Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Friday, June 10, 2016

States Cast Shadow over Iran Nuclear Deal

http://lobelog.com/states-cast-shadow-over-iran-nuclear-deal/#more-34537

States Cast Shadow over Iran Nuclear Deal

by Jo-Anne Hart | June 10, 2016

For anyone who has forgotten that states occasionally conduct their own foreign policy, welcome to the latest potential battleground for implementing the Iran nuclear agreement. Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia have some form of Iran sanctions measures on their books. These sanctions are an important and often-overlooked obstacle to improved US-Iran relations.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed last year between the leaders of the international community (UNSC P5+1) and Iran, offers Iran sanctions relief in exchange for deep and verifiable limits on its nuclear program. The United Nations has certified that Iran is meeting its commitments. The US, however, has taken only limited reciprocal steps. It has dismantled nuclear-related sanctions, as well as "secondary sanctions," so that other countries are now permitted to engage in trade with Iran in the previously prohibited energy, shipbuilding, auto, and financial-services sectors. Unilateral sanctions related to Iran’s human rights record and alleged support of terrorism, however, remain in place. This significantly limits the ability of American companies to do business with Iran.

In addition, the US bars Iran access to the American financial system and restricts dollar-denominated trading with Iran. This makes it difficult for companies to negotiate large oil and aviation deals, which are typically financed in dollars. Foreign banks that are legally free to engage with Iran fear being caught up in American sanctions. That depresses trade and gives Iran a legitimate complaint about delayed economic promises of the nuclear agreement.http://lobelog.com/states-cast-shadow-over-iran-nuclear-deal/#more-34537

International radiation mapping system launched by IAEA

International radiation mapping system launched by IAEA
A new international radiation monitoring information system launched by the International Atomic Energy Agency will collect and display data to help countries respond rapidly in nuclear or radiological emergencies.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-International-radiation-mapping-system-launched-by-IAEA-1006168.html

Sweden abolishes nuclear tax

Sweden abolishes nuclear tax
The Swedish parliament has today agreed to abolish a tax on nuclear power as it recognizes nuclear's role in helping it to eventually achieve a goal of 100% renewable generation.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-Sweden-abolishes-nuclear-tax-1006169.html

Russia eyes manufacture of nuclear power components in India

Russia eyes manufacture of nuclear power components in India

Two countries plan to build 12 reactors in next two decades



http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/russia-eyes-manufacture-of-nuclear-power-components-in-india-116060900448_1.html

Vogtle was rejected for additional reactor


Vogtle was rejected for additional reactor


http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/business/2016-06-09/vogtle-was-rejected-additional-reactor

A Path for Nuclear Power A novel but tested technology, the pebble-bed reactor, can make fission energy safe.

A Path for Nuclear Power

A novel but tested technology, the pebble-bed reactor, can make fission energy safe.

http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/pub/2014/2/a-path-for-nuclear-power

Georgia Power: Vogtle nuclear plant on a 'very challenging schedule'

Georgia Power: Vogtle nuclear plant on a 'very challenging schedule'


http://www.utilitydive.com/news/georgia-power-vogtle-nuclear-plant-on-a-very-challenging-schedule/420634/

Defense seeks engineer’s freedom pending trial in Tenn. nuclear espionage case

Defense seeks engineer’s freedom pending trial in Tenn. nuclear espionage case


http://www.knoxnews.com/news/crime-courts/defense-seeks-engineers-freedom-pending-trial-in-tenn-nuclear-espionage-case-34da475c-c1e5-4436-e053-382433511.html

KEPCO E&C secures $55 mn project on pre-project safety test on Saudi’s nuclear plant

KEPCO E&C secures $55 mn project on pre-project safety test on Saudi’s nuclear plant


http://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?sc=30800021&year=2016&no=417581

Wind-Energy Sector Gets $176 Billion Worth of Crony Capitalism


Wind-Energy Sector Gets $176 Billion Worth of Crony Capitalism

Read more at: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/436228/wind-energy-subsidies-billions
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/436228/wind-energy-subsidies-billions

Hill Update: New Iran Sanctions?


Hill Update: New Iran Sanctions?

http://lobelog.com/hill-update-new-iran-sanctions/#more-34543

NRC Approves EnergySolutions' Control of Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

 NRC Approves EnergySolutions' Control of Nuclear Plant Decommissioning
http://www.wastebusinessjournal.com/news/wbj20160608G.htm

FICCI welcomes initiation of preparatory work on six nuclear reactors

FICCI welcomes initiation of preparatory work on six nuclear reactors


http://www.newdelhinews.net/index.php/sid/244809337

China Accounts For All Net Increase In 2015 Nuclear Output, Says Report


China Accounts For All Net Increase In 2015 Nuclear Output, Says Report


http://www.onenewspage.co.uk/n/Science/759otoyns/China-Accounts-For-All-Net-Increase-In-2015.htm

DPRK Minister of People's Armed Forces on Nuclear Deterrent for Self-Defense

DPRK Minister of People's Armed Forces on Nuclear Deterrent for Self-Defense



http://www.oananews.org/content/news/politics/dprk-minister-peoples-armed-forces-nuclear-deterrent-self-defense

ISIS nuclear attack in Europe is a real threat, say experts

ISIS nuclear attack in Europe is a real threat, say experts


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/ISIS-nuclear-attack-in-Europe-is-a-real-threat-say-experts/articleshow/52685406.cms

Scholarly articles for Fatigue crack growth prediction in nuclear piping using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation

Scholarly articles for Fatigue crack growth prediction in nuclear piping using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation

 

Radiation detection apparatus and imaging system

Radiation detection apparatus and imaging system


http://patents.justia.com/patent/9354333

Visualising Data for Emergency Response: IAEA Launches International Radiation Mapping System

Visualising Data for Emergency Response: IAEA Launches International Radiation Mapping System


http://www.denmarknews.net/index.php/sid/244810047

Eskom to lead in nuclear energy: Brown

Eskom to lead in nuclear energy: Brown


http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/d52992804d144dbaaa93ea93fd523eaa/Eskom-to-lead-in-nuclear-energy:-Brown-20161006

Global and Chinese Nuclear Gate Valve Industry, 2016 Market Research Report

 
 
Global and Chinese Nuclear Gate Valve Industry, 2016 Market Research Report

https://www.scribd.com/doc/315335189/Global-and-Chinese-Nuclear-Gate-Valve-Industry

DTE Energy to Retire Eight Coal-Fired Units by 2023

DTE Energy to Retire Eight Coal-Fired Units by 2023

U.S. Offshore Wind: Mid-Year Update

U.S. Offshore Wind: Mid-Year Update

By By Hayden Baker, James Wrathall | Sullivan & Worcester,   /  Thursday, June 9, 2016 4:00 PM
Several speakers at the recent American Wind Energy Association annual conference in New Orleans lauded the positive impact of Congress’s extensions of the production tax credit and investment tax credit in December 2015. http://breakingenergy.com/2016/06/09/u-s-offshore-wind-mid-year-update/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=30469816&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--uY3vPJqZ_0Ke5ju9z-jorQdWPVWdGe_VwBLYYUYPFh9bahi_medCIIfP6a_-B09gP4RvAKBo5G2jQ73tPT7DRG75Aeg&_hsmi=30469816

Kofi Annan worries about the Doomsday Clock

 
 
MSN France
 
At a conference on nuclear security in Paris on June 7th sponsored by the Center of Political and Foreign Affairs, Nobel Laureate and former UN Secretary General  Kofi Annan asked people to keep an eye on the Bulletin’s Doomsday Clock: “The Clock is almost as advanced as it was during the darkest days of the Cold War. It will take a lot of work and diplomacy to go back.” Don’t read French? Use Google Translate.
http://www.msn.com/fr-ca/actualites/monde/pour-kofi-annan-lapocalypse-nucl%C3%A9aire-est-imminente/ar-AAgN1Rp

Winning acceptance for nuclear power: Strategies must vary

Winning acceptance for nuclear power: Strategies must vary


http://thebulletin.org/chernobyl-fukushima-and-preparedness-next-one/winning-acceptance-nuclear-power-strategies-must-vary

From Flint to Yucca Mountain, politicized regulators are doing harm


From Flint to Yucca Mountain, politicized regulators are doing harm

http://thebulletin.org/flint-yucca-mountain-politicized-regulators-are-doing-harm9535

North Koreans try to trump China—and the United States


North Koreans try to trump China—and the United States

http://thebulletin.org/north-koreans-try-trump-china%E2%80%94and-united-states9541

New IAEA Publication on Lessons Learned from Knowledge Management Assist Visits

New IAEA Publication on Lessons Learned from Knowledge Management Assist Visits

http://www-pub.iaea.org/books/IAEABooks/10849/Knowledge-Management-and-Its-Implementation-in-Nuclear-Organizations
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) preview image

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Knowledge Management and Its Implementation in Nuclear Organizations IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-T-6.10 Subject Classification: 0705-Qualification and training of personnel STI/PUB/1724 (ISBN:978-92-0-107215-3) 52 pp.; 4 figures; 31.00 Euro;...

Documented Safety Analysis Implemented And Cold Operations Begin

Documented Safety Analysis Implemented And Cold Operations Begin

http://www.ladailypost.com/content/documented-safety-analysis-implemented-and-cold-operations-begin

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Low Price of Gas, Stagnant Economy, Are Killing Off U.S. Nukes

Low Price of Gas, Stagnant Economy, Are Killing Off U.S. Nukes


http://www.theenergycollective.com/dan-yurman/2380285/low-price-of-gas-stagnant-economy-are-killing-off-u-s-nukes

Fukushima Update 6/9/16 –

Fukushima Update 6/9/16

Iitate evacuation to end March 31, 2017… Tokyo considers using mildly radioactive soil for road building… All tsunami debris has been removed from the Fukushima evacuation zone… Tepco posts its latest Press handout on expanding ice wall operation to 95%... Fukushima InFORM posts the latest data on Pacific Ocean testing… A Japanese Plutonium shipment arrives safely in the United States… and more.

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

Clad: Nuclear energy can be solution to fossil-fuel fadeout

Clad: Nuclear energy can be solution to fossil-fuel fadeout


http://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outlook/article/Clad-Nuclear-energy-can-be-solution-to-7971638.php

NSG membership gives India access to more and latest tech


NSG membership gives India access to more and latest tech

http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/nsg-membership-gives-india-access-to-more-and-latest-tech-116060800865_1.html

Obama, Modi Announce Six AP1000s Planned for India


Obama, Modi Announce Six AP1000s Planned for India

  • First U.S. supply contract since 2008 U.S.-India nuclear cooperation agreement
  • Six-reactor Westinghouse project one of the largest of its kind
  • Congress must restore quorum on Ex-Im Bank board for deal to conclude

http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/Obama,-Modi-Announce-Six-AP1000s-Planned-for-India

NRC completes safety review for Duke Florida's shelved Levy reactors


NRC completes safety review for Duke Florida's shelved Levy reactors
https://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-36755507-12329

Feds OK weapons for San Onofre


Feds OK weapons for San Onofre

Permit was required because attorney general didn't renew previous clearance



http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jun/06/san-onofre-arms/

Obama, Modi Kick Start the Westinghouse Nuclear Deal

Obama, Modi Kick Start the Westinghouse Nuclear Deal

A Surprise in the Data

A Surprise in the Data


http://www.theenergycollective.com/davidhone/2380484/a-surprise-in-the-data?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Modi and Obama flip the switch on nuclear power

Modi and Obama flip the switch on nuclear power


http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/modi-and-obama-flip-the-switch-on-nuclear-power/story-ln46SIiAj1jwJ4rwGhxAHM.html

Winning acceptance for nuclear power: Strategies must vary


Winning acceptance for nuclear power: Strategies must vary

http://thebulletin.org/chernobyl-fukushima-and-preparedness-next-one/winning-acceptance-nuclear-power-strategies-must-vary

My View: Give Illinoisans, Not Exelon, a Rescue Plan

My View: Give Illinoisans, Not Exelon, a Rescue Plan


http://blog.heartland.org/2016/06/my-view-give-illinoisans-not-exelon-a-rescue-plan/

Illinois Power Plant Closings Reveal Worldwide Nuclear Issues

Illinois Power Plant Closings Reveal Worldwide Nuclear Issues


https://cleantechnica.com/2016/06/09/illinois-power-plant-closings-reveal-worldwide-nuclear-issues/

(Nuclear) Power to the People

(Nuclear) Power to the People



http://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2016-06-09/-nuclear-power-to-the-people

ANS Nuclear Cafe Update: The Future of Nuclear Lies With Us

The Future of Nuclear Lies With Us

By ansnuclearcafe on Jun 09, 2016 09:03 am

By Ryan Kinney and Randy Reames The U.S. nuclear industry is in a tough spot right now.  The closures of well-operated units, e.g. Vermont Yankee, and the potential closures of Continue Reading →
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More to read:

Nuclear Energy on the Edge
Michael Shellenberger – Benefits of Nuclear
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2 of 43 Preliminary Agenda Available for 2016 National Cleanup Workshop

DOE Office of Environmental Management

EM News Flash | June 9, 2016


p

Preliminary Agenda Available for 2016 National Cleanup Workshop

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The preliminary agenda is now available for the 2016 National Cleanup Workshop, set to be held on Sept. 14-15, 2016, at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, Va.
   Sessions to be held at the workshop currently include:
  • Priorities for the DOE Cleanup Program;
  • Path to EM Success in 2016 and Beyond: K-27 Deactivation and Decommissioning (D&D), Salt Waste Processing Facility Construction and Startup, and West Valley Demonstration Project D&D;
  • Panel: Strengthening Safety Culture Across the EM Complex;
  • EM Acquisition Outlook;
  • Panel: Integrating Effective Approaches to High-Level Waste Management Across the EM Complex; 
  • EM Management Initiatives and Preparing for the Future;
  • Panel: Moving Forward with Regulatory Approaches That Enable Cleanup Progress; 
  • EM’s National TRU Program and Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Recovery; and
  • Panel: Building the Next-Generation EM Workforce.
   The workshop is being hosted by the Energy Communities Alliance, and cooperating organizations for the event include DOE and the Energy Facility Contractors Group
   The workshop will bring together senior DOE executives and site officials, industry executives, and other stakeholders to discuss EM's progress on the cleanup of the environmental legacy of the nation’s Manhattan Project and Cold War nuclear weapons program. EM senior leadership set to participate in the workshop include Assistant Secretary Monica Regalbuto, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mark Whitney, and Acting Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Frank Marcinowski.
   Additional information on the workshop, including how to register and the full preliminary agenda, can be found here.
   More than 350 people attended the inaugural workshop in late September last year. EM made available the event's support materials, including links to 15 videos that captured addresses by Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Regalbuto, along with roundtable sessions focusing on the cleanup program’s next five years and its major accomplishments. The presentations from the roundtable sessions, photos from the workshop, and a workshop attendee list are all available here.

South Africa: 'Awaiting Concourt's Decision On Eskom's R5 Billion Nuclear Contract' - Eskom and Westinghouse Respond

South Africa: 'Awaiting Concourt's Decision On Eskom's R5 Billion Nuclear Contract' - Eskom and Westinghouse Respond


http://allafrica.com/stories/201606090228.html

Global Nuclear Turbine Market 2016 Overview by Industry Analysis, Developments, Applications, Investments & Key Vendors

Global Nuclear Turbine Market 2016 Overview by Industry Analysis, Developments, Applications, Investments & Key Vendors


http://www.mynewsdesk.com/us/pressreleases/global-nuclear-turbine-market-2016-overview-by-industry-analysis-developments-applications-investments-key-vendors-1435159?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Alert&utm_content=pressrelease

Top Management Must Lead for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, According to New IAEA Safety Standard

Top Management Must Lead for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, According to New IAEA Safety Standard

Leadership and management are cornerstones of nuclear safety, according to a new safety standard document adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors on 7 June 2016. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
Senior executives of any organization or facility involved in activities that could give rise to radiation risks must provide leadership and management for safety, according to an updated IAEA General Safety Requirements publication, adopted as an IAEA safety standard by the Board of Governors on 7 June 2016.
The revised requirements, titled Leadership and Management for Safety, place new emphasis on the role of senior management in ensuring safety to protect human life, health and the environment from harmful effects of radiation. The new standard calls on senior management of organizations to demonstrate leadership for safety by ensuring "as an overriding priority" that safety and protection issues always receive the attention they warrant.
"The safety standards are a cornerstone for nuclear and radiation safety, and they have to be updated to reflect developments," said IAEA Deputy Director General Juan Carlos Lentijo, Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. "This important update introduces substantive changes that highlight that prioritizing safety is a responsibility not only for staff on the control room floor, but also for chief executive officers and all personnel. Implementing these requirements will ensure a good safety culture."
The publication, which incorporates lessons from the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident, states that "senior management shall be responsible for establishing, applying, sustaining and continuously improving a management system to ensure safety" and requires senior managers to identify and provide the resources needed to ensure safety.
In addition, the revised standard widens its scope to include facilities of all sizes – ranging from multi-reactor nuclear power plants to dentists' clinics – and regulatory bodies. And it requires that organizations ensure that safety measures, which aim to prevent accidents, and security measures, which aim to prevent malicious acts, do not compromise each other.
The Board's adoption of the draft concluded work by the Agency to update all seven of the General Safety Requirements publications, which apply to all facilities and activities. They form an important part of the Agency's overall series of safety standards which includes more than 100 safety standards, most of which are for particular technical areas.
All Agency standards are developed in consultation with IAEA Member States and reflect a consensus on what is considered a high level of nuclear and radiation safety. They are not binding documents for IAEA Member States, but are widely applied. Many Member States incorporate the standards or elements of them into their legal and regulatory frameworks and use them in fulfilling obligations under binding legal instruments such as international conventions.

Cartoon of the Month | Union of Concerned Scientists

Cartoon of the Month | Union of Concerned Scientists

More 24 of 50 SMRs for the UK Nuclear Industry?

Last week I sat down with U-Battery’s Paul Harding, Andrew Sherry of NNL, ETI’s Mike Middleton and the University of Cambridge’s Tony Roulstone to discuss the primary challenges to the commercial deployment of Small Modular Reactors within the UK.
Find out what the UK must do to make SMRs a commercial reality from the industry’s leading figures
With the UK needing as much as 7GW of power from SMRs by 2035, there is a considerable opportunity for the UK industry to become a leader in SMR development.
Here’s just a quick snapshot of what they discussed:
  • “Development and manufacture of these technologies in the UK will deliver value in terms of intellectual property, highly-skilled jobs and supply chain opportunities.” – Paul Harding, U-Battery
  • “A decision is required now whether to begin 10 years of enabling activities which would lead to a final investment decision for a first commercially operated UK SMR.” – Mike Middleton, ETI
  • “The international market could be as high as 85GWe by 2035, with a potential value of up to £400 billion, including existing and new nuclear nations.” – Andrew Sherry, NNL
I would love to hear any comments or questions you have on the SMR industry within the UK.
Many thanks,
John
John Furness
Senior Industry Analyst
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0)207 375 7528
JFurness@nuclearenergyinsider.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Obama, Modi Kick Start the Westinghouse Nuclear Deal

Obama, Modi Kick Start the Westinghouse Nuclear Deal
by
But it won’t go very far unless some major challenges are overcome.

https://neutronbytes.com/2016/06/08/obama-modi-kick-start-the-westinghouse-nuclear-deal/

As more costly nuclear power plants face closure, industry's rebound only gets tougher | Tampa Bay Times

As more costly nuclear power plants face closure, industry's rebound only gets tougher | Tampa Bay Times

NSG membership gives India access to more and latest tech | Business Standard News

NSG membership gives India access to more and latest tech | Business Standard News

Three Mile Island 'vulnerable' to closure, CEO says

Three Mile Island 'vulnerable' to closure, CEO says

So Much For The American Nuclear Power Renaissance

So Much For The American Nuclear Power Renaissance


http://seekingalpha.com/article/3980539-much-american-nuclear-power-renaissance

Nuclear Energy Is Valuable

Nuclear Energy Is Valuable

We're subsidizing expensive solar and wind power, but nuclear energy is the key to going carbon-free.

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2016-06-08/stop-prioritizing-solar-and-wind-energy-over-nuclear-power

Nuclear Terrorism: Fear vs. Reality

Nuclear Terrorism: Fear vs. Reality

Exelon announces application for Peach Bottom nuclear plant license renewal | PennLive.com

Exelon announces application for Peach Bottom nuclear plant license renewal | PennLive.com

Donald Trump once backed urgent climate action. Wait, what?

Donald Trump once backed urgent climate action. Wait, what?


http://grist.org/politics/donald-trump-climate-action-new-york-times/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sailthru-post-notifications&utm_source=notification&utm_term=u%28Donald%20Trump%20once%20backed%20urgent%20climate%20action.%20Wait%2C%20what?%29

Atomic Show #254: Don’t Let a Crisis Go to Waste

 Atomic Show #254: Don’t Let a Crisis Go to Waste
http://www.theenergycollective.com/rodadams/2380406/atomic-show-254-dont-let-a-crisis-go-to-waste?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

DOE Draft Vision and Strategy for the Development and Deployment of Advanced Reactors


Draft Vision and Strategy for the Development and Deployment of Advanced Reactors

The U.S. Department of Energy, with interagency and stakeholder input, has developed a vision and strategy for supporting the development and ultimate deployment of advanced reactor technology as part of a broader federal commitment to clean energy and national security. The unpublished draft of the document, Vision and Strategy for Development and Deployment of Advanced Reactors, is posted below.

Initial Work Beginning on Westinghouse Nuclear Project in India

Initial Work Beginning on Westinghouse Nuclear Project in India


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-07/initial-work-beginning-on-westinghouse-nuclear-project-in-india

Nuclear Power’s Critical Role in Our Quest for Clean Energy

Nuclear Power’s Critical Role in Our Quest for Clean Energy


http://www.governing.com/gov-institute/voices/col-nuclear-power-critical-role-states-clean-air-energy-renewables.html

White House, India Announce Six-AP1000 Deal

White House, India Announce Six-AP1000 Deal


http://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2016/06/08/white-house_2c00_-india-announce-six_2d00_ap1000-deal-060801#.V1hO-GaXQkh

NRC Blog Update: Helping International Regulators Prepare for their Nuclear Power Future

Helping International Regulators Prepare for their Nuclear Power Future

Eric Stahl
Internationals Relations Officer
Building the infrastructure to regulate a nuclear power program is a complex process. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s “Milestones Approach” notes that, depending on resources, it can take a country 15 years or more to go from considering a nuclear power program to the operation of its first plant.
IAEA_404With more than four decades of regulating the world’s largest nuclear power program, the NRC has a great deal of nuclear safety and security experience to offer. Understandably, many countries around the world would like to leverage our knowledge as they develop and expand their own regulatory programs.
In 2014, the Commission issued an International Policy Statement, noting international activities are integral to the NRC’s public health, safety and security mission and directly support U.S. foreign policy objectives. One key element in this policy is the NRC’s role of “providing international assistance to foreign regulatory counterparts for improving safety and security of civilian uses of radioactive materials.”
One mechanism for providing this assistance is the NRC’s International Regulatory Development Partnership. The IRDP assists countries considering a nuclear power program by helping them build the necessary infrastructure to provide independent and expert regulation.
Through the Partnership, NRC staff and contractors work with our counterparts to ensure that the country has a legal framework in place for nuclear power oversight. In addition, IRDP consultants advise national regulators about how to effectively structure their organization and the types of experts needed for a regulatory authority. Lastly, the Partnership provides technical training on a wide variety of new reactor topics, including siting requirements, construction and vendor inspections, and environmental impacts.
Since its creation in 2008, the IRDP has assisted more than a dozen countries and regional networks in Africa, Central and Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Although many countries have shown an interest in the Partnership, only a few are at a point where IRDP activities can make a substantive difference in their national programs. The NRC focuses the Partnership’s resources in countries where it can have a real impact.
Even with the NRC’s help, our regulatory partners have a long road ahead of them, building the infrastructure necessary to provide oversight of their country’s nuclear power programs. The IRDP makes that road a little less bumpy.
And it’s in everyone’s best interest for countries to have robust regulation of nuclear materials.


UK has 'secretly' upgraded Trident nuclear weapons and developed an entirely new warhead, report finds

UK has 'secretly' upgraded Trident nuclear weapons and developed an entirely new warhead, report finds


http://www.onenewspage.co.uk/n/UK/759otnjza/UK-has-secretly-upgraded-Trident-nuclear-weapons-and.htm

Climate Convergence Workshops Deadly Connections: Challenging Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear Power, and Climate Change


Climate Convergence Workshops
Deadly Connections: Challenging Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear Power, and Climate Change



http://www.wslfweb.org/deadlyconnections.htm

Court papers filed in nuclear challenge


Court papers filed in nuclear challenge


Cape Town - The government has finally filed responding papers to oppose an application by the SA Faith Communities Environmental Initiative (Safcei) and Earthlife Africa Johannesburg to have the proposed procurement of nuclear energy declared unconstitutional.


http://www.iol.co.za/business/news/court-papers-filed-in-nuclear-challenge-2031949

We must face up to the threat of nuclear terrorism


We must face up to the threat of nuclear terrorism


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/08/we-must-face-up-to-the-threat-of-nuclear-terrorism/

Washington, New Delhi agree Toshiba U.S. subsidiary will build nuclear plants

Washington, New Delhi agree Toshiba U.S. subsidiary will build nuclear plants


http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/06/08/business/washington-new-delhi-agree-toshiba-u-s-subsidiary-will-build-nuclear-plants/#.V1hMk2aXQkg

A case for nuclear non-discrimination


A case for nuclear non-discrimination


http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/125889-A-case-for-nuclear-non-discrimination?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheNewsInternational-Opinion+%28Opinion+-+The+News+International%29

Residents near Sendai nuclear plant agonize over future power supplies

Residents near Sendai nuclear plant agonize over future power supplies


http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160608/p2a/00m/0na/016000c

Kremlin Concerned Over N Korean Reported Resumption of Plutonium Production


Kremlin Concerned Over N Korean Reported Resumption of Plutonium Production


http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160608/1040983548/kremlin-korea-plutonium.html

Nigeria may bungle its nuclear energy project if…

Nigeria may bungle its nuclear energy project if…


http://myinforms.com/en-af/a/35779303-nigeria-may-bungle-its-nuclear-energy-project-if/

No plan for nuclear reactor reboot without public consensus: Premier

No plan for nuclear reactor reboot without public consensus: Premier


http://english.rti.org.tw/news/?recordId=48703

President Obama backs Indian entry to nuclear technology


President Obama backs Indian entry to nuclear technology


http://www.briefreport.co.uk/news/president-obama-backs-indian-entry-to-nuclear-technology-4185706.html

The future of nuclear energy


The future of nuclear energy

http://www.gaffneyledger.com/news/2016-06-07/Local_News/The_future_of_nuclear_energy.html

Saudis have nuclear weapons in mind as an option: Richard Nephew

 

Saudis have nuclear weapons in mind as an option: Richard Nephew

http://theiranproject.com/blog/2016/06/08/saudis-nuclear-weapons-mind-option-richard-nephew/

ANRE will Host a Peer Review by the OECD/NEA Concerning Japan's Efforts for Final Disposal of High-level Radioactive Waste

ANRE will Host a Peer Review by the OECD/NEA Concerning Japan's Efforts for Final Disposal of High-level Radioactive Waste


http://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2016/06/08/anre-will-host-a-peer-review-by-the-oecdnea-concerning-japans-efforts-for-final-disposal-of-high-level-radioactive-waste/

Indian Point gets passing safety grades on eve of annual meeting

Indian Point gets passing safety grades on eve of annual meeting


http://www.lohud.com/story/tech/2016/06/07/indian-point-grade/85558372/

Executives say Plant Vogtle construction should speed up

Executives say Plant Vogtle construction should speed up

Regulators hear update on reactor construction



http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2016-06-07/executives-say-plant-vogtle-construction-should-speed

TVA Way Ahead Of The Pack With Nuclear And Solar

TVA Way Ahead Of The Pack With Nuclear And Solar


http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2016/06/07/tva-way-ahead-of-the-pack-with-nuclear-and-solar/#536d02ef2805

Government Attempts to Save Nuclear Plants May Be Too Late


Government Attempts to Save Nuclear Plants May Be Too Late


http://www.bna.com/government-attempts-save-n57982073682/

IAEA highlights senior management's role in maintaining safety

IAEA highlights senior management's role in maintaining safety
The board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency yesterday adopted a revision to a safety standard related to the role of leadership and management in ensuring safety to protect human life, health and the environment from harmful effects of radiation.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-IAEA-highlights-senior-managements-role-in-maintaining-safety-0806165.html

Exelon to seek extended operating licence for Peach Bottom

Exelon to seek extended operating licence for Peach Bottom
US utility Exelon said it intends to apply for an additional 20-year extension to the operating licence for the Peach Bottom nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania. If granted, the extension would see the two-unit plant complete 80 years of operating service.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/C-Exelon-to-seek-extended-operating-licence-for-Peach-Bottom-0806164.html

US-India deal helps pave way for new nuclear in India

US-India deal helps pave way for new nuclear in India
Westinghouse can start building six AP1000s in India following an agreement signed yesterday during talks at the White House between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama. It is the first such opportunity for a US company since the countries signed a civil nuclear deal in 2008.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-US-India-deal-helps-pave-way-for-new-nuclear-in-India-08061601.html

North Korea is more than just a nuclear threat - Business Insider

North Korea is more than just a nuclear threat - Business Insider

That time China's state media ran an article about nuclear strikes against Los Angeles


That time China's state media ran an article about nuclear strikes against Los Angeles

http://www.businessinsider.com/china-nuclear-strikes-against-los-angeles-2016-6?utm_source=alerts&nr_email_referer=1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_email_list

Industry Study Applies Own Numbers To EDF Study, Strengthens Our Case For Regulation

Industry Study Applies Own Numbers To EDF Study, Strengthens Our Case For Regulation

By By Environmental Defense Fund Energy Exchange Blog,   /  Tuesday, June 7, 2016 10:00 AM
The natural gas industry group Our Nation’s Energy (ONE) Future Coalition released a paper yesterday applying their own set of assumptions to an earlier analysis commissioned by EDF, which had shown that oil and gas methane emissions can be dramatically reduced for about a penny per thousand cubic feet of gas sold. Both analyses were carried