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Heinonen Pushed Dubious Iran Nuclear Weapons Intel Analysis by Gareth Porter*
Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Finland agrees on development of 2 nuclear plants
Finland agrees on development of 2 nuclear plants
The Finnish Parliament on Thursday voted to support the applications of both Teollisuuden Voima, or TVO, and Fennovoima to develop nuclear plants in the country. TVO is building a new-generation EPR-model plant with Areva at Olkiluoto, while Fennovoima has yet to announce the site for its facility. The companies hope to begin operating the plants by 2020. The New York Times (free registration)
The Finnish Parliament on Thursday voted to support the applications of both Teollisuuden Voima, or TVO, and Fennovoima to develop nuclear plants in the country. TVO is building a new-generation EPR-model plant with Areva at Olkiluoto, while Fennovoima has yet to announce the site for its facility. The companies hope to begin operating the plants by 2020. The New York Times (free registration)
Environmental groups press Obama to take stronger lead on climate
President Obama is urged to push harder on climate legislation
President Barack Obama is being asked by environmental groups to take stronger measures to ensure the Senate takes up climate-and-energy legislation this summer. "I think it absolutely is doable and we can pass a bill with an enforceable carbon limit before the August recess," said Fred Krupp, an executive of the Environmental Defense Fund. The president has to "directly engage with his staff at a detailed level" to produce a proposal that can secure 60 votes in the Senate, Krupp added. The Hill/E2 Wire blog
President Barack Obama is being asked by environmental groups to take stronger measures to ensure the Senate takes up climate-and-energy legislation this summer. "I think it absolutely is doable and we can pass a bill with an enforceable carbon limit before the August recess," said Fred Krupp, an executive of the Environmental Defense Fund. The president has to "directly engage with his staff at a detailed level" to produce a proposal that can secure 60 votes in the Senate, Krupp added. The Hill/E2 Wire blog
Idaho officials applaud Yucca Mountain move
Yucca ruling earns support of Idaho lawmakers
Idaho lawmakers welcomed a ruling that rejected the Energy Department's request to terminate the application for the Yucca Mountain nuclear-waste project. Rep. Mike Sampson, R-Idaho, said Energy Secretary Steven Chu could not abandon the application because Congress picked and approved the site. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, said the decision to withdraw the application was politically motivated. The Times-News (Twin Falls, Idaho)
Idaho lawmakers welcomed a ruling that rejected the Energy Department's request to terminate the application for the Yucca Mountain nuclear-waste project. Rep. Mike Sampson, R-Idaho, said Energy Secretary Steven Chu could not abandon the application because Congress picked and approved the site. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, said the decision to withdraw the application was politically motivated. The Times-News (Twin Falls, Idaho)
Yucca remains an option The Oregonian Editorial Board
U.S. should stick to Yucca project until other options are found
Supporters of nuclear energy should applaud a ruling that blocked the Obama administration's move to abandon the Yucca Mountain waste project, according to this editorial in The Oregonian. The federal government never pretended it has an alternative site for safely keeping nuclear waste, and until someone does have a better plan, it is pointless to terminate Yucca, the editorial board writes. The Oregonian (Portland)
Supporters of nuclear energy should applaud a ruling that blocked the Obama administration's move to abandon the Yucca Mountain waste project, according to this editorial in The Oregonian. The federal government never pretended it has an alternative site for safely keeping nuclear waste, and until someone does have a better plan, it is pointless to terminate Yucca, the editorial board writes. The Oregonian (Portland)
Hoyer: Calvert Cliffs first in line for nuclear loan guarantee
Lawmaker: Md. nuclear project is "first in line" for loan guarantee
The Constellation Energy-EDF joint venture to construct a nuclear plant at Calvert Cliffs in Maryland is now the "first in line" to secure a loan guarantee from the federal government, said Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md. Though the project has yet to receive final approval for the guarantee, Hoyer said he is keeping in touch with federal officials on the matter. "I have been pushing very hard to get an approval of loan guarantees," he said. "And we're making progress." The Sun (Baltimore)
The Constellation Energy-EDF joint venture to construct a nuclear plant at Calvert Cliffs in Maryland is now the "first in line" to secure a loan guarantee from the federal government, said Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md. Though the project has yet to receive final approval for the guarantee, Hoyer said he is keeping in touch with federal officials on the matter. "I have been pushing very hard to get an approval of loan guarantees," he said. "And we're making progress." The Sun (Baltimore)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
State Grid Guns for China’s Smart Grid
State Grid Prods China to Restrict Foreign Smart-Grid Contracts
China's State Grid, which controls transmission for most of the country, pressed the government for new smart-grid standards that would hinder foreign investment, the Wall Street Journal reported on its China Real Time Report blog. The blog entry said that Wang Yimin, head of its smart-grid department, told the state-run China Daily "that the company hopes to use its role to help keep its dominance in grid building and equipment supply."
Companies such as General Electric and Siemens have anticipated large contracts since China was considered willing to spend $60 billion to $100 billion during the decade on smart grid projects. The blog said: "Where Chinese suppliers of conventional power equipment can sell cheaply, foreign players think they have an edge on cutting-edge technology. But if State Grid has its way, that edge could be dulled."
Wall Street Journal China Real Time Report blog, June 30.
China's State Grid, which controls transmission for most of the country, pressed the government for new smart-grid standards that would hinder foreign investment, the Wall Street Journal reported on its China Real Time Report blog. The blog entry said that Wang Yimin, head of its smart-grid department, told the state-run China Daily "that the company hopes to use its role to help keep its dominance in grid building and equipment supply."
Companies such as General Electric and Siemens have anticipated large contracts since China was considered willing to spend $60 billion to $100 billion during the decade on smart grid projects. The blog said: "Where Chinese suppliers of conventional power equipment can sell cheaply, foreign players think they have an edge on cutting-edge technology. But if State Grid has its way, that edge could be dulled."
Wall Street Journal China Real Time Report blog, June 30.
Iran's first nuclear power plant to run in September: atomic chief
Iran's First Nuclear Power Plant to Go Online in September
Ali-Akbar Salehi, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, said the country's first nuclear power plant would go online in September, Xinhua reported, citing the Iranian Student's News Agency. Salehi was quoted as saying: "Bushehr nuclear plant is due to run by mid September. We are satisfied with cooperating with Russians and now 3,000 experts from the country [Russia] are working in the plant. The power plant is undergoing the last phase of its final test." The 1,000-MW power plant was constructed in the mid 1970s by Siemans, but abandoned in 1979. Iran and Russia signed a contract in 1995 to finish the plant.
Xinhua, June 30.
Ali-Akbar Salehi, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, said the country's first nuclear power plant would go online in September, Xinhua reported, citing the Iranian Student's News Agency. Salehi was quoted as saying: "Bushehr nuclear plant is due to run by mid September. We are satisfied with cooperating with Russians and now 3,000 experts from the country [Russia] are working in the plant. The power plant is undergoing the last phase of its final test." The 1,000-MW power plant was constructed in the mid 1970s by Siemans, but abandoned in 1979. Iran and Russia signed a contract in 1995 to finish the plant.
Xinhua, June 30.
FPL President addresses renewable and nuclear energy, and criticism of the utility
FPL chief: Nuclear upgrades could have helped lower fuel costs
Armando Olivera, president of Florida Power & Light, said he wishes the utility had more nuclear energy to help lower costs. Ratepayers could have saved about $1.2 billion in fuel expenses had FPL upgraded its Turkey Point and St. Lucie plants five years ago. The utility is working to secure permits for the possible construction of two new reactors at Turkey Point, but it is uncertain whether the project will be completed, he added. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)/House Keys blog
Armando Olivera, president of Florida Power & Light, said he wishes the utility had more nuclear energy to help lower costs. Ratepayers could have saved about $1.2 billion in fuel expenses had FPL upgraded its Turkey Point and St. Lucie plants five years ago. The utility is working to secure permits for the possible construction of two new reactors at Turkey Point, but it is uncertain whether the project will be completed, he added. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)/House Keys blog
NRC sets schedule for Yucca Mountain appeals
NRC schedules dates for appeals on initial Yucca ruling
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has set July dates for appeals and arguments on an initial ruling that denied the Energy Department's move to abandon the Yucca Mountain repository project. This is a sign that the agency wants to resolve the issue quickly, said lawyers and officials who follow the issue. Las Vegas Review-Journal
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has set July dates for appeals and arguments on an initial ruling that denied the Energy Department's move to abandon the Yucca Mountain repository project. This is a sign that the agency wants to resolve the issue quickly, said lawyers and officials who follow the issue. Las Vegas Review-Journal
Waxman to press for carbon curbs in House-Senate conference
Waxman to press for carbon curbs in House-Senate conference
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said he will use a House-Senate conference to push for emission curbs if the Senate advances energy legislation this summer without climate provisions. A cap on carbon "would be open in conference to consider because our bill has it," said Waxman, who authored a broad climate-and-energy bill that cleared the House last year. Legislation that puts a price on carbon would give industry the "right market signal" to develop low-emissions technologies, Waxman added. The Hill/E2 Wire blog
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said he will use a House-Senate conference to push for emission curbs if the Senate advances energy legislation this summer without climate provisions. A cap on carbon "would be open in conference to consider because our bill has it," said Waxman, who authored a broad climate-and-energy bill that cleared the House last year. Legislation that puts a price on carbon would give industry the "right market signal" to develop low-emissions technologies, Waxman added. The Hill/E2 Wire blog
Canadian province is in talks with AREVA for 2nd nuclear reactor
Canadian province is in talks with AREVA for 2nd nuclear reactor
The government of New Brunswick is discussing with AREVA the possibility of building a second nuclear reactor in the province. The move indicates the provincial government is losing interest in Atomic Energy of Canada's proposal to develop a second reactor. CBC.ca (Canada)
The government of New Brunswick is discussing with AREVA the possibility of building a second nuclear reactor in the province. The move indicates the provincial government is losing interest in Atomic Energy of Canada's proposal to develop a second reactor. CBC.ca (Canada)
Korea's Doosan lands $3.9B contract for UAE nuclear project
Korea's Doosan lands $3.9B contract for UAE nuclear project
Doosan Heavy Industries announced it has signed a $3.9 billion contract to provide nuclear reactors and other equipment for a project in the United Arab Emirates. Doosan will supply the reactors to a consortium led by Korea Electric that landed an $18.6 billion contract in December to build four nuclear plants in the Emirates by 2020. Bloomberg Businessweek
Doosan Heavy Industries announced it has signed a $3.9 billion contract to provide nuclear reactors and other equipment for a project in the United Arab Emirates. Doosan will supply the reactors to a consortium led by Korea Electric that landed an $18.6 billion contract in December to build four nuclear plants in the Emirates by 2020. Bloomberg Businessweek
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Egypt is learning nuclear-plant design, technology from Russia
Egypt is learning nuclear-plant design, technology from Russia
Russia's Rosatom is conducting a two-day workshop to instruct Egyptian energy officials on Russian nuclear technology and plant design, according to Egypt's energy ministry. Egypt plans to have four nuclear plants by 2025, with the first to begin running in 2019. Reuters
Russia's Rosatom is conducting a two-day workshop to instruct Egyptian energy officials on Russian nuclear technology and plant design, according to Egypt's energy ministry. Egypt plans to have four nuclear plants by 2025, with the first to begin running in 2019. Reuters
Obama wants carbon curbs in energy bill
Obama wants carbon curbs in energy bill
President Barack Obama wants the Senate to advance energy legislation that puts a price on carbon emissions, according to Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., who were among the multiparty group of lawmakers that met with the president Tuesday to discuss energy reform. But a White House statement released after the meeting indicated that Obama is also inviting suggestions that do not involve pricing carbon. The Hill/E2 Wire blog (6/29)
President Barack Obama wants the Senate to advance energy legislation that puts a price on carbon emissions, according to Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., who were among the multiparty group of lawmakers that met with the president Tuesday to discuss energy reform. But a White House statement released after the meeting indicated that Obama is also inviting suggestions that do not involve pricing carbon. The Hill/E2 Wire blog (6/29)
New Mexico facility begins enriched-uranium production
New Mexico facility begins enriched-uranium production
The former National Enrichment Facility, now called URENCO USA, in Eunice, N.M., started enriching uranium Friday after securing authorization from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on June 10. The site received shipments of uranium hexafluoride feedstock beginning June 13. The facility is expected to eventually provide enough material to help meet about 10% of U.S. electricity needs, the company said. Nuclear Engineering International (6/29)
The former National Enrichment Facility, now called URENCO USA, in Eunice, N.M., started enriching uranium Friday after securing authorization from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on June 10. The site received shipments of uranium hexafluoride feedstock beginning June 13. The facility is expected to eventually provide enough material to help meet about 10% of U.S. electricity needs, the company said. Nuclear Engineering International (6/29)
Administration Cannot Drop Bid for Nuclear Waste Dump in Nevada, Panel Finds
Administration Cannot Drop Bid for Nuclear Waste Dump in Nevada, Panel Finds
NRC panel rules against withdrawal of Yucca project application
A three-judge panel from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission blocked the Energy Department's move to withdraw its application for building a nuclear-waste repository at Nevada's Yucca Mountain. The judges said the department lacked the authority to abandon the petition, as doing so would violate a law approved by Congress. The New York Times (free registration) (6/29)
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/30/science/earth/30nuke.html?src=mv
NRC panel rules against withdrawal of Yucca project application
A three-judge panel from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission blocked the Energy Department's move to withdraw its application for building a nuclear-waste repository at Nevada's Yucca Mountain. The judges said the department lacked the authority to abandon the petition, as doing so would violate a law approved by Congress. The New York Times (free registration) (6/29)
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/30/science/earth/30nuke.html?src=mv
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Japan's new civil nuclear diplomacy P.S. Suryanarayana
Japan's new civil nuclear diplomacy
P.S. Suryanarayana
http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/29/stories/2010062951871100.htm
P.S. Suryanarayana
http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/29/stories/2010062951871100.htm
NEI files amicus brief supporting challenges to DOE's Yucca Mountain license withdrawal
NEI files amicus brief supporting challenges to DOE's Yucca Mountain license withdrawal
The Nuclear Energy Institute on Monday filed a brief with the U.S. District Court of Appeals in support of a petition to prevent the Department of Energy from withdrawing its license application for the Yucca Mountain, Nev., repository for used nuclear fuel. The NEI brief supports challenges by the states of South Carolina and Washington, Aiken County, S.C., and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners to DOE's request to withdraw its license application for the Yucca Mountain disposal facility. NEI filed the brief as "amicus curiae," or "friend of the court." (More)
The Nuclear Energy Institute on Monday filed a brief with the U.S. District Court of Appeals in support of a petition to prevent the Department of Energy from withdrawing its license application for the Yucca Mountain, Nev., repository for used nuclear fuel. The NEI brief supports challenges by the states of South Carolina and Washington, Aiken County, S.C., and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners to DOE's request to withdraw its license application for the Yucca Mountain disposal facility. NEI filed the brief as "amicus curiae," or "friend of the court." (More)
Areva hopes to play major part in U.S. nuclear revival
Areva hopes to play major part in U.S. nuclear revival
Areva is optimistic that the U.S. could generate major revenue once it resumes building nuclear plants, said Anne Lauvergeon, the company's CEO. Areva recently received a $2 billion federal loan guarantee to build a uranium-enrichment facility in Idaho. Forbes/The Energy Source blog
http://blogs.forbes.com/energysource/2010/06/28/areva-chief-talks-power/
Areva is optimistic that the U.S. could generate major revenue once it resumes building nuclear plants, said Anne Lauvergeon, the company's CEO. Areva recently received a $2 billion federal loan guarantee to build a uranium-enrichment facility in Idaho. Forbes/The Energy Source blog
http://blogs.forbes.com/energysource/2010/06/28/areva-chief-talks-power/
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