www.energymaintenance.co.uk

SGS Wind Energy Services will be at the European Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition (EWEC) 2010 on April 20 - 23 at Warsaw, Poland. SGS will showcase its services for the wind energy sector.

This press will be one of only a handful in the world with the capability to produce the enormous "ultra-large" forgings, such as pressure vessel and steam generator components, which sit at the heart of modern nuclear power plants - By Linton Levy - Westinghouse Electric Company has announced its intention to become a leading participant in a major new manufacturing facility for nuclear components in the United Kingdom. Alongside UK Government and others, Westinghouse plans to make a substantial contribution to the proposed new 15,000-ton press to be built at the Sheffield Forgemasters plant in Sheffield, Yorkshire. ...(read more)

Capitol Hill Veteran Ruth Ravitz Smith to Coordinate GEH’s U.S., Global Government Outreach - Edited by Stephen Heiser - GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) recently appointed Ruth Ravitz Smith as its senior vice president of global government relations. ...(read more)

The proposal would increase the realism of calculations used to examine a PWR's susceptibility to a phenomenon known as pressurized thermal shock (PTS) - Source NRC - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing improvements to its rules regarding how pressurized water reactors (PWR) account for some effects of aging on their reactor vessels. ...(read more)

Three universities have been chosen to begin the next round of experiments at INL's Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility (ATR NSUF). The ATR NSUF grants free access so university-led research teams can use the ATR and other resources at INL and affiliated partner institutions - Edited by April Murelio - The number of universities conducting nuclear energy experiments in Idaho National Laboratory's one-of-a-kind research reactor has now reached an even dozen. ...(read more)

“As we work to expand nuclear power in the United States to meet our climate and energy challenges, it’s critical that we have a skilled workforce who can lead in the future,” said Secretary Steven Chu. - Edited by Chris Smith - The Department of Energy today issued two Request for Applications (RFA) for scholarships and fellowships as part of its efforts to recruit and train the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers. The Department’s Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP) will provide approximately $5 million for scholarships and fellowships for students enrolled in two-year, four-year and graduate engineering and science programs related to nuclear energy at accredited U.S. universities and colleges. ...(read more)

npower launches film to urge businesses to make CRC a board level priority and to help CRC participants prepare

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy today outlined a series of steps to further strengthen the trusted ENERGY STAR program.

Firstly, apologies that your Minister, David Kidney, is unable to be here and that I have been drafted to fill his place at the last minute – and have to leave for another speaking engagement very shortly.

The Charter launched today by the ‘Fuel Poverty Coalition’ reflects many of the issues we face, in tackling fuel poverty. So I’d like to thank you for all your work on this report.

Strong representation of the people we all want to protect from fuel poverty is especially important and I’m sure David will want to continue to engage with you on this issue.

I know also that you will agree that the only sensible long term way of developing and growing economically, is to do so on a sustainable basis. Decc’s task is to transform our energy supply in as fair a way as possible while ensuring energy security for all. Rather than respond to your Charter point by point. I want to describe the governments general approach.

Warm Homes Greener Homes

On the 2 March, the Secretary of State launched our ‘Warm Homes, Greener Homes’ strategy to help people and communities reduce their energy use. Energy efficiency pays. It’s a sustainable way of reducing energy costs, and a sustainable way of reducing fuel poverty.

The new strategy aims to transform how energy is used in our homes.

It makes it easier for people to take action, by removing the deterrent of upfront costs and reducing the hassle of the move to greener living.

Our strategy identifies new funding to help households access support that means no or little upfront costs. ‘Warm Homes, Greener Homes’ has two key aims. One. By 2015, to have filled all remaining lofts and cavity walls, where possible. And Two. By 2020, up to 7 million eco-upgrades to be completed.

People will be able to cut their energy bills, live in warmer, more comfortable homes, and still contribute to the fight against climate change.

By installing technologies, such as solid wall insulation, we could see energy bills cut by hundreds of pounds per year.

Our proposals include a new obligation on energy companies to deliver basic measures and eco-upgrades, with strong penalties for failing to comply.

Smart meters and energy cash back schemes are also set to help transform the way domestic energy is used. But more help is needed to protect people from the upward pressure on bills, and cut energy waste.

We know that the most rapid and effective progress has been made in areas where energy companies have worked with local authorities. That local knowledge is really essential and so i want to see councils working more with energy companies, so those reduced bills get to the people who need them most.

And priority will be given to those on lower incomes and the most vulnerable with energy companies required to target their help at these groups.

CESP

And we’re already developing this approach through the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP). We’re piloting a street-by-street, community based approach in this £350 million project. Aimed at those households most vulnerable to rising energy bills.

CESP will deliver ‘eco-makeovers’ to individual homes in communities, allowing them to cut their fuel bills permanently thanks to improved energy efficiency.

External wall and loft insulation, replacing boilers and central heating are all part of that makeover.

I am pleased to say that work on the ground is now underway in six schemes.

I visited the first programme – by British Gas in Walsall – in January. This scheme originally targeted public sector properties in 7 streets but now includes 20 privately rented properties. They requested the work having have seen the benefits to the other properties in the community, the degree of community engagement, and the reduced costs of measures flowing from British Gas’ intensive work.

A further four British Gas schemes are now underway in Birmingham.

EDF has also begun work on its first CESP scheme which is in Bristol. Together these schemes now cover some 900 households.

By the end of 2012, we expect around 100 such schemes to have delivered packages to some 90,000 homes with each of these potentially reducing their fuel bills by up to £300 per year.

CERT

Since 2002, CERT (the obligation on energy suppliers to reduce household carbon emissions), has helped over 7 million households benefit from insulation measures.

As you know, those suppliers must meet 40 per cent of their carbon emissions reduction target in the priority group of low income, elderly and vulnerable households.

Many of these households have been offered this insulation for little or no cost.

The whole programme from 2002 to 2011 will have cost suppliers about £4.5 billion to meet their carbon saving targets, with probably 60 per cent going to priority group households. Consultation has just closed on the extension of CERT up to 2012 with greater emphasis on those most in need. And we have completed our energy bill in the House of Commons including a provision for a mandatory social price support mechanism.

Warm Front

And then there is Warm Front, our flagship scheme for tackling fuel poverty. The Scheme celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. It has helped over 2 million vulnerable households, across England, since 2000, including half a million households in the last two years alone.

This is a huge achievement and one which we should not lose sight of.

On average, each household receiving Warm Front assistance has the potential to save up to £300 per year on energy bills.

And not only does the scheme improve the energy efficiency of households, but it offers a Benefit Entitlement Check service to every qualifying customer – with very significant increases in income.

But so much of our progress has been set back by price rises and now more recently the most severe cold spell this country has seen for many years. One consequence for Warm Front was that requests for assistance rocketed in January, leading inevitably to an extension to the time for measures being installed.

Also, I cannot deny that sometimes the Warm Front customer’s experience has not always been as good as we would like.

Last year we made a number of changes to the contract with eaga to improve the customer experience.

As a result, I believe the performance of Warm Front has improved, is largely effective and good value for money, a verdict also given by last year’s NAO report.

Conclusion

To conclude, no one wants to see anyone in this country struggling to pay their heating bills, especially given the recent weather we’ve seen.

We know that global fluctuations in fossil fuel prices now mean we can never again have a ‘cheap energy’ policy. We know we have to transform our housing stock and rapidly move to more sustainable forms of energy production.

We know that millions remain vulnerable and need our help. DECC has begun this transformation and as we do so we will redouble our efforts to protect the most vulnerable through fair fiscal policies and promoting energy efficiency delivery.
 

The UK Government today gave consent for Total and Dong Energy to develop the Laggan and Tormore gas fields, which lie in 600 metres of water and in one of the most hostile environments in the UK.

These will be the first gas fields to be developed in UK waters at this depth and will produce more than 1 trillion cubic feet of gas in the course of the field’s life.

The Industry and Government Taskforce to examine the potential for new infrastructure in the area and the Government’s recent tax change to support the development of remote, deep water gas fields have been significant factors in bringing this project forward.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, visiting Aberdeen today, said:

“The announcement today that this £2.5 billion investment is going ahead is a major win for the Shetlands, for Scotland and for the UK.

“The new investment will involve a new gas processing terminal which will create up to 500 jobs in the Shetland during construction and the project overall will support about 2,100 UK jobs during its lifetime.

“It will be a major technical challenge developing the deepest gas fields to date on the UK continental shelf, Laggan and Tormore. I congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and for bringing on stream this very ambitious and worthwhile project.

“The recent initiative by the Treasury in extending Field Allowance to such fields has been particularly important. I wish Total every success.”

Energy Minister Lord Hunt said:

“This is a huge step forward for the wider development of the West of Shetland area which still contains about a fifth of the UK’s oil and gas reserves.

“As we make the transition to a low carbon future, we must ensure we have secure energy supplies by making the best use of our indigenous energy through projects like Laggan and Tormore.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy said:

"This news is a major boost for one of Scotland and the UK's most vital industries. Our North Sea workforce is one of the most accomplished and respected in the world and the hostile environment they will face in the deep waters West of Shetland should remind us of the dedicated contribution they make to our economy and energy security."

Notes to editors

1. In January the Government announced an incentive to extend the “field allowance” which was announced in Budget 2009, and introduced in Schedule 44 to Finance Act 2009, to remote deep water gas fields, such as are found in the West of Shetland area.
    
2. The field allowance works by exempting an amount of production income from the supplementary charge. All profits generated by the qualifying field would still be subject to ring fence corporation tax (currently 30%).
    
3. The allowance could provide up to £160 million worth of tax relief for each gas field in the West of Shetland region that qualifies for the support.
    
4. Assuming the project proceeds on schedule, the first production of gas from Laggan and Tormore is expected in 2014.

Earning the STAR is just the beginning of the VPP process. B&W Pantex must maintain its already high standard for safe performance at the plant and demonstrate Management’s commitment to continuous improvement - By Stephen Heiser - The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has congratulated its Pantex Plant for earning STAR status in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) – a program designed to recognize the outstanding performance of a DOE contractor’s safety program. ...(read more)

The filing was made under the New Nuclear Incentive Rule established by the Louisiana Public Service Commission in 2007 to provide the LPSC regulatory oversight of new nuclear plant construction in the state - By April Murelio - Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. has submitted a filing to the Louisiana Public Service Commission asking for approval to continue the early development activities necessary for the future construction of a new nuclear plant (River Bend 3) at the River Bend site in St. Francisville, La. No decision has been made to build a new nuclear plant, and in the filing, the companies are not asking for approval to construct one. ...(read more)

Cascade of Production-Ready AC100 Machines Begins Operation. USEC expects to operate the machines at commercial plant conditions obtaining data on machine-to-machine interactions, system performance and plant design. - By Stephen Heiser - USEC Inc. has announced a major step in the American Centrifuge program with the operation of a cascade of AC100 centrifuge machines in a commercial-plant configuration in Piketon, Ohio. USEC refers to its production centrifuge machine design as the AC100 series centrifuge machine. ...(read more)

Davis-Besse, which generates 908 megawatts of FirstEnergy's total output of 14,200 megawatts, was scheduled to be out of action now for routine maintenance. But testing revealed 13 of 52 nozzles of its control-rod mechanism showed cracks or fatigue, forcing an extended outage until they are repaired - Edited by April Murelio - According to a report in the Toledo Blade, If the repairs under way at FirstEnergy Corp.'s Davis-Besse nuclear power plant near Oak Harbor are completed before summer, it shouldn't affect the utility's bottom line. ...(read more)

Conference on Human Resource Development to be Held in United Arab Emirates - By Sasha Henriques, IAEA Division of Public Information - Many countries have big plans for the introduction of nuclear power or the expansion of their current programmes in the near future. But do they have the right people with the right expertise to do the job? ...(read more)

“A Firm Foundation, A Strong Regulatory Future” - Prepared Remarks for The Honorable Gregory B. Jaczko, Chairman, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, at the NRC Regulatory Information Conference - Source NRC - Good morning. I am pleased to address the 22nd Annual Regulatory Information Conference. The RIC is the largest annual gathering sponsored by the NRC. It brings together a broad range of participants – members of the international community; local, state, and federal officials, national laboratories, non-government organizations, industry, media; and – of course – the public. The RIC provides all of us with a unique opportunity to interact with – and learn from – colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We would not have this opportunity without the hard work of the staff who organize the RIC. ...(read more)

Group sought insights into River Bend’s successful online maintenance program - By Linton Levy - A group of Japanese utility experts interested in improving the performance of their country’s nuclear power fleet recently visited River Bend Station to learn about the plant’s online maintenance program. ...(read more)

Analysing the market for storage development in Europe

Flexitank technology company Environmental Packaging Technologies, Ltd. (EPT), will donate sixty BIG Red Flexitanks to aid Haitian earthquake survivors. The gift will be made through a major international peace organization.

• Up to £4.8m to accelerate R&D and drive down costs in offshore wind
• UK’s first training tower for offshore wind opens in Blyth
   

The offshore wind supply chain got a double boost today as David Kidney, Minister for Energy and Climate Change, announced a major extension of the  programme worth up to £4.8m, and opened the UK’s first training tower for offshore wind.

The Offshore Wind Accelerator is a unique research and development collaboration between the Carbon Trust and leading offshore wind developers that focuses on developing innovative technologies that have real potential to cut the cost of future wind farm developments.

David Kidney MP, who was in the North East to meet representatives from business and education to discuss skills and green jobs said:

“Fighting climate change and ensuring our energy security is a challenge, but it’s also a massive opportunity - an opportunity for skills, jobs and investment. Research and development, and giving people the skills to build offshore wind farms will be vital to keeping the UK ahead of the world.

“As we build larger wind farms, in deeper waters, further from shore, we must work with industry to find and develop vital new technologies. The funding I’m announcing today will help companies drive down costs and share resources, which will benefit the entire industry here in the UK.”

The Minister applauded the new training tower at the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC) in Blyth, as he watched students from Northumberland College demonstrate the facility. He said:

“I’m really impressed with this brilliant new training facility. It will help people from the North East and across the UK to get the skills they need to help us generate more clean, green and secure wind energy.”

Tom Delay, Chief Executive, the Carbon Trust said:

“Today’s announcement shows the commitment to the Carbon Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator and provides confidence in its ability to drive cost out of offshore wind deployment. We have seen many promising concepts and innovative solutions to the technology challenges that the offshore wind industry faces as it moves further offshore and this additional funding will help to scale up our activity and enable us to continue to drive costs out of this key technology.”

Notes to editors

1. The Offshore Wind Accelerator aims to drive down the cost of technology by pooling development and demonstration work on technologies that stand to benefit the whole offshore wind sector, such as innovative designs of foundation, or cheaper and safer ways of accessing wind turbines – and plans to leverage over £10m of additional investment by the project partners. More information about the Carbon Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator is available from Carbon Trust press office on 020 7544 3100.
    
2. More information about NAREC and the UK’s first training tower is available from the company – at www.narec.co.uk