Friday, December 2, 2016

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Nuclear Roundup December 2, 2016

Nuclear Roundup

December 2, 2016

A compilation of quality nuclear policy news published on the Web, around the world.

Iran Nuclear Deal

Senate Votes to Extend Iran Sanctions Authority

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-02/shredding-iran-nuclear-deal-could-prove-harder-than-trump-thinks

Iran says U.S. extension of sanctions act violates nuclear deal

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-nuclear-usa-idUSKBN13R0MO

Trump team eyes proposed new non-nuclear sanctions on Iran: FT

http://www.rawstory.com/2016/12/trump-team-eyes-proposed-new-non-nuclear-sanctions-on-iran-ft/

Iran’s nuclear deal just the tip of the iceberg for Trump

http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/international-affairs/308263-irans-nuclear-deal-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-for

Shredding Iran Nuclear Deal Could Prove Harder Than Trump Thinks

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-02/shredding-iran-nuclear-deal-could-prove-harder-than-trump-thinks

Heinonen: Concerns about a Reduction of Transparency in IAEA Reporting on Iran’s Nuclear Program

http://www.defenddemocracy.org/content/uploads/documents/112816_IAEA_Memo_Olli_.pdf

US

FY2017 NDAA Bill Conference Report

https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings-and-legislation/ndaa-national-defense-authorization-act

No one can stop President Trump from using nuclear weapons. That’s by design.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/12/01/no-one-can-stop-president-trump-from-using-nuclear-weapons-thats-by-design/?utm_term=.c1a66e778212

Donald Trump to face questions about modernizing America’s nuclear arsenal

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-to-face-questions-about-modernizing-americas-nuclear-arsenal/

Moniz: A comprehensive nuclear test ban

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/354/6316/1081

This Is Life at a Post-War Nuclear Weapons Factory

http://kcts9.org/programs/battle-ready-earthfix/life-post-war-nuclear-weapons-factory

DOE project to evaluate safety of transporting used nuclear fuel

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-doe-safety-nuclear-fuel.html

Ex-defense secretary to speak at nuclear ‘boot camp’

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/ex-defense-secretary-to-speak-at-nuclear-boot-camp/article_a3e956bd-2bb8-5b1f-95b9-87eed416700a.html

International

Who killed the US-Russia plutonium agreement, and does it really matter?

http://thebulletin.org/who-killed-us-russia-plutonium-agreement-and-does-it-really-matter10221

Russia sets out its policy on terrorism, nuclear war & global ties in new Foreign Policy Concept

https://www.rt.com/news/368927-russia-foreign-policy-concept/

UK launches nuclear skills Strategic Plan

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-UK-launches-nuclear-skills-Strategic-Plan-01121601.html

General Interest

After 60 years, is nuclear fusion finally poised to deliver?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/dec/02/after-60-years-is-nuclear-fusion-finally-poised-to-deliver

Nuking Hurricanes: The Surprising History of a Really Bad Idea

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/11/hurricanes-weather-history-nuclear-weapons/

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Clinton nuclear plant has history of cost, job uncertainty - News - The State Journal-Register - Springfield, IL

NRC Approves Riverstone Holding Acquisition Of Susquehanna NPP - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Michigan nuclear power plant's license extension on hold - Washington Times

Nuclear power benefits millions | Opinions and Editorials | aikenstandard.com

3 Fast Facts On CCPI Pushing For Bataan Nuclear Plant Revival | International Business Times Philippines

Trump: Bad News for U.S. Nuclear Power?

Daily Caller News Foundation Nuclear Power Is ‘Most Sustainable Energy Source,’ According To UN Official

Nuclear Power Is ‘Most Sustainable Energy Source,’ According To UN Official

http://dailycaller.com/2016/12/01/nuclear-power-is-most-sustainable-energy-source-according-to-un-official/

Diamond battery made from nuclear waste could last more than 5,000 YEARS | Daily Mail Online

Russia invents method of producing nuclear fuel - 抓站 News - SINA English

Expert: Obama fails to progress towards world free of nuclear arms | Prague Monitor

New powerful 'diamond' battery made from nuclear waste developed | Daily Mail Online

Cuomo's nuclear subsidy plan faces another legal challenge

Cuomo's nuclear subsidy plan faces another legal challenge
https://newsdesk.moreover.com/click/?p=Q1QyL2E9Mjg3OTUwNzQ3NzMmcD0xNGUmdj0xJng9U1FCVDVTa2x3MmVvY01zY2tDYldXQSZ1MT1ORCZ1Mj1nMTA2Ng&a=28795074773&f=TmV3cw&s=ZXhwb3J0&u=amtvYmxpY2hAYW5zLm9yZw&cn=QW1lcmljYW4gTnVjbGVhciBTb2NpZXR5&ci=416&i=0&e=UE9MSVRJQ08gUHJv&d=1104&t=3&k=189032&ck=2796619de5274051e03690ebff81a17d

Girl's death reveals risks of obsolete Detroit power lines

The electrocution of a 12-year-old Detroit girl has exposed a new risk in a city that's turning the corner nearly two years after emerging from bankruptcy: miles of obsolete power lines that could fall from poles and turn deadly. … Continue Reading http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2016/12/power-cable-girl-s-death-reveals-risks-of-obsolete-detroit-power-lines.html?cmpid=enl_PennEnergy_PennEnergyWeeklyPowerUpdates_2016-12-02&email_address=micheletkearney@gmail.com&eid=288118515&bid=1603128

Obama's dirty secret: the fossil fuel projects the US littered around the world

Through the Export-Import Bank, the Obama administration has spent nearly $34bn on dirty energy plants in countries from India to Australia to South Africa
by Sonali Prasad, Jason Burke, Michael Slezak and Oliver Milman

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/dec/01/obama-fossil-fuels-us-export-import-bank-energy-projects?utm_source=MIT+TR+Newsletters&utm_campaign=36119f8317-newsletters-the-download&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-36119f8317-153856085&goal=0_997ed6f472-36119f8317-153856085&mc_cid=36119f8317&mc_eid=e25735476a

The Paris Motor Show Confirms It: The Future Is Electric

Any automaker worth its salt is showing off a battery-powered car.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602512/the-paris-motor-show-confirms-it-the-future-is-electric/?utm_source=MIT+TR+Newsletters&utm_campaign=36119f8317-newsletters-the-download&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_997ed6f472-36119f8317-153856085&goal=0_997ed6f472-36119f8317-153856085&mc_cid=36119f8317&mc_eid=e25735476a

US DOE sells depleted uranium for laser enrichment

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/UF-US-DOE-sells-depleted-uranium-for-laser-enrichment-1111167.html

Iraq Can’t Commit To OPEC’s Oil Output Deal

By By Bilal Wahab, / Thursday, December 1, 2016 10:00 AM

Despite pressure from OPEC to cap its oil production, the Iraqi government can neither afford a production cut nor enforce it upon the Kurdistan Regional Government. Under tremendous fiscal pressure, OPEC members may cut a deal in Vienna this week that would cap oil production in order to raise global prices. The deal is being

Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2016/12/01/iraq-cant-commit-to-opecs-oil-output-deal/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=38594903&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_D_xdaHi_zIX1jcF4BOWavAOn7uGDxp-ID8ZMVqrph-T6UQxPNTunU3KurQMPi4YDMcXltd5U_Gw5L3gVdJL8osiJQew&_hsmi=38594903

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Friday, December 2, 2016

Friday, December 2, 2016

OPLAN 2045: Preparing for nuclear disarmament

James E. Doyle

With the nuclear-weapon states and their allies headed away from the increased security a world without nuclear weapons would bring, it is time to act to create a multilateral plan for verifiable nuclear disarmament by the year 2045, 100 years after the first use of nuclear weapons.

Will climate-change efforts affect EU–Russian relations? (Probably not.)

Rachel S. Salzman

Given the fact that changes in the European energy market can have significant geopolitical effects, it might seem like EU emissions-cutting policies could cause serious changes in the EU–Russia relationship. From the November/December subscription journal.

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New Voices of Tomorrow essay: Who killed the US-Russia plutonium agreement, and does it really matter?

Darya Dolzikova

If a nuclear security agreement dies, but it wasn’t really about the nuclear security, does it matter who killed it?

Chairman Xi abandons banning the bomb

Hua Han, Gregory Kulacki, Rajesh Rajagopalan

Greg Kulacki closes the second round of our new debate on China's role in the nuclear order by observing that Beijing's position on the UN resolution to ban nuclear weapons could be a bellwether for how China will behave in a world that's no longer ordered around the United States.

What We're Reading

Dan Drollette Jr.

This week we look at a study from the latest issue of Nature, which finds that as soil warms due to climate change, vast amounts of carbon and methane will be released into the atmosphere.

#GivingTuesday campaign a huge success

We'd like to send our warmest thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful Giving Tuesday campaign. We raised over $5,000 toward the Bulletin's Next Generation programs, made all the more special because the median average gift during the day was $50. You are making it possible for us to recruit and publish new authors and columnists--and to recognize today's emerging leaders.

If you did not get a chance to participate, you can still make a gift today and give the Next Generation of changemakers a good shot at creating a safer and healthier planet.

NEUTRINOS in a New Light
Ellen Sandor is Fermilab's 2016 artist-in-residence and a friend of the Bulletin. She and (art)n, the collaborative artists group she founded, spent months speaking with Fermilab scientists and learning about the ways they study subatomic particles called neutrinos. She created a series of new works that visualize the invisible science of particle physics. The exhibit, “NEUTRINOS in a New Light,” will be on display at the Fermilab Art Gallery from Dec. 2, 2016, through March 17, 2017.
About the Bulletin

For more than 70 years the Bulletin has engaged science leaders, policy makers, and the interested public on topics of nuclear weapons and disarmament, the changing energy landscape, climate change, and emerging technologies.

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Thursday, December 1, 2016

Donald Trump's Biggest Headache: Russia's Nuclear Weapons | The National Interest

Next Big Future: China's plans to begin converting coal plants to walk away safe pebble bed nuclear starting in the 2020s

European Union Climate Policies Aim To Cut CO2 Emissions By 40% By 2030, Lead Clean Energy Transition | CleanTechnica

President Obama Spent ‘Unprecedented’ Billions on Fossil Fuel Projects Around the World

http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/obama_spent_an_unprecedented_billions_on_fossil_20161201

The nuclear renaissance?

http://cyprus-mail.com/2016/12/01/the-nuclear-renaissance/

Electricité de France has had to shut down 18 of its 58 nuclear reactors

France’s nuclear-energy champion is in turmoil

Electricité de France has had to shut down 18 of its 58 nuclear reactors

http://www.economist.com/news/business/21711087-electricit-de-france-has-had-shut-down-18-its-58-nuclear-reactors-frances-nuclear-energy

SOUTH AFRICA PURSUES NUCLEAR POWER DESPITE RISKS

http://www.blackstarnews.com/global-politics/global-politics/south-africa-pursues-nuclear-power-despite-risks.html

African geologists warn of possible ‘Fukushima’ at site of proposed nuclear reactor

http://www.frostillustrated.com/2016/african-geologists-warn-of-possible-fukushima-at-site-of-proposed-nuclear-reactor/

UCS SCIENCE NETWORK WORKSHOP SERIES: Role of Science in the New Political Era

Join us December 7

With a Trump administration approaching, we will need to stand strong for science now more than ever—and we need you to join us.

Attend this webinar to learn why it's so critical for scientists and experts to be involved, and how: Wednesday, December 7, 1:00-2:00 p.m. EDT.

Register Today

Fukushima Update 12/1/16

Fukushima Update 12/1/16 –

Voluntary Fukushima evacuees oppose the March expiration of free housing… The Kagoshima’s governor’s antinuclear platform is called a “mere publicity stunt”… Ten Tsuruga unit #2 workers were splashed with mildly radioactive water… Toshiba points to China and India for multiple nuclear orders… Reports of the demise of the Monju fast breeder project may be premature.

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

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire: Pulling the Alarm

December 1, 2016

News

Pulling the Alarm

The Senate Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee hosted the second part of its hearing on the future of nuclear power Wednesday, November 16. In his opening statement, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) laid out his rational for continuting support of nuclear:

"If in my hometown of Maryville, I had twenty fire marshals come around and tell me my house might burn down, I think I would buy some fire insurance. So my recommendation is that we should get some insurance against climate change. I think the best insurance is nuclear power. It makes no sense whatsoever to close reactors at a time when many people think climate change is a problem. We need to invest today in the next generation of nuclear reactors, advanced reactors, small modular reactors, and accident tolerant fuels."

His full opening statement and his vision for necessary actions to ensure nuclear survival are available here.

Is New Nuclear the Solution to the World's Energy Problems?

Is New Nuclear the Solution to the World's Energy Problems?

http://www.engineering.com/DesignerEdge/DesignerEdgeArticles/ArticleID/13809/Is-New-Nuclear-the-Solution-to-the-Worlds-Energy-Problems.aspx

Nuclear power most sustainable energy source: IAEA official

Nuclear power most sustainable energy source: IAEA official

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/nuclear-power-most-sustainable-energy-source-iaea-official/articleshow/55721620.cms

PG&E’s revised offer of $85 million is step in the right direction for Diablo closure

Read more here: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/opinion/editorials/article117883093.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/opinion/editorials/article117883093.html

Russia Is Eager To Add South Africa To Its Impressive Backlog For New Nuclear Plants

http://www.forbes.com/sites/rodadams/2016/11/30/russia-is-eager-to-add-south-africa-to-its-impressive-backlog-for-new-nuclear-plants/#69d775fc5ed3

SMR and advanced reactors poised to be the future of nuclear power in the US

The SMR and Advanced Reactor industries offer exciting prospects for the future of nuclear power in the US and around the world. With NuScale about to submit their design to the NRC for approval, there are significant opportunities ahead for US nuclear suppliers to claim a part of this lucrative market.
However, much has yet to be done in order to prepare for the arrival of these reactors. At the world’s largest SMR and Advanced Reactor Summit (30-31 March 2017, Atlanta), 300+ industry leaders will meet to overcome the financial, regulatory and supply chain hurdles that currently slow the commercialization of new reactor designs.
You can find the full 2-day agenda and speaker line up for the world’s largest SMR and Advanced Reactor Summit here
Take a look at just a handful of the top reasons you need to be at the event in 2017:

Hear from key industry leaders, such as; Steve Kuczynski, CEO of Southern Nuclear, Mike McGough, Chief Commercial Officer at NuScale, Rita Baranwal, Director of the GAIN Initiative, and Ray Rothrock, Venture Capitalist.

Discuss the potential to utilize SMRs and Advanced Reactors for applications other than electricity generation, helping to keep the nuclear industry competitive in such a price-volatile market.

With over 20 countries represented, 300+ executive peers and 10+ hours of networking time in 2017 this is the largest forum for the SMR and Advanced Reactor industries in the world.

If you have any comments or questions, I’d love to hear from you
Kind Regards,
Ben
Ben Moss
Senior Industry Analyst
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0)207 375 7537
BMoss@nuclearenergyinsider.com

Two milestones for Vogtle new build

Two milestones for Vogtle new build
The first reactor pressure vessel has been lifted into place at Georgia Power's Vogtle nuclear construction project in Georgia. Vogtle 3's RPV was lifted into place two days after the placement of the CA01 module was completed at Vogtle 4. http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Two-milestones-for-Vogtle-new-build-0112167.html

NRC Blog Update: REFRESH — Where There’s Steam, There’s … a Steam Generator

REFRESH — Where There’s Steam, There’s … a Steam Generator

Leave a comment Posted by Moderator on December 1, 2016

Kenneth Karwoski
Senior Advisor for Steam Generators
refresh leaf

When the NRC talks about “steam generators,” we’re not talking about teakettles. Steam generators provide vital technical and safety functions at many U.S. nuclear power plants.
In the United States, steam generators are only found in pressurized-water reactors, one of the two types of U.S. reactors. There can be two to four steam generators for each reactor unit. The generators mark the spot where two closed loops of piping meet. The first loop sends water past the reactor core to carry away heat, and this loop is at such high pressure that the water never boils. The second loop is at a lower pressure, so the water in this loop turns to steam and runs the plant’s turbine to generate electricity.
The steam generator’s main technical job is to let the first loop pass its heat to the second loop as easily as possible. To do this, a steam generator packs thousands of small tubes closely together, allowing the maximum area for heat to pass through the tubes and into the second loop’s water.
At the same time, the steam generators provide an important safety barrier – the first loop can contain radioactive material, so the tubes must keep the two loops of water separate. NRC rules require plants to closely monitor the second loop and immediately shut the reactor down if a tube leak exceeds very strict limits.
pwr[1]

The NRC’s rules for inspections, maintenance and repair of steam generator tubes help ensure the tubes continue providing the safety barrier. If an inspection shows a tube is starting to get too thin, the plant will repair or even plug a tube to maintain safety.
Steam generator tube material has improved over time. The first steam generators had tubes made from a type of stainless steel that experience showed could be corroded by the chemicals, temperatures and pressures in the first and second loop. Over time, plants have replaced those steam generators with ones using more advanced alloys that are less likely to corrode.
Steam generator replacement only happens when the reactor is shut down for refueling, and plant owners bring in hundreds of specialized workers to safely remove the old generators and install the new ones. The old generators have to be safely disposed of as low-level radioactive waste.
REFRESH is an occasional series where we revisit previous posts. This first ran in July 2013.

Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Friday, December 2, 2016

Nuclear Power Is ‘Most Sustainable Energy Source,’ According To UN Official

Obama's dirty secret: the fossil fuel projects the US littered around the world

The Paris Motor Show Confirms It: The Future Is Electric

US DOE sells depleted uranium for laser enrichment

Thursday, December 1, 2016

President Obama Spent ‘Unprecedented’ Billions on Fossil Fuel Projects Around the World

The nuclear renaissance?

France’s nuclear-energy champion is in turmoil

Electricité de France has had to shut down 18 of its 58 nuclear reactors

SOUTH AFRICA PURSUES NUCLEAR POWER DESPITE RISKS

PG&E’s revised offer of $85 million is step in the right direction for Diablo closure

Russia Is Eager To Add South Africa To Its Impressive Backlog For New Nuclear Plants

REFRESH — Where There’s Steam, There’s … a Steam Generator

Port Arthur LNG Files Federal Application To Construct Natural Gas Liquefaction And Export Facilities In Texas

TVA Will Pay $140,000 NRC Fine for Browns Ferry Nuke

NRC approves Riverstone Holdings acquisition of Talen Energy

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Susquehanna Licenses Transfer