Good news for nuclear energy ~ January 2012
Written on Monday, January 23, 2012 by
Dan
In:
Idaho Samizdat | Comments:
1NRC vote for Southern reactors "imminent" Fertel
A vote will take place soon by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to award combined construction and operating licenses for twin Westinghouse AP1000 reactors at the utility's Vogtle site in George. That's according to Marvin Fertel, the CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) (right)
Fertel says he expects the action approving the licenses to take place "within days."
In addition to Southern, Scana, a South Carolina utility, is also seeling licenses for twin AP1000s at its V.C Summer Station.
According to Fertel, the announcement on Southern's reactors is only a matter of time. He said the vote on Scana's application will take place later this winter.
Southern has estimated its new reactors will cost $14 billion. It has an $8.3 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy. Scana has estimated its reactors will cost $10.5 billion and it did not seek a loan guarantee.
Nuclear Can Play ‘Lasting Role’ In Global Economic Growth
In a separate report NEI said that with 65 reactor units under construction around the world the nuclear energy industry can play an important role in job creation and economic growth, providing both near-term and lasting employment and economic benefits.
As a result, the years ahead will see a surge in demand for materials, components and services for the global nuclear industry.
NEI said 104 nuclear reactor units in the US generate “substantial domestic economic value” in electricity sales and revenue – about $40 to $50 billion/year – with more than 100,000 workers contributing to production.
Worldwide, over 150 new nuclear plant projects are in the licensing and advanced planning stage, with 65 reactors under construction.
The US Department of Commerce estimates the global market for nuclear products, services and fuel at $500 to $740 billion over the next 10 years.
The US Department of Energy projects that US electricity demand will rise 24 percent by 2035, about one percent each year. That means the US will need “hundreds of new power plants” to provide electricity to meet rising demand and replace aging infrastructure.
NEI Criticizes Grand Canyon Mining Ban
NEI has spoken out against plans for a 20-year ban on new hardrock mining claims on about 1 million acres of government land surrounding the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
NEI’s VP for governmental affairs, Alex Flint, said there is “no scientifically verified threat” to the Grand Canyon’s environment from uranium mining and the decision makes “more challenging” the struggle to reduce America’s dependence on imported sources of energy.
The administration’s decision prevents mining for some of the nation’s best high-grade uranium deposits.
Flint said the land covered by the prohibition contains as much as 375 million pounds of uranium, seven times current US annual demand.
The ban was announced by interior secretary Ken Salazar. He said while uranium remains an important part of a comprehensive energy strategy, the Grand Canyon is a national treasure that must be protected.
The 20-year ban will not affect mining operations that have already been approved or new operations on valid existing mining claims.
(NucNet): INPO Gets new CEO
Admiral Robert Willard will join INPO in early April 2012 and will assume his new duties upon the retirement of current president and CEO Jim Ellis in May 2012.
Admiral Willard is currently a naval commander based in Hawaii. He is a graduate of the US Naval Academy, has a master’s degree in engineering management, and has served in a variety of fighter squadrons aboard aircraft carriers.
INPO, whose headquarters are in Atlanta, is a non-profit corporation established by the nuclear utility industry in 1979. It aims is to “promote the highest levels of safety and reliability” in the operation of commercial nuclear power plants.
Ameren's third try might be the charm
In Missouri nuclear utility Ameren will try a third time to get the state legislature to allow it to recover the costs of building a new reactors at the Callaway site. The first step would be an early site permit.
Rep. Jeanie Riddle (R-Mokane) says she intends to introduce a bill for this purpose. She said she will use the same language that was approved by the House last year. The bill died in the Senate.
In an unrelated action Ameren filed an application with the NRC to extend the license of the utility's Callaway reactor by 20 years. It is the only nuclear plant in Missouri. The current 40-year license will expire in 2024.
According to a company official, the filing is the result of over three years of work. It will take the NRC at least two years to review it.
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