Turkey Set to Confirm Plans for Construction of $22 Billion Nuclear Power Plant

Taner Yildiz, the energy minister for Turkey, has said that an announcement will be made by the weekend as to which country, and which companies, will win the contract to build Turkey’s second nuclear power station.

Experts have estimated that Turkey will overtake Britain as Europe’s third largest user of electricity within a decade, and in preparation for this, as well as an attempt to reduce their dependence on imported oil and gas, Turkey has set out plans to construct several new nuclear power plants.

Yildiz said that “China and Japan are the front runners” to build the $22 billion power plant, but a consortium of Japanese companies including; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, and Itochu Corp, along with GDF Suez of France, are expected to be the overall winners of the tender.

Point Lepreau nuclear power plant starts generating electricity again

THE CANADIAN PRESS
Published Tuesday, April 30, 2013 12:14PM ADT

FREDERICTON -- Atlantic Canada's only nuclear power plant is generating power again after it was forced offline because of startup problems.

The Point Lepreau generating station in New Brunswick stopped sending electricity to the province's power grid almost three weeks ago so that it could adjust the chemistry of the water in boilers.

NB Power spokeswoman Kathleen Duguay said the water was disturbed when power levels were lowered a number of times due to a refuelling issue.

Read more: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/point-lepreau-nuclear-power-plant-starts-generating-electricity-again-1.1260147#ixzz2RzUHQjVy

Nuclear Power Doc 'Pandora's Promise' Acquired by CNN

CNN Films announced today that it has acquired Robert Stone's upcoming nuclear power documentary "Pandora'a Promise." The film, which premiered at Sundance earlier this year, will be broadcast by the network in November following its theatrical release on June 12.

While the use of the atomic bomb and nuclear accidents have shaped a global understanding of nuclear power as a destructive and dangerous force, Stone's film aims to provide an alternate understanding of how these fears have prevented nuclear power from advancing on energy use and preventing the continuation of the use of fossil fuels. It features interviews with environmentalists and energy experts who have spoken out against the worldwide fear of nuclear energy, as well as exploring the aftereffects inside exclusion zones in Fukushima and Chernobyl.

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Canada - Air Quality Improves with Shift to Nuclear Power

Air quality in Canada's Ontario province has improved dramatically in recent years, simultaneously with the ramping up of nuclear power and the phase-out of coal.
 
Ontario is home to a large portion of Canadian industry, the cities of Ottawa and Toronto and some 40% of the country's population of 33.4 million. Data from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment shows a dramatic reduction in the air pollution that in 2005 was affecting these people for at least ten days during the year. The worst-affected places in 2005 had been 14 of 37 Ontario locations with more than 40 smog-warning days. Every location had at least ten smog days.

In 2011, by contrast, the worst-affected place had only eight smog-warning days, while 18 of the 37 locations had no smog warnings at all. Overall, days on which the people were warned about unhealthy levels of smog at one location or another have dropped from 53 in 2005 to just nine in 2011.

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Nuclear Power Saves Millions Of Lives

Nuclear power is often promoted as a low-carbon source that mitigates fossil fuel emissions and the resulting health damage and deaths caused by air pollution. But is it possible to provide estimates and actually quantify these effects?

A new paper from NASA’s Goddard Institute authored by Pushker Kharecha and James Hansen in the journal Environmental Science and Technology purports to do just that. Hansen is well known as one of the founders of modern global warming science. The authors come up with the striking figure of 1.8 million as the number of lives saved by replacing fossil fuel sources with nuclear.

They also estimate the saving of up to 7 million lives in the next four decades, along with substantial reductions in carbon emissions, were nuclear power to replace fossil fuel usage on a large scale. In addition the study finds that the proposed expansion of natural gas would not be as effective in saving lives and preventing carbon emissions. In general the paper provides optimistic reasons for the responsible and widespread use of nuclear technologies in the near future. It also drives home the point that nuclear energy has prevented many more deaths than what it has caused.

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Nuclear Power – The World Report 2012 - 2030

(Re-posted)

By Lee S. Gliddon III
Research by:  Mary Owings, Lee S. Gliddon III

Mark Twain once said, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated."  Like Mark Twain, recent reports of the death of nuclear power are also greatly exaggerated, but unlike the prolific author who died in 1910, nuclear power will be present, with growth scheduled for decades to come, throughout the planet.  Recent trends, plans, and quotes from the world community let us know there will be expansion of nuclear power, not contraction.

WORLDWIDE

Growth in nuclear power reactors is expected throughout the world and particularly from China and India.  Over 80 new nuclear power plants are expected to be commissioned by 2017.  61 nuclear plants are under construction and an additional 491 are planned or proposed.  That number has grown by 9 since the Fukushima event.   

The International Energy Agency estimates world electricity demand will double by 2030.  The advantages are that nuclear energy is not subject to unreliable weather or climate, uranium supplies are solid, and there are zero carbon emissions.  Ever improving technology have new plants producing far more energy using less fuel; while being less expensive to build with far less waste.  Countries looking to meet their Kyoto environmental commitments simply cannot without nuclear power.

EUROPE

Currently almost 30% of the electricity consumed in the European Union comes from nuclear power. Although Germany has claimed they will “get off” nuclear power; it remains an important technology of choice and the European Commission will maintain and develop research into nuclear power.  France alone obtains over 70% of its electricity needs from nuclear power with no plans to change.

Germany

German Chancellor Merkel has vowed to get off nuclear power.  That goal is costing Germany economically and environmentally already.  Germany was a net exporter of energy and is now at a “break even” point with still over half of its nuclear reactors online.  Germany is now slated to build 17 new coal and 29 new gas-fired plants.  Meanwhile, German environmentalists are upset as 25 million tons of carbon emissions have been added according to, Laszlo Varro of the International Energy Agency.  

The Czech Republic defies Germany

Merkel backed down on the German position regarding its neighbors which was to oppose the Czech Republic’s plan to build two more reactors at the Temelin nuclear power station near the German and Austrian border.  There may even be a long term plan to buy energy from the Czech Republic as Germany must begin to buy energy from its neighbors.

Belarus embraces nuclear power 

The first Belarus plant, currently under construction, is scheduled to come online in 2017.

Belarus plans to build a second nuclear power plant with the help of the United Nations.  "If we have IAEA cooperation, support and suitable conditions, we are ready to build a second nuclear power station in Belarus," President Alexander Lukashenko said early this year.

"I strongly believe that atomic power is a must and that it is the safest way to acquire cheap energy that the world will need in larger and larger amounts," Lukashenko said.

The most noteworthy element of this position is that Belarus is the country most seriously affected by the Chernobyl disaster.

ASIA

The economic growth in Asia has rapidly increased energy needs.  Nuclear power is viewed as the source to enable continued expansion.

China buys resources and continues nuclear plant construction

China is currently engaged in negotiations with Areva SA (AREVA) to buy a stake in the company’s uranium mine operations.  China intends to continue its record growth fueled by nuclear power and resumes its approval process for even more nuclear reactors.  According to the China Nuclear Energy Association, it is building at least 27 reactors and has 50 more planned.

India’s nuclear power aspirations forge ahead despite activists 

India’s plan to build six Russian reactors in Kudankulam was conceived in the late 1980’s.  Activists protesting have delayed commissioning of the first reactor, which is 99% complete, and a second reactor that is 94% complete.  Even ardent anti-nuclear activists acknowledge that India has a huge energy shortfall, producing 12% less electricity than it needs at peak times, resulting in frequent, extended blackouts.  

The postponements attributed to the activists have added $500 million to the now-$3.3-billion project.  The Indian government appears to have had enough with the delays.  In February 2012, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accused foreign groups of funding the protests to hold back India’s development.  The Indian government went as far as arresting and deporting a German national, Hermann Rainer Sonntag, accusing him of funding the Kudankulam protests.  Recent Indian government activity points to a new commitment to completing Kudankulam and pushing for even more nuclear reactors.

Recent approvals have marked the next phase of growth in the Indian nuclear power program.

South Korea partners with Vietnam continuing Southeast Asia nuclear power growth

South Korea currently has 21 nuclear reactors with a combined regular capacity of 19,259 megawatts.  With its nuclear expertise, South Korea’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy said in March 2012 that it had signed an agreement with its Vietnamese counterpart on building a nuclear power plant.

The Vietnam plans will mark the second South Korean consortium to build nuclear plants for other countries.  A group led by Korea Electric Power Corp. signed an $18.6 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in late 2009 under which they would build a total of four nuclear reactors in the UAE.

RUSSIA (Europe/Asia)

Russia receives 16% of all its energy from nuclear power generation.  Russia announced in 2003 a policy to reduce natural gas power ad to increase nuclear power generation in attempt to hit 23% of its electricity needs by 2020 and 25% by 2030 through nuclear power.  The planned increase in reactors is from 31 to 59 by 2030.

Russia sees Germany’s move away from nuclear power as a huge opportunity as anticipated German energy shortfalls will be met with increased exports of Russian natural gas.

Russia is also exporting its nuclear power expertise throughout the world for projects in China, India, Vietnam, Iran, and Turkey.

AFRICA

Several African countries including Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Kenya are at different stages of nuclear development. South Africa exploits nuclear energy for power generation and is expanding its capacity. More than 20 African countries have made the political decision to go nuclear.  The developing world has chosen its path for growth and nuclear power has a strong role.

Kenya’s quest to modernize embraces nuclear power 

A political decision marks approval regarding nuclear electricity. It has given rise to the formation of the Nuclear Electricity Project Committee. By December 2015, Kenya should be ready to for bids on its first nuclear power plant. By the end of 2022, Kenya projects it will be ready to commission and operate the first nuclear power plant which will generate at least 1000MW, and increasing  to 4000MW by 2030 with the construction of three more nuclear power plants.

South Africa plans large investment

South Africa will likely spend more than $78 billion on new nuclear plants, another coal-fired plant, and a hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo to stave off power shortages in Africa’s largest economy.  Proposals to spend $39 billion on nuclear plants with the capacity to generate 9,600 megawatts of energy by 2029 are in the “final stages of consideration,” the Treasury said in February 2012.

SOUTH AMERICA

Argentina’s growth is accommodated 

Soon, Argentina will receive 10% of its electricity from nuclear power.  In September 2011, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner attended the opening of Argentina’s third nuclear plant, Atucha II, and highlighted the fact that “Argentina is a leader in the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.”

Mrs. Kirchner announced that 45.5% more megawatts of energy have been created since 2003. ”In the past 8 years, new factories, businesses and workshops have needed more energy,” she said.

Electricity consumption in Argentina has grown strongly since 1990. Per capita consumption was just over 2000 kWh/yr in 2002 and rose to over 2600 kWh/yr in 2007. Gross electricity production in 2007 was 115 billion kWh.  In 2008, nuclear power provided over 6.8 billion kWh of electricity – about 6.2% of total electricity generation.  Argentina expects the overall percent of nuclear energy to rise.

Argentina now plans to build another nuclear plant, Atucha III to meet its increasing energy needs.

Brazil’s high energy demands

Brazil is the world’s tenth largest consumer of energy and the demand is growing.  Brazil’s natural uranium resources account for 5% of the total in the world according to the World Nuclear Association.  The country has two nuclear reactors Angra I and II with plans to have Angra III complete by 2014.

Brazil’s Senate approved fiscal incentives for nuclear power in June of 2011.  The new direction offers Eletrobras (EBR), along with equipment partners, the ability to buy capital goods, building materials, infrastructure materials and nuclear industry specific technologies for use in energy generation without having to pay the industrial production tax, nor tariffs on imported goods.  Germany is a beneficiary of this embrace of nuclear power by Brazil as Germany’s E.On is planning a building new nuclear power plant in Brazil. Four more large Brazilian reactors are expected to come on line by 2025, according to the World Nuclear Association.

NORTH AMERICA 

Canada’s Energy Czar - Nuclear industry will thrive 

Nuclear generation supplies 15% of Canada’s electricity needs and 60% of Ontario’s with 18 reactors providing over 12,600 MWe of power.  Canada has plans to expand its nuclear capacity over the next decade by building more reactors.  

"While other jurisdictions may be scaling back their nuclear energy commitment because of Fukushima, we are not," Tom Mitchell, president and CEO of Ontario Power Generation (OPG), declared in an address Thursday to several hundred Ottawa delegates at the Canadian Nuclear Association's annual conference.

United States falters on nuclear industry

While providing support publicly for new nuclear plant construction the current U.S. Administration apparently has a far different position on nuclear power.  Two nuclear sites have been in construction since President Obama took office.  

The first site was South Texas Project 3&4.  In April 2011, NRG Energy that owned the application for the two new reactors announced they were abandoning the process due to a slow permitting process which drove up costs.  Behind the scenes, the U.S. Federal Government pulled the loan guarantee previously offered during the previous administration forcing NRG Energy to write off its $331 million investment.

The only active site under construction is the Vogtle Project in Georgia.  Less than a month ago it was announced that Georgia Power and its partners may not be able to reach terms with the US Department of Energy on $8.3 billion in loan guarantees to finance the Vogtle nuclear plant expansion.  The Federal Government increased the interest rate and hit the project with an $800 million “application fee”.  The U.S. nuclear power industry is watching with great concern.

Although there are dozens of applications being submitted for new plants in the U.S., the recent collapse of STP 3&4 and the sudden changes on the Vogtle Project may tell of a demise of the past dominance of the U.S. nuclear industry.   But, with 104 active reactors and nearly 20% of U.S. Energy coming from nuclear power there is little concern of big changes as there is no viable replacement.

Summary

The countries that are embracing nuclear power have realized historical trends of reduced energy costs, growth, and an improved standard of living.  As third world nations progress and their energy demands necessarily increase, nuclear power has become an approved energy source.  

It is expected that countries embracing nuclear power will be on an economic growth pattern.  These include:  Russia, China, India, France, and Canada.  Those rejecting nuclear power will realize increased energy costs and a lowered standard of living.  These countries include:  The United States, Germany, and Japan.  

The claims that nuclear power is, “on its deathbed”, is a gross misrepresentation of the actual current state of world energy affairs.  New plants are not only safer, but require less fuel, produce less waste and much more power.  The embrace of nuclear power by most of the world ensures that nuclear power is here to stay.

Nuclear power stations may produce cheapest energy in Kazakhstan

Nuclear power stations may become a source of cheap energy in Kazakhstan, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the National Nuclear Center.

The scientists said that heat energy produced by thermal power plants working on coal is considered the cheapest energy in Kazakhstan. These stations produce 80 percent of the country’s energy. The cost of one kWh of electricity at heat power plants is around 5.5 tenge ($0.04). This value is mainly based on fuel costs, as all the plants were built dozens of years ago and do not require investments return. However, taking into account the worn-out state of the thermal power plants and their poor environmental friendliness, Kazakhstan needs to build more advanced thermal power plants or switch to other energy sources.

“Cost of the energy produced at nuclear power plant’s energy blocks with the capacity of 1,000 MW is quite competitive by the cost with the energy produced by thermal power plants. The energy blocks with less capacity are more efficient and are good for local needs (Western energy zone of the country considered for construction of the energy blocks with a capacity of up to 300 MW in Aktau),” the experts said.

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Florida Power 7 Light - Completes Massive, Multi-year Upgrade Of Nuclear Power Plants

- Massive upgrade of FPL’s St. Lucie and Turkey Point nuclear plants has added the equivalent of a new, medium-sized plant capable of powering more than 300,000 customers
- The added capacity is expected to save FPL customers billions of dollars over time by reducing the use of fossil fuels
- Clean energy investment was made possible by Florida’s nuclear cost recovery framework

JUNO BEACH, Fla., April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – Florida Power & Light Company today announced the successful completion of a five-year, multibillion-dollar investment to upgrade its Turkey Point and St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plants, adding more than 500 new megawatts of clean energy capacity.

At approximately 1:30 yesterday afternoon, Turkey Point Unit 4, the final unit to undergo an upgrade as part of the project, was connected to Florida’s electrical grid. The upgrades of Turkey Point Unit 3, located in Miami-Dade County, and St. Lucie Units 1 and 2, located in St. Lucie County, were completed in 2012.

“With consistently low fuel costs, zero emissions and the ability to operate around the clock, nuclear power is a critical component of our state’s energy mix today and tomorrow,” said FPL President Eric Silagy. “By increasing the amount of power that our nuclear plants can generate, this investment added the equivalent of a new, medium-sized power plant to Florida’s generation fleet, without having to build one.”

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Indian Point 3 nuclear power plant back on line after refueling

BUCHANAN, N.Y. — After a 28 day shut down for refueling, the Indian Point 3 nuclear power plant is back on line sending electricity to the grid. It was returned to operation on Sunday afternoon.

During the shutdown, 900 contractors worked with Entergy’s normal workforce of about 1,100 employees to add new fuel and perform thousands of maintenance activities, tests and inspections on equipment at the plant.

The next scheduled refueling will be in two years, said John Ventosa, site vice president and Entergy’s top official at Indian Point.

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1 killed, 3 hurt in accident at Arkansas nuclear plant

[Comment:  Our condolences to the Entergy family.  This tragic event could have happened anywhere.]

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. -

Entergy Arkansas says a worker was killed and three others injured when a heavy piece of equipment fell at a nuclear plant.

The utility says the public is not a risk after the industrial accident Sunday morning at its Arkansas Nuclear One plant in Russellville, about 70 miles northwest of Little Rock. Entergy says the workers were moving the equipment from the plant's turbine building.

Entergy and the Arkansas Department of Health say the accident did not affect the plant's reactors. They also say radiation wasn't involved. The reactors have been shut down, and the company says they are stable.

The company stress that there is no danger to the public.

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