Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Toshiba to withdraw from nuclear plant construction, chairman to quit | The Japan Times

Toshiba to withdraw from nuclear plant construction, chairman to quit | The Japan Times

VIDEO: TEPCO Places Camera Inside Fukushima Reactor


VIDEO: TEPCO Places Camera Inside Fukushima Reactor - See more at: http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2017/01/27/video-tepco-reinserts-camera-in-fukushima-reactor/#sthash.3h4hsSef.dpuf
VIDEO: TEPCO Places Camera Inside Fukushima Reactor - See more at: http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2017/01/27/video-tepco-reinserts-camera-in-fukushima-reactor/#sthash.3h4hsSef.dpuf

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-01-28/california-threatens-cut-funds-washington

Friday, January 27, 2017

The BREXIT threat to UK nuclear plants and fusion power plan that could 'save globe' | UK | News | Daily Express

The BREXIT threat to UK nuclear plants and fusion power plan that could 'save globe' | UK | News | Daily Express

Dissecting Trump: Is Nuclear Energy The Best Response To Global Warming? :: Science :: Features :: Paste

Dissecting Trump: Is Nuclear Energy The Best Response To Global Warming? :: Science :: Features :: Paste

Nuclear Power Is Growing In The Gulf As The Middle East Tries To Find A Future After Oil | Co.Exist | ideas + impact

Nuclear Power Is Growing In The Gulf As The Middle East Tries To Find A Future After Oil | Co.Exist | ideas + impact

The Energy Collective Daily: As Trump Signals a Rollback on Environmental Regulations, a New Jobs Report Indicates That May Not be Such a Good Idea







As Trump Signals a Rollback on Environmental Regulations, a New Jobs Report Indicates That May Not be Such a Good Idea | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective

As Trump Signals a Rollback on Environmental Regulations, a New Jobs Report Indicates That May Not be Such a Good Idea


As Trump Signals a Rollback on Environmental Regulations, a New Jobs Report Indicates That May Not be Such a Good Idea


http://www.theenergycollective.com/edfenergyex/2397262/as-trump-signals-a-rollback-on-environmental-regulations-a-new-jobs-report-indicates-that-may-not-be-such-a-good-idea?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

History Made as NuScale Files First SMR Application With U.S. Nuke Regulators

History Made as NuScale Files First SMR Application With U.S. Nuke Regulators

http://www.theenergycollective.com/rodadams/2397240/history-made-as-nuscale-files-first-smr-application-with-u-s-nuke-regulators?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29

Climate Policy in the Age of Trump


Climate Policy in the Age of Trump

A Plausible Path Forward

By , , and https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/north-america/2017-01-24/climate-policy-age-trump?cid=nlc-twofa-20170126&sp_mid=53289520&sp_rid=bWljaGVsZXRrZWFybmV5QGdtYWlsLmNvbQS2&spMailingID=53289520&spUserID=MjEwNDg3NjAxODc2S0&spJobID=1085086710&spReportId=MTA4NTA4NjcxMAS2

End in sight for reprocessing nuclear fuel at Sellafield

End in sight for reprocessing nuclear fuel at Sellafield

https://nda.blog.gov.uk/2017/01/24/end-in-sight-for-reprocessing-nuclear-fuel-at-sellafield/

Glass from ancient Swedish fort provides knowledge for Hanford cleanup

 

Glass from ancient Swedish fort provides knowledge for Hanford cleanup

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/hanford/article128138699.html

The world just ticked a bit closer to Doomsday thanks to Trump


The world just ticked a bit closer to Doomsday thanks to Trump


https://www.newscientist.com/article/2119413-the-world-just-ticked-a-bit-closer-to-doomsday-thanks-to-trump/

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day
Climate change should not be a partisan issue. The well-established physics of the Earth's carbon cycle is neither liberal nor conservative in character.”
— David Titley, a meteorologist at Pennsylvania State University, explains why political leanings shouldn’t matter when it comes to fighting global warming. He was speaking at a press conference held to announce the advancing of the Doomsday Clock.

Bulletin of Atomic Scientists January 27, 2017



Friday, January 27, 2017
 
 
The Bulletin’s Science and Security Board has made its decision and announced the 2017 time of the Doomsday Clock yesterday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Watch the announcement to see which events and trends influenced their decision, and read the Clock Statement here.
GIF Image: Pentagram

 
 
Hannah E. Haegeland, Reema Verma
The authors mapped the target threat environment in South Asia’s two states with advancing nuclear weapons programs, India and Pakistan. They found that opportunities for an incident of terror via weapons of mass destruction converge in South Asia.
New Voices of Tomorrow essay: Turning down the heat between India and Pakistan
Saurabh Todi
The United States has a new best friend, India, and that friend would like the White House to stabilize the subcontinent by putting more pressure on Pakistan to deescalate tensions.
CSI comes to nuclear security
Jerry Sergei Davydov
Viewers of television cop shows like “CSI” are familiar with the idea of how forensics can be used to track down a culprit. A similar system has been slowly emerging in nations across the world that could aid in tracking nuclear materials.
 
 
Congressman Bill Foster hosted Science and Security Board members David Titley and Sharon Squassoni, along with Bulletin editor John Mecklin, to give a briefing to Congressional aides on the factors that affect the time on the Doomsday Clock. Click on the link to see the Doomsday Dashboard, which details some of those factors.
 
The world just ticked a bit closer to Doomsday thanks to Trump
Ray Pierrehumbert
Science and Security Board member Ray Pierrehumbert was published in New Scientist on the day of the Clock Announcement.
Trump supporters don’t like his climate policies
Dana Nuccitelli
So why did they vote for him anyway? An environmental scientist's view.

 
Polina Sinovets
 
If a concept has proven useful in the past—as nuclear deterrence has done—one must proceed very carefully before discarding it. The second round continues in our debate over a UN committee's resolution that would mandate negotiations toward a treaty outlawing nuclear weapons.

The Doomsday Clock advances
Lawrence M. Krauss, David Titley
Science and Security Board members Lawrence Krauss and David Titley were published in the New York Times on the day of the Clock announcement.
Image: AFP News Agency

 
We thought it would be interesting to once again ask our readers where they think the Doomsday Clock's minute hand should rest. Although not scientific by any stretch, the poll received five times the respondents this year over last, and here's how you voted:
 
1. Less than 3 minutes to midnight: 79%
2. Stay at 3 minutes to   midnight: 10%
3. More than 3 minutes to midnight: 11%
 
 
 
World Nuclear Energy Status Report, Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, Visionscarto
Energy watchers pay attention: Our new data visualization puts a wealth of information on 60 years of nuclear power plant startups and shutdowns at your fingertips.
 
We are helping the world pay attention, and we need your support more than ever to keep that attention focused.
About the Bulletin
For more than 70 years the Bulletin has engaged science leaders, policy makers, and the interested public on topics of nuclear weapons and disarmament, the changing energy landscape, climate change, and emerging technologies.
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Days of N. Korea's Kim are numbered: defector

Days of N. Korea's Kim are numbered: defector Seoul (AFP) Jan 25, 2017 - The North Korean regime is on an inexorable decline towards collapse, with its people increasingly disillusioned but its nuclear ambitions undimmed, a top defector said Wednesday. "I'm sure and I can say that Kim Jong-Un's days are numbered," said Thae Yong-Ho, who fled his post as North Korea's deputy ambassador to Britain in August. In his first press conference for foreign correspond ... more http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Days_of_N_Koreas_Kim_are_numbered_defector_999.html

China must expand nuclear arsenal in response to Trump

China must expand nuclear arsenal in response to Trump Beijing (AFP) Jan 24, 2017 - China must strengthen its nuclear arsenal to "force the US to respect it" in response to the stance of new US President Donald Trump, a leading newspaper said Tuesday. The comments in the Global Times, a popular paper known for its inflammatory rhetoric and hawkish views, came just days after President Xi Jinping called for the eventual global elimination of atomic weapons. In recent day ... more http://www.spacewar.com/reports/China_must_expand_nuclear_arsenal_in_response_to_Trump_newspaper_999.html

US Congressman, DOE, NRC and NuScale to attend world’s largest SMR and advanced reactor summit

With the new administration comes a new energy policy and a new Secretary of Energy for the US. However, did you know that SMRs and Gen IV reactors have a strong backing in the Republican camp? Last year Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX) co-sponsored the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act – a clear signal that nuclear is firmly on the agenda.
Congressman Weber will be giving an exclusive update at the 7th Annual International SMR and Advanced Reactor Summit (March 30-31, Atlanta) on the progress being made to ensure the US is at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation.
Get your copy of the newly updated program here to find out the details of Congressman Weber’s address
Some of the latest additions to the speaker line-up in recent weeks include:
  • Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX), US House of Representatives
  • Edward McGinnis, Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Nuclear Energy Policy and Cooperation, US DOE
  • Rory O’Sullivan, Chief Operations Officer, Moltex Energy
  • Chris Gadomski, Head of Research – Nuclear, Bloomberg New Energy Finance
  • Mark Lesinski, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
These exciting speakers are just a part of what the event has to offer, including:
  • Exclusive first-time insights from Platinum sponsors NuScale as they go through the design certification application for the US’ first SMR project, alongside UAMPS
  • An exclusive and unique vendor-investor development workshop, focusing on facilitating interaction and discussion between the two parties creating a platform for you to meet potential and current partners
  • A dedicated advanced reactor track dedicated to exploring the opportunities and solving the challenges associated with Gen IV reactors, allowing you to best understand the prospects for advanced reactor deployment in the future
  • Double the sessions focusing on commercialization, supply chain and roadmaps for the SMR and advanced reactor industries giving you important insight into where your company fits into the future deployment of these innovative reactors
  • Networking drinks reception, hosted by Silver event sponsors Southern Nuclear: come and meet Southern CEO Steve Kuczynski and the Southern team in Atlanta
Thanks,
Ben
Ben Moss
Senior Industry Analyst
Nuclear Energy Insider
+44 (0)207 375 7537
BMoss@nuclearenergyinsider.com

Strategic Space, Unclear Nuclear Pathways for 2017

Strategic Space, Unclear Nuclear Pathways for 2017

Toshiba to spin off flash memory unit to offset nuclear business losses | CTV News

Toshiba to spin off flash memory unit to offset nuclear business losses | CTV News

Toshiba to sell part of chip business, puts overseas nuclear ops under review | Reuters

Toshiba to sell part of chip business, puts overseas nuclear ops under review | Reuters

Toshiba scales back nuclear ambitions

Toshiba scales back nuclear ambitions

Toward a Practical Nuclear Pendulum | myScience / News / News 2017

Toward a Practical Nuclear Pendulum | myScience / News / News 2017

On Energy, Trump Heads in the Opposite Direction from Public Opinion


On Energy, Trump Heads in the Opposite Direction from Public Opinion

A new report suggests Americans overwhelmingly believe that renewable energy should be prioritized over fossil fuels.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603484/on-energy-trump-heads-in-the-opposite-direction-from-public-opinion/?set=603509&goal=0_997ed6f472-daa69e26a5-153856085&mc_cid=daa69e26a5&mc_eid=e25735476a

PG&E submits $250 million proposal expanding support for electric vehicles in California

PG&E submits $250 million proposal expanding support for electric vehicles in California 

PG&E submits $250 million proposal expanding support for electric vehicles in California

 

 http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2017/01/pg-e-submits-250-million-proposal-expanding-support-for-electric-vehicles-in-california.html?cmpid=enl_pennenergy_pennenergyweeklypowerupdates_2017-01-27&email_address=micheletkearney@gmail.com&eid=288118515&bid=1647542

President Trump names Commissioner Kristine Svinicki NRC Chair

President Trump names Commissioner Kristine Svinicki NRC Chair
 
President Trump yesterday evening named Commissioner Svinicki NRC Chairman, effective immediately. Former Chairman Commissioner Stephen Burns will remain with the agency as a Commissioner. 

Bulletin of Atomic Scietists Nuclear Roundup January 27, 2017



Nuclear Roundup
January 27, 2017
A compilation of quality nuclear policy news published on the Web, around the world.
Iran Nuclear Deal

Netanyahu: Trump Understands 'Danger' of Iran Nuclear Deal

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/netanyahu-trump-understands-danger-iran-nuclear-deal-45064524

Iranians believe Trump will violate nuclear deal

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/01/iran-poll-trump-violate-nuclear-deal.html

Another View -- Jessica Tuchman Mathews: Why President Trump should keep the Iran Deal

http://www.unionleader.com/another-view/another-view----jessica-tuchman-mathews-why-president-trump-should-keep-the-iran-deal--20170126#sthash.kogZByrp.dpuf

Tearing up Iran nuclear deal will backfire, May to warn Trump

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tearing-up-iran-nuclear-deal-will-backfire-may-to-warn-trump-6h0bdrvm5

Poll: Iranian Public Rejects Renegotiating Nuclear Deal

http://www.payvand.com/news/17/jan/1141.html

Implementing the Iran Nuclear Deal: A Status Report

http://www.css.ethz.ch/en/services/digital-library/publications/publication.html/cc48469a-8f7b-4f01-9438-390a20b0364e

United States

First nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be decommissioned

https://www.navytimes.com/articles/first-nuclear-powered-aircraft-carrier-to-be-decommissioned

Monroe: Facing the grave nuclear risk

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/26/america-must-resume-underground-nuclear-testing/

Director, deputy director of Sandia National Labs announced

http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2017/01/25/director-deputy-director-of-sandia-national-labs.html

LANL’s aging plutonium, uranium research building may stay open

http://www.lamonitor.com/content/lanl%E2%80%99s-aging-plutonium-uranium-research-building-may-stay-open

International

Defense Minister: North's Nuclear Weapons are Real Threat

http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Po_detail.htm?No=124950

How Far China's Nuclear Capabilities Stretch

https://www.stratfor.com/image/how-far-chinas-nuclear-capabilities-stretch

Zia assured Reagan Pakistan would not build nuclear weapons, CIA documents reveal

https://www.geo.tv/latest/128761-Zia-assured-Reagan-of-not-making-nuclear-weapons-CIA-documents

‘Pakistan’s nuclear reprocessing will disrupt ties with US’

https://www.dawn.com/news/1310831/pakistans-nuclear-reprocessing-will-disrupt-ties-with-us

Britain quits European nuclear body

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/business/britain-quits-european-nuclear-body-pgmq9m9fc

Mikhail Gorbachev: ‘It all looks as if the world is preparing for war”

http://time.com/4645442/gorbachev-putin-trump/

IAEA Briefs: New Series for Policymakers

https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/iaea-briefs-new-series-for-policymakers

IAEA Reviews Standards for Radiation Screening

http://maritime-executive.com/blog/iaea-reviews-rules-for-radiation-screening

General Interest

Are We Really Heading Toward A Nuclear Arms Race?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-h-hamilton/are-we-heading-toward-a-n_b_14416530.html

Arms control is realistic; general disarmament probably isn't

http://thebulletin.org/can-treaty-banning-nuclear-weapons-speed-their-abolition/arms-control-realistic-general-disarmament-probably-isnt

It is two and a half minutes to midnight

http://thebulletin.org/sites/default/files/Final%202017%20Clock%20Statement.pdf

The world just ticked a little bit closer to Doomsday, thanks to Trump

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2119413-the-world-just-ticked-a-bit-closer-to-doomsday-thanks-to-trump/

The Doomsday Clock moved closer to 'midnight' since Trump started talking about nuclear weapons

http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-nuclear-weapons-20170126-story.html

HOW NUCLEAR WAR COULD BREAK OUT

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/nuclear-war-2017

What Is the Doomsday Clock and Are We All Really About to Die?

http://www.thewrap.com/what-is-doomsday-clock-are-we-all-about-to-die/

AsapScience: What If We Have A Nuclear War?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL4Kqfxg2KU

Toward a practical nuclear pendulum

https://phys.org/news/2017-01-nuclear-pendulum.html

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