Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Virtual Power Plants: A New Model for Renewables Integration

Virtual Power Plants: A New Model for Renewables Integration

by Tildy Bayar, Associate Editor, Renewable Energy World | September 30, 2013 | Post Your Comment
Today's global energy market is in the midst of a paradigm shift, from a model dominated by large centralized power plants owned by big utilities to a mixed bag of so-called distributed energy generation facilities — smaller resid... Full Articlehttp://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/09/virtual-power-plants-a-new-model-for-renewables-integration?cmpid=SolarNL-Tuesday-October1-2013

Clean Nuclear Is A Reality: Thorium

Clean Nuclear Is A Reality: Thorium

Will Thorium be a major energy player in the future ?


http://revolution-green.com/2013/08/11/clean-nuclear-is-a-reality-thorium/?goback=.gde_46854_member_277582286#!

Sensors for sodium coolant monitoring in Fast Reactors

Sensors for sodium coolant monitoring in Fast Reactors

Fast Reactors provide the best means of utilizing the vast thorium reserves of India to meet its future energy needs. The greater neutron economy of Fast Reactors contributes more neutrons for the conversion of Thorium-232 into Uranium-233 and helps maximize the utilization of thorium. The need to maintain a hard neutron spectrum precludes the use of moderating materials such as water as coolant in fast reactors. Liquid sodium metal is the coolant of choice in fast reactors as it is non-moderating. In addition, pure sodium is highly compatible with austenitic stainless steel, which is the structural material for fast reactors. But presence of impurities can affect the compatibility. Oxygen in sodium can bring about enhanced corrosion and activity transport and complicate reactor operation and maintenance. Carbon in sodium can lead to carburization of stainless steel.
http://dae.nic.in/?q=node/312&goback=.gde_46854_member_277582088#!

Safety analysis for Gujarat's Mithi Virdi project

Safety analysis for Gujarat's Mithi Virdi project

Essential exercise before entering into the final commercial contract

http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/safety-analysis-for-gujarat-s-mithi-virdi-project-113092900390_1.html#!

India to build 16 pressurized heavy water reactors

India to build 16 pressurized heavy water reactors
India to build 16 pressurized heavy water reactors
http://asian-power.com/environment/news/india-build-16-pressurized-heavy-water-reactors?goback=.gde_46854_member_277480749#!

Energy News Roundup: Europe’s Looming Energy Crisis

Energy News Roundup: Europe’s Looming Energy Crisis


http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/30/energy-news-roundup-europes-looming-energy-crisis/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=1bd0ae6356-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-1bd0ae6356-407304281

Europe Needs Additional Natural Gas Supply Sources

Europe Needs Additional Natural Gas Supply Sources


http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/30/europe-needs-additional-natural-gas-supply-sources/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=1bd0ae6356-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-1bd0ae6356-407304281

Energy Quote of the Day: US Debt Default Could Push Oil to $130/bbl

Energy Quote of the Day: US Debt Default Could Push Oil to $130/bbl


http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/30/energy-quote-of-the-day-us-debt-default-could-push-oil-to-130bbl/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=1bd0ae6356-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-1bd0ae6356-407304281

US Oil Independence ‘In Sight’, says Raymond James

US Oil Independence ‘In Sight’, says Raymond James


http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/30/energy-independence-in-sight-says-raymond-james/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=1bd0ae6356-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-1bd0ae6356-407304281

Video Matinee: Test Missile vs. Nuclear Spent Fuel Transport Cask

Video Matinee: Test Missile vs. Nuclear Spent Fuel Transport Cask

group manager at American Nuclear Society
Plane-crash-simulating 600mph test missile meets Holtec HI-STAR 180 spent nuclear fuel transport test cask - who wins?

http://www.linkedin.com/groupItem?view=&srchtype=discussedNews&gid=117546&item=277089737&type=member&trk=eml-anet_dig-b-pop_ttl-hdp&fromEmail=&ut=2DEDd2JNAu7lY1

Rosneft and ExxonMobil select contractors for Russian LNG Project

Rosneft and ExxonMobil select contractors for Russian LNG Project
Rosneft and ExxonMobil today selected CB&I UK and Foster Wheeler Energy as contractors for initial phase front end engineering and design.
Full Articlehttp://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2013/09/rosneft-and-exxonmobil-select-contractors-for-russian-lng-project.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPetroOctober12013

North Dakota oil production output to reach 1.6 million bpd by 2017

North Dakota oil production output to reach 1.6 million bpd by 2017
Daily oil production in North Dakota will double by 2017, reaching 1.6 million barrels per day, according to the state's Department of Mineral Resources.
Full Articlehttp://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2013/09/north-dakota-oil-production-output-to-reach-1-6-million-bpd-by-2017.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPetroOctober12013

Canada's Prime Minister awaits decision on Keystone XL oil pipeline

Canada's Prime Minister awaits decision on Keystone XL oil pipeline
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently said he believes the Obama administration will approve the Keystone XL pipeline proposed by TransCanada Corp.
Full Articlehttp://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2013/09/canada-s-prime-minister-awaits-decision-on-keystone-xl-oil-pipeline.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPetroOctober12013

US concerned at Turkey's pick of Chinese missile firm

US concerned at Turkey's pick of Chinese missile firm
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/US_concerned_at_Turkeys_pick_of_Chinese_missile_firm_999.html

China’s Energy Development in the East China Sea

China’s Energy Development in the East China Sea


http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=41349&tx_ttnews[backPid]=381&cHash=5de1c2ed64be186b55d7e36f786f7125#.UkrNfz-E5ad

Azerbaijan and the Southern Gas Corridor to Europe: Implications for U.S. and European Energy Security

Azerbaijan and the Southern Gas Corridor to Europe: Implications for U.S. and European Energy Security
 
On Friday, September 13, The Jamestown Foundation hosted an event at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace entitled, “Azerbaijan and the Southern Gas Corridor to Europe: Implications for U.S. and European Energy Security.” The event consisted of three panels, which discussed the game-changing nature of the opening of a new energy transit route into Europe, implications for Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as U.S. and EU policy regarding the Southern Gas Corridor and European energy security. Jamestown’s successful event attracted about 100 attendees from the policymaking community, government, the corporate sector as well as academia. 
The first panel focused on Azerbaijan’s efforts to open a separate transit route for Caspian energy exports to Europe. Discussants included Jamestown Senior Fellow Vladimir Socor, who presented an in-depth analysis of Azerbaijan’s Trans-Anatolian Pipeline project, which will traverse Turkey and connect with EU member Bulgaria; Azerbaijani state energy company SOCAR representative Rauf Mammadov, who described his company’s business strategy related to the Southern Corridor and entering the market in Southeastern Europe; as well as Gulmira Rzayeva of the Azerbaijani think tank Center for Strategic Studies, who spoke on the commercial and political implications of the selection of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) to direct Caspian basin gas to the Italian market. 
The second panel included focused on the implications of the Southern Corridor to Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Greg Saunders, a senior director for BP, provided a detailed overview of the actual sources of Caspian energy resources, the proposed transit routes to Europe as well as those already constructed, and the breakdown of the European markets that these resources will reach. European energy consultant Anthony Livanios described how the discovery of large offshore natural gas fields around Cyprus and Israel can feed into European markets. He also explored the implications for Azerbaijan’s purchase of Greece’s pipeline network. Margarita Assenova, Jamestown’s Director of Programs for the Balkans, Caucasus & Central Asia, detailed the energy security situation in Bulgaria and the Balkans, including Russian efforts to dominate these markets through means such as the South Stream Pipeline. 
The final panel featured current and former government officials from Europe and the United States, who discussed U.S. and EU interests in the Southern Corridor’s launch. Christian Burgsmuller, a representative of the EU delegation to the U.S., gave Brussels stance on how TAP would fit into plans for ensuring greater European energy security. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Amos Hochstein provided the U.S. perspective and gave a background on Washington’s behind-the-scenes efforts at diversifying Europe’s energy sources and transit routes. Finally, Ambassador Matthew Bryza concluded the discussion by noting that the selection of TAP to transit Azerbaijani gas to Europe was not the end of the story, but only the beginning of the opening of a new energy transit route to America’s European allies. He predicted that once the first gas began to flow westward from the Caspian basin, other players, including Turkmenistan and perhaps Iraqi Kurdistan, would see the Southern Corridor as a viable direction for their own energy exports, thus helping to diversify the markets of those European countries still dominated by Gazprom.
 *To watch the full video of the event, as well as read the speaker biographies, please click here.http://www.jamestown.org/press/events/video-azerbaijan-and-the-southern-gas-corridor-to-europe-implications-for-us-and-european-energy-security/

Golf Balls Fall Short Coping With 21st Century Disasters

Golf Balls Fall Short Coping With 21st Century Disasters


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-29/golf-balls-fall-short-coping-with-21st-century-disasters.html

Will Energy Storage Save the Grid?

Will Energy Storage Save the Grid?


http://theenergycollective.com/jim-greenberger/282051/will-storage-save-grid

AES Corp. brings 40 MW energy storage system online

AES Corp. brings 40 MW energy storage system online


http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/elp/2013/09/aes-corp-brings-40-mw-energy-storage-system-online.html

AES Reaches More Than 100 MW of Grid-Scale Storage in the US ...

AES Reaches More Than 100 MW of Grid-Scale Storage in the US ... Wall Street Journal
"Advanced energy storage resources can uniquely maximize the performance and efficiency of the grid through their ability to act as both generation and load," ...http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130930-905936.html

U.S. Dept. of Energy Supports New Renewable Energy Storage System

U.S. Dept. of Energy Supports New Renewable Energy Storage System


http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Renewable-Energy/Bill-Gates-Backs-New-Renewable-Energy-Storage-System.html

SRS braces for 'government shutdown' over budget impasse

SRS braces for 'government shutdown' over budget impasse


http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2013-09-30/srs-braces-government-shutdown-over-budget-impasse

Department of Energy Implementation Activities in the Case of a Lapse of Appropriations

Department of Energy Implementation Activities in the Case of a Lapse of Appropriations


http://energy.gov/articles/department-energy-implementation-activities-case-lapse-appropriations

Government shutdown would have mixed impact on energy industry

Government shutdown would have mixed impact on energy industry
http://www.snl.com/InteractiveX/Article.aspx?cdid=A-25191130-14385

Energy: The toll on coal

Energy: The toll on coal


http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/0a2b18d0-2799-11e3-ae16-00144feab7de.html?ftcamp=crm/email/2013101/nbe/Analysis/product&siteedition=intl#axzz2gTT3Di5z

Future of Nuclear Power in Emerging Markets: United Arab Emirates

Future of Nuclear Power in Emerging Markets: United Arab Emirates
Forum on Energy’’s Emerging Market Series takes a country-by-country look at the future of nuclear power in emerging markets. While many are rolling back their use of nuclear energy in the wake of Fukushima, there still seems to be a clear effort by emerging nations to make nuclear energy a major part of their future. Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, China, Turkey, India and Finland are just a few of the nations Forum On Energy will highlight in its Emerging Market Series.

http://forumonenergy.com/2013/09/09/future-of-nuclear-power-in-emerging-markets-united-arab-emirates/

U.S., India: Partners On Arms, Technology, Nuclear Power

U.S., India: Partners On Arms, Technology, Nuclear Power


http://www.forbes.com/sites/donaldkirk/2013/09/30/u-s-and-india-almost-allied-on-arms-and-nuclear-power/

Jellyfish Invasion Forces EON to Shut Down Swedish Nuclear Plant


Jellyfish Invasion Forces EON to Shut Down Swedish Nuclear Plant


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-30/jellyfish-invasion-forces-eon-to-shut-down-swedish-nuclear-plant.html

Michio Kaku interviewed by Art Bell

Michio Kaku interviewed by Art Bell, Sept. 16, 2013 (At 46:30 in): Tepco unfortunately is sort of like the 3 stooges operating a nuclear power plant, Moe, Larry and Curly chasing each other around the control room hitting each other over the head. We have a bunch of incompetents running that nuclear power plant. I think that eventually the government’s going to have to take over […] and call out the military. […] Admit that the utility is totally outclassed, outgunned, and that they should perhaps bring in the military. […] You realize they keep dumping cold water on the reactor and it flows out because the loop is not closed. It’s an open loop. Until they close the loop they’re going to dump more water and they’re going to create more radioactive water as a consequence. Full interview herehttp://artbell.com/michio-kaku/

Does nuclear power have a future in Japan?

Does nuclear power have a future in Japan?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24332012

Monday, September 30, 2013

US Nuclear Power Plants

US Nuclear Power Plants

CNN -
(CNN) -- Here's a look at what you need to know about nuclear power plants in the United States. There are 104 commercial nuclear power reactor units licensed to operate in the U.S. These operate in 31 of the 48 contiguous states. The nuclear power reactor ...http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/30/us/u-s-nuclear-power-plants/

Safety analysis for Gujarat's Mithi Virdi project

Safety analysis for Gujarat's Mithi Virdi project

Essential exercise before entering into the final commercial contract

http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/npc-westinghouse-to-launch-preliminary-safety-analysis-for-mithi-virdi-113092900390_1.html

India, US seal first commercial deal on civil nuclear power


India, US seal first commercial deal on civil nuclear power

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-09-28/news/42481705_1_npcil-nuclear-power-corporation-nuclear-liability-law

81 legislators urge progress on Yucca Mountain licensing

81 legislators urge progress on Yucca Mountain licensing


Read more here: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/09/28/2599480/81-legislators-urge-progress-on.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/09/28/2599480/81-legislators-urge-progress-on.html

Thursday, September 26, 2013 5:59 PM ET Union of Concerned Scientists says small modular nuke benefits are overblown


Union of Concerned Scientists says small modular nuke benefits are overblown
http://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-25236589-11562

Positives of small modular reactors touted at event


Positives of small modular reactors touted at event


http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20130928/AIK0101/130929475/1007/AIK0101/positives-of-small-modular-reactors-touted-at-event

FAS Roundup: September 30, 2013 Plutonium shortage, court rules against CIA and much more.


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Federation of American Scientists

FAS Roundup: September 30, 2013

Plutonium shortage, court rules against CIA and much more.

From the Blogs

Court Curbs CIA Use of a FOIA Exception: A federal court ruled last month that the CIA tried to make “inappropriate” use of an exemption from the Freedom of Information Act to withhold information that was not subject to the exemption. The judge ruled that the Agency was also wrongly attempting to withhold “information that relates to” CIA organization and personnel– which is almost everything the Agency does.
Houston, We Need Some Plutonium: According to recent reports, the United States may be running out of plutonium – specifically the isotope Pu-238, which is used to fuel spacecraft. In a new post on the ScienceWonk Blog, Dr. Y investigates how Pu-238 is used as a power source, and other alternative energy sources that are being researched to ensure that the U.S. space exploration program continues.
Reaching the Debt Ceiling and More from CRS: Secrecy News has obtained recently released CRS reports on topics such as the debt ceiling, private health plans under ACA, Pentagon operations during a government shutdown and an overview of federal funding gaps.

Office Space for Rent in Washington, DC

FAS has three offices for rent in the heart of Washington’s central business district, within less than a minute’s walk to Farragut North metro stop on the red line, and less than four minutes walking distance from Farragut West metro stop on the orange and blue line. The offices are 130 sqft each and are furnished.
Rent for each office is $1,200 per month; package deals with reduced rates are possible. Included is the use of one large conference room, as well as a small meeting room; kitchen; reception; the use of a copy room, and general work area; separate work area for interns.
 
For more information, click here. 

Job Opportunity: Nuclear Scientist at NRDC

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is seeking a full-time nuclear scientist or nuclear engineer to work with the Nuclear Program team in the Washington, DC office on technical projects concerning: reactor safety and regulation, the role of nuclear power in an energy policy that addresses climate change, and the environmental and non-proliferation impacts of the nuclear fuel cycle. The position will directly support a recently-initiated NRDC project to prototype a citizen radiation monitoring network, including work with hand-held radiation detectors, data acquisition and analysis, and the development of the online network architecture. The position will also have a leading role in NRDC’s work on security aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, including MOX and cyber threat issues.
Responsibilities will include performing calculations and technical analysis, authoring and contributing to NRDC publications and to scientific publication of research in peer-reviewed professional journals. The candidate will also provide technical support to NRDC’s nuclear regulatory and licensing interventions, and NRDC’s legislative work on the nuclear fuel cycle.
Applications may be submitted here. 

Event: Short Course on Nuclear Issues in the 21st Century

The American Physical Society’s Forum on Physics & Society and the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs are sponsoring a short course on nuclear weapons issues in the 21st century on November 2-3, 2013 at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
The workshop will bring together international experts who will give technical background on issues such as CTBT on-site inspections, India and Pakistan’s nuclear programs, ballistic missile defense and nuclear forensics.
Director of the Nuclear Information Project Mr. Hans Kristensen will be presenting on modernizing the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
Early registration is encouraged as the course may sell out; last day to register is October 25. For conference agenda and registration, click here. 

FAS in the News

Sept 25: Associated Press"Iran Tries To Shine Light On Israeli Nukes"
Sept 25: Time"RIP Megatons For Megawatts"
Sept 23: RT"Aging US Atomic Bomb Caught In Strategic Tug-Of-War"
Sept 22: Omaha World-Herald"Clock Is Ticking On Aging B61 Bomb, StratCom Chief Says"

Eon chief warns US energy advantage makes Europe uncompetitive



Eon chief warns US energy advantage makes Europe uncompetitive


http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/3000f9d4-2786-11e3-8feb-00144feab7de.html?goback=.gde_4107653_member_277368363#!

ANS Update: Carnival of Nuclear Bloggers 176

American Nuclear Society

Carnival of Nuclear Bloggers 176

By Will Davis on Sep 29, 2013 01:49 pm

The 176th Carnival of Nuclear Energy is now posted at The Hiroshima Syndrome.  You can click here to access this latest edition of a long-running tradition among the world’s English language pro-nuclear bloggers and authors. Each week, a new edition … Continue reading
Read in browser »
share on Twitter Like Carnival of Nuclear Bloggers 176 on Facebook

What Is China's Reaction to the IPCC Climate Change Report?


What Is China's Reaction to the IPCC Climate Change Report?

http://theenergycollective.com/nrdcswitchboard/281461/what-chinas-reaction-new-ipcc-climate-change-report?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

ARPA-E Still Pushing Boundaries of Clean Energy in Fragile Budget Environment

ARPA-E Still Pushing Boundaries of Clean Energy in Fragile Budget Environment


http://theenergycollective.com/mstepp/279526/arpa-e-continues-pushing-boundaries-clean-energy-during-fragile-budget-environment?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Who is Most Responsible for Climate Change? [INFOGRAPHIC]


Who is Most Responsible for Climate Change? [INFOGRAPHIC]



http://theenergycollective.com/ivonnepena/281366/who-most-responsible-climate-change-infographic?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Installation of the first AREVA turbines at Trianel Windpark Borkum and Global Tech 1

Installation of the first AREVA turbines at Trianel Windpark Borkum and Global Tech 1
Paris, France (SPX) Sep 26, 2013
The installation phase of the first AREVA M5000 turbines has begun for the German offshore wind farm Global Tech I and Trianel Windpark Borkum in the North Sea.
By 2014, these two parks will host 120 turbines (40 at Trianel Windpark Borkum, 80 at Global Tech I) for an installed capacity of 600 megawatts, providing electricity to around 600,000 households.
AREVA's technology will represent at that point, 33% of the 1800 MW of Germany's offshore wind installed base.
The Trianel Windpark Borkum, with a 200 MW capacity, is located nearly 45 kilometers off the island of Borkum, near the alpha ventus park where six AREVA turbines have been in operation since 2009.
The Global Tech 1 park, with a 400 MW capacity, is located at a distance of 110 kilometers from the German coast, which will constitute a world first.
Louis-Francois Durret, Senior Executive Vice-President of AREVA's Renewable Energies Business Group, said "By giving us their confidence, our customers Trianel and Global Tech I, have enabled us to reinforce our key player position on the European offshore wind market and positions us favourably to win future contracts in France and the United Kingdom."
...

read article onlinehttp://www.winddaily.com/reports/Installation_of_the_first_AREVA_turbines_at_Trianel_Windpark_Borkum_and_Global_Tech_1_999.html

Worldwide Engagement for Sustainable Energy Strategies

Worldwide Engagement for Sustainable Energy Strategies


http://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/name,3857,en.html

Fact Sheet: Commercial Nuclear Exports Mean Thousands of US Jobs


http://www.nei.org/Master-Document-Folder/Backgrounders/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheet-Commercial-Nuclear-Exports-Mean-Thousan

ARPA-E Still Pushing Boundaries of Clean Energy in Fragile Budget Environment

ARPA-E Still Pushing Boundaries of Clean Energy in Fragile Budget Environment


http://theenergycollective.com/mstepp/279526/arpa-e-continues-pushing-boundaries-clean-energy-during-fragile-budget-environment

Pakistan’s Next Chinese Reactor

Pakistan’s Next Chinese Reactor


http://hibbs.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/2248/pakistans-next-chinese-reactor

Tokyo Electric set to receive $5.9 billion financing: source



Tokyo Electric set to receive $5.9 billion financing: source


http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/09/30/us-japan-nuclear-tepco-idUKBRE98P08O20130930

VT. nuclear plant closure a wake-up call for N.H.





VT. nuclear plant closure a wake-up call for N.H.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130929/GJOPINION_0102/130929403/-1/FOSOPINION

Arctic drilling needs federal standards

Arctic drilling needs federal standards
Washington (UPI) Sep 27, 2013 - Federal standards are needed to ensure safe Arctic drilling, a new report says. The report, "Arctic Standards: Recommendations on Oil Spill Prevention, Response, and Safety in the U.S. Arctic Ocean" from Pew Charitable Trusts, comes in advance of a draft of standards for offshore Arctic drilling due to be released by the U.S. Interior Department before the end of this year. Inte ... morehttp://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/Arctic_drilling_needs_federal_standards_999.html

Small Isn't Always Beautiful: Safety, Security and Cost Concerns about SMRs


http://assets.fiercemarkets.com/public/sites/energy/reports/small-isnt-always-beautiful.pdf

Utilities could get what they pay for with small nuclear reactors Read more: Utilities could get what they pay for with small nuclear reactors -


Utilities could get what they pay for with small nuclear reactors

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/utilities-could-get-what-they-pay-small-nuclear-reactors/2013-09-30?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

Areva continues Czech appeal

Areva continues Czech appeal (http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/C-Areva_continues_Czech_appeal-3009135.html)
Areva has filed legal action against the Czech anti-monopoly office claiming that it was unlawful in its decision not to allow the French reactor vendor to appeal against the disqualification of its bid to build two new units at Temelin.

Agreement for building Lufeng AP1000s

Agreement for building Lufeng AP1000s (http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Agreement_for_building_Lufeng_AP1000s-3009134.html)
The contractual framework for constructing the first two AP1000 units at Lufeng in China's Guangdong province has been agreed.

Progress for Indian nuclear trade

Progress for Indian nuclear trade (http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-Progress_for_Indian_nuclear_trade-3009137.html)
India and the USA have reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of bilateral nuclear trade agreements alongside the signature of a preliminary contract for the construction of reactors in Gujarat.

Rating Action: Moody's assigns definitive A3 to China General Nuclear Power notes


Rating Action:

Moody's assigns definitive A3 to China General Nuclear Power notes

https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-assigns-definitive-A3-to-China-General-Nuclear-Power-notes--PR_283376?WT.mc_id=NLTITLE_YYYYMMDD_PR_283376%3C%2fp%3E

AMEC wins Slovakian new nuclear power station environmental contract


AMEC wins Slovakian new nuclear power station environmental contract

http://nuclear.energy-business-review.com/news/amec-wins-slovakian-new-nuclear-power-station-environmental-contract-300913

Nuclear power rides an economic roller coaster By Paul Choiniere

Nuclear power rides an economic roller coaster

By Paul Choiniere
http://www.theday.com/article/20130929/OP04/309299960

Cheap natural gas is putting nuclear power out of business

Cheap natural gas is putting nuclear power out of business PBS NewsHour
Natural gas-generated power has gotten so cheap, it's putting nuclear plants out of business. That's the news out of New York, where two nuclear plants, the ...http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/09/cheap-natural-gas-is-putting-nuclear-power-out-of-business.html

Bridging the Polarization Gap

Bridging the Polarization Gap

How Science Communication Paves the Wayhttp://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/energy-and-climate/bridging-the-polarization-gap/

Nuclear Timelines: A New Tool for Looking at History

Nuclear Timelines: A New Tool for Looking at History


http://fairewinds.org/podcast/nuclear-timelines-a-new-tool-for-looking-at-history

Challenging Those Who Celebrate Vermont Yankee's Closing

Challenging Those Who Celebrate Vermont Yankee's Closing


http://yesvy.blogspot.com/2013/09/challenging-those-who-celebrate-vermont.html?goback=.gde_46854_member_277351055#!

Michio Kaku - Art Bell - September 16 2013 - Art Bell 9-16-13

Michio Kaku - Art Bell - September 16 2013 - Art Bell 9-16-13


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIaxfrEcFaw

Power struggle: developing the UK's nuclear manufacturing capacity Read more: http://www.theengineer.co.uk/in-depth/the-big-story/power-struggle-developing-the-uks-nuclear-manufacturing-capacity/1017117.article#ixzz2gNqJnRKw

Power struggle: developing the UK's nuclear manufacturing capacity


http://www.theengineer.co.uk/in-depth/the-big-story/power-struggle-developing-the-uks-nuclear-manufacturing-capacity/1017117.article#!

New IPCC Report Strengthens Certainty of Climate Change The new climate report largely reaffirms scientists’ claims.

New IPCC Report Strengthens Certainty of Climate Change

The new climate report largely reaffirms scientists’ claims.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/519636/new-ipcc-report-strengthens-certain-of-climate-change/?utm_campaign=newsletters&utm_source=newsletter-weekly-energy&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20130930

Startup Shows Off Its Cheaper Grid Battery

Startup Shows Off Its Cheaper Grid Battery

Sun Catalytix is making a new type of flow battery that could store hours’ worth of energy on the grid.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/519316/startup-shows-off-its-cheaper-grid-battery/?utm_campaign=newsletters&utm_source=newsletter-weekly-energy&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20130930

Aim High! LIQUID FLUORIDE THORIUM REACTOR

Aim High!
LIQUID FLUORIDE THORIUM REACTOR
  • Energy cheaper than from coal.
  • Walk-away safe.

New book, THORIUM: energy cheaper than coal

THORIUM: energy cheaper than coal is a new book about two energy technologies that can solve global warming, sustainability, and energy poverty. Energy cheaper than coal is the only realistic way to dissuade 7 billion people in 250 countries from burning coal to make electricity. Thorium and the molten salt reactor provide the means to manufacture liquid fluoride thorium reactors (LFTR) at a price that will undercut coal, economically.
https://sites.google.com/site/rethinkingnuclearpower/aimhigh

Nuclear cleanup at Hanford must be taken seriously

Nuclear cleanup at Hanford must be taken seriously


http://union-bulletin.com/news/2013/sep/26/nuclear-cleanup-hanford-must-be-taken-seriously/

Iran Wants Nuclear Deal in Months, Says President Rouhani


Iran Wants Nuclear Deal in Months, Says President Rouhani

James Reynolds | BBC News
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says he wants to reach a deal with world powers on Tehran's nuclear programme in three to six months. Mr Rouhani said he was fully empowered by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to negotiate on the issue.


http://carnegieendowment.org/2013/09/26/iran-wants-nuclear-deal-in-months-says-president-rouhani/goct

The Fukushima Generation: New Data on Birth Defects in Post-Meltdown Japan

The Fukushima Generation: New Data on Birth Defects in Post-Meltdown Japan

New unpublished data reveals a slight rise in birth defects in post-nuclear-meltdown Japan. Jake Adelstein and Nathalie Stucky report on this exclusive data—and what Japan needs to do next to understand the health impact.


http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/09/26/the-fukushima-generation-new-data-on-birth-defects-in-post-meltdown-japan.html

China Ban on Items for Nuclear Use to North Korea May Stall Arms Bid By JANE PERLEZ

China Ban on Items for Nuclear Use to North Korea May Stall Arms Bid

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/30/world/asia/china-ban-on-items-for-nuclear-use-to-north-korea-may-stall-arms-bid.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Egypt: Israel Should Sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Egypt: Israel Should Sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Chris Bacavis
Egypt Israel Should Sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Addressing the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy ...
Las Vegas Guardian Expresshttp://guardianlv.com/2013/09/egypt-israel-should-sign-the-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty/

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Forget Eagle Deaths, Wind Turbines Kill Humans


Forget Eagle Deaths, Wind Turbines Kill Humans

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2013/09/29/forget-eagle-deaths-wind-turbines-kill-humans/

Doubts over nuclear costs


Doubts over nuclear costs

http://www.iol.co.za/business/companies/doubts-over-nuclear-costs-1.1584160#.Uki1nBmEO-c

EPA Honors 24 Organizations for Green Power Leadership


News Release: EPA Honors 24 Organizations for Green Power Leadership
09/23/2013
CONTACT:
Dale Kemery (News media only)
kemery.dale@epa.gov
202-564-7839
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2013


EPA Honors 24 Organizations for Green Power Leadership

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented its 13th annual Green Power Leadership Awards to 21 Green Power Partners and three suppliers for their achievements in advancing the nation’s renewable electricity market. Close to one-third of America’s carbon pollution – a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change – comes from power plants. By using green power, communities, businesses and organizations can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support America’s growing renewable energy industry, improve public health, and help transition the United States to cleaner energy sources.

“Our 2013 Green Power Leadership Award winners are driving new renewable energy generation and providing clear examples of organizations thriving on innovation and sustainability,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “These winners are moving us closer to the vision President Obama outlined in his Climate Action Plan—cutting harmful pollution and promoting American leadership in renewable energy.”

EPA defines green power as electricity that is generated from renewable resources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas and low-impact hydroelectric sources and produces no fossil fuel-based carbon pollution. The winning organizations are recognized for dramatically increasing their green power purchases, installing large-scale solar panel arrays, and leading innovative renewable energy procurement efforts, among other actions.

The 2013 Green Power Leadership Award winners are listed below in the following categories:

Sustained Excellence in Green Power: Intel Corporation (Santa Clara, Calif.); Kohl's Department Stores (Menomonee Falls, Wis.); Staples (Framingham, Mass.)
Green Power Partners of the Year: Cisco Systems, Inc. (San Jose, Calif.); Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.); Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Wash.); The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)
Green Power Communities of the Year: Cincinnati, Ohio; Mercer Island, Wash.
Green Power Purchasing: Accredo Packaging, Inc. (Sugar Land, Texas); Dell Inc. (Round Rock, Texas); Pearson (Upper Saddle River, N.J.); Powdr (Park City, Utah), The North Face (Alameda, Calif.); U.S. Department of Energy (Washington, D.C.); UW Credit Union (Madison, Wis.); Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
On-site Generation: Apple Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.); County of Santa Clara, Calif.; Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.); Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
Green Power Suppliers of the Year: 3Degrees (San Francisco, Calif.); Dominion Virginia Power (Richmond, Va.); Sterling Planet (Atlanta, Ga.)

The 21 award-winning partners were chosen for their exemplary use of green power from more than 1,500 partner organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state and federal governments, and colleges and universities. Utilities, renewable energy project developers, and other green power suppliers were eligible to apply for the Supplier of the Year Award, which recognizes leadership in voluntary renewable energy offerings.

EPA also announced the winners of the third annual Green Power Community Challenge, a national competition between communities to use renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the collective participation of local governments, businesses, and residents. Out of 48 competing communities, Washington, D.C., won the challenge for a third year in a row for using the most green power annually with more than one billion kilowatt-hours (kWh). Oak Park, Ill., also won the challenge for a second consecutive year for achieving the highest green power percentage of total electricity use at 92 percent.

EPA, through the Green Power Partnership, works with partner organizations to reduce the environmental impacts of conventional electricity use. Nearly two-thirds of partners use 100 percent green power. All together, the partners are voluntarily using more than 28 billion kWh of green power annually, equivalent to avoiding carbon pollution created by the electricity use of more than three million average American homes each year.

More on the Green Power Leadership Awards: http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/awards/winners.htm
More on the Green Power Community Challenge: www.epa.gov/greenpower/communities/gpcchallenge.htm
More on the Green Power Partnership: www.epa.gov/greenpower

14 U.S. Nuclear Plants Closing or at Risk—in Photographs and Text

14 U.S. Nuclear Plants Closing or at Risk—in Photographs and Text


http://insideclimatenews.org/slideshow/14-us-nuclear-plants-closing-or-risk%E2%80%94-photographs-and-text

Slideshow: Top 10 Takeaways From the New IPCC Climate Report





The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, part of the United Nations and the world's largest scientific body on global warming, on Friday released the first portion of its long-awaited assessment on the causes and consequences of climate change. The report took six years to produce and is considered the most comprehensive review of the scientific evidence for man-made climate change available. It is the fifth such report since 1990.http://insideclimatenews.org/slideshow/top-10-takeaways-new-ipcc-climate-report

Norway throws in the towel on carbon capture project.

Norway throws in the towel on carbon capture project. 

CEO and Co-Founder at Industry Dive
What does this say about carbon capture in general? Minor blip or the end?

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/norway-throws-in-the-towel-on-carbon-capture-project/174371/

Keeping Nuclear in the US Energy Mix


Keeping Nuclear in the US Energy Mix


http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/27/keeping-nuclear-in-the-us-energy-mix/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=ab1dcbe4f3-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-ab1dcbe4f3-407304281

Louisiana Site Selected for Gulf Coast GTL Facility


Louisiana Site Selected for Gulf Coast GTL Facility

http://breakingenergy.com/2013/09/27/louisiana-site-selected-for-gulf-coast-gtl-facility/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=ab1dcbe4f3-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-ab1dcbe4f3-407304281

A Neutron Bomb would NOT Neutralize Fukushima


Shortcut url: http://FukushimaSolution.com

A Neutron Bomb would NOT Neutralize Fukushima

Proposed: By detonating a 25-km radius neutron bomb at the Fukushima plant, it would turn off the nuclear reactions taking place, while also neutralizing the radiation emitting from radioactive particles that have been emitted within that radius. NASA nuclear physicist says "not".
http://pesn.com/2013/09/26/9602375_Neutron-Bomb_would_neutralize-Fukushima/#!

Energy Sector Shortsightedness Threatens Global Energy Consumers

Energy Sector Shortsightedness Threatens Global Energy Consumers

Posted by James B. Seaton III at 15:17


http://www.rcem.eu/posts/2013/september/26/energy-sector-shortsightedness-threatens-global-energy-consumers.aspx?goback=.gde_4107653_member_277127986#!

Atomic ambition: 800 years of power from waste"

Atomic ambition: 800 years of power from waste Bend Bulletin
Today's nuclear reactors run on concentrations of 3 to 5 percent uranium 235, an enriched fuel that leaves behind a pure, mostly natural waste, uranium 238.http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20130929/NEWS0107/309290328/

Energy secretary: United Nations climate report a ‘watershed'

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Energy secretary: United Nations climate report a ‘watershed'


http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/325305-energy-secretary-un-climate-report-a-watershed-shows-importance-of-moving-now

Bumpy road ahead for restarting nuclear power plant in Niigata Pref.

 

Bumpy road ahead for restarting nuclear power plant in Niigata Pref.

http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0000685595

VT. nuclear plant closure a wake-up call for N.H. By T. J. Jean



VT. nuclear plant closure a wake-up call for N.H.

By T. J. Jean
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130929/GJOPINION_0102/130929403/-1/FOSOPINION

General Electric Unveils Breakthrough Energy Storage Tech

General Electric Unveils Breakthrough Energy Storage Tech Wall St. Cheat Sheet
General Electric (NYSE:GE) has unveiled what is being lauded as breakthrough energy storage technology in the form of the new Durathon Battery to power an ...http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/general-electric-unveils-breakthrough-energy-storage-tech.html/?a=viewall

S. Korea ex-vice minister charged in nuclear graft probe

According to Agence France-Presse, a former deputy minister has been charged with taking bribes as part of a corruption probe into South Korea's nuclear industry that has already indicted nearly 100 people. Park Young-June, a former vice minister in charge of energy, stands accused of accepting 50 million won ($45,000) bribes in 2010 in return for favouring a constructor bidding for a nuclear reactor contract.

 

The Geopolitics of Energy

The Geopolitics of Energy

http://energy.utexas.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=221

Why the EPR reactors in Europe will be 7 years late and triple the cost of the same reactors built in China which are on schedule and on budget.


Why the EPR reactors in Europe will be 7 years late and triple the cost of the same reactors built in China which are on schedule and on budget.

http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Country-Profiles/Countries-A-F/China--Nuclear-Power/#.UkYLSn_5CU0

German electricity is already about triple the price of electricity in the USA and four times the price in Canada.



German electricity is already about triple the price of electricity in the USA and four times the price in Canada.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory calculated the worst case scenarios from the tsunami damaged Fukushima nuclear reactors.


Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory calculated the worst case scenarios from the tsunami damaged Fukushima nuclear reactors.

Money for energy research and development and deployment is not scarce. $6 trillion per year is spent on energy. There is $1.9 trillion in post tax subsidies.

176th Carnival of Nuclear Energy Bloggers

176th Carnival of Nuclear Energy Bloggers
The Hiroshima Syndrome’s Fukushima Updates is proudly hosting the 173rd edition of the Carnival of Nuclear Energy Bloggers. For the full reports, please click on the individual links. Blog topics for this edition include – making science-based communications effective, how too-low exposure limits hurt Japan, JFK’s Best-of-the-Above speech revisited, Germany’s rising electricity expenditures, the costs of building new nukes, and much more.
http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html