ASLB to hold evidentiary hearing on Turkey Point Canal temperature issue

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/12/nuclear-news-aslb-to-hold-evidentiary-hearing-on-turkey-point-canal-temperature-issue.html

Study Looks at Renewable Energy in Germany and Texas

Study Looks at Renewable Energy in Germany and Texas
Holbert Janson
December 29, 2015 | Post Your Comment
	A report published by Stanford's Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance looks at three of the world’s largest economies and largest energy jurisdictions in an attempt to compare their approaches to ramping up renewable energy. Full Article http://blog.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/blogs/2015/12/study_looks_at_renew.html?cmpid=renewablestorage12312015

10 Most-read Articles of 2015 on RenewableEnergyWorld.com

10 Most-read Articles of 2015 on RenewableEnergyWorld.com
Renewable Energy World Editors
December 25, 2015 | Post Your Comment
	It’s time to look back at which articles on RenewableEnergyWorld.com captured the most attention from readers in 2015. Take a look at visual stories that explored how we feel about climate change and show what it’s like to be a wind farm operator. Full Article http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/12/10-most-read-articles-of-2015-on-renewableenergyworld-com.html?cmpid=renewablestorage12312015&eid=288118515&bid=1265598

Batteries Gaining Favor Over Gas Peaker Plants in California

Batteries Gaining Favor Over Gas Peaker Plants in California
Brian Eckhouse
December 22, 2015 | Post Your Comment
	Southern California Edison is embracing energy storage technology over the natural gas-fired peaker plants that utilities have traditionally relied upon to meet sudden shortfalls in electricity. Full Article http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/12/batteries-gaining-favor-over-gas-peaker-plants-in-california.html?cmpid=renewablestorage12312015&eid=288118515&bid=1265598

China launches Phase II of Fangchenggang and Tianwan projects

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-China-launches-Phase-II-of-Fangchenggang-and-Tianwan-projects-30121501.html

China has world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2015-12/30/content_22864724.htm

Fukushima Today by Robert Hunziker

Fukushima Today

by Robert Hunziker

http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/29/fukushima-today/

After Fukushima, Calvert Cliffs implements new standards

http://www.somdnews.com/independent/news/local/after-fukushima-calvert-cliffs-implements-new-standards/article_2479afe1-21cf-5d3d-83f5-e3c79a409f36.html

Russian n-reactor to India rated higher than others

Russia is setting up two VVER-1200 reactors at its Novovoronezh nuclear power plant complex and at two other locations

http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/russian-n-reactor-to-india-rated-higher-than-others-115122900814_1.html

Entergy money fueling Windham County growth

http://vtdigger.org/2015/12/28/entergy-money-fueling-windham-county-growth/

View: Indian Point remains vital to state's environment

http://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/contributors/2015/12/29/indian-point-environment/77581228/

A battery of molten metals

A battery of molten metals

8 Tech Breakthroughs of 2015 That Could Help Power the World

8 Tech Breakthroughs of 2015 That Could Help Power the World

Energy Futures: Autumn 2015

Read about energy-related research, education, campus activities, and outreach programs across the Institute.

http://mitei.mit.edu/publications/energy-futures-magazine/energy-futures-autumn-2015?utm_source=MIT+Energy+Initiative&utm_campaign=1b9f66b8c8-eNewsletter_November_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_eb3c6d9c51-1b9f66b8c8-70117141

Toshiba says to seek new $2.5 billion credit line for restructuring | Reuters

Toshiba says to seek new $2.5 billion credit line for restructuring | Reuters

Top Energy Issues For 2015-2016: Looking Back While Going Forward - Forbes

Top Energy Issues For 2015-2016: Looking Back While Going Forward - Forbes

2015 year in blogging | Northwest Clean Energy

2015 year in blogging | Northwest Clean Energy

Arnie Gundersen on AP1000

In 2010, Arnie Gundersen released a report theorizing about a vulnerability of the ap1000 containment (attached). My summary at the time: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/critics-challenge-safety-of-new-nuclear-reactor-design/?_r=0

I think he's wrong (and more importantly, the NRC thought he was wrong) but his complaint was at least within his area of expertise; his specialty was containments. 

Matthew L. Wald
202-997-5854

Post Accident AP1000 Containment Leakage

An Unreviewed Safety Issue

http://www.nonukesyall.org/pdfs/20100407-ap1000-gundersen-containment-report.pdf

Matt:

With due respect, Mr. Gundersen has a lengthy, publicly accessible resume that does not include any education or professional experience related to nuclear reactor containment design, construction, licensing or testing.

http://libcloud.s3.amazonaws.com/93/9d/8/2679/CV_ArnoldGundersen2012_December.pdf

He’s written some reports and provided “expert” witness testimony on the topic, but the standards of acceptance for those venues are not all that challenging.

Mr. Gundersen has also claimed to have been a licensed reactor operator when the only license he ever held was for a 100 watt research reactor at RPI. He’s published reports on the effects of tritium and on the flaws in the San Onofre steam generator.

Rod Adams

Publisher, Atomic Insights

Photographer and filmmaker Arkadiusz Podniesinski visits Fukushima

 Photographer and filmmaker Arkadiusz Podniesinski visits Fukushima

http://axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/Article_72562.shtml

China has world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction

China has world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction Beijing (XNA) Dec 30, 2015 - China boasts the world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction as it strives to reduce pollution from coal-burning generators, an official said Tuesday. Nuclear power projects approved and under construction will be able to provide 32.03 million kilowatts, said Nur Bekri, head of the National Energy Administration. In 2015, 8.2 million kilowatts were put into operation an ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/China_has_worlds_largest_nuclear_power_capacity_under_construction_999.html

Bangladesh inks 12.65 bln USD nuclear power plant construction deal with Russian company

Bangladesh inks 12.65 bln USD nuclear power plant construction deal with Russian company Dhaka (XNA) Dec 30, 2015 - The Bangladeshi government has signed the country's biggest ever contract worth 12.65 billion U.S. dollars with a Russian state-run company to build a nuclear power plant with a generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts of electricity. Md Monirul Islam, chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, and VN Savushkin, senior vice president of Russian Atomstroyexport, a contractor appointed b ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Bangladesh_inks_12_65_bln_USD_nuclear_power_plant_construction_deal_with_Russian_company_999.html

Moscow, Dhaka Sign Contract on Construction of First Bangladeshi NPP

Moscow, Dhaka Sign Contract on Construction of First Bangladeshi NPP Moscow (Sputnik) Dec 30, 2015 - Russia and Bangladesh have signed a contract on the joint construction of the first Bangladeshi nuclear power plant, a spokesperson for the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said on Wednesday. Under the contract, the Russian nuclear power equipment and service export monopoly Atomstroyexport, part of Rosatom, agrees to construct and coordinate the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Moscow_Dhaka_Sign_Contract_on_Construction_of_First_Bangladeshi_NPP_999.html

US Senate Expected to Take up Microgrid Policy in Early 2016

US Senate Expected to Take up Microgrid Policy in Early 2016
Elisa Wood
December 17, 2015 | Post Your Comment
	A grid modernization bill — one that takes steps toward federal microgrid policy — is likely to reach the floor of the U.S. Senate early next year. Full Article http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/12/u-s-senate-expected-to-take-up-microgrid-policy-in-early-2016.html

New Legislation Extends And Modifies Renewable Energy Industry Tax Incentives

New Legislation Extends And Modifies Renewable Energy Industry Tax Incentives

By Casey August, Paul Gordon | Morgan Lewis, Tuesday, December 29, 2015 4:00 PM

The five-year tax credit extension for wind and solar power facilities is a welcome development for the renewable energy industry in light of recent indications by Congress of a push to end tax credit benefits for wind and solar projects.http://breakingenergy.com/2015/12/29/new-legislation-extends-and-modifies-renewable-energy-industry-tax-incentives/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=24911225&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--dl9RKVhFvu1p2KTOJQ9lGgmSmhRp2-3Sk4ndcispCzY-IE4lzQJjUHhDCdzbD0_I9A7TMR7w4NiBzQHTkHcm94FcjiQ&_hsmi=24911225

SPIC to Transfer Nuclear Power Assets to C P NEW ENERGY (00735.HK)

SPIC to Transfer Nuclear Power Assets to C P NEW ENERGY (00735.HK)

http://www.aastocks.com/en/stocks/news/aafn-content/NOW.710678/latest-news

C P New Energy (00735) plans to buy SPIC's nuclear biz
http://www.quamnet.com/newscontent.action?articleId=4520540

Egypt's nuclear programme to cost $26 billion

http://ameinfo.com/energy/renewables/alternative-energies/egypts-nuclear-programme-to-cost-26-billion/

SA Nuclear power procurement process initiated

http://cfo.co.za/profiles/blogs/nuclear-power-procurement-process-initiated

Global Uranium Industry 2016-2021 Growth, Trends and Demands Research Report

http://beforeitsnews.com/business/2015/12/global-uranium-industry-2016-2021-growth-trends-and-demands-research-report-2792044.html

Energy clarifies nuclear move

http://www.iol.co.za/business/companies/energy-clarifies-nuclear-move-1.1965210

Cabinet approves Civil Nuclear Cooperation with Australia

Read more at

http://www.uniindia.com/cabinet-approves-civil-nuclear-cooperation-with-australia/india/news/325557.html

Sweden Nuclear Power Market Outlook to 2025

http://beforeitsnews.com/business/2015/12/sweden-nuclear-power-market-outlook-to-2025-2792018.html

Iran's Uranium Shipment To Russia Called "Significant Step" Towards International Compliance

Iran's Uranium Shipment To Russia Called "Significant Step" Towards International Compliance

http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2015/12/29/iran_2700_s-uranium-shipment-to-russia-called-_2200_significant-step_2200_-towards-international-compliance-122902.aspx#.VoPgmlKGhRk

Final day for Wylfa nuclear power station

http://myinforms.com/en-us/a/21230016-final-day-for-wylfa-nuclear-power-station/

Nuclear important for sustainable energy future, says IAEA

Nuclear important for sustainable energy future, says IAEA

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4107653/4107653-6086490097526538240

Global renewable energy to boom over next decade

Most analysts believe that between 2030 and 2050, renewable energy production will reach its watershed moment, as many countries have agreed to shift toward alternative energy by that time. … Continue Reading http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/12/global-renewable-energy-to-boom-over-next-decade.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerDecember302015&eid=288118515&bid=1265190

Californian Government Intensifies Attack on Renewables

Californian Government Intensifies Attack on Renewables

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2015/12/19/californian-government-intensifies-attack-on-renewables/

Iran says days away from nuclear deal implementation

Iran says days away from nuclear deal implementation Tehran (AFP) Dec 29, 2015 - Iran said Tuesday it had entered the final days of completing its commitments under a landmark international deal to curb its atomic programme after it shipped low-enriched uranium to Russia. Iran's atomic energy agency said 11 tons of uranium materials were sent to Russia on Monday, a move US Secretary of State John Kerry said was "significant progress" under the July 14 nuclear agreement b ... morehttp://www.spacewar.com/reports/Iran_says_days_away_from_nuclear_deal_implementation_999.html

WIPP employee found dead on the job

http://www.abqjournal.com/697959/news/wipp-employee-found-dead-on-the-job.html

NRC extends comment period for proposed decommissioning rule changes

NRC extends comment period for proposed decommissioning rule changes

http://www.theday.com/local/20151224/nrc-extends-comment-period-for-proposed-decommissioning-rule-changes

Hit by low oil prices, Saudi Arabia makes unprecedented cuts

Riyadh announced prices would rise not only on fuel, electricity, water but even plane tickets and cigarettes

http://www.emirates247.com/business/hit-by-low-oil-prices-saudi-arabia-makes-unprecedented-cuts-2015-12-30-1.615472

Iran Breached the Nuclear Deal -- Iran's Largest Ballistic Arsenal in the Middle East

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/majid-rafizadeh/irans-ballistic-arsenal-t_b_8873536.html

Germany Just Successfully Fired Up A Nuclear Fusion Reactor

http://www.iflscience.com/technology/germany-just-successfully-fired-their-nuclear-fusion-reactor

Fear vs. Radiation: The Mismatch

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/22/opinion/fear-vs-radiation-the-mismatch.html?_r=0

Summarizing how Better Nuclear Fission and New Nuclear Fusion Can Lower Energy Costs

Summarizing how Better Nuclear Fission and New Nuclear Fusion Can Lower Energy Costs

http://nextbigfuture.com/2010/01/summarizing-how-better-nuclear-fission.html

Ex-Pentagon Chief Warns of 'Real and Growing Danger' of Nuclear Doom

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/us/20151229/1032470315/william-perry-nuclear-apocalypse.html#ixzz3vlGJ3G4G

http://sputniknews.com/us/20151229/1032470315/william-perry-nuclear-apocalypse.html

Russia to build six nuclear power plants in India

https://www.kallanishenergy.com/2015/12/29/russia-to-build-six-nuclear-power-plants-in-india/

Palo Verde nuclear power plant continues to defy desert

Fire protection engineer Greg Cameron describes how turbines are repaired during the shut down process inside the plant’s turbine deck. (Photo by Curtis Spicer/Cronkite News)

Plant workers must hold counters like these to measure personal exposure to radiation. (Photo by Curtis Spicer/Cronkite News)

This turbine is being repaired during the shut down process at Palo Verde’s Nuclear Generating Station. (Photo by Curtis Spicer/Cronkite News)

Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station’s infrastructure helps handle electricity exiting the plant and distributes it. (Photo by Curtis Spicer/Cronkite News)

This tank stores water as part of the nuclear reaction process to improve thermodynamic efficiency. (Photo by Curtis Spicer/Cronkite News)

Palo Verde nuclear power plant continues to defy desert

http://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2015/12/29/palo-verde-nuclear-power-plant-continues-to-defy-desert/

India deal unlikely to secure Toshiba's lofty nuclear plans

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL3N14D2UR20151228

Big change in store for New York nuclear in 2016

Big change in store for New York nuclear in 2016

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2015/12/8585438/big-change-store-new-york-nuclear-2016

Russia blames Saudis for low oil prices

Russia blames Saudis for low oil prices Moscow (UPI) Dec 28, 2015 - Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in a television interview Monday it was Saudi Arabia that was to blame for the collapse in crude oil prices. Despite last week's rally, Brent crude oil prices are down 36 percent from this time last year and continue to hold beneath $40 per barrel. High supply, despite the lower price for crude oil, and weak demand are putting downward pressu ... morehttp://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/Russia_blames_Saudis_for_low_oil_prices_999.html

Iran vows to win back oil market share

Iran vows to win back oil market share Tehran (UPI) Dec 28, 2015 - With more than 2 million barrels of oil per day expected on the market, an Iranian energy director said the country is ready to take a larger market share. "Iran will win back its global market quota in the post-sanctions era," Rokneddin Javadi, the managing director of the National Iranian Oil Co., told the Oil Ministry's news website SHANA. Javadi said Iran is ready to increase ... more http://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/Iran_vows_to_win_back_oil_market_share_999.html

$10 Trillion Investment Needed To Avoid Massive Oil Price Spike Says OPEC

http://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/10-Trillion-Investment-Needed-To-Avoid-Massive-Oil-Price-Spike-Says-OPEC.html

Gaius Publius: It Wasn’t Just Exxon — They All Knew

http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2015/12/gaius-publius-it-wasnt-just-exxon-they-all-knew.html

Iran Nuclear Deal Restricts U.S. More Than Congress Knew

http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-12-21/iran-nuclear-deal-restricts-u-s-more-than-congress-knew

New Tensions Over the Iran Nuclear Deal

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/28/opinion/new-tensions-over-the-iran-nuclear-deal.html?_r=0

Emissions, EPA EPA Proposes Numerous Changes To Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule

• Emissions, EPA

EPA Proposes Numerous Changes To Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/12/28/epa-proposes-numerous-changes-to-greenhouse-gas-reporting-rule/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=24891984&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8cf0npIlTxziJoEg3593Ts_IDEzBdqJn_zm315JpOl1MlOeaxVQbV7lWuhh2yfA43zdYpTr6AesaNTBKIQ7O46RYvssg&_hsmi=24891984

Finding Long-Term Solutions For Nuclear Waste

http://breakingenergy.com/2015/12/28/finding-long-term-solutions-for-nuclear-waste/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=24891984&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9oaX2Czu_6k957fEjxziFzXvcBBS4bT2KfOd_oTQQELgs8OIJRHZ8y7kybY3grJJ-t93vVZy17fUIzb_2x0XfKj4ZE2A&_hsmi=24891984

US NRC Blog Update: Guiding Our Reviews of Subsequent License Renewal

Guiding Our Reviews of Subsequent License Renewal

Leave a comment Posted by Moderator on December 29, 2015

Albert Wong
Division of License Renewal
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
The NRC has recently published two draft documents intended to guide the staff’s review of “subsequent license renewal” applications – renewals that would allow commercial nuclear power plants to operate beyond 60 years. We’ll use public comments we receive on these to develop final guidance as we prepare to receive the first “SLR” application sometime in 2019.
As we discussed in an earlier blog post, the NRC licenses plants to operate for 40 years, and the licenses can be renewed for up to 20 years at a time. To date, the agency has renewed the licenses of 81 reactors (two of which have since permanently shut down).
As industry looks to operate some plants beyond 60 years, we’re getting ready to assess the particular challenges to keeping the plants safe. That’s where these draft guidance documents come in.
The documents address material aging and degradation a plant’s structures, systems and components may experience when operating more than 60 years. They also detail aging management programs acceptable to the NRC for licensees to use during the subsequent license renewal period. They incorporate lessons learned and knowledge gained by the staff from recent plant operating experience and previous license renewal reviews.
Long-term operation research sponsored by the NRC, the Electric Power Research Institute, the Department of Energy’s national laboratories and international organizations also informs the guidance.
Public comments on the draft guidance documents will be accepted through February 29. The staff will hold public meetings at NRC headquarters in Rockville, Md., on January 21, January 22 and February 23 to present the reports and receive comments. The final documents should be published by mid-2017.
The draft reports, are available on the NRC’s License Renewal Guidance webpage.

South Africa: Nuclear Energy Plan Can Fail At Any Point - Expert"

"The nuclear new build is far from a done deal, either with the Russians or any other vendor country, especially with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan now taking a firm grip on the till, with the question of affordability high on his mind," he told Fin24."

http://allafrica.com/stories/201512281938.html

Problems with prototype Monju reactor threaten nuclear fuel recycling plan

Problems with prototype Monju reactor threaten nuclear fuel recycling plan"

"Monju is the prototype fast-breeder nuclear reactor under development. The government has spent more than 1 trillion yen ($8.27 billion) on the project.
But its repeated safety problems have left the reactor idled much of the time since it first achieved criticality in 1994."

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/problems-with-prototype-monju-reactor-threaten-nuclear-fuel-recycling-plan

German CO2 emissions targets at risk

A new coal-fired power plant has opened in Germany a day after an expert commission told the energy minister the country must triple its annual rate of decarbonization to meet its ambitious 2020 climate policy goals.

http://www.dw.com/en/german-co2-emissions-targets-at-risk/a-18862708

Panel to study who should run fast-breeder reactor

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151228_16.html

Global Nuclear Power: Developments and Prospects

http://m.sputniknews.com/infographics/20151225/1032304539/global-nuclear-power-infographics.html

Rosatom Tops $110 Billion in 10-Year Volume of Exports

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/business/20151228/1032393079/rosatom-ten-year-exports-billions.html#ixzz3vij9uUz3

http://sputniknews.com/business/20151228/1032393079/rosatom-ten-year-exports-billions.html

Iran ships uranium to Russia, fulfilling a key provision of nuclear deal

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/iran-ships-uranium-to-russia-fulfilling-a-key-provision-of-nuclear-deal/2015/12/28/f0642280-ada0-11e5-b711-1998289ffcea_story.html

Top Energy Issues For 2015-2016: Looking Back While Going Forward

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2015/12/28/top-energy-issues-for-2015-2016-looking-back-while-going-forward/

The 2016 Energy Quiz

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2015/12/29/the-2016-energy-quiz/

Record El Nino, climate change drive extreme weather

Record El Nino, climate change drive extreme weather Paris (AFP) Dec 28, 2015 - Deadly extreme weather on at least five continents is driven in large part by a record-breaking El Nino, but climate change is a likely booster too, experts said Monday. The 2015-16 El Nino, they added, is the strongest ever measured. "It is probably the most powerful in the last 100 years," said Jerome Lecou, a climate expert at the French weather service Meteo France, noting that accur ... morehttp://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Record_El_Nino_climate_change_drive_extreme_weather_999.html

Methane emissions in Arctic cold season higher than expected

Methane emissions in Arctic cold season higher than expected San Diego CA (SPX) Dec 28, 2015 - The amount of methane gas escaping from the ground during the long cold period in the Arctic each year and entering Earth's atmosphere is likely much higher than estimated by current climate change models, concludes a major new study led by San Diego State University. A team comprising ecologists Walter Oechel (SDSU and Open University) and Donatella Zona (SDSU and the University of Sheffi ... morehttp://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Methane_emissions_in_Arctic_cold_season_higher_than_expected_999.html

Latest Headlines from ENENews Gov’t Report: Plutonium detected in recent California air samples — “Fallout from Fukushima nuclear accident” may be to blame

"Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (pdf), Sept 28, 2015 (emphasis added):

• https://saer.llnl.gov/saer14/ch4_air.pdfAmbient Air Radioactive Particulates
• Composite samples were analyzed by alpha spectroscopy for plutonium-239+240, which was detected in 2 out of 206 samples taken in 2014. Detections at the Livermore Site and Livermore off-site locations [in California] for plutonium-239+240 are attributed to a number of factors including the following: resuspension of plutonium-contaminated soil (see Chapter 6); ambient air from historical operations; resuspended fallout from previous atmospheric testing; or fallout from the Fukushima nuclear accident.
• The highest values and percentage of the DCS for the plutonium-239+240 detections were as follows: Livermore Site perimeter: 13.4 nBq/m3 (0.36 aCi/m3)… Livermore off-site locations: 10.4 nBq/m3 (0.28 aCi/m3).

See also: Official data shows U.S. hit with huge spike of 'most dangerous' radiation from Fukushima -- Levels far exceeded federal regulatory limits -- Alpha particles nearly 1,000 times normal; Includes plutonium -- Gov't workers in "fear of radiation""

http://enenews.com/govt-report-plutonium-detected-california-air-samples-fallout-fukushima-nuclear-accident-be-blame?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ENENews+%28Energy+News%29 

Report: Fukushima fallout detected in U.S. fish — Dose equal to samples caught 100 miles from plant — Persistently high levels detected in marine life offshore “not anticipated… orders of magnitude” more than expected — “Measurements needed… along predicted plume trajectory”

"Excerpts from ‘Radiological Dose Rates to Marine Fish from the Fukushima Daiichi Accident: The First Three Years Across the North Pacific’, includes authors from Japan’s National Institute of Radiological Sciences and Oregon St. Univ., 2015 (emphasis added):

• A more complete record is emerging of radionuclide measurements in fish [from] across the Pacific… Fish 100–200 km east of [Fukushima], coastal fish in the Aleutian Islands… and trans-Pacific migratory species, all had increased dose rates as a consequence of the FDNPP accident.
• FDNPP produced the largest single-event influx of radioactive cesium isotopes into the Pacific [137Cs up to 90 PBq; Chernobyl total: 70-85 PBq].
• Dose rates to the most impacted fish species near the FDNPP have remained above benchmark levels for potential dose effects at least three years longer than was indicated by previous, data-limited, evaluations.
• [Strontium-90] was estimated to contribute up to approximately one-half of the total 2013 dose rate to fish near the FDNPP.
• Evaluations… suggested that the dose rates to fish near the FDNPP… only briefly remained above the benchmark levels for potential harmful effects… However, subsequent data have indicated highly elevated and persistent accumulation of Cs.
  
• Maximally exposed fish near the FDNPP [had] an increase of more than six orders of magnitude… The elevated activity concentrations were not isolated to one sample, or one species. In 2013, activity concentrations of 134,137Cs exceeding [100,000 Bq] kg were measured in more than 100 fish from ten species sampled from FDNPP port… concentrations in [some species] are orders of magnitude higher than predicted.
• Some of the released radionuclides are being carried long distances…
• At Amchitka Island [in Alaska] the 134,137Cs dose rates to [greenling and rockfish] were only slightly higher than pre-event levels… The increase… appears to be due to atmospheric transport from Fukushima as 134Cs was measured… in freshwater fish [11 Bq/kg in trout].
• Detections of 134Cs in California water samples gathered in August 2014… suggest incremental dose rate increases to resident fish.
• Fish at 100–200 km east of the FDNPP, coastal fish in the Aleutian Islands, and trans-Pacific migratory species all had increased dose rates.
• Persistence of the radionuclides in fish was not anticipated by existing models… ongoing measurements are needed at locations near the FDNPP and further along the predicted plume trajectory… Some areas that have experienced air deposition in 2011 (e.g. Aleutian Islands), should continue monitoring as they may experience a second arrival of 134,137Cs in subsequent years via an oceanic plume.
• This study was in collaboration with the… IAEA

See also: Gov’t: Alaska island “appears to show impacts from Fukushima” — “Significant cesium signature” — Scientists anticipate further impact as ocean plume arrives (VIDEO)"

http://enenews.com/report-fallout-japan-reactors-detected-freshwater-fish-radioactive-dose-equivalent-fish-caught-100-miles-fukushima-reactors-ongoing-measurements-needed-along-predicted-plume-trajectory 

SMRs – What Wall Street thinks

SMRs – What Wall Street thinks

As would-be-buyers look to incorporate SMRs and advanced reactors into their energy portfolio, project financing is still a major challenge that is being faced across the global market.
Whilst SMRs and advanced reactors will undoubtedly have lower costs than large scale projects, the uncertainty over levelized and capital costs is a major concern for potential buyers and one that the industry must overcome.
Last year leading Wall Street representatives met to discuss how SMR project financing would take place and what the private sector would make of it.

Hear what Wall Street makes of a draft SMR financial proposal right here
http://1.nuclearenergyinsider.com/LP=8382?utm_campaign=4568%2029DEC15%20TA.htm&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=f5ff5965f0a04c45be6e8268728cbdbf&elqCampaignId=5262&elqaid=12557&elqat=1&elqTrackId=1f7f8547c29b4d8b8ffa6cdd189f4199 

(This is part two of Nuclear Energy Insider’s exclusive SMR and Advanced Reactor Insights – You can access part 1 here)
http://1.nuclearenergyinsider.com/LP=8364?utm_campaign=4568%2029DEC15%20TA.htm&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=f5ff5965f0a04c45be6e8268728cbdbf&elqCampaignId=5262&elqaid=12557&elqat=1&elqTrackId=20e78bf124964157b28ab9fd8bce1973

If you have any questions please do let me know.
Thanks,
John
John Furness
Senior Industry Analyst
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0)207 375 7528
JFurness@nuclearenergyinsider.com

 

China's $1 Trillion Nuclear Plan

http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Chinas-1-Trillion-Nuclear-Plan.html

NRC Preparing for Modular Reactors, Reducing Staff in 2016

NRC Preparing for Modular Reactors, Reducing Staff in 2016

http://www.bna.com/nrc-preparing-modular-n57982065446/

Iran Hands Over Stockpile of Enriched Uranium to Russia

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/29/world/middleeast/iran-hands-over-stockpile-of-enriched-uranium-to-russia.html?_r=0

AREVA TN Signs Agreement for a Partnership with the Chinese firm Apollo

AREVA TN Signs Agreement for a Partnership with the Chinese firm Apollo paris, France (SPX) Dec 25, 2015 - AREVA TN signed an agreement at the end of November fora strategic partnership with the Chinese company Shangai Apollo Machinery Co. Ltd in China, a qualified Chinese supplier for the nuclear industry. The agreement was signed before local authorities and utilities during an official ceremony in Shanghai. An important milestone in AREVA TN's localization strategy for China, this new ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/AREVA_TN_Signs_Agreement_for_a_Partnership_with_the_Chinese_firm_Apollo_999.html

Obama signed Omnibus Appropriations Act: Nuclear energy programs to receive $960 million

Obama signed Omnibus Appropriations Act: Nuclear energy programs to receive $960 million

Read more at http://www.lawyerherald.com/articles/23630/20151227/obama-signed-omnibus-appropriations-act-nuclear-energy-programs-receive-960-million.htm#TqDfUsBWmKwsmDCx.99

http://www.lawyerherald.com/articles/23630/20151227/obama-signed-omnibus-appropriations-act-nuclear-energy-programs-receive-960-million.htm

Indian Point reactor license expires amid shutdown efforts

http://westfaironline.com/76511/indian-point-reactor-license-expires-amid-shutdown-efforts/

MOX plant called out on costs

MOX plant called out on costs

Posted on August 23, 2015 by djysrv

An NGO opposed to building it has leaked DOE’s red team report to the news media.  The findings in the report cast doubt on whether completing the MOX facility is cost effective compared to alternatives for disposing of 34 tonnes of weapons grade plutonium.

http://neutronbytes.com/2015/08/23/mox-plant-called-out-on-costs/

Scuttlebiz: Graham's bill might still rescue MOX unit

http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/business/2015-12-24/scuttlebiz-grahams-bill-might-still-rescue-mox-unit

Fukushima Update 12/28/15

Fukushima Update 12/28/15 –

Initial fuel loading of Takahama unit #3 began on Friday… Some Fukushima evacuees criticize reversal of the Takahama restart injunction… A post-Fukushima ICRP workshop was held in Date on December 12-13th… Voluntary evacuee partial rent subsidies to be started in 2016… Fukushima-related suicides continue to rise… A national association of Fukushima lawsuit plaintiffs is launched.

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

Interrogation of Helen Caldicott’s Responses

http://www.monbiot.com/2011/04/04/interrogation-of-helen-caldicotts-responses/

New calls to shut Indian Point; plant’s critics cite age, proximity to cities

http://www.northjersey.com/news/new-calls-to-shut-indian-point-plant-s-critics-cite-age-proximity-to-cities-1.1480825

Bangladesh signs $12.65 billion deal with Russia for nuclear power plants

Bangladesh signs $12.65 billion deal with Russia for nuclear power plants

Business Recorder (press release) (registration) (blog) - ‎Dec 26, 2015‎

Bangladesh's state-run Atomic Energy Commission signed a deal with Russia on Friday to set up two nuclear power plants, each with 1,200 megawatt capacity, an investment totalling $12.65 billion, a government official said. Work will begin early next ...http://www.brecorder.com/fuel-a-energy/193/1259123/

Bangladesh signs $17 billion deal with Russia for nuclear power plants

The Straits Times - ‎Dec 25, 2015‎

DHAKA (REUTERS) - Bangladesh's state-run Atomic Energy Commission signed a deal with Russia on Friday to set up two nuclear power plants, each with 1,200 megawatt capacity, an investment totalling US$12.65 billion (S$17.7 billion), a government ... http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/bangladesh-signs-17-billion-deal-with-russia-for-nuclear-power-plants

Bangladesh approves $12.65 billion n-plant

Business Standard - ‎Dec 23, 2015‎

Bangladesh's cabinet committee on purchase on Wednesday approved a proposal to establish a 2,400-MW nuclear power project at a cost of $12.65 billion. The proposal was approved at a meeting of the country's cabinet committee on purchase with ... http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bangladesh-approves-12-65-billion-n-plant-115122301196_1.html

Court's decision to allow restart of Japan's Takahama nuclear reactors is ...Reasonable

Court's decision to allow restart of Japan's Takahama nuclear reactors is ...Reasonable

Chicago Tribune - ‎Dec 26, 2015‎

The Fukui District Court's decision to allow the restart of two nuclear power reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Takahama nuclear power plant is reasonable because it respected the discretion of the administration on safety inspections of nuclear ...http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-wp-yomiuri-editorial-nuclear-0bae6d30-abf2-11e5-8058-480b572b4aae-20151226-story.html

Power predictions for 2016

http://www.energybiz.com/article/15/12/power-predictions-2016

NRC wants more information on Seabrook concrete tests

http://www.salemnews.com/news/nrc-wants-more-information-on-seabrook-concrete-tests/article_194733ba-abd8-11e5-8bf7-cfc004ffd537.html

Gunter: Cheap? Clean? Nuclear power is neither

http://www.roanoke.com/opinion/letters/gunter-cheap-clean-nuclear-power-is-neither/article_89a6dd30-473b-5fca-8771-9c38c91749dc.html

Addressing Remaining Concerns About Nuclear Energy

http://www.theenergycollective.com/rodadams/2304987/addressing-remaining-concerns-about-nuclear-energy

Roadmaps and roadblocks for more solar power in Greece, Croatia, and Italy.

Roadmaps and roadblocks for more solar power in Greece, Croatia, and Italy.

Did you know that Greece is Europe’s 2nd-largest lignite coal miner (Germany is first)?

Greece, Croatia, and Italy Chart a Course to More Solar Power

A status update and forecast for solar photovoltaic power in Greece, Croatia, and Italy.

http://www.powermag.com/greece-croatia-and-italy-chart-a-course-to-more-solar-power/

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THE BIG PICTURE: Nuclear Spins

POWER Associate Editor Sonal Patel created an infographic showing the nuclear reactors added and retired in the past five years. What surprises you the most about the numbers?

http://www.powermag.com/big-picture-nuclear-spins/

THE BIG PICTURE: Nuclear Spins

How many new nuclear reactors have been added or shut down permanently by country over the last five years.

http://www.powermag.com/big-picture-nuclear-spins/