish teenager Ia Anstoot says group’s ‘unscientific’ opposition to EU nuclear power serves fossil fuel interests
Tucker Carlson on X: "Ep. 20 Hungary shares a border with Ukraine. We traveled to Budapest to speak with the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. https://t.co/LOzpMrQNIz" / X
Tucker Carlson on X: "Ep. 20 Hungary shares a border with Ukraine. We traveled to Budapest to speak with the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. https://t.co/LOzpMrQNIz" / X: See new posts
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Tucker Carlson
@TuckerCarlson
Ep. 20 Hungary shares a border with Ukraine. We traveled to Budapest to speak with the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán.
Saving the Environment From Environmentalists | RealClearPolicy
Saving the Environment From Environmentalists | RealClearPolicy: The oceans director of Greenpeace told USA Today that groups attempting to link offshore wind to whale deaths are part of a “cynical disinformation campaign.” – Whale carcasses on Martha’s Vin
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Support for wind energy drops in New Jersey: survey | The Hill
Support for wind energy drops in New Jersey: survey | The Hill: Support for offshore wind development in New Jersey has dropped dramatically in recent years as projects near construction, according to polling released Monday. Just over half of residents — around 54 percent — approve of offshore wind farm construction, according to the Monmouth University survey, a decrease from 76 percent in 2019 and 84 percent…
EPA announces new waters rule after Supreme Court decision weakening protections | The Hill
EPA announces new waters rule after Supreme Court decision weakening protections | The Hill: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday announced a new rule that could curtail protections from more than 60 percent of protected lands, in response to a May Supreme Court ruling that curtailed which waters are subject to federal Clean Water Act protections. The revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule breaks from longstanding…
7 founders explain what fusion power needs to go mainstream | TechCrunch
7 founders explain what fusion power needs to go mainstream | TechCrunch: If the 2020s are going to be the decade of AI, then the 2030s could be the decade of fusion power. That is, if the sector’s startups are able to deliver.
NRC lacks authority to license private, away-from-reactor nuclear waste facility: 5th Circuit | Utility Dive
NRC lacks authority to license private, away-from-reactor nuclear waste facility: 5th Circuit | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
Young climate activist tells Greenpeace to drop ‘old-fashioned’ anti-nuclear stance | Greenpeace | The Guardian
Young climate activist tells Greenpeace to drop ‘old-fashioned’ anti-nuclear stance | Greenpeace | The Guardian: Swedish teenager Ia Anstoot says group’s ‘unscientific’ opposition to EU nuclear power serves fossil fuel interests
Texas v. NRC: America’s Trumpiest court just put itself in charge of nuclear safety - Vox
Texas v. NRC: America’s Trumpiest court just put itself in charge of nuclear safety - Vox: This decision is radioactive, even by the very low standards of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
China's Fast and Cheap Nuclear Gives Its Climate Ambitions a Boost - Bloomberg
China's Fast and Cheap Nuclear Gives Its Climate Ambitions a Boost - Bloomberg: There’s an atomic price chasm between Beijing and Washington, giving China a green advantage and leaving the US trailing in its efforts to clean up the power grid.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission resident inspectors keep an eye on Clinton nuclear plant | WGLT
Nuclear Regulatory Commission resident inspectors keep an eye on Clinton nuclear plant | WGLT: The Clinton Power Station in DeWitt County south of Bloomington-Normal started operating in 1987. The nuclear plant is supposed to shut down in 2026, but owner Constellation Energy has applied for a 20-year license extension.
Landowners push back on CO2 pipeline in key Iowa hearing - E&E News by POLITICO
Landowners push back on CO2 pipeline in key Iowa hearing - E&E News by POLITICO: State regulators are weighing whether to allow Summit Carbon Solutions to use eminent domain to build a 2,000-mile carbon dioxide […]
Viewpoint: Quantum computing and the nuclear industry : Perspectives - World Nuclear News
Viewpoint: Quantum computing and the nuclear industry : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: A research project has highlighted the potential for quantum computing to deliver significant benefits for the design and operation of radiation facilities in the nuclear, medical and space industries, as Professor Paul Smith, Jacobs ANSWERS Technical Director, explains.
Half of major lithium deals since 2018 were made by Chinese firms, study says
Half of major lithium deals since 2018 were made by Chinese firms, study says: China’s global reach into the critical minerals sector is deepening further, specifically with lithium, as the country quietly builds out its grip on the market to acquire more resources.
Group dealt setback in fight to close nuclear plant | The Journal Record
Group dealt setback in fight to close nuclear plant | The Journal Record: A California judge on Thursday rejected an environmental group’s lawsuit that sought to block the state’s largest utility from seeking to extend the operating life of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.
Diablo Canyon / Judge Rejects Attempt To Prevent Life Extension At California Nuclear Station :: NucNet | The Independent Nuclear News Agency
Diablo Canyon / Judge Rejects Attempt To Prevent Life Extension At California Nuclear Station :: NucNet | The Independent Nuclear News Agency: Two units could operate for further five years
Hawaii Maui Wildfire: Utility Says Power Lines Were Out for Hours Before Blaze - Bloomberg
Hawaii Maui Wildfire: Utility Says Power Lines Were Out for Hours Before Blaze - Bloomberg: Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. soared after the utility pushed back against a lawsuit filed by Maui County that accused the company of starting the deadly Lahaina fire, suggesting that county’s fire department may be responsible for losing control of the blaze.
Hawaiian Electric denies Maui lawsuit claims about cause of wildfire, shares surge | Reuters
Hawaiian Electric denies Maui lawsuit claims about cause of wildfire, shares surge | Reuters: Hawaiian Electric's shares jumped more than 40% on Monday after the electric utility said it was not responsible for the recent wildfires in Maui and that power lines had been shut for hours prior to the deadly blaze that devastated the island.
Hawaiian Electric says power lines were 'de-energized' hours before Maui wildfire
Hawaiian Electric says power lines were 'de-energized' hours before Maui wildfire: Hawaiian Electric pushed back against the latest allegation that it sparked the deadly wildfires that swept through Maui earlier this month, saying Sunday its power lines had been de-energized for more than six hours before the fire that killed at least 115 people ignited.
Hawaiian Electric says power lines were shut off hours before wildfire
Hawaiian Electric says power lines were shut off hours before wildfire: (Reuters) -Hawaiian Electric's shares jumped more than 40% on Monday after the utility said its power lines in West Maui had been shut down for more than six hours before wildfires started in the area during the afternoon. The company's shares were trading at $13.55, after at least two trading halts since the markets opened on Monday. The stock has lost more than half its value since the Aug. 8
Japan needs US nuclear weapons for defense – top general — RT World News
Japan needs US nuclear weapons for defense – top general — RT World News: Japan relies on US nuclear weapons for defense, and must develop its arms sector to ensure its own security, a top Japanese general said
Study calls for a shareholder-based carbon tax as 69,700 of the wealthiest US households are found to be “super emitters” of CO2 – The Expose
Study calls for a shareholder-based carbon tax as 69,700 of the wealthiest US households are found to be “super emitters” of CO2 – The Expose: A new study that analysed US household income data over the last three decades found that the bottom 90 per cent of households’ share of emissions has fallen, while the top 10 per cent’s share has increased. The wealthiest 10 per cent are the source of 40 per cent of US national greenhouse gas emissions,…
Monday, August 28, 2023
Could US, Iran 'mini-deal' lead to nuclear deal revival? - opinion - The Jerusalem Post
Could US, Iran 'mini-deal' lead to nuclear deal revival? - opinion - The Jerusalem Post: A significant insight drawn from the “mini-deal” of the prisoner exchange is that there exists potential for replicating a major agreement concerning the revival of the nuclear deal.
There should be no Saudi uranium enrichment - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
There should be no Saudi uranium enrichment - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The United States say no to Saudi uranium enrichment demands, which could provide one path to an atomic bomb, and rethink the notion of supplying nuclear power reactors to Saudi Arabia. Such reactors, coupled with a reprocessing facility to extract plutonium from used fuel, would provide another path to a bomb—a plutonium bomb.
Appeals court says NRC cannot license commercial interim storage; strips license from Orano-WCS joint venture - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
Appeals court says NRC cannot license commercial interim storage; strips license from Orano-WCS joint venture - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
GAO report reviews NRC’s readiness to approve advanced nuclear reactor applications - Daily Energy Insider
GAO report reviews NRC’s readiness to approve advanced nuclear reactor applications - Daily Energy Insider: The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report recently that assesses the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) preparedness to review and approve advanced nuclear reactor applications. The GAO report, titled Nuclear Power: NRC Needs to ... Read More »
NRC staffing shortfall will clog licensing of new reactors, GAO says - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
NRC staffing shortfall will clog licensing of new reactors, GAO says - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
California's energy mix is changing, but natural gas still the No. 1 source | World News | thebrunswicknews.com
California's energy mix is changing, but natural gas still the No. 1 source | World News | thebrunswicknews.com: SAN DIEGO — Some things are changing in California's mix of energy sources for electricity generation, but others are not. With policymakers looking to derive 100 percent of the state's
Why the US and Europe Still Buy Russian Nuclear Fuel - The Washington Post
Why the US and Europe Still Buy Russian Nuclear Fuel - The Washington Post: The US and its European allies moved fast to choke exports of Russian oil, natural gas and coal after Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine. When it comes to atomic energy, however, Kremlin-controlled Rosatom Corp. continues to be the dominant source of fuel for the world’s nuclear power stations — supplying about half of global demand for enriched uranium. Western nations are racing to reconstitute their own processing capacity, much of which withered amid a growing aversion to nuclear pow
NC bill promotes nuclear power, extends legal coal ash deadlines | WFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source
NC bill promotes nuclear power, extends legal coal ash deadlines | WFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source: Lawmakers in Raleigh are considering a bill that could make it easier to permit new nuclear plants and extend deadlines for Duke Energy to clean up coal ash dumps at its North Carolina plants.
Texas nuclear waste storage permit invalidated by US appeals court | Reuters
Texas nuclear waste storage permit invalidated by US appeals court | Reuters: A U.S. appeals court on Friday canceled a license granted by a federal agency to a company to build a temporary nuclear waste storage facility in western Texas, which the Republican-led state has argued would be dangerous to build in one of the nation's largest oil basins.
See also https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/legaldocs/myvmgkbmnvr/08252023nuclear.pdf
The Anti-Nuclear Industry Is A $2.3B-Per-Year Racket
The Anti-Nuclear Industry Is A $2.3B-Per-Year Racket: And it’s outspending pro-nuclear groups 14 to 1!
The Biggest Environmental Scandal In The World
The Biggest Environmental Scandal In The World: Watch now (44 secs) | Scientists, journalists, and the wind industry are behind the imminent extinction of the North Atlantic Right Whales. They should be ashamed of themselves.
Heating Waters Force Change in Industries That Depend on the Ocean - WSJ
Heating Waters Force Change in Industries That Depend on the Ocean - WSJ: Rising temperatures are disrupting ecosystems around the world—and turning Maine lobstermen into kelp farmers
Sunday, August 27, 2023
This Is the Worst Bankruptcy in American History – 24/7 Wall St.
This Is the Worst Bankruptcy in American History – 24/7 Wall St.: To determine the nation’s 25 biggest public company bankruptcies of all time, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data on bankruptcy filings from BankruptcyData’s 2021 Bankruptcy Yearbook, Almanac & Directory and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Public companies that have filed for Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy were ranked based on their total assets […]
Texas nuclear waste storage permit invalidated by US appeals court
Texas nuclear waste storage permit invalidated by US appeals court: A three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission lacked the authority under federal law to issue permits for private, temporary nuclear waste storage sites
Poland Selects Location for Three AP1000s | Neutron Bytes
Poland Selects Location for Three AP1000s | Neutron Bytes: Poland Selects Location for Three AP1000s TVA Board Reverses Policy; Cancels Plans to Sell Bellefonte Site DOE to Offer Cleanup Sites for New Energy Projects Urenco’S First Capacity Expansion To Be…
7 founders and CEOs discuss fusion power’s most pressing challenges | TechCrunch
7 founders and CEOs discuss fusion power’s most pressing challenges | TechCrunch: Capital is pouring into the sector at an opportune time, as fusion power startups can now make rapid gains thanks to a convergence of factors.