Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire
Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Why it's so hard to stop building homes in places at risk from climate disasters : NPR
Why it's so hard to stop building homes in places at risk from climate disasters : NPR: Towns across the U.S. want to stop building homes that are vulnerable to climate-driven disasters, like wildfires, floods and droughts. It's easier said than done.
Medical radioisotope supply chain faces future crisis, Nuclear Energy Agency warns
Medical radioisotope supply chain faces future crisis, Nuclear Energy Agency warns: Outdated infrastructure and a lack of young people entering the field are both impacting the security of critical isotopes such as molybdenum-99.
COP28: Multiple Initiatives for Fusion Energy Underway | Neutron Bytes
COP28: Multiple Initiatives for Fusion Energy Underway | Neutron Bytes: COP28: IAEA Fusion Energy Initiatives Update on Fusion Initiatives Launched at COP28 Sustainable Markets Initiative Launches Fusion Task Force COP28: IAEA Fusion Energy Initiatives Fusion is develo…
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Atomic Power Is In Again—and China Has the Edge - WSJ
Atomic Power Is In Again—and China Has the Edge - WSJ: China’s push to reduce its use of fossil fuels has put the country at the forefront of civilian nuclear technology, as climate change is bringing nuclear power back into vogue.
U.S. Power Sets All the Wrong Examples to the World
U.S. Power Sets All the Wrong Examples to the World: An Open Letter from the Eisenhower Media Network
How the US Has Darkened the Nuclear Cloud Over Humanity - Antiwar.com
How the US Has Darkened the Nuclear Cloud Over Humanity - Antiwar.com: This article was originally published by The Nation. Forty years ago, across a dozen pages of The Nation magazine, I was in a debate with the English - Norman Solomon for Antiwar.com
Holtec plans two SMRs for Palisades NPP - Nuclear Engineering International
Holtec plans two SMRs for Palisades NPP - Nuclear Engineering International: US-based Holtec International has launched a programme to build two SMR-300 reactor units at the Palisades NPP site in Michigan. Holtec said it is encouraged by the state’s “commitment to expand in-state carbon-free generation...
US takes steps to jump-start overseas SMR deployments : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
US takes steps to jump-start overseas SMR deployments : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The US Department of State and US Export-Import Bank have announced a suite of financial tools to support the deployment of advanced nuclear energy systems to help reach net-zero goals. They also announced plans to mobilise more than USD4.2 billion of investment in enrichment and conversion capacity through the five-nation Sapporo 5 collaboration.
First Two SMR-300 Units Slated to be Built at Michigan’s Palisades Site for Commissioning by Mid-2030 - Holtec International
First Two SMR-300 Units Slated to be Built at Michigan’s Palisades Site for Commissioning by Mid-2030 - Holtec International: Buoyed by the State of Michigan’s commitment to expand in-state carbon-free generation as well as by the broad-based federal, state, and community support for repowering the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, we have started the program to build our first two SMR-300 reactor units at the Palisades site.
The United States Announces Key Measures to Jump Start Deployments of Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems and to Secure Nuclear Fuel Supply Chains, Accelerating the Contribution of Nuclear Energy to Net Zero Goals - United States Department of State
The United States Announces Key Measures to Jump Start Deployments of Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems and to Secure Nuclear Fuel Supply Chains, Accelerating the Contribution of Nuclear Energy to Net Zero Goals - United States Department of State: Today, at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (COP28), U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins and U.S. Export-Import Bank Chair Reta Jo Lewis announced key measures to increase the access to safe and secure nuclear energy supply. In response to the significant global interest […]
(187) COP28: Leaders Announce Nuclear Energy Summit for 2024 - YouTube
(187) COP28: Leaders Announce Nuclear Energy Summit for 2024 - YouTube: A first-of-its-kind nuclear energy summit will be held next year, it was announced at COP28 today. Leaders from around the world will gather in Brussels in M...
Mass Acquisition of Early Site Permits… | The Breakthrough Institute
Mass Acquisition of Early Site Permits… | The Breakthrough Institute: The Breakthrough Institute is an environmental research center based in Berkeley, California. Our research focuses on identifying and promoting…
Nuclear sector must overcome decades of stagnation to meet COP28 tripling goal | Reuters
Nuclear sector must overcome decades of stagnation to meet COP28 tripling goal | Reuters: The global nuclear industry got a morale boost at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai after more than 20 nations vowed to triple capacity by 2050.
Nuclear backers pressure Biden to include industry in hydrogen tax break | Reuters
Nuclear backers pressure Biden to include industry in hydrogen tax break | Reuters: The U.S. nuclear power industry is pressuring the administration of President Joe Biden to include existing reactors in a subsidy program for hydrogen, arguing that U.S. goals to jumpstart a "clean hydrogen" economy could fail without them.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visits TVA Clinch River site
US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visits TVA Clinch River site: Jennifer Granholm said the TVA site outside Oak Ridge could change the world.
US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visits TVA Clinch River site
US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visits TVA Clinch River site: Jennifer Granholm said the TVA site outside Oak Ridge could change the world.
Kerry calls for global cooperation while unveiling US nuclear fusion plan | The Hill
Kerry calls for global cooperation while unveiling US nuclear fusion plan | The Hill: Special climate envoy John Kerry on Tuesday called for global cooperation as he laid out a strategy for U.S. engagement on nuclear fusion energy. “The United States was proud to announce its bold decadal vision for commercial fusion energy last year … but, it is clear we cannot realize this grand ambition — perhaps not…
UK nuclear site ‘leaking’ – The Guardian — RT World News
UK nuclear site ‘leaking’ – The Guardian — RT World News: UK nuclear facility Sellafield has a leak that could pose a danger to the public, according to a report by The Guardian.
Attack on Pakistan highway to China shakes key Belt and Road link - Nikkei Asia
Attack on Pakistan highway to China shakes key Belt and Road link - Nikkei Asia: Attack on Pakistan highway to China shakes key Belt and Road link
Bus shooting raises concerns over outlook for all-weather upgrade
COP28: Watching Sausage Being Made Not for the Faint Hearted | Neutron Bytes
COP28: Watching Sausage Being Made Not for the Faint Hearted | Neutron Bytes: In a bylined article titled “May Day at COP28” appearing online in the politically conservative American Thinker, nuclear engineer Joseph Somsel offered his personal views after being on the ground…
Webinar Registration - Zoom
Webinar Registration - Zoom: At our Nuclear Champions Roundtable, you will hear from four state legislators who have played an integral role in advancing clean, reliable nuclear energy in their communities.
Panelists include:
· Representative Don Burkhart (Wyoming)
· Representative Graham Filler (Michigan)
· State Senator Benjamin Brooks (Maryland)
· State Senator Sue Rezin (Illinois)
And that’s not all! Pluribus News reporter Humberto Sanchez will moderate the engaging discussion. With experience covering energy and environmental issues at the federal and state levels, Humberto offers a unique perspective for our conversation about the state of play for pro-nuclear policy in statehouses.
To secure your virtual front-row seat to the discussion, register today!
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Berkeley’s 37-year nuclear ban has limited everything from investments to post-it notes. Could it be changed?
Berkeley’s 37-year nuclear ban has limited everything from investments to post-it notes. Could it be changed?: Tattered signs along Berkeley’s city limits discreetly greet newcomers with three facts about the city: it sits on Ohlone territory, has a population of 112,580 people and is a “nuclear-free zone.”
Uranium Pushes Above $80 for First Time in 15 Years
Uranium Pushes Above $80 for First Time in 15 Years: Demand for nuclear power as an alternative means of energy is pushing uranium prices to record levels not seen in over 15 years.
How China became king of new nuclear power, how U.S. could catch up
How China became king of new nuclear power, how U.S. could catch up: China is the current king of new nuclear power construction. The US is attempting to launch a comeback, but its still unknown whether that will be successful.
With Winter Comes Extreme Cold, but Does… | The Breakthrough Institute
With Winter Comes Extreme Cold, but Does… | The Breakthrough Institute: The Breakthrough Institute is an environmental research center based in Berkeley, California. Our research focuses on identifying and promoting…
Mass Acquisition of Early Site Permits… | The Breakthrough Institute
Mass Acquisition of Early Site Permits… | The Breakthrough Institute: The Breakthrough Institute is an environmental research center based in Berkeley, California. Our research focuses on identifying and promoting…
Feds Say 5th Circ. Must Pause NM Nuke Storage Site Fight - Law360 UK
Feds Say 5th Circ. Must Pause NM Nuke Storage Site Fight - Law360 UK: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has reiterated that the Fifth Circuit should pause a dispute over licensing for a temporary nuclear waste storage facility in New Mexico until the appeals court decides whether to reconsider a decision that the agency lacks the authority to license another temporary facility in Texas.
EM Mission & Priorities | Department of Energy
EM Mission & Priorities | Department of Energy: To complete the safe cleanup of the environmental legacy brought about from decades of nuclear weapons development and government sponsored nuclear energy research.
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) | Department of Energy
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) | Department of Energy: The WIPP site-specific webpage features high-level information about the EM mission at the site.
ENEC to evaluate deployment of SMRs and micro-reactors : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
ENEC to evaluate deployment of SMRs and micro-reactors : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Following the launch of a programme aimed at leveraging its experience in successfully delivering a nuclear power plant project, the UAE's Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has signed a number of agreements with small modular reactor and micro-reactor vendors to explore opportunities for the commercialisation and global deployment of their designs.
Palisades SMR programme is under way: Holtec : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Palisades SMR programme is under way: Holtec : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Holtec International says it will commission its first two SMR-300 small modular reactor units at the Michigan site by 2030, while it expects to restart the existing shut-down pressurised water reactor unit at the site by the end of 2025.
Net Zero Nuclear Industry Pledge backed by 120 companies : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
Net Zero Nuclear Industry Pledge backed by 120 companies : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: The Net Zero Nuclear Industry Pledge, which commits to a goal of at least tripling nuclear capacity by 2050, was unveiled at an event at the UN's COP28 climate change summit taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) - International collaboration is key for the success of nuclear medicine
Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) - International collaboration is key for the success of nuclear medicine: NEA workshop addresses the importance of a secure supply chain of medical radioisotopes to save lives.
Palisades owner plans more reactors at shuttered Michigan nuclear plant
Palisades owner plans more reactors at shuttered Michigan nuclear plant: A nuclear power company seeking to restart the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant has plans to build two small reactors to nearly double its capacity.
U.S. leads coalition to triple nuclear power by 2050
U.S. leads coalition to triple nuclear power by 2050: The declaration is the most concrete step taken yet by major nations to place nuclear power at the center of the push to transition to clean energy.
Nuclear Power Is the Only Solution | TIME
Nuclear Power Is the Only Solution | TIME: The world has to embrace nuclear power in order to solve the climate crisis.
Most Deserving Of A Lump Of Coal – Issues & Insights
Most Deserving Of A Lump Of Coal – Issues & Insights: Administration climate envoy John Kerry wants to be sure that others will never reach the life of easy affluence he's lived.
COP28: Deal Making for SMRs with GE-Hitachi, TerraPower | Neutron Bytes
COP28: Deal Making for SMRs with GE-Hitachi, TerraPower | Neutron Bytes: ENEC, GE Hitachi Sign MOU for Investment in the BWRX300 SMR ENEC, TerraPower Sign MOU for Investment in the Natrium SMR ENEC, GE Hitachi Sign MOU for Investment in SMRs The Emirates Nuclear Energy …
COP28: US Launches Global Strategy to Commercialize Fusion | Neutron Bytes
COP28: US Launches Global Strategy to Commercialize Fusion | Neutron Bytes: COP28: US Launches Global Strategy to Commercialize Fusion The United States will work with other governments to speed up efforts to make nuclear fusion a new source of carbon-free energy, U.S. Cli…
More Americans say scientists don't understand climate change, are suspicious of eco-zealots and are tired of debating global warming: poll | Daily Mail Online
More Americans say scientists don't understand climate change, are suspicious of eco-zealots and are tired of debating global warming: poll | Daily Mail Online: A Pew survey shows that while Americans are concerned about mankind's impact on the climate, they are growing more skeptical, frustrated and confused by the perennial debate.
Nic Lewis debunks James Hansen's overheated claims - Clintel
Nic Lewis debunks James Hansen's overheated claims - Clintel: By Nic Lewis reposted from Climate Etc.
James Hansen’s latest paper “Global warming in the pipeline” (Hansen et al. (2023)) has already been heavily criticized in a lengthy comment by Michael Mann, author of the original IPCC ‘hockey stick’. However Mann does not deal with Hansen’s surprisingly high (4.8°C) new estimate of equilibrium
VIJAY JAYARAJ: Jet-Set Hypocrites Want To Keep Billions In Poverty Around The World | The Daily Caller
VIJAY JAYARAJ: Jet-Set Hypocrites Want To Keep Billions In Poverty Around The World | The Daily Caller: The United Nations Conference of the Parties, more commonly referred to as COP, is a yearly climate conference. This year’s COP, the 28th such event, is to be held in the UAE city of Dubai.
Cop28 president says there is ‘no science’ behind demands for phase-out of fossil fuels | Cop28 | The Guardian
Cop28 president says there is ‘no science’ behind demands for phase-out of fossil fuels | Cop28 | The Guardian: Exclusive: UAE’s Sultan Al Jaber says phase-out of coal, oil and gas would take world ‘back into caves’
EVs are way more unreliable than gas-powered cars, Consumer Reports data indicates
EVs are way more unreliable than gas-powered cars, Consumer Reports data indicates: Consumer Reports has published an extensive ranking of vehicle reliability, and the results pour cold water on EVs and plug-in hybrids. The survey says electric vehicles suffer from 79 percent more maintenance issues than gas- or diesel-powered ones, while plug-in hybrids have 146 percent more problems.
The Green Energy Wall Gradually Coming Into Focus — Manhattan Contrarian
The Green Energy Wall Gradually Coming Into Focus — Manhattan Contrarian: It’s been obvious for many years that electricity generation from the intermittent wind and sun would never work to power a modern economy. But how would the infeasibility of the proposed energy transition finally manifest itself to put an end to the madness? A couple of years ago I began writing
The US should take warning from the huge costs of British floating wind power
The US should take warning from the huge costs of British floating wind power: Paying more for electricity is going to mean cheaper bills? Really?
Grid operator sounds alarm as coal plant shutdown threatens power for millions
Grid operator sounds alarm as coal plant shutdown threatens power for millions: A major U.S. power grid operator is warning that the upcoming closure of a Baltimore area coal plant threatens to decrease key electricity supplies across the mid-Atlantic region.
Offshore Wind cannot be justified - CFACT
Offshore Wind cannot be justified - CFACT: Adding offshore wind to a state’s energy mix will most likely increase global CO2 emissions.
STUDY: Electric Vehicle ownership equates to paying $17 a gallon for gasoline - Dr. Rich Swier
STUDY: Electric Vehicle ownership equates to paying $17 a gallon for gasoline - Dr. Rich Swier: "Adding the costs of the subsidies to the true cost of fueling an EV would equate to an EV owner paying $17.33 per gallon of gasoline...It’s time for federal and state governments to stop driving the American auto industry off an economic cliff and allow markets to drive further improvements in cost and efficiency." —
Monday, December 4, 2023
COP28 president draws fierce backlash with attack on climate science | The Hill
COP28 president draws fierce backlash with attack on climate science | The Hill: At this year’s United Nations climate conference (COP28), the summit’s president Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber — who also leads the United Arab Emirates’s national oil company — sparked controversy over the weekend by attacking the science on climate change. “There is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phaseout of fossil fuel is what’s…
Biden administration issues rule to cut methane emissions from oil and gas | The Hill
Biden administration issues rule to cut methane emissions from oil and gas | The Hill: The Biden administration on Saturday announced new regulations that are expected to deliver significant cuts to the greenhouse gas methane in the oil and gas sector. The rule, finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), tees up emissions reductions for both new oil and wells and, for the first time, existing oil and gas wells.…
HOLTEC Plants it Flag with SMRs at Palisades | Neutron Bytes
HOLTEC Plants it Flag with SMRs at Palisades | Neutron Bytes: HOLTEC Plants it Flag with SMRs at Palisades NuScale Partners with ORNL to Assess Use of the SMR for Combined Heat and Power New Consortium Aims to Deployment Lead-Cooled Nuclear Plants Finland Pla…
UN atomic chief backs nuclear power at COP28 | AP News
UN atomic chief backs nuclear power at COP28 | AP News: The world wants more nuclear energy as a means to fight climate change and supply an ever-growing demand for electricity, Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
UAE signs deal on advanced reactors with Bill Gates’ nuclear company – Middle East Monitor
UAE signs deal on advanced reactors with Bill Gates’ nuclear company – Middle East Monitor: Bill Gates' advanced nuclear reactor company TerraPower LLC and the UAE’s state-owned nuclear company ENEC said on Monday that they have agreed to study the potential development of advanced reactors...
At COP28, More Than 20 Nations Pledge to Triple Nuclear Capacity - The New York Times
At COP28, More Than 20 Nations Pledge to Triple Nuclear Capacity - The New York Times: The group, including Britain, France and the United States, said the agreement was critical to meeting nations’ climate commitments.
Project failure a 'wake-up call' for nuclear fans | The Manila Times
Project failure a 'wake-up call' for nuclear fans | The Manila Times: THE Breakthrough Institute describes itself as 'a global research center that identifies and develops technological solutions to environmental and human development challenges,' which is seen by many as the 'have your cake and eat it too' approach to dealing with issues such as climate change. This is a reasonably accurate characterization, as Breakthrough's own explanation of its stance on the 'About' page of its website says as much, albeit in much smarter language. '...by embracing technology and accelerating modernization for all people, we believe humanity and nature can both thrive for centuries to come,' is what it says, specifically.
Kerry's COP28 fusion address will change the world - Asia Times
Kerry's COP28 fusion address will change the world - Asia Times: On November 20, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry announced that he would present a new global strategy for fusion energy at the
Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards Endorses Alternative Option for Licensing Microreactors | Morgan Lewis - Up & Atom - JDSupra
Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards Endorses Alternative Option for Licensing Microreactors | Morgan Lewis - Up & Atom - JDSupra: The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) recently endorsed the NRC Staff’s proposed alternative option for licensing microreactors in a letter submitted to NRC Chairman...
KHNP touts i-SMR to international audience : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
KHNP touts i-SMR to international audience : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has used the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, UAE, to launch its new Innovative SMR technology and its i-SMR powered Smart Net-Zero City model. The company has agreed to cooperate with Indonesian and Jordanian partners to investigate the deployment of i-SMR units.
Moon base micro-reactor concept unveiled by Rolls-Royce : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Moon base micro-reactor concept unveiled by Rolls-Royce : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The results of a UK Space Agency backed research programme have been unveiled by Rolls-Royce, with the company saying it aims to have a micro-reactor ready to send to the Moon by the early 2030s.
Ministerial declaration puts nuclear at heart of climate action : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
Ministerial declaration puts nuclear at heart of climate action : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: Twenty two countries have signed up to the goal of tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, at the UN's COP28 climate change conference.
Nuclear Energy's Role in Electrifying Transportation
Nuclear Energy's Role in Electrifying Transportation: The intersection of nuclear energy and transportation presents a promising frontier for sustainable and clean mobility solutions.
Dow's Corpus Christi project highlights challenge of nuclear energy
Dow's Corpus Christi project highlights challenge of nuclear energy: Efforts by Congress to spur the revival of nuclear energy face increasing uncertainty.
Ministerial declaration puts nuclear at heart of climate action : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
Ministerial declaration puts nuclear at heart of climate action : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: Twenty two countries have signed up to the goal of tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, at the UN's COP28 climate change conference.
Sunday, December 3, 2023
U.S. to deploy new ground-based missiles to Indo-Pacific in 2024 - Nikkei Asia
U.S. to deploy new ground-based missiles to Indo-Pacific in 2024 - Nikkei Asia: WASHINGTON -- The U.S. military plans to deploy ground-based intermediate-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific in 2024, a U.S. official told Nikkei, est
Where things stand in efforts to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant
Where things stand in efforts to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant: The second, ongoing attempt to reopen Palisades launched in early 2023.
The future of nuclear energy will be decided in Idaho - The Japan Times
The future of nuclear energy will be decided in Idaho - The Japan Times: It’s been 50 years since the last reactor was switched on there, which speaks to the challenges of harnessing a fission reaction.
Westinghouse Is Key to a US Nuclear Revival and Net-Zero Climate Goals - Bloomberg
Westinghouse Is Key to a US Nuclear Revival and Net-Zero Climate Goals - Bloomberg: Climate change and geopolitics have restored the fortunes of the onetime world leader in nuclear technology. But without more help from Washington, a budding renaissance in this reliable zero-carbon energy source will stall.
Biden Admin Signs New Climate Pact to Shut Down All US Coal Plants | The Epoch Times
Biden Admin Signs New Climate Pact to Shut Down All US Coal Plants | The Epoch Times: Special climate envoy John Kerry has announced the Biden administration's latest climate pledge—to stop building new coal plants and shut down existing ones.
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