Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, June 7, 2014

The Breakthrough Institute - Making Fossil Fuels Irrelevant

The Breakthrough Institute - Making Fossil Fuels Irrelevant

Statement from Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz on Proposed New EPA Rules for Existing Power Plants | Department of Energy

Statement from Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz on Proposed New EPA Rules for Existing Power Plants | Department of Energy

Areva to perform nuclear power plant modernization and expansion projects - Power Engineering

Areva to perform nuclear power plant modernization and expansion projects - Power Engineering

Video: World's first ocean energy test site to be installed - Power Engineering

Video: World's first ocean energy test site to be installed - Power Engineering

War News Updates: CIA Joins Twitter And Facebook

War News Updates: CIA Joins Twitter And Facebook

90% Of Gazprom Clients Have "De-Dollarized", Will Transact In Euro & Renminbi | Zero Hedge

90% Of Gazprom Clients Have "De-Dollarized", Will Transact In Euro & Renminbi | Zero Hedge

Report: WIPP problem not duplicated

Report: WIPP problem not duplicated


http://www.abqjournal.com/411779/news/scientists-hit-dead-end-in-wipp-investigation.html

Interrogation of Helen Caldicott’s Responses

Interrogation of Helen Caldicott’s Responses


http://www.monbiot.com/2011/04/04/interrogation-of-helen-caldicotts-responses/

Opponents Make Assertions, Shaffer Tells Truth

Opponents Make Assertions, Shaffer Tells Truth


http://yesvy.blogspot.com/2014/06/opponents-make-assertions-shaffer-tells.html#.U5Nx6yiGeVo

Atomic Show #216 – Just the Fracks, Ma’am

Atomic Show #216 – Just the Fracks, Ma’am


http://atomicinsights.com/atomic-show-216-just-fracks-maam/

Kudankulam becomes India’s first nuclear plant to generate 1,000MW power


Kudankulam becomes India’s first nuclear plant to generate 1,000MW power



http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kudankulam-becomes-Indias-first-nuclear-plant-to-generate-1000MW-power/articleshow/36206145.cms?

Conclusive Link' Between Fracking, Aquifer Contamination Found in Texas

Conclusive Link' Between Fracking, Aquifer Contamination Found in Texas

Scientists say water samples from Texas man's well show identical chemical signatures from nearby gas drilling operations


http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2014/06/06-1

The Preventable Tragedy of Energy Poverty


The Preventable Tragedy of Energy Poverty


http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/06/the_preventable_tragedy_of_energy_poverty_.html

Dr. Helen Caldicott versus emission-free nuclear energy


Dr. Helen Caldicott versus emission-free nuclear energy


http://atomicinsights.com/dr-helen-caldicott-versus-emission-free-nuclear-energy/

The Nuclear Way

The Nuclear Way
We can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by moving to nuclear power.


http://www.nationalreview.com/article/379599/nuclear-way-jonathan-lesser

China's generation 3.5 and beyond nuclear reactors


http://nextbigfuture.com/2014/06/chinas-generation-35-and-beyond-nuclear.html

TerraPower

Case | HBS Case Collection | November 2012 (Revised December 2013)

TerraPower


http://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=43679

No reliable A-bomb with thorium reactors


No reliable A-bomb with thorium reactors


http://www.iol.co.za/business/opinion/no-reliable-a-bomb-with-thorium-reactors-1.1699405

Boxer allows Markey 16 minutes to grill NRC Commissioners


Boxer allows Markey 16 minutes to grill NRC Commissioners


http://atomicinsights.com/boxer-allows-markey-16-minutes-grill-nrc-commissioners/

Friday, June 6, 2014

U.S. May Import German Atomic Waste, Citing Nonproliferation Goals | Global Security Newswire | NTI

U.S. May Import German Atomic Waste, Citing Nonproliferation Goals | Global Security Newswire | NTI

Hong Kong Needs ‘Dedicated Nuclear’ From China, Says Society

Hong Kong Needs ‘Dedicated Nuclear’ From China, Says Society

ASN Nuclear Safety Report Says ‘No New Major Problems’ In 2013

ASN Nuclear Safety Report Says ‘No New Major Problems’ In 2013

Sustained Collaboration Key to Ocean Health

Sustained Collaboration Key to Ocean Health

Black Clown Fish
Black Clown fish. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
Despite serious threats to the oceans as a result of human activities, IAEA environmental expert David Osborn says he's optimistic about the future.
"It's easy to become despondent about threats like pollution, overfishing and ocean acidification. But I have great faith in the international community. I have faith in the capacity of our Member States to actively address the problems facing our oceans," says Osborn, who is the Director of the IAEA Environment Laboratories in Monaco and Seibersdorf, Austria. "The key to success is informed, targeted and sustained collaboration. Only by working together do we have the power to protect the ocean."
One of the IAEA's most significant areas for enhanced collaboration in marine affairs is ocean acidification (OA), which occurs as oceans absorb the rising quantities of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. When dissolved, the carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid, creating a more acidic environment, which can threaten marine ecosystems.
The Agency helps its Member States address the problem by funding and conducting research on the effects of OA on marine life, ecosystems and coastal environments.
"If Member States are armed with the correct information about the changes occurring at a broad level and at an individual species and ecosystem level, and about the changes occurring in the short and long term, they have the capacity to put in place the policy reforms and legislation needed to address these challenges.
"Because of the work that the IAEA and the global scientific community are undertaking to provide governments and policymakers with these key answers, I am positive about the oceans. I'm concerned, but I'm also positive at the same time," says Osborn.
The IAEA actively seeks to foster cooperation among Member States, international entities, and private organisations, as well as build partnerships that will address the issue of OA.
In this vein, the IAEA launched the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre in 2012 to support activities in the field, as well as facilitate, promote and communicate global actions on ocean acidification. It serves the needs of not only the scientific community, but policymakers, universities, media and the general public.
The Centre is overseen by an Advisory Board consisting of representatives from leading institutions, including the U.N. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, the OA-Reference User Group, as well as leading scientists and economists in the field.
The IAEA's activities also include promoting discussion that can lead to action.
Last year's Scientific Forum, held on the margins of the 57th IAEA General Conference, brought together scientists, experts and policymakers from different fields to initiate dialogue about the protection and preservation of ecological balance, which is vital for the survival of coastal regions and the marine environment.

- By Sasha Henriques, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

NEI Nuclear Notes: Witnessing the Future of Energy at NuScale

NEI Nuclear Notes: Witnessing the Future of Energy at NuScale

Duke plans storage facility for spent fuel

Duke plans storage facility for spent fuel


http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/blog/morning-edition/2014/06/duke-plans-storage-facility-for-spent-fuel.html

What Obama could learn from Germany's failed experiment with green energy

What Obama could learn from Germany's failed experiment with green energy


http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/06/05/what-obama-could-learn-from-germany-failed-experiment-with-green-energy/

Senators should butt out and let NRC handle safety

Senators should butt out and let NRC handle safety


http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140606/OPINION/406060316/-1/OPINION02

Obama’s GHG reduction plan: kicking alcoholism by switching from wine to beer

Obama’s GHG reduction plan: kicking alcoholism by switching from wine to beer


http://canadianenergyissues.com/2014/06/06/obamas-ghg-reduction-plan-kicking-alcoholism-by-switching-from-wine-to-beer/

Biomass generation pitched for VY site

Biomass generation pitched for VY site
http://www.timesargus.com/article/20140606/THISJUSTIN/706069929

Nuclear Regulatory Chair Hears Concerns About Plants in West Michigan

Nuclear Regulatory Chair Hears Concerns About Plants in West Michigan


http://fox17online.com/2014/06/05/nuclear-regulatory-chair-hears-concerns-about-plants-in-west-michigan/#axzz33tCNRStV

US carbon regulations may spur new nuclear capacity in long term: S&P


US carbon regulations may spur new nuclear capacity in long term: S&P



http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/washington/us-carbon-regulations-may-spur-new-nuclear-capacity-21723537

Transatomic Power's Safer Reactor Eats Nuclear Waste

Transatomic Power's Safer Reactor Eats Nuclear Waste


http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-06-05/transatomic-powers-safer-reactor-eats-nuclear-waste

The surprising winner of the EPA's power plant rules

The surprising winner of the EPA's power plant rules


http://washingtonexaminer.com/the-surprising-winner-of-the-epas-power-plant-rules/article/2549401

Obama Carbon Plan Could Give Much-Needed Boost to Troubled US Nuclear Industry

Obama Carbon Plan Could Give Much-Needed Boost to Troubled US Nuclear Industry


Kazakhstan announces date for first nuclear power plant construction

Kazakhstan announces date for first nuclear power plant construction

Kazakhstan announces date for first nuclear power plant construction


http://www.azernews.az/region/67783.html

How to Protect Floating Nuclear Power Plants

How to Protect Floating Nuclear Power Plants


http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/How-to-Protect-Floating-Nuclear-Power-Plants-2014-06-05

Chart: EPA's Carbon Rules Encourage States to Invest in Troubled Nuclear Power

Chart: EPA's Carbon Rules Encourage States to Invest in Troubled Nuclear Power


http://www.ibtimes.com/chart-epas-carbon-rules-encourage-states-invest-troubled-nuclear-power-1595509

Fuel cycle roundup #27

Fuel cycle roundup #27
• First consignment from Cooke • Business as usual at Kazakh operations • Areva wins Vattenfall contract • Paladin progress • Skyharbour buys into Athabasca Basinhttp://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ENF-Fuel-cycle-roundup-27-0606147.html

Contract for Iter remote handling system

Contract for Iter remote handling system
A contract has been awarded for the supply of a remote handling system for installing, maintaining and recovering components of the international Iter fusion project's Tokamak during its operational life.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Contract-for-Iter-remote-handling-system-0606144.html

Six new nuclear reactors per year planned in China

 Six new nuclear reactors per year planned in China

Six new nuclear reactors per year planned in China

The CGNPC Yangjiang nuclear power base under construction in Guangdong, March 26. (File photo/CNS)
The CGNPC Yangjiang nuclear power base under construction in Guangdong, March 26. (File photo/CNS)
The Chinese government has said many times since the end of 2013 that it will build more nuclear power plants in the coastal areas of eastern China without compromising the region's safety.
On May 16, the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Administration and the Ministry of Environment Protection disclosed a program, saying that they will press forward with the construction of safe and efficient nuclear power plants, which they said are one of the country's important energy sources.
Pan Ziqiang, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, told Shanghai's China Business News that nuclear power was a practical option for China to check air pollution.

http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?cid=1201&MainCatID=12&id=20140605000162&utm_content=buffer52c86&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Opinion: Europe Needs Gas Supply Diversification Now

Opinion: Europe Needs Gas Supply Diversification Now

By Ryan Ouwerkerk
Merkel And Medvedev Inaugurate Nord Stream Gas Pipeline
In light of recent events in Ukraine, it is in imperative that the European Union break the stranglehold that Russia currently has on the European natural gas market, and begin the search to diversify their sources of natural gas. By doing so, the European Union can insulate itself from the deleterious economic effects that may

Why Barclays just downgraded the entire utility sector

Why Barclays just downgraded the entire utility sector

By Smart Grid News
Hot Weather Puts California Power Grid On Alert
Quick Take:  We’ve talked a lot about the dangers utilities face if they ignore disruptive technologies such as solar + storage. Here’s another challenge. They could end up paying more for the cost of capital. Some analysts think utilities are blind to the coming realities and they are warning investors to stay away. – Jesse Berst  Barclays

The Year of Concentrating Solar Power: Five New Plants to Power America with Clean Energy

The Year of Concentrating Solar Power: Five New Plants to Power America with Clean Energy

By US Department of Energy
8720322063_4ea54d62a9_b
Solar is increasingly providing clean, sustainable energy for our nation’s homes, businesses and industries. Clocking record-breaking growth and reaching a total of more than 4,700 megawatts of new installed capacity, 2013 was a big year for solar photovoltaic systems. But we’re also excited to watch 2014, which will mark a major milestone for a different

Pennenergy's Top Power Headlines 6/6

Top Power Headlines
EPA unveils CO2 emissions rule for existing power plants (Video)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under direction of the Obama administration has released a proposal that will set the first-ever national carbon pollution standards limits for America’s existing power plants
Full Article

Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
Moving Coal Up the Value Chain
Employing biotechnology in coal conversion could help overcome many challenges faced by the coal industry in creating clean energy while producing high-value products
Full Article

Share: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Forward to Friend
Top Power News
Doosan completes 800 MW supercritical thermal power plant boiler
FAU signs lease to install world's first ocean current energy test site (Video)
MIT: A new way to harness waste heat
Unplanned outage prompts NRC inspection at Millstone nuclear plant
Climate Assessment touches on grid modernization and oil production
NERC proposes new grid security standard for physical threats
Proposed act may offer tax credit for rural wind power installations
Two of the largest solar power plants in South Africa come online
Space-based power emissions monitoring
API says EPA proposal not consistent with ‘all of the above’ energy strategy
ABB funded Kid Grid powers up energy education through play
AREVA selected for upgrades at Gosgen nuclear plant in Switzerland

CNBC at VC Summer

CNBC at VC Summer

 
Mary Thompson of CNBC filed this report from VC Summer Nuclear Station on hiring in the nuclear industry. She'll be filing another report later today during CNBC's Power Lunch: 

http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2014/06/cnbc-visits-vc-summer-nuclear-station.html

The Wide Appeal of Batteries for the Renewable Energy Market

The Wide Appeal of Batteries for the Renewable Energy Market

by Bruce Dorminey, Correspondent | June 5, 2014 | Post Your Comment
Battery technology has come a long way since the days when your granddad had to periodically peak under the hood to add water to his lead-acid battery. Full Article
MAGAZINEhttp://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/06/the-wide-appeal-of-batteries-for-the-renewable-energy-market?cmpid=WNL-Friday-June6-2014

Meeting Iran's nuclear fuel supply needs

Meeting Iran's nuclear fuel supply needs


http://thebulletin.org/meeting-irans-nuclear-fuel-supply-needs7224

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Atomic Show #215 – Armond Cohen, Clean Air Task Force (CATF)


Atomic Show #215 – Armond Cohen, Clean Air Task Force (CATF)


http://atomicinsights.com/atomic-show-215-armond-cohen-clean-air-task-force-catf/

The Godzilla Movie and the Parallel with Fukushima


The Godzilla Movie and the Parallel with Fukushima

There is a parallel between the new Godzilla movie and Fukushima, but not as it appears on the surface. In both cases, a nuclear plant accident is used as a cover-up for the real problem-at-hand.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-commentary.html

China and Russia plan a nuclear energy future - Six new nuclear reactors per year planned in China and Russia has over 20 nuclear reactors for export construction

China and Russia plan a nuclear energy future - Six new nuclear reactors per year planned in China and Russia has over 20 nuclear reactors for export construction

The Tale of Parallel Industries: Energy Storage Should Prepare to Face the Same Trials as Solar

The Tale of Parallel Industries: Energy Storage Should Prepare to Face the Same Trials as Solar

Barbara Boxer berates NRC commissioners - Atomic Insights

Barbara Boxer berates NRC commissioners - Atomic Insights

Want An Electric SUV? Take A Number

Want An Electric SUV? Take A Number

Call for greater use of nuclear energy

Call for greater use of nuclear energy
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=50260&icid=a&d_str=

Nuclear accident won’t increase most cancers, study says

Nuclear accident won’t increase most cancers, study says


http://www.thestar.com/business/2014/06/05/nuclear_accident_wont_increase_most_cancers_study_says.html

Robot Inside Fukushima Reactor Discovers Source of Water Leaks


Robot Inside Fukushima Reactor Discovers Source of Water Leaks

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-06-05/robot-inside-fukushima-reactor-discovers-source-of-water-leaks
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Slovenia's sole nuclear power plant has completed a major review

Slovenia's sole nuclear power plant has completed a major review


http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=193832

This Is Where Americans Planned to Spend the Nuclear Holocaust | Raw File | WIRED

This Is Where Americans Planned to Spend the Nuclear Holocaust | Raw File | WIRED

Oceans worth up to $222 bln annually in CO2 capture

Oceans worth up to $222 bln annually in CO2 capture
Bonn (AFP) June 04, 2014 - By absorbing carbon emissions from the atmosphere, the seas avert climate damage worth up to $222 billion (163 billion euros) every year, according to an estimate released on Thursday. Fish catches are worth another $16 billion annually, according to the report by a non-governmental watchdog, the Global Ocean Commission, which hopes that by setting an economic price on the value of internati ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Oceans_worth_up_to_222_bln_annually_in_CO2_capture_999.html

Wave energy finally gets its day in the water off the Oregon coast

Wave energy finally gets its day in the water off the Oregon coast


http://grist.org/list/wave-energy-finally-gets-its-day-in-the-water-off-the-oregon-coast/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Daily%2520June%25205&utm_campaign=daily
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How Ambitious Are the EPA’s Proposed Carbon Dioxide Reductions?


How Ambitious Are the EPA’s Proposed Carbon Dioxide Reductions?


Everything Depends on Your Assumptions About the Future


http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/energy-and-climate/how-ambitious-are-the-epas-proposed-carbon-dioxide-reductions

Dynegy among bidders for Duke Energy midwest power plants

Dynegy among bidders for Duke Energy midwest power plants


http://seekingalpha.com/news/1787663-dynegy-among-bidders-for-duke-energy-midwest-power-plants?uprof=46

China Angry About U.S. Tariff Hike On Solar Panels

China Angry About U.S. Tariff Hike On Solar Panels


http://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/China-Angry-About-U.S.-Tariff-Hike-On-Solar-Panels.html

How Acidification, Overfishing and Plastics Threaten the World’s Oceans

How Acidification, Overfishing and Plastics Threaten the World’s Oceans


http://ecowatch.com/2014/06/03/ocean-acidification-plastics-overfishing/

Obama’s Climate Plan is Leaking Methane

Obama’s Climate Plan is Leaking Methane


http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2014/06/obamas-climate-plan-leaking-methane.html

Atucha 2 achieves first criticality

Atucha 2 achieves first criticality

Lift for Leningrad II reactor vessel

Lift for Leningrad II reactor vessel

AREVA wins work at Gösgen nuclear plant - Nuclear Engineering International

AREVA wins work at Gösgen nuclear plant - Nuclear Engineering International

Westinghouse Picks 3 Bulgarian Companies for Kozloduy NPP -

Westinghouse Picks 3 Bulgarian Companies for Kozloduy NPP - See more at: http://www.novinite.com/articles/161060/Westinghouse+Picks+3+Bulgarian+Companies+for+Kozloduy+NPP#sthash.ifXIHtvW.dpuf
Westinghouse Picks 3 Bulgarian Companies for Kozloduy NPP 
http://www.novinite.com/articles/161060/Westinghouse+Picks+3+Bulgarian+Companies+for+Kozloduy+NPP

Idaho Lab turns minor waste pact change into $25 million in programs

Idaho Lab turns minor waste pact change into $25 million in programs


Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3219061/idaho-lab-turns-minor-waste-pact.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3219061/idaho-lab-turns-minor-waste-pact.html

Study findings: TVA should not be sold; analysts reject Obama's call to privatize utility

Study findings: TVA should not be sold; analysts reject Obama's call to privatize utility


http://timesfreepress.com/news/2014/jun/05/tva-should-not-be-sold/?breakingnews

DOE submits plan to seal WIPP room, panel | Albuquerque Journal News

DOE submits plan to seal WIPP room, panel | Albuquerque Journal News

Literature Review of Environmental Conditions and Chloride-Induced Degradation Relevant to Stainless Steel Canisters in Dry Cask Storage Systems

Literature Review of Environmental Conditions and Chloride-Induced Degradation Relevant to Stainless Steel Canisters in Dry Cask Storage Systems


http://www.epri.com/abstracts/Pages/ProductAbstract.aspx?ProductId=000000003002002528

U.S. Plants Prepare Long Term Nuclear Storage Solutions

U.S. Plants Prepare Long Term Nuclear Storage Solutions

The Fracking Fight's New Front Line - WSJ

The Fracking Fight's New Front Line - WSJ

Construction Of First Kazakhstan Reactor ‘Could Begin In 2018’

Construction Of First Kazakhstan Reactor ‘Could Begin In 2018’

Toshiba out as investor in Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear project, replaced by Westinghouse | The Sofia Globe

Toshiba out as investor in Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear project, replaced by Westinghouse | The Sofia Globe

Sellafield sludge plant handed over

Sellafield sludge plant handed over
A new £240 million ($402 million) facility to handle radioactive sludge at the UK's Sellafield site has been handed over for final trials after the completion of a six-year construction project.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Sellafield-sludge-plant-handed-over-0506147.html

Fuel loading at Fuqing 1

Fuel loading at Fuqing 1
The loading of fuel assemblies into the reactor core of unit 1 at the Fuqing plant in China's Fujian province is underway in preparation for startup.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Fuel-loading-at-Fuqing-1-0506145.html

Fukushima Updates 6/5/14 -

Fukushima Updates 6/5/14 -

Tepco has found a leakage point out of unit #1 primary containment (PCV)... Construction of the “ice wall” at Fukushima Daiichi has begun... The on-going sea discharge of uncontaminated groundwater goes virtually un-noticed... The Asahi Shimbun says that government inspectors were the first to flee the Fukushima accident... Tokyo says they will release transcripts of 772 interviews recorded during the Diet’s accident investigation in 2012... The latest international nuclear plant issue is volcanic eruptions... Oxford Physics Professor Wade Allison says we should not fear radiation.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

Science | From AAAS

Science | From AAAS

From the Science Podcast: an interview with Peter Burns about the properties of damaged nuclear fuel and developing better models for nuclear reactor
accidents. 


Nuclear Giant Exelon Blasts Wind | Elliott Negin

Nuclear Giant Exelon Blasts Wind | Elliott Negin

China May Pursue Nuclear Cruise Missiles, U.S. Military Study Warns | Global Security Newswire | NTI

China May Pursue Nuclear Cruise Missiles, U.S. Military Study Warns | Global Security Newswire | NTI

No rational reason to fear radiation - Dr. Wade Allison - Atomic Insights

No rational reason to fear radiation - Dr. Wade Allison - Atomic Insights

Radiation | The Actinide Age

Radiation | The Actinide Age

Science Denialism on Climate Change, GM Foods and Nuclear Power - Moving From Ideology to Evidence - Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00PM

Science Denialism on Climate Change, GM Foods and Nuclear Power - Moving From Ideology to Evidence - Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00PM

UK will have to gamble with nuclear safety to provide power, analyst warns

UK will have to gamble with nuclear safety to provide power, analyst warns

Safety limits of Britain's ageing nuclear power plants may have to be extended to avoid major blackouts

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jun/04/uk-may-need-to-gamble-with-nuclear-safety-to-avoid-blackouts

German nuclear waste may be headed to South Carolina site | Reuters

German nuclear waste may be headed to South Carolina site | Reuters

Most read on The Energy Collective

Most read on The Energy Collective

America’s Shale Revolution and the Dangerous Myth of Energy Independence

http://www.worldfinancialreview.com/?p=1820   

America’s Shale Revolution and the Dangerous Myth of Energy Independence
By Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett
Proponents of energy independence enshrine America’s so-called “shale revolution” as a geopolitical game changer, enabling the United States to leverage its prospective exports of shale oil and gas to weaken uncooperative hydrocarbon powers. Below, Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett argue that the shale revolution will not give the United States anything close to meaningful energy independence—something America shouldn’t seek anyway. The authors suggest that embracing the mythology of energy independence reinforces official Washington’s aversion to serious diplomacy with strategic rivals, thereby exacerbating America’s self-damaging and unnecessary confrontations with countries like Russia and Iran.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

At least the EPA did one thing right in the new emissions regulations: Don’t nix the nukes « Hot Air

At least the EPA did one thing right in the new emissions regulations: Don’t nix the nukes « Hot Air

French firm sees new era in China[1]|chinadaily.com.cn

French firm sees new era in China[1]|chinadaily.com.cn

The Potential Downside of Natural Gas - NYTimes.com

The Potential Downside of Natural Gas - NYTimes.com

NRC regional administrator discusses Indian Point nuclear power plant

NRC regional administrator discusses Indian Point nuclear power plant

Global warming: Breakthrough material absorbs CO2 from gas

Global warming: Breakthrough material absorbs CO2 from gas

Improving NRC’s Internal Processes

Improving NRC’s Internal Processes

Dave Solorio
Branch Chief
Concerns Resolution Branch
 
differingopinionThe most effective organizations are constantly evaluating how well their processes work and looking for ways to improve them. The NRC uses many different tools to measure its organizational effectiveness. When we identify improvements that can be made, we try to find the best way to put those changes in place — and then we measure their effectiveness.
In 2006, recognizing the need for standardization to replace procedures that varied by office, the NRC created an agency-wide “non-concurrence” process. The process encourages employees to bring different views to management related to policy papers, technical and administrative determinations, and other agency actions. And to do it as the supporting draft documents make their way through the management approval chain. The process is meant to promote the airing of views before final management decisions are made—in an effort to empower everyone involved and reach better decisions.
The NRC is fortunate to have so many talented, dedicated professionals–who may not always agree–and we appreciate their willingness to speak up. We encourage critical thinking and a questioning attitude not just among our licensees, but throughout our agency. As a safety regulator, the NRC recognizes the importance of an open, collaborative work environment, where people can raise concerns and differing views without fear of reprisal. Having an environment where people feel comfortable making varied views known supports our safety mission and makes for better decision-making.
My office recently evaluated the effectiveness of our non-concurrence process and used the results to revise the procedure for professional disagreements on draft documents. We feel confident these revisions will improve the process and allow the NRC to make the best possible decisions.
Our assessment provided encouraging feedback, but also identified areas where we have more work to do. On the positive side, we are encouraged NRC employees see the process as a way to be heard, understood and responded to. It’s also gratifying to see that most employees are aware of the process and would be willing to use it. On the other hand, some users of the process felt they faced negative consequences, or that their views were not reflected in final decisions. In many respects, the negative feedback was the most useful because it helps us target the areas where further improvement is needed.
For one thing, we are looking at ways to provide better training and clarify through that training and the revised procedure what is expected of supervisors who receive differing views, such as providing positive feedback for raising concerns. We are also working to make information on non-concurrence experiences (both positive and negative) more widely available.

Register for the 37th IAEE International Conference: Energy & the Economy [From Our Partner]




This is New York City(TM)
 
June 15–18, 2014
37th IAEE International Conference: Energy & the Economy
New Yorker Hotel
481 Eighth Ave. (bet. 34th and 35th Sts.)

Dear Energy Colleague,

We are looking forward to having you at the 37th IAEE Conference, New York City, NY, June 15-18, 2014. This year's conference will focus on the relationship between economic growth and energy. Linkages between two grow ever more important as economies around the world struggle to reinvigorate themselves and develop energy resources in sensible, sustainable ways. As the financial center of the United States, New York City is a place where multibillion-dollar bets are being laid on future growth and the technologies that will drive transformational change. The conference, as always, will also offer plentiful networking opportunities for professionals and students through informal receptions, breaks between sessions and interactive presentations.

We are pleased to announce that the conference registration is now open, come listen to and meet many of the world's leading energy economic experts for what promises to be one of the best IAEE conferences ever. For more information and to register please visit http://www.usaee.org/usaee2014/.

Some of the significant program updates and useful links include:
  1. For a complete lineup of our plenary sessions, please visit our full conference agenda.
  2. Behind the scenes New Yorker Hotel Power Generating Plant Tour on Sunday, June 15. View full social/technical tours here.
  3. We are very excited about our new Student Mentoring Program. For more information please click here.
  4. Please note that we anticipate a sellout crowd at the New York City conference. Given the high popularity of the conference, physical constraints at the hotel, and our desire to provide an excellent experience for all who attend, we will close registration when we reach 550 delegates. We strongly suggest you register early to ensure that you are able to participate at the conference. Visit http://www.usaee.org/usaee2014/onlineregistration.aspx to make your reservation.
We would be pleased if you would share this mail with your friends and colleagues to make them aware of this special conference.

We are looking forward to seeing you in NYC!
Register
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