Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Feds find “substantial’’ safety issue at SC nuclear plant | The State
Feds find “substantial’’ safety issue at SC nuclear plant | The State: Officials at the V.C. Summer nuclear plant failed for 20 years to correct a problem of safety significance, federal regulators say. Now, Dominion Energy is in hot water with the federal government.
US Nearing New Underground Nuclear Test System That Doesn't Cause Explosions
US Nearing New Underground Nuclear Test System That Doesn't Cause Explosions: Scientists tasked with ensuring the safety, reliability and effectiveness of the US nuclear arsenal say they are close to completing a facility that will help them test that.
Russian parliament to debate revoking nuclear test ban – top MP — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
Russian parliament to debate revoking nuclear test ban – top MP — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union: The State Duma will debate whether Russia should revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, its head has vowed
No survivors if Russia unleashes nuclear arsenal: Putin / Live discussion on WION, Indian television
No survivors if Russia unleashes nuclear arsenal: Putin / Live discussion on WION, Indian television: It is very good that WION, India’s largest English-language global television broadcaster, invited me to comment on the most significant issue at the just closed Valdai Discussion Club gathering in Sochi: Russia’s nuclear doctrine and the entry into mass production of its new cutting-edge missiles that will constitute its chief nuclear deterrent. Vladimir Putin stressed that the SARMAT ultra-heavy ICBMs and the nuclear engine powered Burevestnik cruise missile will devastate any country that dares attack his homeland.
Climate Change and AI Threaten to Upend Everything
Climate Change and AI Threaten to Upend Everything: This is a seminal year, meaning nothing will be the same again. This is the year when two monumentally new forces began to shape how we live, where we reside and the work we do. Think of the invent…
Friday, October 6, 2023
Holtec Formally Initiates Process with NRC to Reauthorize Operations at Palisades Power Plant - Holtec International
Holtec Formally Initiates Process with NRC to Reauthorize Operations at Palisades Power Plant - Holtec International: The repowering of Palisades Power Plant took a giant step forward this week with the signing of a long-term power purchase agreement.
U.S. Offshore Wind Plans Are Utterly Collapsing | RealClearEnergy
U.S. Offshore Wind Plans Are Utterly Collapsing | RealClearEnergy: Offshore wind developer Ørsted has delayed its New Jersey Ocean Wind 1 project to 2026. Previously, the company had announced construction of the project would begin in
Regulators reject bid to shutter Diablo Canyon nuclear reactor | Energy News Network
Regulators reject bid to shutter Diablo Canyon nuclear reactor | Energy News Network: Also: California university boards tangled up with fossil fuels
Another setback in fight to close state nuclear power plant
Another setback in fight to close state nuclear power plant: Federal regulators rejected a request from environmental groups to immediately shut down one of the reactors at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.
PG&E enters fray in Ninth Circuit lawsuit about proposed Diablo Canyon extension - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
PG&E enters fray in Ninth Circuit lawsuit about proposed Diablo Canyon extension - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
PG&E's undergrounding plan is causing sticker shock - POLITICO
PG&E's undergrounding plan is causing sticker shock - POLITICO: Regulators are pushing back against PG&E's plan to adapt to fire risk.
IAEA assesses Jordanian plans for SMR deployment : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
IAEA assesses Jordanian plans for SMR deployment : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: An International Atomic Energy Agency expert mission has concluded that reports compiled by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission will provide a good basis for a feasibility study into the country's use of small modular reactors for electricity generation and seawater desalination.
Edison eyes SMR deployment in Italy : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Edison eyes SMR deployment in Italy : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Leading Italian energy player Edison has announced its ambition to construct two nuclear power plants based on EDF's small modular reactor technology between 2030 and 2040, if the conditions are created for the return of nuclear energy to Italy.
Holtec applies to restart shuttered Palisades plant : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Holtec applies to restart shuttered Palisades plant : Corporate - World Nuclear News: The Palisades plant in Michigan could become the first successfully restarted nuclear power plant in the USA following Holtec International's submission of a filing with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to formally begin the process of seeking reauthorisation of power operations at the plant, which was shut down in May 2022.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
California Officials Consider Shrinking PG&E Plan to Bury Power Lines | Engineering News-Record
California Officials Consider Shrinking PG&E Plan to Bury Power Lines | Engineering News-Record: The utility company said two years ago it would bury 10,000 line miles to prevent wildfires, but regulators now balk at proposed rate increases to pay for the work.
New Mexico's nuke waste disposal questioned during public forum
New Mexico's nuke waste disposal questioned during public forum: Nuclear waste generated in NM should be the first waste disposed of in the state, attendees said during a forum held Tuesday in Carlsbad.
Korean floating NPP project receives approval in principle - Nuclear Engineering International
Korean floating NPP project receives approval in principle - Nuclear Engineering International: HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and Kepco Engineering & Construction Company (Kepco E&C) have received approval in principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a new design of a...
Dominion proposes 800 MW of new solar in Virginia
Dominion proposes 800 MW of new solar in Virginia: Dominion made the request to regulators which includes six projects that would be owned or acquired by the utility and 13 power purchase agreements.
Enviros say claims about Diablo Canyon 1 embrittlement too urgent for NRC staff - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
Enviros say claims about Diablo Canyon 1 embrittlement too urgent for NRC staff - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
Environmentalists suffer another setback in fight to shutter California's last nuclear power plant | AP News
Environmentalists suffer another setback in fight to shutter California's last nuclear power plant | AP News: Federal regulators have rejected a request from environmental groups to immediately shut down one of two reactors at California’s last nuclear power plant.
Wyoming Trona Mine Could Be First In US To Have Its Own Micronuclear Power Plant | Your Wyoming News Source
Wyoming Trona Mine Could Be First In US To Have Its Own Micronuclear Power Plant | Your Wyoming News Source
A Second Industry Looks at Advanced Nuclear for Its Energy Needs
A mine in Green River, in southwestern Wyoming, has signed an agreement with BWXT Advanced Technologies of Virginia to explore the installation of micro-reactors that would produce up to 100 megawatts.
The mine, owned by Tata Chemicals, produces trona, a mineral converted at an adjacent refinery to make soda ash used in glass, paper, and other products. The reactors would provide power to both, displacing fossil fuels. The state legislature has already appropriated $150 million to explore nuclear power in Colorado.
Dow is planning four small gas-graphite reactors at a chemical plant called Seadrift in Texas.
Southern Nuclear to implement next-generation nuclear fuel enhancements
Southern Nuclear to implement next-generation nuclear fuel enhancements
A Step Towards Advanced Nuclear Fuel
Nuclear fuel for light-water reactors (the technology now operating and that would be used in several Small Modular Reactor designs) is optimized to produce lots of energy. Still, a refinement under discussion for the last decade is “accident tolerant fuel,” which would be coated with various substances to make it more heat-resistant and could survive a loss of cooling for longer without damage.
Now, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has given permission for a small batch of such fuel to be loaded at a current-generation reactor, Georgia Power’s Vogtle 2, near Augusta. This is significant for the generation of reactors to come for several reasons. It means that the accident-tolerant fuel may be commercially demonstrated before the new models are ready for their first fuel loads.
The coatings tend to steal some of the neutrons, the sub-atomic particles that sustain the chain reaction. So, the new fuel must have a higher enrichment or higher proportion of uranium-235. The standard in current reactors is five percent, but Georgia Power has announced that it has permission to load fuel enriched to 6 percent.
This is a small first step. Some of the advanced designs call for enrichments of up to 20 percent. Higher enrichments could also stretch the refueling intervals to 2 years from 18 months, which reactors like Vogtle, a pressurized water model, typically use.
Vogtle is part of Southern Nuclear, which is already trying out accident-tolerant fuel on a boiling water reactor, Hatch.
H.R.5706 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): U.S. Capitol Power Plant Retrofit Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
H.R.5706 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): U.S. Capitol Power Plant Retrofit Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
A Nuclear-powered Congress?
A few blocks south of the U.S. Capitol is the Capitol Power Plant, built to supply steam and electricity to the Capitol and the congressional office buildings. But it is so old (opened in 1910) that the electric system was initially 25 cycles, not the 60 cycles in common use in North America.
The plant supplies most of the electricity for the legislative campus, along with hot a water for sinks and chilled water for air conditioning. It was built to run on coal, and coal-state Senators initially opposed efforts to convert it to natural gas. But Senator Harry Reid and Representative Nancy Pelosi, when they led Democratic majorities in the Senate and House, prevailed, arguing that Congress should set an example in fighting climate change, and today it runs primarily on natural gas.
Now, Representative Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican and a staunch supporter of nuclear energy has introduced a bill to require the Architect of the Capitol to study incorporating an advanced nuclear reactor into the system. The gas plant now produces 7.5 megawatts, which means a micro-reactor. The site seems well suited for such a plant because it could use both electricity and the thermal energy left over when the steam exits the turbine that turns a generator; the result would be very high efficiency.
But the bill’s prospects are unclear; Congress has a lot of other things on its plate.
An updated roadmap to Net Zero Emissions by 2050 – World Energy Outlook 2022 – Analysis - IEA
An updated roadmap to Net Zero Emissions by 2050 – World Energy Outlook 2022 – Analysis - IEA: World Energy Outlook 2022 - Analysis and key findings. A report by the International Energy Agency.
Report: The World Needs Lots of New Nuclear Energy, in a Hurry
A global electricity system without carbon emissions by 2050 will require producing about two and a quarter times as much energy from nuclear reactors as was produced in 2022, or just over six terawatt-hours, up from 2.7 terawatt-hours, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency. That implies that additions to nuclear capacity, which totaled 8 gigawatts in 2022 (or seven or eight big reactors), will reach 37 gigawatts annually by 2035. Capacity additions would be nearly quadruple the recent averages.
One implication of the report is that the world needs to find faster ways to build reactors. And ease of construction is one of the design goals of advanced reactors. In other words, the world needs a lot of fast reactors fast. And a lot of other kinds of reactors too.
It predicts, though, that the biggest growth will come in wind and solar energy, which will increase nearly seven-fold.
The projection also predicts tremendous growth in consumption; Electricity will displace gasoline and diesel, and other direct use of fossil fuels, and generation will grow by 3.3 percent a year, faster than global economic growth. Today, hundreds of millions of people lack reliable access to electricity, but that will fall to zero by 2030, according to the report, an update to the agency’s “Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector.”
The predicted increases in clean energy production seem ambitious, and, as the report notes, recent history does not indicate that we are off to a good start. Recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, coal use surged and 2021 brought “the largest annual increase in global CO2 emissions from the energy sector ever recorded.”
Operations begin at US chloride salt test system : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Operations begin at US chloride salt test system : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Southern Company, TerraPower and Core Power have started pumped-salt operations in the Integrated Effects Test facility at TerraPower's laboratory in Everett, Washington. The facility will be used in the development of the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor.
Release of second batch of Fukushima water begins : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
Release of second batch of Fukushima water begins : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: Tokyo Electric Power Company has begun releasing the second batch of treated water at the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean. During the latest discharge, expected to last about 17 days, some 7800 cubic metres of treated water will be diluted and released into the sea.
Swedish nuclear: Government moves to change law : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Swedish nuclear: Government moves to change law : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: A bill to amend Sweden's legislation on nuclear power has been introduced by the country's government in parliament. It aims to remove the current law limiting the number of reactors in operation to ten, as well as allowing reactors to be built on new sites, rather than just existing ones.
Australian government funding to 'futureproof' radioisotope supplies : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
Australian government funding to 'futureproof' radioisotope supplies : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: The Australian government has officially outlined plans for a new nuclear medicine manufacturing facility at ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus, replacing an existing facility that is now reaching the end of its operating life. The new facility is expected to be completed by the early to mid-2030s.
Bangladesh joins nuclear club as first fuel delivered : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Bangladesh joins nuclear club as first fuel delivered : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Russian President Vladimir Putin and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi have taken part in a ceremony to mark the arrival of the first batch of nuclear fuel at the Rooppur nuclear power plant.
U.S. Department of Energy Restores Key Safety Test for Nuclear Fuel | Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Energy Restores Key Safety Test for Nuclear Fuel | Department of Energy: Idaho National Laboratory performs new experiment that shows what happens to nuclear fuel when there is a loss of coolant accident.
Environmentalists suffer another setback in fight to shutter California's last nuclear power plant | AP News
Environmentalists suffer another setback in fight to shutter California's last nuclear power plant | AP News: Federal regulators have rejected a request from environmental groups to immediately shut down one of two reactors at California’s last nuclear power plant.
Oil gets even darker: NACP adds the three largest Chinese oil and gas companies to the list of international sponsors of war | National Agency on Corruption Prevention
Oil gets even darker: NACP adds the three largest Chinese oil and gas companies to the list of international sponsors of war | National Agency on Corruption Prevention: The three largest Chinese oil and gas companies continue to implement joint projects with Russia and finance Russia’s strategic industry by paying significant taxes. The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) has added China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC Group), China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group), ...
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Boiling Point: If only nuclear power were an easy climate change solution
Boiling Point: If only nuclear power were an easy climate change solution: Navigating the energy transition will be hard, whether we like it or not.
Dear Sammy: Thank you for your article, "If Only Nuclear Were an Easy Climate Change Solution" in yesterday's Boiling Point newsletter. Your article focuses on Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP.)
https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2023-10-03/if-only-nuclear-power-were-an-easy-climate-change-solution-boiling-point
The independent nonprofit Californians for Green Nuclear Power has been advocating for extended DCPP operations for over a decade.
Here's our newest filing before the CPUC regarding DCPP extended operations. See the introduction for our summary. Though it is due on Friday, October 6, this filing will be filed and served this evening. We think one of the easy things to do for California's environment and California ratepayers is keep Diablo Canyon running for as long as possible.
The DCPP replacement is increased natural gas fired generation in California and more coal - fired generation in states like Wyoming. For years, fossil fuel interests have lobbied behind the scenes for DCPP's shut down. They have hidden behind nonprofits that allegedly protect the environment. The fossil-fired alternatives would increase toxic air and water pollution. The Sun does not always shine nor does the wind always blow with sufficient force to turn the wind turbines. Unfortunately, there are examples around the world of the negative externalities of increased pollution as nuclear power plants needlessly close.
I look forward to being interviewed for one of your upcoming stories.
Gene Nelson, Ph.D. CGNP Senior Legal Researcher and President
Californians for Green Nuclear Power, Inc. (CGNP)
1375 East Grand Ave Ste 103 #523
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420-2421
(805) 363 - 4697 cell
Government@CGNP.org email
https://CGNP.org website
NATO website calls for nuclear war preparation — RT World News
NATO website calls for nuclear war preparation — RT World News: The Western bloc must prepare to fight a tactical nuclear war with Russia, a former Pentagon official wrote on NATO’s website
China’s electric vehicles threaten to leave Europe in the dust | Financial Times
China’s electric vehicles threaten to leave Europe in the dust | Financial Times: The historical parallel is with the push into the US by Japanese carmakers in the 1970s
Could the future of Microsoft AI training be nuclear power?
Could the future of Microsoft AI training be nuclear power?: Microsoft AI uses huge amounts of power - as all data centers do. Is nuclear energy the path to eco-friendly AI?
2023 Climate Tech Companies to Watch: NuScale and its modular nuclear reactors | MIT Technology Review
2023 Climate Tech Companies to Watch: NuScale and its modular nuclear reactors | MIT Technology Review: The company’s approach could put nuclear power within reach of many more communities.
NRC issues preliminary language for licensing and oversight of fusion energy systems | Utility Dive
NRC issues preliminary language for licensing and oversight of fusion energy systems | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
PG&E's $6B plan to prevent wildfires in peril - WSJ (NYSE:PCG) | Seeking Alpha
PG&E's $6B plan to prevent wildfires in peril - WSJ (NYSE:PCG) | Seeking Alpha: The California Public Utilities Commission is considering significant restrictions on PG&E's plan to bury power lines to reduce fire risk, due to cost concerns.
United Kingdom awards contracts for Australian nuclear-powered attack submarine - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
United Kingdom awards contracts for Australian nuclear-powered attack submarine - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
NRC Issues Event Notification for Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant, Calif. | Energy Central
NRC Issues Event Notification for Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant, Calif. | Energy Central: WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56769) involving Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant, California:* * *Facility: Diablo CanyonRegion: 4State: CAUnit: [1] [] []RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LPNRC Notified By: Brian EngletonHQ OPS Officer: Ernest WestNotification Date: 10/01/2023Notification Time: 03:02 [ET]Event Date:
Here's how much of Idaho's nuclear waste was disposed of in New Mexico
Here's how much of Idaho's nuclear waste was disposed of in New Mexico: Idaho National Laboratory sent about 7,050 shipments of nuclear waste to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, more than half of WPP's total.
The military is using microgrids to fight threats and climate change : NPR
The military is using microgrids to fight threats and climate change : NPR: The military is among the largest buyers of independent power systems known as microgrids. They make tactical sense; and environmentalists hope they can help the transition from fossil fuels.
Rolls-Royce Beats Out Gates’ Terrapower In UK Nuclear Competition
Rolls-Royce Beats Out Gates’ Terrapower In UK Nuclear Competition: Terrapower, backed by Bill Gates, was omitted from the next round in the UK's competition for scaled-down nuclear power plants, with six other contenders advancing.
US / Regulator Approves Use Of Advanced Fuel With Enrichments Exceeding 5% At Vogtle-2 :: NucNet | The Independent Nuclear News Agency
US / Regulator Approves Use Of Advanced Fuel With Enrichments Exceeding 5% At Vogtle-2 :: NucNet | The Independent Nuclear News Agency: Southern Nuclear to load first-of-a-kind assemblies in early 2025
Podcast: World Nuclear Symposium 2023 special report : Perspectives - World Nuclear News
Podcast: World Nuclear Symposium 2023 special report : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: The Nuclear Fuel Report, financing, recruitment, plant life optimisation and the Net Zero Nuclear launch all feature in this round-up of the high-level panel discussions held at the industry's global gathering in London.
SMRs: Transitioning from novel technology to commercial success - Power Engineering International
SMRs: Transitioning from novel technology to commercial success - Power Engineering International: Jason Dreisbach of AtkinsRéalis explores what it could take to bring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to market, particularly in the UK.
Air Force Research Lab awards design contracts for nuclear powered spacecraft - SpaceNews
Air Force Research Lab awards design contracts for nuclear powered spacecraft - SpaceNews: Air Force Research Lab awards design contracts for nuclear powered spacecraft
In nuclear push, Saudi Arabia could play US, China off each other - Breaking Defense
In nuclear push, Saudi Arabia could play US, China off each other - Breaking Defense: Saudi Arabia is making a push for nuclear power as part of any US-brokered pact with Israel - and Riyadh won't be shy about seeking what it wants.
Southern Company, TerraPower and CORE POWER begin salt operations of Integrated Effects Test
Southern Company, TerraPower and CORE POWER begin salt operations of Integrated Effects Test: /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company, TerraPower and CORE POWER have successfully started pumped-salt operations in the Integrated Effects Test (IET), signifying a...
IAEA unveils nuclear security training centre : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
IAEA unveils nuclear security training centre : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: The International Atomic Energy Agency's new Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centreallows participants to learn about the physical protection of nuclear and other radioactive material, as well as detection and response to criminal acts involving nuclear material and facilities.
TRIGA fuel supply resumes after 10-year hiatus : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News
TRIGA fuel supply resumes after 10-year hiatus : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: The first shipment of research reactor fuel elements under a nine-year contract between the US Department of Energy and TRIGA International has arrived at Pennsylvania State University. Meanwhile, the original developer of the TRIGA research reactor has been awarded a design development services contract in support of a conceptual research reactor design for a new facility at Sandia National Laboratory.
Operations begin at US chloride salt test system : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Operations begin at US chloride salt test system : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Southern Company, TerraPower and Core Power have started pumped-salt operations in the Integrated Effects Test facility at TerraPower's laboratory in Everett, Washington. The facility will be used in the development of the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor.
ABS approves Korean SMR power barge design : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
ABS approves Korean SMR power barge design : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: A design for a floating offshore nuclear power barge from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Kepco Engineering & Construction has received approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping.
Webinar Registration - Zoom
Webinar Registration - Zoom: There are great expectations for small modular reactors.
Llewellyn King via gmail.mcsv.net
12:11 PM (19 minutes ago)
to me
Greetings Friends,
Small modular reactors are on the march in power generation. But they are an irregular army of conflicting designs (some are fast reactors, others are light water), power ratings and variables, like refueling.
For SMRs the big questions are licensing, construction time and ultimate cost. At present few electric utilities are showing enthusiasm for them, but many are interested — a fine distinction.
I am excited to tell you that the United States Energy Association will be holding a virtual press briefing on Tuesday, October 17, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time with leaders of the SMR revolution answering questions from four gifted journalists who cover energy.
The atmosphere is collegial, the exchange of information is enlightening.
On the experts panel:
Tom Marcille, Vice President & Chief Nuclear Officer, Holtec International SMR
James Schaefer, Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Partners
John Hopkins, President & CEO, NuScale
Mark Gake, Nuclear Technology Portfolio Manager, Black & Veatch
Steve Chengelis, Director of Research & Development Future Nuclear, EPRI
Julie Kozeracki, LPO Senior Advisor, Department of Energy
On the reporters panel:
Jennifer Hiller, The Wall Street Journal
Ken Silverstein, Forbes
Peter Behr, E&E News
Matt Chester, Energy Central
I have organized this briefing and will moderate it. Mark Menezes, USEA president and CEO, and former deputy secretary of energy, will be on hand to lend his expertise.
The briefing will last an hour and a half, and is open to the press and the public.
Please use this link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u7-4fR1YSzSjHoEANTuONw
Cheers,
Llewellyn
Mobile: +1 (202) 441-2702
In nuclear circles they represent the arrival, at long last, of the nuclear renaissance, the dawn of a new nuclear age.
But an unusual number of questions hang over SMRs:
How will they be brought to market?
Are they really going to be cheaper than traditional light water reactors on a power-per-dollar basis?
Which of all the new entrants will survive in the market?
Will SMRs facilitate large-scale hydrogen production?
Can the NRC handle licensing a variety of design concepts?
How about the utilities? Which ones are going to buy and build?
The United States Energy Association plans to get answers to these questions at its next virtual press briefing on October 17 at 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, when journalists who cover energy question experts in the field — those with the answers.
The SMR briefing will feature a diverse panel of gifted and experienced executives who know the technology, the financing, the utility needs and the public acceptance.
Mark Menezes, USEA President and CEO, and former deputy secretary of energy, will contribute his expertise as appropriate. Llewellyn King has organized and will moderate the b
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Government and industry unite in call for more nuclear energy - Power Engineering International
Government and industry unite in call for more nuclear energy - Power Engineering International: Twenty countries have committed to nuclear energy to lower emissions and agreed on principles to drive their nuclear new build projects.
US unit cleared to use higher-enriched fuel : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
US unit cleared to use higher-enriched fuel : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: Southern Nuclear has announced it has received authorisation from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to use advanced nuclear fuel enriched up to 6% uranium-235 at Vogtle unit 2. This is the first time a US commercial reactor has been authorised to use fuel with over 5% enrichment.
NRC approves transfer of three Energy Harbor nuclear plants to Vistra
NRC approves transfer of three Energy Harbor nuclear plants to Vistra: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the transfer of the operating licenses of Energy Harbor's three nuclear plants to Vistra.
New Paper Finds No connection between CO2 and temperature | Principia Scientific Intl.
New Paper Finds No connection between CO2 and temperature | Principia Scientific Intl.: Although the Milankovitch cycles are widely accepted as the driver of our climate, they are ignored by the IPCC
Monday, October 2, 2023
PG&E (PCG)'s True Worth: Is It Overpriced? An In-Depth Explorati
PG&E (PCG)'s True Worth: Is It Overpriced? An In-Depth Explorati: PG&E Corp (PCG) experienced a daily loss of -3.66% and a three-month loss of -9.46%. The company's Earnings Per Share (EPS) stands at 0.91. Considering these fi
PG&E Corp (PCG): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential
PG&E Corp (PCG): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential: Unraveling the Factors That Could Limit PG&E Corp's Future Outperformance
California Climate Credit Helps PG&E Customers Transition to Low-Carbon Future
California Climate Credit Helps PG&E Customers Transition to Low-Carbon Future: /PRNewswire/ -- For the second time this year, more than five million Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers will automatically receive the...
Microsoft May Create Nuclear Reactors To Power Its AI Ventur
Microsoft May Create Nuclear Reactors To Power Its AI Ventur: In a bold move indicative of a growing interest in sustainable energy solutions for its ambitious AI ventures, Microsoft appears to be exploring nucle
Optimism for the Future of Nuclear Power: SMRs and Microreactor Projects Gain Momentum
Optimism for the Future of Nuclear Power: SMRs and Microreactor Projects Gain Momentum: Optimism for the Future of Nuclear Power: SMRs and Microreactor Projects Gain Momentum - EnergyPortal.eu
Utilities crushed as Treasury yields continue to soar; NextEra plunges 12% (NYSEARCA:XLU) | Seeking Alpha
Utilities crushed as Treasury yields continue to soar; NextEra plunges 12% (NYSEARCA:XLU) | Seeking Alpha: The utilities sector lags far behind other stock groups as a selloff in U.S. Treasurys drives yields to fresh highs, giving income-oriented investors alternative options.
US regulator approves transfer of licences : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
US regulator approves transfer of licences : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the transfer of the licences for three operating nuclear power plants and their associated used fuel storage facilities from Energy Harbor Nuclear Corporation to Vistra Operations Company LLC.
Romania sets out roadmap for licensing of NuScale VOYGR : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
Romania sets out roadmap for licensing of NuScale VOYGR : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: Romania's National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control has approved the Licensing Basis Document for the NuScale VOYGR-6 small modular reactor power plant.
Podcast: World Nuclear Symposium 2023 special report : Perspectives - World Nuclear News
Podcast: World Nuclear Symposium 2023 special report : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: The Nuclear Fuel Report, financing, recruitment, plant life optimisation and the Net Zero Nuclear launch all feature in this round-up of the high-level panel discussions held at the industry's global gathering in London.
Putin Is Now Evading Western Sanctions On Almost All Oil Exports, And Using Yuan To Avoid Import Sanctions | ZeroHedge
Putin Is Now Evading Western Sanctions On Almost All Oil Exports, And Using Yuan To Avoid Import Sanctions | ZeroHedge: ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
PWR_ October-2023
PWR_ October-2023: Experience our interactive, profoundly engaging digital publication!
10 New Reactors Discussed as Sweden Looks to Expand Nuclear Power
10 New Reactors Discussed as Sweden Looks to Expand Nuclear Power: Sweden has joined the growing list of countries discussing nuclear power as part of a strategy to produce more electricity while also decarbonizing power generation. Lawmakers in June adopted new targets as
Nuclear Power Is Making a Comeback: What Will It Take to See Meaningful Growth?
Nuclear Power Is Making a Comeback: What Will It Take to See Meaningful Growth?: There are many reasons for the nuclear power industry to feel optimistic about the future. For example, the entry of Vogtle Unit 3 into commercial operation on July 31 was a significant milestone and one worth
Ontario prepares to go big on nuclear, with demand for electricity poised to soar | CBC News
Ontario prepares to go big on nuclear, with demand for electricity poised to soar | CBC News: Demand for electricity across Canada is forecast to double in the next 25 years, and all the signs from Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government indicate that nuclear energy will supply the biggest portion of the province's additional power needs.
Rolls-Royce among six firms shortlisted for British small nuclear plants | Reuters
Rolls-Royce among six firms shortlisted for British small nuclear plants | Reuters: Rolls-Royce and five other firms have passed the first stage of Britain's competition to select developers of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), the government said on Monday.
UK Picks EDF, GE-Hitachi and Four Others for Nuclear Competition - BNN Bloomberg
UK Picks EDF, GE-Hitachi and Four Others for Nuclear Competition - BNN Bloomberg: The UK selected six companies, including Electricite de France SA, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC and Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc, to advance to the next round in a government competition to develop smaller nuclear reactors that are expected to be quicker to build.
'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.
UK Picks EDF, GE-Hitachi and Four Others for Nuclear Competition - BNN Bloomberg
UK Picks EDF, GE-Hitachi and Four Others for Nuclear Competition - BNN Bloomberg: The UK selected six companies, including Electricite de France SA, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC and Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc, to advance to the next round in a government competition to develop smaller nuclear reactors that are expected to be quicker to build.
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[SocialMedia] UK Gov't Action on SMR Selection
[SocialMedia] UK Gov't Action on SMR Selection - micheletkearney@gmail.com - Gmail
The UK government, now proceeding with yet another SMR competition (the first two were either not funded or offered pittances for development) has named six firms as "finalists" in the process. The government hasn't said how much money it will award the winner(s) which conceivably would then build a fleet of reactors based on the preferred design.
Always remember in bake offs like this one it ain't over until the fat lady sings.
Meanwhile, the UK government, having booted Chinese nuclear firms out of their 20% equity stake in Sizewell C (twin EDF 1650 MW EPRs) is now seeking outside investors to fund the massive project.
Six companies through to next stage of nuclear technology competition
gov.uk/government/news/six-companies-through-to-next-stage-of-nuclear-technology-competition
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
6 companies selected to advance to next phase of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition for innovative nuclear technologies
companies will be invited to bid for government contracts later this year with successful companies announced in Spring next year and contracts awarded in Summer
SMRs could transform how nuclear power stations are built and result in billions of pounds of investment in the UK
Six companies’ designs for the next generation of nuclear reactors have been selected to progress in a government competition supporting the development of this innovative technology for greater energy security.
EDF, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Limited, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce SMR and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Limited have been chosen for the next stage of the process.
The Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition is part of the government’s plan to revive nuclear power and for the UK to lead the global race to develop cutting-edge technologies to rapidly deliver cleaner, cheaper energy and greater energy security. The government’s ambition is for up to a quarter of all UK electricity to come from nuclear power by 2050.
Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories, and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive.
The designs chosen today are considered by the government and Great British Nuclear - the government-backed body driving forward nuclear projects across the country - the most able to deliver operational SMRs by the mid-2030s. The next stage of the process will be launched as soon as possible where successful companies will shortly be able to bid for government contracts. The ambition is to announce in Spring 2024 which of the 6 companies the government will support, with contracts awarded by Summer 2024. This timetable aims to make this competition the fastest of its kind in the world.
As well as backing SMRs and other emerging nuclear technologies, the government is also investing in the large-scale project at Sizewell C, a near exact replica of Hinkley Point C, the first nuclear plant to be in construction for over a generation.
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:
Small Modular Reactors will help the UK rapidly expand nuclear power and deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy for British families and businesses, create well-paid, high-skilled jobs, and grow the economy.
This competition has attracted designs from around the world and puts the UK at the front of the global race to develop this exciting, cutting-edge technology and cement our position as a world leader in nuclear innovation.
Minister for Nuclear and Networks Andrew Bowie said:
This programme provides the blueprint for how the government can work together with industry to grow the economy and set the future of new, exciting nuclear technologies.
I am delighted today we have taken the next step in our plans to unleash a new generation of nuclear technology, boost our energy security and deliver our net zero ambitions.
Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Nuclear said:
Today’s announcement is a key step forward in delivering the government’s objective of boosting nuclear power in this country. Our priority in this process has been to prioritise reliable and sustainable power to the grid early, and that’s why we have focused our first step on the technologies that we viewed as most likely to meet the objective of a final investment decision in 2029.
These companies will now be able to prepare for the next stages of the competition, aiming for a final contract agreement in the summer, potentially benefiting from significant support from the public purse.
This is a hugely exciting day for the nuclear industry, with 6 companies taking the first step towards delivering sustainable power for Britain. For companies who were not successful in this initial process, the next opportunity could be the government’s consultation on alternative routes to market for nuclear technologies which is due to be launched soon. This will look at how to support newer technologies so that Britain can benefit from them as well.
The government’s objective has been to select technologies which offer the greatest confidence in being able to make a final investment decision in 2029 and be operational in the mid-2030s.
The government is set to consult later in the year on how best to ensure other nuclear technologies can potentially get underway in the UK – and this could include some of the technologies that were not selected through this process.
Sunday, October 1, 2023
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