August 2005
Nuclear Energy Update
August 1 - August 5, 2005
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
Nuclear Power on the High Seas
Russia's Federal Nuclear Energy Agency reported that it has signed an $86.5 million contract with China to build the world's first floating nuclear power plant. According to the terms of the agreement, China will build the facility, while Russia is responsible for the power block. The purposed ten-story, 140m-long and 30m-wide floating plant will be located in Severodvinsk, in the Arkhangelsk region in Russia's European north. The power plant will have a capacity to produce 70-megawatts of power to the defense facility Sevmash. The project, set to begin construction next year and be completed in 2011, is estimated to cost around $208.84 million, which is to be recovered in 12 years by electricity returns that will amount to $61 billion. Vladimir Uryvsky, guaranteed the safety of the design, so far as saying, "The block could not even be depressurized if a plane crashed down on it." Uryvsky added that all divers and submersible crafts approaching the vicinity of the facility would be stopped and interrogated. Canada, Indonesia, India and other countries have all expressed interest in similar projects.
(Novosti http://en.rian.ru/russia/20050728/40992299.html 7/28/05)
Japan Sees Nuclear Power as Only Alternative
Since 1956, Japan's Atomic Energy Commission has been issuing a policy framework to cope with both foreign and domestic changes regarding its nuclear power program every five years. Typically, the framework has sought to maintain the status quo, however, its latest policy framework declared that Japan should depend on nuclear power as the centerpiece of its efforts to ensure its energy security due to the increasing scarcity of the world's energy resources. Accordingly, the main goals of the new nuclear policy seeks to use Japan's existing nuclear power stations to their fullest, increase efficiency by promoting the nuclear fuel cycle, and develop new reactors. The new policy will also address safety and disposal issues, as well as how to secure capable personnel.
(http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/editorial/20050729TDY04005.htm 7/30/05)
Russia Projects Build Time for Nuclear Power Plant in North Korea
Russia's federal agency for atomic energy, Rosatom, declared that Russian nuclear specialists could "build a nuclear power station in North Korea in six to seven years and partially resolve the country's energy problem." The agency added that Russia could be enticed to administer the construction project provided that "such a nuclear power plant is commercially beneficial to our country and if North Korea returns to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty." According to the Agency, the projections are based upon Russia's previous preparatory work to construct a nuclear power plant in North Korea during the 70s-80s, which have since ceased: "There have been no contacts between Russian and North Korean nuclear specialists for over 15 years," stated Aleksandr Rumyantsev, head of Rosatom.
(RedNova http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=193330 8/1/05)
Russia Goes to the Bank
Russia's Federal Agency for Nuclear Power, equipped with newly devised business plan, is heading to the bank to take out loans for the construction of three new reactor units. Of the three units, the one designated for the Volgodonsk nuclear power plant will be the priority. The other two units to be constructed are to be located at the Balakovskaya, and the Kalininskaya nuclear power plants. At present, Russia maintains 77 reactor units at ten nuclear power plants, which constituted for 15.6% of Russia's total energy output in 2004.
(Novosti http://en.rian.ru/russia/20050802/41077198.html, 8/2/05)
Russia Stands By Iran
This past Tuesday, Russia's atomic energy agency, Rosatom, declared that it would support Iran's nuclear program regardless of its intention to resume its enrichment activity. "We always stressed Iran's right to develop its nuclear fuel cycle, though we at the same time urge countries not possessing the cycle to refrain from developing it," remarked a spokesman for Rosatom. Currently, Russia is aiding in the construction of Iran's nuclear plant in Bushehr, which it has also agreed to fuel and remove waste. While other countries' concerns grow with regard to Iran's insistence on retaining its enrichment program, Russia's position remains that Iran has the right to conduct the peaceful use of nuclear energy despite Iran's recent activities. The spokesman added that nothing short of a U.N. resolution or a decision from the International Atomic Energy Association would dissuade it from continuing nuclear cooperation with Iran.
(Reuters http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050802/wl_nm/nuclear_iran_russia_dc_1, 8/2/05)
India's Energy Giant Hops on the Nuclear Bandwagon
India's largest electricity producer, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC), is appointing two advisers to aid in its transition into the nuclear energy business. Presently, NTPC accounts for 27% of India's power production and is seeking expansion. Accordingly, in lieu of the Indo-US deal, which intends to provide India with nuclear fuel, NTPC considering manufacturing nuclear energy. However, before NPTC can become a nuclear utility they must first figure out how to circumvent the dual-use technology export ban imposed by the US, which will prohibit its acquisition of necessary nuclear components. Nevertheless, according to a NPTC executive "Nuclear power as the way to go in the long-run."
(Singh, Mamata http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?storyflag=y&leftnm=lmnu1&leftindx=1&lselect=1&chklogin=N&autono=196149 8/2/05)
Archived Memos Reveal Britain's Backdoor Contribution
According to reports derived from British archives, Britain aided Israel in its nascent nuclear program in the 1950s. Evidently, in 1958 Britain sold 20 tons of heavy water, a vital component for plutonium production, to Israel. Previously, official papers designated the sale as being between Norway and Israel, but according to memos found in the London's National Archives, the heavy water was shipped direct from Britain to Israel to be used for plutonium production at Israel's clandestine Dimona nuclear reactor. Moreover, the memos also revealed that the sale was to be done unbeknownst to the United States. After being alerted to the newfound discovery, Robert MacNamara, former defense secretary, was astonished: "The fact that Israel was trying to develop a nuclear bomb should not have come as any surprise... But that Britain should have supplied it with heavy water was indeed a surprise to me."
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp_050803223229 8/3/05)
A New Deal for Iran
Britain, France, and Germany presented its proposal of economic and political concessions to Iran this past Friday, in a final attempt to dissuade Tehran from any enrichment activity, which can be easily modified to produce nuclear weapons. However, upon initial inspection of the proposal, Iranian officials declared that it did not meet their requirements. According to a source close to the talks that was quoted by Reuters, the proposal offered to allow for Western utility companies to construct and fuel nuclear power plants in Iran. Earlier this week, the European triumvirate said that if Iran resumed its enrichment activities at the Isfahan plant, which Washington suspects is a front for Iran's nuclear weapons agenda, then the talks that have consumed the better part of two years would cease. In response, chief Iranian negotiator Hossein Mousavian declared, regardless of the proposals Iran would continue its work at the Isfahan plant. Subsequently, the European trio has requested a meeting with the International Atomic Energy Association to discuss Iran's nuclear program and will bring the issue before the IAEA next Tuesday.
(Reuters http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050805/wl_nm/nuclear_iran_dc_53 8/5/05)
A Korean Quagmire
The six-party talks to persuade North Korea from its nuclear ambitions continue mire, thereby forcing discussions into the 11th day. According to North Korea, contentions reside regarding North Korea's insistence to retain the right to undertake peaceful nuclear activities. "We are for denuclearizing, but we also want to possess the right to peaceful nuclear activities," said North Korea's chief delegate Kim Kye-gwan, adding "only one country is opposing that," referring to the United States. However, other delegates argue that the talks have stalled due to North Korea's refusal to commit to giving up all nuclear arms, even those it designates for peaceful use. United States envoy, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, declared that the agreement must include eliminating any nuclear program that could be manipulated for weapons use due to North Korea's previous clandestine nuclear activity.
(Herman, Burt http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/koreas_nuclear_8 8/5/05)
Domestic
Energy Bill is Set to Bolster Nuclear Power
The Congress approved $14.5 billion energy bill, which will distribute billions of dollars in tax credits and subsidies to aid in the construction of the first nuclear power plant in almost three decades. Specifically, the bill allots $1.6 billion for the research and development of nuclear power, $1.3 billion toward the nuclear plant at the federal Idaho National Laboratory to generate hydrogen fuel, and $2 billion in federal insurance to allay construction concerns with regard to problems caused by licensing delays. Additionally, the bill has committed to insuring up to $5.7 billion in tax credits for the first six reactors to be built and limitless loan guarantees up to 80% of the reactor cost. According to the Department of Energy, the United States will need to increase its energy production from 350,000 to 400,000 in the next two decades to keep up with demand. As it is, nuclear power constitutes for 20% of the United States' energy output.
(Wilkie, Dana http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20050731-9999-1n31nuke.html 7/31/05)
Problems Persist at Yucca Mountain
An energy official disclosed that the Department of Energy would further delay its submission of its license application to build the prospective nuclear waste repository at the Yucca Mountain site. According to the official, the earliest that DOE would submit the application would be March of 2006. DOE's application was summarily dismissed as inadequate by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission board in 2004. Subsequently, according to the official, it is the department's top priority that this time the application be certified. The official added that the Energy Department has successfully entered 85 to 90 percent of the millions of relevant documents into the Licensing Support Network.
(Werner, Erica http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/2005/news/26976859.html 8/1/05)
The NRC Advances Worker Precautions
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is contemplating improving its fitness-for-duty requirements for workers with unescorted power plant access. The NRC plans to toughen sanctions for violations, strengthen drug testing, and limit the number of hours being worked daily and weekly so as to decrease risks of operator error. The proposed measures would be applied to all operating plants, as well as to those in the future. The drug and alcohol testing provisions would also be extended to facilities transporting and handling sensitive material.
(NRC News http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/news/2005/05-108.html 8/3/05)
Op-Ed
Playing With Nuclear Fire
William Broyles Jr., former editor in chief of Newsweek and Texas Monthly, in his piece "Nuclear Hubris in Idaho", criticizes the Energy Department for wanting to produce plutonium 238 at the federal Idaho National Laboratory nuclear plant. Broyles argues that the Energy Department is wrong to think that it can in good conscience produce plutonium 238 in the forty year old test reactor. Broyles points out that it is unwise for such a dangerous process to be performed in a 40-year-old test reactor, whose internal core parts need to be replaced every 8 to 10 years and lacks a containment dome. Furthermore, the reactor is located near the greater Yellowstone area, one of most active earthquake sites in the world, and will ultimately contain 30 times the amount of radioactive material estimated to have been released from Chernobyl. Additionally, Broyles goes on to cite a former nuclear safety specialist who deemed the test reactor as being out of compliance with regards to safety and earthquake regulations. Subsequently, Broyles questions the intelligence of DOE's plans considering the potentially catastrophic consequences.
(Broyles, William http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/03/opinion/03broyles.html 8/3/05)
Credits
Compiled by: Joe Schultheis
Edited by: Suzy Vogel
Nuclear Energy Update
August 8 - August 12, 2005
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
Solution Continues to Elude Denuclearization Delegates
The six-party talks to dissuade North Korea from its nuclear ambitions are still stalled as delegates failed to come to an agreement. According to Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, the United States envoy, the talks were hindered by the North's demand for an explicit promise guaranteeing North Korea's acquisition of a nuclear reactor. "We decided it was time to end it and go to recess, with the idea that they can go back and think about what they've been told, which is, they're not going to get a light-water reactor," said Hill. North Korea's chief delegate, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan, responded saying that during the recess, Washington should reconsider "its policy on not letting us have any kind of nuclear activities." The talks are set to reconvene the week of August the 29th. Until that time, the participating countries are supposed to remain in contact.
(CBS http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/07/world/main763698.shtml 8/7/05)
British Poll Shows Little Backing for Nuclear Power
According to a survey done by the Times, 79% of Britons support the replacement of petroleum products with renewables, however only 18% back nuclear power as a suitable replacement. Many analysts argue that nuclear power is the only way Britain can alleviate its dependence upon Middle Eastern oil and achieve its ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions by 60%. And although the Department for Trade and Industry has assured the populace that no plan has been made to build any nuclear power plants, they are not ruling it out. However, as indicated by the poll, it is certain that any initiative towards nuclear power in Britain will have to first tackle British concerns regarding waste disposal and safety. Accordingly, 59% of those polled said it would be irresponsible to build more nuclear power stations while questions remain about how the waste can be safely disposed, while a similar percentage felt that nuclear power was unsafe altogether.
(http://www.politics.co.uk/domestic-policy/lack-support-nuclear-power-$15018442.htm 8/8/05)
Iran Restarts its Nuclear Activity
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed reports that Iran had resumed its nuclear activities, which had been suspended pending negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany. Iran, unsatisfied with the final proposal of economic and political concessions made by the European triumvirate, resumed activity at its Isfahan plant site on Monday. Iran's new President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left the door open for further negotiations with the European Union. Additionally, Iran assured the world that Monday's resumption would not entail the enrichment of uranium, which can function as nuclear bomb material. The IAEA was present when the seals were removed from the plant and have subsequently installed surveillance cameras to monitor the nuclear activity at the plant site. While there may be no rule against uranium conversion, concern regarding the possible manipulation of that technology has prompted threats to refer Iran to the Security Council.
(CNN http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/08/08/iran.nuclear.1302/index.html 8/8/05)
China Looks Down Under For Nuclear Fuel
Australia and China have announced their intention to begin negotiations that would ensure the export of uranium to the ever energy hungry Chinese. According to Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, "The agreement will establish safeguard arrangements to ensure Australian uranium supplied to China is used exclusively for peaceful purposes." It is only befitting that the world's second largest energy consumer, China, will finally engage the world's second largest uranium supplier, Australia. The uranium deal is speculated to bring more than 20 billion dollars to the Aussies over one decade. The deal comes at a time when both nations are looking to expand their nuclear capacity. China is looking to increase its nuclear power production fourfold by 2020 so as to meet impending energy demands. Australia is planning on creating two more uranium mines in addition to the three they are currently operating.
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050809/wl_asia_afp/australiachinanuclear_050809072213 8/9/05)
Pakistan Pushes the Envelope
Without warning, Pakistan test-fired its first nuclear-capable cruise missile early Thursday morning. According to officials, the testing of the missile violates the newly signed treaty with its historic adversary India, which prohibits the testing of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads without notification. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry responded by saying that the treaty did not cover cruise missiles. Incidentally, the missile was fired on Musharraf's birthday. However, according to an army official, this was purely a coincidence. According to the official, the test was conducted as a result of favorable weather conditions and the preparedness of its scientists. India's Foreign Ministry said it had no comment on the test-fire.
(USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-08-11-pakistan-missile_x.htm 8/11/05)
Britain's NDA Pushes for Faster Nuclear Clean-Up
Britain's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has projected that $101 billion dollars will be needed to decommission its aging nuclear power stations. As articulated in the NDA's most recent decommissioning plan, the NDA wishes to expedite the clean-up process from the originally conceived 125 years to 25 years. "We believe it ought to be possible to complete the decommissioning of these stations over a 25 year period," said Sir Anthony Cleaver of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Sir Anthony added that the change in the estimates should not be surprising since the program in question has been running for over a century. Another reason for the change in the estimates is because the NDA's consultation document is the "first time anyone has had the opportunity to put together a coherent program for all 20 of the sites," explained Sir Anthony. The NDA's final strategy is to be published by next spring.
(BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk/4140636.stm 8/11/05)
IAEA Consents to Iranian Nuclear Freeze
After calling an emergency meeting on Tuesday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called on Iran to halt its nuclear activity. Tehran retorted by calling the IAEA resolution absurd and unacceptable, adding that their decision is merely a "political resolution adopted under pressure from the United States and its allies." Nevertheless, expressing what it called "serious concern" over Iran's resumption of uranium conversion, the IAEA scheduled a nuclear compliance report for this September 3rd, which, pending the findings, could provoke another emergency meeting and a possible referral to the Security Council. While the 35-nation board may have come to a consensus, it is unlikely that the Security Council will be able to do the same. Accordingly, China, one of the Security Council's veto-holding members, has already asserted that it does not want the Iran issue to make its way to the council. "It would not be helpful ... We all want a peaceful solution to the Iranian issue. So I think the best place is the efforts between the EU (European Union) and (the) Iranians or the IAEA," said China's UN ambassador Wang Guangya, adding, "The council has too many things on the table. Why should we add more?"
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050812/wl_mideast_afp/irannuclear_050812084500 8/12/05)
South Korea Augments its Power Production with Two New Reactors
According to reports from South Korea's news agency Yonhap, South Korea brought two new nuclear power reactors online this past Thursday. The additional reactors will increase the country's electricity output by 60 million kW. The nuclear power increase comes as a direct result of South Korea's overlying objective to secure stable energy sources to respond to surging oil prices and international climate agreements. The construction of the two reactors lasted some 11 years, costing $4.4 billion. The new reactors bring South Korea's total number of reactors to 20, making South Korea one of the world's top six nuclear power producers.
(RedNova http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=204406&source=r_science 8/12/05)
Britain Stays In Line With the U.S. on India
Britain's Foreign Ministry declared that it would loosen its export control of civilian nuclear technology to India this past Thursday, citing India's improved relations with Pakistan and its dedication to non-proliferation goals. "India is a key international partner in the UK's efforts to work towards a world safe from global terrorism and weapons of mass destruction," said a foreign office spokesman. The decision comes only weeks after the United States made similar overtures to India.
(Reuters http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=52600 8/12/05)
Leading Australian Inquisitor Perceives Positive Attitudes Toward Nuclear Power
Liberal MP Geoff Prosser, who is currently leading an inquiry into Australia's uranium resources, declared that attitudes in Australia toward nuclear power are changing. In fact, he says there has been little objection regarding the future development of the industry. As it is, nuclear power is currently banned in Australia, but according to Prosser, that is changing in response to mounting pressure to reduce fossil fuels. "Two years ago you would have had this sort of inquiry - there may well have had a lot of opposition," said Prosser, adding, "We're getting a lot of support and positive submissions now because, as I mentioned, I think most thinking people realize that if we want to meet world greenhouse targets, nuclear power generation's the way to go." Prosser is also optimistic that his report "will further change a shifting thought in the public's mind to a positive attitude towards meeting our greenhouse targets." (http://au.biz.yahoo.com/050810/31/7802.html 8/12/05)
Domestic
Past Nuclear Negligence Comes Back to Haunt Florida Utility Company
The parents of two children with cancer are suing the Florida Power & Light utility company for its past nuclear negligence. In the early 1980s, FPL mistakenly transported and dumped contaminated waste materials in a farm field site, which was only authorized for non-radioactive sludge disposal. The company spokeswoman, Rachel Scott, contested the plaintiffs' claims saying that the radioactive material was that of extremely low radiation levels and was eventually taken care of. In addition to the improper dumping, the plaintiffs argue that plant workers, thinking the drains were connected to the plants radioactive disposal system, used to sink contaminated wash down into the sanitary sewage system. Additionally, the plaintiffs contend that records show the St. Lucie power plant's fuel was leaking radioactive fission products into the reactor cooling water, thereby contaminating the plant. Accordingly, the plaintiff's lawyer intends on arguing that tests of the children's baby teeth show abnormal amounts of strontium. Scott responded to the accusations by claiming that there has "never been any indication of any increase in radiation above normal background levels" at the St. Lucie County plant.
(AP http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050807/ap_on_bi_ge/nuclear_waste_3 8/7/05)
Yucca's Got A Brand New Plan
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a new protection standard that would ensure the safety of the public surrounding the prospective Yucca Mountain nuclear waste site for one million years. The new proposal seeks to amend last year's court decision, which declared EPA's initial requirements inadequate. The intended proposal intends to implement a two-stage standard that would limit the public exposure to radiation. The first stage limits the public to no more than an added 15 millirems of radiation over a year for 10,000 years. The second stage, which begins after 10,000 years, ensures that the maximum radiation from the dump cannot exceed a point that would cause the nearby public to be exposed to background source radiation levels larger than that of the national average, which is about 350 millirems per year.
The prospective site is proposed to house 77,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel, but progress has been delayed by court rulings and speculation of impropriety regarding the validity of the site's risk assessments. The Department of Energy hopes to resubmit its license application for Yucca Mountain to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission sometime next year.
(MSNBC http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8884434/ 8/9/05)
Employee Accidentally Mails Radioactive Package
The improper handling of the radioactive substance americium-241 by an employee of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, run by the University of California, has caused the contamination of various sites in four different states. The substance has been detected in homes in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and a Pennsylvania lab all of which the employee visited. Concern has also arisen around employee's shipment of a contaminated package through FedEx. Currently, doctors are monitoring the employee and five lab colleges who might have been contaminated and have yet to find any ill effects. According to the spokeswoman of the Project on Government Oversight, Beth Daley, "The package could have contaminated Federal Express workers and other package. Surprisingly, it took Los Alamos two full days after it discovered the initial contamination incident to notify (the Pennsylvania laboratory) that it was in possession of an unmarked radioactive package.
(Davidson, Keay http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/08/09/MNGRTE50121.DTL 8/9/05)
Nuclear Power Company Configures Power Plant Designs for the U.S.
Senior Vice President of the Maryland-based Framatome ANP, Ray Ganthner, is preparing nuclear power plant designs recently sold to Finland for the United States. The company's most recent $3 billion-plus nuclear plant that is going to Finland is the first to be built in Western Europe in almost a decade and it has the company hopeful that it will create momentum for nuclear power plant construction in the United States. Subsequently, Framatome is currently working to reconfigure the Finland designs into U.S. specifications. As to question of whether or not America is ready to build its first reactor in three decades, Garner says yes. The company is also banking on the fears of global warming and a new survey done by the nuclear industry's trade group, which qualified Americans as being keener to accept nuclear plants than ever.
(Choe, Stan http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2005/08/12/news/business/monbiz02.txt 8/12/05)
Science
Australian Science Minister Advocates Nuclear Power
According to Australia's Federal Science Minister Brendan Nelson, it is likely that Australia will utilize nuclear energy within the next 50 years. Although nuclear power is currently banned in Australia, Dr. Nelson predicts that their policy will change as a result of global warming issues. According to Nelson, carbon dioxide levels, the main contributor to global warming, has risen 380 ppm in the past 150 years. And, as asserted by Nelson, the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emission is through the domestic use of nuclear power. Ironically, Australia is the world's second largest uranium supplier: "In my opinion, it borders on hypocrisy for us to enthusiastically dig the stuff (uranium) out of the ground, send it to other countries for their power generation and yet here we are," said Nelson. Nelson claims that is time "to take it [Nuclear Power] from the political process and place it in the hands of our applied scientists and also our humanists to see whether it is something that might play a role in our future."
(AAP http://theage.com.au/articles/2005/08/10/1123353375535.html 8/10/05)
Op-Ed
"Iran and the new nuclear dilemma"
According to an editorial that was published by The Age, Iran is going to have to come up with a better reason than simply energy concerns for its resumption of its nuclear activity. The Age argues that, in light of its recent rejection of a European Proposal that included trade and cooperative incentives, energy assistance, security engagement, and access to nuclear fuel and technology sufficient to allow a nuclear power program, the assumption that Iran is really seeking nuclear weapons capability is reasonable. Accordingly, the Age asserts that if Iran cannot justify its position, then the only course of action is to impose both economic and military sanctions.
(The Age http://www.theage.com.au/news/editorial/iran-and-the-new-nuclear-dilemma/2005/08/11/1123353440995.html 8/12/05)
"Iran's nuclear program: A crisis of choice not necessity"
According to political scientists Pirouz Mohtahedzadeh and Kaveh L. Afrasiabi, a crisis resulting from Iran's nuclear program is one of choice, not necessity. Accordingly, the writers assert that the mounting crisis with regard to Iran's nuclear program can be averted so long as unsubstantiated accusations of proliferation are avoided. They point out that as it is, Iran has not violated any international law or treaty by their resumption of the nuclear facility Isfahan and that succumbing to apprehensions regarding Iran's nuclear aspiration would be more detrimental than anything else. Given Iran's compliance with the nonproliferation treaty's safeguards and verification obligation, as well as its support from China and Russia, it is likely that any move to garner sanctions on Iran from the Security Council will be vetoed. Furthermore, according to the writers, if sanctions were placed on Iran the European Union would also be hurt, seeing as Iran is its number one trading partner. Similarly, they argue that excluding Iran from a contained and verifiable enrichment process would only exacerbate an already volatile situation. Moreover, any military action taken would only propel Iran toward attaining nuclear weapons. Instead, the two professors suggest, "A more prudent European policy would be to encourage Iran to continue cooperating with the nuclear agency, while exploring with the agency methods of monitoring closely the Iranian nuclear fuel program to ensure that there is no diversion of enriched uranium for the purposes of making nuclear weapons."
(Pirouz Mohtahedzadeh and Kaveh L. Afrasiabi http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/11/opinion/edkaveh.php 8/12/05)
Credits
Compiled by: Joe Schultheis
Edited by: Suzy Vogel
Nuclear Energy Update
August 15- August 19, 2005
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
Pakistan Vows to Improve its Nuclear Capability
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz commemorated Pakistan's 59th Independence Day celebration by vowing to improve its nuclear and missile capability. In his speech on Sunday, Aziz declared that Pakistan would continue to improve its nuclear and missile capacity so as to "keep pace with its neighbors," referring to India. According to Aziz, peace and stability can only be guaranteed through Pakistan's defense capability, which acts as a balance to other regional powers. "It is a great responsibility to safeguard our independence. Pakistan today is a nuclear power and no one can cast an evil eye on our beloved country," said Aziz. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced Pakistan's intention to develop another missile with a 1000km capability.
(Varma, K.J.M. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050815/world.htm 8/14/05)
IAEA Test Confirming Contamination Could Clear Iran
Upon comparing Pakistan's enrichment centrifuges to those obtained by Iran on the black market, International Atomic Energy Agency diplomats have confirmed that the traces of weapons-grade uranium found in Iran actually did come from outside the country. Subsequently, the IAEA findings seem to corroborate Iran's assertion that the presence of weapons-grade material came as a result of contamination and not due to Iranian attempts to produce nuclear weapons. "There's still some final corroboration to go on but all the preliminary analysis does show that the particles seem to have come from Pakistan," said an IAEA representative, adding that further testing would more than likely bear out the same conclusion. However, IAEA chief ElBaradei told reporters that "with regard to the courntry as a whole, the jury is still out."
(AAP http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Nuclear-trace-tests-may-back-Irans-case/2005/08/15/1123957971467.html?oneclick=true 8/15/05)
Israeli Intelligence Chief Contests CIA Leak
According to Israel's military intelligence chief General Aharon Zeevi, Iran will be able to produce nuclear weapons in three years. "Barring an unexpected delay, Iran is going to become nuclear capable in 2008 and not in 10 years as was recently reported in the American press," said Zeevi, referring to the recently released CIA assessment. The CIA suggested that Iran would not be capable of producing nuclear weapons in at least 10 years. Zeevi went on to speculate that the report was a deliberate leak by the CIA to justify inaction while the United States is preoccupied with Iraq. Moreover, Zeevi cautioned that if there is no response from the international community, the Iranians are "going to overcome the technical difficulties in producing enriched uranium and will be able to produce the bomb."
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050816/wl_mideast_afp/irannuclearisrael_050816183436 8/16/05)
China Chooses City of Lufeng for Its Fourth Power Plant Location
After two years of planning, China has chosen the city of Lufeng, located in the Guangdong province, as the location for its fourth nuclear power plant. Construction on the plant is set to begin in 2007 and to be completed in 2013. The Lufeng plant, along with the Yangjiang plant set to be constructed next year, will constitute the fourth power plant in the Guangdong province. The construction corresponds with China's intent to meet impending energy shortages by more than doubling its nuclear energy production capability by the year 2020. China intends on increasing its energy production supplied by nuclear power from 2.3 percent to 4 percent by 2020, which will require the construction of 40 reactors in the next 15 years.
(AFP http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050816/tc_afp/chinanuclearenergy_050816063205 8/16/05)
Australian Parliament Prohibits Nuclear Dump Facility
This past Tuesday, the Northern Territory Parliament passed a motion urging the Australian Federal Government not to construct a nuclear waste facility in its region. Previously, the Australian government had promised that the area would not be considered as a possible dump site, however, last month it was declared that a facility would be built at one of three potential sites located in the Northern Territory, one of which had been previously dismissed as being unsuitable due to topography and regular flooding. Opponents argue that the government's change of heart has been purely driven by politics and devoid of scientific reasoning.
(ABC News http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200508/s1439152.htm 8/16/05)
Seoul Looks to Cooperate With the US on Developing Hydrogen Reactor
According to officials, the United States and South Korea will cooperate in the pursuit of developing a hydrogen reactor. As stated by South Korea's Ministry of Science and Economy, both the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Doosan Heavy Industry and Construction Company are trying to establish a joint nuclear hydrogen research center in cooperation with the U.S.-based company, General Atomics. "The project is part of an ongoing effort by the government to join a multinational effort to build a fourth-generation nuclear power system that makes use of the so-called very high temperature gas cooled reactor," a ministry official said. The center itself intends to construct key components that will enable future nuclear hydrogen systems to operate efficiently and economically. Two research centers are to be constructed, one in San Diego and one just south of Seoul. (http://au.biz.yahoo.com/050817/17/7kzf.html 8/17/05)
Russia's Nuclear Industry Looks to Go Corporate
Russia's nuclear power industry is getting ready for corporatization. Roasenergoatom, Russia's state utility outfit, which controls all 10 Russian nuclear power plants, is moving towards gaining legal corporate status. The move will allow the utility organization to borrow the necessary funds to revamp its aging nuclear reactors. Stanislav Antipov, the head of Roasenergoatom, estimates on average, 60% of Russia's nuclear power units are worn out, which becomes problematic when considering they bear the brunt of the country's power supply. According to Antipov, without corporatization, the nuclear power industry "will not be able to work efficiently in market economy conditions," adding that additional large investments were necessary to build new power units instead of old ones. Antipov expects that corporatization would begin sometime next year and although the company's stock will still be owned by the state, part of the company's property will be given as a pledge to its creditors. (Novosti http://en.rian.ru/business/20050818/41183932.html 8/18/05)
China has the Nuclear Industry Chomping at the Bit
Within the next couple of weeks China is expected to award an $8 billion nuclear-reactor contract that will be the first of more contracts to come. It is China's objective to spend approximately $50 billion on its nuclear energy development by the year 2020, which amounts to the construction of roughly 30 more power plants. China's nuclear power hunger has been welcomed by the struggling nuclear industry. Furthermore, while there has been a lot of talk by the U.S. and others to reevaluate nuclear power as an energy substitute, China still remains the only game in town. Currently, Westinghouse, Areva, and AtomStroyExport are all vying for the pending $8 billion dollar contract. Westinghouse, a U.S. based British company, unsuccessfully tried to acquire a combination of loans and loan guarantees from Washington for up to $5 billion in support of its bid. The House opposition to the financing derives from an unwillingness to back a predominantly British company and a reluctance to share the potentially volatile and competitive technology with China. China is due to announce the contract winner this upcoming October. (Lynch, David http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usatoday/20050818/bs_utalizeonsurgeinchina%208/18/05)
Domestic
Californians Say No to New Nuclear Power Plants
While the Bush administration may be advocating the resurrection of nuclear power in the United States, experts in California have not exactly warmed to the idea. At a day long hearing in front of the state's Energy Commission in Sacramento, Californians voiced their concerns about the issue of nuclear waste. Although several sites within the Southeast region of California have been identified as possible new plant sites, California experts are prohibiting the building of any new nuclear power plants until the waste issue is resolved. Opposition is also worrisome of several other problems with nuclear power including terrorism, license renewal, aging work forces, equipment replacements, marine impacts, and earthquakes. Furthermore, environmentalists are arguing that renewables could adequately replace California's nuclear power production. (Sneed, David http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/12404409.htm 8/17/05)
Nuclear Institute Proposes Additional Congressional Help for Yucca Mountain
While the new energy bill supports the construction of new nuclear power plants, the question remains as to what will be done about nuclear waste. Currently, the licensing of the prospective Yucca mountain waste site, which is proposed to house 77,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel, has been hindered by court rulings and speculation of impropriety regarding the validity of the site's risk assessments. Skip Bowman, president of the Nuclear Energy Institute, suggests that further Congressional legislation regarding funding, land claims for rail lines, and other regulations may facilitate the opening of the Yucca site by "unraveling some of the sticky points." Additionally, Bowman believes that it is important that the public's misperceptions in regards to the site be allayed. According to Bowman, many people are under the impression that the waste will be indefinitely sealed at the site, while he suspects that it will only reside on Yucca Mountain for 300 years. Nonetheless, Bowman asserts that any further progress to develop new power plants would be "irresponsible" prior to the procurement of a waste site. (Struglinski, Suzanne http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/text/2005/aug/18/519224536.html 8/18/05)
Science
Tsunami has Scientists Reevaluating Nuclear Power Risks
Scientists are scheduled to convene at an International Workshop, sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency, on the hazards of external flooding on nuclear power plants. The workshop will take place in India from August 29 to September 2. The group of specialists is planning to reevaluate the impact of natural disasters upon nuclear power plants in lieu of last December's tsunami catastrophe. Appropriately, the meeting will be held at India's Kalpakkam reactor, which survived the giant waves that engulfed the town in which it resides. The goal is to learn from the recent disaster in order to better prepare for the next one. The topics to be discussed in the five-day meetings will include the affect of earthquakes, tides, storm surges, waves, cyclonic winds, and other flooding hazards on nuclear plant safety.
(http://www.iwar.org.uk/news-archive/2005/08-16.htm 8/16/05)
Op-Ed
Thailand Remains Adverse to Nuclear Power
According to Boonsong Kostichotethana, most of Thailand's energy industry agrees that the country should start reevaluating nuclear power as an alternative energy source for the future. Nevertheless, Boonsong asserts that "there is unlikely to be any vocal supporter for nuclear energy plants in Thailand - at least for many, many years to come." While the rest of the world seems poised to restart their dormant nuclear activities, Boonsong believes that the nuclear option has been so overcome with concerns regarding safety issues that the chance of building a reactor in the next two decades is highly unlikely. Boonsong points to recent statements by Dr. Tienchai Chongpeerapien, an energy analyst and Preecha Chungwatana, the ex-governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, as evidence of the difficulty of re-starting the nuclear energy program. Both assert that a nuclear power initiative in Thailand for the time being is unforeseeable. Boonsong, a proponent of nuclear power, believes it is imperative for Thailand to properly educate its people about nuclear power's benefits because energy demands, rising fuel costs, and environmental concerns will eventually force a decision on the matter. (Kostichotethana, Boonsong http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/19Aug2005_news35.php 8/19/05)
Credits
Compiled by: Joe Schultheis
Edited by: Chad Kreikemeier
Nuclear Energy Update
August 22 - August 26, 2005
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
Pakistan Asking for Nuclear Help
Pakistani officials are expected to put forth a proposal which would allow the US and the EU to invest in 13 nuclear power plants in Pakistan. The investment would entail a "build and own" basis in order to mitigate nuclear technology proliferation concerns. The new plants would operate under the "full safeguards" of the IAEA and would generate up to 8400 new megawatts of electricity over the course of the next 25 years. The news comes as IAEA officials are set to visit with Pakistani officials next week to investigate whether or not Iranian centrifuges were contaminated with highly enriched uranium produced from Pakistan.
(Press Trust of India, http://www.ptinews.com/pti/?OpenDocument, 8/21/05).
Iran Nuclear Contamination Story is Confirmed
Over the last nine months, scientists from the US and Europe have scrutinized IAEA data in order to determine if traces of bomb-grade uranium found in Iran had indeed come from contaminated Pakistani equipment, as the Iranians have consistently claimed. The group's findings corroborate the Iranian's stories. The Bush administration, looking to move the Iran issue to the UN Security Council, has time and again used the uranium example as proof of an Iranian nuclear weapons project, but the scientific findings confirm that the uranium did come from the Pakistani equipment. "The biggest smoking gun that everyone was waving is now eliminated with these conclusions," said a senior official on the panel. The IAEA has yet to find proof of a nuclear weapons program in Iran.
(Linzer, Dafna http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/22/AR2005082201447.html, 8/23/05).
India Seeking to Increase Electric Capacity, Will Need Nuclear
India's largest producer of electricity, National Thermal Power Corporation, plans to increase its installed capacity from 23,739 Mw to 56,000 Mw by 2017. This increase is to occur despite a coal shortage facing the country, thereby forcing a move towards increasing its nuclear power capacity. The country's coal reserves are expected to last only another 50 years. The decision comes on the heels of the recent US-Indian deal on the import of nuclear fuel signed by President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
(Sify.com, http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=13922510, 8/23/05).
Europe Calls Off Talks With Iran
Citing the recent resumption of Iranian nuclear work, the European powers have called off talks scheduled for August 31st. The resumption comes in breach of a promise made in Paris last year to freeze nuclear activities during the course of the negotiations. If Iran continues to defy international pressure, Europe and the US are expected to try and take the case before the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.
(Yahoo News, http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050823/ts_nm/iran_nuclear_dc_1, 8/23/05).
IAEA Says Estimates Nuclear Clean Up at $1 Trillion
Officials from the United Kingdom recently announced that the costs to clean up their nuclear industry have jumped to nearly $100 billion; however, the IAEA estimates that this is merely 6% of an estimated $1 trillion that needs to be spent globally by 2050. The next five years, according to the IAEA, will be the busiest period for clean-up contracts with US contractors leading the way in possibly acquiring those contracts. Over the next five years, the world will see double the amount of clean-up contracts as they have over the past five years. Most urgent among them is the Andreevna Bay in Russia, considered to be one of the world's most dangerous environmental hazards, where more than 100 nuclear submarines are slowly decaying.
(Sunday Business, London. http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=217397&source=r_science, 8/23/05).
Japanese Nuclear Workers Exposed to Radioactivity, Will Be OK
Two workers at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture in Japan were exposed to radioactivity when about 15 liters of water leaked from a pipe and were sprayed over their faces. According to witnesses, the workers immediately washed away the water, and their health is not expected to be affected. The workers were conducting tests on the plant, which had been shut down do to a faulty steam pipe in August of last year.
(Yahoo News Asia, http://asia.news.yahoo.com/050823/kyodo/d8c5j70g2.html, 8/23/05).
Indonesia and South Africa Pledge Nuclear Cooperation
On a visit to Indonesia this past week, South African Minister for Sciences and Technology, Mosibudi Mengana, agreed to cooperation between the two countries in developing nuclear technology. They pledged to cooperate in the field of nuclear power development and also in the use of nuclear power for medical purposes. Mengana cited the fact that his country will need nuclear power as an alternative to coal which accounts for nearly 95% of South African energy consumption.
(Asia Pulse, http://au.news.yahoo.com/050823/3/vmkx.html, 8/23/05).
Japanese Quake Forces Nuclear Power Plant Offline
Japan's fifth biggest nuclear utility, Tohoku Electric Power Company, will keep a nuclear plant damaged by a recent earthquake offline for a month while it inspects the facility for further damage. The Onagawa plant was affected by the earthquake that hit the northern part of Japan on August 12th. All three nuclear power generators at the facility shut down automatically. "We did not find any damage that could risk operational safety," said a Tohoku spokesman, "but it takes about at least a month to check through and analyze all the safety data."
(Reuters, http://asia.news.yahoo.com/050826/3/26asx.html, 8/26/05).
Domestic
New Jersey Nuclear Plant At Risk
The Oyster Creek, New Jersey nuclear plant must reportedly find a way to meet state coastal protection standards if it wishes to acquire a license renewal agreement. According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, the plant must attempt to use less water from nearby Barnegat Bay, where warmer waters have become a danger to aquatic life, or appeal the state's ruling to the US Secretary of Commerce. The plant needs a new license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to keep generating electricity past 2009.
(AP New Jersey, http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--oystercreek0823aug23,0,4565869.story?coll=ny-region-apnewjersey, 8/23/05).
South Carolina Considering New Nuclear Plant
SCE&G and Santee Cooper, two of South Carolina's largest electric utilities, are considering building a new nuclear power station in order to meet the state's long-term energy needs. Though it would not actually be in operation until 2015 because of permit and construction times, the companies need to start moving on the project now. Both companies already own the 1,000 megawatt plant near Jenkinsville, South Carolina. Santee Cooper President Lonnie Carter said, "South Carolina must be committed to investing in its future energy needs in order to maintain our quality of life and meet our growing energy demands."
(McWilliams, James, http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/business/12463686.htm, 8/24/05).
Westinghouse Could Get Chinese Nuclear Bid
The US arm of the British Nuclear Fuels PLC, Westinghouse Electric Company, could be awarded a contract by the Chinese government for the development and construction of a set of nuclear reactors in China. Some officials have suggested that Chinese President Hu Jintao might announce the award during his September 7th visit to Washington, DC. Westinghouse, who has been competing with several other foreign corporations for the contract, has said that they have heard nothing yet about a possible Chinese decision.
(Yahoo News, http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050825/ts_alt_afp/chinaushunuclear_050825133404, 8/25/05).
Science
Nuclear Safety Conference to be Held in St. Petersburg
The 8th international conference devoted to the safety of nuclear technologies is set to take place on Friday in St. Petersburg, Russia. The event, expected to be attended by as many as 300 representatives of Russian and foreign nuclear businesses, will last for six days and will focus on technology dedicated to the safety of nuclear power use. Specialists from all over the world will share their various ideas and experiences regarding nuclear safety. "This meeting is another step towards higher safety of nuclear technologies," said an organizer of the event.
(Ria Novosti, http://en.rian.ru/russia/20050826/41232630.html, 8/26/05).
Op-Ed
Op-Ed: The Fuel Behind Iran's Nuclear Drive
In his op-ed David Isenberg argues against the Bush administration's assertion that Iran needs no nuclear power due to its strong oil reserves. According to Isenberg, Iran does indeed have huge oil and natural gas reserves, but its energy needs are rising faster than its ability to meet them. Driven by a young population, Iran's power demand is growing by nearly 7% annually, and therefore, its capacity must triple over the next 15 years in order to meet projected demand. He argues that the oil industry, retarded by US sanctions and corruption, and the natural gas industry, still under-developed, will be unable to account for the shortfall, making Iran a net importer of energy. Isenberg also cites the Non-Proliferation Treaty which allows member states assured access to the benefits of civilian nuclear energy.
(Isenberg, David. http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GH24Ak02.html, 8/24/05).
Credits
Compiled by: Chad Kreikemeier
Edited by: Suzy Vogel
Nuclear Energy Update
August 29 - September 2, 2005
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
Egypt Denies IAEA Treaty Request
Egypt's foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, has denied a request from the IAEA to sign a treaty banning the testing of nuclear weapons. Egypt will continue to resist signing the ban until Israel first joins the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. "Egypt's ratification of the treaty is linked to the extent of developments that may occur in regional and international circumstances, including the possibility that Israel may join the NPT," said Gheit. Currently, all Middle Eastern countries except Israel are members of the NPT. Israel has never confirmed whether or not it possesses nuclear weapons.
(Nasrawi, Salah. http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050827/ap_on_re_mi_ea/egypt_israel_nuclear_2, 8/27/05).
India Plans to Use Nuclear to Fill Demand
According to reports, India's energy demand is expected to more than quadruple in the next several decades, which could spell disaster for many of India's most important economic sectors, including the outsourcing industry. In order to cover the widespread demand, India is planning on tapping the nuclear power sector for increased supply. To do so, India will have to import uranium, according to the Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission, Anil Kakodkar. According to him, the country has only enough uranium to support a 10,000 MW program.
(Singhani, Preeti. http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/4403.asp, 8/28/05).
Iran Looks To IAEA for Talks
Iran, this week, after rejecting conditional nuclear negotiations with the EU, has demanded to talk with the UN's IAEA. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said that future negotiations would not involve the US or the EU because of recent break-downs. "Since Europe demanded conditional negotiations, Iran will not accept that and negotiations won't be held," said Asefi. "We are interested in negotiations and working with the IAEA as our partner."
(AP, http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-08-28-iraniaeatalks_x.htm, 8/28/05).
Japan Gives Go Ahead to Using Spent Fuels
The Japanese Nuclear Safety Commission recently approved a nuclear power generation program which is designed to utilize spent nuclear fuel. The program, a project run by Japan's Kyushu Electric Power Company, will make use of plutonium-uranium mixed oxide fuel, made from the spent fuel of nuclear reactors. Kyushu is looking to garner consent from local Japanese residents before proceeding with the program, hopefully starting the program by 2010. The Japanese government has similar ambitions, hoping to have 16 to 18 pluthermal reactors by the same year.
(Yahoo News, http://asia.news.yahoo.com/050829/kyodo/d8c9gl502.html, 8/29/05).
Australian Businesses Calls for Nuclear Power
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Australia's largest business organization, has asked the government to consider the use of nuclear power in the coming decades in order to meet the country's growing energy demand. ACCI's Chief Executive, Peter Hendy, says that renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, are not viable solutions to the spiraling demand and that nuclear power is both efficient and clean. Australia has consistently considered itself a completely nuclear-free country, and yet is the world's second largest exporter of uranium.
(AU News, http://au.news.yahoo.com/050829/21/vpew.html, 8/29/05).
Australia Discovers Unsecured Nuclear Material in Southeast Asia
Australian officials have uncovered large unsecured sources of radioactive materials in Southeast Asia, according to a report issued on Monday. The team from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) would not identify the countries where the materials were found until all of the material has been properly secured and accounted for. The agents reportedly uncovered enough loose nuclear material to contaminate the heart of a major city with the use of a dirty bomb. According to the group, the majority of the material was found in two separate countries.
(AFP, "Unsecured dirty bomb material found in Asia: report, from Sydney, Australia, 8/29/05).
North Korea Nuclear Talks to Resume September 12
According to Chinese officials in charge of negotiations, North Korea is expected to resume six-way nuclear discussions during the week of September 12th. This would be the fourth round of negotiations aimed at persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. The third round ended on August 7th after two weeks of fruitless talks. Analysts suggest that the main hindrance in the talks is the disagreement between the US and North Korea about Pyongyang's right to a civilian nuclear power program.
(Yahoo News, http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050830/wl_nm/korea_north_dc_7, 8/30/05).
Iran Develops New Nuclear Technology
Iran announced today that it has developed a new way to extract more pure uranium from its mines. According to a spokesman, the breakthrough makes use of microbes released into the mines prior to uranium extraction, which act as purifiers of the uranium ore. The technique took nearly six years to perfect. The new technique "substantially decreases the cost, increases optimization and prevents environmental contamination" in the process of producing concentrated uranium oxide (yellowcake), according to the report.
(Today Online, http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GI02Ak02.html, 8/30/05).
Iran Courting India in Nuclear Negotiations
Iran has sent its chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, to India in an attempt to build support for an Iranian civil nuclear program. Larijani will reportedly be in New Delhi for one day to meet with members of India's National Security Council. India's Foreign Minister Natwar Singh is expected to visit Iran next month in order to discuss a proposed $7.4 billion dollar gas pipeline between the two countries. India has oftentimes been seen as more sympathetic to Iran's plight due to it being a key member of the Non-Aligned Movement.
(AFP, http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050830/wl_mideast_afp/irannuclearindia_050830190945, 8/30/05).
China Says North Korea Entitled to Nuclear Power
A senior Chinese official has claimed that if North Korea fulfills its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and accepts supervision, then they would be entitled to a peaceful nuclear power program. This comes on the heels of an announcement that the six-party negotiation will re-commence on September 12th. "In this sense, if a country joins the treaty and accepts the supervision of safety guarantee by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it has the right to use nuclear power peacefully," says Zhang Yan, director-general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry arms control department. The Chinese claim comes after Christopher Hill, the US chief negotiator, opened the door to a possible North Korean civil nuclear plan last week. The US had originally been opposed to any nuclear technology development in North Korea.
(Stuff Online, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3396722a12,00.html, 9/2/01).
Domestic
North Carolina Company Seeks to Operate First New Reactor in Decades
Progress Energy, a Fortune 250 Company, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has informed the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intention to submit a construction and operating license (COL) for a new nuclear power plant. This is the first step in the long process of building a nuclear power plant. The actual application for the license could be filed as early as 2008, construction could begin in 2010, and a new nuclear power plant could be up and running around 2015. The company expects to select a potential site for the plant and a reactor vendor by the end of 2005.
(Progress Energy Press release, http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050829/clm057.html?.v=28, 8/29/05).
GE Submits New Reactor Design Application
GE Energy has reached the first requirement in the construction of a new nuclear reactor design. It has formally submitted its Design Certification Application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the development of its economic simplified boiling water reactor (ESBWR). The application, which consisted of 19 chapters and 7500 pages, represents nearly 150,000 hours of design work over the last decade. The ESBWR design, a 1500-megawatt Generation III+ reactor which depends on fewer complex mechanical systems such as pumps and valves, is expected to be approved by late 2006. The design is considered evolutionary in that it uses mostly natural processes in its passive safety systems.
(Business Wire, http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050830/305516.html?.v=1, 8/30/05).
US Removes Certain Nuclear-Related Controls on Exports to India
Under a bilateral pact between the US and India, the US has removed certain license controls which regulate the export and reexport of American nuclear-related items to India. According to the changes, six Indian nuclear and space entities are removed from the list that had prevented them from purchasing certain American items without special licenses. The changes come as the next steps in the agreed-upon Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) that the US and India agreed to last January. The goal is to boost high-tech commerce between the two countries.
(AFP, http://news.yahoo.com/news?afp/usindianuclear_050831150743, 8/31/05).
Katrina Leaves South without Power
Hurricane Katrina swept across the southern United States this week and has reportedly left more than 1 million people without power. Two nuclear power plants run by Entergy were shut down before Katrina made landfall. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission sent additional safety personnel to Louisiana and Mississippi in order to protect three of the closest three more power plants. Currently, two of the plants are running at a reduced power in order to help secure stability on the electricity grid. No other damage to the properties has been reported.
(NEI Magazine, http://www.neimagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=132&storyCode=2030810, 8/31/05).
Credits
Compiled by: Chad Kreikemeier
Edited by: Suzy Vogel