Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The implementation and integration of smart technology and its corresponding data management and analytics is no longer a question of why, but of when and how.

Smart Grid Update has recently interviewed 50+ senior-level executives and thought leaders and published a free in-depth briefing uncovering the evolving role that big data analytics play in the utility sector.

To download the executive briefing, click here: http://goo.gl/kNcm3U

Here is a quick look at what the briefing addresses:

Creating a new organizational foundation for data and analytics initiatives through a workplace culture change
Blurring the line between operations technology and utility information technology
Bringing disparate data under a unified management approach
The breakdown of leading vendors in the sector and what you need to know to select the right solution for your organization
Recommendations on how predictive analytics can help you improve reliability and drive efficiency
Privacy, fraud protection and cyber security risks

Contributors include John D. McDonald, Director, Technical Strategy and Policy Development, GE Digital Energy; James Horstman, Manager, Enterprise Architecture, Southern California Edison; Cheri Warren, Vice President Asset Management, National Grid; and Samuel Harrel, Industry Director, Utilities North America, Oracle.

Click here to download the briefing: http://goo.gl/kNcm3U

Enjoy the report and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at details below.

Best Regards,

Antanina Kapchonava
Project Director | Smart Grid Update
T: 201-204-1674
E: antanina@smartgridupdate.com

Fukushima's Legacy: Understanding the Difference Between Nuclear Radiation & Contamination

It's very important

by Chris Martenson

http://www.peakprosperity.com/blog/84656/fukushimas-legacy-understanding-difference-between-nuclear-radiation-contamination

It's Go Time for the nuclear industry

http://toledoblade.typepad.com/ripple-effect/2014/02/its-go-time-for-the-nuclear-industry.html

NRA tells TEPCO to reduce radiation exposure at Fukushima plant

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201402060060

European thermal coal prices fall as mild weather saps demand

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/f4854c98-9346-11e3-b07c-00144feab7de.html?ftcamp=crm/email/2014212/nbe/EnergyMining/product#axzz2t6p5hiyz

Swiss vote on migrant quotas sparks EU membership threat

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/2d57ee1c-9343-11e3-b07c-00144feab7de.html?ftcamp=crm/email/2014212/nbe/EnergyMining/product&siteedition=intl#axzz2t6p5hiyz

It is Time to Hold Nuclear Fear Mongers Accountable.

http://bigthink.com/risk-reason-and-reality/it-is-time-to-hold-nuclear-fear-mongers-accountable

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

China General Nuclear Power appoints two banks for US$2b IPO

http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1426303/china-general-nuclear-power-appoints-two-banks-us2b

U.S. Sailors Sick From Fukushima Radiation File New Suit Against Tokyo Electric Power

U.S. Sailors Sick From Fukushima Radiation File New Suit Against Tokyo Electric Power:

Citing a wide range of ailments from leukemia to blindness to birth defects, 79 American veterans of 2011's earthquake/tsunami relief Operation Tomadachi ("Friendship") have filed a new $1 billion class action lawsuit against Tokyo Electric Power.

http://ecowatch.com/2014/02/09/u-s-sailors-fukushima-radiation/

Understanding SMR’s impact on the Nuclear Supply Chain

How much do SMRs impact the nuclear supply chain? - Nuclear Energy Insider recently spoke to NIC’s David Blee, who discussed the benefits and challenges which SMR’s present.

You can get your free copy here - http://bit.ly/SMR-supplychain

It will explain:

• How the status quo for suppliers in the US market will be challenged.

• Whether the emergence of SMR’s will drive competition for your procurement strategies

• What roadblocks there are likely to be in the lead up to deployment, and how you can avoid complications
http://www.nuclearenergyinsider.com/nuclear-supply-chain-conference/content-DavidBlee1.php?utm_source=Linked%20energy%20sub&utm_medium=announcement%20&utm_content=1102&utm_campaign=2547

What data centers' growing energy use means for utilities

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/what-data-centers-growing-energy-use-means-for-utilities/225139/

India’s quest for energy: nuclear power & other greener options

http://www.energypost.eu/indias-quest-energy-nuclear-power-greener-options/?goback=.gde_67258_member_5838922978884100100

Is Obama Making the Right Bet on Natural Gas?

http://www.nationaljournal.com/policy/insiders/energy/is-obama-making-the-right-bet-on-natural-gas-20140210

Japan pushes to restart mothballed nuclear reactors

Emboldened by the election of a pro-nuclear governor of Tokyo, Japan's utilities and national government are setting their sights on having 10 reactors operational by the summer.

http://www.dw.de/japan-pushes-to-restart-mothballed-nuclear-reactors/a-17423646

The Burning Question: Who is Up to the Climate Challenge?

Posted: 11 Feb 2014 01:00 AM PST

The United Nations IPCC has issued its Fifth Assessment Report, which concludes the warming of the climate system is unequivocal, human influence on the climate system is clear, and limiting climate change will require substantial and sustained reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.read morehttp://theenergycollective.com/jim-baird/337696/burning-question-who-climate-challenge

The Electric Utility Singularity

Posted: 11 Feb 2014 05:00 AM PST

A singularity is a term that is used in mathematics, physics, and advanced artificial intelligence. The definitions vary based on perspective, but in simple terms, it signifies the point where old rules break down. This is exactly where electric utilities are now.read morehttp://theenergycollective.com/christine-hertzog/339401/electric-utility-singularity?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Renewables Growth: Ignoring The Whole Equation

Posted: 11 Feb 2014 06:00 AM PST

When discussing the growth of renewable energy there are two rather common mistakes. First, thinking that the capacity of a renewable power plant is directly comparable with that of a fossil fuel or nuclear power plant. Second, thinking that energy consumption and electricity consumption are the same thing.read morehttp://theenergycollective.com/robertwilson190/339191/renewables-growth-ignoring-whole-equation

In the Dark, Again and Again

Posted: 11 Feb 2014 09:00 AM PST

If we're going to deal with increasingly severe climate-related power outages and are going to make our communities more resilient, we in the environmental community have to change the kinds of technologies we propose to solve the problem. Investing in the same old stuff is not a climate resilient solution. read morehttp://theenergycollective.com/lewmilford/338791/dark-again-and-again

It's Our World: Is nuclear power the future of green energy?

11 Feb 2014 15:00

But a little-known radioactive element called thorium could supply the world with all its energy requirements for 10,000 years

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/its-world-nuclear-power-future-6692938

Visionary who sought peaceful applications of nuclear power

http://www.theage.com.au/comment/obituaries/visionary-who-sought-peaceful-applications-of-nuclear-power-20140211-32g47.html

World Hungary Enacts Law to Expand Nuclear Power With Russian Aid

http://en.ria.ru/world/20140211/187419474/Hungary-Enacts-Law-to-Expand-Nuclear-Power-With-Russian-Aid-.html

Harms of nuclear power overblown

http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20140211/AIK0203/140219949/1018/AIK02/letter-harms-of-nuclear-power-overblown

Electric grid as terror target

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/column-electric-grid-as-terror-target/2164903

Nuclear Upgrades: Steam Generator Replacement Begins at Davis-Besse While NRC Approves Uprates at 5 Other Midwest Reactors

http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2014/02/11/nuclear-upgrades_3a00_-steam-generator-replacement-begins-at-davis_2d00_besse-while-nrc-approves-uprates-at-5-other-midwest-reactors--021102.aspx#.UvpzbRlXBDQ

Nuclear plant operator remembers Fukushima disaster

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/nuclear-plant-operator-remembers-fukushima-disaster/

Kuwait awards $12 bn clean fuel project

Kuwait awards $12 bn clean fuel project
Kuwait City (AFP) Feb 10, 2014 - Kuwait National Petroleum Co said Monday it has awarded a $12-billion project to British, US and Japanese-led consortia to boost capacity at oil refineries and make production more environmentally friendly. Work on the three-part project for KNPC to upgrade refineries while reducing sulphur and carbon pollutants is expected to start in April and be completed in five years. The Mina Abdul ... morehttp://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Kuwait_awards_12_bn_clean_fuel_project_999.html

New Czech PM won't back price supports for nuke expansion

New Czech PM won't back price supports for nuke expansion
Prague, Czech Republic (UPI) Feb 10, 2013 - Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka says he won't back price supports for an expansion of the Temelin nuclear power plant, casting doubt on the plans. Sobotka, whose left-leaning Social Democrat-led government was sworn into office Jan. 29, told a Parliamentary hearing Thursday he is opposed to guaranteeing the purchase price of electricity generated at the expanded plant by utility C ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/New_Czech_PM_wont_back_price_supports_for_nuke_expansion_999.html

AREVA TN Confirms its Leadership in Used Fuel Storage Market

http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/AREVA_TN_Confirms_its_Leadership_in_Used_Fuel_Storage_Market_999.html

Nuclear Matinee: Nuclear Energy’s Value – Columbia Generating Station

http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2014/02/07/nuclear-matinee-nuclear-energys-value-columbia-generating-station/?goback=.gde_117546_member_5837606361193525250

World Bank’s Announcement of ‘Thirsty Energy’ Initiative Signals Growing Importance of Energy-Water Nexus

http://breakingenergy.com/2014/02/10/world-banks-announcement-of-thirsty-energy-initiative-signals-growing-importance-of-energy-water-nexus/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=6cfbb56a9a-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-6cfbb56a9a-407304281

Keystone XL: Passing the Emissions Test

http://breakingenergy.com/2014/02/10/keystone-xl-passing-the-emissions-test/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=6cfbb56a9a-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-6cfbb56a9a-407304281

Energy Document: Congressional Research Service Report on Iraq

http://breakingenergy.com/2014/02/10/energy-document-congressional-research-service-report-on-iraq/?utm_source=Breaking+Energy&utm_campaign=6cfbb56a9a-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f852427a4b-6cfbb56a9a-407304281

Exelon nuclear plants help meet high demand in frigid temperatures

Exelon nuclear plants help meet high demand in frigid temperaturesExelon's 10 nuclear power plants in Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey operated continuously throughout January, producing more than 12 million megawatt-hours of electricity.
Full Articlehttp://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2014/02/exelon-nuclear-power-plants-help-meet-high-demand-in-frigid-temperatures.html

Stanwell to shutter gas-fired plant, restart Tarong coal power units

Stanwell to shutter gas-fired plant, restart Tarong coal power unitsStanwell has announced plans to shutter a 385 MW gas-fired power station and restart two 350 MW coal-fired units in Queensland, Australia.
Full Articlehttp://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2014/02/stanwell-to-shutter-swanbank-e-gas-fired-plant-restart-tarong-coal-power-units.html

NRC approves uprates for Braidwood, Byron nuclear plants

NRC approves uprates for Braidwood, Byron nuclear plantsThe Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approves power uprates for Exelon’s Braidwood and Byron nuclear power plants in Illinois.
Full Articlehttp://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2014/02/nrc-approves-uprates-for-braidwood-byron-nuclear-power-plants.html

Major natural gas reservoir find for CNPC

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2014/02/major-natural-gas-reservoir-find-for-cnpc.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPetroFebruary112014

Construction of CAREM underway

10 February 2014

The pouring of first concrete has marked the official start of construction of Argentina's prototype CAREM-25, a domestically-designed and developed small integral reactor.

10 February 2014

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Construction-of-CAREM-underway-1002144.html

UK lawmakers criticise management of Sellafield nuclear site

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/02/11/britain-nuclear-sellafield-idUKL5N0LF2YW20140211

Addressing the Age Gap in Nuclear Power Generation

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/npi/print/volume-7/issue-1/nucleus/addressing-the-age-gap-in-nuclear-power-generation.html

After Vermont Yankee, Do Non-Profits Have a Plan?

http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/story/d/story/after-yankee-do-non-profits-have-a-plan/10519/rrdX1uSX_k2noH81X06Mvw

Ningde 4 vessel delivered

Ningde 4 vessel delivered
The reactor pressure vessel for unit 4 of the Ningde plant has been delivered to the construction site in China's Fujian province. The reactor is due to start up next year.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Ningde-4-vessel-delivered-1102144.html

Regulator approves US plant uprates

Regulator approves US plant uprates
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has given its blessing to uprates at five nuclear reactors that will add nearly 100 MWe of capacity to the US grid.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/C-Regulator-approves-US-plant-uprates-1102147.html

Used Generators

We are looking to PURCHASE used generators from

200 KW to 800 KW from 1990 or newer.

Please let us know if you have any of this type of equipment to sell.

Thank you,

Chad Blackwell

1700 Victor Hill Rd.

Duncan SC 29334

864.699.9605

www.lelinternational.com

5th Annual Nuclear Supply Chain Conference

With more than 90% of the nuclear industry re-evaluating their supplier base as a result of cost reduction strategies, maintaining a presence in the international community has never been more important.
With this in mind, the 5th Annual Nuclear Supply Chain Conference is returning once again to North Carolina to analyze 2014’s most challenging trends.
We already have some of world’s leading nuclear organizations confirmed to attend, including; EDF, Southern, SCANA, TVA, FirstEnergy, PSEG, DOE, NRC, Energy Information Administration and Malaysia Nuclear Association. Network with some of the world's leading supply chain professionals to create new business opportunities, both at home and internationally.
The Super Early Bird discount expires on Friday – that’s a saving of $600! To reserve your place at 2014’s leading supply chain summit, simply go here.
Many thanks
Jamie Davies

Senior Industry Analyst
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44(0)207 422 4345

Ideas for debris removal at Fukushima

07 February 2014

Japan has received around 200 international suggestions on concepts to remove the remains of the Fukushima Daiichi reactor cores.

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Ideas-for-debris-removal-at-Fukushima-0702141.html

Every EIA region reports triple-digit spot power price

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2014/02/every-eia-region-reports-triple-digit-spot-power-price.html

Fuel rods in French nuclear power plants have corrosion

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2014/02/fuel-rods-in-french-nuclear-power-plants-have-corrosion.html

Exelon proves nuclear essential to grid reliability

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/exelon-proves-nuclear-essential-grid-reliability/2014-02-11?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

EPRI urges state regulators to focus on distributed generation

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/epri-urges-state-regulators-to-focus-on-distributed-generation/226157/

Report: North Carolina protecting Duke Energy from lawsuits

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/report-north-carolina-protecting-duke-energy-from-lawsuits/226153/

Three perspectives on the future of electric utilities

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/three-perspectives-on-the-future-of-electric-utilities/225505/

Amid tough New England winter, pipelines eager for new market era

http://www.snl.com/InteractiveX/article.aspx?CDID=A-26745600-12592&KPLT=4

NRC Blog Update: Unclogging a Long-Standing Concern

Unclogging a Long-Standing Concern

2 Comments Posted by Moderator on February 10, 2014

Scott Burnell

Public Affairs Officer

The NRC is on the home stretch of a comprehensive decade-long process to help ensure U.S. reactors have reliable cooling water sources after an accident. So far, the first pressurized water reactor site to completely fix the issue to our satisfaction is the Catawba Nuclear Station in South Carolina.

The first pressurized water reactor site to completely fix the issue to our satisfaction is the Catawba Nuclear Station.

Catawba, owned by Duke Energy Carolinas, has shown that pipe insulation or other debris from a coolant pipe break will not clog the “sump” at the bottom of the reactor building, and won’t block coolant flowing into the reactor. Importantly, water from a pipe break would collect in the sump and could then be used for long-term reactor and containment cooling after an accident.
The sump would only come into play after the plant’s other supplies of cooling water were not available.
The containment sump (also called the emergency or recirculation sump) is part of every U.S. reactor’s emergency core cooling system for dealing with serious accidents. After U.S. boiling-water reactors addressed this issue, further experience led us to ask pressurized-water reactors (in Generic Letter 2004-02) if debris could block their sump strainers during an accident response that needed the sump.
The NRC asked all pressurized-water reactor owners to thoroughly evaluate their sumps. The plants would then take any appropriate steps (including plant modifications) to ensure the system would work.
The plants started by significantly increasing the size of their sump strainers. Additional NRC and industry research, however, showed the combination of plant materials and the hot, chemical-laden coolant water could sometimes form a gooey mess. These “chemical effects,” together with fibers in debris, could still block a sump strainer. Many plants have made changes to reduce or eliminate the chemical effects problem. Catawba is the first pressurized-water reactor plant to answer all our questions on potential sump blockage after an accident.
We’ll continue reviewing the actions from the rest of the pressurized-water reactors until we’re satisfied they’ve all put the sump issue behind them. We expect most pressurized-water reactors will have finished the job by the end of 2016.

Study: Fracking, agriculture are on water demand 'collision course'

Study: Fracking, agriculture are on water demand 'collision course'
Boston (UPI) Feb 7, 2013 - Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is increasing competitive pressures for water in some of the most water-stressed and drought-ridden U.S. regions, a study indicated. Fracking involves massive amounts of water, sand and chemicals injected at high pressure to fracture rock and release stored gas. The technique has unleashed a U.S. oil and gas boom. The study by Ceres - an invest ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Study_Fracking_agriculture_are_on_water_demand_collision_course_999.html

There Is No Warming "Pause," says Study: Planet, Oceans Are Burning Up

There Is No Warming "Pause," says Study: Planet, Oceans Are Burning Up
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2014/02/10

Suzuki's Fukushima updates

Suzuki's Fukushima updates
The vice chairman of the Japan Atomic Energy Commission provides two new updates on the events unfolding at Fukushima. One of them reveals a water sample with an extraordinarily high concentration of strontium 90.http://thebulletin.org/suzukis-fukushima-updates

Japan’s Press fails to make nuclear energy a major election issue… again!

Fukushima Commentary -

Japan’s Press fails to make nuclear energy a major election issue… again!

Yesterday, nuclear-neutral Yoichi Masuzoe won decisively in the Tokyo governor’s election. Try as they might, the Japanese Press failed to make nuclear energy the deciding issue in the election. Instead of admitting they were wrong, the Press has come up with numerous, albeit empty, excuses for the Masuzoe victory.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-commentary.html

Exelon nuclear plants help meet high demand in frigid temperatures

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2014/02/exelon-nuclear-power-plants-help-meet-high-demand-in-frigid-temperatures.html

Monday, February 10, 2014

Plant Security

http://www.nei.org/Issues-Policy/Safety-Security/Plant-Security

Officials: Bolivia Preparing To Take First Steps Toward Nuclear Power Plant

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2014/02/09/officials-bolivia-preparing-to-take-first-steps-toward-nuclear-power-plant/

US plants suffer under challenging economy

US plants suffer under challenging economy
US nuclear power plants are suffering under a challenging business environment, as Exelon CEO Chris Crane warned investors that the company could be forced to close nuclear units that are not profitable.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/C-US-plants-suffer-under-challenging-economy-1002147.html

Construction of CAREM underway

Construction of CAREM underway
The pouring of first concrete has marked the official start of construction of Argentina's prototype CAREM-25, a domestically-designed and developed small modular reactor.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Construction-of-CAREM-underway-1002144.html

Japan to drop troubled fast breeder reactor from energy plan

http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Japan-to-drop-troubled-fast-breeder-reactor-from-energy-plan

Time to elevate science and facts above politics

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140208/GJOPINION_0102/140209347/-1/fosopinion

Book review: Nuclear Energy Leadership

10 February 2014

Filled with clear and illuminating examples of lessons learned by US nuclear operators, this book is a recommended read for management at nuclear power plants around the world. By Joseph Somsel

http://www.neimagazine.com/features/featurebook-review-nuclear-energy-leadership-4174208/

EDF to repair French nuclear reactor fuel rods after corrosion found

http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/london/edf-to-repair-french-nuclear-reactor-fuel-rods-26700232?sf1776173=1

UK reliance on France for nuclear expertise needs to focus on likely future costs

10 February 2014

The UK is borrowing heavily on French nuclear energy expertise, with the first third-generation nuclear power plant built in England likely to be EDF’s Hinkley Point C, designed around two Areva NP EPR reactors, and likely to come on stream in the early 2020s. Britain has also committed to French technology for the fourth generation of nuclear reactors.

http://www.hazardexonthenet.net/article/69749/UK-reliance-on-France-for-nuclear-expertise-needs-to-focus-on-likely-future-costs.aspx

Obama's Climate Goals Jeopardized By Shutting Working Nuclear Plants

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2014/02/09/obamaa-climate-goals-jeopardized-by-shutting-working-nuclear-plants/

‘Flexible’ Nuclear Trade

‘Flexible’ Nuclear Trade
As Senator Rubio put it in a remarkable hearing, the administration’s approach is “a house of cards.”

By Victor Gilinsky

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/370671/flexible-nuclear-trade-victor-gilinsky

10 Big Changes In Energy Since The 2013 MIT Energy Conference

Posted: 10 Feb 2014 05:00 AM PST

Around MIT, we’re used to “drinking from a fire hose,” but the pace of change can still be dizzying—particularly for those of us involved in energy. Less than 12 months ago, the MIT Energy Club hosted its premier event, the MIT Energy Conference, and in that time, a great deal has changed.read morehttp://theenergycollective.com/robertcarmstrong/338336/10-big-changes-energy-2013-mit-energy-conference?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Carbon Conversion is Key to Solving Climate Change Problems

http://theenergycollective.com/ed-dodge/338596/carbon-conversion-key-solving-climate-change-problems?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Earth Talk: A nuclear power resurgence?

http://augustafreepress.com/earth-talk-nuclear-power-resurgence/

Jordan, U.S. sign $1.9 million nuclear agreement

http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleno=24288#.UvmqHRlXBDQ

Fukushima Updates 2/10

Fukushima Updates today –

Fukushima staff moved another 44 spent fuel bundles from unit #4 last week... Nuclear-neutral Yoichi Masuzoe has won the Tokyo gubernatorial election in a landslide... Tokyo will study how to best inform the public about Fukushima Daiichi... Additional information on plans to release F. Daiichi groundwater to the sea... Tepco will review a great number of contaminated water analyses taken since 3/11/11... Fukushima’s child thyroid study has found more possible cancer cases... Dr. Jerry Cuttler says Hiroshima/Nagasaki data shows that current risk models for radiation exposure are incorrect... Tepco will pay additional compensation for ~1,200 Fukushima citizens.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

FAS Roundup: February 10, 2014

Having trouble reading this email? View it on the web.

FAS Roundup: February 10, 2014

New FISA Court members, nuclear winter, Fermi Awards and more.

From the Blogs

McCain Proposes New Select Committee on NSA Leaks: Last week, Senator John McCain introduced a resolution to establish a new Senate Select Committee to investigate the unauthorized disclosures of classified information on NSA collection programs and implications for U.S. policy. The McCain resolution is framed broadly and touches on many issues besides leaks, including intelligence policy, congressional oversight, the role of contractors, the constitutionality of current intelligence programs, and more.
Saving Money and Saving the World: The United States is struggling with budget problems, along with personnel issues by U.S. Air Force personnel who monitor nuclear missiles. In a guest post on the Strategic Security Blog, Alan Robock and Owen Brian Toon write that one way to save money and make the world a safer place is to get rid of our nuclear weapons. Robock and Toon write that nuclear weapons are not just bigger bombs – they can produce an environmental disaster.
The Fermi Awards: A Celebration of Outstanding Science and Scientists: On February 3, two outstanding scientists, Dr. Allen Bard and Dr. Andrew Sessler, received the Enrico Fermi Award in Washington, DC. Dr. Sessler has been a longstanding member of the Federation of American Scientists and served as the Chairman of FAS during part of the 1980s. The Fermi Award is one of the most prestigious awards bestowed by the U.S. government for outstanding scientific work. Dr. Sessler joins a long list of FAS leaders and prominent members who have received the Fermi Award including Richard Garwin, Freeman Dyson and Hans Bethe.
Iran: Authority to Lift Sanctions and More from CRS: Secrecy News has obtained recently released CRS reports on topics such as Iran sanctions, U.S. relations with Yemen, security issues at the Sochi Winter Olympics and the National Defense Authorization Act for FY12 and beyond.
In Closing: FAS would like to thank Dr. Y for his service and blogging over the past two years. Dr. Y has decided to step away from the blog due to personal and professional reasons. In his final post, he urges readers to take a skeptical look at the science that underlies claims or stories based on science.
Leahy Laws Bar Military Aid to Human Rights Violators: By law, the United States is not supposed to provide certain forms of military assistance to foreign security forces that have committed gross violations of human rights. The underlying laws, which were introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy in the 1990s and which are known as the Leahy laws, are described in a new report from the Congressional Research Service.
FISA Court Appointments and Potential Reforms: On February 7, Chief Justice Roberts announced two new appointments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. Secrecy News provides a listing of the current membership of the FISA Courts, along with disclosing a new CRS report on potential changes to the court.

Office Space for Rent

FAS has office space available for rent in the heart of Washington’s central business district and close proximity to the Farragut West (orange and blue lines) and Farragut North Metro (red line) Stations. Currently, there is 2,500 to 8,000 rentable square feet available (up to 15 windowed options); price is negotiable. Office space can be furnished and includes: reception area, two conference rooms, copy room, kitchen and storage space. Parking is available in building.
Click here to view the flyer with additional information regarding space, price and location.

FAS in the News

Feb 7: Washington Post, "Ex-State Dept. Adviser Pleads Guilty In Leak To Fox News"
Feb 7: McClatchy News, "Seattle Judge Will Join Super-Secret Spy Court"
Feb 7: Politico, "Chief Justice John Roberts Names 2 New FISA Court Judges"
Feb 7: The Hill, "Spy Courts Get Two New Judges"
Feb 7: The Guardian, "CIA Confirms Agency Obliged To Follow Federal Surveillance Law"
Feb 6: Politico, "How John Podesta Is Changing Obama's White House"
Feb 1: The Hill, "NSA Nominee Unknown To Privacy Advocates"

About the FAS Roundup: We send you this weekly collection of publications, posts, events, and media appearances by FAS Experts and their work to keep you up to date with the issue areas that we cover. To ensure that you receive future FAS Roundups, sign up for FAS News and Updates.

Renewing Licenses for the Nation’s Nuclear Power Plants

Renewing Licenses

for the Nation’s

Nuclear Power Plants

A REPORT BY THE APS PANEL ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS

http://www.aps.org/policy/reports/popa-reports/upload/nuclear-power.pdf

AETA Model Update: Key Findings for Nuclear

http://decarbonisesa.com/2014/02/10/aeta-model-update-key-findings-for-nuclear/

Nuclear Waste Solution Seen in Desert Salt Beds

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/science/earth/nuclear-waste-solution-seen-in-desert-salt-beds.html?_r=0

On Keystone XL and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Why Civil Rights Metaphors Are Inappropriate for Getting Off Oil

http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/voices/michael-shellenberger-and-ted-nordhaus/on-keystone-xl-and-martin-luther-king-jr

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Environmentalists do billionaires' bidding in fight against Keystone pipeline

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/sns-201402041530--tms--amvoicesctnav-b20140204-20140204,0,283169.column

Nuclear giants urge market changes to thwart closures

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1059994177

Is There Fukushima Radiation on North America’s West Coast?

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/is-there-fukushima-radiation-on-north-america-s-coast.html

Column: Vermont and Entergy Make Nice

http://www.vnews.com/opinion/columns/10546138-95/column-vermont-and-entergy-make-nice

Carnival of Nuclear Energy 195

http://atomicpowerreview.blogspot.com/2014/02/carnival-of-nuclear-energy-195.html

IAEA and Iran Conclude Talks in Connection with Implementation of Framework for Cooperation

Story Resources

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On 8 and 9 February 2014, the Agency and the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) held constructive technical meetings within the Framework for Cooperation that was agreed between the parties last November.
During the meetings, the two sides reviewed progress on the implementation of the six initial practical measures that were agreed three months ago. Iran has taken the initial practical measures that were foreseen.
Iran and the Agency reached agreement on seven practical measures to be implemented by Iran by 15 May 2014.
The agreed measures are:

Providing mutually agreed relevant information and managed access to the Saghand mine in Yazd;
Providing mutually agreed relevant information and managed access to the Ardakan concentration plant;
Submission of an updated Design Information Questionnaire (DIQ) for the IR-40 Reactor;
Taking steps to agree with the Agency on the conclusion of a Safeguards Approach for the IR-40 Reactor;
Providing mutually agreed relevant information and arranging for a technical visit to Lashkar Ab'ad Laser Centre;
Providing information on source material, which has not reached the composition and purity suitable for fuel fabrication or for being isotopically enriched, including imports of such material and on Iran's extraction of uranium from phosphates; and
Providing information and explanations for the Agency to assess Iran's stated need or application for the development of Exploding Bridge Wire detonators.

EPA to Hold Public Hearing on Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants

News Release: EPA to Hold Public Hearing on Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants

02/05/2014

CONTACT:
Julia P. Valentinevalentine.julia@epa.gov
202-564-0496
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2014

EPA to Hold Public Hearing on Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 6, 2014 on the proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants. The proposed standards, which only apply to power plants built in the future, are flexible and would help minimize carbon pollution through the deployment of the same types of modern technologies and steps that power companies are already taking to build the next generation of power plants. Currently, there are no uniform national limits on the amount of carbon pollution new power plants can emit.

WHAT:
Public hearing on proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants

WHEN:
Thursday, February 6, 2014
9:00 a.m. ET - 8:00 p.m. ET

WHERE:
William Jefferson Clinton East Building
Rooms 1152 and 1153
1201 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

**Members of the news media should be prepared to present photo credentials and allow additional time to enter the building and go through security.**

The public may register to speak in person on the day of the hearing and will be accommodated as time allows.

EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed standards until March 10, 2014.

More information on the hearings and instructions for submitting written comments: http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards

Snipers Coordinated an Attack on the Power Grid, but Why?

A story seemingly stolen from the pages of a crime thriller, but far less comprehensible.

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/02/snipers-coordinated-an-attack-on-the-power-grid-but-why/283620/

Critical Issues Facing Wind Power Growth in the Northeast U.S.

Jeff Anthony Senior Director of Membership and Business Development at American Wind Energy Association

.
AWEA Wind Energy Regional Summit - Northeast
March 25-26, 2014 -- Portland, Maine
http://www.awea.org/events/event.aspx?eventid=21703

Today, the Northeast is one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. for wind power, boasting an impressive 837 MW from at least 446 turbines -- a growth of 62% from the end of 2011 to today. Advancements in wind turbine technology, strong state policy support, and other significant progress has primed the region for continued growth, which is expected to double in the next several years as more than 814 MW of PPAs signed in 2013 come online.

Are you prepared to profit from this region's unlimited potential? http://www.awea.org/events/event.aspx?eventid=21703

First Nations call for radiation tests

http://www.coastreporter.net/article/20140207/SECHELT0101/302079970/-1/SECHELT/first-nations-call-for-radiation-tests

NHK Documentary, ‘Radioactive Water: Fukushima Daiichi’s Hidden Crisis‘

NHK Documentary, ‘Radioactive Water: Fukushima Daiichi’s Hidden Crisis‘ — Feb. 1, 2014:
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/documentary/index.html

Zengo Aizawa, Tepco VP: “Even if we found out where the water is coming from the question is how to stop it. I think it will be difficult but we have no other choice and if we fail that would be miserable. We just have to succeed somehow.”
More from Aizawa: Tepco VP not optimistic: “I have concerns” for long-term plan — Location of melted fuel a mystery (VIDEO)
Watch the documentary here

Published: February 9th, 2014 at 5:45 am ET
By ENENews

AREVA rebrands logistics & used fuel storage businesses (Nuclear) power-eng.com

AREVA Inc. has rebranded its logistics and used fuel storage business as AREVA TN. The rebranding unites all of AREVA’s Transnuclear units – Transnuclear International in France; Transnuclear in the U.S. and Transnuclear Tokyo – under one brand.http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2014/02/areva-rebrands-logistics-used-fuel-storage-businesses.html?goback=.gde_46854_member_5837929978506788864

Book Review: “Energy in Australia – Peak Oil, Solar Power, and Asia’s Economic Growth”

by Barry Brook

Guest post by John Morgan. John runs R&D programmes at a Sydney startup company. He has a PhD in physical chemistry, and research experience in chemical engineering in the US and at CSIRO. He is a regular commenter on BNC.http://bravenewclimate.com/2014/02/09/book-review-energy-in-australia/