Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Tepco Press Release on Fukushima leak 2/24
Tepco has posted a Press handout on the Unit #2 rooftop possibly being the source of Sunday's drainage alarm. The handout includes a few pictures of the rooftop "puddle".
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/
Monday, February 23, 2015
France Warns of Nuclear Industry Shake-Up After Areva Loss
France Warns of Nuclear Industry Shake-Up After Areva Loss
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/24/business/international/areva-nuclear-results.html?_r=1
Commentary: Nuclear Dangers: Myth, Reality, Responses
Commentary: Nuclear Dangers: Myth, Reality, Responses
http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/commentary/2015/02/23/commentary-nuclear-dangers-myth-reality-responses/23885837/
Backseat Driving: The Role of Congress in American Diplomacy
Backseat Driving: The Role of Congress in American Diplomacy
By James M. Lindsay, Nov. 19, 2013Diplomacy in the American political system is frequently described as the exclusive province of presidents. Thomas Jefferson, America’s first secretary of state, wrote in 1790, “The transaction of business with foreign nations is executive altogether. . . . Exceptions are to be strictly construed.” A decade later, John Marshall, who would go on to become the most influential chief justice in U.S. history, declared on the floor of the House of Representatives, “The president is the sole organ of the nation in its external relations, and its sole representative with foreign nations.” Justice George Sutherland noted Marshall’s claim in United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corporation (1936), perhaps the most frequently cited case dealing with foreign affairs, concluding that the president “alone negotiates: Into the field of negotiation, the Senate cannot intrude; and Congress itself is powerless to invade it.”
The practice of American diplomacy, however, has always been far more complicated than the words of Jefferson, Marshall and Sutherland suggest. ... READ THE RESThttp://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/13379/backseat-driving-the-role-of-congress-in-american-diplomacy?utm_source=Weekly+Headlines&utm_campaign=341a433990-free-to-weekly-022315&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6e36cc98fd-341a433990-62711729
NRC Blog Update: OIG Audits NRC’s Scientific Research Program
02/23/2015 02:16 PM EST
Stephen Dingbaum Assistant
Inspector General for Audits An Office of the Inspector General audit
regarding the NRC’s process for ensuring integrity in scientific
research is now available here. The audit set out to determine if the
NRC has the controls is place to assure that scientific research is
objective, credible, and transparent. The NRC’s regulatory […]
http://public-blog.nrc-gateway.gov/2015/02/23/oig-audits-nrcs-scientific-research-program/?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
http://public-blog.nrc-gateway.gov/2015/02/23/oig-audits-nrcs-scientific-research-program/?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdeliveryANS Update: Nuclear Energy Blog Carnival 249
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Turkey: Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) And Turkey
Turkey: Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) And Turkey
http://www.mondaq.com/x/376796/Oil+Gas+Electricity/Nuclear+Power+Plants+NPPs+And+Turkey
Cracks appear in the nuclear industry
Cracks appear in the nuclear industry
Cracks discovered in the walls of Belgian nuclear reactors are causing
unease among experts. The reason: a previously unknown phenomenon –
material fatigue. There are fears that many more reactors could be
affected.
http://www.dw.de/cracks-belgian-nuclear-reactors/a-18271456
Exelon backs EPA Clean Power Plan, wants price on carbon
Exelon backs EPA Clean Power Plan, wants price on carbon
http://www.utilitydive.com/news/exelon-backs-epa-clean-power-plan-wants-price-on-carbon/367028/
Illinois pushes for landmark clean energy bill, including a price on carbon
Illinois pushes for landmark clean energy bill, including a price on carbon
http://www.utilitydive.com/news/illinois-pushes-for-landmark-clean-energy-bill-including-a-price-on-carbon/366913/
How renewables are changing the way we operate the grid
How renewables are changing the way we operate the grid
Forget base-load power – reliability is now about balancing energy, capacity, and flexibility
http://www.utilitydive.com/news/how-renewables-are-changing-the-way-we-operate-the-grid/364541/
ANS COMMENDS DOE FOR FINAL PART 810 RULES
ANS COMMENDS DOE FOR FINAL PART 810 RULES
Washington, DC -
The Department of Energy (DOE) today issued the first comprehensive
update of regulations
concerning Assistance to Foreign Atomic Energy Activities since 1986,
reflecting a need to make the regulations consistent with current global
civil nuclear trade practices and nonproliferation norms.
“On
behalf of the men and women of the American nuclear community, I
commend the Department of Energy for issuing its final regulations
governing U.S. commercial
nuclear exports,” said American Nuclear Society (ANS) President
Michaele (Mikey) Brady Raap.
“ANS
looks forward to working with the department to ensure smooth
implementation of these regulations and timely improvements to the
nuclear export licensing process.”
CFR
10 Part 810 updates the activities and technologies subject to the
Secretary of Energy's specific authorization and DOE reporting
requirements. This rule also identifies
destinations with respect to which most assistance would be generally
authorized and destinations that would require a specific authorization
by the Secretary of Energy. It goes into effect March 25, 2015.
ANS is leading a joint task force with the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) and Nuclear Infrastructure
Council (NIC),
which is drafting guidance for implementation of Part 810 that will be
available in summer 2015. ANS will also be engaged in the DOE process
improvement program, as it progresses.
###
Tari Marshall
Director of Communications and Outreach
American Nuclear Society I
www.ans.org
555 N. Kensington Avenue, La Grange Park, IL 60526
O: 708.579.8230 I C: 708-927-2416
Fukushima Update 2/23/15
Fukushima Update 2/23/15 –
A drainage ditch radiation monitor alarmed on Sunday morning… All fish recently caught outside the F. Daiichi port are below radiation limits… The movement of rural radioactive wastes should begin on schedule… MIT’s Richard Lester tells Japan that nuclear energy is needed to lower carbon emissions.
http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.
A drainage ditch radiation monitor alarmed on Sunday morning… All fish recently caught outside the F. Daiichi port are below radiation limits… The movement of rural radioactive wastes should begin on schedule… MIT’s Richard Lester tells Japan that nuclear energy is needed to lower carbon emissions.
http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.
Fukushima Pref. to accept delivery of radioactively contaminated waste
Fukushima Pref. to accept delivery of radioactively contaminated waste
http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20150221p2g00m0dm043000c.html
Tensions Rise in Central Europe Over Use of Russian Nuclear Technology
Tensions Rise in Central Europe Over Use of Russian Nuclear Technology
Debate centers on Europe’s energy reliance on Moscow as conflict rages in Ukraine
http://www.wsj.com/articles/tensions-rise-in-central-europe-over-use-of-russian-nuclear-technology-1424439629
DOE says any fines for WIPP leak will come from clean-up money
DOE says any fines for WIPP leak will come from clean-up money
http://www.abqjournal.com/544461/news/doe-says-any-fines-for-wipp-leak-will-come-from-clean-up-money.html
Cheap natural gas might doom new Fermi nuke plant
Cheap natural gas might doom new Fermi nuke plant
http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/02/22/third-fermi-reactor-doomed-gas/23776681/
GE Hitachi filling big parts order
GE Hitachi filling big parts order
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20150221/ARTICLES/150229950/0/news06
Vermont demands hearing in Entergy emergency plan reductions
Vermont demands hearing in Entergy emergency plan reductions
http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_27569393/vermont-demands-hearing-entergy-emergency-plan-reductions
The Making of the Manhattan Project Park
The Making of the Manhattan Project Park
PDF Version
Fifteen years after the first efforts to preserve some of the Manhattan Project properties at Los Alamos, New Mexico, in 1999, Congress enacted the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act, signed by President Obama on December 19, 2014. There are over 40 properties that are officially designated as part of the park with provision for adding others later; the new park will focus on three major sites: Los Alamos, NM, where the first atomic bombs were designed; Oak Ridge, TN, where enormous facilities produced enriched uranium; and Hanford, WA, where plutonium was produced. By Cynthia Kelly.http://fas.org/pir-pubs/making-manhattan-project-park/
PDF Version
Fifteen years after the first efforts to preserve some of the Manhattan Project properties at Los Alamos, New Mexico, in 1999, Congress enacted the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act, signed by President Obama on December 19, 2014. There are over 40 properties that are officially designated as part of the park with provision for adding others later; the new park will focus on three major sites: Los Alamos, NM, where the first atomic bombs were designed; Oak Ridge, TN, where enormous facilities produced enriched uranium; and Hanford, WA, where plutonium was produced. By Cynthia Kelly.http://fas.org/pir-pubs/making-manhattan-project-park/
Nuclear Power and Nanomaterials: Big Potential for Small Particles
Nuclear Power and Nanomaterials: Big Potential for Small Particles
PDF Version
A class of very small particles may be gearing up to lend a helping hand in making power plants more efficient and less costly to operate. Nanomaterials are natural materials whose defining feature is a small size; because of their size, the physical principles governing how particles behave and interact with their environments change. As a result, scientists are investigating how nanomaterials can be used to solve energy and defense problems. By Lamar O. Mair.http://fas.org/pir-pubs/nuclear-power-nanomaterials-big-potential-small-particles/
PDF Version
A class of very small particles may be gearing up to lend a helping hand in making power plants more efficient and less costly to operate. Nanomaterials are natural materials whose defining feature is a small size; because of their size, the physical principles governing how particles behave and interact with their environments change. As a result, scientists are investigating how nanomaterials can be used to solve energy and defense problems. By Lamar O. Mair.http://fas.org/pir-pubs/nuclear-power-nanomaterials-big-potential-small-particles/
Reflections on the 70th Anniversary of the Manhattan Project: Questions and Answers
Reflections on the 70th Anniversary of the Manhattan Project: Questions and Answers
PDF Version
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Manhattan Project. Cameron Reed, professor of Physics at Alma College, reflects on the lessons learned from the Project including nuclear deterrence, ethics of using the bomb and if a project like this could be carried out today. By B. Cameron Reed. http://fas.org/pir-pubs/reflections-70th-anniversary-manhattan-project-questions-answers/
PDF Version
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Manhattan Project. Cameron Reed, professor of Physics at Alma College, reflects on the lessons learned from the Project including nuclear deterrence, ethics of using the bomb and if a project like this could be carried out today. By B. Cameron Reed. http://fas.org/pir-pubs/reflections-70th-anniversary-manhattan-project-questions-answers/
President's Message: Seeking China-U.S. Strategic Nuclear Stability
President's Message: Seeking China-U.S. Strategic Nuclear Stability
PDF Version
There is a gap between American and Chinese perspectives on nuclear stability and strategy. The Chinese appear reluctant to use these weapons, but see the need for deterrence purposes. The United States is skeptical of China's policy of no-first-use (NFU), in which China would not launch nuclear weapons first against the United States or any state. The worry from Washington is that NFU cannot be demonstrated and the posture can quickly change, especially with recent modernizations to China's nuclear forces. By Charles D. Ferguson. http://fas.org/pir-pubs/seeking-china-u-s-strategic-nuclear-stability/
PDF Version
There is a gap between American and Chinese perspectives on nuclear stability and strategy. The Chinese appear reluctant to use these weapons, but see the need for deterrence purposes. The United States is skeptical of China's policy of no-first-use (NFU), in which China would not launch nuclear weapons first against the United States or any state. The worry from Washington is that NFU cannot be demonstrated and the posture can quickly change, especially with recent modernizations to China's nuclear forces. By Charles D. Ferguson. http://fas.org/pir-pubs/seeking-china-u-s-strategic-nuclear-stability/
Look to Texas Rather Than Nevada for a Site Selection Process on Nuclear Waste Disposal
Winter 2015 Public Interest Report
Volume 68, No. 1
Look to Texas Rather Than Nevada for a Site Selection Process on Nuclear Waste Disposal
PDF Version
For the past three years, Texas has been accepting what so many other states and localities have rejected in past decades- radioactive waste from the nation’s nuclear power plants. A newly opened private facility operated by Waste Control Specialists in Andrews County, Texas, has been receiving shipments of low-level radioactive waste from multiple states. With Nevada's persistent and successful efforts, it is unlikely that Yucca Mountain will ever receive shipments of nuclear waste. What should be the future nuclear waste policy of the United States? By Daniel Sherman.
http://fas.org/pir-pubs/look-texas-rather-nevada-site-selection-process-nuclear-waste-disposal/
Volume 68, No. 1
Look to Texas Rather Than Nevada for a Site Selection Process on Nuclear Waste Disposal
PDF Version
For the past three years, Texas has been accepting what so many other states and localities have rejected in past decades- radioactive waste from the nation’s nuclear power plants. A newly opened private facility operated by Waste Control Specialists in Andrews County, Texas, has been receiving shipments of low-level radioactive waste from multiple states. With Nevada's persistent and successful efforts, it is unlikely that Yucca Mountain will ever receive shipments of nuclear waste. What should be the future nuclear waste policy of the United States? By Daniel Sherman.
http://fas.org/pir-pubs/look-texas-rather-nevada-site-selection-process-nuclear-waste-disposal/
Will America’s shale boomtowns bust? A report from the heart of North Dakota’s fracking country
Will America’s shale boomtowns bust? A report from the heart of North Dakota’s fracking country
http://fortune.com/north-dakota-fracking/
NuScale taps AREVA for SMR fuel design, testing
NuScale taps AREVA for SMR fuel design, testing
http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/02/nuscale-taps-areva-for-nuclear-fuel-design-testing.html
Brazil disconnects nuclear power plant
Brazil disconnects nuclear power plant
http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/02/brazil-disconnects-nuclear-power-plant.html
Project will provide fuel for 5 GW of New England electric generation
Project will provide fuel for 5 GW of New England electric generation
http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/02/project-could-save-electricity-consumers-an-average-of-1b-annually.html
Wolsong 1 awaits decision
Wolsong 1 awaits decision
16 February 2015
South Korea's Wolsong 1 power reactor continues to await
permission to restart. The refurbished and uprated unit has laid dormant
for two years while discussions continue on renewing its licence.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-Wolsong-1-awaits-decision-1602151.html
Energy News Roundup: U.S.-Iran Summit, Duke Violations & LMT Energy Investments
Energy News Roundup: U.S.-Iran Summit, Duke Violations & LMT Energy Investments
By Conor O'Sullivan
Iran’s atomic energy chief and US energy secretary joined talks in Geneva on Saturday
for first time, joining seven other nations in a move that may help
resolve technical disputes standing, with hopes to curb Tehran’s atomic
activities in exchange for sanctions relief. “Technical experts for Iran
and the six nations it is negotiating with have
The IPCC’s shifting position on nuclear energy
Is There Any Hope Left For Nuclear Energy?
Is There Any Hope Left For Nuclear Energy?
http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Is-There-Any-Hope-Left-For-Nuclear-Energy.html
Areva, French Nuclear Giant, Warns of $5.6 Billion Loss
Areva, French Nuclear Giant, Warns of $5.6 Billion Loss
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/24/business/international/areva-nuclear-results.html?_r=0
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Yes Vermont Yankee: Nuclear Energy Blog Carnival 249: Here at Yes Verm...
Yes Vermont Yankee: Nuclear Energy Blog Carnival 249: Here at Yes Verm...: Once again, we are proud to host the Carnival of Nuclear Energy Bloggers, right here at Yes Vermont Yankee. The Carnival is a compendium...
Would Iran deal set new nuclear proliferation standard?
http://www.al-monitor.com/
Posted February 22, 2015
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, arrived in Geneva Feb. 21 to hold bilateral meetings with US Secretary of State John Kerry and US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. Hossein Fereydoun, President Hassan Rouhani’s senior adviser, is also accompanying the Iranian negotiation team to facilitate consultations and coordination. This is the highest level of talks between Iran and the United States since the 1979 revolution. The nuclear talks between Iran and the world powers are at a most critical moment — and in their final phase — and the chance for a final deal is likely more than 50%.
Would Iran deal set new nuclear proliferation standard?
Author: Seyed Hossein MousavianPosted February 22, 2015
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, arrived in Geneva Feb. 21 to hold bilateral meetings with US Secretary of State John Kerry and US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. Hossein Fereydoun, President Hassan Rouhani’s senior adviser, is also accompanying the Iranian negotiation team to facilitate consultations and coordination. This is the highest level of talks between Iran and the United States since the 1979 revolution. The nuclear talks between Iran and the world powers are at a most critical moment — and in their final phase — and the chance for a final deal is likely more than 50%.
Hollywood versus Reality – Nuclear Thrills In Blackhat
Hollywood versus Reality – Nuclear Thrills In Blackhat
On the eve of the Oscars, it’s fascinating to see another nuclear scare movie, Blackhat,
trot out the nuclear accidents/nuclear terrorists as the ultimate
threat to the world, even though it’s safer to work in a nuclear
facility than in a department store. Of course, nothing about the
nuclear plant in Blackhat is correct. I mean, full-length windows in a reactor control room? Are you kidding?
Not just a power struggle: Closing Illinois' nukes is a bad idea
Not just a power struggle: Closing Illinois' nukes is a bad idea
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150220/OPINION/150219883/not-just-a-power-struggle-closing-illinois-nukes-is-a-bad-idea
UK nuclear sites warned over drone terror attack
UK nuclear sites warned over drone terror attack
BRITAIN’S nuclear plants are at risk from a terrorist strike by unmanned drone aircraft, writes Caroline Wheeler. http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/559718/Nclear-plants-are-at-risk-from-a-terrorist-strike-by-unmanned-drones
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