Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
US regulator OKs SMR emergency preparedness rule : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News
US regulator OKs SMR emergency preparedness rule : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has directed its staff to issue a final rule and associated regulatory guide that applies risk-informed, performance-based emergency preparedness requirements to small modular reactors and other new technologies.
US / New Rule Will Help Licensing Of Advanced Reactors, Says Regulator :: NucNet | The Independent Nuclear News Agency
US / New Rule Will Help Licensing Of Advanced Reactors, Says Regulator :: NucNet | The Independent Nuclear News Agency: Current regulations updated for new generation of nuclear plants
Turning Down the Temperature on Extreme… | The Breakthrough Institute
Turning Down the Temperature on Extreme… | The Breakthrough Institute: The Breakthrough Institute is an environmental research center based in Berkeley, California. Our research focuses on identifying and promoting…
Is Workforce Ready for Green Energy Transition? | RealClearPolicy
Is Workforce Ready for Green Energy Transition? | RealClearPolicy: The rapidly growing clean energy sector is bumping up against serious labor constraints.
Here Comes the Green Energy Future? | RealClearPolicy
Here Comes the Green Energy Future? | RealClearPolicy: Among the media sources serving as propagandists and cheerleaders for the “green energy transition,” two of the most prominent are the New York Times and Bloomberg News. To get an idea how the “
Monday, August 21, 2023
How to Avoid a U.S.-China War
How to Avoid a U.S.-China War: Americans and Chinese have to rehumanize each other in terms of the way we conceive of our problems and engage.
What Really Happened In Maui - by A Midwestern Doctor
What Really Happened In Maui - by A Midwestern Doctor: What Really Happened In Maui
and how can you help?
US trying to politicize nuclear nonproliferation: China Daily editorial - Chinadaily.com.cn
US trying to politicize nuclear nonproliferation: China Daily editorial - Chinadaily.com.cn: In yet another blow to the already souring bilateral relations, the Joe Biden administration has tightened controls on the export of materials and components for nuclear power plants to China on the spurious grounds that it would help prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
IEA Warns Of Winter NatGas Crisis If Russia Cuts Supplies | ZeroHedge
IEA Warns Of Winter NatGas Crisis If Russia Cuts Supplies | ZeroHedge: ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Should the NRC Revise the Aircraft Rule for SMRs? | Neutron Bytes
Should the NRC Revise the Aircraft Rule for SMRs? | Neutron Bytes: In a cordial email exchange this week with Rod Adams, long time blogger at Atomic Insights, and more recently the Managing Partner at Nucleation Capital, we discussed whether the Nuclear Regulatory…
Once feared, Diablo Canyon now key to California clean energy goals | Courthouse News Service
Once feared, Diablo Canyon now key to California clean energy goals | Courthouse News Service: Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant sparked controversy when it first opened decades ago. But in an era shaped by climate change, it may be just what California needs while the state awaits construction of an offshore wind farm.
Insurance challenges similar to PG&E/California wildfires could see a repeat in Hawaii
Insurance challenges similar to PG&E/California wildfires could see a repeat in Hawaii: The Hawaiian wildfire is becoming a more significant humanitarian and economic crisis than initial expectations. Although we have seen early economic and insured loss damage in the mid-teens and low single digits, respectively, these numbers will likely climb, as is often the case.
Growing share of Americans favor more nuclear power | Pew Research Center
Growing share of Americans favor more nuclear power | Pew Research Center: A majority of Americans (57%) say they favor more nuclear power plants to generate electricity in the country, up from 43% who said this in 2020.
Hawaiian Electric Sued by Homeowner Claiming Equipment Caused Lahaina Fires - Bloomberg
Hawaiian Electric Sued by Homeowner Claiming Equipment Caused Lahaina Fires - Bloomberg: Hawaiian Utility Sued by Homeowner Over Lahaina Fire
Lawsuit says poles blown over dropped live lines on dry grass
Hawaii officials say blaze damages could top $5.6 billion
Friday, August 18, 2023
Growing share of Americans favor more nuclear power | Pew Research Center
Growing share of Americans favor more nuclear power | Pew Research Center: A majority of Americans (57%) say they favor more nuclear power plants to generate electricity in the country, up from 43% who said this in 2020.
Twenty-year extension request for Diablo Canyon coming, PG&E says - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
Twenty-year extension request for Diablo Canyon coming, PG&E says - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
Outdated U.S. electric grid under scrutiny after Maui fire
Outdated U.S. electric grid under scrutiny after Maui fire: The U.S. needs over $1 trillion in upgrades.
Renewables Mania And Woke Dogma Behind Hawaii Fire, Not Climate Change
Renewables Mania And Woke Dogma Behind Hawaii Fire, Not Climate Change: New York Times spreads disinformation about climate change and fires
Approval sought for second large Polish nuclear power plant : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News
Approval sought for second large Polish nuclear power plant : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: PGE PAK Energia Jądrowa has submitted an application to Poland's Ministry of Climate for a decision-in-principle on the construction of a nuclear power plant consisting of at least two Korean-supplied APR1400 reactors in the Patnów-Konin region of Wielkopolska province in central Poland.
Thursday, August 17, 2023
US / New Rule Will Help Licensing Of Advanced Reactors, Says Regulator :: NucNet | The Independent Nuclear News Agency
US / New Rule Will Help Licensing Of Advanced Reactors, Says Regulator :: NucNet | The Independent Nuclear News Agency: Current regulations updated for new generation of nuclear plants
Nuclear is 'bedrock' of Duke's energy roadmap : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Nuclear is 'bedrock' of Duke's energy roadmap : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress have recommended extending the lives of their existing nuclear power plants as well as building two new small modular reactors by 2035 in an energy portfolio that offers the most prudent way forward for North and South Carolina.
Wyoming to consider microreactors as SMR plans continue : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Wyoming to consider microreactors as SMR plans continue : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: A project led by BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC to assess the viability of deploying microreactors to supplement Wyoming's existing power generation resources is set to be one of the first recipients of matched funding under a state-appropriated programme. But TerraPower has put its plans to apply for a construction permit for a Natrium reactor in the state back by five months.
Mirion Technologies Awarded Strategic Design Contract for X-energy’s Small Modular Reactor | Business Wire
Mirion Technologies Awarded Strategic Design Contract for X-energy’s Small Modular Reactor | Business Wire: Mirion Technologies (NYSE: MIR), a leading provider of advanced radiation safety solutions, today announced a strategic design contract with X-Energy
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission Moves… | The Breakthrough Institute
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission Moves… | The Breakthrough Institute: The Breakthrough Institute is an environmental research center based in Berkeley, California. Our research focuses on identifying and promoting…
Renewables Mania And Woke Dogma Behind Hawaii Fire, Not Climate Change
Renewables Mania And Woke Dogma Behind Hawaii Fire, Not Climate Change: New York Times spreads disinformation about climate change and fires
Inflation Reduction Act May Lead To Major Metals Supply Crunch | OilPrice.com
Inflation Reduction Act May Lead To Major Metals Supply Crunch | OilPrice.com: Government support, including direct financial support in the form of clean energy subsidies, will spur an unprecedented demand for crucial metals, some of which cannot be physically supplied
The United States and its allies must be ready to deter a two-front war and nuclear attacks in East Asia - Atlantic Council
The United States and its allies must be ready to deter a two-front war and nuclear attacks in East Asia - Atlantic Council: This report highlights two emerging and interrelated deterrence challenges in East Asia with grave risks to US national security.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
The water wars of the future are here today — USC News
The water wars of the future are here today — USC News: USC experts examine the battle over water rights among seven states in the American Southwest and elsewhere.
Chinese military says it just achieved “huge breakthrough” in laser weapon technology – NaturalNews.com
Chinese military says it just achieved “huge breakthrough” in laser weapon technology – NaturalNews.com: Scientists in communist China are bragging that they have come up with a new breakthrough in laser weapon technology that will allow the country’s military to operate high-energy lasers “infinitely” without any excess build-up of heat waste. Experts from the National University of Defence Technology, located in China’s Hunan province, say the new cooling system […]
Nuclear war is inevitable – North Korea — RT World News
Nuclear war is inevitable – North Korea — RT World News: America’s belligerent policy on the Korean peninsula puts the world on the brink of a nuclear conflict, says General Kang Sun-nam
1.3M Tons of Nuclear Wastewater Being Dumped Into Ocean | Facts Matter
1.3M Tons of Nuclear Wastewater Being Dumped Into Ocean | Facts Matter: Unbeknownst to most people, Japan is currently in the process of releasing about a million tons of radioactive ...
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
New Licensing Requirements on Exports of Civil Nuclear Hardware, Software, and Technology to China
New Licensing Requirements on Exports of Civil Nuclear Hardware, Software, and Technology to China: New Licensing Requirements on Exports of Civil Nuclear Hardware, Software, and Technology to China - EnergyPortal.eu
NRC approves emergency preparedness rule for small modular reactors | Utility Dive
NRC approves emergency preparedness rule for small modular reactors | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
NRC Suspends General License for Exports of Most Materials to China – Up & Atom
NRC Suspends General License for Exports of Most Materials to China – Up & Atom: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) published an order in the Federal Register on August 14, 2023 suspending the general license to export special nuclear material, source material, and deuterium for nuclear end use to China. Under the NRC’s order, which is effective immediately, any person wishing to export special nuclear material, source material, or deuterium to China must apply for, and receive, a specific license before they can make the export.
States that toppled Obama carbon rule say Biden made same mistakes - E&E News by POLITICO
States that toppled Obama carbon rule say Biden made same mistakes - E&E News by POLITICO: EPA’s power plant proposal “still doubles down on the earlier rule’s goals by setting unrealistic standards,” 21 Republican state attorneys […]
Expert Warns US Nuclear Agency's 'Reckless' New Rule Will Weaken Emergency Safety
Expert Warns US Nuclear Agency's 'Reckless' New Rule Will Weaken Emergency Safety: "People everywhere need to be aware of the NRC's dangerous decision and its implications for their health and safety."
Data Confirms: Building a Cleaner Grid Is Going to Be Harder Than Expected | RealClearEnergy
Data Confirms: Building a Cleaner Grid Is Going to Be Harder Than Expected | RealClearEnergy: A new report from Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center finds that at least 228 local laws, ordinances, and policies have been enacted in 35 states to restrict renewable energy projects.
Energy poverty makes millions suffer
Energy poverty makes millions suffer: Millions suffer in Bangladesh because of energy poverty, as people in the country continue to have limited access to clean cooking fuel and electricity.
In...
“Unconventional and Underestimated: U.S. Shale” by Trisha Curtis – EPRINC
“Unconventional and Underestimated: U.S. Shale” by Trisha Curtis – EPRINC: The production of oil and gas from unconventional geologic formations (generally called shale oil and gas) has lifted the U.S. into the world’s largest oil and gas producer. In the midst of the Covid pandemic and the associated worldwide government initiatives to lockdown large segments of the world’s economies, petroleum demand cratered. Analysts, academic researchers, and a large number of commentators viewed the reduction of petroleum demand accompanying the pandemic as a signal that a sustained decline in oil demand had finally arrived. But pandemics have a tendency to return to trend once infections run their course. According to the International Energy Forum (IEF), and referencing the authoritative Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI), world oil demand rose in December 2022 (year-over-year) by 1.3 million barrels per day (mb/d). The most recent forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) points to rising petroleum requirements worldwide. The agency expects global liquid fuels consumption to increase by 1.5 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2023 from 2022 and by an additional 1.8 million b/d in 2024.
So does the U.S. have the capacity to raise domestic oil pr
Report Finds 228 Local Restrictions Against Siting Wind, Solar, and Other Renewables, as Well as 293 Contested Projects - Climate Law Blog
Report Finds 228 Local Restrictions Against Siting Wind, Solar, and Other Renewables, as Well as 293 Contested Projects - Climate Law Blog: Renewable energy projects have encountered significant opposition in at least 45 states. In addition, at least 228 local laws, ordinances and policies have been enacted in 35 states to restrict renewable energy projects, according to a report, Opposition to Renewable Energy Facilities in the United States, issued on May 31 by Columbia Law School’s Sabin […]
This rush to electric cars is a colossal mistake - spiked
This rush to electric cars is a colossal mistake - spiked: Only China and the rich will benefit from this hasty transition to an all-electric future.
(10) The real problem with California's ban on gas-fueled cars - YouTube
(10) The real problem with California's ban on gas-fueled cars - YouTube: Chapman University Presidential Fellow Joel Kotkin joined 'Fox News Live' to discuss the 'numerous problems' associated with the policy. #FoxNews Subscribe t...
Will Insurance Costs Derail the EV Revolution? | RealClearEnergy
Will Insurance Costs Derail the EV Revolution? | RealClearEnergy: Four hundred ninety-eight electric vehicles (EVs) and over 3,200 other vehicles, including 350 Mercedes Benzes, were bound for Egypt on the Fremantle Highway when one or more of the EVs
The Real World Costs Of Backing Up Weather-Dependent Electricity Generation With Battery Storage — Manhattan Contrarian
The Real World Costs Of Backing Up Weather-Dependent Electricity Generation With Battery Storage — Manhattan Contrarian: A recurring question at this blog has been, how do the world’s politicians plan to provide reliable electricity without fossil fuels? Country after country, and state after state, have announced grand plans for what they call “Net Zero” electricity generation, universally accompanied by schemes for
Wind Industry Seeks More Support As Costs Spiral Out Of Control | OilPrice.com
Wind Industry Seeks More Support As Costs Spiral Out Of Control | OilPrice.com: Amid rising costs, technological issues, and intensified competition from Big Oil, the wind energy industry seeks more government support to remain profitable.
Physics - Nuclear Fusion Heats Up
Physics - Nuclear Fusion Heats Up: The observation of self-heating in magnetically confined plasmas represents a milestone on the road to fusion reactors based on such plasmas.
Monday, August 14, 2023
Nuclear Power Plant | Last Nuclear Power Plant In The United States? - Jump
Nuclear Power Plant | Last Nuclear Power Plant In The United States? - Jump: Article originally published on Canary Media.
Watching Trends: How INL Helps the NRC Model Risk and Reliability
Watching Trends: How INL Helps the NRC Model Risk and Reliability: Supporters of nuclear energy tout the safety and reliability of nuclear power, and data supports their claims.
The Fake Climate Change 'Consensus'
The Fake Climate Change 'Consensus': That "overwhelming scientific consensus" on climate change? It's a "manufactured consensus," says climate scientist Judith Curry.
Take It From Miss America: Young Americans Should Champion Nuclear Energy | Opinion
Take It From Miss America: Young Americans Should Champion Nuclear Energy | Opinion: Gen Z could be the generation that champions nuclear energy and fights back against climate change. In fact, we have to.
DOE Awards $11.7 Million to the Southeast New Mexico College | Department of Energy
DOE Awards $11.7 Million to the Southeast New Mexico College | Department of Energy: The Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a non-competitive financial assistance Cooperative Agreement (DE-EM0005275) to the Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC), of Carlsbad, New Mexico for educational programs.
Pyongyang, Beijing and Moscow shift ties 70 years after Korean War - Nikkei Asia
Pyongyang, Beijing and Moscow shift ties 70 years after Korean War - Nikkei Asia: TOKYO -- How the North and South Korean leaders spent the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice highlighted the diverging paths of the two coun
Guest Post: My Latest Forbes Column: Burns & McDonnell Stakes A Key Place In Electric Van Scene
My Latest Forbes Column: Burns & McDonnell Stakes A Key Place In Electric Van Scene - :
Dear Friends,
Here is my latest column on Forbes.com. It deals with the rapid electrification of intra-city transportation.
Dear Friends,
Here is my latest column on Forbes.com. It deals with the rapid electrification of intra-city transportation.
Cheers,
Llewellyn
Burns & McDonnell Stakes A Key Place In Electric Van Scene
By Llewellyn King
I don’t quite know why, but since I was a small boy in Africa, I have been fascinated with the idea of electrified transportation.
When I was about 9, I proposed to my father that we put a motor on a bicycle and feed it power from the little generator that rubbed on the front tire and kept the light on if the cycle were moving fast enough. My father, who knew about such things, gave me a lesson on why perpetual motion wouldn’t work.
Later in London, I was fascinated by the electric vans that were used by Harrods, the legendary department store, for deliveries. These ran on lead acid batteries and, with distinctive green livery, they were ubiquitous on the streets of Central London for decades.
Forward again to the energy crisis, which began in the fall of 1973. I was concerned about how electricity could substitute for oil. Absent anything offering more than limited mobility using lead acid batteries, my thoughts turned to public transportation.
In 1974, I helped to write a study for President Nixon in which we advocated electrifying the railroads. At that time, I also spoke up for trolley cars which took their power directly from overhead wires, but the connection could come off the wire on turns or if the trolley had to swerve to avoid an accident.
According to someone who really knows, my dreams are all coming true — and amazingly fast. He is Kyle Pynn, Transportation, Electrification Business Line director at Burns & McDonnell, the engineering, construction and architecture firm.
Pynn doesn’t design or build electric vans or trucks, but he does build the systems that charge them and works with the companies that deploy them. Currently, he is working with about 20 utilities, getting them ready for the surge in demand from fleet owners, primarily for vans and regional delivery trucks.
The big growth, Pynn told me, is going to be from delivery vehicles that cover the last 150 miles. He expects that in 10 years, electric vehicles will make up 30 percent to 50 percent of the regional haul and last-mile delivery fleets — that vital last 150 miles. It will be driven by large fleet owners like Amazon, UPS, the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx — the latter a customer of Pynn’s and Burns & McDonnell.
Pynn’s work is to help the utilities meet that load and to build out the charging infrastructure for the fleet owner. There is no one-size-fits-all.
“Fleets don’t have the same demand and if they have a lot of down time, they may not need DCFC (Level 3 chargers) which would top them up inside an hour,” he said.
For example, they may be able to charge overnight. This changes both the volume of the power delivered and the charging facility. A fast charge could be as much as 1 megawatt an hour, but overnight, it would be more the equivalent of charging an electric vehicle in a domestic garage, multiplied by the size of the fleet.
For the vehicle owner, the length of time the vehicle is on the road is a critical factor in designing the infrastructure for its charging. If it is going to be limited mileage, then the van or light truck can have a smaller battery and less weight. If they are in motion longer, the battery has to be larger and, necessarily, it will be heavier.
As Pynn looks across the electrification world, he sees a landscape where there are endless possibilities. But each system must be somewhat bespoke, depending on the variables of miles, time in motion, speed, frequency of charging and other specific use factors, like what is being delivered.
Buses are an example of predictable routes and possibly frequent top-up charging. Pynn told me that buses can be frequently charged with overhead installations using a pantograph: the same concertina-type device which has been used for electric trains on long-haul routes, as seen throughout Europe and on the Northeast Corridor, running from Boston to Washington.
Pantograph is an old and reliable technology, but it gets a new assignment when it comes to fleet charging. Using pantographs in a charging yard, the EV doesn’t need to be wired up, but can simply drive under a charging point and the pantograph will extend down to charging bars on the roof of the vehicle — a technique already in use in some places.
For buses, this opens the possibility of a lighter vehicle which can draw a booster charge at points along its pre-assigned route, at a bus stop or transit center.
Pynn and his Burns & McDonnell team are more cautious on their expectations of intercity buses and trucks. Here, Pynn speculated, hydrogen and fuel cells are likely to do the job, but they won’t be on the scene fast enough to accommodate the rush of city delivery vehicles from Amazon, UPS, FedEx and other operators which is now underway. The assignment for Pynn and his team is to get the fleet owners and the electric utilities ready for this new world in intra-city transportation.
Trains will have to wait. While it is unlikely that old-fashioned, electric long-haul trains will ever be built again, there is work underway on rechargeable locomotives. Here weight isn’t a penalty and new heavier battery types can be considered, as can limited charging points along the line, much like the pattern emerging for buses.
Meanwhile, intra-city delivery is the hot ticket.
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Sweden Needs to Treble Nuclear Power as Electricity Demand Soars - Bloomberg
Sweden Needs to Treble Nuclear Power as Electricity Demand Soars - Bloomberg: Sweden said it needs to treble nuclear power capacity over the next couple of decades to meet a surge in electricity demand.
Wind Industry in Crisis as Problems Mount - WSJ
Wind Industry in Crisis as Problems Mount - WSJ: More than $30 billion in spending is delayed as setbacks pile up for renewable-energy sector.
Biden administration shells out $1.2B in bid to bolster carbon removal
Biden administration shells out $1.2B in bid to bolster carbon removal: Two projects in Louisiana and Texas will build direct air capture hubs.
South Koreans rally in Seoul against Japanese plans to release treated nuclear wastewater into sea | AP News
South Koreans rally in Seoul against Japanese plans to release treated nuclear wastewater into sea | AP News: Anxious about Japan’s impending release of treated nuclear wastewater from the tsunami-damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant, hundreds of South Koreans marched in their capital Saturday.
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