Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire
Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.
Friday, September 8, 2023
Centrus Energy to start nuclear fuel production two months ahead of schedule | Reuters
Centrus Energy to start nuclear fuel production two months ahead of schedule | Reuters: Centrus Energy Corp
said on Wednesday it expects to start producing a fuel that will be used in next-generation nuclear reactors, two months ahead of schedule.
Ken Silverstein: World needs nuclear power to tackle climate change | Opinion | herald-dispatch.com
Ken Silverstein: World needs nuclear power to tackle climate change | Opinion | herald-dispatch.com: A new nuclear energy plant opened without a bang — a good thing given the level of opposition among many environmentalists. But climate hawks are defenders of the fuel source,
US furthers overseas support for coal-to-SMR projects : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
US furthers overseas support for coal-to-SMR projects : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Proposals from the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia have been selected to receive US support for coal-to-small modular reactor feasibility studies under Project Phoenix. The USA is also to set up a 'one-stop shop' to support countries in Europe and Eurasia that are approaching SMR deployment decisions.
Japan, UK enhance cooperation on HTGRs : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Japan, UK enhance cooperation on HTGRs : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The UK's National Nuclear Laboratory and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency have signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors, as well as a memorandum for collaboration on the next stage of the UK HTGR Demonstration Reactor programme.
Landmark module installation at Sanmen 4 : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Landmark module installation at Sanmen 4 : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The CA01 'super module' has been installed at unit 4 of the Sanmen nuclear power plant in China's Zhejiang province, marking a construction landmark for the CAP1000 reactor.
Nuclear industry urged 'take advantage of window of opportunity' : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Nuclear industry urged 'take advantage of window of opportunity' : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The current favourable attitude of many policymakers, much of the public, and the financial community means that the nuclear industry "needs to have the courage, be brave and believe in what we are doing", the closing session of World Nuclear Symposium 2023 was told.
Biden Freezes U.S. Arctic Oil | RealClearPolicy
Biden Freezes U.S. Arctic Oil | RealClearPolicy: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland relies on ‘Indigenous Knowledge’ as a legal justification to block drilling. No joke.
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Texas Teeters on Edge of Blackouts as Demand Squeezes Grid - Bloomberg
Texas Teeters on Edge of Blackouts as Demand Squeezes Grid - Bloomberg: Texas declared its first power emergency since a deadly winter storm two years ago and came close to rolling blackouts as soaring temperatures roasted the second-largest US state.
The case for the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement – The China Project
The case for the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement – The China Project: This week on Sinica, Kaiser is joined by Karen Hao, a reporter recently with the Wall Street Journal whose previous work with the MIT Technology Review has been featured on Sinica; and by Deborah Seligsohn, assistant professor of political science at Villanova University, who has been on the show many times just in the last three years.
Grand Gulf’s safe operating record is a Mississippi success story
Grand Gulf’s safe operating record is a Mississippi success story: For nearly 40 years, Entergy’s Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson has generated safe, clean, carbon-free, affordable energy that supplies almost a fifth of Mississippi’s electricity while serving as one of the largest non-carbon-emitting power plants in the world.
Waste must be bigger part of nuclear debate, Congress and others say
Waste must be bigger part of nuclear debate, Congress and others say: Some scientists and environmentalists are trying to jump-start the discussion.
Why certain nuclear power plant licenses are languishing at the NRC | Federal News Network
Why certain nuclear power plant licenses are languishing at the NRC | Federal News Network: Like it or not, windmills and solar panels won't be sufficient to power the U.S. economy and Americans' way of life. Nuclear power will be part of the mix.
Calif. Justice Doubts PG&E Can Be Liable For Blackouts - Law360 UK
Calif. Justice Doubts PG&E Can Be Liable For Blackouts - Law360 UK: A California Supreme Court justice on Wednesday doubted a PG&E customer's argument that the utility could be liable for California Public Utilities Commission-ordered blackouts if they ultimately trace back to PG&E negligence, saying such "massive" liability "lurking in the background" could risk public safety by causing decision makers to hesitate on shut-offs.
Centrus to Begin HALEU Production in October - Centrus Energy Corp
Centrus to Begin HALEU Production in October - Centrus Energy Corp: Bethesda, MD – Centrus Energy Corp announced today that it expects to begin first-of-a-kind production of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) in October 2023, approximately two months ahead of schedule, at the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio.
Credit Suisse AG Increases Position in NuScale Power Co. (NYSE:SMR) - MarketBeat
Credit Suisse AG Increases Position in NuScale Power Co. (NYSE:SMR) - MarketBeat: Credit Suisse AG lifted its stake in shares of NuScale Power Co. (NYSE:SMR - Free Report) by 1,189.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 222,682 shares of the company's stock after acquiring an additional 205
TerraPower Purchases Land in Kemmerer, Wyoming for Natrium Reactor Demonstration Project
TerraPower Purchases Land in Kemmerer, Wyoming for Natrium Reactor Demonstration Project: TerraPower announced today the purchase of land in Kemmerer, Wyoming where the Natrium Reactor Demonstration Project will be built.
Oklo Inc. - Oklo Tentatively Selected to Provide Clean and Resilient Power to Eielson Air Force Base
Oklo Inc. - Oklo Tentatively Selected to Provide Clean and Resilient Power to Eielson Air Force Base: The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, on behalf of the United States Air Force and the United States Department of Defense, has selected Oklo as the pending contractor awardee to site a micro-reactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska to provide clean, reliable power to the facility. Oklo will have the opportunity to design, construct, own, and operate the power plant to deliver clean, reliable electricity and steam to Eielson Air Force Base in this pioneering project under a long-term power pur
Chubu to take stake in SMR developer : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Chubu to take stake in SMR developer : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Chubu Electric Power Co has announced it is to invest in US small modular reactor developer NuScale Power.
Positive trends continue for global nuclear fuel cycle : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News
Positive trends continue for global nuclear fuel cycle : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: As uranium markets begin to recover from their long-term contraction, all projections in the latest edition of the World Nuclear Association's flagship fuel cycle report show an increase in global nuclear generating capacity over the next two decades - with knock-on effects for the entire fuel cycle.
Net Zero Nuclear campaign launched, seeking to triple capacity by 2050 : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Net Zero Nuclear campaign launched, seeking to triple capacity by 2050 : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: World Nuclear Association and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Atoms4NetZero and the UK government, have launched the Net Zero Nuclear initiative seeking "unprecedented collaboration between government, industry leaders and civil society" ahead of COP28.
Nuclear power helps fight climate change but new reactors need time
Nuclear power helps fight climate change but new reactors need time: Nuclear power helps fight climate change but new reactors need time. No current technology generates more electricity without greenhouse gas emissions than a nu
Japan's Chubu Electric to buy stake in NuScale Power from JBIC | Reuters
Japan's Chubu Electric to buy stake in NuScale Power from JBIC | Reuters: Japan's Chubu Electric Power said on Thursday it will buy a stake in U.S. NuScale Power from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) as it bets on small modular nuclear reactors to help combat climate change.
Germany, Italy highlight growing European nuclear divide – EURACTIV.com
Germany, Italy highlight growing European nuclear divide – EURACTIV.com: Germany's place as the leader of Europe's anti-nuclear lobby has been further solidified as Chancellor Olaf Sholz doubled down on his view that nuclear has no place in the country's energy mix, while Italy has vowed to speed up its integration of nuclear energy in a bid to cut costs, save the economy, and power the Green Transition.
Illinois legislators have a lot to learn about nuclear power - Chicago Sun-Times
Illinois legislators have a lot to learn about nuclear power - Chicago Sun-Times: Lawmakers in Springfield who are not willing to put much effort into learning fundamental details have no business writing future energy legislation, writes David A. Kraft, director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service.
Opinion | Wind, solar aren’t enough. The case for Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan | Bridge Michigan
Opinion | Wind, solar aren’t enough. The case for Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan | Bridge Michigan: If decarbonization is our priority, we simply are not serious about achieving that objective without nuclear power in the mix. Without nuclear, Michigan will face exorbitant electric rates and more reliance on fossil fuel.
Governments join race for commercial fusion power | Financial Times
Governments join race for commercial fusion power | Financial Times: Goal of abundant, zero-carbon electricity from fusing atoms brings together private and public sector
Milliken CEO says regulatory, supply gridlocks slowing energy transition | Reuters
Milliken CEO says regulatory, supply gridlocks slowing energy transition | Reuters: Regulatory and supply gridlocks are holding back corporate progress in the transition away from fossil fuels to a greener economy, the chief executive of U.S. based industrial and chemical manufacturer Milliken and Company said on Wednesday.
Japan's Chubu Electric to buy stake in NuScale Power from JBIC | Reuters
Japan's Chubu Electric to buy stake in NuScale Power from JBIC | Reuters: Japan's Chubu Electric Power said on Thursday it will buy a stake in U.S. NuScale Power from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) as it bets on small modular nuclear reactors to help combat climate change.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Biden administration cancels controversial oil leases in Alaska wildlife refuge | The Hill
Biden administration cancels controversial oil leases in Alaska wildlife refuge | The Hill: The Biden administration on Wednesday confirmed it will cancel seven controversial oil and gas leases in an Alaskan wildlife refuge issued at the very end of the Trump administration The administration had previously announced in June of 2021 that it would review the leases, which give the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority the rights to…
Germany, Italy highlight growing European nuclear divide – EURACTIV.com
Germany, Italy highlight growing European nuclear divide – EURACTIV.com: Germany's place as the leader of Europe's anti-nuclear lobby has been further solidified as Chancellor Olaf Sholz doubled down on his view that nuclear has no place in the country's energy mix, while Italy has vowed to speed up its integration of nuclear energy in a bid to cut costs, save the economy, and power the Green Transition.
NRC staff recommend tossing environmentalists’ contention of Diablo Canyon fuel facility - ExchangeMonitor
NRC staff recommend tossing environmentalists’ contention of Diablo Canyon fuel facility - ExchangeMonitor: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
Congress Gives Nod to Environmental… | The Breakthrough Institute
Congress Gives Nod to Environmental… | The Breakthrough Institute: The Breakthrough Institute is an environmental research center based in Berkeley, California. Our research focuses on identifying and promoting…
Centrus to Begin HALEU Production in October
Centrus to Begin HALEU Production in October: /PRNewswire/ -- Centrus Energy Corp (NYSE American: LEU) announced today that it expects to begin first-of-a-kind production of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium...
Mixed Milestone: What Vogtle can teach us about the future of U.S. nuclear energy – Clean Air Task Force
Mixed Milestone: What Vogtle can teach us about the future of U.S. nuclear energy – Clean Air Task Force: On July 31st, the Vogtle 3 nuclear power plant in Georgia officially entered commercial operation.
Projected LNG plant in Murmansk now on Putin's table | The Independent Barents Observer
Projected LNG plant in Murmansk now on Putin's table | The Independent Barents Observer: Vladimir Putin summons key energy industry representatives to a meeting on the construction of a 1,300 km long gas pipeline to Murmansk and a floating LNG plant in the Kola Bay.
Eversource, National Grid file draft plans to meet expected demand surge from electrification | Utility Dive
Eversource, National Grid file draft plans to meet expected demand surge from electrification | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
Nuclear power helps fight climate change but new reactors need time
Nuclear power helps fight climate change but new reactors need time: Nuclear power helps fight climate change but new reactors need time. No current technology generates more electricity without greenhouse gas emissions than a nu
Ukraine strains to operate nuclear plants safely under Russian invasion : NPR
Ukraine strains to operate nuclear plants safely under Russian invasion : NPR: Russia has occupied the massive Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which sits roughly 50 miles from the front lines. Ukraine's other reactors are also operating in a volatile war zone.
Water Wars: When the Taps Run Dry | The Breakthrough Institute
Water Wars: When the Taps Run Dry | The Breakthrough Institute: Water Wars: When the Taps Run Dry
In the desert plains beyond the Rocky Mountains, mega-drought is no longer a theory
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Saudis Prolong 1 Million Barrel-a-Day Oil Supply for 3 Months - Bloomberg
Saudis Prolong 1 Million Barrel-a-Day Oil Supply for 3 Months - Bloomberg: Saudi Arabia and Russia prolonged their unilateral oil supply curbs by another three months, a more aggressive move than traders had been expecting as the OPEC+ members seek to support a fragile global market.
Hinkley Point C delays raise 'big questions' about nuclear power, says RWE chief
Hinkley Point C delays raise 'big questions' about nuclear power, says RWE chief: Britain's flagship nuclear power station will not open until 2027 at the earliest
Nuclear power’s future is being disrupted | Financial Times
Nuclear power’s future is being disrupted | Financial Times: Investor interest in small modular reactors is growing as demand for electricity is set to soar
US regulator ready for next-generation nuclear, NRC says | Reuters
US regulator ready for next-generation nuclear, NRC says | Reuters: US regulators are ready to review and license the next generation of nuclear reactors while staying committed to safety, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) says.
Opinion | Wind, solar aren’t enough. The case for Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan | Bridge Michigan
Opinion | Wind, solar aren’t enough. The case for Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan | Bridge Michigan: If decarbonization is our priority, we simply are not serious about achieving that objective without nuclear power in the mix. Without nuclear, Michigan will face exorbitant electric rates and more reliance on fossil fuel.
Exposing the deep roots of the fight over Yucca Mountain
Exposing the deep roots of the fight over Yucca Mountain: The fight to stop a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain has lasted for over three decades. For Nevada's Congressional delegation and the Western Shoshone, it's a question that doesn't go away.
New Data Proves Nuclear Energy Is Safer Than You Think | OilPrice.com
New Data Proves Nuclear Energy Is Safer Than You Think | OilPrice.com: A growing global effort aims to shift public opinion on the safety and necessity of nuclear power as a key component in achieving a green transition and meeting net-zero carbon emission goals.
Biden walks back WOTUS rule. Industry is still expected to sue. - E&E News by POLITICO
Biden walks back WOTUS rule. Industry is still expected to sue. - E&E News by POLITICO: The new rule removes protections for most of the nation’s wetlands in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett […]
Fourth new reactor shows record pace of production, says Rosatom : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Fourth new reactor shows record pace of production, says Rosatom : Corporate - World Nuclear News: The 340-tonne reactor vessel for the second unit at Kursk II is being shipped by AEM-Technology JSC, marking what Russia's nuclear corporation Rosatom says is a record for annual reactor production.
Robot navigates Dounreay evaporator cell : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News
Robot navigates Dounreay evaporator cell : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: Spot, a robotic quadruped, has completed a trial at the Dounreay site in Scotland, UK, where it successfully navigated an evaporator cell in the Fuel Cycle Area that has been shut off for 25 years.
Oklo selected for Alaska airbase microreactor : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Oklo selected for Alaska airbase microreactor : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The US Department of the Air Force, in partnership with the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, has selected Oklo Inc to site, design, construct, own and operate a microreactor facility to deliver electricity and steam at the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
California power outage hours increased from 2013 - Axios San Francisco
California power outage hours increased from 2013 - Axios San Francisco: California's average electricity customer experienced 5.4 hours of power outages in 2021 — up from 1.7 in 2013.
Kim Jong-un to travel to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin for possible arms deal
Kim Jong-un to travel to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin for possible arms deal: North Korean leader to meet Vladimir Putin, with the Russians looking for weapons to help in the Ukraine war and the Koreans wanting food
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un to meet in Russia, U.S. officials say - The Washington Post
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un to meet in Russia, U.S. officials say - The Washington Post: They will discuss possible weapons deals to bolster Russia’s fighting force in Ukraine, according to two senior administration officials.
Monday, September 4, 2023
(9) PG&E cuts power to more than 8,000 customers as critical fire weather arrives in Northern California - YouTube
(9) PG&E cuts power to more than 8,000 customers as critical fire weather arrives in Northern California - YouTube: (30 Aug 2023) RESTRICTION SUMMARY:ASSOCIATED PRESSVacaville, California - 30 August 20231. Various PG&E Emergency Response CenterASSOCIATED PRESSChico, Calif...
SMRs: Why are small modular reactors taking so long?
SMRs: Why are small modular reactors taking so long?: Next-generation nuclear has long been just around the corner. But debate still rages over small modular reactors (SMRS).
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Court blocks license for nuke waste site at Texas-New Mexico border
Court blocks license for nuke waste site at Texas-New Mexico border: A federal appeals court's decision to vacate a license for a nuclear waste site in Texas could have implications for a similar site in New Mexico.
Oklo Micro Reactor Cleared for Landing at Alaska USAF Base | Neutron Bytes
Oklo Micro Reactor Cleared for Landing at Alaska USAF Base | Neutron Bytes: Oklo Cleared for Landing at Alaska USAF Base DOE to Recycle EBR-II Spent Fuel to Make HALEU Oklo Signs MOU with CENTRUS for Fuel, Components, and Power BWXT to Manufacture HALEU Feedstock for Advan…
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