Carnival of Nuclear Energy 186

1. Atomic Insights – Smoking Gun Research Continuing in Earnest

Rod Adams has studied the world’s most important commodity business. He has discovered that the opposition to nuclear energy that really matters does not come from the vocal opponents that claim to be concerned about the potential for accidents, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the release of small amounts of radioactive material or even the high cost of building the plants. The opposition that really matters comes from individuals, companies, organizations and even whole countries that have a vested interest in selling competitive products.

2. Forbes – Why Did We Make The Atomic Bomb?

Richard Rhodes recently gave an insightful lecture at the Hanford site in Washington State for the 70th Anniversary of the Manhattan Project that provides a glimpse of what emotions, paradigms, and philosophies motivated people during the world-changing event of developing the atomic bomb. Reprinted here, the reader will be amazed at the amount of information that is essentially unknown to the public, and even many of us in the field, and that adds another layer of insight into our present nuclear challenges in Iran, Pakistan and North Korea.

3. Canadian Energy Issues – Fukushima, after a thousand days: radiation-related deaths still equal the number of vampires walking the earth

What do vampires have in common with radiation-related fatalities from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan? Both are all over the pop culture and media. And neither exists.

4. Hiroshima Syndrome/Fukushima Commentary has two articles.

Japan’s Nuke Watchdog Wastes Time on New Nuclear Accident Scenario

This past Monday, Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority announced a new worst-case nuclear accident scenario. But, this one does not concern nuclear power plants. It purports a disaster at the Tokai nuclear fuel reprocessing facility. I think the NRA has wasted their time and needs to reconsider their priorities.

Fairewinds’ Gundersen Guarantees Problems with Unit 4 Spent Fuel Removal

Arnie Gundersen says the transfer of F. Daiichi unit #4’s spent fuel is doomed to failure. He assures the viewers of his video that the fuel bundles are so brittle that some will surely “snap” and release huge amounts of airborne radioactivity. His arguments are confabulated and steeped in appeals to Fukushima myths.

5. ANS Nuclear Cafe – Past, Present, and Promise 3: Return to the NS Savannah

Will Davis completes a three-part series of reflections stretching back twenty years by catching up with the historic ship NS Savannah, the first nuclear powered commercial ship ever placed in service. A broad photo essay of a thorough tour of the ship, showpiece of President Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” program, is accompanied by technical details from Davis’ collection of original materials. Photos for this piece were taken both by Davis and by Paul Bowersox of ANS HQ Staff who accompanied Davis and about 30 other ANS members on an unforgettable tour during the ANS 2013 Winter Meeting.

The NS Savannah is docked at a pier location that is largely blocked from view by land by a giant grain elevator. This view shows the port side of the ship from the gangway leading to the passenger reception area. (Photo for ANS by Paul Bowersox)

6. ANS Nuclear Cafe – Millions for education, but not one cent for tribute

When Vermont Yankee asked for permission to put in dry cask storage and a power uprate, Vermont extorted millions of dollars for pet projects. These projects included cleaning up Lake Champlain (on the other side of the Green Mountains from Vermont Yankee) and building wind turbines. Angwin advises nuclear utilities to spend money on public outreach (always) and lawyers (when necessary) but not to pay extortion. Millions for education, but not one cent for tribute.

7. Yes Vermont Yankee – SAFSTOR: On Decommissioning Vermont Yankee

Vermont Yankee will use SAFSTOR for about ten years. SAFSTOR is legal according to the NRC, and according to the agreement with which Entergy purchased the plant. Plus—architecture is destiny. Entergy can’t easily take the plant apart while the fuel pool continues to operate in the same building. This is one of a series of posts on decommissioning.

8. Nextbigfuture – Japan’s next energy plan will put nuclear energy back into a major role for Japan’ energy mix and will reverse the call to phase out nuclear energy. Prime Minister Abe just needs to get it through Japan’s political process.

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