The G8 leaders meeting in St Petersburg singled out nuclear energy as an important component of Global Energy Security, with the acquiescence of Germany, which has continuing policy paralysis on the question: "Those of us who have or are considering plans relating to the use and/or development of safe and secure nuclear energy believe that its development will contribute to global energy security, while simultaneously reducing harmful air pollution and addressing the climate change challenge. The development of innovative nuclear power systems is considered an important element for efficient and safe nuclear energy development. In this respect, we acknowledge the efforts made in the complementary frameworks of the INPRO project and the Generation IV International Forum.
"We reaffirm the objective set out in the 2004 G8 Action Plan on Non-Proliferation to allow reliable access of all countries to nuclear energy on a competitive basis, consistent with non-proliferation commitment and standards. Building on that plan, we intend to make additional joint efforts to ensure reliable access to low enriched uranium for power reactor fuel and spent fuel recycling, including, as appropriate, through multilateral mechanisms provided that the countries adhere to all relevant international non-proliferation commitments and comply with their obligations.
"In this respect, we take note of recent potentially complementary initiatives put forward in the IAEA framework regarding multilateral fuel supply assurances, as well as the proposals made by Russia and the USA, aimed at further development of peaceful nuclear energy, in a manner that promotes proliferation resistance of the nuclear fuel cycle, including preventing the spread of sensitive nuclear technologies."
Immediately afterwards, presidents Bush and Putin elaborated:"The United States and the Russian Federation are convinced that reliable and sufficient energy supplies are the cornerstone of sustainable economic development and prosperity for all nations, and a necessary condition for maintaining international stability. Today nuclear energy is a proven technology for providing reliable electric power without emissions of greenhouse gases, and is an essential part of any solution to meet growing energy demand.
"We share the view that nuclear energy has an essential role in the promotion of energy security, which is an issue of special concern for the leaders of the G-8. Advancing nuclear energy will require further development of innovative technologies that reduce the risk of proliferation, provide for safe management of waste, are economically viable, and are environmentally safe.
"Being consistent in our approach to assure access to the benefits of nuclear energy for all nations complying with their non-proliferation obligations, we have each proposed initiatives on the development of a global nuclear energy infrastructure, specifically the Russian proposal to establish a system of international centers to provide nuclear fuel services, including uranium enrichment, under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, and the US proposal for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership to develop innovative nuclear reactor and fuel cycle technologies.
"Following up on these initiatives, the United States and the Russian Federation intend to work together, actively involving the IAEA, to allow all nations to enjoy the benefits of nuclear energy without pursuing uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities. The United States and the Russian Federation together with four other nuclear fuel supplier states have also proposed a concept for reliable access to nuclear fuel for consideration and development at the IAEA.
"We call upon other countries to join us to facilitate the safe and secure expansion of nuclear energy worldwide. Proceeding from our national interests and common goals, and recognizing the benefits of civil commercial nuclear trade, we express our intent to develop bilateral cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We have directed our Governments to begin negotiations with the purpose of concluding an agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy."
Australian PM echoes international sentiment
In a major speech on energy and water issue, the Australian Prime Minister John Howard was outspoken on the need to have nuclear power as alive option in energy policy.
"Australia cannot absent itself from global developments surrounding nuclear energy. We are part of the nuclear fuel cycle, whether we like it or not. With close to 40 per cent of the worldıs known low-cost uranium deposits, for Australia to bury its head in the sand on nuclear energy is akin to Saudi Arabia turning its back on global oil developments.
"Uranium is already Australiaıs second largest energy export in terms of energy content and it plays a major role in decreasing the greenhouse intensity of other nations. Japanıs 54 nuclear power stations alone save the equivalent of Australiaıs total greenhouse emissions, facilitated by our exports of uranium.
"The Taskforce I announced last month . will test the capacity of this country to maturely examine issues related to our long-term energy future and how this intersects with the need to control greenhouse gas emissions. If Australia does not engage, if we sacrifice rational discussion on the altar of anti-nuclear theology (sic) and political opportunism, we will pay a price. Maybe not today or tomorrow. But in 10, 15, 20 years time, Australia will assuredly pay a price."
G8 Global Energy Security 16/7/06, Bush-Putin statement 17/7/06, Howard CEDA transcript 17/7/06.
US utility plans large new reactors
NRG Energy has announced plans to build 8 GWe of base-load capacity across the USA in the next decade, notably two 1358 MWe ABWR nuclear units costing $5.2 billion at its South Texas NPP site, coming on line 2014-15. The company aims to reduce dependence on natural gas and reduce the carbon intensity of it base-load fleet by 20-25%. This is the most conservative equipment choice among potential new nuclear build in USA, reflecting the fact that such GE-Hitachi units are well proven, four of them having been operating in Japan for up to ten years, and they are fully certified in USA. The "investments will be underpinned by long-term offtake contracts and hedges" as well as equity partners, which will be innovative in the US context. Most of the rest of the base-load capacity is to be coal-fired. The company plans to apply for a combined construction and operating licence (COL) late in 2007.
NRG 21/6/06, Nucleonics Week 29/6/06.
Licence for new US enrichment plant
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has licensed construction of the National Enrichment Facility in New Mexico, the first major nuclear facility licensed in the USA for over thirty years. The initiative for the new plant came from Urenco, the European company operating the world's most efficient centrifuge technology which it has developed over several decades. The technology has recently been sold to Areva for replacing France's capacity, and was earlier stolen and copied by others. The new plant will be a major step forward in underwriting new US nuclear generating capacity and in ensuring security of fuel supply, with flexibility of operation enabling more energy input to produce more fuel from the same natural uranium feed if required.
The path to US licensing has been difficult since the formation of the Louisiana Enrichment Services (LES) in 1989, anticipating operation of a plant in 1995. In 2002 LES (now wholly owned by Urenco) formed an association with Cameco, Westinghouse, Fluor Daniel and three US utilities. In 2003 it applied for a licence for building a plant in New Mexico and after 30 months that has now been granted. Utility support for the venture - now amounting to $3.15 billion in orders - has been crucial in persuading NRC that further US enrichment capacity is required beyond that provided and envisaged by USEC. First production from the $1.5 billion plant is expected in 2008, with full capacity of 3 million SWU/yr being reached in 2013.
Urenco 26/6/06, Ux Weekly 26/6/06.
Further reactor licence extension
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed the operating licences for both of Progress Energy's nuclear reactors at Brunswick for 20 years, taking them to 2034 and 2036. They were uprated 15% in 2002. US licence renewals now total 44.
NRC 26/6/06.
Nuclear performs in heatwave
All but one of the 103 US nuclear power reactors were on line coping with record demand across much of the country during a heatwave on July 17. The nuclear units contributed about 98,000 MWe net. Real-time power prices across the country topped $300/MWh (30c/kWh) and hit $399 in California.
Platts 17/7/06.
Sale of US reactor
Entergy has agreed to buy the 805 MWe Palisades nuclear power plant from CMS subsidiary Consumers Energy for US$ 242 million ($301/kW) plus $83 million for the fuel and $55 million for other assets. It started up in 1971 and a 20-year licence extension is expected early next year. Entergy, which will then own 11 nuclear power reactors and manage a 12th, will sell all the power back to Consumers Energy for 15 years. Entergy will assume responsibility for eventual decommissioning of the plant, though the vendor will retain $200 million of the current $566 million decommissioning funds, with the later return of $116 million more pending a favorable federal tax ruling.
Entergy 12/7/06.
Reactor cost projections creep upwards
With inflation and the prospect of competition for engineering services and labour, US reactor vendors are revising upwards their projected plant costs (overnight capital cost). Areva is now estimating US$ 1800-2000/kW capacity for US EPR, Westinghouse $1500-1800/kW for AP1000, and GE $1850/kW for ABWR and $1600/kW for ESBWR. At $2000/kW the cost of nuclear power would be likely to work out at 6 cents/kWh, higher than current short-term projections for coal or gas. Government incentives on offer for the first few GWe of new-generation plant could halve this however, and series construction would also reduce the cost.
Nucleonics Week 6/7/06.
US uranium mining hots up
Conventional (non-ISL) uranium mining in the USA is set to resume after some years. International Uranium Corp (IUC) expects to produce about 1550 tonnes U3O8 (1300 tU) in 2008 through its White Mesa mill in southeastern Utah, from its own and purchased ore, as well as doing some toll milling. IUC will open its Colorado Plateau /Uravan Mineral Belt mines immediately, containing 2500 t U3O8 (2100 tU) in placer deposits plus vanadium co-product. It will then begin production from its Henry Mountains mines in Utah including Bullfrog, which have 10,900 t U3O8 (9250 tU). It will spend $13 million on mill refurbishment, $10 million on mines and then $35 million on the Bullfrog mine for mid 2008 start. It may also reopen its mines in the Arizona Strip in 2007.
Toronto-based SXR Uranium One has secured the right to buy Rio Tinto's Sweetwater uranium mill and associated uranium properties in south-central Wyoming for $110 million and also US Energy's Shootaring Canyon mill in Utah and associated properties in four contiguous states for $50 million, in each case plus royalties. US Energy had been planning to bring its Shootaring Canyon mill back into production at a cost of $31 million.
IUC 14/6/06, NuclearFuel 19/6/06, Sxr Uranium One 10 & 11/7/06.
US approves India agreement
The US House of Representatives has approved by a large majority an agreement with India to allow the supply of nuclear materials and technology under international safeguards. However, Congress retains some oversight of the deal, and details remain to be worked out. The Senate is expected to vote on it in the next few weeks.
FT 28/7/06.
UK energy review confirms nuclear role
Driven by carbon emission and energy security concerns, the UK government has confirmed that replacement of 25 GWe of old coal and nuclear capacity over the next two decades should be substantially with nuclear plant, as long as private enterprise builds it - with internalised waste and decommissioning costs. To achieve this "the Government proposes to address potential barriers to new nuclear build" including design certification (by Health & Safety Executive, to have new procedures by early 2007) and streamlining planning permission for all large-scale energy infrastructure (a white paper about end of 2006). On electricity markets and their effect on major capital investment the report simply waffles about better information, analysis and monitoring.
The target for renewables' contribution to electricity is raised to 20% through lifting the Renewables Obligation ceiling and favouring offshore wind projects. Energy conservation is emphasised, and some attention will be given to encouraging distributed generation with use of by-product heat. The government is "committed to carbon pricing in the UK through the operation of the Emissions Trading Scheme", extending its scope and time frame. "We need a strengthened ETS" as a "credible long-term international framework for pricing carbon", and clearly much of the direction of new investment depends on this. Failing that, a UK substitute is hinted at.
In June, the UK's Health & Safety Executive, which licenses nuclear reactors through its Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, had suggested a two-stage licensing process similar to that in the USA. Considering 3rd generation reactors, a generic design authorisation for each type would be followed by site-specific licences. Stage 1 would focus on safety and take some three years, stage 2 would focus on the site and operator and take less than a year apart from planning permission. The UK Environment Agency reported similarly on the same day.
In June the French President and the UK Prime Minister set up a bilateral nuclear forum to enhance technical collaboration on nuclear power issues. The British PM acknowledged France's leading role in nuclear energy and France played down possible commercial aspects of the agreement, emphasising simply its available experience.
UK public opinion on the question of maintaining the share of electricity provided by nuclear power by building new reactors has reversed from 20% support and 60% oppose in July 2001, to 41% for and 28% against in November 2005.
Nucleonics Week 15/6/06, HSE 28/6/06, Env Agency 28/6/06, The Energy Challenge 11/7/06.
European enrichment agreement signed
The final agreement between Urenco and Areva to establish a new centrifuge enrichment plant in France has been signed. Areva acquires half the shares in Urenco's Enrichment Technology Company (ETC), which comprises all its centrifuge R&D, design and manufacturing activities for EUR 500 million. This becomes the joint venture building the EUR 3 billion Georges Besse II plant at Pierrelatte, to replace Eurodif's 10.8 million SWU/yr gaseous diffusion plant at Tricastin nearby which has operated since 1978. The initial agreement to set up ETC was signed in 2002, but the three governments owning Urenco (UK, Germany & Netherlands) and the French government needed to approve the deal. Construction will start soon and first production will be in 2009, ramping up to full capacity of 7.5 million SWU/yr in 2018. This will free up over 3000 MWe of the Tricastin nuclear power plant's capacity for the French grid, since the new enrichment plant is some 50 times more energy efficient than the old.
Areva 29/6/06, NucNet news # 146/06, Platts 5/7/06.
Russia to accelerate nuclear power funding
The federal government has approved US$ 25 billion by 2015 to boost construction of ten 1000 MWe units by then and start building a further ten under a special program. Rosatom says that the balance of total $52 billion required for the program by 2015 will come from revenue, with tariffs for nuclear electricity rising to parity with those for power from fossil fuels. By 2012 the nuclear plants now under construction - particularly Volgodonsk-2, Kalinin-4 and Beloyarsk-4 - will be commissioned and life extensions enabled on others. In 2007 a new VVER type is to begin construction and from 2008 two new ones would be commenced each year. At least some of these will be third-generation VVER types of 1200 MWe. President Putin has taken the Beloyarsk-4 BN-800 fast neutron reactor under his personal control, to ensure its timely completion by 2012. The program includes three new uranium mines and fuel cycle facilities, including a pilot MOX plant and reprocessing plant.
Nucleonics Week 27/7/06, Nuclear.Ru 26/7/06.
New Russia-Kazakh agreements
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed three nuclear joint venture agreements totalling US$ 10 billion for new nuclear reactors, uranium production and enrichment. The first JV is for development and marketing of innovative small and medium-sized reactors, starting with OKBM's VBER-300 as baseline for Kazakh units. Russia's Atomstroyexport expects to build the initial one. The second is a uranium enrichment JV at Angarsk in southern Siberia where Russia has its main conversion plant and a small enrichment plant; this will be the first international enrichment centre. The uranium exploration and mining JV will start with Budenovskoye in the Stepnoye area of south Kazakhstan, which is due to start production in 2008 and ramp up to 1000 tU/yr by 2012. This will evidently complement the Zarechnoye JV 250 km to the south which was set up in June.
In this, Russia's Tenex signed a US$ 1 billion uranium supply contract with the Zarechnoye joint venture in Kazakhstan for up to 6000 tU per year from 2007 to 2022. Initially this will come from Zarechnoye mine in the Syrdarya basin but other production centres with Russian equity were envisaged. The US$ 60 million Zarechnoye JV involves Kazatomprom (49%), Tenex (49% - to provide finance) and Kyrgyzstan's Kara Baltinski Mining Combine, which will process the ore there. This is Russia's first contract for import of uranium, and will apparently be the main future source of supply.
Ux Weekly 26/6/06, Nuclear.Ru 26/7/06, MosNews 26 & 27/7/06.
Russian uranium mine expansion
TVEL Corporation, Russia's nuclear fuel manufacturer, has been seeking US$ 318 million from the Economic & Trade Development Ministry to invest in uranium mining, along with $104 million of its own funds. This is to develop the Khiagda mine Buryatia and the Priargun mine complex in the Chita region. In the late July program Khiagdinsk, Dolmatovsk and Khokhlovsk were identified as three new mines to be developed.
Tenex, Russia's nuclear fuel exporter, has confirmed that there will be no follow-on program of selling Russian high-enriched uranium from military stockpiles to overseas customers once the present US$ 12 billion program concludes in 2013. The 20-year program is equivalent to about 153,000 tonnes of natural uranium, and meets nearly half of US demand.
TradeTech NMR 31/5/06, Platts 6/6/06.
Finland reactor slippage now one year
The delay in construction of the EUR 3 billion Olkiluoto EPR being built by Areva for TVO has now stretched to one year due to problems with sub-contractors and ensuring full quality control. Commissioning of the 1600 MWe reactor is now expected mid 2010, with first power late 2009. Areva is liable for the cost of delay.
NucNet news #153 & 154/06.
French R&D focus on fast reactors
The French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) has signed a four-year EUR 3.8 billion R&D contract with the government, including development of two types of fast neutron reactors: an improved version of the sodium-cooled type which already has 45 reactor-years operational experience in France, and an innovative gas-cooled type. Both would have fuel recycling, and by 2009 a decision will be taken on whether this should be of uranium and plutonium only, or also minor actinides as envisaged in the USA. CEA will also support industry in developing a very high temperature reactor for hydrogen production.
Platts 5/7/06.
French waste bill approved
After the National Assembly rapidly approved with a large majority the same bill as the Senate, the Nuclear Materials and Waste Sustainable Management Program Act is set to become law and apply for 15 years. It endorses deep geological disposal for nuclear wastes for which no further use is envisaged.
Platts 15/6/06.
Areva develops new reprocessing technology
Areva is developing two types on next-generation reprocessing plants: one for France and the other for export, with USA particularly in mind. The export plant would be ready by 2020, using the aqueous COEX process, similar to today's PUREX but co-precipitating some uranium with the plutonium ready for use in a mixed-oxide fuel plant. The domestic design would use CEA's Ganex process which goes further than COEX in separating actinides and some lanthanides from short-lived fission products. It is chiefly designed to reduce the radiotoxicity and heat output of final wastes, and is envisaged as replacing the present La Hague plant about 2040.
NucearFuel 3/7/06.
Final agreement on Dutch reactor
After unsuccessful attempts in parliament to overturn it, a covenant has been signed by the Dutch government and the owners of the 450 MWe Borssele nuclear power plant to allow its continued operation for a full 60 years - to 2033, as long as safety is assured. The two owners are required to "donate" EUR 250 million to "sustainable energy" projects, subsidising projects which would not otherwise be viable, and matching the same from government.
The chairman and CEO of Delta, one of the owners, said that it is considering construction of a new reactor at Borssele, to be operating by 2016 and is seeking partners for the new EUR 2 billion project. A major bank - ABN AMRO - has said it would be willing to make the investment, and the environment minister said that with licence conditions being published later this year there was a realistic chance of a new plant operating by 2016.
EPZ 16/6/06, Platts 19/6/06, NucNet news # 156/06.
Swedish communities compete for repository
Two municipalities earlier voted to be candidate locations for a deep geological repository for Sweden's high-level nuclear wastes - Oskarshamn (hosting 3 nuclear reactors and the interim spent fuel storage facility) and Osthammar (with 3 Forsmark reactors). After feasibility studies in eight municipalities, both of these had been selected as having potentially suitable bedrock characteristics and site testing by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel & Waste Management Co. (SKB) is proceeding at both. A recent independent poll in both communities (N=900 in each) showed that 79% of Oskarshamn residents and 73% of those in Östhammar support having the future repository in their own backyard.
SKB plans to apply for a permit to build an encapsulation plant at Oskarshamn later in 2006, and then apply for a permit to build the final repository about 2008.
Platts 31/5/06, SKB 15/6/06.
Russia signs for floating nuclear plant
Twelve years after launching the proposal and almost a year after Rosatom confirmed that it was proceeding with the plan, Rosenergoatom has signed a contract with the Sevmash shipyard to build the first floating nuclear power plant. The cost is put at US$ 337 million - 80% financed by Rosenergoatom and 20% by Sevmash - and delivery will be late in 2010. It will have two KLT-40S reactors derived from icebreakers but using low-enriched fuel, and be mounted on a 144m x 30m barge displacing 21,500 tonnes. It will supply electricity and heat to Severodvinsk facilities in Archangelsk region, including Sevmash itself. Eleven further sites in Russia are being considered for such units, and electricity cost is expected to be much lower than from present alternatives.
Nucleonics Week 22/6/06.
New Indian reactor on line
The 490 MWe Tarapur-3 nuclear reactor has been connected to the grid four weeks after starting up. This is the second large PHWR unit to be completed.
NPCIL 15/6/06.
Mitsubishi to market new reactor in US
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is planning to market its Advanced PWR in the USA. The APWR was developed with Westinghouse and four Japanese utilities, and is in the process of being licensed in Japan with a view to the first 1538 MWe units being constructed at Tsuruga from 2007. MHI envisages a 1700 MWe version for the USA and intends to lodge an application for US design certification in 2008. MHI also participated in developing the Westinghouse AP1000 reactor, but now that Westinghouse has been sold to Toshiba, MHI will develop PWR technology independently.
Nucleonics Week 8/6/06, Platts 6/7/06.
Japan urged to speed up fast reactors
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has urged the government to accelerate development of fast breeder reactors (FBRs), calling this "a basic national technology". It proposed increased budget, better coordination in moving from R&D to verification and implementation, plus international cooperation. Japan is already playing a leading role in the Generation IV initiative, with focus on sodium-cooled FBRs. Its own 280 MWe Monju prototype FBR remains shut down. The party's policy report emphasised the need to make radical improvements in the utilisation of nuclear energy, among other energy initiatives.
Atoms in Japan 23/5/06.
New Chinese reactor construction
Site works at Hongyanhe, near Dalian in Liaoning province, have started with first concrete scheduled September 2007. This is the first work on a plant in the Eleventh 5-year Plan. The cost of two indigenous 1080 MWe units is put at US$ 2.88 billion, with start-up due 2012. Main investors are Guangdong Nuclear Power and China Power Investment Corp.
An agreement for the first 2000 MWe stage of the Bailong nuclear power plant in Guangxi autonomous region of southern China has been signed. China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group, China Power Investment Corporation and Guangxi Investment Group will invest US$ 3.1 billion in the first two units of a 6000 MWe plant and expect construction to start before 2010.
Power in Asia 6/7/06, Dow Jones 25/7/06.
North Korean power project aborted
The project to build two nuclear power reactors at Kumho in North Korea as a trade-off brokered in 1994 for that country abandoning its nuclear weapons program has been formally terminated. The Korean peninsula Energy Development Organisation (KEDO) suspended construction late in 2003 and last year it projected the likely termination of the project. Its members are Japan, South Korea, USA and EU. One reactor is part-built and most of the fabrication of steam generators, pressure vessels and other equipment for both reactors is complete. South Korea claims that $1.56 billion has been spent on the project so far and the KEDO consortium is expected to seek compensation from North Korea for financial losses. The equipment could be sold off to other nuclear projects, including South Korean export ones, though due to the delays, it is an earlier type of South Korean plant than is now being constructed elsewhere.
Platts 31/5/06, Nuclear Eng International 6/6/06.
Ontario confirms new nuclear plans
The Ontario government has confirmed that new nuclear capacity will be an important part of its plan to tackle looming electricity shortages. It has directed the Ontario Power Authority to proceed with its December 2005 plan to overhaul the province's generating capacity, enuring reliability of supply with stable prices. This requires maintaining nuclear capacity of 14,000 MWe. Some C$ 40 billion is expected to be spent on nuclear plant, including probably two new reactors, among 24,000 MWe of new and replacement capacity overall. It has told Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to begin feasibility studies on refurbishing its Pickering and Darlington nuclear plants (3094 & 3524 MWe respectively) and to commence environmental studies on refurbishing Pickering units 5-8 and constructing new nuclear units which need not be Canadian designs. However, they would need to be supplied on fixed-price, turn-key contracts. Bruce Power is also interested in constructing new units on its site (now 4678 MWe but with two further units - each 769 MWe - being refurbished). Major investment in renewables and energy conservations is part of the plan.
The government is fast-tracking the C$ 83 billion plan, and has exempted it from the need for full deliberation under the province's Environmental Assessment Act, which would be likely to take five years. However, individual proposals will be subject to federal environmental review, a 2-year process. (The Darlington plant had a massive cost overrun due to politically-imposed construction delays, and electricity consumers are still paying that off.)
Meanwhile, due to revised forecasts of energy demand, with summer peak loads now 3000 MWe higher, the government has delayed indefinitely the shutdown of two coal-fired power plants at Lambton and Nanticoke. These were originally - in 2003 - pledged to close in 2007, but this was extended to 2009, and now is uncertain. The plants, of 1975 and 3920 MWe respectively, comprise one fifth of the province's 30 GWe capacity, much of which is old.
National Post 10/6/06, Globe & Mail 15/6/06, Minister of Energy 13/6/06 + backgrounders.
Canadian uranium production drops
Production from Canada's three mines in the first six months of 2006 dropped 33% compared with 2005 rate. Cameco reported production of 3864 t U3O8 (3276.5 tU) from McArthur River and 1178 t (999 tU) from Rabbit Lake. Production from Areva's McClean Lake was 302 t U3O8 (256 tU) due to much lower grade ores. This gives Canadian total of 5344 t U3O8 (4531.5 tU) for the six months.
Cameco 28/7/06, Areva RC.
Canada funds wastes
The Canadian government has announced a 5-year, C$ 520 million program to clean up legacy wastes from R&D on nuclear power and medical isotopes and early military activities to 1950s. It covers clean-up of AECL contaminated lands, radioactive wastes and decommissioning old infrastructure which the government is responsible for. All waste and decommissioning liabilities for nuclear power utilities remain the responsibility of those bodies and are not included.
Natural Resources Canada 2/6/06, AECL 2/6/06.
Australian nuclear energy inquiry
The Australian Prime Minister has launched a 6-month Review of "uranium mining, processing and the contribution of nuclear energy in Australia in the long term" and related matters. It includes value-adding to uranium exports by enrichment, or fuel leasing involving this and reprocessing, as well as waste disposal. The six-person task force undertaking it will be supported by the Chief Scientist and is to report in December.
PM media release 6 & 7/6/06.
Australian report on nuclear economics
A report commissioned by the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) presents some economic data on the prospect of Introducing Nuclear Power to Australia. It suggests that nuclear power could be competitive at about AUD 4 cents/kWh (including waste and decommissioning costs) for the 5th copy of a Westinghouse AP1000 reactor. Considering the later settled down costs of the same plant, it would be cheaper than coal or gas-fired plant, but if first-off it would be distinctly more expensive. Any cost imposed on carbon emissions from fossil fuel plants would improve the economics. Financing models including one with government subsidy are presented.
Summary report, ANSTO web site, May 06.
New Australian research reactor licensed
The Australian Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety Agency has granted an operating licence to the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) for its new 20 MWt Opal research reactor. ANSTO hailed the occasion as "taking us one step closer to a new era in Australian science", having persevered with its 1956-vintage HIFAR unit longer than comparable organizations overseas.
ANSTO 14/7/06, ARPANSA 14/7/06.
Australian uranium production lags
Uranium production from Australia's three mines was down during the first six months of 2006. ERA announced production from Ranger of 1988 tonnes U3O8 (1686 tU), reduced due to acid plant problems and a cyclone. BHP Billiton reported Olympic Dam production of 1768.6 t U3O8 (1777.7 t UOC, 1500 tU), and Heathgate production from Beverley of 362.5 t U3O8 (307.4 tU). This gives total Australian production of 9951 t U3O8 (8438 tU) for the 2005-06 year.
ERA 26/7/06, BHPB 25/7/06, Heathgate.
Russia and China join advanced reactor project
The 11-member Generation IV International Forum (GIF) has unanimously voted to admit Russia and China to the group, which is developing 4th generation reactor technology for deployment after 2020. Russia has more experience than any other country with one of the six designs already shortlisted - the lead-cooled fast reactor, and is well experienced with another - the sodium-cooled fast reactor. China is a leader in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, another of the six GIF designs. Formal membership will be confirmed later this year, opening the way for significant international collaboration.
Platts 13/7/06, Nucleonics Week 13/7/06.
New 'Red Book' shows growth in resources
The latest edition of the OECD/NEA-IAEA 'Red Book' Uranium 2005: Resources, Production & Demand shows increased known resources of uranium. The focus is now on the cost category to US$ 130/kgU - slightly above present spot price of $122/kgU, and 4.7 million tonnes of conventional resources are tabulated. Previous discussion was on the $80/kgU category. The higher cost category brings the USA and Kazakhstan into higher profile. Australia has 24% of world total resources, Kazakhstan 17% and then Canada 9%.
Red Book June 2006.
Weapons material to power: progress
USEC has announced that it has arranged the downblending of some US high-enriched uranium for use in power generation, making a total of 50 tonnes of this US material producing almost 660 tonnes of low-enriched fuel. This is in addition to the Russian high-enriched uranium downblended in Russia and sold by USEC to provide 44% of US needs. So far 275 tonnes has produced 8090 tonnes of low-enriched fuel, for which Tenex in Russia has received US$ 4.1 billion.
USEC 28/6 & 13/7/06.
Reactor table
Supply of uranium
World uranium mining
Small nuclear power reactors
Fast neutron reactors
Generation IV nuclear reactors
Uranium enrichment
Waste management in nuclear cycle
Thorium
Nuclear power in UK
Nuclear power in USA
Canada's uranium & nuclear power
Australia's uranium & who buys it
Nuclear power in India & Pakistan
Nuclear power in Russia
Nuclear power in Romania
Nuclear power in Kazakhstan
Nuclear power in Korea
Nuclear power in China
Nuclear power in South Africa
Nuclear power in Brazil
Emerging nuclear energy countries
Radioisotopes in medicine
Radioisotopes in industry
Radiation and nuclear energy
Global warming - science
Policy responses to global warming (new)
Transport and the hydrogen economy
Australian uranium deposits & prospective mines (UIC mines paper)
See also Ux Consulting graphs
World reactor changes in last two months
India: Tarapur-3 490 MWe grid connected
Finland Olkiluoto-1: 20 MWe uprate to 860 MWe
Sweden Ringhals-3, 37 MWe uprate to 957 MWe.
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