What does a major US utility with 18,100 MWe of generating capacity do when new owners seek to maximise its assets and prospects for decades ahead from 2007?
Texas-based TXU Corporation's share price had sagged due to public disquiet with proposals to build 11 new coal-fired power plants and the company accepted a $45 billion private equity buyout. It then announced that plans for eight of the coal-fired plants would be scrapped due to their CO2 emissions, thus "preventing 56 million tons of annual carbon [dioxide] emissions." Some $400 million would be invested in demand-side management initiatives, and there would be increased attention on "exploring renewable energy sources." However, the main priority would remain: "addressing Texas' immediate and future energy and reliability needs."
However, plans for two to six large nuclear reactors at Comanche Peak (in addition to the two 1150 MWe reactors now operating there) and probably two other sites were affirmed, and two weeks later the technology choice for these was announced. Two environmental groups - Environmental Defence and Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) - were closely involved and endorsed the deal, along with the major change of company policy. It was also announced that William Reilly, Chairman Emeritus of World Wildlife Fund and former EPA Administrator, would join the TXU board "and lead effort in making climate stewardship central to corporate policies".
The head of the NRDC Climate Centre said that the group did not have a problem with more nuclear plants being built if the industry could finance them without government subsidies. However, he still saw downsides to nuclear power.
The company said that "The acquisition of TXU by the investor group will be accompanied by an environmental focus that will make TXU a leader in conservation and energy efficiency, creating a fundamental change in the Texas electric market. In addition, the company's new strategic direction will seek to achieve top environmental performance in the industry and greater involvement and dialogue with environmental, government and community leaders." In particular, TXU will join the US Climate Action Partnership lobbying for changed US policy and "TXU is also pledging to support the mandatory cap and trade program to regulate carbon emissions."
The investor group is led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Texas Pacific Group (TPG), two of the nation's leading private equity firms, and involved Goldman Sachs & Co., a leading global investment bank. Rich Friedman, Global Head of Goldman Sachs' Merchant Banking Division, said: "This transaction serves as a model for long-term environmental stewardship. By investing in new technologies, encouraging conservation and reducing carbon emissions and pollutants, TXU is on the path to being a 21st century power company. We, together with KKR and TPG, are proud to have been able to play a constructive role in the development of the significant environmental elements that help set this transaction apart."
TXU has now withdrawn permit applications for the eight pulverised coal plants, cutting new coal capacity from 11 to 2 GWe, but said it needed to proceed with the other three to meet short-term demand. A week later TXU announced that it had started planning for two "clean coal" commercial demonstration plants for Texas. These will be Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) units with carbon dioxide capture and sequestration, one burning black coal and one brown coal (lignite). IGCC plants produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide which are then burned in a gas turbine with secondary steam turbine (ie combined cycle) to produce electricity. Depending on how much CO2 capture is envisaged, these will probably need to be oxygen-fed so as to give concentrated CO2 in the flue gas.
TXU expects to lodge the combined construction and operating licence (COL) application for the nuclear units including the greenfield sites by October 2008 - for the first two units at Comanche Peak probably earlier. This would bring the units on line 2015-2020. Design certification application for the Mitsubishi US-APWR reactors is expected in March 2008 with approval possibly in 2011. If all six US-APWR units are built this will total over 10 GWe - almost as much as the pre-takeover coal-fired plans.
TXU 26/2, 1/3 & 9/3/07, Nucleonics Week 1 & 15/3/07.USA invests in nuclear prospects
As about 15 companies and consortia prepare to lodge combined construction and operation licence applications for up to 33 new reactors, the US Nuclear Energy Institute says that they will have invested at least $2 billion by the end of 2007. This money is being spent on design and engineering work for new reactor types, on preparation of licence applications and in procurement of long-lead equipment such as reactor vessels and steam generators. While not all the proposals are likely to go forward in the short term, some 40 GWe of new capacity is involved. Financing will be a major challenge.
In 2006 the 103 US nuclear plants in 31 states produced 787.6 billion kWh at a record low production cost of 1.66 c/kWh (excluding capital component). The industry is steadily building the value of its assets through license renewal - adding 20 years to the original 40-year operating term for nuclear plants, and 48 renewals have been granted so far.
NEI 20 & 22/2/07.
First US Early Site Permit
Exelon has been awarded the first Early Site Permit for its Clinton plant in Illinois, after 41 months processing by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and public review. The ESP is one of three strands of streamlined permitting for new nuclear plants. No particular technology is specified, but the site is declared suitable on safety, environmental and related grounds for new nuclear power plant up to a total of 2400 MWe. The Clinton site has a single 1026 MWe twenty year old boiling water reactor. Further ESP approvals are expected this year. With a reactor type that has US design certification, a utility then needs a combined construction and operating licence (COL). The first COL applications are expected to be lodged this year, with three years processing envisaged.
Platts 8/3/07.
US utility chooses Japanese reactor for new plant
Rather than choosing one of the four main contenders for new nuclear plant construction in the USA, TXU has signed a memorandum of understanding for supply of two 1700 MWe Mitsubishi unis - the US-APWR - for Comanche Peak in the suburbs of Dallas. This is not yet in the queue for US Design Certification, but the design has evolved from Westinghouse pressurised water reactors which Mitsubishi has built under licence in Japan and which are common in the USA. They will be the first Japanese exports of full reactors. The Washington Group International will be involved in US developments with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Nucleonics Week 15/3/07.
USA boosts nuclear budgets
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) expects to receive $217 million in FY-2008 (from October '07) to fund evaluation of proposals for new nuclear plants, up from $133 million in 2007, to cover the review of about 12-15 combined construction permit - operating licence (COL) applications expected to be lodged. Some 90% of NRC's overall budget is recovered from industry.
The Department of Energy seeks $24.3 billion for its FY-2008 budget, including $875 million for nuclear energy programs. The Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative for closing the fuel cycle and supporting the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership would receive $395 million of this (up from $167.5 million this year) and Generation-IV R&D would get $36 million (same as FY-07), chiefly for the very high temperature reactor. The Nuclear Power 2010 program aimed at early deployment of advanced reactors would get $114 million, up from $80 million this year. There is also $385 million for clean coal technologies, $1240 million for renewables and energy efficiency and $428 million for basic fusion research.
The DOE budget document says that the USA needs to construct 8 to 12 GWe of new generating capacity each year to 2030 - 345 GWe total. The NP2010 program aims to contribute to this by making it possible for utilities to have a real option of deciding on nuclear plants by FY-2010. In particular it will enable first-of-a-kind design activities to firm up costs and enable long lead-time procurement for GE's ESBWR and Westinghouse AP1000 reactor designs.
No funds were sought for university programs as enrollments in nuclear engineering have reached targeted levels to support the anticipated nuclear renaissance in USA.
DOE 5/2/07, Nucleonics Week 8/2 & 22/3/07.
US power forecasts grow
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) sees the need for 64 GWe of new nuclear generating capacity in the USA by 2030 - 24 GWe of it by 2020, with nuclear representing some 25.5% of output by 2030. EPRI assessed technologies with significant potential to reduce CO2 emissions from US power generation within the next 25-30 years while accommodating increased demand, endorsing nuclear power as one of seven options. EPRI recommends the continued operation of existing nuclear generating plants, with a substantial expansion to include new advanced light-water reactors.
In contrast, the US Energy Information Administration in its latest annual outlook projects only 12.5 GWe of new nuclear capacity by 2030, plus 2.7 GWe from uprates and less 2.6 GWe of plant retirements in its reference case. A huge increase in coal use is projected. Nuclear would then contribute only 15% of US electricity. However, with increased fuel costs (eg gas 28% higher than reference case) new nuclear capacity would be 24 GWe.
EIA 20/2/07, EPRI 15/2/07.
New review of terrorist threat
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has updated its requirements for protection of nuclear power plants from terrorist attack from land or water. In respect to impact of a large aircraft the NRC relies on military intervention but points out that nuclear plants are "inherently robust structures that provide adequate protection in a hypothetical attack by an airplane."
WNN 31/1/07.
US uranium production rising
US uranium production in 2006 was 1870 tonnes U3O8 (1586 tU), a 53% increase on 2005. This came from the White Mesa mill and five in situ leach (ISL) operations: Crow Butte, Smith Ranch-Highland, Alta Mesa, Kingsville Dome and Vasquez.
EIA 13/2/07.
Fourth US utility compensated for government inaction on used fuel
Duke Energy has negotiated $56 million compensation plus ongoing costs from tax funds for the failure of the Department of Energy to start removing used fuel by its 1998 deadline.
Platts 6/3/07.
EU commits to reduce CO2
The European Council has endorsed the European Commission's Strategic Energy Review and agreed on a unilateral cut of 20% in EU greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, relative to 1990 levels. The current commitment is 8% reduction by 2012. This will require strengthening and extending carbon trading arrangements as well as deploying low- or zero-carbon technology. If other countries at the expanded G8 meeting in June (G8 plus India, China and Brazil) join the EU in committing to a 20% reduction, the EU will increase its figure to 30% reduction. French President Chirac described the outcome as "one of the great moments of European history."
The Council also set a target of meeting 20% of EU energy needs from renewables, leaving individual countries to decide their own policies in such a way as to allow nuclear power as part of their energy mix to be taken into consideration in allocating individual country targets for renewables. The Council noted "the European Commission's assessment of the contribution of nuclear energy in meeting the growing concerns about safety of energy supply and CO2 emission reductions" and it acknowledged the role of nuclear energy "as a low CO2-emitting energy source".
WNN 9/3/07, Times 10/3/07, Foratom statement.
Poland and Baltic Sates to build reactor
The three Baltic states and Poland have agreed to build a new nuclear plant at Ignalina, initially with 3200 MWe. Lithuania as host will have 34% of the project and Poland, Latvia and Estonia 22% each.
Nucleonics Week 1/3/07.
Russia plans early reactor construction
Rosatom plans to begin construction of Russia's first two power plants using its advanced pressurised water reactor - AES-2006 - later this year, with first concrete in March 2008 and first power late in 2012. The 1200 MWe units will be built at Leningrad II and Novovoronezh, eventually with four and two new reactors respectively. The first pair of units at each site is expected to cost US$ 3.0 - 3.7 billion.
Nucleonics Week 8/2/07.
Russia joins OECD nuclear agency
Russia has signed a cooperation declaration with the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), bringing it much more into the mainstream of Western nuclear industry development. Russia has been participating for some years in the NEA's work on reactor safety and nuclear regulation and is hosting an NEA project on reactor vessel melt-through. Last year Russia joined the Generation-IV International Forum, for which NEA provides the secretariat. The NEA is expanding its scope in line with international interest, and expects to increase its involvement with China. Both Russia and China are members of the NEA's Multinational Design Evaluation Program which is increasingly important in rationalising reactor design criteria. This agreement will also progress Russia's integration into the OECD.
Nucleonics Week 22/3/07.
Switzerland affirms nuclear future
The Swiss government has announced that the existing five nuclear power reactors should be replaced in due course with new units. The new energy policy includes renewables, energy efficiency and gas-fired plants, but has nuclear continuing to carry the main load apart from hydro, which is not amenable to expansion. Without new investment a 20 billion kWh/yr shortfall is predicted by 2020 - 25% of demand. A 2003 public referendum affirmed nuclear power for the country's energy future.
WNN 22/2/07.
Balkan states appeal to EU over Bulgarian reactor
Five Balkan states called for the EU to allow Bulgaria to restart its Kozloduy 3 and 4 nuclear power reactors. Bulgaria agreed to shut down the two Soviet-designed units by the end of 2006 as part of its EU accession treaty. However, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Albania and Croatia said in a joint statement that they were "concerned about the current electricity supply problems in the region, which could result in higher economic and political instability." They said that electricity prices in the region had risen 80-100% in the past year. The EU is unlikely to relent, having compensated Bulgaria for the closures. Slovakia and Lithuania have also asked the European Commission for permission to restart Soviet-era reactors shut down as part of their accession commitments, pending replacement capacity being commissioned.
EUObserver 14/3/07.
British Energy seeks cash for new nuclear plants
British Energy has called for private equity partners to help fund major investment in new nuclear plants in UK. Various major European utilities and also private equity groups are interested.
BE 13/2/07.
International report on UK energy policy
The OECD's International Energy Agency (IEA) has released an in-depth report on the UK. It supports the government's policy shift to encourage new nuclear construction and reduce reliance on gas, along with streamlining the planning process for new energy infrastructure to achieve greater security of supply. In launching the report the head of IEA said that while nuclear power was "absolutely needed" in UK, the government must not delay grappling with its nuclear waste problem, having put it off for years. łNuclear will not be developed if there is not a credible, satisfactory answer to nuclear waste.˛ The UK needed to catch up with Finland and France in this area, which he said is critical for gaining public confidence in nuclear power.
IEA 1/3/07.
Sweden uprates Ringhals reactor
Following approval from the Nuclear Power Inspectorate (SKI) the capacity of Ringhals unit 3 has been increased by 80 MWe - nearly 10% - to 1040 MWe. A further increment is in view by 2012.
Nucleonics Week 1/2/07.
UK-US research collaboration
Nexia Solutions, the lead company in establishing the UK's National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), has formed a partnership with the USA's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to enable the two major centres of nuclear technology to "pool resources and expertise to benefit both countries as well as global initiatives such as the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP)." As INL managers help Nexia set up the NNL, Nexia will assist INL in the field of used nuclear fuel recycling and with advice on fuel acquisition for very high-temperature reactors.
WNN 21/2/07.
Russian charm offensive
In recent months Rosatom has actively pursued cooperation deals in South Africa, Namibia, Chile and Morocco. It also signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy's Enel for cooperation on nuclear power projects in third countries, notably Eastern and Central Europe (where Enel has a major presence), using Russian technology. Tenex has also entered agreements to mine and explore for uranium in South Africa (with local companies) and in Canada (with Cameco).
WNN 15/3/07, Nuclear.Ru 20/3/07.
Powerful new Russian icebreaker
Russia's sixth and largest Arktika-class icebreaker - 50 Years of Victory - has started trials from St Petersburg. It is 25,000 dwt, powered by two 171 MW OK-900 reactors and is designed to break through ice up to 2.8 metres thick. It has been under construction since 1989 and was launched in 1993 as NS Ural.
RIA Novosti 13/9/06, Bellona 6/2/07.
France building new research reactor
The French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) has started construction of a 100 MWt materials test reactor at Cadarache. The Jules Horowitz reactor is the first such unit to be built for several decades, and has been identified by the EU as a key infrastructure facility to support nuclear power development, as well as producing radioisotopes and irradiating silicon for high-performance electronic use. The EUR 500 million cost is being financed by a consortium including CEA (50%), EdF (20%), Areva (10%) and EU research institutes (20%). Since the anticipated planned high-density U-Mo fuel will not be ready in time for 2013, it will start up on uranium silicide fuel enriched to 27%.
Nucleonics Week 22/3/07.
China progress on new reactors
A framework agreement has been signed between Westinghouse + Shaw Group and China's State Nuclear Power Technology Co to supply four AP1000 third-generation nuclear power reactors, specifying Haiyang in Shandong province as the site of the second pair of the 1100 MWe units, with Sanmen. Final contracts will be signed in mid 2007, construction is to start in 2009 and the first power is expected in 2013. The second site previously specified for these, Yangjiang in Guangdong province, will now get a pair of 1650 MWe Areva EPR reactors. A final agreement with Areva is expected soon and a related agreement with EdF was signed in February. Guangdong has an established preference for French nuclear technology.
Westinghouse 1/3/07, IHT 5/3/07.
Russia aims for more reactors in India
Russian and Indian leaders have agreed in principle that Russia should build four more nuclear power reactors at Kudankulam and further units at other sites in India. A formal agreement is proposed, subject to Russia persuading the Nuclear Suppliers Group to approve the deal and lift its restraints on such trade. It is expected that India will choose the new AES-2006 nuclear plant which is about to be built in Russia. The first fuel for Kudankulam units 1 & 2 will be supplied by Russia in the middle of the year.
Nuclear.Ru 31/1/07.
New Indian reactor starts up
Unit 3 of the Kaiga nuclear power plant has started up after five years construction. Grid connection is expected about the end of March. It is one of the last four 220 MWe (gross) reactors which form the bulk of India's nuclear power capacity. Unit 4 is abut six months behind it. Newer units of the similar pressurised heavy water (PHWR) design will be 490 or 700 MWe.
WNN 27/2/07.
China boosts power capacity
Last year China added 102 GWe of new generating capacity, more than the total installed capacity in UK and Ireland and exactly twice Australia's total. Most of this was coal-fired, and only one 1000 MWe nuclear plant started up. The announcement said that Beijing would resist international pressure to slow its growth in energy demand and CO2 emissions. The 2006 power increment is likely to account for some 500 million extra tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
China Electric Power News in FT 7/2/07.
Namibian uranium prospect firms
UraMin Inc has announced an upgrade of uranium resources at its Trekkopje project in Namibia. A trial mine is planned for late 2007 and commercial production could begin a year later at higher levels than previously expected, possibly 3600 tonnes U3O8 (3000 tU) per year, with open-pit mine and a sodium carbonate/ bicarbonate heap leach process. There has been a substantial conversion of 'inferred' to 'indicated' resources. Measured and indicated resources are now estimated at 21,000 tonnes U3O8 at 0.0146% and inferred resources are 27,000 tonnes U3O8 at slightly lower grade. Over 9000 tonnes of vanadium pentoxide by-product is envisaged.
UraMin 19/2/07.
Chile to propose nuclear power
The Chilean Energy Ministry has announced that it is investigating the development of nuclear power to meet a need for 5 GWe of new generating capacity and secure a measure of energy security as Argentina cuts back gas exports. A major business group has already had discussions with Areva about building a nuclear power plant to connect Chile's northern and central power grids.
Santiago Times 28/2/07.
Japan digs out past reactor incidents
As part of an exercise ordered by Japan's Nuclear & Industrial Safety Agency (NISA), reactor owners have been combing records to divulge past incidents which were not reported at the time - mostly because they were not required to be. However, it has turned up some incidents which should have been reported, including a brief criticality during refuelling at Hokuriku's 540 MWe Shika-1 plant in 1999. A series of deficiencies and errors contributed to the incident, and clearly more should have been learned from it to benefit other operators of boiling water reactors such as Chubu and Tohoku, which have also had control rod anomalies over the last 20 years. NISA has ordered the reactor to be shut down for detailed checks.
Nucleonics Week 22/3/07, WNN.
Russia threatens Iran
The Russian government has told Iran that it will indefinitely withhold fuel for the almost-complete Bushehr nuclear power reactor unless Iran suspends its uranium enrichment program. Some Russian staff working on the project have returned home. Atomstroyexport has been building the 1000 MWe plant, and has agreed both to supply the fuel and take back the used fuel, so Iran does not need to get involved in any of that. Iran has failed to convince the international community that its enrichment program has any peaceful justification, and access to the Natanz enrichment plant by IAEA safeguards inspectors has recently been blocked. The UN Security Council is considering sanctions.
Australian, FT 21/3/07, NTI 20/3/07.
Canadian 2006 production drops
Half year results from Canada's three uranium mines show continued strong output from McArthur River but McClean Lake still grappling with low-grade ore. McArthur River produced 4628 tonnes U3O8 (3924 tU), Rabbit Lake 1148 t (973 tU) and McClean Lake 512 t (434 tU). Full 2006 figures are then 8492 t, 2326 t and 814 t U3O8 (7200, 1972 and 690 tU) respectively, total 11632 tonnes (9863 tU), a 15% drop in production from 2005.
Cameco, Areva Res.
Alberta prepares for nuclear power
Energy Alberta Corp. is planning for a two-unit Candu nuclear power plant to supply energy for oil sands extraction and processing. The C$ 5.5 billion project would probably be built near Fort McMurray and be primarily for electricity rather than steam production. The units would come on line in 2016 and 2017 and probably be followed by two more. Canadian natural gas is inadequate to supply the anticipated expansion in oil sands output and its use has major CO2 implications which are creating public concern. About 20% of the amount of energy in the oil is required to produce it.
Reuters 1/3/07, www.energyab.com
Canada-Russia exploration agreement
Cameco Corporation has further developed it arrangement with Russia's Technabexport (Tenex) jointly to explore for uranium in Russia and later Canada, with the prospect of joint mine developments. Financing of projects will be split equally. Cameco will provide the technology. In Russia Tenex will keep the mined ore and in Canada it will be split evenly.
Cameco 12/3/07, WNN 13/3/07.
Australian uranium production lags
Half year results from Australia's three uranium mines show improved output from Ranger after pit flooding and acid plant problems early in the year, but a modest total. Ranger produced 2760 tonnes U3O8 (2340 tU), Olympic Dam 1613 t (1620 t UOC, 1368 tU) and Beverley 462 t (392 tU). Full 2006 figures are then 4748 t, 3381.5 t and 824.6 t U3O8 (4026.1, 2867.4 and 699.2 tU) respectively, total 8954 tonnes (7592.7 tU) - 20 % down on 2005.
ERA, BHPB, Heathgate.
Australian uranium bid
Australia's Paladin Resources, which has just opened its first uranium mine in Namibia, has made a takeover bid for rival Summit Resources. Paladin owns the Manyingee and Oobagooma deposits in Western Australia as well as the new Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia. It has just decided to proceed with developing the Kayelekera uranium deposit in Malawi, to produce 1500 t U3O8 per year from 2009. Summit Resources controls the Valhalla uranium deposit in NW Queensland, with large and open indicated and inferred resources - part of the Isa Uranium Joint venture. The nearby Skal deposit is also part of it. Last year Paladin bought a 50% interest in the JV, so the takeover bid would bring several prospective properties under Paladin's full ownership. The offer values Summit at just over A$ 1 billion and provides a 34% premium on recent sharemarket transactions. Summit has rejected the bid.
Paladin 27/2/07, Summit 27/2 & 2/3/07.
Energy & Emissions study assesses nuclear power
The Energy Supply Association of Australia (ESAA) has completed a study on electricity supply options relative to CO2 emission constraints in meeting projected load in 2030. For a 67% increase in electricity load, greenhouse gas emission targets of 140%, 100% and 70% of 2000 levels were modeled, with three supply options: all credible technologies; without nuclear; and without both nuclear and fossil fuel (with carbon capture and storage). Constraining CO2 emissions results in nuclear contributing 20% of the power, with overall about 30% increase in costs, hence a need for costing carbon to cover this. ESAA concluded that "the widest possible range of generation technologies will be needed."
ESAA 31/1/07.
Veteran research reactor closed down
After 49 years operation ANSTO's HIFAR research reactor has been closed down and will be decommissioned over the next decade. The new OPAL research reactor, with twice the power and much greater sophistication and versatility has taken over, though it will not be fully operational until April. "OPAL will allow ANSTO to increase its production of radioisotopes using neutron beam techniques and expand its research as well as continue supplying nuclear medicine to half a million Australians each year."
ANSTO 30/1/07.
Scientific consensus firms on climate change
A meeting of the scientific working group of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has assessed the latest information on climate change and firmed up its view that climatic warming since 1950 "is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations," ie more than 90% likely. The warming will continue and produce greater climate changes this century if current or greater levels of emissions occur. The IPCC does not project higher temperature and sea level rises than in its previous report five years ago, but instead brings increased certainty to earlier projections. Its 1600-page section of the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report was published early in February and provides a substantial basis for government policies worldwide. The report's section on Adaptation will be finalised in April and that on Mitigation in May.
IPCC 2/2/07.
Major uranium company merger
SXR Uranium One Inc has agreed to acquire UrAsia Energy for some US$ 3.1 billion. The combined company, to be known as Uranium One, would have a market capitalisation of some $5 billion, making it the second largest pure uranium company, behind Cameco. It would have uranium production and assets in Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, South Africa and the USA. Estimated production in 2008 would be over 3200 tonnes U3O8 from five small mines (Dominion, Akdala, South Inkai, Kharassan and Honeymoon), ranking it seventh in the world. Claimed production costs are $22-26/kg U3O8. Potential production about 2012 is 8500 t/yr U3O8. The company's proven and probable reserves would be 22,200 tonnes U3O8, indicated resources 46,300t and inferred resources 122,000t.
SXR Uranium One 12/2/07.
2006 a boom year for wind
In 2006 new wind turbine capacity of 15,197 MW was installed, taking the world total to 74,223 MWe, a 25% increase costing US$ 23 billion. The biggest increments were in USA, Germany, India, Spain and China - all with more than 1000 MWe. The largest capacities are now Germany (20,621 MWe), Spain (11,615 MWe) and the USA (11,603 MWe). The US capacity is claimed to produce 31 billion kWh/yr at 30.5% capacity factor, and is subsidized by a 1.8c/kWh production tax credit. In contrast, only 1490 MWe of new nuclear capacity started up in 2006.
GWEC 8/2/07, AWEA 23/1/07.
Reactor table
Nuclear fuel cycle
Economics of nuclear power
Uranium markets
Uranium supply
Energy subsidies & external costs
Renewable energy & electricity
Plans for new reactors worldwide
Advanced reactors
Global warming - science
Policy responses to global warming
Country papers: Australia's uranium & who buys it
Canada's uranium & nuclear power
Nuclear power in China
Nuclear power in Czech Republic,
Nuclear power in France,
Nuclear power in Germany
Nuclear power in India,
Nuclear power in Italy
Nuclear power in Japan,
Uranium & Nuclear power in Kazakhstan,
Nuclear power in Korea,
Nuclear power in Mexico,
Uranium in Namibia (new),
Uranium in Niger & Gabon (new),
Nuclear power in Pakistan,
Nuclear power in Russia
Nuclear power in Ukraine,
Nuclear power in Slovakia
Nuclear power in South Africa
Nuclear power in Switzerland,
Nuclear power in UK
Nuclear power in USA
Emerging nuclear energy countries
Asia's nuclear energy growth
Nuclear power prospects in Australia
Japanese waste shipments from Europe
Processing used nuclear fuel for recycle
Safeguards appendix
Nuclear renaissance
Nuclear powered ships
Australian uranium mines (mines paper)
See also Ux Consulting graphs
World reactor changes in last two months:
Sweden: Ringhals 3: 80 MWe uprate to 1040 MWe
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