Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Israel's shadowy nuclear weapons program must be subjected to IAEA safeguards: Qatar
Israel's shadowy nuclear weapons program must be subjected to IAEA safeguards: Qatar: Tel Aviv is estimated to have up to 400 nuclear warheads in its arsenal, making it the sole possessor of non-conventional arms in West Asia
Friday, September 29, 2023
US Weighs $1 Billion Loan for Lithium Americas (LAC) Mine in Nevada - Bloomberg
US Weighs $1 Billion Loan for Lithium Americas (LAC) Mine in Nevada - Bloomberg: The US Energy Department is in talks to lend a record $1 billion to the developer of one of the country’s largest lithium deposits in a push to build out a domestic supply of critical minerals.
Ford Battery Plant Paused on UAW Deal, Inflation Reduction Act Questions - Bloomberg
Ford Battery Plant Paused on UAW Deal, Inflation Reduction Act Questions - Bloomberg: Ford Motor Co. is waiting on a deal with the United Auto Workers union, as well as the clarification of content rules in President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, before it moves forward with plans to build a battery plant in Marshall, Michigan, Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley said Friday.
The Nuclear Renaissance is Here | The Breakthrough Institute
The Nuclear Renaissance is Here | The Breakthrough Institute: The Breakthrough Institute is an environmental research center based in Berkeley, California. Our research focuses on identifying and promoting…
Pacific Gas and Electric celebrates progress on path to 3 million EVs by 2030 - Daily Energy Insider
Pacific Gas and Electric celebrates progress on path to 3 million EVs by 2030 - Daily Energy Insider: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) celebrated this National Drive Electric Week by touting its progress toward a grid with at least 3 million electric vehicles supported by 2030, and the technological creations helping make ... Read More »
Buying in Bulk: Electrifying Fleets Across the Country - FAS
Buying in Bulk: Electrifying Fleets Across the Country - FAS: We sat down with the Electrification Coalition to learn how they are helping cities and locales electrify their public fleets.
The new Iran-Iraq railway, a track to prosperity and markets
The new Iran-Iraq railway, a track to prosperity and markets: After decades of setbacks, the upcoming integration of Iraq and Iran's railways promises to boost bilateral trade, religious and cultural tourism, and economic prosperity - with significant regional and global implications.
Are US Technology Sanctions Against China Backfiring? - Bloomberg
Are US Technology Sanctions Against China Backfiring? - Bloomberg: Welcome to Balance of Power, bringing you the latest in global politics. If you haven’t yet, sign up here.
Nuclear-hydrogen 'marriage' has potential, US energy loans chief says | Reuters
Nuclear-hydrogen 'marriage' has potential, US energy loans chief says | Reuters: Nuclear power plants using low-cost electricity to make hydrogen from water, an emerging fuel, could play a role in the energy transition, the head of a U.S. office that distributes billions of dollars in loans for new energy technologies said on Thursday.
'Nuclear power is a critical component of our clean energy future' - Washington Times
'Nuclear power is a critical component of our clean energy future' - Washington Times: As we celebrate National Clean Energy Week, it's an opportune time to reflect on the remarkable strides we've made in transforming our nation's energy landscape.
IAEA adopts resolution demanding immediate return of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to full control of Ukraine | Ukrainska Pravda
IAEA adopts resolution demanding immediate return of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to full control of Ukraine | Ukrainska Pravda: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference has approved a resolution on the immediate return of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to the full control of Ukraine.
Industry groups and governments pledge to back new nuclear : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Industry groups and governments pledge to back new nuclear : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Representatives of the nuclear industry in OECD nations, and representatives of the governments of 20 countries, have issued communiqués committing to work together to expand nuclear energy capacity, after the inaugural Roadmaps to New Nuclear conference organised by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the French government.
Kazatomprom plans 2025 uranium production increase : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News
Kazatomprom plans 2025 uranium production increase : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: The board of the Kazakh uranium producer has approved a strategy to increase production volumes in 2025, returning to a 100% level relative to its subsoil use agreements for the first time since 2018 and adding up to 6,000 tU to anticipated global primary supply.
Viewpoint: Advancing nuclear energy in Europe : Perspectives - World Nuclear News
Viewpoint: Advancing nuclear energy in Europe : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: Industry leaders, experts and stakeholders considered the question of Cooperation, Complementarity and the Fleet Effect during an EDF-organised side-event at the 67th IAEA General Conference. Here, Roberto Adinolfi, Chairman of Ansaldo Nucleare, outlines the key insights from the session.
Cumbrian community exits repository site search : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News
Cumbrian community exits repository site search : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: Allerdale - one of four locations being evaluated - has been removed from the UK geological disposal facility siting process due to limited suitable geology, Nuclear Waste Services announced. It is expected that a final site selection could be a process which takes 10-15 years.
Canadian and Romanian firms collaborate on medical isotopes : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Canadian and Romanian firms collaborate on medical isotopes : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Laurentis Energy Partners and Nuclearelectrica are to collaborate on the production of medical isotopes at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant and explore the possibility of heavy water production in Romania.
South Korean minister says China must push Pyongyang to curb nuclear plans | Financial Times
South Korean minister says China must push Pyongyang to curb nuclear plans | Financial Times: Kim Yung-ho admits sanctions regime is ‘not working’ as North Korea and Russia pursue closer ties
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Biden Moves To Ban Mining In US, Leaving Military Dependent On Russia - American Liberty News
Biden Moves To Ban Mining In US, Leaving Military Dependent On Russia - American Liberty News: President Joe Biden's decision to use a “national monument” designation to ban uranium mining in Arizona has sparked national outrage, and questions from Congress about a scheme that leaves America's military and nuclear energy sector more dependent on hostile enemy Russia. During a recent tour of the American Southwest Biden revealed proposals to designate a […]
Does America Need a $1 Trillion Pentagon Budget?
Does America Need a $1 Trillion Pentagon Budget?: As America moves towards a $1 trillion Pentagon budget, there are serious questions about whether spending at these enormous levels will make us safer or waste vast sums while increasing the risks of embroiling us in unnecessary conflicts.
Anti-nuclear groups call for shutdown of Diablo Canyon plant | San Luis Obispo Tribune
Anti-nuclear groups call for shutdown of Diablo Canyon plant | San Luis Obispo Tribune: The groups say PG&E has delayed testing on equipment that could “cause a catastrophic meltdown” of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.
A Framework for International Regulatory Efficiency to Accelerate Nuclear Deployment - World Nuclear Association
A Framework for International Regulatory Efficiency to Accelerate Nuclear Deployment - World Nuclear Association: A Framework for International Regulatory Efficiency to Accelerate Nuclear Deployment Find our more about us and our member companies. See details about our member free and paid-for publications.
New Railcar Designed to Transport Spent Nuclear Fuel Completes Final Testing | Department of Energy
New Railcar Designed to Transport Spent Nuclear Fuel Completes Final Testing | Department of Energy: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) wrapped up final testing on the Atlas railcar. The new specialized railcar will be used to safely and securely transport the nation’s commercial spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.
North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council and member communities announce historic equity agreements with Moltex and ARC Clean Technology
North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council and member communities announce historic equity agreements with Moltex and ARC Clean Technology: /CNW/ - North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC) and its seven First Nation member communities are thrilled to announce that they have signed equity...
Greece, Saudi Arabia seal deal on data cable, discuss power grid link | Reuters
Greece, Saudi Arabia seal deal on data cable, discuss power grid link | Reuters: Greece and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday sealed a deal to lay an undersea data cable that will connect Europe with Asia and discussed the possibility of linking their power grids to supply Europe with cheaper green energy.
Saudi Arabia reiterates plans for nuclear energy : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Saudi Arabia reiterates plans for nuclear energy : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Saudi Arabia has announced it intends to move towards implementing full International Atomic Energy Agency nuclear safeguards as it works towards building its first nuclear power plant.
IEA says route to net zero requires more cash and less politics | Reuters
IEA says route to net zero requires more cash and less politics | Reuters: Record growth in clean energy technology, including solar panels and electric vehicles, means it is still possible to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday.
IEA sees greater role for nuclear in attaining net-zero by 2050 : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
IEA sees greater role for nuclear in attaining net-zero by 2050 : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: In an update to its Net Zero Roadmap, published in 2021, the International Energy Agency says the role of nuclear power has been revised upwards given recent policy support. In the updated net-zero emissions scenario, nuclear generating capacity reaches 916 GWe in 2050, up from the 812 GWe given in the 2021 version.
China expects to OK 6-8 nuclear power units per year in green energy drive | Reuters
China expects to OK 6-8 nuclear power units per year in green energy drive | Reuters: China expects to greenlight six to eight new nuclear power units a year within the foreseeable future, an official at the China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA) said, according to a report in state media outlet Xinhua on Wednesday.
Is uranium the new gold?
Is uranium the new gold?: The price of uranium on world markets is going parabolic. The rush to a global green economy is causing inflation in material prices for wind turbines. That rush is also creating political friction as communities say "no" to industrial-size solar farms.
Moody’s hikes Southern, Georgia Power outlook to ‘positive’ on Vogtle progress | Utility Dive
Moody’s hikes Southern, Georgia Power outlook to ‘positive’ on Vogtle progress | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
HII, General Dynamics to Use 3D Printing for Virginia Submarine Construction
HII, General Dynamics to Use 3D Printing for Virginia Submarine Construction: HII and General Dynamics have announced the employment of 3D printing for the shipbuilding processes on future US Virginia-class submarines.
FERC, DOE face major furloughs under government shutdown | Utility Dive
FERC, DOE face major furloughs under government shutdown | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
At the Brink? - TomDispatch.com
At the Brink? - TomDispatch.com
Andrea Mazzarino, Nuclear Deterrence, Really?
September 28, 2023
Here’s something strange about our all-too-nuclearized planet: in my youth during the 1950s and early 1960s, the possibility of an obliterating nuclear war played a significant role in our everyday nightmares. We schoolkids then regularly engaged in “duck and cover” drills, diving under our desks to protect ourselves from a possible nuclear attack on New York City. (You might, of course, ask how protective our modest-sized metal-and-wooden desks would have been, if our city had indeed experienced a worse-than-Hiroshima event.) We kids were also urged to consider the advice of Bert the Turtle, a character in a cartoon we were shown at school. After all, he “never got hurt because he knew just what we all must do: he ducked and covered!” In those years, New York was, in fact, filled with public “fallout shelters” and I still remember the yellow symbol for them that you could see as you walked the streets of the city.
Similarly, popular culture was then remarkably saturated with fantasies of nuclear annihilation. If you doubt me, just get a copy of Walter Miller, Jr.’s 1959 near-world-ending novel A Canticle for Leibowitz (still a striking read today) or check out that earliest of mutant nuclear monster movies, Them!, about giant irradiated ants let loose in Los Angeles. And so it went in those years when it came to imagining the possibility of a world-ending nuclear event.
And yet consider this the irony of all ironies: for most of the 1950s, while the United States could have delivered a devastating nuclear Armageddon to the Soviet Union and the rest of the then-communist world, the Russians, though they had indeed developed atomic weapons, didn’t yet have the ability to deliver them here by plane or missile. Hence, the fears that the Soviets might somehow smuggle a bomb into the country. Hence also, the particular terror when the Soviets placed such weaponry in Cuba in 1962 and the Cuban Missile Crisis commenced.
Today, as TomDispatch regular Andrea Mazzarino reminds us, not just two but nine countries are nuclear-armed and the possibility of a nuclear war has increased accordingly. In addition, we now know that even a conflict in which the U.S. played no part could create a “nuclear winter” that would devastate this country, too. And yet, despite the recent hit movie Oppenheimer, nuclear fears and fantasies are now largely in absentia. Bert, it seems, ducked, covered, and never came up again. So, I think it’s particularly useful at this moment for Mazzarino to remind us that, 78 years after those two nuclear bombs destroyed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it’s a small miracle that another such weapon hasn’t again been used in war and that, whatever the other dangers on this planet, we should never take our eyes off the nuclear one. Tom
The True Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles | EpochTV
The True Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles | EpochTV: The Biden administration is looking to phase out conventional gas-powered vehicles. The goal is to transition the nation toward electric vehicles.
Greenpeace warns over safety of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant | Ukraine | The Guardian
Greenpeace warns over safety of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant | Ukraine | The Guardian: International regulators unable to properly monitor Russian-held site, says dossier sent to western leaders
Why the dream of fusion power isn't going away | MIT Technology Review
Why the dream of fusion power isn't going away | MIT Technology Review: Fusion could supply round-the-clock power with no carbon emissions, if it can overcome massive technical challenges. We shouldn’t give up on it.
GOP state AGs hit Biden Treasury ‘net-zero financing’ memo as backdoor regulation by ‘green cabal’ | Fox Business
GOP state AGs hit Biden Treasury ‘net-zero financing’ memo as backdoor regulation by ‘green cabal’ | Fox Business: Republican state AGs say Biden Treasury Dept. net-zero "principles" for private sector financing are “compulsion of the green cabal" that "fly in the face" of legal scrutiny.
Goldman Sachs warns US energy policy is backfiring | CNN Business
Goldman Sachs warns US energy policy is backfiring | CNN Business: America’s emergency oil stockpile has plunged to 40-year lows. The shrinking Strategic Petroleum Reserve is limiting Washington’s ability to shield consumers from the fallout of Saudi Arabia’s aggressive supply cuts, according to Goldman Sachs.
The Texas climate change problem: Green energy jobs are in other states | Fortune
The Texas climate change problem: Green energy jobs are in other states | Fortune: But all the workers with the skills to work green jobs are in Texas, Pennsylvania and the like.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Saudi Arabia Considers A Surprising Bet On Iranian Oil And Gas | OilPrice.com
Saudi Arabia Considers A Surprising Bet On Iranian Oil And Gas | OilPrice.com: Russia and China have been bankrolling Iranian oil and gas projects for a while, but surprisingly, its regional rival Saudi Arabia has now also started investing in Tehran’s hydrocarbon industry
China expects to OK 6-8 nuclear power units per year in green energy drive | Reuters
China expects to OK 6-8 nuclear power units per year in green energy drive | Reuters: China expects to greenlight six to eight new nuclear power units a year within the foreseeable future, an official at the China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA) said, according to a report in state media outlet Xinhua on Wednesday.
MoA - Hersh Reveals U.S. Motive For Destruction Of Nord Stream Pipelines
MoA - Hersh Reveals U.S. Motive For Destruction Of Nord Stream Pipelines: Hersh Reveals U.S. Motive For Destruction Of Nord Stream Pipelines
We can realize nuclear energy's potential with American leadership and innovation - Washington Times
We can realize nuclear energy's potential with American leadership and innovation - Washington Times: National Clean Energy Week is an opportunity to celebrate U.S. clean energy leadership, and that leadership relies on the development of nuclear power.
DOE claims breakthrough in spent nuclear fuel transportation
DOE claims breakthrough in spent nuclear fuel transportation: The U.S. Department of Energy said the achievement allows it to effectively transport spent nuclear fuel with expected shipment increases because of a potential waste depository being built.
Human cost stressed as action planned to tackle delay and denial of shipments : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Human cost stressed as action planned to tackle delay and denial of shipments : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: A broader global effort with a new code of conduct is planned to ensure the smooth transportation of nuclear products, such as those used in vital medical diagnosis and treatment and in food safety, as well as in the nuclear energy sector, delegates at the 67th International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference were told.
IEA sees greater role for nuclear in attaining net-zero by 2050 : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
IEA sees greater role for nuclear in attaining net-zero by 2050 : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: In an update to its Net Zero Roadmap, published in 2021, the International Energy Agency says the role of nuclear power has been revised upwards given recent policy support. In the updated net-zero emissions scenario, nuclear generating capacity reaches 916 GWe in 2050, up from the 812 GWe given in the 2021 version.
Innovation is driving nuclear optimism, panel finds : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
Innovation is driving nuclear optimism, panel finds : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: Innovation has been, and will continue to be, an essential driver in propelling the nuclear energy sector forward - but the industry must be prepared to embrace innovation in all areas, not just technological innovations. These were the messages from speakers in the high-level closing panel at the International Atomic Energy Agency's Scientific Forum 2023.
The US electrical grid is in desperate need of upgrades, watchdog warns
The US electrical grid is in desperate need of upgrades, watchdog warns: In a new report, the SAFE Grid Security Project warns the US grid faces increasing risks from extreme weather, cyberattacks, and inadequate infrastructure as energy demands grow more complex.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Microsoft’s data centers are going nuclear | Computerworld
Microsoft’s data centers are going nuclear | Computerworld: A job posting suggests that Microsoft is planning to explore the use of small nuclear reactors for its major data centers.
Microsoft is going nuclear to power its AI ambitions - The Verge
Microsoft is going nuclear to power its AI ambitions - The Verge: Microsoft wants to deploy next-generation nuclear reactors to power its data centers and AI ambitions, according to a new job listing.
America Going Electric: Dollars And Sense
America Going Electric: Dollars And Sense: We put together a list of beneficiaries of the $370 billion investment needed for California’s power grid to meet the state’s “net zero” goal for CO2 emissions by 2045.
Hot testing starts of second CGN Hualong One unit : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Hot testing starts of second CGN Hualong One unit : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Tests that simulate the temperatures and pressures which the reactor systems will be subjected to during normal operation have begun at unit 4 of the Fangchenggang nuclear power plant in China's Guangxi Autonomous Region. The unit is the second of two demonstration China General Nuclear-designed Hualong One (HPR1000) reactors at the site.
Tribal council, First Nations take stake in SMR companies : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Tribal council, First Nations take stake in SMR companies : Corporate - World Nuclear News: The North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council and its seven First Nation member communities are making financial investments in small modular reactor developers Moltex Energy Canada Inc and ARC Clean Technology Canada Inc under historic equity agreements.
Key Oil Pipeline May Spring Back To Life After Months-Long Stalemate | OilPrice.com
Key Oil Pipeline May Spring Back To Life After Months-Long Stalemate | OilPrice.com: Talks are heating up between Iraq and Turkey about restarting a major oil flow, but not everything is as it seems.
FACTBOX: What is known about destruction of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines - World - TASS
FACTBOX: What is known about destruction of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines - World - TASS: Construction on Nord Stream 2 began in 2018, but was interrupted due to sanctions imposed on the project by the Trump administration, and the gas pipeline was built by December 2021
FACTBOX: What is known about destruction of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines - World - TASS
FACTBOX: What is known about destruction of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines - World - TASS: Construction on Nord Stream 2 began in 2018, but was interrupted due to sanctions imposed on the project by the Trump administration, and the gas pipeline was built by December 2021
Nuclear groups propose ‘stepwise’ approach to increased regulatory efficiency : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
Nuclear groups propose ‘stepwise’ approach to increased regulatory efficiency : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: A new joint report from World Nuclear Association, the Nuclear Energy Institute and the Canadian Nuclear Association proposes regulatory steps which can be taken to minimise the time and cost for large-scale deployment of a fleet of standardised reactor designs that are acceptable in multiple countries around the world.
Successful nuclear projects key for future investments : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Successful nuclear projects key for future investments : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Being able to refer to success stories of nuclear power projects being completed on time and on budget, whether refurbishments or new build, will be key to securing finance for future projects, panelists in a session of the recent World Nuclear Symposium 2023 agreed.
'This is a milestone': Poland’s environment agency greenlights country’s first nuclear power plant | Euronews
'This is a milestone': Poland’s environment agency greenlights country’s first nuclear power plant | Euronews: Climate Minister Anna Moskwa said the step forward was "crucial" for Poland's energy security.
Saudi Arabia inches closer to nuclear power with wider IAEA access - Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East
Saudi Arabia inches closer to nuclear power with wider IAEA access - Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East: The kingdom's energy minister said that the country plans tougher checks by the International Atomic Energy Agency on its nuclear activities.
US aims to create nuclear fusion facility within 10 years, Energy chief Granholm says | AP News
US aims to create nuclear fusion facility within 10 years, Energy chief Granholm says | AP News: U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says nuclear fusion is a pioneering technology and the Biden administration wants to harness it as part of the transition to clean energy.
Die Bilanz der Nord Stream-Sprengung - GERMAN-FOREIGN-POLICY.com
Die Bilanz der Nord Stream-Sprengung - GERMAN-FOREIGN-POLICY.com
https://www.german-foreign-policy.com/news/detail/9356
The balance of the Nord Stream explosion
A year ago, the Nord Stream pipelines were blown up. The act has still not been clarified; the consequences for the natural gas supply of the Federal Republic weigh heavily.
26
SEP 2023
War crimes or terrorist attack
The attack on the two Nord Stream pipelines, which was carried out a year ago today, has still not been clarified. Already immediately after the crime, experts were convinced that the explosion must have been carried out on behalf of the state; the amount of explosives and the logistical effort to bring about an explosion that is still registered as an earthquake at a considerable distance from geological measuring stations are too large, as was the case with the blasting of the Nord Stream pipelines. Research by the investigative US journalist Seymour Hersh revealed that the attack was carried out by US agencies in cooperation with soldiers of the Norwegian armed forces. 1] Politics and the media in Germany, on the other hand, favor a different thesis according to which Polish and Ukrainian private individuals are guilty.[ 2] Of course, this contradicts the conviction that the implementation was not possible without skills and capacities that only states have. Lawyers classify the act, if it had been committed by Russia or Ukraine, as a war crime, a third country had carried it out, as a terrorist attack. There will be no damages, explains the Bonn international law lawyer Stefan Talmon: In court, any perpetrator state can invoke so-called state immunity, which "also applies to such illegal attacks." 3]
Also excluded in the future
If it is still not clear who has blown up the two natural gas pipelines or three of their four strands from Russia to Germany, the consequences are clearly obvious: The option of obtaining larger quantities of pipeline gas from Russia is omitted not only for the present, but also for the future - even in the event that the possible agreement on a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev should be associated with a reduction in the sanctions against Russia. Observers do not rule this out. Although the idea that the Federal Republic could eventually obtain Russian pipeline gas again at some point is widely considered "unsense" or even "absurd" among experts. 4] The example of Japan shows that this does not have to be the case under all circumstances. Tokyo participates in the Russia sanctions of the West, but expressly assumes the import of Russian liquefied gas, on which the country is dependent. The Japanese companies Mitsui and Mitsubishi still hold a total of 22.5 percent of the Russian natural gas production project Sachalin 2, which covers around 9 percent of Japanese liquefied gas imports. 5] Tokyo is also seeking to secure Japanese participation in the Russian Arctic LNG 2 funding project, although the project is currently the target of new US sanctions.[ 6]
New import structures
The definitive end of the purchase of natural gas via the Nord Stream tubes has made a rapid conversion of the German import structures necessary. If the Federal Republic still obtained a good third of its natural gas via Nord Stream 1 alone at the beginning of 2022, the current industry statistics show the import from Russia with zero since September 2022. 7] Norway has risen to Russia's largest supplier, which recently accounted for almost half of all German natural gas imports; followed by the Netherlands and Belgium. The share of liquefied gas, which was delivered directly via the new import terminals on the German coast, amounted to only 6.4 percent in the first half of 2023. 8] According to the Federal Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), the latter came for the most part from the USA. However, the information reflects the actual sources of natural gas consumed in Germany only insufficiently. For example, liquefied gas is also imported from Belgium, which is regasified in Zeebrugge and then transported on. The BDEW states that cross-border traded gas cannot be clearly assigned to countries of origin. The reason is "the partly close meshing of the European pipeline network" in which "the natural gas types of different origins constantly mix." 9]
More expensive than before
However, information about the liquefied gas imports allows information from the analysis company Kpler, for example. Citing these, the Financial Times recently reported that the EU's largest liquefied gas supplier was the United States in the first seven months of 2023 with just under 43 percent of total imports. The second largest quantity came from Russia with around 16 percent. 10] According to calculations by the organization global witness, which are also based on data from Kpler, the EU has increased its imports of Russian liquefied gas by 40 percent in the period from January to July 2023 compared to the pre-war comparison period in 2021; today it buys more than half of all Russian liquefied gas exports - a good 52 percent. 11] The second largest customer of Russian liquefied gas worldwide is therefore Spain, which acquires around 18 percent of all Russian exports - hardly less than the leader China (20 percent); the third largest customer of Russian liquefied gas is therefore Belgium (17 percent), one of the three major suppliers of the Federal Republic. The same applies to Russian liquefied gas: It is more expensive than pipeline gas due to the complex processing. The EU states, including Germany, are therefore paying much more for natural gas that they import from Russia today than before the Ukraine war.
Particularly harmful to the environment
The end of the natural gas purchase via the Nord Stream lines has prompted the federal government in particular to push ahead with the construction of liquefied gas import terminals on the German coasts even more vigorously than before. Terminals are already in regular operation in Wilhelmshaven, Brunsbüttel and Lubmin; further ones are planned in Stade and in front of Rügen as well as a second one in Wilhelmshaven. 12] There is protest against the plans to build a terminal off Rügen: environmental activists fear serious damage to the regional ecosystem. It is also criticized that US liquid gas in particular is imported; this is considered particularly harmful to the environment, since it is mainly promoted by fracking. Last but not least, it is said that the fact that the terminals are expected to be used by 2043 extends the time in which fossil fuels are still used. 13] Even Nord Stream 2, long ago completed, would have paid for itself much earlier.
[1] S. Tatort Ostsee (II) and Tatort Ostsee (III).
[2], [3] Matthias von Hein: Nordstream-Spgung: A lot of speculation, few facts. dw.com 25.09.2023.
[4] Carola Tunk: Nord Stream attacks: Economic relations with Russia after the end of the war - yes or no? berliner-zeitung.de 19.09.2023.
[5] Davide Ghilotti: Japanese trader Mitsui has no plans for Russian LNG exit. upstreamonline.com 21.06.2023.
[6] Amidst Arctic investment, Japan pledges G7 cooperation on fresh sanctions on Russia. rcinet.ca 25.09.2023.
[7] BDEW: Natural gas data up to date. 31.08.2023.
[8] German LNG terminals hardly import gas. tagesschau.de 14.07.2023.
[9] BDEW: Natural gas data up to date. 31.08.2023.
[10] Alice Hancock, Shotaro Tani: EU imports record volumes of liquefied natural gas from Russia. ft.com 30.08.2023.
[11] EU imports of Russian LNG have jumped by 40% since the invasion of Ukraine. globalwitness.org 30.08.2023.
[12], [13] LNG: How much liquefied natural gas is currently arriving in Germany? ndr.de 25.09.2023.
One year later, why is the Nord Stream attack still a mystery? - Responsible Statecraft
One year later, why is the Nord Stream attack still a mystery? - Responsible Statecraft: As investigations appear to get too close for comfort, mainstream interest in the story has waned.
Monday, September 25, 2023
US microreactor apparatus begins tests : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
US microreactor apparatus begins tests : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Tests now under way using an electric-powered prototype of the US Department of Energy's MARVEL microreactor will demonstrate the natural circulation that will be a critical part of the reactor's heat removal system.
Successful nuclear projects key for future investments : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Successful nuclear projects key for future investments : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Being able to refer to success stories of nuclear power projects being completed on time and on budget, whether refurbishments or new build, will be key to securing finance for future projects, panelists in a session of the recent World Nuclear Symposium 2023 agreed.
Grossi stresses positive role of nuclear at IAEA General Conference : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Grossi stresses positive role of nuclear at IAEA General Conference : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi opened the 67th International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference by saying that opinion polls show the "tide is turning" on public attitudes to nuclear energy, but countries "still need to engage stakeholders openly and proactively" in their nuclear power programmes.
Microsoft Cloud hiring to "implement global small modular reactor and microreactor" strategy to power data centers - DCD
Microsoft Cloud hiring to "implement global small modular reactor and microreactor" strategy to power data centers - DCD: Nuclear technology program manager to help data center power crunch
Interview: Westinghouse Head of Newbuilds on AP300 and AP1000 Prospects | Energy Intelligence
Interview: Westinghouse Head of Newbuilds on AP300 and AP1000 Prospects | Energy Intelligence: Westinghouse head of newbuilds, David Durham, discusses the company's AP300 and AP1000 prospective newbuild projects across the globe.
Call for Experts on Small Modular Reactors -
Call for Experts on Small Modular Reactors - micheletkearney@gmail.com - Gmail
MEMO: Seeking Experts on Small Modular Reactors for a USEA Briefing Panel on Their Deployment
Dear Friends,
The next United States Energy Association virtual press briefing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m. ET. I am the organizer and host. Mark Menezes, USEA president and CEO, and former deputy secretary of energy, will be on hand to welcome participants and add his views as appropriate,
The subject of the briefing will be how small modular reactors (SMRs) will be deployed, and in what numbers and time frame. As important, which design -- pressurized light water, boiling water, molten salt or another contender altogether — will lead the way?
Will SMRs really be cheaper? Where are the customers? Which U.S. utilities will be the leaders in the SMR revolution? Can they be licensed in a timely way? Where will hydrogen production fit into the matrix? When will they have enough density to affect the national power supply?
For this USEA briefing, I am seeking leaders in the industry to fill a panel of experts, who will be questioned by a panel of senior energy journalists.
These experts could be senior executives from utilities, vendors, a regulator (or a lawyer familiar with the NRC and its procedures), and someone who studies the whole issue of future reliable electric supply — a kind of philosopher and student of the industry.
This is another in a series of virtual press briefings I have organized for the USEA over the past year and a half. These monthly briefings have drawn a wide audience in the industry and attracted excellent coverage in the national press as well as the energy press.
Reporters have come from The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Associated Press, The Economist, Energy Central, Utility Dive, E&E News, S&P Global, Energi (Canada), New Europe and C-SPAN.
Previous briefings have featured a galaxy of industry and academic stars, including heads of utilities, ISOs, trade and research associations, and suppliers.
The briefings, which are held on Zoom, last one hour and are conducted in a conversational and collegial way.
If you have a story to tell about SMRs and ideas about how they will get to market and their role going forward, please email me at llewellynking1@gmail.com. Also if you know someone who should be on the panel, email me the contact information.
And please do join the briefing as a viewer.
Cheers,
Llewellyn
Executive Producer and Host,
"White House Chronicle" on PBS;
Columnist, InsideSources Syndicate;
Contributor, Forbes; Energy Central
Commentator, SiriusXM Radio
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