Recapitalization of Infrastructure Supporting Naval Spent Nuclear Fuel Handling at the Idaho National Laboratory
Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
IAEA meets to strengthen security as USA disposes of plutonium
IAEA meets to strengthen security as USA disposes of plutonium
The USA has asked the International Atomic Energy Agency to monitor and verify the disposition of surplus plutonium in South Carolina, US energy secretary Ernest Moniz said on 5 December. Moniz's announcement was made at an IAEA conference which aims to strengthen global nuclear security.
http://world-nuclear-news.org/NP-IAEA-meets-to-strengthen-security-as-USA-disposes-of-plutonium-0712167.html
The USA has asked the International Atomic Energy Agency to monitor and verify the disposition of surplus plutonium in South Carolina, US energy secretary Ernest Moniz said on 5 December. Moniz's announcement was made at an IAEA conference which aims to strengthen global nuclear security.
http://world-nuclear-news.org/NP-IAEA-meets-to-strengthen-security-as-USA-disposes-of-plutonium-0712167.html
Producing Nuclear Power Without the Meltdowns
Producing Nuclear Power Without the Meltdowns
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2016-12-07/producing-nuclear-power-without-the-meltdowns
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Nuclear Roundup December 7, 2016
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A compilation of quality nuclear policy news published on the Web, around the world.
Iran Nuclear Deal
Iran nuclear deal 'vital', warns Theresa May after Donald Trump vows to scrap it http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ U.N. nuclear watchdog confirms Iran shipped sensitive material abroad: diplomat http://www.reuters.com/ Democrats Challenge Obama on Withholding Unclassified Iran Deal Docs http://www.weeklystandard.com/ Iran’s President Says Donald Trump Can’t Tear Up Nuclear Pact http://www.nytimes.com/2016/ United States President Obama Can Still Reduce Stored Nuclear Weapons & Fissile Materials http://allthingsnuclear.org/ Former Diplomats: Countering North Korean Missile, Nuke Programs to be Major Trump Challenges https://news.usni.org/2016/12/ US to Build $1.6B Idaho Facility for Warships' Nuclear Waste http://abcnews.go.com/US/ Roof collapses at WIPP raise new safety questions https://www.abqjournal.com/ Review: The B Reactor National Historic Landmark. The Hanford Site Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Hanford, WA http://tph.ucpress.edu/ International Can India’s nuclear doctrine survive clash with Pakistan? https://www.thenews.com.pk/ Japan to offer €2 million to Iran for nuclear safety cooperation http://www.japantimes.co.jp/ Exclusive: First visit to Russia’s secret nuclear disaster site https://www.newscientist.com/ Climate target 'very difficult' without nuclear, says IEA chief economist http://www.world-nuclear-news. General Interest Trumping Proliferation: From a one-off deal to a global standard http://www. Discovering Nuclear Fission -- and the Means to End War http://www.usnews.com/news/ It's Not Cold Fusion,...But It's Something https://blogs. Send Jodi Lieberman items of interest for the Nuclear Roundup at brodnica67@gmail.com. Receive this message as a forward? Subscribe to the Nuclear Roundup here. |
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NRC email: Pilgrim nuclear plant 'overwhelmed'
NRC email: Pilgrim nuclear plant 'overwhelmed'
http://www.patriotledger.com/news/20161207/nrc-email-pilgrim-nuclear-plant-overwhelmed
U.S. Energy’s Growing Strength In Global Markets
U.S. Energy’s Growing Strength In Global Markets
By By Energy Tomorrow Blog, / Tuesday, December 6, 2016 10:00 AM
Energy trade publisher and data
provider S&P Global Platts reports that this month the United States
is a net exporter of natural gas, exporting an average of 7.4 billion
cubic feet a day (bcf/d) – topping the 7 bcf/d the U.S. imported. Given
the fact it has been nearly 60 years since the U.S. exported
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NRC Blog Update: NRC’s Supporting Role in NASA’s Mars 2020 Launch
NRC’s Supporting Role in NASA’s Mars 2020 Launch
Posted by on December 7, 2016
Senior Reliability and Risk Engineer
“Outer
space” may not come to mind when you think about the NRC. But we’re
excited to be involved with NASA in the planning for a 2020 launch of
another Mars rover.As explained by NASA:
The Mars 2020 rover mission is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the red planet. Designed to advance high-priority science goals for Mars exploration, the mission would address key questions about the potential for ancient life on Mars. The mission would also provide opportunities to gather knowledge and demonstrate technologies that address the challenges of future human expeditions to Mars. The mission would take advantage of a favorable launch opportunity in 2020 when Earth and Mars are in ideal positions in their orbits for a Mars landing in early 2021.
So what does planetary exploration have to do with the NRC? Well, like past missions of this type, the Mars 2020 mission will use a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator – which goes by the fancy acronym of MMRTG. That’s a fancy name for using the radioactive decay of plutonium to produce electrical power needed to run the rover and its instruments.
Since
the NRC regulates the safe use of radioactive materials, we are part of
the Mars 2020 Interagency Nuclear Safety Review Panel that NASA has
convened to assure the safety of the launch. This process was originally
put in place by Presidential directive and
is used each time the U.S. prepares for this type of launch. In
addition to NASA and the NRC, the panel includes members from the
Department of Energy (which builds and owns the MMRTG provided to NASA),
the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency.I am honored to serve as the NRC-appointed technical advisor to the panel. The panel’s job is to prepare a Nuclear Safety Evaluation Report — which will be delivered to the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy as part of NASA’s request for the President’s authorization of the launch. The panel will evaluate the potential radiological hazards associated with the launch, and the methods used to mitigate the risks.
The NRC has served a similar role in other NASA launches over the past several decades, most recently with the 2011 launch of the Mars Science Laboratory mission and its rover, Curiosity. In addition to this important activity, the NRC and NASA share knowledge in safety, reliability, and risk analysis methods and applications though a Memorandum of Understanding and other interactions.
NRC policy requires other federal agencies to reimburse us for providing services that aren’t part of our statutory mission. So NASA will reimburse us for labor and travel costs associated with our service on the launch safety review panel. In other words, NRC’s licensees (such as nuclear power plants) don’t end up footing the bill for NRC’s participation in this activity.
More on the Mars 2020 mission can be found at NASA’s website, and in the associated Final Environmental Impact Statement associated with this mission.
S. Korea opens home-grown nuclear reactor in Jordan
S. Korea opens home-grown nuclear reactor in Jordan
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2016/12/07/0200000000AEN20161207004000320.html?input=rss
Trump Could Fuel A Nuclear Energy Boom In 2017
Trump Could Fuel A Nuclear Energy Boom In 2017
http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Trump-Could-Fuel-A-Nuclear-Energy-Boom-In-2017.html
Smaller, Safer, Saltier: Next-Gen Nuclear Draws Thiel and the UN
Smaller, Safer, Saltier: Next-Gen Nuclear Draws Thiel and the UN
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-07/smaller-safer-saltier-next-gen-nuclear-draws-thiel-and-the-un
Energy Department set to release nuclear repository plans, possibly affecting Savannah River Site
Energy Department set to release nuclear repository plans, possibly affecting Savannah River Site
http://www.aikenstandard.com/news/energy-department-set-to-release-nuclear-repository-plans-possibly-affecting/article_f83fa542-bc09-11e6-9bd8-8704c99b7bba.html
How Important Will Trump's Energy Secretary Pick Be For The Energy Industry?
How Important Will Trump's Energy Secretary Pick Be For The Energy Industry?
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4028242-important-will-trumps-energy-secretary-pick-energy-industry
Dear Ivanka: Al Gore Doesn't Have Climate Solutions, Republicans Do
Dear Ivanka: Al Gore Doesn't Have Climate Solutions, Republicans Do
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamestaylor/2016/12/06/dear-ivanka-al-gore-doesnt-have-climate-solutions-republicans-do/#699cdf636e35
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Roof collapses at WIPP raise new safety questions
Roof collapses at WIPP raise new safety questions
https://www.abqjournal.com/902842/new-safety-questions-come-up-at-wipp.html
Backers of stalled project join Trump transition team
Backers of stalled project join Trump transition team
http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1060046742
Under Trump, some enviros softening to nuclear, gas, CCS
Under Trump, some enviros softening to nuclear, gas, CCS
http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2016/12/06/stories/1060046679
Natural Gas Overwhelmingly Replaces Coal
Natural Gas Overwhelmingly Replaces Coal
New Analysis of US Regional Power Generation Between 2007 and 2013
http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/issues/natural-gas/natural-gas-overwhelmingly-replaces-coal
History Shows That Distributed Energy Is Not the Best Way to Solve Energy Poverty, Argues New Report
History Shows That Distributed Energy Is Not the Best Way to Solve Energy Poverty, Argues New Report
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/History-Shows-That-Distributed-Energy-Is-Not-the-Way-to-Solve-Energy-Povery
The Role of Base Load Low Carbon Electricity in Decarbonization
The Role of Base Load Low Carbon Electricity in Decarbonization
http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/voices/the-role-of-baseload-low-carbon-electricity-in-decarbonization
http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/voices/the-role-of-baseload-low-carbon-electricity-in-decarbonization
Defense Bill Would Expand U.S. Missile-Defense Policy
http://www.rollcall.com/news/p
John M. Donnelly http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/defense-bill-expand-u-s-missile-defense-policy?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTnpnNFlXSmxNVE0zWkRCaCIsInQiOiJvQnFiODZIdlM2SlRVVjhkbTdWT3VoOG4xUndzUU9HbVZnWmFTc0s0NnVRRjNlOE5CQXBiVGlKeWVRWll4bHF6SGN6VWdWcHZJTkxMK053WjZUTG9NZ0p2ZGkrN2tvWHpCbXgxK1lyNzlwOD0ifQ%3D%3D
Defense Bill Would Expand U.S. Missile-Defense Policy
Reservist survivor benefits, Guard bonuses also addressed
France’s Choice for Naval Nuclear Propulsion: Why Low-Enriched Uranium Was Chosen
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EPA's Fracking Study Edited at Last Minute, Downplaying Risks, Newly Uncovered Documents Show
EPA's Fracking Study Edited at Last Minute, Downplaying Risks, Newly Uncovered Documents Show
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/38626-epa-s-fracking-study-edited-at-last-minute-downplaying-risks-newly-uncovered-documents-show
Climate target 'very difficult' without nuclear, says IEA chief economist
Climate target 'very difficult' without nuclear, says IEA chief economist
06 December 2016
Wind and solar power are transforming the electricity
industry, but not fast enough to put the world on track for the UNFCCC's
Paris Agreement target to hold the global temperature increase well
below 2°C, according to László Varró, chief economist of the
International Energy Agency (IEA). This "climate stabilisation" target
needs nuclear power to play a significant role in the low-carbon power
mix, Varró told delegates at the Budapest Energy Summit yesterday.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/EE-Climate-target-very-difficult-without-nuclear-says-IEA-chief-economist-06121601.html
Eyes in the Sky: Cutting NASA Earth Observations Would Be a Costly Mistake
Eyes in the Sky: Cutting NASA Earth Observations Would Be a Costly Mistake http://www.theenergycollective.com/desmog/2394457/eyes-in-the-sky-cutting-nasa-earth-observations-would-be-a-costly-mistake-2
Economists: Climate Change Will Hurt US Economy Sooner Than Expected
Economists: Climate Change Will Hurt US Economy Sooner Than Expected
https://cleantechnica.com/2016/12/06/economists-climate-change-will-hurt-us-economy-sooner-expected/
Inside construction of the world's largest battery energy storage facility
Inside construction of the world's largest battery energy storage facility
SDG&E's 120 MWh Escondido storage project will help mitigate a natural gas shortage in southern California
http://www.utilitydive.com/news/inside-construction-of-the-worlds-largest-battery-energy-storage-facility/431765/
China warns US over breaking Iran nuclear deal
News
China warns US over breaking Iran nuclear deal
China has warned the incoming Trump administration
against breaking the Iran nuclear accord. The warning comes amid
uncertainty about the incoming administration's Iran policy.http://www.dw.com/en/china-warns-us-over-breaking-iran-nuclear-deal/a-36642301?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oil_prices_rise_to_55_supply_glut_continues_to_worry&utm_term=2016-12-06
EIS-0453: Recapitalization of Infrastructure Supporting Naval Spent Nuclear Fuel Handling at the Idaho National Laboratory
EIS-0453: Recapitalization of Infrastructure Supporting Naval Spent Nuclear Fuel Handling at the Idaho National Laboratory
SUMMARY
DOE is preparing an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with recapitalizing the infrastructure needed to ensure the long-term capability of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) and to support naval spent nuclear fuel handling capabilities provided by the Expended Core Facility (ECF). Significant upgrades are necessary to ECF infrastructure and water pools to continue safe and environmentally responsible naval spent nuclear fuel handling until at least 2060.PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITIES
None available at this time.DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
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October 7, 2016
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September 30, 2016Recapitalization of Infrastructure Supporting Naval Spent Nuclear Fuel Handling at the Idaho National Laboratory
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September 30, 2016Recapitalization of Infrastructure Supporting Naval Spent Nuclear Fuel Handling at the Idaho National Laboratory
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June 26, 2015Recapitalization of Infrastructure Supporting Naval Spent Nuclear Fuel Handling at the Idaho National Laboratory
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June 19, 2015Recapitalization of Infrastructure Supporting Naval Spent Nuclear Fuel Handling at the Idaho National Laboratory
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June 19, 2015Recapitalization of Infrastructure Supporting Naval Spent Nuclear Fuel Handling at the Idaho National Laboratory
Areva : The construction of nuclear fuel fabrication plant has started in Kazakhstan
Areva : The construction of nuclear fuel fabrication plant has started in Kazakhstan
http://www.4-traders.com/AREVA-8084917/news/Areva-The-construction-of-nuclear-fuel-fabrication-plant-has-started-in-Kazakhstan-23507629/
Majority of Illinois residents oppose nuclear bailout
Majority of Illinois residents oppose nuclear bailout
http://www.yourindustrynews.com/majority+of+illinois+residents+oppose+nuclear+bailout_138734.html
http://www.yourindustrynews.com/majority+of+illinois+residents+oppose+nuclear+bailout_138734.html
A step closer to LIMITLESS energy: Tests confirm Germany's 'star in a jar' nuclear fusion reactor really works
A step closer to LIMITLESS energy: Tests confirm Germany's 'star in a jar' nuclear fusion reactor really works
- Last year a new type of nuclear fusion reactor started up for the first time
- It creates magnetic fields designed to hold plasma long enough for fusion
- But the key is making sure these magnetic fields are exactly as planned
- A paper has been published confirming the complex machine works as hoped
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4004972/A-step-closer-LIMITLESS-energy-Tests-confirm-Germany-s-star-jar-nuclear-fusion-reactor-really-works.html
Wind Surges To Nearly 15 Percent Of Texas Power Supply
Wind Surges To Nearly 15 Percent Of Texas Power Supply
By By Greentech Media, / Monday, December 5, 2016 10:00 AM
Texas keeps breaking its own wind records, with no end in sight. Texas grid operator ERCOT announced a new record for wind on Monday. For the first time, wind provided more than 15,000 megawatts of electricity to the state on a single day. The record wind on Sunday supplied an average of 41 percent of
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Is China deferring on disarmament?
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This
week we begin the third and final round of the Development and
Disarmament Roundtable on China’s role in the nuclear world order. Is
China a responsible nuclear stakeholder? Is Beijing abandoning the
banning of the bomb? Or is the country merely waiting for the United
States and Russia to lead the way?
Read on for more insights into how China should address disarmament and nonproliferation as its power and confidence increase.
In the nuclear world order, what role for China?
Hua Han, Rajesh Rajagopalan, Gregory Kulacki Individual roundtable articles: China, the increasingly responsible nuclear stakeholder Hua Han How China can address the world’s nuclear disorder Rajesh Rajagopalan China unwisely defers on disarmament Gregory Kulacki Washington and Moscow hold the keys to the door of disarmament Hua Han China and nonproliferation: Divergence between policy and actions Rajesh Rajagopalan Chairman Xi abandons banning the bomb Gregory Kulacki More reading: China’s nuclear forces, 2016 Free access from the July/August subscription journal Hans M. Kristensen and Robert S. Norris China’s security agenda transcends the South China Sea Free access from the July/August subscription journal John W. Lewis and Xue Litai How to save the INF Treaty (and arms control): Invite China Petr Suchy and Bradley A. Thayer What if China develops MIRVs? David Cromer Logan and Tong Zhao Drawing a line between conventional and nuclear weapons in China David Cromer Logan China’s rapidly expanding centrifuge enrichment capacity Hui Zhang |
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