Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, February 13, 2016

France has a €100 billion nuclear reactor upgrade bill

France has a €100 billion nuclear reactor upgrade bill


http://nextbigfuture.com/2016/02/france-has-100-billion-nuclear-reactor.html

Risk of Uncontrolled Nuclear Reactions (i.e. Criticality Events) in Water Saturated Deeply Buried Nuclear Waste

Risk of Uncontrolled Nuclear Reactions (i.e. Criticality Events) in Water Saturated Deeply Buried Nuclear Waste


https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2016/02/13/risk-of-uncontrolled-nuclear-reactions-i-e-criticality-events-in-water-saturated-deeply-buried-nuclear-waste/

The elephant in the room: Israel’s nuclear weapons

The elephant in the room: Israel’s nuclear weapons


https://electronicintifada.net/content/elephant-room-israels-nuclear-weapons/8312

Nuclear renaissance? Failing industry is running flat out to stand still

Nuclear renaissance? Failing industry is running flat out to stand still


http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2987010/nuclear_renaissance_failing_industry_is_running_flat_out_to_stand_still.html

TVA Cancels Plans For Bellefonte Units 3 And 4

TVA Cancels Plans For Bellefonte Units 3 And 4


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2016/02/12/tva-cancels-plans-for-bellefonte-units-3-and-4-021202#.Vr-QH-blxbI

How Citizen Science Changed the Way Fukushima Radiation is Reported

How Citizen Science Changed the Way Fukushima Radiation is Reported


http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2016/02/13/how-citizen-science-changed-the-way-fukushima-radiation-is-reported/

The Fukushima Disaster and Nuclear Power in Japan: ‘If You Love Your Country, Let Nuclear Go!’

The Fukushima Disaster and Nuclear Power in Japan: ‘If You Love Your Country, Let Nuclear Go!’



http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-fukushima-disaster-and-nuclear-power-in-japan-if-you-love-your-country-let-nuclear-go/5507525

PHOTO: More than 1,100 water storage tanks at Fukushima plant ... and counting


http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201602130025

South Africa plans $63b nuclear power plant, Russia or China to bid

South Africa plans $63b nuclear power plant, Russia or China to bid


http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2016/02/south-africa-plans-63b-nuclear-power-plant-russia-or-china-to-bid/

South Africa plans to install 9,600 Megawatts of nuclear power

South Africa plans to install 9,600 Megawatts of nuclear power


http://www.africanews.com/2016/02/13/south-africa-plan-to-install-9600-megawatts-nuclear-power/

America’s Natural Gas Progress And Its Discontents

America’s Natural Gas Progress And Its Discontents



http://breakingenergy.com/2016/02/12/americas-natural-gas-progress-and-its-discontents/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=26227148&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ILNMos4czsebbj8qr95_hmQICdcpP9N6Vo322TgG19VvjOr5lBaWrs9rFJIg4dh8IxIKbkg_btI2-rh5X4_esc0Ei5Q&_hsmi=26227148

TransCanada Challenges Denial Of Permit For Keystone XL Pipeline

TransCanada Challenges Denial Of Permit For Keystone XL Pipeline
By King & Spalding, Friday, February 12, 2016 4:00 PM

Friday, February 12, 2016

Russia, China front runners in South Africa's nuclear project-source

Russia, China front runners in South Africa's nuclear project-source


http://www.reuters.com/article/safrica-nuclear-idUSL8N15Q3MN

TVA to abandon new reactor design at Bellefonte

TVA to abandon new reactor design at Bellefonte


http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/business/aroundregion/story/2016/feb/12/tva-abandon-new-reactor-design-bellefonte/349888/

Guest column: Waiting on SMRs puts U.S. behind


Guest column: Waiting on SMRs puts U.S. behind


http://www.postregister.com/articles/opinions/2016/02/12/guest-column-waiting-smrs-puts-us-behind

Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper: Book Review

Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper: Book Review


http://yesvy.blogspot.com/2016/02/smaller-faster-lighter-denser-cheaper.html#.Vr5QWimGhRl

Energy Policy by Headline

Energy Policy by Headline


http://northwestcleanenergy.com/2016/02/11/energy-policy-by-headline/

Reality: less nuclear means more natural gas

Reality: less nuclear means more natural gas


http://northwestcleanenergy.com/2016/01/31/reality-less-nuclear-means-more-natural-gas/

For the First Time Ever, China May Put Its Nuclear Arsenal on High Alert


For the First Time Ever, China May Put Its Nuclear Arsenal on High Alert

An accidental nuclear launch could start World War III.

http://www3.alternet.org/world/first-time-ever-china-may-put-its-nuclear-arsenal-alert

US Targets Russia and China with North Korea Pretext: Report

 US Targets Russia and China with North Korea Pretext: Report
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=254835&cid=31&fromval=1

Learning its lesson? What the Iran deal should teach China about sanctioning North Korea


Learning its lesson? What the Iran deal should teach China about sanctioning North Korea


http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/order-from-chaos/posts/2016/02/11-iran-deal-lessons-china-north-korea-pollack

China May Put its Nuclear Weapons on High Alert, and It's a Dangerous Idea


China May Put its Nuclear Weapons on High Alert, and It's a Dangerous Idea


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elliott-negin/china-may-put-its-nuclear_b_9213552.html

5 Years Later, Fukushima Power Plant Still Cleaning Up

5 Years Later, Fukushima Power Plant Still Cleaning Up


http://www.industryweek.com/environment/5-years-later-fukushima-power-plant-still-cleaning?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IWNews+%28IndustryWeek+Most+Recent+News%29

Five years after nuclear meltdown, no one knows what to do with Fukushima


http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/1911957/five-years-after-nuclear-meltdown-no-one-knows-what-do-fukushima

Fluor Lands $1.4 Billion Idaho Site Clean Up Contract

Fluor Lands $1.4 Billion Idaho Site Clean Up Contract


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2016/02/12/fluor-lands-_2400_1.4-billion-idaho-site-clean-up-contract--021101#.Vr5HLimGhRk

China plans to open 1st ‘meltdown-free’ nuclear power plant by 2017

China plans to open 1st ‘meltdown-free’ nuclear power plant by 2017


https://www.rt.com/news/332254-china-meltdown-free-reactor/

China is building the world's first nuclear reactor guaranteed not to meltdown


http://shanghaiist.com/2016/02/12/meltdown_proof_reactor.php


There Would Not be a Fukushima-Type of Disaster When Shandong Nuclear Reactor Goes Online in 2017

http://en.yibada.com/articles/103836/20160212/there-would-not-be-a-fukushima-type-of-disaster-when-shandong-nuclear-reactor-goes-online-in-2017.htm

China is nearing completion of the high temperature pebble bed reactor and will test it before generating power starting about Nov 2017


http://nextbigfuture.com/2016/02/china-is-nearing-completion-of-high.html

Rosatom explains benefits of state backing to plant projects

Rosatom explains benefits of state backing to plant projects


http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/C-Rosatom-explains-benefits-of-state-backing-to-plant-projects-11021601.html

India Cracks Door Open to US Nuclear Suppliers

India Cracks Door Open to US Nuclear Suppliers

  • Ratifies Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage
  • Move increases confidence Indian liability law compatible with international norms
  • With other steps, could enable some U.S. suppliers to do business in India


http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/India-Cracks-Door-Open-to-US-Nuclear-Suppliers

NEI to Wall Street Analysts: Recognize Nuclear Energy’s Distinct Value



NEI to Wall Street Analysts: Recognize Nuclear Energy’s Distinct Value

  • Market flaws placing otherwise high-performing nuclear plants at risk of early retirement
  • More urgency is needed to reform electricity markets
  • Industry initiative identifying ways to increase operational efficiencies


http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/NEI-to-Wall-Street-Analysts-Recognize-Nuclear-Ener

For many utilities, court action 'doesn't really change anything'

CLEAN POWER PLAN:

For many utilities, court action 'doesn't really change anything'


http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060032232

Save Diablo Canyon so it can continue to supply massive quantities of clean power

Save Diablo Canyon so it can continue to supply massive quantities of clean power


http://atomicinsights.com/save-diablo-canyon-so-it-can-continue-to-supply-massive-quantities-of-clean-power/

NY faces power shortage, but not enough to save FitzPatrick nuclear plant

NY faces power shortage, but not enough to save FitzPatrick nuclear plant


http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2016/02/ny_to_face_power_shortage_but_not_enough_to_keep_fitzpatrick_nuclear_plant_alive.html

US SMR consortium launched

Developers and potential customers of small modular reactors (SMRs) on 27 January signed a memorandum of understanding to set up the SMR Smart consortium to advance the commercialization of SMR reactor designs.
Initial members of the consortium include BWX Technologies Inc, Duke Energy, Energy Northwest, Holtec, NuScale, PSEG Nuclear, Southern Co, SCANA and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The organization will represent the companies in interactions with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Congress and the executive branch on small reactor issues. US industry body the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) is assisting in the formation of the consortium, and is to work closely with the organization on policies and priorities relating to small reactor technology.


http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-US-SMR-consortium-launched-2901167.html

Final demolition starts at Oak Ridge diffusion facility

Final demolition starts at Oak Ridge diffusion facility
Demolition work has begun on building K-27, the last of five gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment facilities at the former Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant. The US Department of Energy plans to remove all gaseous diffusion buildings from the site by the end of the year under its Vision 2016 project.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Final-demolition-starts-at-Oak-Ridge-diffusion-facility-1202167.html

EEI: Utilities moving from coal, toward gas & renewables regardless of CPP stay

EEI: Utilities moving from coal, toward gas & renewables regardless of CPP stay

Carbon emissions from the power sector are already down about 17% since 2000, according to Edison Electric Institute officials. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to delay implementing the Clean Power Plan will not reverse those efforts. http://www.utilitydive.com/news/eei-utilities-moving-from-coal-toward-gas-renewables-regardless-of-cpp/413822/

8 trends shaping the grid of the future

8 trends shaping the grid of the future

A Deloitte study finds 'alternative energy’s shift to the mainstream is largely complete and likely irreversible'


http://www.utilitydive.com/news/8-trends-shaping-the-grid-of-the-future/413441/

UAE ambassador and nuclear power expert Hamad Alkaabi

UAE ambassador and nuclear power expert Hamad Alkaabi

ABSTRACT

In an interview with Bulletin editor John Mecklin, United Arab Emirates envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency Hamad Alkaabi speaks about his country’s views on the 2015 nuclear deal between six world powers and Iran, whether the Iranian agreement could cause the UAE to reconsider its precedent-setting nuclear agreement with the United States, and a host of other issues connected to the country’s creation of a nuclear power sector.

 


http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00963402.2016.1124657?journalCode=rbul20&

Obama climate initiative: Supreme Court calls halt

Obama climate initiative: Supreme Court calls halt


http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35538350

Israel’s sea-based nukes pose risks Victor Gilinsky

Israel’s sea-based nukes pose risks

Victor Gilinsky

http://thebulletin.org/israel%E2%80%99s-sea-based-nukes-pose-risks9151

EIA: U.S. energy spending down sharply

EIA: U.S. energy spending down sharply Washington (UPI) Feb 11, 2016 - Investment in the mining and other extractive industries, including oil, declined in the United States by more than 30 percent last year, federal data show. When measured as a share of total private U.S. investments, federal data show spending in the mining and exploration sector dropped from a 5 percent share in 2014 to just more than 3 percent last year. A daily briefing from t ... morehttp://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/EIA_US_energy_spending_down_sharply_999.html

News Updates from ANS, Third Way

News Updates from ANS, Third Way


http://theenergycollective.com/dan-yurman/2322204/news-updates-ans-third-way

Fukushima Daiichi NPS Prompt Report 2016

 

Fukushima Daiichi NPS Prompt Report 2016

Fukushima Daiichi NPS Prompt Report (Feb 09,2016)Recent Topics:FUKUSHIMA- INSTALLATION OF FACILITIES REQUIRED FOR ‘ICE WALL' CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE


http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/2016/1267045_7763.html

Critics decry radioactive leak at New York nuclear power plant

Critics decry radioactive leak at New York nuclear power plant

$subtitles.get($x) A leak of radioactive material into the groundwater below a nuclear power station in New York City's suburbs highlights a chronic problem with the nation's atomic plants. … Continue Reading http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2016/02/critics-decry-radioactive-leak-at-new-york-nuclear-power-plant.html?cmpid=EnlWeeklyPowerFebruary122016&eid=288118515&bid=1308792

Radioactive Handouts: the Nuclear Subsidies Buried Inside Obama’s “Clean” Energy Budget


Radioactive Handouts: the Nuclear Subsidies Buried Inside Obama’s “Clean” Energy Budget

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/12/radioactive-handouts-the-nuclear-subsidies-buried-inside-obamas-clean-energy-budget/

Top official overseeing nuclear deal unsure where Iran's enriched uranium is stored

Top official overseeing nuclear deal unsure where Iran's enriched uranium is stored


http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/02/12/top-official-overseeing-nuclear-deal-unsure-where-irans-enriched-uranium-is-stored.html

Zuma assures nuclear programme will continue at affordable pace and scale


Zuma assures nuclear programme will continue at affordable pace and scale

http://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2016/02/12/Zuma-assures-nuclear-programme-will-continue-at-affordable-pace-and-scale

Nuclear power in South Africa: ‘only on a scale and pace the country can afford’

Nuclear power in South Africa: ‘only on a scale and pace the country can afford’


http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/opinion/2016/02/12/Nuclear-power-in-South-Africa-%E2%80%98only-on-a-scale-and-pace-the-country-can-afford%E2%80%99

Why the Current Nuclear Showdown in California Should Matter to You

Why the Current Nuclear Showdown in California Should Matter to You


http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/12/why-the-current-nuclear-showdown-in-california-should-matter-to-you/

Trilateral meeting on nuclear security in Washington

Trilateral meeting on nuclear security in Washington - See more at: http://www.noodls.com/viewNoodl/32096374/ministerio-de-asuntos-exteriores-y-de-cooperaci243n-de-es/trilateral-meeting-on-nuclear-security-in-washington#sthash.Q7Ujwao5.dpuf
Trilateral meeting on nuclear security in Washington 

http://www.noodls.com/viewNoodl/32096374/ministerio-de-asuntos-exteriores-y-de-cooperaci243n-de-es/trilateral-meeting-on-nuclear-security-in-washington

Nuclear remains a part of the SA energy mix -Zuma

Nuclear remains a part of the SA energy mix -Zuma


http://www.infrastructurene.ws/2016/02/12/nuclear-remains-a-part-of-the-sa-energy-mix-zuma/

Nuclear plants in Ohio, Pennsylvania closed for repairs

Nuclear plants in Ohio, Pennsylvania closed for repairs


http://myinforms.com/en-us/a/24201154-nuclear-plants-in-ohio-pennsylvania-closed-for-repairs/

Gas-Fueled Power Generation Likely To Grow Along With Renewables For Decades To Come

Gas-Fueled Power Generation Likely To Grow Along With Renewables For Decades To Come
By Alap Shah, Thursday, February 11, 2016 10:00 AM
power-lines-823622_1920
In the race to reduce carbon footprints and replace coal as a primary energy source, much has been made of an alleged “battle” between natural gas and renewables in the power generation industry. However, an astute market read — fueled by actions from utilities and regulatory agencies – may find the two sectors growing in… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2016/02/11/gas-fueled-power-generation-likely-to-grow-along-with-renewables-for-decades-to-come-2/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=26191869&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-98JXf9-IPfE-_6bFH14EzMFqzSXL8f9_6zpvPoShjb6F94yieOOxnkYQJlgE4SYX0EP4iQvgok8mOZNc839ivV0ima1w&_hsmi=26191869

Radiation dosage down 65% in 80-km zone of Fukushima nuke plant


Radiation dosage down 65% in 80-km zone of Fukushima nuke plant


http://www.fukushimaminponews.com/news.html?id=627

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Bizarre: Underground Nuclear Explosion At Crippled Japan Atomic Plant Shocks The World

http://topinfopost.com/2014/01/03/underground-nuclear-explosion-at-crippled-japan-atomic-plant-shocks-world

South Texas Nuclear Reactors Can’t Compete With Renewables, Risk Financial Meltdown

South Texas Nuclear Reactors Can’t Compete With Renewables, Risk Financial Meltdown

Consumers Will Bear the Costs of New Reactors, Groups Say

http://yubanet.com/usa/South-Texas-Nuclear-Reactors-Can-t-Compete-With-Renewables-Risk-Financial-Meltdown.php#.VrzbPSmGhRk

NRC Green Lights South Texas Pipe Dream


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2016/02/10/nrc-green-lights-south-texas-pipe-dream-021002#.VrzbeymGhRk

NRC: Pilgrim nuclear faces possible escalated enforcement action


NRC: Pilgrim nuclear faces possible escalated enforcement action - See more at: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2016/02/11/227988-NRC-Pilgrim-nuclear-faces-possible-escalated-enforcement-action#sthash.fsmsyseK.dpuf

NRC: Pilgrim nuclear faces possible escalated enforcement action - See more at: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2016/02/11/227988-NRC-Pilgrim-nuclear-faces-possible-escalated-enforcement-action#sthash.fsmsyseK.dpuf
http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2016/02/11/227988-NRC-Pilgrim-nuclear-faces-possible-escalated-enforcement-action

NRG gets licenses for STP twin ABWRs, but little hope to build them

NRG gets licenses for STP twin ABWRs, but little hope to build them


http://neutronbytes.com/2016/02/10/nrg-gets-licenses-for-stp-twin-abwrs-but-little-hope-to-build-them/

US utilities join forces with SMR vendors to speed development

US utilities join forces with SMR vendors to speed development


http://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/us-utilities-join-forces-smr-vendors-speed-development

Industry Urges Congress To ‘Right-Size’ Obama Budget Request for NRC - Nuclear Energy Institute

Industry Urges Congress To ‘Right-Size’ Obama Budget Request for NRC - Nuclear Energy Institute

NEI to Wall Street Analysts: Recognize Nuclear Energy’s Distinct Value - Nuclear Energy Institute

NEI to Wall Street Analysts: Recognize Nuclear Energy’s Distinct Value - Nuclear Energy Institute

Fed specialist to probe radioactive water leak at Indian Point

Fed specialist to probe radioactive water leak at Indian Point

Has the U.S. Really Reached an Epic Turning Point in Energy?

Has the U.S. Really Reached an Epic Turning Point in Energy?

Toshiba gets green light but future unclear for US project

Toshiba gets green light but future unclear for US project


http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Toshiba-gets-green-light-but-future-unclear-for-US-project

Who is monitoring the health of populations around nuclear power plants?

Who is monitoring the health of populations around nuclear power plants?


http://enformable.com/2016/02/who-is-monitoring-health-of-populations-around-nuclear-power-plants/

China’s global nuclear power ambitions depend on safety

China’s global nuclear power ambitions depend on safety

The nation’s first white paper on nuclear energy makes clear that above all else must come safety and security, and its measures and recommendations have to be followed and enforced


http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1912262/chinas-global-nuclear-power-ambitions-depend-safety

China Could Have a Meltdown-Proof Nuclear Reactor Next Year


China Could Have a Meltdown-Proof Nuclear Reactor Next Year


https://www.technologyreview.com/s/600757/china-could-have-a-meltdown-proof-nuclear-reactor-next-year/

EDF faces €100bn bill for upgrading ageing nuclear power stations

EDF faces €100bn bill for upgrading ageing nuclear power stations


http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/581cb61a-d00d-11e5-92a1-c5e23ef99c77.html#axzz3zsycbqVZ

More Drinking Water Contamination Linked to the Oil and Gas Industry in Texas and Pennsylvania

Posted: 10 Feb 2016 05:11 PM PST
Two recent drinking water investigations in Texas show dangerous levels of contamination. And in Pennsylvania, a report looked at transparency and procedural problems at the Pennsylvania Department of the Environment by reviewing hundreds of files where water had been contaminated.read more
http://theenergycollective.com/amymall/2322068/more-drinking-water-contamination-linked-oil-and-gas-industry-texas-and-pennsylvania?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

NRC Blog Update: Dry Casks 101: Managing Heat

Dry Casks 101: Managing Heat

CASK_101finalCaylee Johanson
Mechanical Engineer

In this series we’ve been talking about storing spent nuclear fuel in dry casks. One major function of these casks is to cool the fuel. Keeping the spent fuel from getting too hot is one way to ensure casks will be safe. As the fuel cools, heat is transferred from inside the cask to the outside.
Our experts look at how the cask will perform this function. We require the cask and fuel to remain within a certain temperature range. Our review looks at four main areas:
Spent fuel releases heat as a result of its radioactive decay. This is called decay heat. A key function of dry storage casks is to move the decay heat from the cask to the outside environment to ensure the fuel and cask components do not get too hot. Our experts look at how that heat will move through the cask and into the environment.
The method used to remove heat has to be reliable and provable. Heat must also be removed in a way that is passive—meaning no electrical power or mechanical device is needed. Casks use conduction, convection and radiation to transfer the heat to the outside.
Heat Radiation Transparent 2The graphic shows the three heat transfer methods. As you can see, conduction transfers heat from the burner through the pot to the handle. The process of heat rising (and cold falling) is known as convection. And the heat you feel coming off a radiator, or a hot stove, is known as radiant heat.
These methods work the same way in a storage cask. Where the canister or metal structure containing the fuel touches the fuel assemblies, heat is conducted toward the outside of the cask. Most casks have vents that allow outside air to flow naturally into the cask (but not into the canister) and cool the canister containing the fuel (convection). And most casks would be warm from radiant heat if you stood next to them. (The heat generated by a loaded spent fuel cask is typically less than is given off by a home-heating system.)
We limit how hot the cask components and fuel materials can get because we want to protect the cladding, or the metal tube that holds the fuel pellets. Limiting the heat is one important way we can ensure the cladding doesn’t degrade. The cask must  keep spent fuel cladding below 752 degrees Fahrenheit during normal storage conditions—a limit that, based on the material properties of the cladding, will prevent it from degrading. The fuel must also remain below 1058 degrees in off-normal or accident conditions (such as if a cask were dropped while it is being positioned on the storage pad, or if a flood or snow were to block the vents).
We also confirm the pressure inside is below the design limit to make sure the pressure won’t impact the structure or operations. Our experts review applications for new cask designs carefully to verify the fuel cladding and cask component temperatures and the internal pressure will remain below specified limits.
Each storage cask is designed to withstand the effects from a certain amount of heat. This amount is called the heat load. We look at whether the designer correctly considered how the heat load will affect cask component and fuel temperatures. We review how this heat load was calculated.
We also verify that the cask designer looked at all the environmental conditions that can be expected because these will also affect the cask component and fuel temperatures. These may include wind speed and direction, temperature extremes, and a site’s elevation (which can affect internal pressure). To make sure the right values are considered, we verify they match the historical records for a site or region.
We review all of the methods used to prove that the storage system can handle the specified heat loads. We also verify any computer codes used in the analysis and the values that were plugged in. For example, we look at the material properties for cask components used in the code. We look at calculations for temperatures and pressure. We make sure the computer codes are the latest versions.
And we only allow designers to use codes that have been endorsed by experts. We might run our own analysis using a different computer code to see if our results match the application.
The analysis and review allow us to see whether and how the dry cask will meet the temperature limits. Our review ensures the temperature is maintained and the cladding is protected. Finally, our review confirms the cask designer used acceptable methods to analyze or test the system and evaluate the thermal design. If we have any questions or concerns, we ask the designer for more information.
Only when we are satisfied that our requirements are met will we approve the thermal analysis in a cask application.

Duke Energy Mulls Sale of International Power Plants

Duke Energy Mulls Sale of International Power Plants


http://www.powermag.com/duke-energy-mulls-sale-of-international-power-plants-to-cut-risk/?hq_e=el&hq_m=3211539&hq_l=15&hq_v=30108e0773

More Headaches for Indian Point Nuclear Plant, Radioactive Water Found in Wells

More Headaches for Indian Point Nuclear Plant, Radioactive Water Found in Wells
Entergy Corp.—owner and operator of the Indian Point nuclear power plant located in Buchanan, N.Y.—announced on February 6 that it had discovered elevated levels of tritium in samples from three of its groundwater monitoring wells at the facility. Read More http://www.powermag.com/more-headaches-for-indian-point-nuclear-plant-radioactive-water-found-in-wells/?hq_e=el&hq_m=3211539&hq_l=9&hq_v=30108e0773

U.S. mining and exploration investment declined 35% in 2015


U.S. mining and exploration investment declined 35% in 2015

http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2016/02/u-s-mining-and-exploration-investment-declined-35-in-2015.html?eid=288118515&bid=1307711

North Dakotans laud Supreme Court move to halt CO2 rules

North Dakotans laud Supreme Court move to halt CO2 rules

$subtitles.get($x) A U.S. Supreme Court move to suspend federal rules aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fueled power plants is good news for North Dakota. … Continue Reading http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2016/02/coal-news-north-dakotans-laud-supreme-court-move-to-halt-co2-rules.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerFebruary112016&eid=288118515&bid=1307711

Go-ahead given for Texas nuclear reactors

Go-ahead given for Texas nuclear reactors


http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/go-ahead-given-for-texas-nuclear-reactors

Russia, Argentina May Construct Atucha Nuclear Power Plant Unit in 2016

Russia, Argentina May Construct Atucha Nuclear Power Plant Unit in 2016



http://sputniknews.com/latam/20160211/1034562840/nuclear-plant-russia-argentina.html

Over 70% of Japanese against nuclear power plants after Fukushima tragedy

Over 70% of Japanese against nuclear power plants after Fukushima tragedy
http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2869796

Nervous utilities await Berlin nuclear commission decision

Nervous utilities await Berlin nuclear commission decision


http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/2016/02/nervous-utilities-await-berlin-nuclear-commission-decision.html

Current information about starting up the first and the second units of Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant

Current information about starting up the first and the second units of Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant


http://biznes.pap.pl/en/news/all/info/1515437,cez-a-s--current-information-about-starting-up-the-first-and-the-second-units-of-dukovany-nuclear-po

Radioactive Waste Management Experts Join the 2016 RadWaste Summit Advisory Committee

 Radioactive Waste Management Experts Join the 2016 RadWaste Summit Advisory Committee
PRWeb
2016-02-11

ExchangeMonitor's 2016 RadWaste Summit focuses on the full spectrum of commercial and federal radioactive waste management, including U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Army Corps, utilities, disposal and treatment vendors, and more.
Rockville, MD (PRWEB) February 11, 2016
ExchangeMonitor Publications and Forums is proud to announce the involvement of valuable industry executives and experts to participate in an advisory committee for the 2016 RadWaste Summit, September 7-9, 2016 in Summerlin, NV. The RadWaste Summit features discussions on the full range of issues facing the radioactive waste marketplace, including the overall Department of Energy waste mission, changes in spent fuel and nuclear waste policy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission low-level waste regulations and updates on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleanup at FUSRAP sites.
The advisory board committee consists of:
  • Llewellyn King, Founder of The Energy Daily and Executive Producer and Host of “White House Chronicle”
  • Rob Smart, Senior Fellow with U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council (NIC)
  • David Blee, Executive Director, U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council (NIC)
  • Tim Frazier, President, TA Frazier & Associates
  • John Greeves, Consultant, JTG Consulting
  • Eric Knox, Nuclear and Environment, AECOM
  • Chris Schneidmiller, Editor-in-Chief, ExchangeMonitor Publications
“It’s hard for me to tell you just how excited I am to help announce the names of the first members of the RadWaste Summit’s advisory committee," said Llewellyn King, Founder of The Energy Daily and Executive Producer and Host of “White House Chronicle.” “It’s the deep commitment to the needs of the industry that has made ExchangeMonitor Forums so vital: a place where policy melds with technology, where information helps business decisions. The advisory committee will help to push this critical mission forward,” King said.
“Following the success of the 2015 event, we are eager to welcome the advisory committee members to participate in the program and capitalize on the invaluable insight each member brings that will prove beneficial to our attendees,” says Kristy Keller, Director of Conferences & Events, ExchangeMonitor Forums. “Over 350 key officials from government and industry will converge in Summerlin, NV, September 7-9, 2016 and we look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence with the addition of key advisory committee guidance.”
At the 2016 RadWaste Summit, top-level speakers from both government and industry will discuss topics such as global spent fuel management initiatives, DOE approaches for nuclear waste management, consent-based approaches, storage and transportation, high level and low level waste initiatives, updates on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites, defense waste opportunities, and more.
Registration is now open for the 2016 RadWaste Summit. Plan to join us now to receive important insight into the inner workings of the radwaste industry.
To learn more and to register, visit http://www.radwastesummit.com.
About ExchangeMonitor, a division of Access Intelligence, LLC
ExchangeMonitor Publications & Forums, founded by the late Edward Helminski, was acquired by Access Intelligence, LLC in March 2015. ExchangeMonitor publishes professional newsletters and creates, manages and sponsors forums, colloquiums and workshops to facilitate an exchange of views and information among government officials, private industry executives, non-governmental organizations and other entities on critical national and international programs and policies.
About Access Intelligence, LLC
Access Intelligence, LLC, a portfolio company of Veronis Suhler Stevenson, is a b-to-b media and information company headquartered in Rockville, Md., serving the media, PR, cable, healthcare management, defense, chemical engineering, satellite and aviation markets. Leading brands include Weapons Complex Monitor, RadWaste Monitor, Nuclear Security and Deterrence Monitor, GHG Reduction Technologies, Defense Daily, Cynopsis, Cablefax, PR News, FOLIO:, AdMonsters, Event Marketer, LeadsCon, Chief Marketer, Media Industry Newsletter, Defense Daily Network, Aviation Today, Studio Daily, POWER and Via Satellite. Market-leading shows include The Radwaste Summit, The Decisionmakers’ Forum, The Nuclear Deterrence Summit, LeadsCon, CCUS Conference, The FOLIO: Show, Event Marketer Summit, SATELLITE 2016, OR Manager, LDC Trade Forums, Clean Gulf, ELECTRIC POWER, Energy Ocean and Offshore Communications. Access Intelligence also produces executive conferences for the healthcare, PR, media, cable, energy and defense markets.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/02/prweb13206670.htm

http://www.bizwireexpress.com/showstoryPRWeb.php?storyid=488267

Fukushima nuclear plant chief says another disaster would not threaten cleanup

Fukushima nuclear plant chief says another disaster would not threaten cleanup


http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/02/11/national/fukushima-nuclear-plant-head-says-another-disaster-would-not-threaten-cleanup/#.VrzBqimGhRk

TRANSCO wins UAE nuclear plant power line deal

Abu Dhabi firm to transmit electricity from Barakah nuclear plant to grid
http://meconstructionnews.com/story/5487/transco-wins-uae-nuclear-plant-power-line-deal

Denying The Islamic State Access To Money-Exchange Houses

Denying The Islamic State Access To Money-Exchange Houses


http://breakingenergy.com/2016/02/10/denying-the-islamic-state-access-to-money-exchange-houses/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=26146436&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Fv8mbGYwBPFFEEx5Yf3FBdwZTjBegleioAqN_udtHqhyDnWpXGkUymMF6PeyKW9oaB4vV0uZlsFbyUml_uKp4Fn-sSg&_hsmi=26146436

The Oil Bust…Bankruptcy Boom?


The Oil Bust…Bankruptcy Boom?


http://breakingenergy.com/2016/02/10/the-oil-bustbankruptcy-boom/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=26146436&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9vVHz24vyCke2lIUZxCUKWt7_SqF80WHeFqNmkm7HyTDVj-e_G9ZPpBKUEksavd2k0W2zC5ej2S48CTWwobc_UtrRVFg&_hsmi=26146436

President’s 2017 Budget Proposal For DOE Supports Energy Innovation, National Security, Nuclear Management Responsibilities

President’s 2017 Budget Proposal For DOE Supports Energy Innovation, National Security, Nuclear Management Responsibilities
By U.S. Department of Energy, Wednesday, February 10, 2016 5:00 PM
466879292
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s final budget proposal for the Department of Energy includes a significant increase in clean energy R&D needed to drive economic growth, ensure energy security and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. The President’s budget proposal includes continued investments in DOE’s core missions of scientific research, national and energy security, and cleaning up the… Keep reading →http://breakingenergy.com/2016/02/10/presidents-2017-budget-proposal-for-doe-supports-energy-innovation-national-security-nuclear-management-responsibilities/?utm_campaign=Breaking+Energy+Daily+Digest&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=26146436&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_byPzlz6W_Id1j4_kIpF79PXJ8Sm8NWA0ZTQc3D1Mg1ak27mZVCuLyjdmeq0EVAf3JnSzTqUYDyaZ7MI46wRSuA4VElg&_hsmi=26146436

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

French energy law could close third of EDF's reactors: report | Reuters

French energy law could close third of EDF's reactors: report | Reuters

NRC Staff Proposes to Discontinue Part 21 Rulemaking - Lexology

NRC Staff Proposes to Discontinue Part 21 Rulemaking - Lexology

The indelicate balance of nuclear modernization | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

The indelicate balance of nuclear modernization | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

The capacity factor of wind

The capacity factor of wind



http://bravenewclimate.com/2015/11/08/the-capacity-factor-of-wind/

Low-dose radiation risk extrapolation fallacy associated with the linear-no-threshold model.

Low-dose radiation risk extrapolation fallacy associated with the linear-no-threshold model.


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18480143

Thoughts on the North Korean Nuclear Test and Satellite Launch


Thoughts on the North Korean Nuclear Test and Satellite Launch


https://www.lawfareblog.com/thoughts-north-korean-nuclear-test-and-satellite-launch

China's Nuclear Industry Goes Global

China's Nuclear Industry Goes Global



http://thediplomat.com/2016/02/chinas-nuclear-industry-goes-global/

NRC Green Lights South Texas Pipe Dream


NRC Green Lights South Texas Pipe Dream

http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2016/02/10/nrc-green-lights-south-texas-pipe-dream-021002#.VrvEdCmGhRl

Washington Wrangles Over Budget For MOX Project

Washington Wrangles Over Budget For MOX Project


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2016/02/09/washington-wrangles-over-budget-for-mox-project-020902#.VrvEQimGhRl

Ice Wall Facilities In Place, Says Tepco (With Video Clip)


Ice Wall Facilities In Place, Says Tepco (With Video Clip)


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2016/02/10/ice-wall-facilities-in-place_2c00_-says-tepco-021001#.VrvD4imGhRl

The U.S. Electricity System in 15 Maps | The Energy Collective Daily

Posted: 10 Feb 2016 02:39 AM PST
Electricity in the U.S. is going through massive changes: the generation mix is shifting, regulatory and industry models are evolving, and policy is playing an ever important role. These changes can be hard to conceptualize, particularly when trying to make sense of how multiple factors interact with each other.read more
Posted: 10 Feb 2016 01:09 AM PST
Right of ways are required to ensure providers can build, operate and maintain systems that bring energy from its points of production to its points of consumption. In view of the difficulty in obtaining them, the fewer we can get by with the better.read more
Posted: 10 Feb 2016 12:40 AM PST
The Clean Power Plan requires states to take grid reliability into account when developing their compliance plans. What does this mean? New guidance from the NERC, the organization which oversees the reliability of the North American electricity system, provides some answers.read more
Posted: 09 Feb 2016 11:00 PM PST
Demand response in the electricity market involves the targeted reduction of electricity use during times of high demand. A recent Supreme Court ruling is expected to result in faster growth in demand response in the wholesale electricity markets that cover about 60% of U.S. power supply.read more
Posted: 09 Feb 2016 10:15 PM PST
On one of the coldest days in January, a group of MIT students and staff boarded a bus to the small peninsula town of Hull, Massachusetts, for an MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) wind turbine tour during the Institute’s Independent Activities Period (IAP).read more
Posted: 09 Feb 2016 09:42 PM PST
FirstEnergy’s plea to keep four aging power plants alive will cost Ohio customers almost $4 billion, according to a new study out today by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The proposal is currently in front of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).read more
Posted: 09 Feb 2016 08:00 PM PST
Brian Bagnell, CFA, is a research analyst in Canadian oil and gas company analysis for Macquarie Capital Markets. He was formerly an investment associate at NB Investment Management. He holds a bachelor's in business administration (finance and accounting) from the University of New Brunswick.read more
Posted: 09 Feb 2016 07:34 PM PST
The American Nuclear Society (ANS) introduced the Nuclear in the States Toolkit, Version 1.0 at a media event in Washington, D.C. The toolkit catalogs policies related to new and existing nuclear reactors for state policymakers to consider as they draft their Clean Power Plan compliance strategies.read more
Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:36 PM PST
Sometime between June 24, 2015 and January 21, 2016, a building remodeling project in Steamboat Springs, CO resulted in the loss of 7.5 curies of tritium. A reasonable guess is that the container holding the tritium was tossed into a construction debris dumpster and carted off to a local landfill.read more
Posted: 09 Feb 2016 05:26 PM PST
Amid Snowzilla’s winter of discontent, the Supreme Court ruled on EPSA v. FERC, a case that had the power to define the future of the demand response market. In a big win for advanced energy, the court ruled that the FERC’s) Order 745 would stay in place.read more

ANSNuclearCafe Update: Medical Isotopes: Another Asset of Nuclear Engineering

Medical Isotopes: Another Asset of Nuclear Engineering

By ansnuclearcafe on Feb 09, 2016 02:06 pm

by M. Alex Brown Something that all engineers have in common is the desire to tackle real-world challenges. For many nuclear engineers the challenges may be related to the power Continue Reading →
Read in browser »
share on Twitter Like Medical Isotopes: Another Asset of Nuclear Engineering on Facebook

Indian Point power plant’s radioactive leak is getting worse

Indian Point power plant’s radioactive leak is getting worse


http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/indian-point-power-plant-radioactive-leak-worse-article-1.2526779

Entergy Update on Tritium at Indian Point: Fluctuations No Threat to Public Health or Safety
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/DA19544.htm

Entergy Continues Investigation of Elevated Tritium at Indian Point Nuclear Plant


http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pe/2016/02/entergy-continues-investigation-of-elevated-tritium-at-nuclear-plant.html

Iran to build small nuclear power plants: Salehi

  Iran to build small nuclear power plants: Salehi
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Index_view.asp?code=252882

Russia’s Kola nuclear plant reactor shutdown spooks environmentalists

Russia’s Kola nuclear plant reactor shutdown spooks environmentalists

The number 4 reactor at the Kola Nuclear Power Plant was automatically disconnected from the power grid via an automatic emergency switch-off for reasons that are still under investigation, the station’s website reported, giving environmentalist pause.


http://bellona.org/news/nuclear-issues/2016-02-russias-kola-nuclear-plant-reactor-shut-down-spooks-environmentalists

Dispute over Belgian nuclear reactors exposes EU’s conflicting energy agendas

Dispute over Belgian nuclear reactors exposes EU’s conflicting energy agendas


http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/feb/8/belgium-nuclear-reactors-dispute-exposes-eus-confl/?page=all

China policy turning NK into stronger nuclear power

China policy turning NK into stronger nuclear power


http://www.chinapost.com.tw/commentary/the-china-post/frank-ching/2016/02/10/458090/China-policy.htm

Many Countries Keen to Build Nuclear Power Plants in Iran: Salehi


Many Countries Keen to Build Nuclear Power Plants in Iran: Salehi

http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/02/10/997408/many-countries-keen-to-build-nuclear-power-plants-in-iran-salehi

Obama’s budget request nixes MOX; S.C. sues DOE over missed deadline


Obama’s budget request nixes MOX; S.C. sues DOE over missed deadline

http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20160209/AIK0101/160209442/1083/sc-sues-doe-over-missed-savannah-river-site-mox-milestone-on-same-day-obama-seeks-to-terminate-project