Today, President Donald J. Trump formally nominated Dan Brouillette to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Energy. Brouillette, current U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, would replace sitting Secretary Rick Perry if confirmed by the U.S. Senate. “It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to serve as Secretary of Energy. I have the utmost …
The minister yesterday released an audit of the construction of the Flamanville 3 EPR, conducted by former PSA Group chief Jean-Martin Folz. Construction work began in December 2007 on the 1650 MWe unit at the Flamanville site in Normandy. The EPR reactor was originally expected to start commercial operation in 2013 and cost EUR3.3 billion …
Moscow is sure to tout nuclear energy at the Russia-Africa Summit, selling it as a solution for the continent’s power supply woes. So just how concerned should we be about its intentions and Africa’s readiness? Southern Africa’s ongoing drought has had a devastating impact on the region’s power supply. Water levels at Kariba Dam, which …
The Czech Republic will need to build not only one new unit at its Dukovany nuclear power plant, but also more reactors at Temelín if it is to avoid becoming dependent on electricity imports from 2030, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček said yesterday. Havlíček cited the latest Mid-term Adequacy Forecast …
France has yet to decide whether to build new nuclear reactors and could yet pursue a long-term strategy of 100% renewable energy, Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne said on Monday. The minister was responding to questions on Europe 1 radio after the CEO of state-controled power utility EDF last week said it is clear France is …
Suncor Energy has an image problem that seems incurable. The Alberta oil sands giant produces vast amounts of synthetic crude oil, a product that comes with a rather frightening carbon footprint. As the oil sands expand, Suncor will become an ever-bigger target for climate-change activists and green-tinged politicians. Even Justin Trudeau, who may or may …
French utility EDF’s (EDF.PA) plan to restructure itself will be delayed for at least a few months as it awaits a broader reform of power regulations, the head of state-owned power group said in a letter seen on Friday. EDF was expected to present firm proposals for the overhaul, known as “Project Hercules”, by the …
In the ongoing mash-up of the tragic and the trifling that is the modern news cycle, one crucial story getting far too little attention is President Trump’s effort to revive the U.S. nuclear power industry. The nuclear fuel cycle is vital to our nation in terms of the power that nuclear energy can provide (without …
Expert who led 2006 review says ban on nuclear should be lifted, but much more overseas evidence is needed on small modular reactors. It will be about a decade before it is clear whether small nuclear reactors are suitable for Australia and would take about 15 years to bring a plant online if a decision …
Britain’s plan to revitalize its aging nuclear energy infrastructure is likely to take a hit if Brexit jeopardizes a crucial supply of welders. The skilled workers have been in short supply for years, a strain that will likely worsen as new nuclear projects are built. About 13% of Britain’s welders come from other countries in …