Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Of weapons programs in Iran and Israel, and the need for journalists to report on both

http://thebulletin.org/weapons-programs-iran-and-israel-and-need-journalists-report-both8410

Of weapons programs in Iran and Israel, and the need for journalists to report on both

Dan Drollette Jr

Dan Drollette Jr

Dan Drollette, Jr. is a science writer/editor and foreign correspondent who has filed stories from every continent except Antarctica. His stories have appeared in Scientific American,...
A country in the Middle East has a clandestine nuclear development program, involving facilities hidden in the desert. After several years, the country is on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons, even though the United States has been using all its resources to prevent that from happening. Frantic communications fly behind the scenes, between Washington and Tel Aviv.
And where is the nuclear program located? Israel.

Monitors find more schedule slippage risks for Vogtle nuke project


Monitors find more schedule slippage risks for Vogtle nuke project
https://www.snl.com/InteractiveX/Article.aspx?cdid=A-32962888-10536

New York Energy Week: Fusion Energy Sooner and Cheaper?

New York Energy Week: Fusion Energy Sooner and Cheaper?


http://breakingenergy.com/2015/06/18/new-york-energy-week-fusion-energy-sooner-and-cheaper/

NRC: Testing Spent Fuel Transport Casks Using Scale Models


Testing Spent Fuel Transport Casks Using Scale Models

Bernard White
Senior Project Manager
Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation

Before casks can be used to transport the most radioactive cargo—including spent nuclear fuel—the NRC requires them to undergo a thorough safety evaluation. Casks are evaluated for their ability to withstand vibration, water spray, free fall, stacking, penetration and fire. A cask must be able to contain and shield the spent fuel and keep it in a safe configuration under both normal and accident conditions. Typically, spent fuel casks are certified through a combination of engineering analyses and scale model or component testing.
People often ask why the NRC allows designers to test scale models instead of requiring tests on full-sized casks. The bottom line is scale-model testing provides the necessary information for the NRC staff to know that a cask loaded with spent fuel can be transported safely, even in the event of an accident.
scalemodel2First, it is important to understand what information comes out of these tests. Test casks are fitted with sensors to measure acceleration. These accelerometers are similar to the ones used in smart phones, video game remotes and pedometers to respond to the movements of the user. Knowing the cask’s acceleration allows designers and the NRC to understand the forces different parts of the cask will experience in different types of impacts. The design engineer generally calculates these impact forces first by hand or by computer. Tests on a scale model can be used to check the accuracy of these analyses.
Engineers follow a similar process to safety-test airplanes, ships, bridges, buildings and other large structures. Scale-model testing is a proven and accepted practice across engineering disciplines, and may be one of the oldest engineering design tools. (Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman builders are known to have built small models to assist in planning structures.) Today, models allow oversized structures to be examined in wind tunnels, under different weight loads and on shake tables to provide key inputs into design and safety reviews.
Cost savings is a factor, but not the most important one. The biggest reason for using scale models is practicality. Transport casks for spent nuclear fuel are typically in the 25-ton to 125-ton range. There are very few testing facilities in the world that can put a 125-ton cask through the required tests.
For example, during 30-foot drop test, the test cask must strike the surface in the position that would cause the most severe damage. Cask designers often perform several drops to ensure they identify the correct position. After the 30-foot drop, the cask is dropped 40 inches onto a cylindrical puncture bar, then placed in a fully-engulfing fire for 30 minutes. Casks are also immersed in water to ensure they don’t leak. Measurements from these tests are plugged into computer programs that analyze the cask structure in great detail.
This analysis can determine the stresses placed on cask closure bolts, canisters and baskets that hold the spent fuel in place, and the spent fuel assemblies themselves. Computer simulations can be run for different scenarios, providing maximum flexibility to designers in understanding how best to design different parts of a cask’s structure.
In addition, NRC regulations specify that in the 30-foot drop test, the cask must hit an “unyielding” surface. This means the cask itself, which may be fitted with “impact limiters,” has to absorb all the damage. The impact limiters work much like the bumper that protects a car in a collision. The target surface cannot dent, crack or break in any way. In a real-world accident, a 125-ton cask would damage any surface significantly. It requires considerably more engineering work to achieve an unyielding surface for a full-sized cask than for a scale model, with no measurable advantage. The rule-of-thumb for testing is the impact target should be 10 times the mass of the object that will strike it. So a 125-ton cask would need to hit a 1,250 ton surface. A 30-ton cask would only need a 300-ton target.
Scale models are easier to handle and can be used efficiently for many drop orientations to meet the multiple test requirements. If a test needs to be run again, it can be done much more easily with a scale model. Design changes are also more easily tested on models. Together with extensive analyses of a cask’s ability to meet our regulatory requirements, the information from these tests allows the NRC to decide whether a cask can safely transport the radioactive contents.

For the first time, Japan may allow India to reprocess spent nuclear fuel from Japanese-made reactors

For the first time, Japan may allow India to reprocess spent nuclear fuel from Japanese-made reactors


http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/for-the-first-time-japan-may-allow-india-to-reprocess-spent-nuclear-fuel-from-japanese-made-reactors/articleshow/47727332.cms

Operating Experience with Nuclear Power Stations in Member States in 2014 - IAEA Publication, 2015...


Operating Experience with Nuclear Power Stations in Member States in 2014 - IAEA Publication, 2015...
 
 


 
 
http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/OPEX_2015_CD_web.pdf ; ...http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/OPEX_2015_CD_web.pdf 

The Passion of Alvin Weinberg The Humanitarian Behind China's Great Thorium Push


The Passion of Alvin Weinberg


The Humanitarian Behind China's Great Thorium Push

{photo_credit}
When four top climate scientists released a letter last November urging the expansion of safe nuclear power to fight climate change, the world took note. But few people realize that more than 40 years previously, and a decade before James Hansen’s high-profile testimony before Congress, one of America’s leading nuclear engineers was speaking out on the looming prospect of global warming. Alvin Weinberg spent much of his early career pushing for his thorium-fueled, molten salt nuclear reactor design – much to the chagrin of the industry – but when the government abandoned it, he began to broadly advocate nuclear power as a way to provide abundant electricity for an energy-hungry world and wean the US off fossil fuels. It took 40 years, but a new generation of engineers concerned about climate change is rediscovering Weinberg and his design. That the Chinese government has invested $350 million in a new molten-salt project shows just how significant Weinberg’s impact has been on the broader development of nuclear.

http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/energy-and-climate/the-passion-of-alvin-weinberg

Molten Salt Nuclear Reactors: Part Of America's Long-Term Energy Future?


Molten Salt Nuclear Reactors: Part Of America's Long-Term Energy Future?


http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterdetwiler/2014/09/22/molten-salt-nuclear-reactors-part-of-americas-long-termenergy-future/

Nuclear opponents have a moral duty to get their facts straight


Nuclear opponents have a moral duty to get their facts straight

As governments ponder a disastrous move away from nuclear power, it is vital campaigners don't spread misinformation – but Helen Caldicott fails to interrogate her own claims and sources

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2011/apr/13/anti-nuclear-lobby-interrogate-beliefs

Eleven reasons to switch to Thorium based Nuclear Power generation.

 Eleven reasons to switch to Thorium based Nuclear Power generation.
http://lenbilen.com/2012/02/15/eleven-reasons-to-switch-to-thorium-based-nuclear-power-generation/

Moment of truth nears for nuclear waste time bomb

Moment of truth nears for nuclear waste time bomb


http://www.businessinsider.com/r-moment-of-truth-nears-for-nuclear-waste-time-bomb-2015-6

The Slow Death of Nuclear Power and the Rise of Renewables

The Slow Death of Nuclear Power and the Rise of Renewables



http://ecowatch.com/2014/07/31/slow-death-nuclear-power-rise-of-renewables/

Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si” encyclical expresses moral obligation to fight climate change

Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si” encyclical expresses moral obligation to fight climate change


http://grist.org/climate-energy/pope-francis-laudato-si-encyclical-expresses-moral-obligation-to-fight-climate-change/

Nuclear Matters Statement on Closure of Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Facility

Unintended Consequences of Poorly Designed Market Structure and Government Policies Lead to Premature Shutdown
VERNON, Vt. (December 29, 2014) – Nuclear Matters co-chair, former Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), issued the following statement on the closure of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, owned by Entergy Corporation, which took effect today:
“The premature retirement of Vermont Yankee is representative of a problem that the entire country faces.  Too many well-functioning nuclear energy facilities – most of which have decades of useful operating life remaining – are at risk of closure or have announced their early retirement.  These conditions, including those surrounding Vermont Yankee’s, are caused by the unintended consequences of poorly designed market structure and government policies, not by the economic fundamentals of nuclear energy.  This also signifies the importance of fuel diversity for power generation in the United States.  Now is the time for all stakeholders to consider what can be done to prevent additional closures for the sake of electricity consumers, the environment, employees, communities, and the reliability of the electric grid.
“Vermont Yankee’s closure is especially concerning as we head into the Northeast winter, given that nuclear performed at a much higher capacity factor than any other fuel source during last year’s Polar Vortex.  In addition, the plant contributes more than $60 million to the local economy each year through financial contributions, taxes paid, and employee involvement.  Since 2002, having the facility on-line has saved New England customers approximately $330 million in electricity rate savings compared to the price of purchasing that same power from the spot market.  Over the years, Vermont Yankee has prevented more than 50 million tons of carbon dioxide and other pollutants from being released into the environment.  This is especially noteworthy as officials from New England’s grid operator have noted that the energy from Vermont Yankee will likely be replaced by other, carbon-emitting fuels.  Finally, this closure means that hundreds of jobs will be lost, with company officials announcing that in January 2015, the plant’s staff will be reduced from about 550 employees to 316, with subsequent cuts planned after that.
“Signs of stress in our country’s reliable electricity grid cannot be ignored.  It is simply unsustainable for the United States to continue down the path of allowing nuclear energy plants to close.  Regulators, policymakers and industry must work together to ensure that nuclear energy is properly valued as a reliable, affordable and carbon-free electricity resource that is essential to America’s energy future and diverse fuel mix, and to ensure that existing nuclear plants are properly recognized in electricity markets for the value that they provide.  Nuclear energy is safe, reliable, secure, and 100 percent carbon-free.  This 24-7, 365 always-on source of electricity is key to our country’s success.”
About Nuclear Matters
The mission of Nuclear Matters is to inform the public about the clear benefits that nuclear energy provides to our nation, to raise awareness of the economic challenges to nuclear energy that threaten those benefits, and to work with stakeholders to explore possible policy solutions that properly value nuclear energy as a reliable, affordable and carbon-free electricity resource that is essential to America’s energy future.
Supporters of Nuclear Matters include a range of companies and organizations in the energy industry, including Ameren Missouri, American Nuclear Insurers, Arizona Public Service Company, AREVA, Black & Veatch, Burns and Roe Enterprises Inc., Centrus Energy Corp. Dominion, Duke Energy, Energy Future Holdings Corporation, Energy Northwest, Entergy Corporation, Exelon Corporation, FirstEnergy Corporation, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Lightbridge Corporation, Nebraska Public Power District, NextEra Energy Inc., Omaha Public Power District, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company, Southern Company, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Westinghouse Electric Corporation.
Media Contacts
For Nuclear Matters:
Emma Post
(212) 446-1878
epost@sloanepr.com
Joe Germani
(212) 446-1899
jgermani@sloanepr.com

IAEA Meeting Discusses Nuclear Power Options in Latin America

IAEA Meeting Discusses Nuclear Power Options in Latin America

Participants of the IAEA Technical Meeting on Sharing Experience with Expanding and New Nuclear Power Programmes in Latin America next to the steam generator of Argentina's Atucha 2 nuclear power reactor, 5 June 2015. (M.Ferrari/IAEA)
Latin American countries considering the introduction of nuclear power got important insights earlier this month into the opportunities and challenges of developing new nuclear power projects from countries already using nuclear power.
Policy makers, project developers and other experts from Bolivia, Chile and Peru attended a regional meeting in Buenos Aires, along with experts from Argentina and Brazil. There are seven nuclear power reactors in operation in Latin America: three in Argentina, two in Brazil and two in Mexico.
Participants learned about Argentina’s nuclear power programme and also discussed national energy policies and the status of nuclear power development in their countries. The meeting included a one-day visit to Atucha, a nuclear power plant some 100 kilometres northwest of the Argentinian capital.
“For Bolivia, which is starting to develop nuclear power, this meeting has been an excellent opportunity,” said Hernan Vera Ruiz, Nuclear Programme Coordinator at Bolivia’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy. “We gained insights into Argentina’s nuclear power programme and the roles and responsibilities of the different institutions involved. We also learned from other newcomer countries which face challenges similar to those of my country. The technical tour to the Atucha nuclear power plant was interesting and informative.”
The participants are now considering bilateral activities and also found that there is tremendous room for cooperation in Latin America, added the IAEA’s Marta Ferrari, the Scientific Secretary of the meeting.
Several years ago, Uruguay and Chile started exploring the option of introducing nuclear power, and, more recently, Bolivia also announced its interest in including it in its national energy mix. The experts attending the IAEA Technical Meeting on Sharing Experience with Expanding and New Nuclear Power Programmes in Latin America, also agreed to strengthen regional networking and information exchange.
“The IAEA works closely with operating and newcomer countries, provides guidance and advice on how to develop the infrastructure needed for nuclear power,” Ferrari said. “It also acts as a hub where Member States can meet, share experience and build networks.”
At the event, several Argentinian organizations provided an insight into the country’s nuclear power programme. These included the Ministry of Federal Planning, the Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN) and Nucleoeléctrica Argentina (NA-SA), the national nuclear operator, which is responsible for all new nuclear power plant projects in the country.
Argentinian participants underlined the importance their country attaches to regional cooperation in the nuclear sector, a driver for economic development. In 2006, the country’s government adopted a nuclear energy policy that included the development of three new power plant units: NA-SA signed agreements with the China National Nuclear Corporation to develop a third and a fourth unit at the Atucha site, while another agreement was signed with Russia to explore the possibility of a fifth unit at another site.
In the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, CNEA runs the Bariloche Atomic Centre, which is dedicated to research, education and human resource development, and has been training experts from different countries in the region for many years. As for ARN, it has built an international network for learning and cooperating with other regulatory bodies. NA-SA, for its part, places much importance on communication, building a strong relationship with the local community, involving and educating local stakeholders and running regular information campaigns.
Brazil’s nuclear power programme includes two units at Angra in operation, with another one under construction. Its national plan until 2030 includes scenarios to add nuclear generation capacity in a range between 4000 and 8000 MW. Site selection is underway.
Bolivia’s Ministry of Energy has developed a comprehensive national nuclear programme that includes three main projects: deploying a cyclotron and increasing the use of nuclear applications in medicine in the short term; building a small research reactor (30 kW) to foster science and technology in the medium term, with plans to sign a contract in the near future and start operations in 2020; and a nuclear power programme for the long term, which is in the initial phase of development.
Chile expressed interest in nuclear power some 10 years ago and has already prepared pre-feasibility studies. Last year, the country’s government launched a national energy agenda as a forum to discuss its future energy policy. In addition, Chile’s National Energy Commission is currently performing energy studies.
As for Peru, its national energy policy has the objective of increasing electricity production two- to four-fold by 2030. The country’s energy policy emphasizes low carbon emissions and energy sustainability, including nuclear power as an option.

Texas Becomes First State To Ban Fracking Bans

By Eddy De Los Santos | Baker Donelson, Thursday, June 18, 2015 4:00 PM
Boom Goes Bust: Texas Oil Industry Hurt By Plunging Oil Prices
On May 18, 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 40 into law, putting restrictions on the ability of municipalities to regulate the oil and gas industry in their jurisdictions.http://breakingenergy.com/2015/06/18/texas-becomes-first-state-to-ban-fracking-bans/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=18837298&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_eaRva7bLR6F3AdEJ0UWICu-qhTgSljoCTDIXb6QOtBVoXupfEgWaOYRo5d6zTBz0A5XuiRK63wVAQYm-gW59_RV7Tqg&_hsmi=18837298

New NWP president, project manager takes over


New NWP president, project manager takes over


http://www.currentargus.com/carlsbad-news/ci_28341058/new-nwp-president-project-manager-takes-over

Why the U.S. should invest a lot more in nuclear research

Why the U.S. should invest a lot more in nuclear research

http://theweek.com/articles/561192/why-should-invest-lot-more-nuclear-research

FirstEnergy joins nuclear fabricator to repurpose Canonsburg facility

FirstEnergy joins nuclear fabricator to repurpose Canonsburg facility



http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/companies/2015/06/19/FirstEnergy-joins-French-nuclear-company-Areva-in-opening-Canonsburg-Pennsylvania-facilities/stories/201506190093

ANS Update: Friday Nuclear Matinee – the Advanced Test Reactor at INL

Friday Nuclear Matinee – the Advanced Test Reactor at INL

By ansnuclearcafe on Jun 19, 2015 01:08 pm

The versatile, powerful and unique ATR (Advanced Test Reactor) at Idaho National Laboratory is featured in this video describing it, the history of materials testing reactors that led up to Continue Reading →
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share on Twitter Like Friday Nuclear Matinee – the Advanced Test Reactor at INL on Facebook

Chevron's John Watson Should Follow Pronuclear Words with Nuclear Energy Investments

Posted: 17 Jun 2015 03:34 AM PDT
During an OPEC meeting in Vienna held in early June of 2015, John Watson, the CEO of Chevron, the second largest oil and gas company in the United States, made a comment that certainly deserves more attention and follow up from journalists.read morehttp://www.theenergycollective.com/rodadams/2240091/chevron-s-john-watson-should-follow-pronuclear-words-nuclear-energy-investments?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Pope Francis Highlights the Moral Imperative of Climate Action

Posted: 18 Jun 2015 06:00 AM PDT
Pope Francis brings a clear and powerful moral voice to a climate change debate too often clouded by competing ideologies. He reminds us of our responsibilities to the planet and to one another, and makes plain the stakes and the urgency of stronger action.read morehttp://www.theenergycollective.com/seidel/2241276/pope-francis-highlights-moral-imperative-climate-action?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

CONFIRMED: Chinese government hackers linked to historic hack of US security clearance info - Business Insider

CONFIRMED: Chinese government hackers linked to historic hack of US security clearance info - Business Insider

Friday, June 19, 2015

Saudi, Russia sign nuclear deal - Al Arabiya News

Saudi, Russia sign nuclear deal - Al Arabiya News

News | International Atomic Energy Agency

19 June 2015 News Story

IAEA Meeting Discusses Nuclear Power Options in Latin America

Latin American countries considering the introduction of nuclear power got important insights earlier this month into the opportunities and challenges of developing new nuclear power projects from countries already using nuclear power.
Read more →


News | International Atomic Energy Agency

Nuclear steam generator market in China to grow at a negative CAGR of 16 % year between 2015-2019 according to new research report - WhaTech

Nuclear steam generator market in China to grow at a negative CAGR of 16 % year between 2015-2019 according to new research report - WhaTech

China Nuclear News: China’s Nuclear Export Expands To Pakistan and Romania : Tech : Chinatopix

China Nuclear News: China’s Nuclear Export Expands To Pakistan and Romania : Tech : Chinatopix

China's Third-Generation Nuclear Reactors to Compete Against American, Russian Counterparts

China's Third-Generation Nuclear Reactors to Compete Against American, Russian Counterparts


http://en.yibada.com/articles/39474/20150619/chinas-third-generation-nuclear-reactors-compete-against-american-russian-counterparts.htm

NUCLEAR WASTE: Draft House bill would direct millions to fund interim storage facilities

NUCLEAR WASTE:

Draft House bill would direct millions to fund interim storage facilities



http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060020522

NRC says Entergy can use decommissioning fund to store spent fuel

NRC says Entergy can use decommissioning fund to store spent fuel



http://vtdigger.org/2015/06/18/nrc-says-entergy-can-use-decommissioning-fund-to-store-spent-fuel/

Is the U.S. Investing Enough in Electricity Grid Reliability?

Is the U.S. Investing Enough in Electricity Grid Reliability?


http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_28341942/minor-leak-detected-at-peach-bottom-atomic-power

Is the U.S. Investing Enough in Electricity Grid Reliability?

Posted: 16 Jun 2015 07:06 AM PDT
We had a 2-hour power outage at our house last week, together with 45,000 other customers in the East Bay. The lights flickered off just after 8PM and didn’t come back on until after 10PM. Nothing like going without something that you take for granted to make you realize just how valuable it is.read morehttp://theenergycollective.com/catherinewolfram/2240161/us-investing-enough-electricity-grid-reliability?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

India's research reactors not under nuclear insurance pool

India's research reactors not under nuclear insurance pool


http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=328586

New report explores the nuclear power in Brazil market outlook to 2025

New report explores the nuclear power in Brazil market outlook to 2025


http://www.whatech.com/market-research/green-technology/69149-new-report-explores-the-nuclear-power-in-brazil-market-outlook-to-2025

3 Pro/Con: Indian Point

Pro/Con: Indian Point



http://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/readers/2015/06/18/pro-con-indian-point/28931473/

Kaiga nuclear power plant to get two more units

Kaiga nuclear power plant to get two more units


http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/kaiga-nuclear-power-plant-to-get-two-more-units/article7331411.ece

NRC To Conclude Additional Oversight of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant


NRC To Conclude Additional Oversight of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant

http://www.capecod.com/newscenter/nrc-conclude-additional-oversight-pilgrim-nuclear-power-plant/

Experts eye Rosatom, Westinghouse reactors for South Africa nuclear power

Experts eye Rosatom, Westinghouse reactors for South Africa nuclear power


http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKBN0OZ10D20150619

Saudi Arabia, Russia sign nuclear power cooperation deal

Saudi Arabia, Russia sign nuclear power cooperation deal

Kingdom plans to build 16 nuclear reactors in which Russia will play an operating role

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-russia-sign-nuclear-power-cooperation-deal-1.1537699

First steam generators delivered to Leningrad II-2

First steam generators delivered to Leningrad II-2

19 June 2015
The first batch of steam generators for unit 2 of the Leningrad Phase II nuclear power plant has been delivered to the construction site, Russian nuclear power plant operator Rosenergoatom said on 17 June.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-First-steam-generators-delivered-to-Leningrad-II-2-19061502.html

Russia and Saudi Arabia agree to cooperate in nuclear energy

Russia and Saudi Arabia agree to cooperate in nuclear energy
Russia and Saudi Arabia yesterday signed an agreement to cooperate in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The document was signed by Rosatom director general Sergey Kirienko and the president of the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy Hashim Abdullah Yamani.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-Russia-and-Saudi-Arabia-agree-to-cooperate-in-nuclear-energy-19061501.html
Brazilian AP1000 collaboration for Westinghouse A memorandum of understanding signed by Westinghouse and Brazil's state-owned Nuclebras Equipamentos Pesados paves the way for the companies to collaborate on the fabrication of AP1000 reactor components in Brazil.

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/C-Brazilian-AP1000-collaboration-for-Westinghouse-1906157.aspx

Senate okays defense bill over White House objections

Senate okays defense bill over White House objections

PennEnergy's Top Power News 6/19

USDA funding 23 renewable energy projects in Kentucky

$subtitles.get($x) Kentucky is receiving more than $264,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund 23 applications for improvements in energy efficiency. … Continue Reading
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Top Power News

Mon Power adds new line and substation employees

PSEG Power acquires combined-cycle power plant project

Nautilus completes solar power portfolio

ADB says Asia must increase renewable energy investment

Reactor at New York nuclear power plant shut down

American Electric seeking coal supply offers

ExxonMobil launches new gas engine oil for power sector

SunEdison to acquire Indian wind power company Continuum

South Dakota PUC OKs Xcel Energy rate hike

IEA climate report highlights need for investment in clean coal technologies

First Solar achieves record thin solar power module efficiency

ABB to provide power for new Angolan offshore production field

SnapNrack to preview new solar mounting solutions

PennEnergy Blogs & OpEds

Governing Energy: New Systemic Realities

In the rush to meet deadlines and financial metrics, we re-purpose materials frequently. Often this business model is satisfactory and the most cost effective. However, each IRPD should be developed on the specific merits of that project or activity. … Continue Reading
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PennEnergy Jobs and Career Insights

Create A Unique Personal Mission Statement

Your personal brand statement is not an anemic job description stringing together your functional areas of expertise. Instead, it represents your promise of value to your next employer, and it should generate chemistry … Continue Reading
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Energy & Technology Jobs

Engineer – Civil, Dam Safety, Compliance

Senior Power System Engineer

Transmission Planning Engineer I, II or III

Contract Services Manager

Senior Field Service Engineer

Industrial Electrical Journeyman

Japan OKs long-term Fukushima nuclear power plant cleanup plan despite unknowns

Japan OKs long-term Fukushima nuclear power plant cleanup plan despite unknowns


http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/06/japan-oks-long-term-fukushima-nuclear-power-plant-cleanup-plan-despite-unknowns.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerJune152015&eid=288685009&bid=1095907&cmpid=EnlWeeklyPowerJune192015

Why the U.S. should invest a lot more in nuclear research

Why the U.S. should invest a lot more in nuclear research
http://theweek.com/articles/561192/why-should-invest-lot-more-nuclear-research

The power generation market is perpetually changing and raising new challenges for your BWR operations. AREVA has engineered the ATRIUM™ 11 Fuel Assembly with the future in mind to help operators meet these emerging challenges and keep BWR generating costs among the lowest on any grid. Now operating in reactors in four countries, including the U.S., ATRIUM™ 11 is delivering capabilities that are vital for BWR operators.
   
 
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http://us.areva.com/home/liblocal/docs/Solutions/campaigns/field_report/AREVA_ATRIUM_11.html

Power Engineering E-Newsletter 6/19

Power Engineering |View online| June 19, 2015|Forward to a Friend
Power Engineering Newsletter | June 19, 2015

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Video Highlights
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  • Ningde 3 nuclear unit begins commercial operation in China
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    EPRI awarded $3mn to research power plant dry cooling technologies
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    Panel passes measure cutting EPA's budget
    A House panel passed a spending measure on Wednesday that cuts the budget at the Environmental Protection Agency by 9 percent and blocks the Obama administration from advancing new rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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    Survey shows state air agencies fretting over NAAQS policy
    Proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) changes to the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone has many states worried, according to a just-released survey from Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA).
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    Duke Energy to use swine waste at Buck, Dan River power plants
    Duke Energy is asking North Carolina regulators to register its Buck and Dan River combined-cycle power plants as renewable energy facilities, as the utility plans to start utilizing biogas from swine waste.
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    The Week's Most Read Articles
    EPA finalizes controversial SSM rule
    Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule directing 36 states to stop providing exemptions for emission violations during the startup, shutdown or malfunction (SSM) of a power plant.
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    Top 5 U.S. coal plant heat rates
    Peabody Energy recently ranked the top 5 cleanest burning coal-fired power plants in the U.S. under three categories: SO2 emissions, NOx emissions and best heat rate.
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    Video: Duke Energy implodes coal units at retired Cape Fear power plant
    Duke Energy’s contractor imploded Cape Fear's two coal-fired units — which began operating in 1956 and 1958 — on June 4. The Moncure, N.C. plant began operating in 1923.
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    Nuclear must be part of U.S. energy future
    Nuclear energy must continue to be an essential part of the future U.S. energy mix, but building new nuclear power plants is not a feat that can be undertaken by anyone, one industry leader said.
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    More Headlines
    Nevada regulators reject Switch bid to leave power grid
    SunEdison purchases two renewable energy developers
    Raimondo nominates 3 to renewable energy board
    Vermont governor signs renewable energy bill
    S. Korea’s oldest nuclear reactor to permanently shut down
    Enphase Energy Teams With My Generation Energy on 900kW Commercial Solar Installation
    Waneta Expansion Project connects to BC Hydro grid
    Centauri Energy receives approval on CAISO application for 300-megawatt solar project in California’s Central Valley
    Mexico cogeneration power plant installs data monitoring system
    PSEG fossil acquires natural gas-fired power project in Maryland
    Japan OKs 40-year Fukushima cleanup plan despite unknowns
    South Dakota's PUC OKs Xcel Energy 4 percent rate hike
    GE renewable energy unit to invest $25mn in TerraForm Global
    Fast breeder nuclear reactor to begin operations this year
    NuScale president & CEO named to U.S. chamber spot
    Whirlpool Corporation breaks ground on wind farm near Findlay, Ohio facility

    Industry Trends
    Henry Hub Average Natural Gas Spot Prices
    The Henry Hub is the pricing point for natural gas futures contracts. Here's a look at how prices have changed up to June 10, 2015.
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    Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' Economic Indicators
    The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas offers a glimpse into how the markets are doing domestically and internationally.
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    EIA’s weekly coal production report
    The U.S. Energy Information Administration has released its coal production report for the week ending June 13.
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