April 2007
Nuclear Energy Update
April 23 - 27, 2007
Welcome to Nuclear Energy Update. This is a weekly update compiled by The Eisenhower Institute of the most significant news items in international, domestic, and scientific nuclear energy news.
International
Experts Believe Iran is Four Years Away from Nuclear Weapons
According to recent estimates Iran's progress towards nuclear weapons will continue only slowly. Iran may be able to produce one nuclear bomb in the next four years but they will probably not be able to launch an operational nuclear weapon for eight years. The process of uranium enrichment is very difficult and Iran is not yet prepared for rapid production. According to Norman Dombet, emeritus professor of theoretical physics at Sussex University, "It's very difficult to enrich uranium. It calls for several different scientific and engineering disciplines. Iran hasn't yet shown that it has mastered the problem." Iran will most likely not master this process for at least another two years. Additionally, after mastering the enrichment process, Iran will have to develop a warhead capable of being delivered by a missile. Although the Iran has continued to ignore UN sanctions, technological limitation will prevent Iran from becoming a serious threat for several years.
(Telegraph, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/24/wiran24.xml 4/24/07)
Ahmadinejad Remains firm on Nuclear Power
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appeared on Iran's Al-Alam television channel to express his concerns with upcoming EU talks. The president believes that the current demands of western nations are unlawful and politically motivated. President Ahmadinejad insisted "The suspension of uranium enrichment is not legal and the Western demands for this are political." Moreover, the president made clear his belief that Iran's nuclear program reflects Iran's popular support for investment in nuclear technology. He believes that this support is so strong that it "exceeds even that for the nationalization of the oil industry." Although Iranian negotiator Ali Larijani and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana met to discuss Iran's nuclear program, it is unclear exactly what the outcome of these talks will be and Iran insists that it will not stop enriching uranium. Iran's president says that he does not intend to engage in attacks against other nations but threatened, "If someone insists on something that is against the law then our people knows how to defend itself."
(Yahoo News, http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070423/wl_afp/irannuclearpoliticseu_070423164937 4/23/07)
China Debates Potential Nuclear Power Increase
China's rapid industrialization has forced the nation to expand in energy supply and unstable fuel prices have led Chinese leaders to consider construction of nuclear power plants. In light of this, China may build as many as thirty nuclear plants in the next ten years. Nuclear energy, however, may not provide China a long term solution. Chen Mingde, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, announced that "Nuclear power cannot save us because the world's supply of uranium and other radioactive minerals needed to generate nuclear power are very limited." Concerns over the availability of nuclear fuel and the problem of nuclear waste disposal have caused Chinese officials to reconsider. These nuclear plants will likely serves as only "transitional replacement" of the nation's current oil and coal plants. Although the construction of nuclear power plants may help China diversify its energy production, China's will most likely tern to renewable resources like wind, solar, and hydro-power in the future.
(AFP News, www.france24.com/france24Public/en/administration/afp-news.html?id=070423053440.3eeaj8r5&cat=null 4/23/07)
North Korea Continues its Nuclear Program
In February, North Korea agreed to shut down and seal its nuclear facility in Yongbyon within sixty days in exchange for a large shipment of fuel oil. Even though this deadline passed on April 16, North Korea is yet to begin shutdown measures. Some of this delay has been attributed to disputes surrounding Korean money frozen by the United States due to suspicion of money laundering and counterfeiting. Although the Macau Bank has released these funds, North Korea has not yet issued a withdrawal. Even after North Korea removes this money, there is question whether or not North Korea begin the shutdown because the nation has a long history of making agreements and then violating their terms. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice remains optimistic stating, "The North Koreans, I hope, are about to demonstrate that they've made an important strategic choice."
(Herald Tribune http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/23/america/NA-GEN-US-NKorea-Nuclear.php 4/23/07)
Iran and EU Continue Nuclear Talks
Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief met with Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator to discuss Iran's nuclear program in Tehran. Iran's uranium enrichment program has been criticized by the US and EU who believe Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran insists that its nuclear program focuses on energy, and refuses to suspend enrichment. Iran has been issued two sets of UN sanctions and will face additional penalties if enrichment does not stop by the May 23rd deadline. The situation has remained in deadlock but recent talks, held in Turkey, were described as "constructive" but both sides and the talk will continue in about two weeks.
(FT, http://www.ft.com/cms/s/6082d470-f393-11db-9845-000b5df10621.html 4/26/07)
Domestic
Us and Japans to Increase Nuclear Research
The US and Japan have announced a new plan to increase nuclear research in order to ensure safety during a planned nuclear power resurgence. On April 19th, the two nations signed a plan encouraging nations to pursue nuclear power in order to help diversify energy sources and reduce emissions. In 2005 the US changed its policy, providing incentives for the construction of nuclear power plants in the US. The United States plans to increase research and catch up after a 30 year suspension. The United States turned away from nuclear energy after the 1979 Three Mile Island incident and many are still concerned with the safety of nuclear power. The bilateral nuclear research will consist of "six working groups, which will mainly comprise nuclear technology experts (who) will look into fast reactor technology, fuel recycling technology, simulation and modeling, small and medium reactors, safeguards and physical protection, as well as waste management." The United States and Japan hope that new technology will allow a safe increase in nuclear power without allowing new nations to create nuclear weapons.
(Nasdaq-www.nasdaq.com/.htm 4/24/2007)
New Report Questions Need and Safety of Reliable Replacement Warhead Program
The Bush administration has been noticeably pushing for a new Reliable Replacement Warhead Program (RRW), but a recent report from high-level scientists describes this program as unnecessary and costly. Typically, nuclear weapon programs are only considered only when requested by the Pentagon but the recent program comes without any clear strategic objective or military need. The administration has suggested that new renewable weapons would save money in the long run, but the expert panel believes that the RRW may never achieve cost savings. It was also suggested that the United State's aging nuclear weapons may prove less reliable necessitating the development of new warheads, but the panel insists that there is no empirical support for these claims. Additionally, many fear that other nations' would see the RRW program as an aggressive move, sparking a nuclear arms race.
(San Francisco Chronicle http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/24/BAG83PEG194.DTL 4/24/07)
NRC Rules Would Require Increased Protection Commercial Airplanes
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed new rules requiring future nuclear power plants to offer increased protection from airplane attacks. The NRC fears that some nuclear plant designs may be vulnerable to attacks by commercial aircraft, similar to those of 9/11. Such an attack could cause a plant to meltdown or release radioactive gases into the atmosphere, endangering surrounding areas. Although the NRC requires nuclear plants to offer reasonable protection from large fires and explosions, additional protection from 9/11 style attacks would make the next generation of nuclear power plants safer. If passed, these additional requirements would only apply to newly proposed plant designs; the United State's 104 existing nuclear power plants already offer sufficient protection.
(Reuters http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070425/sc_nm/usa_nuclear_aircraft_dc_1 4/25/07)
Suit Filed on Behalf of Nuclear Weapons Workers
Cold War era uranium miners and nuclear weapons workers have filed a class-action lawsuit against the Department of Labor due to reduced medical benefits. The health hazards of these occupations are not debated; an estimated 21,000 workers have been injured by exposure to radiation or other toxic substances used while producing weapon's grade uranium. These workers were guaranteed medical coverage in 2000 under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Some workers, however, feel that they have not received sufficient care. Patients have complained about "arbitrarily reduce the amount of care ordered by our patients' doctors" and being forced to "wait for up to 7 months to have care approved." These workers do not seek compensation; they only request to have their health care restored.
(PRNewswire http://sev.prnewswire.com/aerospace-defense/20070424/LATU04524042007-1.html 4/24/07)
Romney Emphasizes Prevention of Nuclear Terror
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has announced that he would make the prevention of nuclear terror a national priority by appointing an "ambassador-at-large to prevent nuclear terror." This ambassador would work with several national and international agencies to ensure that nonproliferation strategies are most effective. He also proposes the development of a new international body that would establish the trafficking of nuclear materials as a crime against humanity. Romney believes that a more international approach is necessary to prevent traffickers from "hiding in complicit or weak countries." He believes these two measures would ensure greater security and reflect the United States' increased commitment to preventing nuclear attacks.
(AP http://www.boston.com/news/local/ambassador_to_prevent_nuclear_terror/ 4/25/207)
Opinion
"A Nuclear Shift on Trident?"
According to Kate Hudson's editorial in the New Statesman, Britain is becoming increasingly opposed to its nuclear weapon program. Although the parliament voted in March to replace its Trident nuclear weapons, the vote faced "the biggest rebellion on defense policy since Labour first entered government in 1924." This vote, she believes, reflects the country's growing disapproval of nuclear weapons. Recent polls indicate that a large majority, 72 percent, currently opposes the Trident's replacement. Hudson believes it is necessary "to work to reverse the replacement decision (and) to put pressure on the government to pursue genuine multilateral disarmament initiatives."
(New Statesman http://www.newstatesman.com/200704240006 4/24/07)
Credits
Compiled and Edited by: Aaron Albert
Nuclear Energy Update
April 30- May 4, 2007
Welcome to Nuclear Energy Update. This is a weekly update compiled by The Eisenhower Institute of the most significant news items in international, domestic, and scientific nuclear energy news.
International
Australia's Labor Party against Nuclear Power
Australia's Labor Party has announced plans to overturn the country's ban on uranium mining, but the party insists that Australia should not pursue nuclear power. Deputy leader Julia Gillard stated, "Nuclear energy would be far more costly for this country than clean coal or better exploiting renewable (energy). We can better invest in clean coal, we can better invest in renewables. Let's get on with that rather than having, what in some ways is, an unproductive debate about nuclear energy." This position runs contrary to that of Prime Minister Howard. The Prime Minister described their position as "hypocritical" and "contradictory" arguing that "You have this ridiculous situation where they're saying we can't convert the uranium for nuclear power in Australia although we can sell it to countries overseas and they can use it for civilian nuclear purposes." Although the nuclear energy debate has been heated, southern Australia will welcome renewed uranium mining. Premier Mike Rann announced that South Australia is "totally and completely open for business."
(PerthNow http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21498,21644080-public_rss 4/30/07
NPT Conference Begins in Vienna
In preparation for a total review in 2010, nations met this week to discuss concerns with the Non-Proliferation Treaty. In recent months, the nuclear programs of North Korea and Iran have attracted much attention from the international community. North Korea joined the NPT and started a nuclear program under its provisions allowing research in peaceful technologies. In 2003, North Korea left the treaty and forced UN inspectors to leave. Many nations suspect that Iran's nuclear program is just a cover for the nation's plans to develop nuclear weapons. These actions have caused members of the treaty to seek new provisions making withdrawal less attractive and punishing countries acting in violation. In addition to these concerns, there is also some tension surrounding the US strategy of pre-emptive force and Britain's recent decision to update its nuclear arsenal. In light of these issues, Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik remarked, "The NPT is in a serious crisis today."
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070430/pl_afp/unnuclearpolitics_070430145459 4/30/07)
UN Scientists to Announce Support for Increase in Nuclear Power
A large panel of UN scientists is expected to announce support for an increased use of nuclear power to help slow global warming. This will come on Friday in the final report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) consisting of over 2,000 scientists. In February, the panel reported that it was 90% certain that mankind was responsible for global warming. The group continued to meet and on April 6th it advised that the warming trend could potentially lead to "more hunger, droughts and rising seas." In an effort to slow global warming and avoid potential disaster, the group will announce on Friday a variety of policies for the global community, including an increase in nuclear power.
(Daily Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=451658&in_page_id=1766&ito=1490 4/30/07
Rice May Address Iranian Officials Directly
At a conference in Egypt later this week, Secretary of State Rice may address Iranian officials directly with concerns regarding the nation's nuclear program. President Bush announced that if "If there is a conversation, it'll be one that says if the Iranian government wants to have a serious conversation they ought to give up their enrichment program in a verifiable fashion." This would be a rare move; the United States has continued to refuse senior level talks with Iran, saying they would only occur once Iran abandons its uranium enrichment program. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso offered his support stating, "We also share the same views [of the United States] about how to deal with Iran. And it's not only the United States and Europe. There are several resolutions of the United Nations Security Council."
(Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/30/AR2007043001006.html 4/30/07)
India and US Working to Finalize Nuclear Accord
The United States and India officially reached agreement in 2005, but India continues to resist some clauses that would limit its nuclear independence. Although the United States has been fairly trusting of India's nuclear program, the nation has not signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). The new agreement would grant India access to US nuclear fuel and technology, but the nation would have to allow inspectors into its civilian nuclear facilities. No inspectors would be allowed into the nation's nuclear weapon sites, but the United States would be free to take back nuclear fuel and technology if India begins nuclear testing. The ban on nuclear testing has received heavy criticism in India, slowing talks to a "frustrating" pace. State department spokesman Sean McCormack said, "We would like to move rapidly and conclude this deal, and we'll see what kind of ideas the Indian government comes to the table with. We will get this deal done."
(BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6611541.stm 5/01/07)
Hans Blix Asks Switzerland for Help with Nuclear Disarmament
Speaking at a meeting Swiss Defence Minister Samuel Schmid, Hans Blix stated that Switzerland could contribute greatly to global disarmament efforts due to the nations technical expertise. Blix pointed out although Switzerland may not be specifically targeted, it is still at risk if terrorists gain access to weapons of mass destruction. The nation has contributed greatly in "the fight against mines, cluster bombs and small arms" but more could be done in limiting the possibility of nuclear terrorism. Blix specifically sought support for extending the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which would continue a ban on all types of nuclear explosion.
(NZZ http://www.nzz.ch/2007/05/02/eng/article7774562.html 5/02/07)
Domestic
Lusby Picked as Site for Possible Nuclear Plant
UniStar, a Baltimore-based nuclear company, has selected a site in Lusby Maryland for possible construction of a nuclear power plant. UniStar will apply to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission next year for permission to build and operate a new plant at this site. County officials have welcomed the news; construction of the plant would create 3,200 temporary jobs and the plants itself would employ 300 to 400 permanently. Contrastingly, Johanna Neumann of Maryland Public Interest Research Group fears that the "environmental risks outweigh any benefits." Plans for a nuclear plant in Lusby are, however, not firm. According to Robert Gould, speaking for Constellation Energy, "This is not a commitment to build. It's one step in the process. The earliest the plant would open is 2015."
(Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/30/AR2007043001770.html 5/1/07)
Trucks Carrying Nuclear Materials May be Vulnerable to Terrorist Attack
Trucks carrying nuclear materials might release radioactive poisons if struck by a fuel truck. Al Stotts, spokesman for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration explains that trucks carrying nuclear weapons are guarded by "highly trained federal agents. They're armed and they're ready to defend the cargo in whatever way they have to if they were attacked." Additionally, trucks carrying nuclear waste are flame resistant, tested by "fully engulfing flames" reaching 1,475 degrees and lasting up to 30 minutes. Some worry, however, that this may not be enough. For instance, fire from a burning fuel tanker can greatly exceed the limits of these trucks; an Oakland accident involving a fuel truck burned for over two hours and reached temperature over 3,000 degrees. If a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying nuclear materials, either by accident or part of a terrorist attack, the results could be disastrous.
(San Fransisco Chronicle http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/02/MNG76PJ7F21.DTL&feed=rss.news 5/02/07)
Increased Security for Nuclear Test Reactors
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will increase security for the nearly 50 nuclear reactors used for tests and research. Before, only employees with access to sensitive information were checked for criminal record. Now, students and staff members will undergo fingerprinting and criminal history checks. Most of these reactors are found at colleges and universities where students use them to study neutrons and gamma rays. NRC Chairman Dale Klein replied, "This is one of many steps the NRC has taken in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, to keep U.S. research reactors secure I believe the level of security is appropriate for these educational facilities to continue safely serving their students, their communities and the country."
(Reuters http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070501/us_nm/usa_nuclear_testreactors_security_dc_1 5/01/07)
Reports Claim Nuclear Power Not a Real Solution
Independent reports released by Greenpeace and the Council on Foreign Relations claim that an increase in nuclear power will not greatly slow global warming. Jim Riccio, from Greenpeace explains, "Nuclear power is an expensive and dangerous distraction from real climate solutions." Charles Ferguson, from the Council on Foreign Relations writes "Nuclear energy alone will not provide a solution for at least the next few decades for significantly reducing the U.S. contribution to global warming." These reports come at a time when experts and world leaders are encouraging an increase in nuclear power. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is expected to suggest an increase in nuclear power. President Bush stated last week "The truth of the matter is, if people really want to solve the issue of greenhouse gases, civilian nuclear power, powering our energy grids by nuclear power is the best alternative available."
(Reuters http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070503/us_nm/energy_usa_nuclear_warming_dc_1 5/03/07)
Opinion
"'Heady Times' For India and the U.S."
According to Nicholas Burn's editorial from the Washington Post, the approaching agreement between the United States and India could spark "the strongest relationship the two countries have enjoyed since India's independence in 1947." Although some oppose this agreement and feel that India should not be trusted with more nuclear technology, Burns argues that "this initiative will permit peaceful civilian nuclear cooperation with India. This would bring India out of its self-imposed isolation and into the international nonproliferation mainstream." Burns adds that this agreement should be just a first step towards better India-U.S. relations. He hopes for an increase in U.S. assistance "in helping to counter the wave of terrorist bombings of the past two years." Additionally, Burns thinks that the nations should work to create a stronger military partnership with "joint military exercises" and "improved interoperability." With these two measures, Burns thinks that India and the U.S. could build upon the new agreement to spark a global partnership.
(Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/27/AR2007042702014.html 4/29/07)
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