Archives for January 2011

U.S. Pushes, but Reactors Are Lagging – The New York Times

January 31, 2011

Recent setbacks in a hoped-for “nuclear renaissance” raise questions about how much of a role nuclear power can play.

Disputed Reactor Design Moves Forward – The New York Times

January 31, 2011

Critics of the AP1000 reactor argue that design flaws could lead to release of radioactive material.

Contractor says Duke took risks at plant – The Indianapolis Star

January 29, 2011

Last fall, as costs and accidents were mounting at Duke Energy Corp.’s massive power plant in Edwardsport, the project’s engineering contractor warned that Duke was taking “significant risks” with the way it was managing the $2.9 billion construction project.

Target: North Carolina Electricity Customers – Issue Brief by NC WARN

January 25, 2011

NC utilities seek a blank check and annual rate hikes – as the US nuclear revival fails.

Remembering Dr. John Blackburn

January 21, 2011

John-Blackburn-For-Web On January 16th Dr. John Blackburn died unexpectedly but quietly in his home. He has been a wonderful friend and colleague – our volunteer technical advisor for over five years – and all of us
at NC WARN already
miss him dearly.

Find a list of Dr. Blackburn’s work
for NC WARN here.

Nuclear goals stoked by Duke-Progress merger – The News & Observer

January 16, 2011

The merger between Duke Energy and Progress Energy makes it likelier that a new nuclear reactor would be built in the Carolinas in the next 10 years. It also means that customers could pay higher bills almost immediately to get a reactor built.

Slamming the Door on Climate Confusionists – 2010 Wettest, Hottest Year – The New York Times

January 12, 2011

New government figures for the global climate show that 2010 was the wettest year in the historical record, and it tied 2005 as the hottest year since record-keeping began in 1880.

Georgia reactor design still drawing criticism – Chattanooga Times Free Press

January 11, 2011

Arnold Gundersen, a former nuclear industry executive, said the proposed Westinghouse reactor design — known as the AP1000 — is more susceptible than today’s reactors to cracks and holes which have shown up in at least 40 currently operating plants.

Duke Energy-Progress Energy behemoth covets nuclear power amid soaring costs – St. Petersburg Times

January 11, 2011

Duke Energy’s purchase of Progress Energy not only creates the nation’s biggest electricity provider, but it also combines two fans of nuclear power that are eager for more.

Reaction to merger – The News & Observer

January 11, 2011

Rogers has a chance now to move ahead. He could be heroic in terms of cutting greenhouse emissions and helping avert what the scientists are calling an ‘extreme crisis’ with climate change.