IEA rings alarm bell on phasing out nuclear energy

A steep decline in nuclear energy capacity will threaten climate goals and power supply security unless advanced economies find a way to extend the lifespan of their reactors, the International Energy Agency said. Nuclear is currently the world’s second-largest source of low-carbon electricity, behind hydropower, and accounting for 10 percent of global electricity generation. But …

Oak Ridge advanced manufacturing facility develops technologies for new methods of production

America’s oldest and biggest research lab in Oak Ridge has reshaped science around the world and remains a key asset for East Tennessee’s workforce, businesses and economy. This Sunday and next, the Times Free Press looks at some of the work of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and its impact in our region. In 2015, …

4 companies consider jointly operating nuclear power plants

To deal with rapidly rising costs and other difficulties, four major companies are considering jointly constructing and operating nuclear power plants, sources said. Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc., Chubu Electric Power Co., Hitachi Ltd. and Toshiba Corp. are aiming to reach a basic agreement in late August toward the joint plan, according to the …

Sixth Yangjiang unit enters commercial operation

Unit 6 of the Yangjiang nuclear power plant in China’s Guangdong province has met commercial operation conditions and is now generating electricity, China General Nuclear has announced, adding it had only the formality now of waiting for the remaining permits and documentation. The 1000 MWe CGN-designed ACPR1000 pressurised water reactor achieved a sustained chain reaction …

What Is Enriched Uranium?

Tension has been increasing between the U.S. and Iran. Central to the conflict is uranium enrichment, with each country accusing the other of bad faith. During the turmoil, Iran announced that it had crossed an important threshold: They had enriched uranium past the 4.5% level. But what exactly does that mean? Uranium is the heaviest …

Warning: Uranium To Explode

Summary Uranium prices are finally picking up steam following their 11-year bear market. Prices are on track to soon reach the cost of production estimates which may buoy equities out of their rut. The Global X Uranium ETF has fallen by over 15% in recent weeks due to the equity sell-off. Long-term buyers who handle …

TVA completes upgrades at its oldest and biggest nuclear power plant, boosting output

The Tennessee Valley Authority has completed a $475 million power upgrade at its oldest and biggest nuclear power plant that helped boost the plant’s output by 14% and boosted TVA’s overall noncarbon production of electricity to 58% of its power generation this spring. Over the past four years, by making more than 200 equipment modifications …

DOE Announces Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement to Examine Building a Versatile Test Reactor in the U.S.

Today in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register announcing that the department will develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to study the impacts of building a Versatile Test Reactor in the U.S. to test future fuels and materials …

Questions raised over future of nuclear power at Keidanren meet

Business leaders questioned the future of the nuclear power industry at a meeting of Japan’s largest business group, with some arguing that renewable energy solutions are more in line with global trends. While Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) has consistently favored restarts of suspended reactors across the nation, arguments among members have also emerged over related …