Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, June 18, 2016

EVITA could be a game changer

New post on Northwest Clean Energy


EVITA could be a game changer

by EnergyNorthwest
“We have to crawl before we can walk before we can run. But we have to start somewhere and we believe these fast charging stations are a good place to start.” - Robin Rego, Energy Northwest
Call it the “charging gap.” Electric vehicle owners know what it is – the distance between charging stations on the highway. On the West side of Washington state, mainly along the Interstate 5 corridor, the gap is relatively small, with Direct Current fast charging stations located every 40 to 60 miles, according to the West Coast Green Highway website.
Electric vehicle charging station sign isolated with sunset sky.But if travelling eastward, say to the Tri-Cities area, the gap gets wider and wider, limiting routes and, likely, opportunity for Westsiders to make a carbon-free trip to a favorite Mid-Columbia winery.
Enter EVITA, the acronym for a new project involving Energy Northwest, local utilities and the Tri-Cities Development Council. It is sponsored by the Mid-Columbia Energy Initiative, an industry collaboration effort.
EVITA stands for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Transportation Alliance. The objective is to advocate for sustainable electric transportation infrastructure by promoting public/private partnerships in developing DC fast charging stations throughout the service areas of local utilities in Benton and Franklin counties, as well as along the major highways leading into the Tri-Cities area.
“We are focused on growing the (Energy Northwest) vision to support our member utilities with what their interests are, charging station infrastructure as an example, but also to stay on top of new technologies,” said Robin Rego, Generation Project Development manager. “Electric vehicles are a real part of storage. Storage is becoming much more important as people are focusing on renewables.”
Discussing EVITA
Alaxandria Von Hell (left) and Robin Rego, both of Energy Northwest, discuss an upcoming presentation to stakeholders on EVITA.
Rego says wind and solar, because they are intermittent, require storage to be most effective and it is becoming increasingly expensive and often not possible to use other fast responding resources like hydro and natural gas turbines to firm up renewables. Battery storage is in its infancy with electric vehicles essentially at the forefront of battery development. Energy Northwest brings its knowledge of battery storage technologies to the table, according to Rego.
Transportation versus utilities
As reported by Brad Plumer in Vox, the transportation sector in the U.S. recently passed the utility sector in carbon emissions. Plumer notes:
Over the long term, the real hope is that electric cars will catch on and help drive down overall emissions by relying more heavily on the quickly-greening power sector. Right now, electric vehicles are only 0.7 percent of the US car fleet, and turnover is fairly slow, but many analysts expect that falling battery prices should help speed up the shift by making EVs more cost-competitive with traditional vehicles.
Washington state has an enviable mix of carbon-free electricity generating resources, including all the assets operated by EN. Where the state struggles to reduce its carbon-footprint is the transportation sector, which makes up 50 percent of the state's emissions.
The Energy Information Administration has figures from 2014 that show Washington state as an electric vehicle leader in the U.S. (see below). But in raw numbers, that's not saying much. Washington has seven million registered cars and trucks on the road. The state's goal is to have 50,000 electric vehicles or hybrids on the road by 2020.
EV Nationwide
That’s where EVITA can help.
Benefits and challenges
The program involves deploying DC fast charging stations at participating businesses or organizations throughout the Mid-Columbia region. The stations will re-charge an electric vehicle in about 30 minutes. Compare that to a normal home re-charge which can take 8 to 20 hours to fully re-charge. The speed is a key attribute because EV owners will want to charge up and get back home. But with speed comes cost.
Installation of one station can run between $50,000 and $150,000. On the other side of the ledger is the potential for more customers for businesses, a tourism boost and increased electricity sales for utilities. But there are risks involved.
Fast Charger
A DC fast charging station.
Demand for public charging is relatively low and how quickly that will change is uncertain. Another risk is that little is known about the financial performance of EV charging station infrastructure.
Alaxandria Von Hell, with EN's Generation Project Development and assisting on the project, believes it is worth finding out if there can be a path to success.
“Support of this project aligns with Energy Northwest's core values. The expansion of EV charging station access is of valuable interest to EN's member utilities and participants and is aligned with EN’s vision statement, to be a leader in energy solutions,” Von Hell said.
Ultimately, success rests with collaboration between a wide-ranging group of interested parties, including public and private utilities, charging station owners and operators, EV owners and government agencies. Participating utilities will be identifying potential charging station locations this summer and waiting to hear about any grant money available to offset costs.
If EVITA fulfills its promise, the program will open up a new gateway of carbon-free travel across the state.
Local utilities involved with the project include Benton PUD, Franklin PUD, City of Richland and Benton REA.
(Posted by John Dobken)

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NRC Completes Flood Protection Review Of Oconee NPP


NRC Completes Flood Protection Review Of Oconee NPP

https://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2016/06/17/nrc-completes-flood-protection-review-of-oconee-npp-061702#.V2WeiY6XQkg

It’s the first new U.S. nuclear reactor in decades. And climate change has made that a very big deal.

It’s the first new U.S. nuclear reactor in decades. And climate change has made that a very big deal.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/06/17/the-u-s-is-powering-up-its-first-new-nuclear-reactor-in-decades/

NRC to discuss Diablo Canyon’s 2015 safety next week in SLO

NRC to discuss Diablo Canyon’s 2015 safety next week in SLO


Read more here: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article84507622.html#storylink=cpy


http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article84507622.html

Ichi-F Manga About Worker in Fukushima Nuclear Plant Listed With English Edition

Ichi-F Manga About Worker in Fukushima Nuclear Plant Listed With English Edition


http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-06-18/ichi-f-manga-about-worker-in-fukushima-nuclear-plant-listed-with-english-edition/.103277

Global Fuel Assemblies for Nuclear Power Industry Market Strategies and Forecast Till:Research Corridor

 

Global Fuel Assemblies for Nuclear Power Industry Market Strategies and Forecast Till:Research Corridor


http://www.golfintuition.co.uk/global-fuel-assemblies-for-nuclear-power-industry-market-strategies-and-forecast-tillresearch-corridor/

Policy issued 3 weeks ago, Nuclear plants in India get insurance cover for first time


Policy issued 3 weeks ago, Nuclear plants in India get insurance cover for first time

New India Assurance issues first policy of Rs. 100 crore to 21 installations


http://indianexpress.com/article/business/business-others/policy-issued-3-weeks-ago-nuclear-plants-in-india-get-insurance-cover-for-first-time-2859715/

France shuts nuclear reactor amid Areva parts scandal


France shuts nuclear reactor amid Areva parts scandal


http://www.thelocal.fr/20160617/france-shuts-nuclear-reactor-in-areva-parts-scandal

Entergy Restarts Indian Point Unit 2 Nuclear Power Plant in New York

http://sonoranweeklyreview.com/entergy-restarts-indian-point-unit-2-nuclear-power-plant-in-new-york-nyseetr/

Nuclear fuel loading over in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant unit 2, tests in progress


uclear fuel loading over in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant unit 2, tests in progress


http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/nuclear-fuel-loading-over-in-kudankulam-nuclear-power-plant-unit-2-tests-in-progress/articleshow/52800609.cms

The Sierra Club Might Completely Flip Its Positions On Nuclear Power


Daily Caller News Foundation

The Sierra Club Might Completely Flip Its Positions On Nuclear Power

http://dailycaller.com/2016/06/17/is-the-sierra-club-about-to-completely-flip-positions-on-nuclear-power/

Japanese court rules against n-plant over safety concerns

Japanese court rules against n-plant over safety concerns


http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/japanese-court-rules-against-n-plant-over-safety-concerns-116061700353_1.html

Japan Court Upholds Injunction To Halt Reactors In Blow To Nuclear Power Industry

Japan Court Upholds Injunction To Halt Reactors In Blow To Nuclear Power Industry


http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/japan-court-upholds-injunction-to-halt-reactors-in-blow-to-nuclear-power-industry-1420118

Why Apple's new energy business should scare utilities | GreenBiz

Why Apple's new energy business should scare utilities | GreenBiz

Apple files with FERC to sell energy in wholesale markets

Apple files with FERC to sell energy in wholesale markets


http://www.utilitydive.com/news/apple-files-with-ferc-to-sell-energy-in-wholesale-markets/420747/

Market Forces Are Driving Coal’s Demise And Cleaning Up The Grid In Texas


Market Forces Are Driving Coal’s Demise And Cleaning Up The Grid In Texas


http://breakingenergy.com/2016/06/17/market-forces-are-driving-coals-demise-and-cleaning-up-the-grid-in-texas/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=30752519&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ViWBJZQP7oDOwH18DSAoWze1jEJdgylmoAi9676w34P_Y14nIBD8jHR-UIAgmoiUi0E7-7reEMbeINeyjDGaELWjO7g&_hsmi=30752519

Pilgrim owner may delay cyber security plan


Pilgrim owner may delay cyber security plan

http://www.energycentral.com/generationstorage/nuclear/news/en/39196197/Pilgrim-owner-may-delay-cyber-security-plan#.V2SJWXn6aG8.linkedin

Friday, June 17, 2016

OPEC Revenues Fact Sheet

http://www.eia.gov/beta/international/regions-topics.cfm?RegionTopicID=OPEC&scr=email

U.S. Court of Appeals Asked to Block Restart of Damaged Indian Point Nuclear Reactor | Alternet

U.S. Court of Appeals Asked to Block Restart of Damaged Indian Point Nuclear Reactor | Alternet

Environmental groups call for Indian Point nuclear plant shutdown citing radioactive leakage, equipment failures and expired licenses Read more: Environmental groups still calling for shutdown of Indian Point nuclear power plant, despite NRC assessment | Inhabitat New York City


Environmental groups call for Indian Point nuclear plant shutdown citing radioactive leakage, equipment failures and expired licenses


http://inhabitat.com/nyc/environmental-groups-call-for-shutdown-of-indian-point-nuclear-power-plant-citing-technical-equipment-failures-and-expired-licenses/



Petition Filed to Keep Indian Point from Restarting

A spokesman for the nuclear plant's owner and operator said the company wasn't surprised by the action.


http://patch.com/new-york/peekskill/petition-filed-keep-indian-point-restarting

Aging New York Nuclear Reactor Restarts Despite Environmentalist Pleas

Aging New York Nuclear Reactor Restarts Despite Environmentalist Pleas



http://sputniknews.com/us/20160617/1041531137/us-nuclear-reactor.html

French power company stalls nuclear plant closure

French power company stalls nuclear plant closure

The Fessenheim plant will not be closed until EDF is given a new assessment for damages compensation, the electric company has said. This pushes back plans to shut down the 40-year-old plant by at least a year.


http://www.dw.com/en/french-power-company-stalls-nuclear-plant-closure/a-19336521

It’s the first new U.S. nuclear reactor in decades. And climate change has made that a very big deal.

It’s the first new U.S. nuclear reactor in decades. And climate change has made that a very big deal.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/06/17/the-u-s-is-powering-up-its-first-new-nuclear-reactor-in-decades/

New Nuclear Reactor, the Country's First in 2 Decades, Begins Operations

New Nuclear Reactor, the Country's First in 2 Decades, Begins Operations


http://www.pddnet.com/news/2016/06/new-nuclear-reactor-countrys-first-2-decades-begins-operations

Fukushima nuclear accident is ‘wake-up call’ for US to improve monitoring of spent fuel pools



Fukushima nuclear accident is ‘wake-up call’ for US to improve monitoring of spent fuel pools

https://fukushimainform.ca/2016/06/16/fukushima-nuclear-accident-is-wake-up-call-for-us-to-improve-monitoring-of-spent-fuel-pools/ 

The National Academy of Sciences views spent fuel pools as a real and present risk factor with respect to safety and security, and calls for regulatory action to counteract the perceived risks. "The committee recommended that the U.S. nuclear industry and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) improve the ability of plant operators to measure real-time conditions in spent fuel pools and maintain adequate cooling of stored spent fuel during severe accidents and terrorist attacks. These improvements should go beyond the current, post-Fukushima response to include hardened and redundant physical surveillance systems such as cameras, radiation monitors, pool temperature and water-level monitors, and means to deliver makeup water or sprays to the pools, even when physical access is limited by facility damage or high radiation levels." https://fukushimainform.ca/2016/06/16/fukushima-nuclear-accident-is-wake-up-call-for-us-to-improve-monitoring-of-spent-fuel-pools/

Tell the White House We Need to Keep America's Nuclear Enerby Plants Working for Us!

Nuclear Matters
Michele --

America’s nuclear energy plants are a vital asset providing reliable, carbon-free electricity to tens of millions of households and businesses across the country. Nuclear energy plants supply nearly 20 percent of America’s electricity—and 63 percent of the nation’s carbon-free electricity.
But despite their value, a combination of factors places these plants in economic jeopardy. As a result, many plants are at risk of closure in the coming years.

Sign here to tell the White House to keep America’s nuclear energy plants working for us
.

NuclearMatters_WethePeople_Twitter_780x440px_01.jpg
It’s important that you add your voice to this effort - in order to get a response from the White House, this petition needs 100,000 signatures by July 8, 2016.
Thank you for your continued support,
The Nuclear Matters Team
Twitter Facebook

Japan court upholds injunction to halt reactors in blow to nuclear power industry

Japan court upholds injunction to halt reactors in blow to nuclear power industry


http://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-nuclear-court-idUSKCN0Z306R

The US dropped 67 nuclear bombs on this tiny island nation — and now it's far more radioactive than we thought

The US dropped 67 nuclear bombs on this tiny island nation — and now it's far more radioactive than we thought


http://www.businessinsider.com/marshall-islands-nuclear-bombs-radiation-2016-6

Juno Probe Ready to Face Jupiter's Extreme Radiation: Nasa | NDTV Gadgets360.com

Juno Probe Ready to Face Jupiter's Extreme Radiation: Nasa | NDTV Gadgets360.com

Washington, Saving Nuclear Deal, Conceals over a Million Documents Exposing Tehran’s Terrorism

Washington, Saving Nuclear Deal, Conceals over a Million Documents Exposing Tehran’s Terrorism



http://english.aawsat.com/2016/06/article55352829/washington-saving-nuclear-deal-conceals-million-documents-exposing-tehrans-terrorism

Changing market reshuffles outlook for region's nuclear plants

Changing market reshuffles outlook for region's nuclear plants


http://www.cpbj.com/article/20160617/CPBJ01/160619822/changing-market-reshuffles-outlook-for-regions-nuclear-plants

Quake scale may be underestimated in calculations for nuclear plants: Ex-NRA official


Quake scale may be underestimated in calculations for nuclear plants: Ex-NRA official

Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) former deputy chairman Kunihiko Shimazaki asked the nuclear power watchdog on June 16 to recalculate the maximum possible earthquake estimate -- known as the standard ground motion -- for some nuclear plants in western Japan using a different formula, since the current calculation may include underestimated figures. 
http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160617/p2a/00m/0na/010000c

EPA Issues Guidance On Drinking Water Safety For Nuclear Disasters

EPA Issues Guidance On Drinking Water Safety For Nuclear Disasters


http://www.wateronline.com/doc/epa-issues-guidance-on-drinking-water-safety-for-nuclear-disasters-0001

Nuclear Energy News: Utility head blamed for late mention of Fukushima 'meltdown'

Nuclear Energy News: Utility head blamed for late mention of Fukushima 'meltdown'

Oil and Gas News: Pacific Gas set to face jury over deadly pipeline blast

Oil and Gas News: Pacific Gas set to face jury over deadly pipeline blast

Designing a kill switch to save us from the robot uprising | ZDNet

Designing a kill switch to save us from the robot uprising | ZDNet

Automated ground vehicles could roam the border | ZDNet

Automated ground vehicles could roam the border | ZDNet

NY Offshore Wind Leasing Advances

NY Offshore Wind Leasing Advances



http://breakingenergy.com/2016/06/16/ny-offshore-wind-leasing-advances/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=30720688&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93-oc0Kz1k_Iwz8BD4r5A1KTjv_vVKDsROSsOBZaBvvhsqZHmq58BfqW4tcDSqF0IFJUNxTJrEC9MDFBLPj2AeD7tyTw&_hsmi=30720688

To Protect The Grid From Hackers, You Need To Break It

To Protect The Grid From Hackers, You Need To Break It

By By Kevin Eber | National Renewable Energy Laboratory,   /  Thursday, June 16, 2016 2:45 PM
Today’s electric grid increasingly uses “smart” devices that can be controlled remotely — letting operators manage the grid better and more efficiently. But as the electric grid becomes smarter, it also becomes more vulnerable to hackers. That’s why a new initiative underway at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) aims to prevent hackers from gaining control

Ground Breaks on $600 Million Natural Gas-Fired Project in NJ


Ground Breaks on $600 Million Natural Gas-Fired Project in NJ

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2016/06/ground-breaks-on-600-million-natural-gas-fired-project-in-nj.html?cmpid=enl-poe-weekly-june-17-2016&cmpid=enl_PE_Weekly_2016-06-17&eid=288118515&bid=1436383

More Upstate New York Nuclear Plants Could Shut Down Early

More Upstate New York Nuclear Plants Could Shut Down Early


http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2016/06/more-upstate-new-york-nuclear-plants-could-shut-down-early.html?cmpid=enl-poe-weekly-june-17-2016&cmpid=enl_PE_Weekly_2016-06-17&eid=288118515&bid=1436383

OPPD Votes to Shut Down Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Plant


OPPD Votes to Shut Down Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Plant

$subtitles.get($x) The Omaha Public Power District Board of Directors voted unanimously to shut down the 482-MW Fort Calhoun nuclear power plant by the end of 2016. The Board also decided to use the SAFSTOR method for decommissioning the plant. http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2016/06/oppd-votes-to-shut-down-fort-calhoun-nuclear-power-plant.html?cmpid=enl-poe-weekly-june-17-2016&cmpid=enl_PE_Weekly_2016-06-17&eid=288118515&bid=1436383
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Clearance continues of Berkeley waste vaults

Clearance continues of Berkeley waste vaults


http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Clearance-continues-of-Berkeley-waste-vaults-1406165.html#.V2Akc9rcdpI.linkedin

Fukushima Accident Updates (Blog)



Fukushima Accident Updates (Blog)Tokyo’s evacuation order is lifted for all of Kawauchi Village. The full cancellation of the mandate has been a sporadic process, with most of the village re-opened in October, 2014. But the two eastern-most districts – Ogi and Kainosaka – remained restricted until Tuesday. Only 51 people lived in the districts before the 2011 evacuation, so only a handful are expected to make a quick return. Those continuing their estrangement complain that the forests are not decontaminated, going shopping or seeing a doctor will be difficult, and they are skittish about the effects of low-level radiation exposure. http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160614_02/m


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

Maverick Valves a Young Brand with Big ambitions

Maverick Valves a Young Brand with Big ambitions


https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/young-brand-big-ambitions-gerard-zondervan

A rare, risky mission is underway to rescue sick scientists from the South Pole - The Washington Post

A rare, risky mission is underway to rescue sick scientists from the South Pole - The Washington Post

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Indian Point Nuclear Plant Pumps $1.6 Billion A Year into New York’s Economy

Indian Point Nuclear Plant Pumps $1.6 Billion A Year into New York’s Economy
http://www.nei.org/News-Media/News/News-Archives/Indian-Point-Nuclear-Plant-Pumps-1-6-Billion-a-Yea

Where Does Wall Street See Nuclear Energy Going?


Where Does Wall Street See Nuclear Energy Going?

http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Where-Does-Wall-Street-See-Nuclear-Energy-Going.html

Environmental Groups Change Tune on Nuclear Power


Environmental Groups Change Tune on Nuclear Power

Focus on climate change has raised profile of reactors, now viewed as reliable, carbon-free source of energy


http://www.wsj.com/articles/environmental-groups-change-tune-on-nuclear-power-1466100644

OPPD board votes to shut down Fort Calhoun nuclear plant; about 700 jobs tied to facility


OPPD board votes to shut down Fort Calhoun nuclear plant; about 700 jobs tied to facility

http://www.omaha.com/money/oppd-board-votes-to-shut-down-fort-calhoun-nuclear-plant/article_3fe6ce02-3352-11e6-a426-a7596287dd59.html

Westinghouse funding: MEA panel to finalize details



http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/westinghouse-funding-mea-panel-to-finalize-details/articleshow/52774651.cms

Sign the Petition: Keep U.S. Nuclear Plants Running

Nuclear Advocacy Network



Facebook
Sign the Petition:
Keep U.S. Nuclear Plants Running
Will you tell the White House to call on Congress to enact policies that will keep our nuclear facilities running?

Policymakers must recognize that nuclear power, the only zero-carbon baseload power source, is key to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change; all while maintaining a diversified electricity supply and thousands of good American jobs.
This petition needs 100,000 signatures by July 8 to elicit a formal response from the White House. Let's tell the Administration to keep America's nuclear energy plants working for everyone: for the air, for the grid, for all of us.

STEP 1: SIGN THE PETITION

STEP 2: SHARE THE PETITION
  

US-China Maritime Disputes: Too Close for Comfort

| http://lobelog.com/us-china-maritime-disputes-too-close-for-comfort/#more-34633

US-China Maritime Disputes: Too Close for Comfort

by Mel Gurtov
Two recent close encounters between US spy planes and Chinese jets spell trouble for relations between Washington and Beijing. The first, between a US EP-3 spy plane and two Chinese jets over the South China Sea (SCS) near China’s Hainan Island, was strikingly similar to the 2001 incident in the same area in which a Chinese jet and an EP-3 collided, resulting in the death of the Chinese pilot, the forced landing and detention of the US crew, and a tense diplomatic row. The second involved a US RC-135 plane that was closely tracked by a Chinese jet over the East China Sea (ECS).
Such incidents, which also bring US and Chinese ships in close proximity, are happening with greater frequency these days. There are two reasons for this. China is backing its claims of “indisputable sovereignty” over the islands—the Spratlys (Nansha) and Paracels (Xisha) in the SCS, Diaoyudao (Senkaku) in the ECS—with military construction and personnel. And US naval and air maneuvers are deliberately challenging Chinese activity. Leaders of both countries are now issuing thinly veiled warnings, demanding acceptance of their respective positions, and disputing details of the encounters.
by Mel Gurtov
Two recent close encounters between US spy planes and Chinese jets spell trouble for relations between Washington and Beijing. The first, between a US EP-3 spy plane and two Chinese jets over the South China Sea (SCS) near China’s Hainan Island, was strikingly similar to the 2001 incident in the same area in which a Chinese jet and an EP-3 collided, resulting in the death of the Chinese pilot, the forced landing and detention of the US crew, and a tense diplomatic row. The second involved a US RC-135 plane that was closely tracked by a Chinese jet over the East China Sea (ECS).
Such incidents, which also bring US and Chinese ships in close proximity, are happening with greater frequency these days. There are two reasons for this. China is backing its claims of “indisputable sovereignty” over the islands—the Spratlys (Nansha) and Paracels (Xisha) in the SCS, Diaoyudao (Senkaku) in the ECS—with military construction and personnel. And US naval and air maneuvers are deliberately challenging Chinese activity. Leaders of both countries are now issuing thinly veiled warnings, demanding acceptance of their respective positions, and disputing details of the encounters.http://lobelog.com/us-china-maritime-disputes-too-close-for-comfort/#more-34633

Environmental groups still calling for shutdown of Indian Point nuclear power plant, despite NRC assessment | Inhabitat New York City

Environmental groups still calling for shutdown of Indian Point nuclear power plant, despite NRC assessment | Inhabitat New York City

New Times SLO - Publishing Local News and Entertainment for over 29 years in San Luis Obispo County, CA

New Times SLO - Publishing Local News and Entertainment for over 29 years in San Luis Obispo County, CA

US Court of Appeals Asked to Block Restart of Damaged Indian Point Nuclear Reactor


US Court of Appeals Asked to Block Restart of Damaged Indian Point Nuclear Reactor

 Emergency petition alleges failure of nuclear regulator to protect the public

http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/16/us-court-appeals-asked-block-restart-damaged-indian-point-nuclear-reactor

UPDATE 1-Court orders Bulgaria to pay Russia over canceled nuclear project: minister

UPDATE 1-Court orders Bulgaria to pay Russia over canceled nuclear project: minister


http://www.cnbc.com/2016/06/16/reuters-america-update-1-court-orders-bulgaria-to-pay-russia-over-canceled-nuclear-project-minister.html

Bulgaria should pay 550 mln euros to Russia over cancelled nuclear project


http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL8N1981ST

Indian entry in NSG to break Pak-India nuclear balance: Chinese Media

Indian entry in NSG to break Pak-India nuclear balance: Chinese Media


http://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/128325-Indian-entry-NSG-break-Pak-India-nuclear-balanceChinese-Media

More Iran Nuclear Deals Likely Without U.S. Nuclear Energy Renaissance - Morning Consult

More Iran Nuclear Deals Likely Without U.S. Nuclear Energy Renaissance - Morning Consult

Fukushima Update 6/16/16

Fukushima Update 6/16/16

Tokyo’s evacuation order is lifted for all of Kawauchi Village… Fukushima Prefecture petitions Tokyo to upgrade recovery and restoration… Fukushima peaches are selling very well in Thailand… Tepco’s 2011 delay in reporting Fukushima meltdowns was due to Prime Minister “pressure”.

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

Guangdong confirms rigorous inspection of Taishan nuclear power plant | MACAU DAILY TIMES

Guangdong confirms rigorous inspection of Taishan nuclear power plant | MACAU DAILY TIMES

UPDATE: OPPD board votes to shut down Fort Calhoun nuclear power plant | Local News - KETV Home

UPDATE: OPPD board votes to shut down Fort Calhoun nuclear power plant | Local News - KETV Home

India’s entry into NSG will make it ‘legitimate nuclear power’, break India-Pak nuke balance

India’s entry into NSG will make it ‘legitimate nuclear power’, break India-Pak nuke balance

Commentary in a Chinese daily said India's admission into NSG would "jeopardise" China's national interest and touch a "raw nerve" in Pakistan.



http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/indias-entry-into-nsg-will-make-india-legitimate-nuclear-power-break-india-pak-nuke-balance-2855906/

Nebraska's 'other' nuclear power plant plays critical role, operators say


Nebraska's 'other' nuclear power plant plays critical role, operators say

Cooper Station can supply up to 580,000 homes


http://www.ketv.com/news/nebraskas-other-nuclear-power-plant-plays-critical-role-operators-say/40074026

Nuclear power’s major challenge

Nuclear power’s major challenge


https://www.denverpost.com/2016/06/15/nuclear-powers-challenge/

The Future of Nuclear Lies With Us

The Future of Nuclear Lies With Us
The Future of Nuclear Lies With Us
http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2016/06/09/the-future-of-nuclear-lies-with-us/#sthash.bRubUgVb.dpbs

Hybrid Energy Systems – Why We Might Need Them

Hybrid Energy Systems – Why We Might Need Them

Hybrid Energy Systems – Why We Might Need Them
http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2016/06/15/hybrid-energy-systems-why-we-might-need-them/#sthash.e5q67mlQ.dpbs

New Nuclear Construction Around the World – ANS Annual Meeting 2016

New Nuclear Construction Around the World – ANS Annual Meeting 2016 
New Nuclear Construction Around the World – ANS Annual Meeting 2016 - See more at: http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2016/06/13/new-nuclear-construction-around-the-world-ans-annual-meeting-2016/#sthash.zyIReu6k.dpuf

http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2016/06/13/new-nuclear-construction-around-the-world-ans-annual-meeting-2016/#sthash.zyIReu6k.dpbs

ANS Annual Meeting 2016 Opening Plenary: We Need Nuclear and Nuclear Needs ANS

ANS Annual Meeting 2016 Opening Plenary: We Need Nuclear and Nuclear Needs ANS - See more at: http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2016/06/13/ans-annual-meeting-2016-opening-plenary-we-need-nuclear-and-nuclear-needs-ans/#sthash.mLo2jiMe.dpuf
 ANS Annual Meeting 2016 Opening Plenary: We Need Nuclear and Nuclear Needs ANS

http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2016/06/13/ans-annual-meeting-2016-opening-plenary-we-need-nuclear-and-nuclear-needs-ans/#sthash.mLo2jiMe.dpbs

Consolidated Storage of Commercial Used Fuel

Consolidated Storage of Commercial Used Fuel
 Consolidated Storage of Commercial Used Fuel
http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2016/06/15/consolidated-storage-of-commercial-used-fuel/#sthash.ET0E11NU.dpbs

Failing to Maintain the Big Picture

Failing to Maintain the Big Picture
 Failing to Maintain the Big Picture

http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2016/06/15/failing-to-maintain-the-big-picture/#sthash.5xN0J7L6.dpbs

NRC Blog Update: Dry Cask 101 – Radiation Shielding


Dry Cask 101 – Radiation Shielding

Drew Barto
Senior Nuclear Engineer

CASK_101finalWe’ve talked before about how the uranium in nuclear fuel undergoes fission during reactor operations. The fission process turns uranium into a number of other elements, many of which are radioactive. These elements continue to produce large amounts of radiation even when the fuel is no longer supporting a chain reaction in the reactor. So shielding is necessary to block this radiation, and protect workers and the public.
As we discussed in an earlier blog post, the four major types of radiation differ in mass, energy, and how deeply they penetrate people and objects. Alpha radiation—particles consisting of two protons and two neutrons—are the heaviest type. Beta particles—free electrons—have a small mass and a negative charge. Neither alpha nor beta particles will move outside the fuel itself.
drycaskshieldingBut spent fuel also emits neutron radiation (particles from the nucleus that have no charge) and gamma radiation (a type of electromagnetic ray that carries a lot of energy). Both neutron and gamma radiation are highly penetrating and require shielding.
Shielding is a key function that dry storage casks perform, but the two main types of dry storage casks are configured in slightly different ways.
For welded, canister-based systems, shielding is provided by a thick (three feet or more) steel-reinforced concrete vault that surrounds an inner steel canister. The thick concrete shields both neutron and gamma radiation, and may be oriented either as an upright cylinder or a horizontal building.
In bolted cask systems, there is no inner canister. Bolted casks have thick steel shells, sometimes with several inches of lead gamma shielding inside. They have a neutron shield on the outside consisting of low-density plastic material, typically mixed with boron to absorb neutrons.
drycask101_radiationshielding_CompimagesThe NRC reviews spent fuel dry cask storage designs to ensure  they meet our limits on radiation doses beyond the site boundary, under normal and accident conditions, and that dose rates in general are kept as low as possible. Every applicant must provide a radiation shielding analysis as part of the application for a new storage system, or an amendment to an existing system. This analysis uses a computer model to simulate radiation penetration through the fuel and thick shielding materials under normal operating and accident conditions.
We review the applicant’s analysis to ensure it has identified all the important radiation-shielding parameters. We make sure they’re modeled conservatively, in a way that maximizes radiation sources and external dose rates. We may create our own computer simulation to confirm the dose rates provided in the application. That helps us to ensure the design meets off-site radiation dose rate requirements under all conditions.