Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, December 16, 2023
The Global Battle for Influence Over Latin America's Energy Industry | OilPrice.com
The Global Battle for Influence Over Latin America's Energy Industry | OilPrice.com: China's increasing economic and security ties, particularly in the energy sector, with Latin American countries, are raising concerns for the U.S. as it aims to establish regional energy ties.
Christmas Is the World’s Festival, Its Happy Place
Christmas Is the World’s Festival, Its Happy Place: I am an oddball. I like to work on Christmas. I don’t know how it is now, but when I was younger and worked for newspapers, variously in Africa, Britain and the United States, I always volunteered …
Nuclear Regulatory Commission taps its CIO and chief data officer to lead agency AI operations | FedScoop
Nuclear Regulatory Commission taps its CIO and chief data officer to lead agency AI operations | FedScoop: David Nelson will take on chief AI officer duties after the NRC told FedScoop last month that it was analyzing and assessing how the White House executive order applies to it as an independent agency.
NRC OKs Construction Permit for Kairos Research Reactor | Neutron Bytes
NRC OKs Construction Permit for Kairos Research Reactor | Neutron Bytes: NRC OKs Construction Permit for Kairos Research Reactor South Africa Plans 2500 MWe Nuclear Reactor Procurement Urenco to Expand Netherlands Enrichment Plant Microsoft Plans Use of Artificial Intel…
Biden Admin Unveils Record-Low Final Offshore Drilling Plan, Industry Calls Foul | The Epoch Times
Biden Admin Unveils Record-Low Final Offshore Drilling Plan, Industry Calls Foul | The Epoch Times: Biden's offshore wind projects can't happen without new oil and gas leases.
Biden wants all government employees to use EVs, take trains | Electrek
Biden wants all government employees to use EVs, take trains | Electrek: The US government – the country's largest employee – has issued a directive to federal employees to travel by train or electric car, or electric Uber or Lyft, when traveling on official business.
Friday, December 15, 2023
California Nuclear Power Plant, Diablo Canyon, Gets Approval to Extend Life - Bloomberg
California Nuclear Power Plant, Diablo Canyon, Gets Approval to Extend Life - Bloomberg: California regulators moved to extend the life of its last nuclear power plant to reduce blackout risks amid the state’s transition to a carbon-free electrical grid.
California Regulators Vote to Keep Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Open Another Five Years
California Regulators Vote to Keep Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Open Another Five Years: California’s Diablo Canyon nuclear plant can continue operating at least through much of 2030 after state energy regulators on Dec. 14 voted to keep the
California Votes to Extend Life of Last Nuclear Power Plant - BNN Bloomberg
California Votes to Extend Life of Last Nuclear Power Plant - BNN Bloomberg: California regulators moved to extend the life of its last nuclear power plant to reduce blackout risks amid the state’s transition to a carbon-free electrical grid.
California regulators vote to extend Diablo Canyon nuclear plant operations through 2030 - The Washington Post
California regulators vote to extend Diablo Canyon nuclear plant operations through 2030 - The Washington Post: California energy regulators have voted to allow the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant to operate for an additional five years, despite calls from environmental groups to shut it down
Nord Stream Pipelines Were Likely Blown Up by US - Putin
Nord Stream Pipelines Were Likely Blown Up by US - Putin: Nord Stream Pipelines Were Likely Blown Up by US - Putin
California regulators vote to extend Diablo Canyon nuclear plant operations through 2030 | AP News
California regulators vote to extend Diablo Canyon nuclear plant operations through 2030 | AP News: California energy regulators have voted to allow the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant to operate for an additional five years, despite calls from environmental groups to shut it down.
Regulators warn much of U.S. power grid is vulnerable to major winter storms : NPR
Regulators warn much of U.S. power grid is vulnerable to major winter storms : NPR: Experts warn that the power grid across much of the nation, especially in parts of the Southwest, are vulnerable to major winter storms like the one in Texas in 2021 that killed more than 250 people.
California regulators vote to extend Diablo Canyon nuclear plant operations through 2030 | AP News
California regulators vote to extend Diablo Canyon nuclear plant operations through 2030 | AP News: California energy regulators have voted to allow the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant to operate for an additional five years, despite calls from environmental groups to shut it down.
Agreement reached on EU electricity market reform : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Agreement reached on EU electricity market reform : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The European Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to reform the European Union's electricity market design. The agreement now needs to be endorsed and formally adopted by both institutions.
MOX fuel with minor actinides produced for BN-800 reactor : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News
MOX fuel with minor actinides produced for BN-800 reactor : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News: The first three fuel assemblies with uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel containing transuranic elements americium-241 and neptunium-237 have been produced by Rosatom's Mining and Chemical Combine.
Hinkley Point C landmark dome lift - in pictures : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Hinkley Point C landmark dome lift - in pictures : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Construction of the first EPR unit at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset, UK, has reached a major milestone with the installation of the reactor building dome.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
EV Inventories Hit Record High in US as Cars Pile Up on Dealer Lots - Bloomberg
EV Inventories Hit Record High in US as Cars Pile Up on Dealer Lots - Bloomberg: Electric vehicle inventories on US dealer lots reached a new high in December, with a 114-day supply that was more than double what it was a year ago.
America's only cobalt mine opened to great, green energy fanfare. A few months l : NPR
America's only cobalt mine opened to great, green energy fanfare. A few months l : NPR: America's only cobalt mine opened last year to great fanfare, since the mineral is crucial for green energy. But it surprisingly closed months later.
COP28: 5 big takeaways on a historic climate agreement | The Hill
COP28: 5 big takeaways on a historic climate agreement | The Hill: The roller coaster of this year’s United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) has ended with a historic new agreement: For the first time, world governments have said countries should transition away from fossil fuels. The deal comes after days of tense negotiations, especially over the fossil fuel language, which caused the Dubai conference to stretch into overtime. Climate…
House Passes McMorris Rodgers Bill Banning Russian Uranium Imports To United States - Cathy McMorris Rodgers
House Passes McMorris Rodgers Bill Banning Russian Uranium Imports To United States - Cathy McMorris Rodgers: Washington, D.C. – Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ (WA-05) Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act (H.R. 1042). This legislation would ban all imports of enriched uranium produced in Russia, which will send a strong signal to the market and encourage the investment needed to restore America’s nuclear fuel […]
OPG selects suppliers for first fuel contracts for its Small Modular Reactors - OPG
OPG selects suppliers for first fuel contracts for its Small Modular Reactors - OPG: OPG announced it is partnering with companies from Canada, the U.S., and France to ensure a fuel supply for Darlington New Nuclear Project.
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…
China's demonstration HTR-PM enters commercial operation : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
China's demonstration HTR-PM enters commercial operation : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The world’s first modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor nuclear power plant has entered commercial operation, China’s National Energy Administration has announced.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Construction Permit for Hermes Demonstration Reactor - Kairos Power
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Construction Permit for Hermes Demonstration Reactor - Kairos Power: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION APPROVES CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FOR HERMES DEMONSTRATION REACTOR OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – December 12, 2023 – The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has voted to issue a construction permit to Kairos Power for the Hermes demonstration reactor to be built at the Heritage Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A critical step on Kairos Power’s iterative pathway to commercializing its advanced reactor technology, the Hermes reactor will demonstrate the company’s ability to deliver clean, safe, and affordable nuclear heat. The Commission’s vote to issue the Hermes construction permit follows the NRC staff’s thorough review of the application, which was completed well ahead of an already aggressive projected schedule. This efficient review was possible due to Kairos Power’s extensive pre-application engagement with the NRC, which began in 2018 and established open lines of communication between the two organizations. During the NRC’s mandatory hearing in October 2023, Commissioner Wright commended the engagement between Kairos Power, the NRC staff, and the local Oak Ridge community throughout the application review process. “Kair
Nuclear energy industry eyes more wins in Congress in 2024
Nuclear energy industry eyes more wins in Congress in 2024: Lawmakers are moving surprisingly quickly through a legislative to-do list.
Kairos' Hermes Secures First NRC Green Light for Advanced Nuclear Non-LWR Reactor
Kairos' Hermes Secures First NRC Green Light for Advanced Nuclear Non-LWR Reactor: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a construction permit for Kairos Power’s 35-MWth Hermes molten salt “non-power” demonstration
US nuclear regulators to issue construction permit for a reactor that uses molten salt
US nuclear regulators to issue construction permit for a reactor that uses molten salt: The NRC is issuing the permit to Kairos Power for the Hermes test reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the agency said Tuesday.
Viewpoint: The legacy of Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace speech : Perspectives - World Nuclear News
Viewpoint: The legacy of Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace speech : Perspectives - World Nuclear News: The text of a speech delivered by World Nuclear Association Director General Sama Bilbao y León to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars on 8 December, considering the legacy of US President Dwight D Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace speech 70 years ago.
Bing Chat and ChatGPT use '1 bottle of water' in cooling for every query, leading to concerns for local water supplies | Windows Central
Bing Chat and ChatGPT use '1 bottle of water' in cooling for every query, leading to concerns for local water supplies | Windows Central: Bing Chat is a thirsty, thirsty guy, according to new reports. Microsoft's water usage for cooling spiked by 34% in 2022, and will likely increase even further if the AI craze continues.
Generative AI consumes enough energy to power a small country | Windows Central
Generative AI consumes enough energy to power a small country | Windows Central: AI could potentially consume enough energy to power s small country for a year by 2027.
Microsoft to use nuclear energy to power its AI advances. | Windows Central
Microsoft to use nuclear energy to power its AI advances. | Windows Central: Microsoft's data centers and AI projects take up a lot of resources and negatively impact the climate. The company is looking to mitigate these issues by picking up nuclear energy. This is according t
Microsoft to invest billions of dollars into OpenAI | Windows Central
Microsoft to invest billions of dollars into OpenAI | Windows Central: Microsoft and OpenAI just extended their partnership. Microsoft will invest billions of dollars into OpenAI as part of the deal.
Microsoft Needs So Much Power to Train AI That It's Considering Small Nuclear Reactors
Microsoft Needs So Much Power to Train AI That It's Considering Small Nuclear Reactors: Going Nuclear Training and powering large language models is an incredibly power-intensive process that has an immense carbon footprint. Keeping data centers running requires a ludicrous amount of electricity that could generate substantial amounts of greenhouse emissions, depending of course on the source of energy. To keep emissions low in the future, Microsoft is betting […]
Microsoft Targets Nuclear to Power AI Operations - WSJ
Microsoft Targets Nuclear to Power AI Operations - WSJ: The tech company aims to expedite the nuclear regulatory process using AI, unlocking a round-the-clock energy source for its growing power needs.
Maersk, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to supply green methanol in Japan - Nikkei Asia
Maersk, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to supply green methanol in Japan - Nikkei Asia: TOKYO -- Danish shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk, the world's second-largest container shipping company, and Japan's Mitsubishi Gas Chemical will bui
Westinghouse, Northrop Grumman, and Astrobotic Awarded U.S. Air Force Contract to Power Satellites with Nuclear Energy | Business Wire
Westinghouse, Northrop Grumman, and Astrobotic Awarded U.S. Air Force Contract to Power Satellites with Nuclear Energy | Business Wire: Westinghouse Electric Company announced today that the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicle Directorate has selected Westinghouse for an
France able to handle waste from six new reactors, Andra says | Reuters
France able to handle waste from six new reactors, Andra says | Reuters: The introduction of six new French nuclear reactors would moderately increase radioactive waste, but would be manageable by adapting waste storage projects, the National Agency for the Management of Radioactive Waste (Andra) said on Tuesday.
3 Microreactor Experiments to Watch Starting in 2026 | Department of Energy
3 Microreactor Experiments to Watch Starting in 2026 | Department of Energy: Experiments in world's first microreactor DOME test bed could start as early as 2026 at Idaho National Laboratory.
Hinkley Point Nuclear Plant in UK Stops Getting Funding From China’s CGN - Bloomberg
Hinkley Point Nuclear Plant in UK Stops Getting Funding From China’s CGN - Bloomberg: China General Nuclear Power Corp. has halted funding for the UK’s Hinkley Point C nuclear station in a fresh sign of tension between London and Beijing.
Nuclear Energy Makes History as Final COP28 Agreement Calls for Faster Deployment | IAEA
Nuclear Energy Makes History as Final COP28 Agreement Calls for Faster Deployment | IAEA: Nuclear energy made history today as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) wrapped up in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai.
NRC Approves Construction for Hermes Reactor | Department of Energy
NRC Approves Construction for Hermes Reactor | Department of Energy: NRC approves first construction permit application for Generation IV reactor.
Time to Bring Nuclear Energy Into the 21st Century | RealClearEnergy
Time to Bring Nuclear Energy Into the 21st Century | RealClearEnergy: The silver lining of this month’s United Nations COP28 global warming conference is the growing consensus that nuclear energy is critical to meeting national carbon dioxide reduction g
History of U.S. Uranium Industry | The Breakthrough Institute
History of U.S. Uranium Industry | The Breakthrough Institute: The Breakthrough Institute is an environmental research center based in Berkeley, California. Our research focuses on identifying and promoting…
IAEA chief says Saudi research reactor almost complete | Reuters
IAEA chief says Saudi research reactor almost complete | Reuters: Saudi Arabia's nuclear research reactor is almost complete and the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) is discussing the necessary inspections with Riyadh, the head of the U.N. watchdog said on Wednesday.
Tesla Is Recalling Nearly All Vehicles Sold in US to Fix an Autopilot Fault | WIRED
Tesla Is Recalling Nearly All Vehicles Sold in US to Fix an Autopilot Fault | WIRED: The Tesla recall, which affects more than 2 million vehicles, follows a two-year investigation by the US government into a series of crashes linked to the Autopilot system.
Here’s Why President Biden Has Decided to Turn Off 60% Of the Country’s Electricity
Here’s Why President Biden Has Decided to Turn Off 60% Of the Country’s Electricity: The Biden administration made two statements at the COP28 conference that have the potential to completely demolish the American industrial economy.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Thai state oil giant PTT starts making lithium-ion EV batteries - Nikkei Asia
Thai state oil giant PTT starts making lithium-ion EV batteries - Nikkei Asia: BANGKOK -- Thai oil and gas conglomerate PTT, has started making lithium-ion batteries, as it works to create a supply chain for its EV brand Neta&nbs
US Approves New Kind of Nuclear Reactor for First Time in 50 Years - Bloomberg
US Approves New Kind of Nuclear Reactor for First Time in 50 Years - Bloomberg: For the first time in more than 50 years the US granted permission for a new type of nuclear reactor, a sign regulators are becoming more open to different approaches to producing power from splitting the atom.
Nations strike unprecedented agreement to transition away from fossil fuels at COP28 | The Hill
Nations strike unprecedented agreement to transition away from fossil fuels at COP28 | The Hill: In an unprecedented move, nearly 200 countries agreed to “transitioning away” from fossil fuels in energy systems in an agreement reached at the global climate summit. The language in the COP28 climate summit agreement appears to be stronger than past years’ calls to “phase down” or reduce the use of coal. The use of the…
Wins, losses and participation trophies for US nuclear… | Canary Media
Wins, losses and participation trophies for US nuclear… | Canary Media: From the long-awaited commissioning of Vogtle 3 to the NuScale pilot’s collapse, here are the biggest wins and losses for nuclear from this year.
Senators asking the right question on nuclear license renewals - Competitive Enterprise Institute
Senators asking the right question on nuclear license renewals - Competitive Enterprise Institute: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) ranking member of the SenateEnvironment and Public Works Committee and Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) ranking member of the Committee’s Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety sent an important letter on November 1 to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Christopher T. Hanson. They requested that the Commission take action to improve its […]
US Nuclear Regulators to Issue Construction Permit for a Reactor That Uses Molten Salt
US Nuclear Regulators to Issue Construction Permit for a Reactor That Uses Molten Salt: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is issuing a construction permit for a new type of nuclear reactor that uses molten salt to cool the reactor core.
California PUC, delay decision on Diablo Canyon until all the facts are in
California PUC, delay decision on Diablo Canyon until all the facts are in: Many Californians clearly understand that there is an abundance of viable clean energy projects that could be bundled as an alternative to Diablo.
CPUC must delay decision about Diablo Canyon’s future | The Sacramento Bee
CPUC must delay decision about Diablo Canyon’s future | The Sacramento Bee: Many Californians clearly understand that there is an abundance of viable clean energy projects that could be bundled as an alternative to Diablo.
[Salon] Costly sanction battles -
Costly sanction battles
Garman Foreign Policy, 11 Dec 2023
> Costly sanction battles
>
> Garman Foreign Policy, 11 Dec 2023
>
> India’s largest gas utility demands US $1.8 billion in compensation from German supplier SEFE (formerly Gazprom Germania) for non-supply. The reason: sanction battles with Russia.
>
> Gail, India’s largest natural gas utility, is demanding up to US $1.8 billion in compensation for contact breach by GMTS, a subsidiary of the German gas supplier SEFE (ex-Gazprom Germania). The arbitration claim is based on GMTS’s failure to deliver agreed liquefied natural gas cargoes to Gail last year. The German company had planned to deliver Russian LNG, but Russia’s response to the EU sanctions regime meant that it has not received Russian gas since late spring 2022. Although SEFE/GMTS managed to procure LNG from alternative sources, it has prioritised deliveries to the German market. Gail estimates the damage caused by supply shortfalls to be in the billions of dollars. The Indian company has now initiated proceedings before the International Court of Arbitration in London. India was not the only country in South Asia to suffer LNG shortages last year as European energy companies snapped up available stocks on the global market and drove up prices. Bangladesh and Pakistan also saw a sharp decline in LNG imports. Indeed, only this month has Pakistan received its first gas shipment from the spot market since mid-2022.
> Dispute over Gazprom Germania
>
> The background to the current compensation claim by the Gail energy group is a dispute over Gazprom Germania. This former unit of the Gazprom group was placed under the trusteeship of the Federal Network Agency on 4 April 2022 – reportedly because Gazprom wanted to liquidate the entity, thus causing major problems for Germany’s utilities.[1] Gazprom Germania had handled almost half of Germany’s gas imports. Moscow responded to this move by imposing sanctions on Gazprom Germania and its subsidiaries on 11 May 2022, after which no more Russian gas could be supplied to the company. Gazprom Germania then had to source natural gas elsewhere, at significantly higher prices, in order to avoid jeopardising supplies to Germany. On 14 November 2022, the Federal Ministry of Economics finally ordered nationalisation of the company, which had already been rebranded as SEFE (Securing Energy for Europe) since 20 June.[2]
>
> It was reported that the German government could escape the compensation claims due to the parent company, Gazprom, by arguing that Gazprom Germania/SEFE had already incurred losses of more than €3 billion euros by the end of August, while the company’s equity value amounted to no more than one billion euros.[3] So the German position is that any compensation is out of the question.
> Europe first
>
> The conflict has had major repercussions for Gail, India’s largest and majority state-owned gas provider, because Gail had concluded a 20-year contract with the Gazprom unit GMTS (Gazprom Marketing and Trading Singapore) in 2012, a deal that was later transferred to Gazprom Germania. The contract stipulated that GMTS was to supply Gail with 2.5 million tonnes of LNG on average each year.[4] However, following the imposition of Russian sanctions on SEFE, GMTS stopped receiving Russian natural gas. Gail received one last LNG cargo in June 2022, after which deliveries were stopped completely. Supplies were only resumed this year after Moscow lifted sanctions on SEFE and its subsidiaries. By then, Gail had lost a total of 30 shiploads of liquefied gas. The complaint levelled by the Indian energy group against GMTS is that the latter had been contractually obliged to procure replacement deliveries from other sources for any cancelled Russian deliveries. GMTS said it was not prepared to do so, arguing that it first had to “meet demand in Europe” [5] and offering to pay Gail only a contractual penalty calculated at 20 per cent of the gas purchase price [6].
> Losses in India
>
> Gail suffered major losses as a result of the supply shortfall. The Indian utility calculates that GMTS gas was contributing at least eight to nine per cent to annual sales. Replacing this input meant buying NLG on the spot market, which was much more expensive, costing up to three times the price agreed with GMTS.[7] Even so, Gail could not make good the gas shortages. It failed to meet the demand of important customers, such as Indian fertiliser producers and other industrial clients. These businesses were damaged and Gail itself saw its pre-tax profit fall by more than US $700 million in the 2022/23 financial year. The group attributes its difficulties primarily to non-supply by GMTS.[8] Its position is that GMTS had been contractually obliged to procure liquefied gas from non-Russian sources as a replacement but failed to do so. Now demanding compensation of up to US $1.8 billion from the German supplier, Gail has initiated proceedings at the International Court of Arbitration in London.[9] In response, SEFE subsidiary GMTS is trying to defend itself by claiming that the Russian sanctions came as a “force majeure” for which it is not responsible. Observers doubt that the Court of Arbitration will accept this defence.
> “Sucked dry”
>
> Gail was by no means the only gas utility in South Asia to be hard hit last year by the dire supply situation as European corporations combed global markets, buying up virtually all available LNG stocks for consumption in Europe. As prices were driven up, there was hardly anything affordable left for other players. In the first half-year of 2022, European countries increased their LNG imports by 49 per cent against the same period of the previous year. In July 2022, Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik complained, “Every single molecule that was available in our region has been bought by Europe because they want to reduce their dependence on Russia.”[10] An expert from Wood Mackenzie, a consultancy specialising in energy and commodities, was quoted as saying, “The European gas crisis is sucking the world dry.”[11] Bangladesh, for example, which generates a good three quarters of its electricity from liquefied natural gas, reported at the beginning of July 2022 that the government had to impose electricity rationing. Its fragile industrial sector, which had been experiencing a cautious upturn, was hit particularly hard. According to industry data, Bangladesh’s LNG imports fell from 5.08 million tonnes to 4.43 million tonnes in 2022, a drop of 13 per cent[12].
> Losers and winners
>
> As for Pakistan, the exorbitant prices on the spot market meant the country was unable to purchase even one large LNG cargo. Even those imports that had been contractually guaranteed did not arrive. Liquefied natural gas producers were able to charge such extortionate prices in Europe that it was more profitable to divert the LNG shipments already on course for Pakistan to European markets and pay the contractual penalty due to Islamabad. The state-owned Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL) announced in early October 2023 that it had just succeeded in acquiring the first liquefied gas cargo in over a year and expected it to arrive in December.[13] Pakistan’s industry was badly damaged by the energy deficits. The combined LNG imports to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh sank by 18 per cent in 2022,[14] while gas imports to the EU-27 and UK rose by 73 per cent.
>
>
>
> [1] Martin Greive, Mareike Müller, Julian Olk, Klaus Stratmann, Catiana Krapp, Moritz Koch: So entging Deutschland knapp einem Blackout. handelsblatt.com 09.12.2023.
>
> [2] Treuhandverwaltung SEFE Securing Energy for Europe GmbH. bundesnetzagentur.de.
>
> [3] Klaus Stratmann: Bund verstaatlicht Ex-Gazprom-Tochter Sefe. handelsblatt.com 14.11.2022.
>
> [4], [5] Former Gazprom unit cuts LNG supplies to India. businesstoday.in 04.08.2022.
>
> [6] Gazprom Singapore Pays ‘Meagre’ Penalty For Defaulted LNG Deliveries To India. outlookindia.com 12.09.2022.
>
> [7] Former Gazprom unit cuts LNG supplies to India. businesstoday.in 04.08.2022.
>
> [8] Mathias Peer: Deutsche Staatsfirma soll 1,8 Milliarden Dollar zahlen. handelsblatt.com 07.12.2023.
>
> [9] GAIL seeks $1.8 bn from former Gazprom unit. economictimes.indiatimes.com 01.12.2023.
>
> [10] Nasrul: Use gas and electricity judiciously. dhakatribune.com 06.07.2022. See also After us the Deluge.
>
> [11] Saeed Shah, Anna Hirtenstein: Europe Scoops Up LNG, Choking Off Power Supplies in Poorer Nations. wsj.com 07.07.2022.
>
> [12] Another deal inked with Oman to increase LNG import. tbsnet.news 19.06.2023.
>
> [13] Daniyal Ahmad: Pakistan buys first LNG spot cargo since 2022. profit.pakistantoday.com.pk 04.10.2023.
>
> [14] Global liquefied natural gas trade volumes set a new record in 2022. eia.gov 05.07.2023.
>
--
China develops fast reactor used fuel container : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News
China develops fast reactor used fuel container : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News: China has developed a 100-tonne transport container for used fuel from large fast reactors, the China Institute of Atomic Energy announced. Following test verification of a full-scale prototype container, the design has obtained design licence approval.
Final accord reached on Belgian reactor operations : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Final accord reached on Belgian reactor operations : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: A final agreement has been signed between the Belgian government and French utility Engie to extend the operation of the Tihange 3 and Doel 4 nuclear power reactors by 10 years and on all obligations related to radioactive waste.
COP28 agreement recognises nuclear's role : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
COP28 agreement recognises nuclear's role : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: The 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties has ended in Dubai with a Global Stocktake - unanimously agreed by all parties - calling for a transitioning away from fossil fuels and an acceleration of zero- and low-emission technologies, including nuclear.
Nations strike deal at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels | Reuters
Nations strike deal at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels | Reuters: Representatives from nearly 200 countries agreed at the COP28 climate summit on Wednesday to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels to avert the worst of climate change, signalling the eventual end of the oil age.
The West Has Been the Real Loser at COP28 | RealClearPolicy
The West Has Been the Real Loser at COP28 | RealClearPolicy: Handouts for the world and cuts back home – there's little for the rich North to celebrate.
Global nuclear power faces unprecedented challenges
Global nuclear power faces unprecedented challenges: Global nuclear industry in dire straits as production hits decade-low and economic pressures mount, facing an uncertain future
NRC Approves Construction for Hermes Reactor | Department of Energy
NRC Approves Construction for Hermes Reactor | Department of Energy: NRC approves first construction permit application for Generation IV reactor.
Nuclear Power’s Moment at COP28 - data shows its carbon benefits
Nuclear Power’s Moment at COP28 - data shows its carbon benefits: Carbon accounting towards "net zero" favors nuclear energy. Though not a panacea for climate change, we should certainly not characterize atomic power as a pariah.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Israel, Gaza, and the Struggle for Oil - CounterPunch.org
Israel, Gaza, and the Struggle for Oil - CounterPunch.org: In 1927 oil exploration yielded a major strike near Kirkuk, Iraq; the long-planned pipeline was completed in 1934 and oil flowed through it to the West until 1948, when it was closed by the Iraqis during the First Arab–Israeli War. Some five decades later, reopening it became a rallying cry of then-Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the US invasion of Iraq. Netanyahu envisioned Saddam Hussein being overthrown and replaced by a pro-Israel Iraqi dissident named Ahmad Chalabi. “Soon the oil will be flowing to Haifa!” Netanyahu proclaimed. “It’s not a pipe dream.”
South Africa to seek bids for new nuclear power station | Reuters
South Africa to seek bids for new nuclear power station | Reuters: South Africa will launch a bidding process for an extra 2,500 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power by March, as the country attempts to tackle its worst power outages on record.
COP28 heads for overtime as draft fossil fuel deal divides nations | Reuters
COP28 heads for overtime as draft fossil fuel deal divides nations | Reuters: The COP28 climate summit was hurtling towards overtime early on Tuesday, with negotiators awaiting a new draft deal after many countries criticised a previous version as too weak because it omitted a "phase-out" of fossil fuels.
South Africa to begin new nuclear procurement : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
South Africa to begin new nuclear procurement : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: As the second unit at the Koeberg nuclear power plant goes offline for an extended maintenance outage, South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has confirmed it will go ahead with the procurement of 2500 MWe of new nuclear capacity with plans to issue requests for proposals by March 2024.
PG&E's CEO on the Future of the Beleaguered Utility | KQED
PG&E's CEO on the Future of the Beleaguered Utility | KQED: Patti Pope, CEO of PG&E, sat down with KQED’s Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer of the Political Breakdown podcast to discuss the future of the utility.
Microsoft is training AI to accelerate nuclear regulatory process | Invezz
Microsoft is training AI to accelerate nuclear regulatory process | Invezz: Microsoft is reportedly eyeing nuclear power for its AI operations. Microsoft stock is currently up close to 60% versus year start.
Microsoft Targets Nuclear to Power AI Operations - WSJ
Microsoft Targets Nuclear to Power AI Operations - WSJ: The tech company aims to expedite the nuclear regulatory process using AI, unlocking a round-the-clock energy source for its growing power needs.
US nuclear start-ups battle funding challenge in race to curb emissions
US nuclear start-ups battle funding challenge in race to curb emissions: Reactors pioneered by Oklo, X-energy and NuScale suffer financing setbacks as well as regulatory headwinds
History of U.S. Uranium Industry | The Breakthrough Institute
History of U.S. Uranium Industry | The Breakthrough Institute: The Breakthrough Institute is an environmental research center based in Berkeley, California. Our research focuses on identifying and promoting…
Democrats weaponize nuclear against House GOP - POLITICO
Democrats weaponize nuclear against House GOP - POLITICO: California’s expensive utility bills and history of blackouts are making Diablo Canyon Power Plant a Central Valley campaign issue.
The future of nuclear energy will be decided in Idaho | The Seattle Times
The future of nuclear energy will be decided in Idaho | The Seattle Times: As the venerable Idaho National Laboratory is poised to shepherd new nuclear technologies to market, dozens of companies are expected to visit, and learn.
The Uncertain Costs of New Nuclear Reactors: What Study Estimates Reveal about the Potential for Nuclear in a Decarbonizing World - Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA | CGEP
The Uncertain Costs of New Nuclear Reactors: What Study Estimates Reveal about the Potential for Nuclear in a Decarbonizing World - Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA | CGEP: This report examines the economics of new nuclear facilities for electricity generation.
Pritzker signs law lifting moratorium on nuclear reactors | AP News
Pritzker signs law lifting moratorium on nuclear reactors | AP News: New nuclear reactors will be allowed in Illinois in 2026 after the governor signed a law lifting a 35-year moratorium. Gov. J.B.
Lockheed Takes the Lead in the Race for a Nuclear Spaceship | Nasdaq
Lockheed Takes the Lead in the Race for a Nuclear Spaceship | Nasdaq: The U.S. military likes nuclear power -- and I mean, it really likes nuclear power.
House passes bill barring imports of Russian uranium for nuclear power | The Hill
House passes bill barring imports of Russian uranium for nuclear power | The Hill: The House on Monday passed legislation that would bar imports of Russian uranium for nuclear power plants. The measure was passed by a voice vote with bipartisan support. Ahead of the voice vote, Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.) and Democrat Rep. Frank Pallone (N.J.) spoke in favor of the bill. The legislation would make it…
COP28 Gets Coal In Its Stocking - Robert Bryce
COP28 Gets Coal In Its Stocking - Robert Bryce: Two weeks before Christmas, the Dubai climate confab ends with a thud as global coal demand continues to increase
‘Carbon Passports' to Limit How Often We Can Travel | RealClearPolicy
‘Carbon Passports' to Limit How Often We Can Travel | RealClearPolicy: The clock could be ticking for the travel industry unless action is taken to change our travel habits.
Monday, December 11, 2023
Climate summit draft decision drops fossil fuel phaseout language, instead calling for reduction | The Hill
Climate summit draft decision drops fossil fuel phaseout language, instead calling for reduction | The Hill: The latest iteration of negotiating text at this year’s global climate summit has dropped a previous version’s suggestion of a phaseout of fossil fuels. Instead, the latest draft text, introduced Monday, calls for “reducing” consumption and production of fossil fuels “in a just, orderly and equitable manner.” A group of 80 countries, including the U.S.,…
Here's How The Navy Plans To Decommission The Nuclear USS Enterprise
Here's How The Navy Plans To Decommission The Nuclear USS Enterprise: It's vital to consider what happens to a nuclear-reactor-driven ship when it comes to the end of its service life, and this is the dilemma with USS Enterprise.
Exelon, PG&E, others urge FERC to give transmission owners first dibs on regional projects | Utility Dive
Exelon, PG&E, others urge FERC to give transmission owners first dibs on regional projects | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
Six SMR power plants approved in Poland : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Six SMR power plants approved in Poland : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Poland's Ministry of Climate and Environment has issued decisions-in-principle for the construction of power plants based on GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy's BWRX-300 small modular reactor at six locations. A total of 24 BWRX-300 reactors are planned at the sites.
Pritzker signs law lifting moratorium on nuclear reactors | AP News
Pritzker signs law lifting moratorium on nuclear reactors | AP News: New nuclear reactors will be allowed in Illinois in 2026 after the governor signed a law lifting a 35-year moratorium. Gov. J.B.
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Trump, the Second Time Around? - TomDispatch.com
Trump, the Second Time Around? - TomDispatch.com
Trump, the Second Time Around?
Replacing the "Deep State" from Depths All His Own
By Andrea Mazzarino
Recently, on a commuter train, I ran into an acquaintance who works for a government agency here in Washington, D.C. Soon after we started chatting, he indicated a desire to switch jobs in case Donald Trump was reelected president in 2024. “I’d like to be somewhere that Trump wouldn’t be able to politicize,” my buddy said. I listened as he mused about which government institutions would remain well-funded despite Trump’s desire to destroy "the deep state.”
“Maybe I’ll work for the Department of Defense,” my companion finally suggested all too logically.
Click here to read more of this dispatch.
A Case of Regulatory Capture: Former Ohio PUC Chair Arrested | Neutron Bytes
A Case of Regulatory Capture: Former Ohio PUC Chair Arrested | Neutron Bytes: Experts in the field of setting electricity rates for nuclear energy utilities sometimes refer to a condition of “regulatory capture” in which the state public utility commission becomes “captured”…
Japan And Europe Announce Operation of Fusion Reactor | Neutron Bytes
Japan And Europe Announce Operation of Fusion Reactor | Neutron Bytes: Nuclear Fusion / Japan And Europe Announce Operation Of JT-60SA Reactor DOE Announces $42 Million for Inertial Fusion Energy Hubs UK Fusion Program Awards $6 million in Fusion Energy Program Nuclea…
China Begins Commercial Operation of 1st HTGR | Neutron Bytes
China Begins Commercial Operation of 1st HTGR | Neutron Bytes: China Begins Commercial Operation of 1st HTGR UK Awards Holtec £30M to Support Generic Design Assessment effort for its SMR KHNP to Promote i-SMR in Indonesia, Jordan OPG Selects Suppliers for Fuel…
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