Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Should Fukushima’s radioactive water be dumped at sea? New Scientist

Should Fukushima’s radioactive water be dumped at sea? New Scientist
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24100-should-fukushimas-radioactive-water-be-dumped-at-sea.html#.UhktrBmEPY1

Nuclear predicted to be the world’s fastest growing non-renewable energy source

Nuclear predicted to be the world’s fastest growing non-renewable energy source


http://www.esi-africa.com/node/16748

Former Energy Secretary Abraham on Nuclear Energy, Global Warming and Obama’s EPA

 

Former Energy Secretary Abraham on Nuclear Energy, Global Warming and Obama’s EPA

http://www.energybiz.com/article/13/08/former-energy-secretary-abraham-nuclear-energy-global-warming-and-obama-s-epa

Nuclear waste pools under scrutiny


Nuclear waste pools under scrutiny

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/22/nuclear-fuel-pools-scrutinized/

NRC Blog Update: Security and Nuclear Power Plants: Robust and Significant

Security and Nuclear Power Plants: Robust and Significant

Robert Lewis
Director of Preparedness and Response
 
Security of the nation’s commercial nuclear facilities is a critical part of the NRC’s mission. In response to recent media stories about security securityat nuclear power plants, we want to reassure you that U.S. nuclear power plants are adequately protected against potential terrorist attacks. In fact, they are among the best-protected sector of our national infrastructure.
In the decade since the 2001 terrorist attacks, the NRC, and its licensed operators, acted to enhance security at the nation’s nuclear plants. While the plants are secure, robust structures designed and built to withstand a variety of natural and man-made enemies, we ordered additional measures. For example, we strengthened requirements related to physical barriers, access controls, and intrusion detection and surveillance systems, as well as the existing well-trained and armed security officers.
Specific security measures are considered “safeguards information” (a type of unclassified, yet sensitive information) and are not made public, for obvious reasons. The NRC can, however, describe these enhancements in general terms.
Each plant’s security plan is based on a Design Basis Threat, or DBT, set by the NRC. This is the maximum threat a private-sector entity can be expected to defend against. Details of the DBT are not public, but our regulations spell out the types of threats our licensees must prepare for. These include an assault by one or more determined and capable adversary forces attacking by land or water, truck bombs, boat bombs, insider threats and cyber attacks. The NRC requires each plant to test its security force annually, and the NRC also tests the security forces at each plant every three years in a sophisticated force-on-force inspection.
Security doesn’t stop at a plant’s boundary. The NRC requires licensees to coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency responders who can assist in the unlikely event of an attack. The NRC itself continuously coordinates with other federal agencies to assess the current terrorist threat and take whatever actions might be necessary to bolster security at nuclear plants. We work with the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security and North American Aerospace Defense Command to guard against September 11-style air attacks.
A recent report published by the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Project (NPPP) at the University of Texas used non-sensitive “open-source” information to assess the protections in place to counter terrorist threats to nuclear facilities in the United States, including potential threats to commercial nuclear power plants.
As an agency committed to the security of our nation’s nuclear power plants, we welcome recommendations for strengthening our oversight. However, we need to correct the record on two key points made in NPPP’s report. First, both new and existing reactors must mitigate against potential attacks using commercial aircraft; in fact our Aircraft Impact Assessment Rule requires design features for new plants to mitigate the effects of an airplane crash, and the NRC’s post-September 11 orders require existing plants to implement similar mitigating measures. Second, NRC regulations, based upon the DBT, do in fact require licensees to guard against waterborne attacks or explosives.

ANs Update: Fukushima Daiichi: Bolted tanks, blast from NRA

Fukushima Daiichi: Bolted tanks, blast from NRA

By Will Davis on Aug 23, 2013 12:52 pm

Developments this week at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear station have been relatively few—but they’ve made headlines. The recent announcements concerning leakage of contaminated water from bolted tanks (that is to say, fabricated with bolted joints as opposed to welded joints) has … Continue reading
Read in browser »
share on Twitter Like Fukushima Daiichi: Bolted tanks, blast from NRA on Facebook

Thinking outside Fukushima Charles D. Ferguson


Thinking outside Fukushima

Charles D. Ferguson
http://thebulletin.org/thinking-outside-fukushima

Operator of Japan's crippled nuclear plant cites seam problem as possible cause of tank leak

Operator of Japan's crippled nuclear plant cites seam problem as possible cause of tank leak


http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/08/24/operator-japan-crippled-nuclear-plant-cites-seam-problem-as-possible-cause-tank/

Nuclear Waste Will Never Be Laid To Rest At Yucca Mountain by Ken Silverstein


Nuclear Waste Will Never Be Laid To Rest At Yucca Mountain

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2013/08/24/nuclear-waste-will-never-be-laid-to-rest-at-yucca-mountain/

Re-Energizing Peabody

Re-Energizing Peabody

As coal's supply-and-demand equation improves, the future is glowing brighter for the industry, particularly for the largest private-sector miner of the fuel.


http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424052748704719204579025201429065152.html?mod=rss_barrons_features#articleTabs_article%3D1

Thorium: War and peace in the Atomic Age


Thorium: War and peace in the Atomic Age

http://www.leedsstudent.org/2013-04-26/article/thorium-war-and-peace-in-the-atomic-age

Leak Forces Shut Down of NJ Nuclear Plant


Leak Forces Shut Down of NJ Nuclear Plant

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Leak-Leads-to-Shut-Down-of-Nuclear-Plant-220808101.html

Energy Institute to pitch storing nuclear waste in Mississippi

Energy Institute to pitch storing nuclear waste in Mississippi

While proponents tout job creation, opponents say it could create image problem



http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130823/NEWS03/130823028/Energy-Institute-pitch-storing-nuclear-waste-Mississippi?nclick_check=1

Nuclear Operator Raises Alarm on Crisis By HIROKO TABUCHI

Nuclear Operator Raises Alarm on Crisis


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/24/world/asia/nuclear-operator-raises-alarm-on-crisis.html

International Alarms Go Up as Fukushima Alert Level Raised



  International Alarms Go Up as Fukushima Alert Level Raised
by Jon Queally
"In the most serious action since the nuclear plant was first damaged in 2011, Japan's Nuclear Regulatory Authority is on the verge of raising the international alarm—and the official threat level—over the spiraling crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.."http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/08/21-0
  \

Global AC Needs Could Grow 50 Times Greater Than US Demand

Posted: 24 Aug 2013 07:30 AM PDT
America used to be the king of car sales, but China took that crown in 2009. America also used to be the world's biggest polluter, but China now has that dubious distinction as well. Now China could be set to surpass the U.S. in air conditioning use. By a lot.http://theenergycollective.com/stephenlacey/260696/global-air-conditioning-needs-could-grow-50-times-greater-us-demand?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

House Committee on Energy and Commerce invitation to McFarland to appear at Sept. 10th hearing.


A friend sent me this link to a letter from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The committee is holding a hearing Sept 10. They have requested McFarlane to appear to answer "what NRC is doing to comply with the court order on finishing the Yucca Mountain license application.?"


http://energycommerce.house.gov/sites/republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/files/letters/20130823NRC.pdf

Lawmakers summon nuclear chief to testify about waste site

Lawmakers summon nuclear chief to testify about waste site


http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/318597-lawmakers-summon-nuclear-chief-to-testify-about-waste-site

Nuclear Operator Raises Alarm on Crisis

Nuclear Operator Raises Alarm on Crisis

New York Times (blog) - ‎5 hours ago‎
TOKYO — The operator of Japan's tsunami-hit nuclear power plant sounded the alarm on the gravity of the deepening crisis of containment at the coastal site on Friday, saying that there are more than 200,000 tons of radioactive water in makeshift tanks ...http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/24/world/asia/nuclear-operator-raises-alarm-on-crisis.html?_r=0

Home Technology Energy & Green Tech August 23, 2013 Fukushima water handling 'sloppy': nuclear watchdog Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-08-fukushima-sloppy-nuclear-watchdog.html#jCp

Fukushima water handling 'sloppy': nuclear watchdog Phys.Org
"I can't help but say it was sloppy," said Nuclear Regulation Authority committee member Toyoshi Fuketa of Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO's) ...http://phys.org/news/2013-08-fukushima-sloppy-nuclear-watchdog.html

Japan’s Disastrous Flirtation with Worst-Case Scenarios

 
Japan’s Disastrous Flirtation with Worst-Case Scenarios
Last month, Tepco’s president said all future problems at F. Daiichi would be reported with worst-case scenarios. Transparency means “telling it like it is” in a timely fashion. The “official” creation of worst-case scenarios makes a mockery of transparency.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Liquid Metal Batteries Would Make Renewable Energy Viable

Liquid Metal Batteries Would Make Renewable Energy Viable ...
This became the idea starter for the liquid metal battery, using molten magnesium as the top layer, antimony on the bottom and molten salt in between.http://www.engineering.com/DesignerEdge/DesignerEdgeArticles/ArticleID/6066/Liquid-Metal-Batteries-Would-Make-Renewable-Energy-Viable.aspx

Deconstructing John Miller’s arguments against nuclear energy in the New York Times


Deconstructing John Miller’s arguments against nuclear energy in the New York Times

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/the-curious-wavefunction/2013/08/23/deconstructing-john-millers-arguments-against-nuclear-energy-in-the-times/

Editor's Note

Dear Readers
I am taking the weekend off for a change. Will only be posting intermittently until
my return on Sunday. Have a good weekend all.
Best regards.
Michele Kearney

Breaking Energy: Learning from Hurricane Sandy and Investing in Our Energy Future


Breaking Energy: Learning from Hurricane Sandy and Investing in Our Energy Future


http://www.bluephoenixinc.com/2013/08/20/breaking-energy-learning-from-hurricane-sandy-and-investing-in-our-energy-future/?utm_source=feedly

Will Washington Politics Kill The US Energy Revival And Shale Gas Revolution?

Will Washington Politics Kill The US Energy Revival And Shale Gas Revolution?


http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonentine/2013/08/22/will-washington-politics-kill-the-us-energy-revival-and-shale-gas-revolution/

Petrobras outspends Exxon researching next oil frontiers

Petrobras outspends Exxon researching next oil frontiers


http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/08/23/petrobras-outspends-exxon-researching-next-oil-frontiers/

Germany Proves Sunshine is not Necessary for a Booming Solar Industry

Germany Proves Sunshine is not Necessary for a Booming Solar Industry


http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Solar-Energy/Germany-Proves-Sunshine-is-not-Necessary-for-a-Booming-Solar-Industry.html

US Energy Boom to Create 500,000 Additional Jobs by 2020

US Energy Boom to Create 500,000 Additional Jobs by 2020


http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/US-Energy-Boom-to-Create-500000-Additional-Jobs-by-2020.html

Politics has Doomed the Climate Change Debate

Politics has Doomed the Climate Change Debate


http://oilprice.com/The-Environment/Global-Warming/Politics-has-Doomed-the-Climate-Change-Debate.html

CIVIL NUCLEAR Radiation hotspots found at Fukushima tanks: TEPCO


CIVIL NUCLEAR
Radiation hotspots found at Fukushima tanks: TEPCO
http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Radiation_hotspots_found_at_Fukushima_tanks_TEPCO_999.html

Viewing Fukushima in the cold light of Chernobyl Aug 21, 2013

Viewing Fukushima in the cold light of Chernobyl

Aug 21, 2013

http://phys.org/news/2013-08-viewing-fukushima-cold-chernobyl.html

Elevated Radiation Triggers Alert, Temporary Evacuation at Hanford Tank Farm

Elevated Radiation Triggers Alert, Temporary Evacuation at Hanford Tank Farm


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2013/08/23/elevated-radiation-triggers-alert_2c00_-temporary-evacuation-at-hanford-tank-farm-082301.aspx#.UhdyUD84Sw0

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Weekly Review


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2013/08/23/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-weekly-review-082302.aspx#.UhdyID84Sw0

The News On Nuclear Energy

The News On Nuclear Energy


http://www.nhpr.org/post/news-nuclear-energy?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NHPRExchange+%28New+Hampshire+Public+Radio+-+The+Exchange%29

Nuclear Fusion Research Enters 'Critical Phase' In France

Nuclear Fusion Research Enters 'Critical Phase' In France


http://nhpr.org/post/nuclear-fusion-research-enters-critical-phase-france

Despite Fukushima, IAEA sees global progress on nuclear safety

Despite Fukushima, IAEA sees global progress on nuclear safety


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/23/us-nuclear-iaea-safety-idUSBRE97M0FS20130823?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews

Penn energy Research: Power Industry Reports: Combined Generation


Power Industry Reports: Combined Generation
Combined Heat and Power Capacity Growth to Accelerate in the US
Summary
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) capacity growth is set to increase in the next 10 years, driven by various factors such as natural gas price stability, the retirement and closure of coal capacity and stringent emission regulations. Contrary to the current scenario, investments in CHP systems witnessed a decreasing trend over the past decade, due to which capacity additions in the technology diminished. The US government is keen to improve the investment scenario in CHP projects and is emphasizing accelerated growth in the technology. The recent executive order from the government directed state and federal bodies to formulate policies and incentives to encourage investment in industrial efficiency at all levels across state, federal, local and private bodies.

Scope
  • Market prospects for CHP equipment manufacturers and EPC in the US due to increased need of infrastructure
  • Key factors responsible for the need of cogen growth in the US
  • Major upcoming CHP projects
More Info Buy It Now

Cogeneration Market in the Netherlands: Growth Restricted due to Eurozone Crisis
Summary
The Eurozone crisis has affected the industrial sector in the Netherlands. New demand for power from the industrial sector is minimal. Competition is currently intense, and high overhead costs can lead to strained profit margins. Market penetration is difficult, especially for companies with no established presence. Competition is also intense in the shrinking co-generation market. Margins are very thin on account of price erosion. However, the overall market is up-beat, with more orders coming up for combined cycle power plants, which are not particularly adapted to Combined Heat and Power (CHP). Due to stringent emissions regulations, manufacturers are developing new combustion technologies to reduce toxic emissions. Customers are increasingly interested in more efficient equipment. The repowering of old power plants with co-generation plants is another major trend in the Dutch power market. In spite of these developments, co-generation market witnessed restricted growth due to economic slowdown, and this trend is likely to continue until more favorable political and financial incentives are introduced in order to encourage the deployment of co-generation in the Netherlands.

Scope
  • Market prospects of CHP in the Netherlands with growing demand for high efficiency and low emission technologies
  • Key issues influencing the growth of CHP market in Netherlands
  • Future and current market potential offered by cogeneration technology with prevalent Eurozone crisis and Dutch policy measures
  • Future market opportunities with the growth of cogeneration market in the Netherlands
More Info Buy It Now

Cost of Power Generation - Renewables Compete with Conventional Alternatives as the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is driven down by Technological Developments and Mass Deployments
Summary
This report gives an in-depth analysis of the cost of power generation, levelized cost of electricity for different power generating technologies, both renewable and conventional, in six major countries like the US, China, India, Germany, the UK and Australia between 2011 and 2020. The report also provides information on key trends, factors impacting the cost of power generation and electricity prices.

Scope
  • Levelized cost of electricity for power generation from renewable resources such as biomass, wind and solar PV from 2011 to 2020
  • Levelized cost of electricity for power generation from conventional resource such as from coal and gas from 2011 to 2020
  • Key trends of cost of power generation in global power market
  • Factors impacting cost of power generation and electricity prices
  • Overview of grid parity
More Info Buy It Now
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Rethinking Our Energy System; Leveraging Distributed Generation

Rethinking Our Energy System; Leveraging Distributed Generation

Steve Morgan, American Clean Energy and Todd Foley, ACORE
August 22, 2013
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/08/rethinking-our-energy-system-leveraging-distributed-generation?cmpid=WNL-Friday-August23-2013

Distributed Generation Changing Utility Paradigm | EnergyBiz

Distributed Generation Changing Utility Paradigm | EnergyBiz


http://www.scoop.it/t/llysioug/p/4006248009/distributed-generation-changing-utility-paradigm-energybiz

Stanford builds hyper-long lasat battery that can store grid level amounts of energy

Stanford builds hyper-long lasat battery that can store grid level amounts of energy


http://www.scoop.it/t/llysioug/p/4006459579/stanford-builds-hyper-long-lasat-battery-that-can-store-grid-level-amounts-of-energy

Why the U.S. Power Grid's Days Are Numbered

Why the U.S. Power Grid's Days Are Numbered


http://www.scoop.it/t/llysioug/p/4006462294/why-the-u-s-power-grid-s-days-are-numbered

Power Engineering Top Stories 8/23

Top Stories
Appeals court upholds ruling on coal-fired power plant
Regulators waited too long to sanction power plant owners.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
NRC gives Indian Point 2 temporary approval
Controversial plant can continue running during license renewal.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
Court: CAA does not preempt common law tort claim against coal-fired power plant
Ruling calls Clean Air Act "a regulatory floor," not a ceiling.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
Pattern begins construction on Texas wind energy project
Project will use 118 GE wind turbines.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
In Case You Missed It
First Solar and Roseville, Calif. sign agreement for solar power
Reclamation forecasts lower water release to Lake Mead in 2014
Lightning strikes cause power outages in California
Siemens to supply wind energy turbines to Washington project
Missouri nuclear power plant back in service
Gehrlicher Solar America Corp. completes first phase of solar project
Wind energy growth to provide boost to global O&M market
Panda Power planning 859 MW natural gas-fired power plant in Maryland
Babcock & Wilcox to supply gas boilers to Virginia manufacturing facility
Dominion confirms FERC approval of coal-fired power plant sale
Illinois EPA believes closed coal-fired plant polluting groundwater
North Carolina AG files brief opposing Duke Energy rate increase
Sempra Energy releases fifth annual corporate report
Activated carbon market to top $4bn by 2019
Vestas appoints new president and chief executive officer
FirstEnergy units agree on coal-fired power plant share, rate reduction
Ameren receives approval for $1.1bn transmission project in Illinois
License revoked for Slovak nuclear project
Plan approved to increase wind & natural gas capacity, use less coal
HelioPower acquires solar finance developer
JinkoSolar to provide solar PV modules
NADB to help fund solar PV project in Calif.
Oklahoma attorney general will appeal regional haze decision
EcoPlexus completes 2 MW solar project in California
The Week's Most Read Articles
Regulators file suits against Duke's coal plants in N.C.
Duke is accused of wastewater violations at coal ash containment sites.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
PJM: Coal-fired power plant closures may affect reliability
Two coal-fired power plants may not be able to close in Pennsylvania.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
Shutting down SONGS may cost more than $4bn
Decommissioning may take up to 15 years, SCE says.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
Fluor gets green light to begin natural gas-fired power plant construction
Fluor begins work on 1,358 MW Brunswick County plant.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
Vermont Yankee nuclear plant survives in appeals court ruling
Court rules that state has no say so over nuclear power plant.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
What's trending this week
Weekly Coal Production Update
The Weekly Coal Production (WCP) Report provides estimates for U.S. coal production by state based on railroad car loading data.
Read More
Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend