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Utilities sharing their experiences include: Inter RAO UES, Iberdrola and ONDRAF/ NIRAS – they will bring valuable insights to the fore - By April Murelio - As the nuclear renaissance moves full steam ahead with the UK giving the go-ahead for 10 new nuclear power stations, it is ever more essential for investors, the government and utility companies to have a full awareness of the realistic financing options in this high risk and high capital industry. ...(read more)

“Now that the failed Yucca Mountain project is behind us, it’s important that our country finds ways to reduce the volume of nuclear waste coming from nuclear plants, and develop safe and secure solutions for managing waste.” - By Linton Levy - Senators Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) and Harry Reid (D-Nevada) this week introduced the Thorium Energy Security Act of 2010 to accelerate the use of thorium-based nuclear fuel in existing and future reactors. ...(read more)

“A View From The Nuclear Regulatory Commission” Prepared Remarks for The Honorable Gregory B. Jaczko Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission at the EnergyBiz Leadership Forum, Washington, DC - Source NRC - Good afternoon. I appreciate the opportunity to address the conference today. This event focuses on many important energy issues – issues that are complex, challenging, and that cut across all levels of government and many parts of the private sector. I believe that forums like this one play a significant role in maintaining a substantive dialogue about these important matters. ...(read more)

Japan relies on nuclear power for nearly a quarter of its electricity and plans to increase production as part of plans to cut carbon emissions to combat climate change - By April Murelio - According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Japan and Kazakhstan this week signed a deal aimed at increasing bilateral civilian nuclear cooperation and which enables Japan to secure a stable supply of uranium from the world’s second-largest holder of uranium reserves. ...(read more)

The NSCC is a Department of Energy user facility for top-secret level applications that require high performance computing - By Linton Levy - The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) this week dedicated the National Security Computing Center (NSCC) at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, N.M. ...(read more)

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu today announced that the Department of Energy has offered a conditional commitment on a $117 million loan guarantee to finance the construction and start-up of an innovative 30 megawatt (MW) wind energy project in Kahuku, Hawaii.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the Department of Energy has offered a conditional commitment for a $72 million loan guarantee to SAGE Electrochromics, based in Faribault, Minnesota.

Copenhagen consequences: how strong is the political will for a low carbon Britain   Opening remarks from session Chair – Kirsty Wark:

“The UK Government earlier this year launched its Low Carbon Transition Plan. At the time, it was described as requiring an “Herculean effort….in transforming technology, and in political, economic and industrial thinking." (Tom Delay, Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust). In the aftermath of the Copenhagen Summit how does the UK’s commitment to a low carbon Britain stand up? And which type of government will be best to deliver it?“

Minister’s speech – Check against delivery

Good afternoon and thank you for inviting me here today to talk to you about the aftermath of Copenhagen, and what that means to the UK.

No we did not get a legally binding agreement but what we have got is the Copenhagen Accord. 107 countries, and counting, signed up to action. Which includes a commitment to hold the increase in global temperatures below two degrees.

And finance from developed countries to help the least developing countries tackle and adapt to climate change - $30 billion for fast start between now and 2012, and a goal of $100billion a year by 2020.

The agreements include real scrutiny of targets with mandatory reporting every two years.

These commitments, put forward in the Accord, represent a turning point in the global battle against climate change - and a crucial first step to the peaking of emissions by around 2020. It is clearer than ever before that the trend towards a low carbon future is irreversible.

That is progress.

The global agreement we are supporting however is not in place of domestic action.

We are already the first country in the world to have set legally binding carbon budgets with an interim target of at least 34% of GHG reductions, on 1990 levels, by 2020.

Achieving that target requires a step change in the way we live – which is why this morning the Secretary of State launched our ‘Warm Homes; Greener Homes Strategy’.

This Strategy aims to cut emissions from UK homes by 29% by 2020. And we will do this by insulating 6million homes by 2011. By completing all practical loft and wall cavities by 2015; and by having offered up to 7 million eco upgrades by 2020.

Energy efficiency pays – but high upfront costs mean people can’t afford to take action, or just can’t be bothered.

So we want to make it easy for people by removing the deterrent of those upfront costs; and reducing the hassle to move to greener living.

We will help with the upfront costs of energy efficiency measures. We will legislate to pave the way for people to take out loans. And those loans will stay with the property if the householder moves.

We want to make this transition as easy and attractive as possible for householders. And to find out how, we have just started our pilot Pay As You Save projects involving partners such as local authorities, housing associations, B&Q and British Gas.

There will also be help for those who need it the most. A new ‘Warm Homes’ standard for social housing, will see their tenants receive free energy upgrades from energy companies including smart meters. And help for those in privately rented accommodation whose landlords have little incentive to take action.

There will also be a single one-stop shop for advice, a quality mark for products and trusted people to do the work. Show homes will open up across the country to educate and inform those who are interested.

We have already committed to having Smart Meters in every home by 2020, to help people manage their energy use.

And the new strategy will also be good for jobs, with up to 65,000 jobs created in the green homes industry. Jobs such as installing and manufacturing energy saving measures or providing home energy advice.

But that’s not all.

In September we launched The £350 million Community Energy Saving Programme which will deliver whole house, whole street energy makeovers for some of the most vulnerable people in the UK.

It aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by just under 3 million tonnes by December 2012. And it will permanently reduce fuel bills for around 90,000 households in low income areas across Great Britain. The average fuel bill savings for homes could be up to £300.

As part of our transition we need to introduce incentives for low carbon technologies which we think will engage the public.

Households and communities who install generating technologies such as small wind turbines and solar panels are entitled to claim payments for the low carbon electricity they produce for the grid.

But those householders who invest in electricity Microgeneration from 1 April 2010, when FITs commence, will enjoy more financial rewards. For example, a household installing a solar PV panel could receive up to £900 per year - above and beyond the savings they’ll get on their electricity bill.

Last month we published a consultation on our Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which will come into force in April next year, which will deliver a step change in the way that the country generates its heat for heating hot water and our homes, as well as heat that’s required for larger, industrial processes. Once again people will be entitled to claim payments for the renewable heat they use.

Taken together, the Feed In Tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentives will deliver a significant change to the way we generate energy, and move us closer to a low carbon economy.

We are also incentivising low carbon goods. For example the Boiler Scrappage scheme which helps householders replace old inefficient G-rated boilers.

Over 76,500 vouchers worth £400 each have been snapped up since the scheme was launched in January.

I am also keen to see the development of a sustainable construction sector.

Which is why my department has provided up to £7 million for a pilot scheme to build affordable homes, using low carbon highly insulating renewable building materials. We are not only demonstrating the viability of these innovative materials, but also helping to engage the social housing sector in the low-carbon agenda

Implications for UK business

This transition to low carbon will have huge implications for our economy, including the creation of ‘green jobs’.

More than a million people in the UK could be employed in the low carbon sector by the middle of this decade in everything from manufacturing and construction; to environmental consultancy and low carbon venture capital.

The Low Carbon Transition Plan and an international deal will help that market grow even further, both at home and abroad over the coming years.

The UK has the sixth largest low carbon and environmental sector in the world. Right now, 880,000 people are employed in it and the sector is worth over £106 billion a year.

Business sectors in construction, finance, investment, and technology are crucial to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

There are many actions that government can take, but there must be a strong skills and knowledge base to underpin them.

This country’s low carbon future will only be built by people who have the skills demanded by new and dynamic industries in a globalised economy.

Skilled people who are more productive and who embrace the wider options.

We know that there are challenges for skills in the energy sector, not least due to an ageing workforce and a reducing number of young people in the recruitment pool.

We need to provide for the growing demand for workers with low carbon expertise. The global market is already worth £3 trillion – set to grow to £4.3 trillion by middle of this decade.

To date, we have announced six Low Carbon Economic Areas to provide regional leadership for the major industries, and help address issues of regional equity in the transition to a low carbon economy.

Energy efficiency is key for all businesses - helping save money and reducing carbon emissions.

Next month 4-5000 organisations including banks, supermarkets and government departments will come into the new Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme which, within 3 years, will place a cap on emissions from these sectors.

Transport

Heating and powering our homes may account for around a quarter of our greenhouse gas emissions but another fifth arise from domestic transport.

So last November we launched the “Plugged-In Places” scheme, providing up to £30 million to help establish charging points for electric vehicles.

Electric car plug-in charging points will appear in car parks, major supermarkets, and leisure and retail centres.

The first “Plugged-In Places” are London, Milton Keynes and the whole of the North East including; Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Middlesbrough. Between them, they will be installing over 11,000 vehicle recharging points during the next three years.

The Low Carbon Transition Plan I’ve just outlined will be supplemented later this month by our vision of how we move beyond 2020 to achieve our goal of at least 80% GHG reductions by 2050.

Never has there been a greater need to engage all sectors of society, business and industry in addressing the challenge of moving to a low carbon economy. We know that we are using the planet’s resources faster than they can be renewed and it is imperative that we find more sustainable ways of living.

We have made a very determined start – we know there is much more to do but I believe our low carbon plans, offer new opportunities, new jobs, and a sustainable future which will benefit us all.

New guidelines published today will help regional authorities assess the potential for renewable and low-carbon energy in their area.

The guidelines, published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) today will help English regions set themselves ambitious renewable targets in their new Regional Strategies, in line with the UK's overall target for 15% renewable energy by 2020.

The document provides regional authorities with guidance on how to calculate the potential their areas have for renewables . This might include what the wind speeds are in different areas, how many houses there are with roof space - and what constraints they should then apply.

The guidance provides detail on how to assess potential for large and small scale onshore wind, biomass, hydro power and solar energy.

Energy Minister Lord Hunt said:

"Our target for renewables is ambitious and we want to see that ambition reflected at regional and local levels. We must make the move to low carbon energy supplies and everyone needs to be involved in that. Nationally we’ve nearly tripled renewable electricity since 2002 but more needs to be done.

"Each region in England already has its own renewable energy target. These new guidelines will help to ensure that in reviewing these targets, each is setting a target based on similar methods and assumptions and that the targets are in line with the UK's overall renewable ambition."

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) together with new local leader’s boards will be responsible for delivering ambitious renewable energy targets outlined in their regional strategies.

The methodology will ensure a more strategic approach to identifying, in general terms and at an early stage, which are likely to be the most appropriate areas for renewable energy projects.

Developers will be able use this information when working up project proposals.

Notes to Editors

The report, Renewable and low-carbon energy capacity methodology, can be found at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/ored/ored.aspx

Regional Strategies will be commenced on 1 April 2010 under Part 5 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act. The single Regional Strategy will replace existing Regional Spatial Strategies and Regional Economic Strategies. The purpose of the Strategy is to set out a long term (15-20 year timeframe) strategic, spatial and integrated framework for the regions which promotes sustainable economic growth, tackles challenges posed by climate change and contributes to sustainable development. The Strategy will be expected to contain ambitious targets for renewable and some forms of low-carbon energy, and must be approved by the Secretary of State CLG. Further information can be found at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/regionalstrategiesresponses

The nine RDAs are: Advantage West Midlands, East of England Development Agency, East Midlands Development Agency, London Development Agency (this methodology does not cover London which has a different planning regime. However London proposes to use the methodology to review its evidence base for the London Plan) , Northwest Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast, South East England Development Agency, South West of England Regional Development Agency and Yorkshire Forward.

All English regions have existing renewable energy targets set out in their Regional Spatial Strategies. However these will need to be reviewed as part of the development of the single Regional Strategy which will replace the existing Regional Spatial Strategy and Regional Economic Strategy.

Engaging site redesign focuses on five areas of importance to Exelon - By Linton Levy - Exelon reinforces its corporate vision and environmental commitment in its new and improved corporate Web site at www.exeloncorp.com. The site now features easy-to-use navigation tools and fresher, more focused content about Exelon and its family of companies. ...(read more)

South Korean Nuclear Companies Target to Obtain 20% of Global Nuclear Construction Market Share by 2030 - Edited by April Murelio - South Korean nuclear industry players foresee a potential market in the global nuclear power plant construction. The growing demand for energy driven by developing countries such as India and China will provide the potential for the expansion of nuclear power. South Korean nuclear companies have already set a target of obtaining a market share of 20% in the global nuclear power plant construction market by 2030. ...(read more)

“Fluor takes great pride in attracting and retaining the best talent in the market. We are very pleased to be able to bring such a highly capable and respected individual to lead our Environmental/Nuclear team” - By Chris Smith - Fluor Corporation has announced that Fluor Government Group (FGG,) has named J. Gregory Meyer as senior vice president to lead the company’s Environmental/Nuclear business line. In his new role, Meyer will oversee FGG’s operations and work for the United States’ Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Meyer will be based in Fluor’s Arlington, Va. office and will report to FGG president, Bruce Stanski. ...(read more)

Middle and High School Students Encouraged to Participate to Promote Reflection on Nuclear and Other Energy Sources - By Linton Levy - Westinghouse Electric Company today announced sponsorship of a science video contest for middle and high School students focusing on energy. ...(read more)

The Airgas and USA relationship began just over three years ago with Airgas providing safety products and welding hardgoods to five USA-member nuclear power plants - By Stephen Heiser - Airgas, Inc. has announced it has signed a supply agreement with Utilities Service Alliance (USA). Based in Overland Park, KS, USA is a non-profit cooperative of 15 electric utilities that operate 17 nuclear power stations across the United States. Airgas will provide 15 USA-member nuclear power plants with industrial gases, specialty gases, liquid dewars, safety products and welding hardgoods. The five-year agreement, with estimated annual sales of $6 million, is part of the Airgas Strategic Accounts program established specifically for multi-location customers who benefit from sole-source supply and supply chain management services. ...(read more)

DOE’s Phase 1 decommissioning plan envisions remediation activities within the WVDP site boundary, including removal of the main plant process building, the vitrification facility, source area of the North Plateau groundwater plume, wastewater treatment facility lagoons, and ancillary buildings, foundations, slabs and pads - Source NRC - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has concluded its technical review of the Department of Energy’s Phase 1 decommissioning plan for the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) in western New York state. The NRC did not identify any objections and concluded that the plan will satisfy the decommissioning criteria for unrestricted use spelled out in NRC regulations. ...(read more)

Corporate Colocation Announces it has Completed An Innovative "Green Data Center In Downtown Los Angeles" Using "Free Cooling" -Savings of up to 70 Percent on Cooling Electricity.

npower has revealed that a new government cashback scheme for those who choose to generate their own electricity could earn customers GBP960 per year.

It will not be long before South Africans realise the inevitability of Eskom tariff increases, as they begin to search for cost-effective and renewable energy solutions elsewhere. MLT Drives has developed effective sources to alternative energy that are sure to have home owners switching to green.

3rd Petroleum Industry Fundamentals

Latin Oil Week 2010 is a key event for the Latin American Continent