The End of DOE's Flagship SMR — A Cautionary Tale
The collapse of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) flagship small modular reactor (SMR) project should serve as a cautionary tale to SMR developers everywhere. When the agency first announced funding for NuScale Power’s SMR project in 2013, then Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said it represented “a new generation of safe, reliable, low-carbon nuclear energy technology” that would “provide a strong opportunity for America to lead this emerging global industry.”
Yucca Mountain, nuclear waste site and longtime political quagmire, back on the menu for some in Congress
Although federal law designates the Nevada site as a permanent repository for the country’s inventory of spent nuclear fuel, it’s remained little more than a construction site for more than a decade.
Sickened by U.S. Nuclear Program, Communities Turn to Congress for Aid
In St. Louis and around the country, people harmed by the drive for an atomic bomb have been shut out of a federal law enacted to help such victims.
Nuclear boosterism has gotten reckless
Despite clear evidence nuclear power makes climate change worse. Massive taxpayer-funded bailouts for existing plants and untested “advanced” reactors are sailing through statehouses and Congress. Nuclear subsidies remained sacrosanct during the FY24 federal budget fight, even as conservatives demanded cuts in almost everything else.
A special (nuclear) relationship
Much that feeds war can be notched up to the US/UK special relationship, but it goes far beyond providing diplomatic and military cover and assistance to US enterprises. That relationship is also responsible for the development of the UK’s nuclear arsenal and its continued possession of these weapons of mass destruction.
The Lying Piper of Nukeland
On March 21, more than 40 groups, mainly from Europe, protested the false promises and nuclear fairy tales being spun at the March 21 International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels. Prior to our fairy tale-themed rally close to the venue we issued a declaration signed by 621 organizations from across the world and issued a press release.
PG&E to dredge Diablo Canyon intake system
Diablo Canyon is California’s only remaining nuclear plant and is the largest energy producer, generating 8 percent of the state’s electricity. The plant’s remaining two reactors were scheduled for shutdown in 2024 and 2030, respectively, but received five-year extensions to continue operating. Meanwhile, Diablo Canyon has also applied to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a 20-year license extension.
Nuclear Power is Tribal Power
A report by the NRGI calculated that: “American Indian lands are estimated to include as much as 50 percent of US potential uranium reserves”. That amount could meet most (or all) of the future medium-term domestic demand growth. Thus, any attempt to reboot American uranium production that is not cast in full and willing partnership with sovereign tribal governments and their local communities will likely fail.