Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

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

Friday, February 24, 2017

Steve Bannon Says ‘Deconstruction of Administrative State’ Is Trump’s Plan - Truthdig

Steve Bannon Says ‘Deconstruction of Administrative State’ Is Trump’s Plan - Truthdig

War News Updates: Pentagon Will Present To President Trump On Monday A 'Full Range Of Options' To Defeat The Islamic State

War News Updates: Pentagon Will Present To President Trump On Monday A 'Full Range Of Options' To Defeat The Islamic State

War News Updates: A Diminished Role For The U.S. State Department In A Trump Administration?

War News Updates: A Diminished Role For The U.S. State Department In A Trump Administration?

War News Updates: The War Between The Main Stream Press And The White House Has Just Gone Nuclear

War News Updates: The War Between The Main Stream Press And The White House Has Just Gone Nuclear

CGN Power Announces Delays At Taishan Project - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

CGN Power Announces Delays At Taishan Project - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

US nuclear surveillance plane sent to check radiation spike in N. Europe

US nuclear surveillance plane sent to check radiation spike in N. Europe

Connecticut girds for nuclear power debate as critics line up against Millstone support bill | Utility Dive

Connecticut girds for nuclear power debate as critics line up against Millstone support bill | Utility Dive

Duke Energy Reports Record-Breaking Nuclear Production - Power Engineering

Duke Energy Reports Record-Breaking Nuclear Production - Power Engineering

ONTARIO’S NUCLEAR ADVANTAGE: LOW-COST ELECTRICITY, JOBS & GROWTH; HEALTH & CLEAN AIR | TalkNuclear

ONTARIO’S NUCLEAR ADVANTAGE: LOW-COST ELECTRICITY, JOBS & GROWTH; HEALTH & CLEAN AIR | TalkNuclear

FirstEnergy Considering Divorce From The Generation Business - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

FirstEnergy Considering Divorce From The Generation Business - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Pilgrim’s Progress: Inside the American Nuclear-Waste Crisis


Pilgrim’s Progress: Inside the American Nuclear-Waste Crisis

http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/pilgrims-progress-inside-the-american-nuclear-waste-crisis

What One Photo Tells Us About North Korea’s Nuclear Program


What One Photo Tells Us About
North Korea’s Nuclear Program


https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/02/24/world/asia/north-korea-propaganda-photo.html

America’s Aging Dams Are in Need of Repair

 

America’s Aging Dams Are in Need of Repair


https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/02/23/us/americas-aging-dams-are-in-need-of-repair.html?emc=edit_ca_20170224&nl=california-today&nlid=60745655&te=1&_r=0

ANS UWC Utility Working Converence and Vendor Technology Expo

ans(1).jpg
Aug 6-9, 2017 | Amelia Island, FL
2017 Utility Working Conference and Vendor Technology Expo
PLAN TO ATTEND!
Join the annual meeting of the minds that consistently generates strong, practical recommendations to address the industry's most pressing needs. This utility-driven conference is well-attended by utility leaders, regulators, and industry-support organizations like INPO, EPRI, and NEI. The highly interactive program allows for discussions with the NRC in an informal setting
  • Sponsorship opportunities are still available
  • Reserve your Exhibitor spot at the Vendor Technology Expo
  • Conference registration opens in March
 
Learn more about the conference at uwc.ans.org - your complete meeting resource!
 
 
Be a part of the conversation. Help develop the solutions.

 
Join in the UWC conversation at #ansmeeting

Coal Still Has a Hard Road Ahead



Coal Still Has a Hard Road Ahead

By By Michael McDonald,   /  Thursday, February 23, 2017 9:12 AM
Source: EIA
Breaking Energy Staff It is no secret that the coal industry has faced hard times for the last few years. Environmental concerns led President Obama to institute more stringent regulatory requirements, while cheap natural gas created intense competition. Against that backdrop, many coal industry participants and investors hoped that President Trump would be able to

The Energy Collective Daily: Energy Union Should Shift Focus from Energy to Climate

Energy Union Should Shift Focus from Energy to Climate | The Energy Collective Daily

Link to The Energy Collective

Toshiba’s U.S. unit Westinghouse to explore Chapter 11 bankruptcy: sources


Toshiba’s U.S. unit Westinghouse to explore Chapter 11 bankruptcy: sources


http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/02/24/business/corporate-business/toshibas-u-s-unit-westinghouse-explore-chapter-11-bankruptcy-sources/#.WLCSrxCXRSw

If Westinghouse Is Filing for Bankruptcy, Toshiba Doesn't Know About It

Fortune - ‎6 hours ago‎
Toshiba, responding to media reports, said on Friday it was not aware that its U.S. nuclear unit Westinghouse was considering filing for Chapter 11 protection from creditors—an option analysts say could jeopardize the entire group. The Nikkei business ...http://fortune.com/2017/02/24/if-westinghouse-is-filing-for-bankruptcy-toshiba-doesnt-know-about-it/

Toshiba's US unit Westinghouse to explore Chapter 11 bankruptcy: sources

The Japan Times - ‎11 hours ago‎
Toshiba Corp. will explore Chapter 11 bankruptcy for U.S. nuclear power unit Westinghouse Electric Co. among options to rebuild the business while using proceeds from the sale of its mainstay chip business to continue operating it, sources close to the ... http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/02/24/business/corporate-business/toshibas-u-s-unit-westinghouse-explore-chapter-11-bankruptcy-sources/#.WLCTSRCXRSw
 

Toshiba contracted to cover increased costs of building nuclear reactors in U.S.

Toshiba contracted to cover increased costs of building nuclear reactors in U.S.  Toshiba contracted to cover increased costs of building nuclear reactors in U.S.



Toshiba contracted to cover increased costs of building nuclear reactors in U.S.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170224/p2a/00m/0na/007000c

Toshiba May Go Bankrupt as Result of Nuclear Investments


https://www.greenoptimistic.com/toshiba-bankrupt-nuclear-20170223/#.WLCSgRCXRSw

Making America great again apparently includes Cold War-era nuclear dominance


Making America great again apparently includes Cold War-era nuclear dominance

Washington Post - ‎21 hours ago‎
At the end of last year, after he won the election but before he was inaugurated, President-elect Donald Trump decided to proactively set U.S. nuclear policy via Twitter. “The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability ...https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/02/23/making-america-great-again-apparently-includes-cold-war-era-nuclear-dominance/?utm_term=.c529ac828924

Russian Lawmaker Calls for New START Treaty Talks With Trump


Russian Lawmaker Calls for New START Treaty Talks With Trump

Sputnik International - ‎12 hours ago‎
Washington needs to engage in talks on nuclear arms limitations with Russia if it does not want the Cold War-era nuclear arms race back, senior Russian lawmaker Konstantin Kosachev warned on Friday. Representatives of EU, US, Britain, France, Russia, ... https://sputniknews.com/world/201702241051001672-russia-us-nuclear-start/

Russia 'Categorically Against' Trump's Possible Suspension of New START Treaty

Russia 'Categorically Against' Trump's Possible Suspension of New START Treaty

Sputnik International - ‎10 hours ago‎
Russia is categorically against the possible suspension of the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) and will insist on extension of the document, Viktor Ozerov, chairman of the defense committee in the Russian upper house of parliament, told ... https://sputniknews.com/politics/201702241051004898-start-treaty-russia-trump/

Trump Puts in Doubt US-Russia Strategic Deals in an 'Alarming' Signal to Moscow

Trump Puts in Doubt US-Russia Strategic Deals in an 'Alarming' Signal to Moscow

Sputnik International -
On Thursday, United States President Donald Trump said that key strategic agreements between the US and Russia are not profitable for Washington. US nuclear missile. © AP Photo/ Charlie Riedel. Washington Not to Yield Nuclear Arsenal Supremacy 'to ...

Trump Vows To Maintain US Dominance In Nuclear Power

Trump Vows To Maintain US Dominance In Nuclear Power
US President Donald Trump has vowed that he will ensure that the United States maintains its dominance among the world's nuclear powers.http://www.rttnews.com/2748221/trump-vows-to-maintain-us-dominance-in-nuclear-power.aspx
 

Nuclear News: Does The US Have The Most Nukes? Trump Wants Top Spot Among Countries With Weapons Of Mass ...

International Business Times - ‎2 hours ago‎
President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that he wanted to expand the nation's nuclear weapons arsenal as the U.S. did not possess the largest stockpile in the world. Speaking to Reuters, Trump pledged the U.S. was "never going to fall behind any ... http://www.ibtimes.com/nuclear-news-does-us-have-most-nukes-trump-wants-top-spot-among-countries-weapons-2497421

Pro-Kremlin politicians warn Trump could unleash new arms race

Yahoo News - ‎4 hours ago‎
U.S. President Donald Trump pauses at the Dr. Ben Carson exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, U.S., February 21, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst. More. By Andrey Ostroukh and Christian Lowe. MOSCOW ... https://www.yahoo.com/news/pro-kremlin-politicians-warn-trump-could-unleash-arms-152507081.html

The Peril of Nuclear War in the Age of Trump

Truth-Out - ‎3 hours ago‎
President Donald Trump said on Thursday he wants to ensure the U.S. nuclear arsenal is at the "top of the pack," saying the United States has fallen behind in its weapons capacity.... "It would be wonderful, a dream would be that no country would have ...http://www.truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/the-peril-of-nuclear-war-in-the-age-of-trump

Trump's Vow to Raise US Nuclear Capacities 'Throws World Back to 20th Century'

Sputnik International - ‎8 hours ago‎
US President Donald Trump's vow to expand US nuclear capacities is sending the world back into the 20th century by challenging all treaties on strategic arms reduction, senior member of the Russian parliament's upper house Alexey Pushkov said Friday. https://sputniknews.com/politics/201702241051006431-trump-nuclear-capacities/
 
 
 

In West Texas, spent fuel storage seeks a foothold


In West Texas, spent fuel storage seeks a foothold


http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/02/24/stories/1060050510

Deconstructing Pilgrim: Inspection report uncovers more violations

Deconstructing Pilgrim: Inspection report uncovers more violations


http://www.barnstablepatriot.com/news/20170224/deconstructing-pilgrim-inspection-report-uncovers-more-violations

Here’s Why the US Nuclear Industry Is in Jeopardy


Here’s Why the US Nuclear Industry Is in Jeopardy

Spiraling construction costs at new facilities and planned closures of decades-old plants highlight why the nuclear industry in the United States remains in trouble — even as the quest for zero-carbon energy sources grows.

http://www.seeker.com/heres-why-the-us-nuclear-industry-is-in-jeopardy-2282838778.html

The U.S. Nuclear Energy Dream Is Dying | OilPrice.com

The U.S. Nuclear Energy Dream Is Dying | OilPrice.com

The U.S. Nuclear Energy Dream Is Dying


The U.S. Nuclear Energy Dream Is Dying

http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/The-US-Nuclear-Energy-Dream-Is-Dying.html

NRC opens Pilgrim review to public


NRC opens Pilgrim review to public


http://www.capecodtimes.com/news/20170223/nrc-opens-pilgrim-review-to-public

The Challenge and Promise of Next-Generation Nuclear Reactors


The Challenge and Promise of Next-Generation Nuclear Reactors

The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. (subscription) - ‎21 hours ago‎
U.S. start-ups are making headway on next-generation nuclear reactors. But companies worry about the big challenges they face to get new designs up and running in the U.S. That's the message I heard after spending the better part of a day with nuclear ... https://alerts.kiplinger.com/2017/02/challenge-promise-next-generation-nuclear-reactors/

SMRs symposium: Small reactors need of the hour


SMRs symposium: Small reactors need of the hour

The Express Tribune - ‎14 hours ago‎
ISLAMABAD: There is a need to have small, modular reactors which can be moved around with ease. “The need is to have small reactors with an output of less than 300 mega watts, as compared to conventional reactors, since they can be transported easily ... https://tribune.com.pk/story/1337150/smrs-symposium-small-reactors-need-hour/

Push to revive Yucca Mountain Project would be waste, Cortez Masto tells Las Vegas group

Push to revive Yucca Mountain Project would be waste, Cortez Masto tells Las Vegas group



http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/push-revive-yucca-mountain-project-would-be-waste-cortez-masto

Bill to spur nuclear energy stalls in committee


Bill to spur nuclear energy stalls in committee


http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/legislature/2017/02/23/bill-spur-nuclear-energy-stalls-committee/98324782/

In Reuters Interview President Trump Flunks Nuclear 101


Hans Kristensen, director of the FAS Nuclear Information Project, published his reaction to President Trump's Reuters interview, stating:
"[Trump] urgently needs to be briefed on the status of US [sic] nuclear forces, other nuclear-armed states, and the basics of [U.S.] arms control treaties."

Nuclear Energy Startup Transatomic Backtracks on Key Promises

Nuclear Energy Startup Transatomic Backtracks on Key Promises


 The company, backed by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, revised inflated assertions about its advanced reactor design after growing concerns prompted an MIT review.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603731/hot-silicon-valley-backed-nuclear-energy-startup-backtracks-on-key-promises/

Disarmament while the chance remains

 
Mustafa Kibaroglu
 
If a nuclear weapon ban treaty is negotiated and approved, it could prevent the development of even worse weapons to come. The last entry in our debate over a UN ban has posted. http://thebulletin.org/can-treaty-banning-nuclear-weapons-speed-their-abolition/disarmament-while-chance-remains

Great Debate: The Future of Artificial Intelligence - Who's in Control?

 
 
Will progress in Artificial Intelligence provide humanity with a boost of unprecedented strength to realize a better future, or could it present a threat to the very basis of human civilization? The future of artificial intelligence is up for debate, and the Origins Project is bringing together a distinguished panel of experts to discuss matters on Saturday, February 25th. Panel guests include the Bulletin's Board of Sponsors chair Lawrence Krauss and Bulletin Board of Sponsors member Jaan Tallinn. https://origins.asu.edu/events/future-of-artificial-intelligence

Reconsidering the reversal: South Korea's nuclear choices


 
William Caplan, Kenneth B. Turner
 
Twice in the 1970s, South Korea briefly considered developing its own nuclear weapons, due in part to statements made by US presidents each time. The uncertainties facing South Korea today are eerily similar.http://thebulletin.org/reconsidering-reversal-south-korea%E2%80%99s-nuclear-choices10522

Nuclear Regulator Details Pros, Cons of Mini-Reactor

 

Nuclear Regulator Details Pros, Cons of Mini-Reactor

https://www.bna.com/nuclear-regulator-details-n57982084333/

Arms control groups lambast Trump for remarks on nuclear arsenal

Arms control groups lambast Trump for remarks on nuclear arsenal


http://www.santabarbarapost.com/index.php/sid/251976379

The Controversional Plan to Bury Nuclear Waste in an old mine

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170216-the-ambitious-plan-to-bury-nuclear-waste-in-an-old-mine

Tepco says no radiation leak after smoke is seen at its Niigata nuke plant

 
Home Japan News Tepco says no radiation leak after smoke is seen at its Niigata...


http://news.easybranches.com/tepco-says-no-radiation-leak-after-smoke-is-seen-at-its-niigata-nuke-plant/

Trump warns U.S. nuclear arsenal has fallen behind


Trump warns U.S. nuclear arsenal has fallen behind


http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/feb/23/us-nuclear-arsenal-has-fallen-behind-trump-warns/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS

Trump Says He Wants To Ensure U.S. Nuclear Arsenal Is 'Top Of The Pack'


Trump Says He Wants To Ensure U.S. Nuclear Arsenal Is 'Top Of The Pack'

http://www.rferl.org/a/trump-wants-expand-us-nuclear-arsenal-make-top-of-pack-start-agreement/28328304.html

UAE's Nuclear Power Programme Helps Develop Local Nuclear Supply Chain



UAE's Nuclear Power Programme Helps Develop Local Nuclear Supply Chain


http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v8/fe/newsfeatures.php?id=1332263

Researchers find new clues for nuclear waste cleanup

Researchers find new clues for nuclear waste cleanup


https://news.wsu.edu/2017/02/23/research-nuclear-waste-cleanup/

Bulletin of Atomic Scientists Nuclear Roundup February 24, 2017


 

Nuclear Roundup
February 24, 2017
A compilation of quality nuclear policy news published on the Web, around the world.

Iran Nuclear Deal

Iran Deal Designed to Enable Cheating, Cruz Says

http://www.weeklystandard.com/iran-deal-allows-cheating-and-must-be-renegotiated-cruz-says/article/2006946

United States

Trump: US must be 'top of the pack' in nuclear weapons capability

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/24/politics/trump-interview-nuclear-weapons/

Arms control groups slam Trump's 'alternative facts' on nukes

http://thehill.com/policy/defense/320927-arms-control-groups-slam-trumps-alternative-facts-on-nukes

Trump threats to New START could imperil nuclear modernization programs

http://www.defensenews.com/articles/trump-threats-to-new-start-could-imperil-nuclear-modernization-programs

Trump backs missile shield against North Korea, pushes upgrades to nuclear arsenal

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/02/24/national/politics-diplomacy/trump-backs-missile-shield-north-korea-pushes-upgrades-nuclear-arsenal/#.WLBJrm_yvX4

Meet the new incoming leadership at Sandia Labs (slideshow)

http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2017/02/23/meet-the-new-incoming-leadership-at-sandia-labs.html

NNSA: W88 ALT 370 Program Reaches Milestone

http://www.ladailypost.com/content/nnsa-w88-alt-370-program-reaches-milestone

International

As China ups heat on North Korea, U.S. faces questions of reciprocity

http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/international/story/2017/feb/23/china-ups-heat-north-korea-us-faces-questions-reciprocity/662818/

Time to Test Diplomacy with North Korea

http://38north.org/2017/02/andreasen022317/

What does a diverse portfolio of nuclear weapons mean for Pakistan and India?

http://nation.com.pk/blogs/24-Feb-2017/what-does-a-diverse-portfolio-of-nuclear-weapons-mean-for-pakistan-and-india

A Defining Rivalry in South Asia

https://www.stratfor.com/analysis/defining-rivalry-south-asia

Russia’s Army Retroffited With New Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile System

http://thediplomat.com/2017/02/russias-army-retroffited-with-new-nuclear-capable-ballistic-missile-system/

A Preventable Nuclear Threat You Most Likely Don’t Know About

http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2017/02/23/a-preventable-nuclear-threat-you-most-likely-dont-know-about/

General Interest

Disarmament while the chance remains

http://thebulletin.org/can-treaty-banning-nuclear-weapons-speed-their-abolition/disarmament-while-chance-remains

Cannabis valued at $1.2 million found in UK nuclear bunker

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/23/europe/cannabis-uk-nuclear-bunker/

Researchers find new clues for nuclear waste cleanup

https://phys.org/news/2017-02-clues-nuclear-cleanup.html


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Trump and the Doomsday Clock

http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2017/02/12/trump-and-doomsday-clock/1NQ1aEAzxTePCTrQbSSkUN/story.html?s_campaign=8315

Opinion | Jeffrey D. Sachs

Trump and the Doomsday Clock

The most chilling concern about Donald Trump is the worldwide fear that he puts our very survival at risk. This is not loose talk or partisanship. It was recently expressed by the most thoughtful experts who monitor the risks to our survival: The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, who are the keepers of the Doomsday Clock. These experts have just told the world it is “Two and a half minutes to midnight,” where midnight signifies the end of civilization. This is the closest to doom since 1953, when both the United States and Russia first possessed thermonuclear weapons capable of destroying the world.
Let’s not panic. Instead, let’s think, plan, and act. As President John F. Kennedy famously declared, “Our problems are manmade — therefore, they can be solved by man.” The problem of Donald Trump can be solved too, by the institutions of American democracy and the international rule of law.http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2017/02/12/trump-and-doomsday-clock/1NQ1aEAzxTePCTrQbSSkUN/story.html?s_campaign=8315

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Maine needs the good-paying jobs nuclear energy provides

Maine needs the good-paying jobs nuclear energy provides


http://bangordailynews.com/2017/02/23/opinion/contributors/maine-needs-the-good-paying-jobs-nuclear-energy-provides/

Terrestrial Energy to unveil US SMR site, supplier plans in 2017 | Nuclear Energy Insider

Terrestrial Energy to unveil US SMR site, supplier plans in 2017 | Nuclear Energy Insider

U.S. renewables a job engine, trade groups say

U.S. renewables a job engine, trade groups say Washington (UPI) Feb 22, 2017 - A consortium of U.S. clean-energy groups said it was growth in the industries tied to renewable energy that were the ones creating more jobs. Business groups supporting the renewable energy sector in the United States said data compiled from federal reports find the low-carbon industry supported more than 3 million jobs last year. While the U.S. Department of Energy doesn't speci ... morehttp://www.solardaily.com/reports/US_renewables_a_job_engine_trade_groups_say_999.html

German energy giant RWE posts 5.7-bln-euro loss in 2016

German energy giant RWE posts 5.7-bln-euro loss in 2016 Frankfurt Am Main (AFP) Feb 22, 2017 - German energy provider RWE on Thursday announced a surprise loss of 5.7 billion euros for 2016, hit by writedowns on its plants and one-off costs related to the country's exit from nuclear power. "The difficult market environment made impairments necessary. In addition, the nuclear energy fund imposed a substantial one-off burden on us," chief executive Rolf Martin Schmitz said in an unsched ... morehttp://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/German_energy_giant_RWE_posts_57-bln-euro_loss_in_2016_999.html

Energy Analytics: Garbage In Garbage Out



Energy Analytics: Garbage In Garbage Out

By By Michael McDonald,   /  Wednesday, February 22, 2017 8:55 AM
Big Data
Michael McDonald, PhD Across all of business there is a lot of interest in Big Data, Business Intelligence, Predictive Analytics, and other data related fields these days. Tools in these fields are particularly useful in the unconventional energy sector – they can help shale producers and servicers with everything from drilling more effective wells to