Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.

Thursday, January 4, 2024

BP and Equinor Cancel Big New York Offshore Wind Project - Barron's

BP and Equinor Cancel Big New York Offshore Wind Project - Barron's: BP and Equinor have canceled a major offshore wind contract near New York. The project, known as Empire Wind 2, was expected to be installed 15 to 30 miles off the coast of Long Island and had already received important permits.

Could 2024 be a breakout year for the transmission… | Canary Media

Could 2024 be a breakout year for the transmission… | Canary Media

DOE docs: Carbon removal proposal bets on rare nuclear reactors - E&E News by POLITICO

DOE docs: Carbon removal proposal bets on rare nuclear reactors - E&E News by POLITICO: Previously unreported plans for a major direct air capture hub raise concerns about using troubled reactors that don’t exist in the United States.

COP28’s Nuclear Energy Promise Is Still a Long Way Off | The National Interest

COP28’s Nuclear Energy Promise Is Still a Long Way Off | The National Interest: The role nuclear energy might play in the future global energy mix should be supported by realistic analysis not on hope about what might be accomplished on hypothetical pathways.

There Is No Clean Future Without Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy

There Is No Clean Future Without Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy

The Ultimate Twosome - TomDispatch.com

The Ultimate Twosome - TomDispatch.com Nukes and Climate Change in 2024 By Tom Engelhardt Honestly, what strange creatures we are. Nothing stops us when it comes to destruction, does it? (And I'm not even thinking about the utter, ongoing devastation of Gaza.) I mean, give us credit as the new year begins. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about humanity isn't our literature, our theater, our movies, the remarkable food we cook, the cities we've built, or the endless other things we've created. To my mind, it's the fact that, in our relatively brief time as rulers of this planet, amid a chaos of never-ending wars and conflicts, we've come up with not just one but two different ways of doing ourselves (and much of the rest of our world) in.

There Are 2 Types of Environmentalist - by Tomas Pueyo

There Are 2 Types of Environmentalist - by Tomas Pueyo

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

First major U.S. offshore wind farm sends first power to the grid | The Hill

First major U.S. offshore wind farm sends first power to the grid | The Hill: An offshore wind project in New England that is expected to be the U.S.’s first large-scale offshore wind farm has delivered power to the electric grid for the first time. The Vineyard Wind project — located off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts — sent power to the New England grid during initial testing. …

Russia, India sign Kudankulam agreements : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

Russia, India sign Kudankulam agreements : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: Agreements linked to the construction of new reactors at the Kudankulam site in Tamil Nadu were signed during a five-day visit to Moscow by India's Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

UK-Korean partnership to develop nuclear-powered cargo ships : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News

UK-Korean partnership to develop nuclear-powered cargo ships : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News

China approves construction of four new reactors : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News

China approves construction of four new reactors : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News: The construction of two Hualong One reactors at each of the Taipingling and Jinqimen sites was approved by China's State Council at a 29 December meeting. Meanwhile, various milestones have been reached in the construction of other Chinese units.

From Dallas to Gaza, by Rick Sterling - The Unz Review

From Dallas to Gaza, by Rick Sterling - The Unz Review: The JFK Assassination Was Good for Zionist Israel

DOE docs: Carbon removal proposal bets on rare nuclear reactors - E&E News by POLITICO

DOE docs: Carbon removal proposal bets on rare nuclear reactors - E&E News by POLITICO: Previously unreported plans for a major direct air capture hub raise concerns about using troubled reactors that don’t exist in the United States.

Carbon-Free Energy Is the Name of the Game: Renewables, Nuclear Poised for Growth

Carbon-Free Energy Is the Name of the Game: Renewables, Nuclear Poised for Growth: Solar, wind, and nuclear power, as well as battery storage systems, are the obvious winners as the world aims to decarbonize energy systems. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who has been following trends

There Is No Clean Future Without Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy

There Is No Clean Future Without Nuclear Energy | RealClearEnergy: On the heels of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, it’s clear that nuclear energy’s role in achieving a clean energy future cannot be overlooked or understated.

Ground News - Appeals court delivers fatal blow to California city pushing natural gas ban

Ground News - Appeals court delivers fatal blow to California city pushing natural gas ban: A federal appeals court rejected a petition Tuesday to rehear a case related to a natural gas ban proposed by the City of Berkeley, California, which the panel ruled was illegal last year.

ExxonMobil hands over operations at West Qurna 1 oilfield to PetroChina | Reuters

ExxonMobil hands over operations at West Qurna 1 oilfield to PetroChina | Reuters: U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil Corp has formally exited the West Qurna 1 oilfield in southern Iraq and handed over its operations to PetroChina as lead contractor, a deputy oil minister told Reuters on Monday.

Permafrost, Methane and Climate Change

Permafrost, Methane and Climate Change: An short introduction to a contentious discussion

US solar breaks new records in 2023 - Energy Live News

US solar breaks new records in 2023 - Energy Live News: Solar power in the US has outpaced all other energy sources and accounted for 42.1% of new domestic generating capacity in 2023, according to new data

COP28’s Nuclear Energy Promise Is Still a Long Way Off | The National Interest

COP28’s Nuclear Energy Promise Is Still a Long Way Off | The National Interest: The role nuclear energy might play in the future global energy mix should be supported by realistic analysis not on hope about what might be accomplished on hypothetical pathways.

Nuclear Power’s Commanded Heights (Part II) | RealClearEnergy

Nuclear Power’s Commanded Heights (Part II) | RealClearEnergy: Note: This is Part 2 of a 2 Part Series. It was nuclear energy’s dependence on the start and stop policies of the Federal Government that crippled the industry in the 1970s. Civilian Nuclear Pow

Scientist Discover How to Convert CO2 into Powder That Can Be Stored for Decades | Scientific American

Scientist Discover How to Convert CO2 into Powder That Can Be Stored for Decades | Scientific American: A team of scientists has figured out how to convert planet-warming carbon dioxide into a harmless powdery fuel that could be converted into clean electricity

Educators teaching Palestine face academic repression at the University of California – Mondoweiss

Educators teaching Palestine face academic repression at the University of California – Mondoweiss

Over 100 killed as terror attack strikes Iran near Soleimani's tomb

Over 100 killed as terror attack strikes Iran near Soleimani's tomb

Firm develops jet fuel made entirely from human poo

Firm develops jet fuel made entirely from human poo

Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Mean Business in the Red Sea | WPR

Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Mean Business in the Red Sea | WPR

No impact to Japan's nuclear plants following New Year’s Day quakes -- ANS / Nuclear Newswire

No impact to Japan's nuclear plants following New Year’s Day quakes -- ANS / Nuclear Newswire

NuScale SMR meets Polish safety requirements, says regulator : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

NuScale SMR meets Polish safety requirements, says regulator : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: NuScale Power's NPM-20 small modular reactor technology is compliant with Polish nuclear safety and radiological protection standards, the president of the National Atomic Energy Agency said in a general opinion.

Korea’s Artificial Sun KSTAR Receives Upgrade to Withstand Temperature 6 Times Hotter Than Center of the Sun | Science Times

Korea’s Artificial Sun KSTAR Receives Upgrade to Withstand Temperature 6 Times Hotter Than Center of the Sun | Science Times: The nuclear fusion reactor from South Korea had been upgraded to withstand extreme temperatures. Continue reading to learn about the progress of the artificial sun KSTAR.

ARTBIO divulges plans for proprietary isotope manufacturing technology - Pharmaceutical Technology

ARTBIO divulges plans for proprietary isotope manufacturing technology - Pharmaceutical Technology: ARTBIO is developing a proprietary radiotherapy manufacturing technology to overcome distribution and supply chain challenges.

Work on WIPP's air shaft halted following safety incidents

Work on WIPP's air shaft halted following safety incidents: No radioactive materials were involved in the incident, and no one was injured. Federal officials are unsure of when construction would resume.

Ship carrying Li-Ion cells caught fire. What could go wrong? • The Register

Ship carrying Li-Ion cells caught fire. What could go wrong? • The Register: Less than you might imagine, thankfully

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Opinion | The president’s nuclear capabilities - The Washington Post

Opinion | The president’s nuclear capabilities - The Washington Post

FERC nixes PG&E’s requested $41.4M annual equity incentive for being a CAISO member | Utility Dive

FERC nixes PG&E’s requested $41.4M annual equity incentive for being a CAISO member | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.

NuScale SMR meets Polish safety requirements, says regulator : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News

NuScale SMR meets Polish safety requirements, says regulator : Regulation & Safety - World Nuclear News: NuScale Power's NPM-20 small modular reactor technology is compliant with Polish nuclear safety and radiological protection standards, the president of the National Atomic Energy Agency said in a general opinion.

We Can Already Stop Climate Change If We Want To

We Can Already Stop Climate Change If We Want To: We Can Already Stop Climate Change If We Want To

Did the Magi follow a star or an angel to the Child Jesus?

Did the Magi follow a star or an angel to the Child Jesus?

Hedge funds stockpile uranium as price of nuclear fuel surges

Hedge funds stockpile uranium as price of nuclear fuel surges: Up to 50 firms are believed to have bought uranium amid huge global supply deficit

Carbon-Free Energy Is the Name of the Game: Renewables, Nuclear Poised for Growth

Carbon-Free Energy Is the Name of the Game: Renewables, Nuclear Poised for Growth: Solar, wind, and nuclear power, as well as battery storage systems, are the obvious winners as the world aims to decarbonize energy systems. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who has been following trends

Embracing Nuclear Energy in the Quest for Net-Zero

Embracing Nuclear Energy in the Quest for Net-Zero: As we approach the challenges of 2024, we are fortunate to enjoy two key ingredients for success — bold innovation and united commitment.

2023: A Transformative Year for Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

2023: A Transformative Year for Small Modular Nuclear Reactors: The small modular reactor (SMR) concept has long been viewed by many within the nuclear sector and by policymakers as somewhat of an arriviste—an upstart

Nuclear Power’s Commanded Heights | RealClearEnergy

Nuclear Power’s Commanded Heights | RealClearEnergy: Note: This is Part 1 of a 2 Part Series. The Federal Government has always played a dominant role in Nuclear Energy. It was the  Manhattan Project that took the theories of Albert Eisenstein&rsqu

Documents Confirm Mutated SARS-CoV-2 Virus Most Likely Leaked from… – The Vaccine Reaction

Documents Confirm Mutated SARS-CoV-2 Virus Most Likely Leaked from… – The Vaccine Reaction: More evidence has emerged that the COVID-19 pandemic began when a lab engineered mutated coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) leaked from a biohazard lab in Wuhan, China. Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, which was filed by the nonprofit public health research group...

[SocialMedia] Spain confirms plans to close 7 nuclear plants by 2035 -

[SocialMedia] Spain confirms plans to close 7 nuclear plants by 2035 - Spain / Government Confirms Plans To Phase Out Nuclear Power By 2035 nucnet.org/news/government-confirms-plans-to-phase-out-nuclear-power-by-2035-12-4-2023 Move is contentious, with business group recently calling for lifetime extensions Spain on Wednesday (27 December) confirmed plans to close the country’s fleet of seven commercial nuclear power plants by 2035, with the first shutdown scheduled for 2027. The fate of Spain’s nuclear fleet became a key topic during this summer’s electoral campaign, with the conservative opposition People’s Party pledging to reverse the planned phaseout of the nuclear plants, which generate about a fifth of the country’s electricity. The Spanish Socialist Workers’ party, which supports the phaseout plans, won most seats in the election and a coalition deal between centre-left parties that formed a government has confirmed plans for “the orderly and progressive dismantling” of nuclear reactors. The management of radioactive waste and dismantling of the plants will cost about €20.2bn ($22.4bn) and will be paid for by a fund supported by the plants’ operators, the government said. The government, led by prime minister Pedro Sanchez plans to start closing down Spain’s fleet from 2027. According to government plans, Almaraz-1, a 1,011 MW pressurised water reactor unit that began commercial operation in 1983, is the first plant that would close. Recently, one of Spain’s top business lobby groups called for the government to extend the operational lifetimes of the country’s nuclear plants, calling plans to shut them down a “strategic and economic error”. “Ideological positions should not prevent us from recognising the need to extend the useful life of power plants already installed, which guarantee the stability of the system,” said Manuel Perez-Sala, chairman of business lobby Circulo de Empresarios, which says its members include 230 business leaders and top managers. Keeping nuclear plants running requires multi-billion euros investments in aging plants, but offers the assurance of stable power, he said at an energy transition event in Madrid. Industry Wants ‘Open And Honest Dialogue’ His comments came as Circulo de Empresarios released a study (Spanish only) on the energy transition which concluded the government should extend the useful life of nuclear power plants. The study said Spain’s nuclear power plants have not had safety problems and the quality of the operation is “beyond doubt”. In July, Spain’s nuclear energy industry said it wanted to establish an “open and honest dialogue” with the government on the future of the sector. The Madrid-based nuclear group Foro Nuclear said there has been “different information” about the sector's position regarding the future of nuclear energy, but the industry is “fully willing and open to collaborate with the government on the decisions that could be taken on the future of nuclear energy in Spain”. Foro Nuclear warned earlier this year that the energy situation is different to when the phaseout was originally decided in 2019, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A May 2021 International Energy Agency report said Spain should not rule out nuclear energy as an option beyond 2050 with reactor technology having the potential to contribute to decarbonisation through high-temperature heat supply and hydrogen production. Spain’s decision on nuclear comes as countries are considering the technology as a way of increasing energy security and mitigating climate change. A consensus agreed at the recent Cop28 climate summit recognised the need to “accelerate” nuclear energy as a key approach for a deep, rapid and sustained reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – a move hailed by industry representatives and European politicians as a major moment for the future of the sector. Also at Cop28, 22 countries signed a pledge to triple nuclear generation capacity by 2050 from a base year of 2020. # # # ______________________________________ Dan Yurman dan.yurman@outlook.com NeutronBytes Mobile: 216-218-3823 Cleveland, OH more or less

Biden allies turn against key part of his climate agenda

Biden allies turn against key part of his climate agenda

North Korea will 'annihilate' South Korea, US if provoked : Kim Jong Un

North Korea will 'annihilate' South Korea, US if provoked : Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Un warns war is 'realistic reality' as he pledges to build more nuclear weapons in 2024 | World News | Sky News

Kim Jong Un warns war is 'realistic reality' as he pledges to build more nuclear weapons in 2024 | World News | Sky News: North Korea's leader says moves by the US and its allies against Pyongyang have been unprecedented in 2023, pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war.

How Joe Biden Became America’s Top Israel Hawk – Mother Jones

How Joe Biden Became America’s Top Israel Hawk – Mother Jones

(2) America's secret weapon - Talleyrand

(2) America's secret weapon - Talleyrand

Systems to supply power to nuclear plant in Ishikawa partially unusable | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Systems to supply power to nuclear plant in Ishikawa partially unusable | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News: The operator of the Shika nuclear power plant in quake-hit Ishikawa Prefecture says systems to supply electricity to the facility from outside sources remain partially unusable.

Monday, January 1, 2024

South Korea records its first trade deficit with China in 31 years - Nikkei Asia

South Korea records its first trade deficit with China in 31 years - Nikkei Asia: TOKYO -- South Korea recorded a trade deficit of $18 billion with China in 2023, marking its first such bilateral shortfall with the country

Gmail - [SocialMedia] Japan Earthquake / ‘No Irregularities Identified At Nuclear Power Plants, Says Regulator

Gmail - [SocialMedia] Japan Earthquake / ‘No Irregularities Identified At Nuclear Power Plants, Says Regulator

Japan Earthquake / No Irregularities at Nuclear Power Plants | Neutron Bytes

Japan Earthquake / No Irregularities at Nuclear Power Plants | Neutron Bytes: Japan issued tsunami alerts and ordered evacuations following a series of earthquakes on Monday on Japan’s west coast. According to news media reports, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reporte…

Friday, December 29, 2023

World's Largest Reserve Of REE Lithium Discovered Beneath California's Salton Sea: $540 Billion Motherlode Could Meet America's Supply Demands For Decades - Benzinga

World's Largest Reserve Of REE Lithium Discovered Beneath California's Salton Sea: $540 Billion Motherlode Could Meet America's Supply Demands For Decades - Benzinga

Inside the world's first reactor that will power Earth using the same nuclear reaction as the Sun | Euronews

Inside the world's first reactor that will power Earth using the same nuclear reaction as the Sun | Euronews: We go behind the scenes at the world’s largest nuclear fusion device attempting to harness energy from the same reaction that powers the Sun and stars.

Support for nuclear has grown dramatically, says global agency chief | Reuters

Support for nuclear has grown dramatically, says global agency chief | Reuters: Global energy security concerns and the drive to meet net zero targets have led to a sharp turnaround in support for nuclear, Director-General of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) William D. Magwood IV tells Reuters Events.

Investors are turning bullish on nuclear – Nucleation Capital

Investors are turning bullish on nuclear – Nucleation Capital

A First-Ever Construction Permit Received by Kairos Power – Nucleation Capital

A First-Ever Construction Permit Received by Kairos Power – Nucleation Capital

States are Lifting Bans on Nuclear – Nucleation Capital

States are Lifting Bans on Nuclear – Nucleation Capital

Nuclear Tripling Pledge Announced – Nucleation Capital

Nuclear Tripling Pledge Announced – Nucleation Capital

Discussing Fossil Future with students from the John Locke Institute, Pt. 2

Discussing Fossil Future with students from the John Locke Institute, Pt. 2: More answers to intelligent pre-college students’ questions about energy, climate, and environment. This time, with economics professor Bryan Caplan.

IAEA Highlights and Achievements in 2023 – A Year in Review | IAEA

IAEA Highlights and Achievements in 2023 – A Year in Review | IAEA: From nuclear energy making history at COP28, to new programmes in food security and water resource management, to conducting safeguards in war zones, to driving safety and security around the world — including helping prevent a nuclear accident in Ukraine — to improving access to nuclear technology, this was an eventful year for the IAEA.

Top “Nuclear Explained” Reads in 2023 | IAEA

Top “Nuclear Explained” Reads in 2023 | IAEA: The IAEA ‘Nuclear Explained’ series offers easy-to-understand explanations of major topics in nuclear science and technology. See the top five ‘Nuclear Explained’ articles read by global audiences this year.

Transition from large-scale nuclear to SMRs gains momentum in US - ShareCafe

Transition from large-scale nuclear to SMRs gains momentum in US - ShareCafe: The central theme driving the energy transition and decarbonisation efforts revolves around the objective of maximising the use of electricity and sourcing this electrical power from renewable and low-carbon origins.

US Finalizes $1.1 Billion Award to PG&E For California Reactors

US Finalizes $1.1 Billion Award to PG&E For California Reactors: The Energy Department has finalized an award of as much as $1.1 billion to PG&E Corp. to keep two nuclear reactors in service at its Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, according to a notice made public Friday.

China blocks exports of rare earth technology

China blocks exports of rare earth technology: Move follows Western efforts to restrict the country's access to microchip technology

11 Most Promising Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Stocks According to Analysts - Insider Monkey

11 Most Promising Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Stocks According to Analysts - Insider Monkey: In this piece, we will take a look at the 11 most promising hydrogen and fuel cell stocks according to analysts.

Portable Nuclear Reactor Now A Reality

Portable Nuclear Reactor Now A Reality: Scientists have found a way to pocket the immense power of nuclear reactors creating a portable machine to produce the energy anywhere in the world.

2023 Ignited a New Era For Nuclear Fusion. 2024 Could Be Even Brighter

2023 Ignited a New Era For Nuclear Fusion. 2024 Could Be Even Brighter: This year, the National Ignition Facility repeated its energy gain achievement multiple times, making fusion scientists more optimistic than ever.

Ex-Israeli PM Bennett admits 'Israel' bombed Iran in 2022 | Al Mayadeen English

Ex-Israeli PM Bennett admits 'Israel' bombed Iran in 2022 | Al Mayadeen English

The largest clean energy project in US history closes $11B, starts full construction

The largest clean energy project in US history closes $11B, starts full construction

COP28 climate pledge to dump fossil fuels as energy is start | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

COP28 climate pledge to dump fossil fuels as energy is start | Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Climate pledge to move away from fossil fuels is huge. There’s just one problem | Opinion

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Sleep Now in the Fire: the Year in Climate - CounterPunch.org

Sleep Now in the Fire: the Year in Climate - CounterPunch.org

United States Geological Survey reports 3.7 magnitude earthquake east of Jonesboro

United States Geological Survey reports 3.7 magnitude earthquake east of Jonesboro: Officials with the United States Geological Survey reported an earthquake in northeast Arkansas Wednesday morning.

Turning of the Tide: Nuclear Energy’s Moment at COP28

Turning of the Tide: Nuclear Energy’s Moment at COP28

What Will Happen When the Grid Goes Down - by John Droz jr.

What Will Happen When the Grid Goes Down - by John Droz jr.: A WAKEUP warning about what you can and should do

Japan sets up nuclear fusion industry forum to bring tech to market - Nikkei Asia

Japan sets up nuclear fusion industry forum to bring tech to market - Nikkei Asia

Scramble for uranium supplies on new nuclear Silk Road

Scramble for uranium supplies on new nuclear Silk Road

Suddenly, US electricity demand is spiking. Can the… | Canary Media

Suddenly, US electricity demand is spiking. Can the… | Canary Media

Biden’s Hydrogen Tax Credit Law Excludes Nuclear-Power Operators - Bloomberg

Biden’s Hydrogen Tax Credit Law Excludes Nuclear-Power Operators - Bloomberg

If COP28 Keeps Its Word, It Leads To More Nuclear Energy

If COP28 Keeps Its Word, It Leads To More Nuclear Energy: If the global community triples its use of renewables and sends fossil fuels packing — per COP28 — then the natural extension is more nuclear energy.

China's Military-Civil Fusion Strategy: A Blueprint for Technological Superiority | RealClearDefense

China's Military-Civil Fusion Strategy: A Blueprint for Technological Superiority | RealClearDefense

A small shift in solar luminosity could turn Earth into a hellish wasteland

A small shift in solar luminosity could turn Earth into a hellish wasteland

Chinese Spacecraft Emitting Strong Signal Over North America

Chinese Spacecraft Emitting Strong Signal Over North America

Iran's latest threat on Israel: An arsenal of nuclear weapons - analysis - The Jerusalem Post

Iran's latest threat on Israel: An arsenal of nuclear weapons - analysis - The Jerusalem Post

New report suggests that there’s more to be concerned about than just rising temperatures

New report suggests that there’s more to be concerned about than just rising temperatures

New blood test can detect cancer in 2 hours

New blood test can detect cancer in 2 hours

House Impeachment Probe Puts New Focus on Getting Thousands of Biden’s ‘Fake Name’ Emails That Were Sent to Hunter | The New York Sun

House Impeachment Probe Puts New Focus on Getting Thousands of Biden’s ‘Fake Name’ Emails That Were Sent to Hunter | The New York Sun

Biden wants to give China our missile defense data - Washington Times

Biden wants to give China our missile defense data - Washington Times

Wednesday, December 27, 2023