Oft-Delayed Vogtle Expansion on Track for 2022 Start January 27, 2022 The two-unit expansion at the Plant Vogtle nuclear power facility in Georgia remains a work in progress, a project that still holds the promise of emissions-free electricity even as construction delays and cost overruns continue to spark debate about its future.…
Cleantech investments soar to a record $755 billion in 2021, BNEF says
Cleantech investments soar to a record $755 billion in 2021, BNEF says Energize Weekly, February 2, 2022 A record $755 billion was invested in energy-transition technologies in 2021 – a 27 percent increase over 2020, according to energy consultant BloombergNEF (BNEF). In addition, climate-tech companies raised $165 billion in equity…
Digital platform launched for repowering coal plants
Digital platform launched for repowering coal plants 25 January 2022 Bryden Wood has created a new digital platform for making the replacement of coal-fired boilers at existing power plants with advanced modular nuclear reactors possible at scale and speed. Read more
A rise in U.S. renewable generation to reduce fossil-fuel electricity in coming years
A rise in U.S. renewable generation to reduce fossil-fuel electricity in coming years Energize Weekly, January 26, 2022 Generation from renewable energy sources, primarily wind and solar, will reduce fossil-fuel generation over the next two years in the U.S., even as the country’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are set to…
The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future
The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future January 18, 2022 As climate change pushes states in the U.S. to dramatically cut their use of fossil fuels, many are coming to the conclusion that solar, wind and other renewable power sources might not…
NRC denies Oklo license application
NRC denies Oklo license application 07 January 2022 The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has denied Oklo Power’s application to build and operate an Aurora compact fast reactor in Idaho, saying gaps in the information supplied by the company mean that the regulator’s review of the combined licence application cannot move…
Western and Midwestern grids may face supply shortfalls as early as this summer, NERC says
Western and Midwestern grids may face supply shortfalls as early as this summer, NERC says Energize Weekly, January 12, 2022 The Midwest and Western grids could face shortfalls in electricity supply and generating capacity as early as this summer as baseload plants retire and weather-related disruptions become more common, according…
Germany Rejects EU Proposal for Nuclear Energy, Will Rely on Natural Gas
Germany Rejects EU Proposal for Nuclear Energy, Will Rely on Natural Gas 1/3/22 Germany’s government on Monday rejected the European Union‘s proposals to include nuclear energy in the bloc’s climate-focused plans and investments for the future. Instead, the European nation plans to lean heavily on natural gas as an energy source…
A look ahead at advanced nuclear in 2022
A look ahead at advanced nuclear in 2022 Jan 1, 2022 On June 2, TerraPower announced that it would build a demonstration nuclear reactor, known as Natrium, at a retiring Wyoming coal plant. The Bill Gates-fronted nuclear developer had joined forces with utility Rocky Mountain Power, after receiving an $80 million Department…
ERCOT says generation, transmission ready for winter following on-site inspections
ERCOT says generation, transmission ready for winter following on-site inspections 30 Dec 2021 Generation and transmission facilities in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market are ready for winter, ERCOT said Dec. 30 after inspecting more than 300 generation units and 22 transmission facilities representing 85% of the megawatt hours…
The FCC may be facing another nuclear-sized interference problem
The FCC may be facing another nuclear-sized interference problem 12/20/2021 Federal spectrum regulators at the FCC have come under increasing fire over concerns that 5G in C-band spectrum might interfere with aircraft radio altimeters. Indeed, that issue has ballooned into a major national debate, with executives in the airline industry claiming a “catastrophic…
Bill supporting deployment of advanced nuclear reactors introduced in Senate
Bill supporting deployment of advanced nuclear reactors introduced in Senate December 20, 2021 The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee leaders introduced legislation that would support the commercial deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. Read more
Renewable and coal-fired power generation surge in 2021 led by India and China
Renewable and coal-fired power generation surge in 2021 led by India and China Energize Weekly, December 22, 2021 The global profile for electricity generation in 2021 is a tale of surging old and new power as both renewable energy and coal-fired generation are set to reach record highs, according to…
Operator warns New England power system at ‘heightened risk’ heading into winter
Operator warns New England power system at ‘heightened risk’ heading into winter Dec 11, 2021 New England’s electric grid operator warned Monday that power outages are possible if an extended cold snap this winter grips the region and fuel supplies are pinched as demand spikes. ISO-New England said natural gas…
Cincinnati, Columbus settle civil claims related to FirstEnergy bailout
Cincinnati, Columbus settle civil claims related to FirstEnergy bailout December 14, 2021 The cities of Cincinnati and Columbus have dismissed their state court claims against FirstEnergy and Energy Harbor for the companies’ actions relating to House Bill 6, the nuclear and coal bailout law at the heart of a $60…
ERCOT inspecting more than 300 Power Plants to ensure Texas Power Grid is ready for winter
ERCOT inspecting more than 300 Power Plants to ensure Texas Power Grid is ready for winter Dec 6, 2021 The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has announced that by the end of this month, they’ll have inspected more than 300 power generation plants. Including natural gas, nuclear, coal, wind…
State Officials See Nuclear Plant as Key to Connecticut’s Energy Goals
State Officials See Nuclear Plant as Key to Connecticut’s Energy Goals DECEMBER 7, 2021 The future of energy — and energy costs — in New England hinge on the continued operation of Millstone Nuclear Power Station if Connecticut remains committed to the administration’s goal of a carbon-free electrical grid by…
Nuclear Bans Tumble as Once-Skeptical States Seek Carbon Cuts
Nuclear Bans Tumble as Once-Skeptical States Seek Carbon Cuts Nov. 30, 2021 States that were once wary about nuclear power are now mulling policies to move forward with it as a way to decarbonize the electric grid, reach emissions-free energy goals, and preserve jobs in communities with aging and shuttering…
$4B Advanced Nuclear Power Plant Set for Former Wyo. Coal Site
$4B Advanced Nuclear Power Plant Set for Former Wyo. Coal Site November 20, 2021 TerraPower LLC, the design startup backed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, has chosen to build a demonstration of its 345-MW Natrium advanced nuclear reactor in Kemmerer, Wyo., near the Naughton two-unit, coal-fired plant that is set…
A New Generation of Nuclear Reactors Could Hold the Key to a Green Future
A New Generation of Nuclear Reactors Could Hold the Key to a Green Future NOVEMBER 16, 2021 On a conference-room whiteboard in the heart of Silicon Valley, Jacob DeWitte sketches his startup’s first product. In red marker, it looks like a beer can in a Koozie, stuck with a crazy…
Q&A: Options for the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant
Q&A: Options for the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant November 8, 2021 The Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in California, the only one still operating in the state, is set to close in 2025. A team of researchers at MIT’s Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems, Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems…
Nuclear power plant operators want to run for eight decades, but a federal lab in Washington state found ‘critical gaps’ in knowledge about how reactors age
Nuclear power plant operators want to run for eight decades, but a federal lab in Washington state found ‘critical gaps’ in knowledge about how reactors age Nov. 1, 2021 Federal regulators have embarked on a new era of relicensing that could eventually enable Washington’s Columbia Generating Station and many other…
New Delay for Georgia Nuclear Reactors as Costs Mount
New Delay for Georgia Nuclear Reactors as Costs Mount Oct. 25, 2021 Georgia Power Co. is pushing back the startup date for its two new nuclear reactors near Augusta, saying it’s still redoing sloppy construction work and that contractors still aren’t meeting deadlines. Read more
Canadian regulator renews OPG’s license to develop SMR
Canadian regulator renews OPG’s license to develop SMR 18 October 2021 The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is renewing Ontario Power Generation’s license for a project eventually building a small modular reactor (SMR) at its Darlington site. Read more
Climate-driven weather disasters threaten global energy infrastructure, IEA says
Climate-driven weather disasters threaten global energy infrastructure, IEA says Energize Weekly, October 20, 2021 Energy and infrastructure systems built over the last century are becoming more vulnerable to the ravages of climate change-driven extreme weather events, according to a series of reports. “Extreme weather events over the past year have…
DOE Announces $20 Million to Produce Clean Hydrogen From Nuclear Power
DOE Announces $20 Million to Produce Clean Hydrogen From Nuclear Power October 7, 2021 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $20 million in funding to demonstrate technology that will produce clean hydrogen energy from nuclear power. This innovative approach will allow clean hydrogen to serve as a source…
World energy consumption to rise 50 percent by 2050 with fossil fuels still dominant, EIA says
World energy consumption to rise 50 percent by 2050 with fossil fuels still dominant, EIA says Energize Weekly, October 13, 2021 Global energy consumption is forecast to increase 50 percent over the next 30 years if no policies or new technologies are introduced to curb demand, according to the U.S.…
Lynn Good projects $100B in spending on ‘clean energy transition’ at Duke Energy in the next 10 years
Lynn Good projects $100B in spending on ‘clean energy transition’ at Duke Energy in the next 10 years Sep 30, 2021 Touting Duke Energy Corp.’s sustainability goals at a presentation an S&P Global Inc. conference, CEO Lynn Good said the company will spend close to $100 billion on its transition to clean…
Why California is shutting down its last nuclear plant
Why California is shutting down its last nuclear plant OCT 2 2021 As blackouts and flex hours roil California, the state and the local utility responsible for its last nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, are pushing ahead with plans to shut it down. This despite the fact that nuclear energy…
State, federal actions show growing push for a nuclear role in reaching net zero emissions
State, federal actions show growing push for a nuclear role in reaching net zero emissions Sept. 28, 2021 Nuclear power advocates are increasingly emphasizing the value of existing but financially struggling U.S. nuclear plants in curbing carbon emissions and addressing climate change. Read more
The end of an era: TVA gives up construction permit for Bellefonte nuclear plant after 47 years
The end of an era: TVA gives up construction permit for Bellefonte nuclear plant after 47 years September 17, 2021 Nearly 47 years after construction began on the Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant in Northeast Alabama, the Tennessee Valley Authority is giving up its construction permit for America’s biggest unfinished nuclear…
Utilities face greatest threat as climate risks intensify
Utilities face greatest threat as climate risks intensify 20 Sep, 2021 Climate change is pushing power, gas and water companies to the frontlines of an intensifying battle against natural disasters that is set to increasingly hit the profits of businesses around the world. Utilities face the highest combined physical risk…
Illinois Legislature saves at-risk nuclear plants with clean energy bill
Illinois Legislature saves at-risk nuclear plants with clean energy bill September 13, 2021 The Illinois Legislature has approved legislation providing nearly $700 million in subsidies over five years to save unprofitable nuclear plants, acting in the final hour to stop at least one from shutting down. Read more
Solar could power 45 percent of U.S. electricity by 2050 with multi-billion dollar investment, DOE says
Solar could power 45 percent of U.S. electricity by 2050 with multi-billion dollar investment, DOE says Energize Weekly, September 15, 2021 The U.S. could get 40 percent of its electricity from solar installations by 2035 and 45 percent by 2050 – through $225 to $560 billion in the power grid…
Westinghouse to pay over $20 million for failed Summer project
Westinghouse to pay over $20 million for failed Summer project Sep 2, 2021 Westinghouse Electric Company has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Department of Justice in connection with its role in the failed effort to build two AP1000 reactors at the Summer nuclear plant in Jenkinsville, S.C. Read…
Los Angeles City Council approves transition to clean, carbon-free energy by 2035
Los Angeles City Council approves transition to clean, carbon-free energy by 2035 September 3rd, 2021 In a unanimous vote, the Los Angeles City Council yesterday (September 1) approved a motion introduced by Councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Mitch O’Farrelll requiring that 100 percent of the city’s electricity come from clean, zero carbon energy by 2035. Read…
A New Frontier for Nuclear: Partnering With Utilities on Decommissioned Coal Sites
A New Frontier for Nuclear: Partnering With Utilities on Decommissioned Coal Sites August 30, 2021 Using existing coal infrastructure comes with perks that could speed the nuclear industry’s permitting and building processes in a moment when speed is of the essence. Read more
Finland’s Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor faces another delay
Finland’s Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor faces another delay August 23, 2021 The start of Finland’s much-delayed Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor has been pushed back by a further three months, with full power production now scheduled for June 2022, operator TVO said in a statement late on Friday. Read more
NM could get billions in new federal funding
NM could get billions in new federal funding August 23, 2021 Congress is gearing up to approve the largest federal investments in infrastructure and social programs since the Great Depression in the 1930s, and New Mexico could reap huge benefits. Read more
As Vogtle’s costs rise, changes near for reviewing project’s run-away expenses
As Vogtle’s costs rise, changes near for reviewing project’s run-away expenses AUGUST 17, 2021 State regulators will consider signing off Tuesday on a plan marking a significant shift in how cost overruns are handled for Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle expansion, which is already billions of dollars over budget and years…
3D-printed components in service at TVA reactor
3D-printed components in service at TVA reactor 10 August 2021 Four first-of-a-kind 3D-printed fuel assembly channel fasteners have been installed and are now under routine operating conditions at unit 2 of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA’s) Browns Ferry nuclear power plant in Alabama. The components were produced at the US Department…
Nuclear Power Could Get Lifeline in Senate Infrastructure Bill
Nuclear Power Could Get Lifeline in Senate Infrastructure Bill August 1, 2021 Struggling nuclear power reactors could be given a $6 billion lifeline in the bipartisan infrastructure bill being written in the U.S. Senate, according to a draft obtained by Bloomberg News. Read more
Bipartisan $1T Senate infrastructure bill focuses on nuclear, carbon capture, transmission
Bipartisan $1T Senate infrastructure bill focuses on nuclear, carbon capture, transmission Aug. 3, 2021 A bipartisan group of senators on Sunday unveiled its nearly $1 trillion infrastructure bill, formalized into text following a 67-32 consensus to advance the legislation. The vote to advance the bill included the support of 17 Republicans. Read…
FirstEnergy Federally Charged in Ohio Nuclear Bailout Scheme
FirstEnergy Federally Charged in Ohio Nuclear Bailout Scheme Jul 22, 2021 Facing a federal charge for honest services wire fraud in a corruption case related to the billion-dollar nuclear plant bailout in Ohio, FirstEnergy Corp. has agreed to abide by the terms of a three-year deferred prosecution settlement to get…
U.S. Power Sector Sees Biggest One-Year Drop in Emissions in More Than Two Decades
U.S. Power Sector Sees Biggest One-Year Drop in Emissions in More Than Two Decades JULY 23, 2021 U.S. power sector emissions dropped 10 percent between 2019 and 2020, owing to greater energy efficiency, less reliance on coal, and the coronavirus pandemic suppressing demand for electricity, according to a new report. This…
Barrasso says new legislation sets stage for new Wyoming Natrium nuclear reactor
Barrasso says new legislation sets stage for new Wyoming Natrium nuclear reactor July 19, 2021 Wyoming’s U.S. Sen. John Barrasso on Friday helped introduce the “American Nuclear Infrastructure Act,” legislation which he says would set the stage “to deploy advanced nuclear technologies like the Natrium reactor coming to Wyoming.” Read…
Nuclear cost overrun could mean billions in extra Georgia Power profit
Nuclear cost overrun could mean billions in extra Georgia Power profit July 9, 2021 Consumers may end up paying for billions of dollars in cost overruns on the Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion. But for Georgia Power and its parent Southern Co., the extra costs could represent a huge financial windfall:…
More than half the U.S. faces electricity supply problems in the face of a long, hot summer
More than half the U.S. faces electricity supply problems in the face of a long, hot summer Energize Weekly, July 7, 2021 More than half the U.S. – primarily in the West, Texas, Midwest and to a lesser extent, New England – is at risk of energy emergencies this summer,…
Oklo has a plan to make tiny nuclear reactors that run off nuclear waste
Oklo has a plan to make tiny nuclear reactors that run off nuclear waste JUN 28 2021 The face of nuclear energy is changing, and one of the companies working to redefine what nuclear energy looks like is Oklo. The 22-person Silicon Valley start-up has a plan to build mini-nuclear reactors,…
IOUs cut carbon emissions in 2020, though the footprint remains big for some
IOUs cut carbon emissions in 2020, though the footprint remains big for some Energize Weekly, June 30, 2021 Coal-fired generation and carbon emissions are down among the largest investor-owned utilities, but even with sharp drops in emissions, the carbon footprint for some companies remains large, according to survey data from…
