January 2017

Russia and Iran yesterday signed documents furthering their cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Where on earth to store nuclear waste is now a hot issue, no pun intended. Canada is having the debate as is the United States. The U.S.

       I have blogged about the tensions between Pakistan and India. Both countries have around a hundred nuclear warheads and multiple means of delivery. Concerned about a possible invasion from India, Pakistan has stated that they would repel any such incursion with tactical nuclear weapons. Recently, they deployed tactical nuclear weapons to military positions near the Indian border. Recently Pakistan launched a nuclear-capable cruise missile from one of the submarines.

Yesterday, UCS sent a letter to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) chairman Stephen Burns urging the NRC to quickly issue new versions of two outdated security documents that play a critical role in defining how nuclear plants can be adequately protected against terrorist attacks.

       I have blogged before about problems with thermal pollution from the Florida Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station which is owned by Florida Power & Light (FPL) and is located at the southern tip of Florida on Biscayne Bay. FPL is planning on the construction of two additional reactors at Turkey Point to be completed by 2030.

The government of Western Australia yesterday granted environmental approval to Cameco Australia's proposed Yeelirrie uranium project, subject to conditions that include measures to mitigate risks to underground fauna. world-nuclear-news.org

       I have often blogged about the huge Hinkley Point C (HPC) project to build a couple of nuclear power reactors in Britain. The reason I keep revisiting this project is that so many different problems with nuclear power are wrapped up in it. Financing, international involvement, substandard parts, national security, cost overruns, and other issues can be found in discussions of the project.