October 2005

Nuclear Energy Update
October 3 - October 7, 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 Willing to Spread Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy
After the conclusion of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) general conference, Egypt's foreign minister said it was devoted to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and spreading the technology to other countries in need. Abu-al-Ghayt said that Egypt was against any nuclear program that was not devoted to peaceful purposes. The foreign minister insisted that the IAEA take concrete steps in enforcing the Non-Proliferation Treaty and dealing with suspicious activity in the Middle East. Ghayt said the agency's policy of double standards in certain states had failed, and attention should be directed at Israel's nuclear capabilities. (MENA, http://www.rednova.com/news/science/at_iaea_session/index.html?source=r_science, 10/1/05)

Russia Converts its Uranium to Fuel for US Plants
Approximately 250 tons of enriched uranium, half of Russia's supply, has been converted for use as fuel in nuclear power plants in the United States, a joint statement by the U.S. and Russia announced. The amount converted is enough to produce 10,000 nuclear war heads. Under the 1993 Highly Enriched Uranium agreement, Russia promised to convert its weapons grade uranium for use as fuel in the United States. By converting 30 metric tons a year, Russia will fulfill its promise by 2013.
(AFP, http://www.spacewar.com/news/nuclear-doctrine-05zzl.html, 10/1/05)

UK More Likely to Accept Nuclear Power
Following Prime Minister Tony Blair's announcement last week that Britain would consider nuclear power in its efforts to reduce global warming, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said in a newspaper interview that the country was much more open to the option of expanding the nuclear power industry than several years ago. Wicks told The Observer, "I do feel among many of my parliamentary colleagues and in public opinion there is more open-mindedness. There are hearts and minds to be won." Approximately 20 percent of Britain's electricity is produced in nuclear power plants built in the 1960s and 70s. These plants will need to be retired in about twenty years, making the decision on creating new plants a pressing one. The country mainly relies on coal and natural gas for electricity, but with global warming becoming a serious problem, the government is committed to exploring alternative energy production methods.
(AFP, http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20051002/wl_uk_afp/britainenergynuclear_051002142902, 10/2/05)

Iran warns Israel Against Attacks at Nuclear Sites
Iran's Parliament Speaker Gholam Ali Hadad-Adel said his country would teach Israel a lesson if it attempted to strike its nuclear facilities. "If Israel does something stupid and attacks our nuclear facilities like it did in Iraq, we promise to teach it a lesson it will never forget," Hadad-Adel said. Iran insists it has the right to have a civilian nuclear energy program under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Since Iran resumed uranium conversion work, many countries have accused it of having a nuclear weapon program. Last month the International Atomic Energy Agency passed a resolution finding Iran in "non-compliance" with nuclear proliferation safeguards, which automatically sends the matter to the U.N. Security Council. Israel, which has not signed the NPT and may be the only Middle Eastern country with nuclear weapons, has consistently warned Iran against resuming a nuclear program and views Iran as its primary enemy in the region.
(AFP, http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20051002/wl_mideast_afp/irannuclearisrael_051002175121, 10/2/05)

U.S. and North Korea Begin Talks on Nuclear Energy Decision
Two weeks after it pledged to end its nuclear weapons program, North Korea began direct talks with the United States. The talks between US negotiator Christopher Hill and officials from North Korea were held in New York. On September 19th, North Korea agreed to abandon its nuclear program in exchange for energy aid, security guarantees and normal relations. Hill has hinted that he will be traveling to the North Korean capital sometime before November, when the fifth round of the six-party nuclear talks is set to begin. Hill's speculated trip would be the first visit by a top US official to the country in three years.
(AFP, http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20051004/wl_afp/usnkoreanucleartalks_051004221020, 10/4/05)

Talks on a Civilian Nuclear Program Begin in Pakistan
Britain and Pakistan will resume talks this week on the latter country's civilian nuclear program. A foreign ministry spokeswoman from Pakistan announced that two days of "strategic" talks will begin in Islamabad on Friday. Cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in Pakistan had been discussed between Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair and Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf last year in New York. Pakistan was recently praised for its efforts in fighting terrorism and is noted as a key ally to the US-led coalition in Afghanistan.
(Pravda, http://newsfromrussia.com/world/2005/10/05/64520.html, 10/5/05)

Venezuela Ready for Nuclear Program
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced Tuesday that his country will start a civil nuclear program to help diversify the energy supply. Allowing six years to build facilities and train personnel, Chavez stated that his country's program will be within the framework of the plan to seek alternative energy sources. The Venezuelan government has consulted with Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, who are all pursuing nuclear energy plans as well.
(Xinhua, http://www.rednova.com/news/science/president/index.html?source=r_science, 10/5/05)

Moratorium Proposed on New Nuclear Sites
In a meeting on nuclear threat reduction on Wednesday in Moscow, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei suggested a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear facilities for five to ten years. The moratorium will be under a new IAEA program that will provide fuel and technology supplies to countries who abandon the reprocessing of nuclear materials. ElBaradei hopes that this will resolve 80 percent of the problems in the nuclear realm. He also reported that the US and Russia are discussing a fuel bank that would collect spent nuclear fuel. Approximately 50 countries possess spent nuclear fuel, and about ten countries possess nuclear weapons. ElBaradei said, "The IAEA intends to stop the process of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to bring these dynamics to a halt."
(RedNova, http://www.rednova.com/news/__new/index.html?source=r_science, 10/5/05)

Congress Expresses Skepticism over North Korea's Agreement
During an International Relations Committee Meeting on Thursday, many U.S. representatives expressed concern that North Korea would not completely dismantle its nuclear program despite the accord signed last month. According to satellite images taken by a Washington-based think tank, North Korea is currently continuing its nuclear program as there is no provision for a freeze on activity during negotiations. Almost immediately after signing the agreement, North Korea demanded it receive light-water reactors from the United States to generate power, insisting that it will not dissolve its nuclear plan until they are received. Congress agreed that this stipulation was not part of the original arrangement. Henry Hyde, chairman of the committee, pointed out that last month's agreement also made no precise mention of eliminating highly enriched uranium, which can either be used as fuel for a civilian nuclear program or be used to create bombs. U.S. legislators want a firm, decisive agreement with Pyongyang. "Such a final deal must be air tight to ensure that we have not given away the farm with little in return beyond more broken promises from Pyongyang," Hyde said.
(AFP, http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/=1;_ylt=-,10/6/05)

Nobel Peace Prize Goes to U.N. Agency
Mohamed ElBaradei and the U.N. Agency he heads won the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. ElBaradei, who is running the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for a third term, has had to deal with situations in Iran, North Korea and Iraq as well as continued opposition from the US. "At a time when disarmament efforts appear deadlocked, when there is a danger that nuclear arms will spread both to states and to terrorist groups, and when nuclear power again appears to be playing an increasingly significant role, IAEA's work is of incalculable importance," said the Nobel Committee. The committee has given previous awards to nuclear disarmament work, including to the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War in 1985. Upon receiving the award, which includes $1.3 million, a gold medal, and a diploma, ElBaradei said, "The award basically sends a very strong message, which is: Keep doing what you are doing." The IAEA and ElBaradei beat out a record 198 other nominations to receive this prize.
(AP, http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-10-07-un-nobel-winner_x.htm, 10/7/05)

 

 

 

Domestic

 

NRG Energy to buy Texas Genco
NRG Energy Inc. agreed Sunday to pay $5.8 billion for Texas Genco LLC, a privately owned power generator. The two companies promised the merge would create a broad reaching wholesale power generation company with the generating capacity of 24,000 megawatts. NRG, based in New Jersey, was created in 1989 and has built or acquired more than 50 power plants worldwide. Texas Genco owns fully or in part ten power plants and is the second-largest power generation company in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. The deal should be completed in early 2006.
(AP, http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20051003/ap_on_bi_ge/nrg_texas_genco_8, 10/2/05)

Progress Energy Plans New Nuclear Site in Florida
Rural Florida has been chosen as a potential site for Progress Energy Florida's new nuclear power plant. Progress Energy began operating in 1977 and now has four nuclear sites in the Carolinas and Florida. With the rising costs of fuel, President Bush's pro-nuclear stance, and a large customer growth in Central Florida, Progress Energy's plan is likely to succeed. The company is looking at the Polk, Highlands, Osceola, and Seminole counties as potential sites.
(Hau, Louis, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-fnuke05oct05,0,4452111.story?coll=sfla-news-florida, 10/5/05)

 

 

 

Science

 

Date Set for China's New Nuclear Reactor
China has announced that it will have a "super-efficient" nuclear reactor in operation by 2010. This reactor is said to be 60 times more efficient than an ordinary reactor and aims to help relieve China's uranium shortage problem. Since 1995, China has invested approximately $170 million into the construction of an experimental reactor. The country, which relies heavily on coal for its energy, has a plan to build 40 new nuclear reactors in the next 15 years. This plan will increase China's proportion of electricity generated by nuclear power from 2.4 percent to 4 percent.
(AFP, http://www.physorg.com/news6987.html, 10/5/05)

 

 

Credits

Compiled by: Brita Ericson
Edited by: Chad Kreikemeier

 

Nuclear Energy Update
October 10 - October 14, 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

Chavez Seeks Argentine Nuclear Reactor
According to sources, Venezuela's state-owned oil firm (PDVSA) has reportedly asked to buy a nuclear power reactor from Argentina suggesting that it would like to begin developing alternative energy sources in the country. Argentina's president, Nestor Kirchner reportedly has a close relationship with President Chavez, but the Argentine government is treading on thin ice because Washington would look down on any such nuclear interaction. Talks between the countries are still in preliminary stages, but officials from both countries have thus far denied the request has occurred.
(Yahoo.com, http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20051009/wl_nm/argentina_venezuela_nuclear_dc_1, 10/9/05).

Prime Minister Gives Nod to New Nuclear Power Plants
After a year-long inquiry into Great Britain's energy future, Tony Blair has made a decision to back the construction of new nuclear power plants. The judgment was announced this week as a job-creating answer to growing concerns about climate change and global warming. Blair has concluded that nuclear energy may be the only realistic power source which could allow Britain to meet its Kyoto requirements. Blair also suggests that the decision was due in part to concern over UK dependence on oil from the Middle East. Blair has made the announcement in private circles and has yet to publicly support the initiative.
(Nelson, Fraser. http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=2062222005, 10/10/05).

ElBaradei and IAEA Jointly Win Nobel Peace Prize
In a decision announced this week, Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA, has won the Nobel Peace Prize, along with the organization he represents. The IAEA, the world's nuclear police force, was created in 1957 in Vienna, Austria to both combat the rising danger of nuclear weapons and also to help exploit nuclear power's peaceful advantages. ElBaradai, who has been at the IAEA helm during recent controversies in Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, was re-appointed to an unprecedented third term this last year. The citation on the award describes ElBaradei as a fearless advocate of the effort to stem the proliferation of nuclear weapons and as a fighter willing to take on the "biggest beasts in the nuclear jungle."
(Cunningham, Jennifer. http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/48483.html, 10/10/05).

UK Green Party Fights Nuclear Power
According to the UK Green Party, nuclear energy is much too expensive and dangerous. They have suggested that nuclear power will not be enough to meet the UK's greenhouse gas emissions reductions requirements. Instead, the Green Party suggests that the country undergo a "major culture change" in the way energy is produced and consumed. This statement comes on the heels of reports that Tony Blair has given the green light to new nuclear power plant construction.
(The Press Association, http://tech.virgin.net/story/TEC/A57683481129033525A00, 10/10/05).

China's Largest Nuclear Firm to Begin Hainan Project
China's largest nuclear power plant builder, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is looking to the South China Sea to build its next nuclear plant. The corporation is looking to the island province of Hainan to build China's most advanced technology plant design; however, the National Development and Reform Commission has yet to sign off on the deal. According to officials, the size of the plant will depend upon China's energy needs at that point.
(Ying, Wang, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-10/11/content_483955.htm, 10/11/05).

Slovakia Looking to Nuclear Power
Slovak officials are looking to include nuclear power in its future energy plans. "It is high time to think over another nuclear source in Slovakia," said Slovak Nuclear Society President, Vladimir Slugen. With natural gas prices rising exponentially and energy sources elsewhere considered unstable, Slovak officials suggest that the time for a resurgence of nuclear energy is now. Slovakia currently has two active nuclear facilities, one of them set to be closed down in 2008.
(Belagova, Beata. http://www.slovakspectator.sk/clanok.asp?cl=21104, 10/11/05).

Kazakhstan to Cooperate with IAEA on Securing Nuclear Materials
IAEA officials have begun to help the Kazakh Nuclear Energy Committee in determining how best to secure its radioactive and nuclear materials. According to recent reports, several incidents involving insecure nuclear materials have instigated the cooperation. Kazakhstan does not currently have a clear program aimed at preventing the import of radioactive materials into its territory, yet there have been many reported cases of nuclear imports across its borders.
(BBC Monitoring Center, http://www.rednova.com/news//index.html?source=r_science, 10/11/05).

Iranian Nuclear Plant to Be Operational in 2006
Russian and Iranian officials have confirmed that they plan on opening up the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in the latter half of 2006. Alexander Rumyantsev, the head of Russia's Federal Agency for Nuclear Power, and Gholamreza Aqazadeh, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, met a few weeks ago to discuss its construction. The plant will have a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. Russian reports suggest that they are planning to build up to six more power plants in Iran with the next decade.
(Bellona, http://www.bellona.no/en/international/russia/nuke_industry/co-operation/40231.html, 10/12/05).

 

 

 

Domestic

 

Nuclear Plant Neighbors Support New Nuclear Plants
According to a recent survey initiated by the Nuclear Energy Institute, 83% of Americans living in close proximity to nuclear power plants favor the alternative energy source, while 76% are willing to see an additional plant built near them. The poll questioned 1,100 adults across the United States that lived within 10 miles of an operating nuclear plant. The poll also found that 85% of the plants' neighbors would give the plan a "high" safety rating. Plant employees were excluded from the survey.
(PRNewswire, http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-12-2005/0004166906&EDATE=, 10/12/05).

ABC Investigation Finds Security Holes at University Nuclear Reactors
An ABC News investigation has determined that several universities have gaping holes in their nuclear research reactors. The research reactors contain uranium that could be used to make a dirty bomb. "It is shocking. It is irresponsible, and it is, after 9/11, something that is simply unacceptable," rants nuclear safety advocate Dan Hirsch. ABC utilized ten Carnegie Fellow graduate students to conduct the investigation. Reportedly, the students, at several sites, found no guards and easy access to the reactor building. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is investigating.
(ABC News, http://news.yahoo.com/s/wrtv/20051013/lo_wrtv/2994639, 10/13/05).

Nation's Biggest Nuclear Plant Shut Down
Two of the three reactors at the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant, the nation's largest, has been shut down due to safety concerns. Officials took the plant offline after the reactors were incapable of showing to regulators that a key safety system would work as designed. "It's not that the system wouldn't operate. It's that we couldn't prove that it would, said Jim McDonald, the spokesman for the plant. There is no word yet as to when residents can expect the plant to come back on-line, but the Arizona Public Service Company has said that the utility is still producing enough energy to serve its neighbors.
(Associated Press, http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/index.php?page=local&story_id=101305a7_powerplant, 10/13/05).

Florida's Governor Support Nuclear Power
The Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, said this week that Florida needs more nuclear power and clean coal plants to satisfy growing demand. He suggested the measures because of Florida's vulnerability to hurricanes. "It means recognizing that all of the new capacity in a fast-growing state can't be natural gas," said Bush. He purports that if Florida doesn't do something quickly to develop its energy infrastructure, businesses will not want to locate to his state.
(Associated Press, http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/local/12888520.htm, 10/13/05).

 

 

 

Science and Technology

 

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technology Notches New Breakthrough
A team of scientists from Berkeley Lab at the University of California at Berkeley has made a breakthrough in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. They have apparently demonstrated the means by which NMR can be made compatible with micro-fluidic devices. The demonstration holds promising rewards for the detection of biohazards and toxic chemicals and other procedures where the composition of a fluid must be determined quickly. With more development, the technology could hold significant promise in the realm of national security.
(Photonics Online, http://www.photonicsonline.com/content/news/article.asp?docid=%7b222AF303-BA56-48AE-87C7-FE2A055D02A2%7d&VNETCOOKIE=NO, 10/11/05).

 

 

 

 

Op-Ed

 

 

Op-Ed: The Perfect Time to Go Nuclear
In his opinion piece, Fraser Nelson purports that, due to the quagmire in Iraq, Tony Blair has (until recently) consistently ducked the question of nuclear power. Nelson considers this an error on Blair's part, but he gives him credit for looking to correct it at the perfect time in Great Britain. Nelson cites high oil prices, soaring energy bills, and union fears of nuclear plant job losses as significant indicators of a nuclear resurgence. Nelson calls the upcoming energy review a "manifesto for nuclear power," and now Blair will have the evidence to support such a manifesto.
(Nelson, Fraser. http://www.rednova.com/news/science/266359/the_perfect_time_to_go_nuclear/index.html?source=r_science, 10/10/05).

 

 

Credits

Compiled and Edited by: Chad Kreikemeier

 

Nuclear Energy Update
October 17 - October 21, 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

Greenpeace Demonstrates Against Canadian Nuclear Power
Greenpeace demonstrators protested against the plans to approve the restart of two nuclear power reactors in Canada this week. Greenpeace activists placed a giant turkey on the front lawn of government offices in Toronto. This comes on the heels of reports that Premier Dalton McGuinty is planning to support the country's efforts to restart two defunct nuclear power plants at Bruce Power.
(Sun Media, http://ottsun.canoe.ca/News/National/2005/10/15/1263065-sun.html, 10/15/05).

British Scientists Give Thumbs Up to Nuclear
As perhaps the first time Britain's foremost physicists, environmentalists, and climatologists have come to a collective conclusion about the looming energy crisis, the academics have given the British government a "scientific warranty" to go ahead with a new nuclear power agenda. The consensus was reached at a conference in London this week organized by the Geological Society. Calling for the British government to fill the energy gap with nuclear power rather than less pragmatic renewable energy supplies, they are expected to release their publication some time in November. The scientists will argue for increased investment in renewable options, but they admit that it is simply not a feasible endeavor for 3 to 4 decades.
(The Tribune News, http://www.tribweb.co.uk/mclaughlin14102005.htm, 10/16/05).

Russia Supports Iran's Nuclear Rights
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted once again on Iran's right to develop peaceful nuclear power. Lavrov stated that the Russian Federation would continue to support Iran in its civilian nuclear endeavors by continuing to build the nuclear power plant at Bushehr. "No one, including the United States, calls into question our right to continue the construction of the nuclear power plant in Bushehr," Lavrov insisted. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Russia this past weekend in order to garner support for a UN Security Council referral, but it appears her efforts came up dry.
(Red Nova, Xinhua, http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=273805, 10/16/05).

Venezuela Reportedly Seeking Nuclear Power
According to worried US officials, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is seeking to obtain nuclear technology. The Bush administration has suggested that these are the first few steps to developing nuclear weapons. "We are keeping an eye on Venezuela," said a senior official. "My sense is that Venezuela has not been as successful with its nuclear entreaties with other countries as it would have liked." Though there is no hard and fast evidence of Chavez's requests, there are widespread rumors that Chavez discussed obtaining energy technology from other countries.
(Scarborough, Rowan. http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20051017-100145-7985r, 10/17/05).

Canada Unveils Nuclear Plans
On Monday, the Canadian government announced its plants to restart two nuclear reactors that have been idle in Ontario for nearly ten years. Bruce Power, Canada's largest nuclear provider, has agreed to invest nearly $4.25 billion in the project. The start-up is expected to take place in 2009 and operate for 25 years and will boost output to more than 6,200 megawatts (25% of Ontario's power demand). Nearly 18 of Canada's 20 nuclear reactors are located in Ontario. "We expect to see a wave of investment as governments and companies worldwide start to look afresh at nuclear power," said the program's chief manager.
(Catan, Thomas. http://news.ft.com/cms/s/f81d9330-3f38-11da-932f-00000e2511c8.html, 10/17/05).

Australian Official Rules Out Nuclear Power
Australian Energy Minister Patrick Conlon has rejected a nuclear power plant as an option in resolving Australia's upcoming electricity crisis. The plant, which would reportedly cost the state $2 billion and would take ten years to build, would be simply too costly for Australia, according to Conlon. "Given the wealth of Australia's energy sources, it is unlikely that nuclear power will ever be a cost effective method of supplying electricity," said Conlon. He has estimated that nuclear power could cost up to $90 a megawatt-hour while coal/gas plants could generate the same for $30-$60. Australian power industries are predicting a large shortfall in power supplies by next summer.
(Kelton, Greg. http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,16951687^2682,00.html, 10/18/05).

Tokyo Reactor Shut Down Briefly During Earthquake
An experimental nuclear reactor was briefly shut down this week after an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale hit Tokyo. The reactor, situated very near the epicenter in Tokai Mura, shut down immediately as it is programmed to do. An hour later, the reactor was manually re-started, and everything seemed to be operating normally. No immediate reports of casualties or property damage resulted from the earthquake.
(Yahoo News, http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051019/wl_asia_afp/japanquake_051019160748, 10/19/05).

India to Separate Civilian Nuclear Plans from Military
By early 2006, India says it will have separate civilian and nuclear facilities under the landmark deal India signed with the US last July. The Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns will visit New Delhi this week to discuss and solidify plans for separation. Once the separation is in place, the US Congress will most likely amend laws prohibiting the country from nuclear cooperation with India. Last July, President George W. Bush agreed to grant India access to civil nuclear energy related technology if the country placed its nuclear reactors under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and separated the two programs. India, a nuclear-armed nation, has come under harsh criticism for recently supporting the IAEA resolution to report Iran to the UN Security Council for violating international nuclear safeguards.
(AFP, http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051019/wl_sthasia_afp/usindianuclear_051019045843, 10/19/05)

Vietnam Plans First Nuclear Power Plant
With the likelihood of a sizeable power shortage in the future, Vietnam has announced plans to build a 2,000-MW nuclear power plant. The plant, expected to cost $3.4 billion, will be operational by 2017 at the earliest. The expected energy demand for 2020 is 230 billion KWH, of which 40 billion is expected to come from nuclear energy and thermoelectricity generated from plants burning imported coal. However, the planned power plant will only generate 14 billion KWH by 2020, making the energy gap a reality in the near future. Vietnam has not chosen a foreign partner for the nuclear power project, but is looking for potential suppliers in France, Japan, Russia, Canada and the US. Vietnam currently has one 500 KW nuclear reactor that is used mainly for medical research purposes.
(Xinhua, http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-10/19/content_3648626.htm, 10/19/05)

Iran Makes Important Concession, According to US
Officials reported Thursday that Iran has allowed UN nuclear inspectors to question a senior official about nuclear activities and has also given the inspectors sensitive documents. The UN hopes to learn the location and amount of centrifuge and related technology Iran has in its possession. International concern over whether Iran has the technology to build nuclear weapons caused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to declare Iran in violation of the nuclear arms-control treaty, creating a way to refer the country to the UN Security Council. The recent cooperation, however, may convince IAEA voters that Iran is only participating in a civil nuclear program as it has claimed all along. China and Russia have continuously opposed the referral, while countries like the US, Cuba and Syria have fiercely supported it. Iran claims it only resumed its nuclear program 2002, but many countries are suspicious that Iran has been participating in nuclear development for decades. (Jahn, George, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051020/ap_on_re_mi_ea/nuclear_agency_iran_3, 10/20/05)

 

 

Domestic

 

Palo Verde Plant Still Down
One of the nation's largest power plants, the Palo Verde nuclear power plant, continues to be idle due to a recent safety shut down last week. It is still unknown when the plant may begin operating again. The plant near Phoenix powers nearly half of El Paso and is operated by Arizona Public Service Company. The plant was originally shut down because regulators couldn't prove that the emergency cooling system would operate as expected. According to officials, El Paso Electric is working to meet the power demands of its customers in other ways.
(El Paso Times, http://www.elpasotimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051016/BUSINESS/510160322/1003, 10/16/05).

California Activists Seek to Deny Storage Facility
Anti-nuclear activists in San Francisco have asked the courts to shut down a new nuclear waste storage facility at a Diablo Canyon plant. The activists are demanding that federal agencies study the risk of a terrorist attack before proceeding with its development. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has already been ordered by Congress to study anti-terrorism precautions at nuclear plants, but the activists are convinced that the review will only study small-scale attacks and not cataclysmic ones, such as the crashing of a jumbo jet into the facility. The courts have the right to halt a project while the review is being completed, though critics doubt the viability of the claim suggesting that environmental law requires the federal commission to conduct a review only for its licensing decision, not due to the effects of a criminal act, such as terrorism.
(Egelko, Bob. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2005/10/18/BAGN2F9TG91.DTL, 10/18/05).

Environmentalist Says Nuclear Power Not the Answer
During a lecture at Gainsville State College on Tuesday, Helen Caldicott spoke out about the US government's $13 billion plan to build more nuclear power plants. Citing health and security concerns, Caldicott explained the risks involved in nuclear reactors. "If I was a terrorist, I could easily melt down a nuclear power plant...A friend of mine who works in the industry says it's not a matter of if, but when," she said. Caldicott is the founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Nuclear Policy Research Institute and a co-founder of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. (Gilbert Debbie, http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/stories/20051019/localnews/28130.shtml, 10/19/05)

 

 

 

 

Science and Technology

 

New Technology to Detect Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear Solutions has announced that it will seek its first patent in a new technology which would help detect shielded nuclear weapons and hidden nuclear materials. Nuclear Solutions President Patrick Herda is excited about the possibilities. "To assist in countering the threat of nuclear terrorism worldwide, we are developing a non-radiation based technique for detecting nuclear weapons and the materials used to make them." The patent procedure now allows Nuclear Solutions to seek international intellectual property protection in over one hundred countries under WTO rules. Nuclear Solutions is an innovative technology development company committed to developing creative solutions to national security and environmental concerns.
(Primezone, http://www.rednova.com/news/science/275589/nuclear__for_shielded_nuclear_weapon/index.html, 10/18/05).

 

 

Credits

Compiled and Edited by: Chad Kreikemeier and Brita Ericson

 

Nuclear Energy Update
October 31 - November 4, 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

North Korea Says US Hurt Nuclear Talks
On Monday, North Korea publicly alleged that the United States sent at least 180 espionage flights in October to photograph North Korea, adding that these missions will hurt discussions later this month to end the country's nuclear weapons program. "These aerial espionage flights clearly prove that the U.S. imperialists are desperately trying to stifle the DPRK militarily behind the scene though they are giving lip-service to the negotiated settlement of the nuclear issue," said a North Korean official. The six party talks, which are scheduled to begin on November 9th, are aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear programs in exchange for economic assistance, security guarantees, and higher level diplomatic recognition. North Korea agreed during the last round of talks to end their nuclear program, but have since attached additional conditions to the agreement, including the provision of a light water reactor by the US.
(YahooNews, http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051031/wl_nm/korea_north_flights_dc_1, 10/31/05)

Ukraine Denies Existence of Nuclear Repositories
After a Russian newspaper claimed Ukraine was hiding repositories of nuclear waste and chemical weapons near the Russian border, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry released a public statement denying the report. "The information [published by a Russian newspaper last week] on such repositories...in Ukraine is false, irresponsible, and provocative," said Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk. He also said that the ministry sent inquiries about the report to the country's nuclear regulation agency and the Defense and Emergency Situations Ministries. The departments confirmed the publication was false.
(RiaNovosti, http://en.rian.ru/world/20051101/41961632.html, 11/1/05)

Politicians Accused of "Environmental Vandalism"
A major environmental summit was held this week in London, comprised of the G8 nations, plus China, India, Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa among others. With the acceleration of global warming becoming more and more evident, countries came together to discuss ways to combat carbon emissions, especially within growing economies. Discussions revolved around new technologies and strategies, but eventually fell upon the advantages of nuclear power. Referring to this topic, Australian Senator Ian Campbell said, "If it can create energy with zero emissions it has to be on the table...Any politician who stands in the way of providing uranium to the world is committing an outrageous act of environmental vandalism." The Kyoto protocol, which curbs carbon emissions in participating countries, is set to expire in 2012. Already China plans to build 500 coal-fired power stations in the next 25 years, making it the world's biggest carbon emitter. Yet, Senator Campbell still called the meeting a success because so many countries are genuinely interested in curbing global warming, "It's a very important turning point, as the world moves forward to address this."
(AAP, http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Nuclear-power-must-be-on-agenda-govt/2005/11/02/1130823241412.html, 11/2/05)

Bush Reacts to Venezuela Nuclear Reactor Plans
During an interview with Latin American reporters on Tuesday, President George W. Bush admitted that he did not object to the idea of Venezuela having a nuclear reactor for peaceful energy uses. Lately relations between Venezuela and the US have been tense. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has accused the US of exploiting developing economies and planning an invasion of Venezuela to secure oil fields. During the interview, Bush said he had not previously heard of Venezuela's nuclear energy plans. Venezuela has reportedly asked Argentina for technical help to develop nuclear energy. Because Chavez's country is one of the world's top oil producers, Bush questioned why Venezuela is looking into alternate energy sources.
(Pickler, Nedra, http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=1273795&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312, 11/2/05)

Iran Agrees to UN Inspections
Diplomats announced Wednesday that Iran has granted UN nuclear inspectors access to Parchin, a high-security military site. Iran is hoping to avoid a referral to the UN Security Council by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by allowing officials to take environmental swipes from objects in the buildings and laboratories. Parchin has been linked to alleged nuclear arms testing, but a visit by the IAEA
in January revealed no traces of radioactivity that could link the country to a nuclear arms program. For months Iran has denied claims that it has anything more than a civilian nuclear program despite the insistence of the US and other Western European countries.
(AP, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9894353/, 11/2/05)

France's EDF Wants to Invest in the UK
The world's biggest nuclear electricity generator, Electricite de France (EDF), wants to build a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK. The French power company said it would be willing to finance, construct and operate the new reactors if Prime Minister Tony Blair gave his approval. However, nuclear power has recently been a sensitive issue in the UK, and the government would have to gain public support first. EDF already owns London Electricity and Seaboard, which has 5 million customers in the UK. All in all, EDF has 58 reactors in 19 locations, accounting for 17 percent of global nuclear capacity.
(Harrison, Michael, http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article324080.ece, 11/02/05)

China Attacks Indo-US Nuclear Plan
Chinese official media attacked the Indo-US nuclear energy cooperation agreement on Thursday, claiming that the deal will harm non-proliferation progress. Chinese officials believe that the US is undercutting the Non-Proliferation Treaty by helping India, and also setting off a chain reaction of global nuclear proliferation. One paper warned, "A domino effect of nuclear proliferation, once turned into reality, will definitely lead to global nuclear proliferation and competition." A similar Chinese editorial claimed that the Bush Administration has been soft on India and that "such an act of the United States once again proves that America is not at all a ‘guard' of NPT and the treaty, however, is no more than a disguise serving the US interest." Although China is adamantly against the Indo-US agreement, Russia, France, Britain, and Canada have all expressed their approval.
(YahooNews, http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/nov/04ndeal.htm?q=tp, 11/4/05)

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

Repairs at TVA Nuclear Plant Begin
Workers began repairs on the Tennessee Valley Authority's newest reactor on Tuesday at the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant. Four new steam generators arrived on a barge in Spring City, TN on Sunday to replace the faulty ones at Watts Bar. The existing steam generators, which are now plagued with cracks and leaks, were designed in the 1970s, but the plant only began generating power in 1996. Cracks and leaks have already been plugged up and officials say that they do not present any danger to employees or the public. Watts Bar will be shut down while the old steam generators are removed and the new ones installed. The cost of repair is estimated at $215 million.
(Flessner, Dave, http://www.rednova.com/news/science/290773/_generators/index.html?source=r_science, 11/1/05)

Progress Wants Four New Reactors
Progress Energy Inc. announced on Tuesday that it will seek to build four nuclear reactors in two locations. The company currently serves 2.9 million customers in North Carolina and Florida, and each year Progress adds 30,000 new customers in each state. Outcry from anti-nuclear groups has already begun. Jim Warren, executive director of the North Carolina Waste Awareness Reduction Network said, "We feel the Carolinas have the opportunity to be the model for smart energy or become the nation's nuclear chumps." Progress Energy plans to submit their license request to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by 2008. Construction would begin two years later and the reactors could be operational as soon as 2015. A new nuclear plant has not opened in North Carolina since 1987.
(AP, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9896256/, 11/2/05)

Fire Shuts Down Georgia Plant
A reactor remained undamaged after a fire started in a transformer at the Hatch nuclear power station in Georgia. Southern Co.'s 851-megawatt Unit 1 was shut down as a result. The company reports it has a spare transformer on site, but it may take up to a week to replace it depending on how much damage the fire caused. Although the Appling County Fire Company was alerted for backup, the employees on site and the transformer's automatic fire-suppression system were able to extinguish the fire. Only the area directly around the transformer was damaged by the fire; the nuclear reactor is located in a different area of the site.
(The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/1105/02southern.html, 11/02/05)

Nuclear Weapons Material Cleared Out
Five years after then Energy Secretary Bill Richardson gave the order, all nuclear material that can be used to create a bomb has been removed from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. On Thursday, workers removed all of the weapons-grade plutonium and highly enriched uranium from lab's Technical Area 18. Richardson, now the governor of New Mexico stated, "I'm glad it finally happened, as I directed." Mock terrorist attacks held at the lab in 1997 and 2000 showed the vulnerability of TA-18.
(Journalnow, http://www.journalnow.com/&path=!nationworld&s=1037645509161, 11/4/05)

 

 

 

 

Science and Technology

 

£6.1 Million to Support Nuclear Research
Scientists at Imperial College received a £6.1 million grant to increase the acceptability of nuclear power as an energy option. This is the largest UK grant for nuclear energy research in 30 years. "Having neglected nuclear reactor science and technology for 20 years, it is now clear that a broad research programme is necessary if we are to be in position to underpin a new reactor based generating capacity," said Professor Robin Grimes, project coordinator at Imperial. The money will be used to research how reactors are monitored and how to deal with nuclear waste. Scientists from Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Sheffield, Cardiff, and Open University will participate in collaborative research.
(YahooNews, http://uk.news.yahoo.com/02112005/362/new-grant-nuclear-research.html, 11/2/05)

 

 

Op-Ed

 

Op-Ed: A Demagogue in Iran
In its recent editorial, the New York Times calls for tough diplomacy
on Iran and its nuclear program. Several Iran officials, including
the President, have recently made statements asserting the need to destroy Israel. "Israel must be wiped off the map...Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury," said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to 4,000 students recently at a conference on "The World Without Zionism." Although it is not certain that Iran has nuclear weapons in its possession, the country's threats seem evidence enough, the editorial insists. Plus, with the backing of Russia and China, it seems that Iran may not be brought before the UN Security Council despite the concerns of countries like the US, France and Germany. But, with President Ahmadinejad making statements about obliterating Israel, leaders must unite and take a stand against Iran before it is too late, the editorial continues. "Britain, France and Germany were right to call their ambassadors back from Tehran ...Tough diplomacy must continue to curb Iran's nuclear aspirations."
(The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/29/opinion/29sat2.html, 10/29/05)

 

 

 

Credits

Compiled and Edited by: Chad Kreikemeier, Brita Ericson and Suzy Vogel