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Global Nuclear News 2017 ~ 2018
2017, December 23 | GQM Advisors, Paul W. Gladieux
The global race to command market shares for the use & sale of nuclear technology is at an all-time high – truly a renaissance for the United States. This document provides just a small glimpse of existing & emerging news. We also provide a lead to a most significant piece of history (a source document reference) ‘everyone nuclear’ needs to study in this most meaningful sector. GQMadvisors NN -Global 2017 - 18Companies Look Abroad and to Small Nuclear Reactors as U.S. Work Slows
2017, November 03 | Engineering News-Record, Pam Radtke Russell Senior Editor ENR & CQ Roll Call, Washington DC & Times-Picayune in New Orleans
Don’t tell Bill Gates, Fluor Corp. or China that nuclear power is on the wane. And certainly don’t mention the trend to the companies that are developing more than 90 advanced nuclear technologies or the 15 countries building 60 reactors. While economic, construction, engineering and regulatory factors make it unlikely that—for years, if ever again—another large nuclear plant will be built in the U.S., several companies are spending millions of dollars to develop different nuclear technologies and small modular designs that may prove to be cheaper, easier to build and more flexible in their capacity. And the factors that make big nuclear difficult in the U.S., like cheap domestic natural gas, aren’t hampering new builds in China, Korea, India and elsewhere. “Internationally, in 2016, slightly under 10 GW of new generation was brought on line, the newest generation since the 1980s,” says Matt Lee, director of nuclear operating-plant projects for Black & Veatch. “New nuclear is not dead. It is actually growing.”Why AI is the ‘New Electricity’ – Knowledge@Wharton
2017, November 07 |Knowledge@Wharton, Dileep George, Kaijen Hsiao, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
“AI is the new electricity,” said Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera and an adjunct Stanford professor who founded the Google Brain Deep Learning Project, in a keynote speech at the AI Frontiers conference that was held this past weekend in Silicon Valley. “About 100 years ago, electricity transformed every major industry. AI has advanced to the point where it has the power to transform” every major sector in coming years. And even though there’s a perception that AI was a fairly new development, it has actually been around for decades, he said. But it is taking off now because of the ability to scale data and computation (Dileep George). Starting in 2010, the quality of speech recognition began to improve for the industry, eventually leading to the creation of Siri and Alexa. “Now, you almost take it for granted,” Ng said. That’s not all; speech is expected to replace touch-typing for input, said Ruhi Sarikaya, director of Amazon Alexa. The key to greater accuracy is to understand the context. For example, if a person asks Alexa what he should do for dinner, the digital assistant has to assess his intent. Is he asking Alexa to make a restaurant reservation, order food or find a recipe? If he asks Alexa to find ‘Hunger Games,’ does he want the music, video or audiobook? (Kaijen Hsiao).US, China Sign Agreement to Advance $45bn Alaska LNG Project
2017, November 10 | Energy Business Review, EBR Stafff Writer, Progressive Trade Media Ltd,
The US and China have come up with a joint development agreement to advance the $45bn liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project in Alaska, which is considered to be a strategic gas infrastructure project for the American state. As per the terms of the agreement, the parties will cooperate on LNG marketing, financing, investment model as well as China content in the Alaska LNG project. A periodic result for the project is anticipated to come by 2018. The Alaska LNG project is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs during its construction stage followed up by around 1,000 jobs for handling the operations. Alaska State Governor Bill Walker said: “This is an agreement that will provide Alaska with an economic boom comparable to the development of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System in the 1970s.”DOT Test Program Could Widen Construction Drone Use
2017, October 30 | Engineering News-Record, Tom Ichniowski via AGC SmartBrief
Construction Technology - The Trump administration is launching a pilot program that seeks to expand the use of aerial drones, a move that could increase that spread of the aircraft in the construction industry. President Trump signed a memorandum on Oct. 25 that directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to set up the new test program, approving arrangements with at least five states, localities or tribal groups that submit proposals for wider use of unmanned aerial systems, or UAS. U.S. DOT said that infrastructure inspections and monitoring are among the industries that “could see immediate opportunities” from the pilot program. DOT said the new pilot program will study such now-generally-prohibited activities as nighttime drone operations, flights over people and beyond the operator’s line of sight. The FAA issued a forecast in March saying that the U.S. commercial drone fleet will climb more than tenfold over the next five years, to about 442,000, with an “upside possibility” that it could reach 1.6 million.Saudi Arabia Plans $500 Billion Mega City “NEOM”
2017, October 26 | Bloomberg L.P. [US], Alan Shahine, Erik Schatzker, Vivian Nereim, and Glen Carey - with Assistance by Rian Hamade
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Saudi Arabia is in talks with some of the world's biggest companies to develop technologies that will power life in the $500 billion city he's planning to build on the Red Sea. Prince Mohammed is trying to steer Saudi Arabia away from oil-dependence, something that few major economies have managed. And he keeps moving the goalposts - to make the plans more ambitious.BSI Group to clarify “GDPR” – What it means for the USA and EU Business – Webinar December 2017
2017, October 26 | BSI Group America Inc., Herndon, VA, Anne Atkinson, Senior Marketing Manager
No direct EU business? The new data handling law still may apply. In April 2016, the European Parliament gave final approval to the enactment of the new EU Data Protection legislation. Known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), these new regulations apply unilaterally in all EU member states with the official compliance date being May 25, 2018. The implications for international business are significant. If an organization processes data about individuals in the context of selling goods or services to citizens in the EU, that organization will need to comply with GDPR. This webinar will review the nature and scope of the planned reforms, the considerable cross-business challenges they represent and how best to address them. These new regulations are relevant to security and compliance professionals as well as functional managers in Sales, Marketing and HR. Join BSI’s Global Product Champion for Information Security and Business Continuity, John DiMaria, as we review how this change can impact business operations in the United States. Call: 1-800-862-4977 or Email: inquiry.msamericas@bsigroup.com, Anne AtkinsonJobs – Hottest Expected to be Solar Panel Installer the Next Decade
2017, October 24 | CNBC, Jeff Cox | JeffCox@CNBC.com via Midwest Energy News, U.S. Energy News
The economy is projected to add 11.5 million jobs over the next decade, with the bulk in health care, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In percentage terms, the biggest growth will come from solar panel installers at 105.3 percent — from 11,300 now to 23,200. The projections come amid the slowest year for job growth since 2010, as the economy was still reeling from the financial crisis.Aerospace Video: Thermal Imaging Drones Launched for Use in Public Safety and Construction
2017, October 25 | Electronics 360, Peter Brown via AGC SmartBrief, Inc., 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004
Parrott Professional has introduced an all-in-one quadcopter built with thermal imaging that is designed for construction and public safety services. The Bebop-Pro Thermal builds on other drones the company has launched this year including its Parrot Disco-Pro AG and Parrot Bebop-Pro 3D modeling vehicles. The thermal drone is designed to deliver precision data that can be plugged into existing industry workflows. The quadcopter allows construction and rescue service professionals to carry out inspections with two embedded cameras both a video camera and thermal imaging camera.US Government Warns Of ‘Ongoing’ Attacks On Energy, Nuclear Sectors
2017, October 24 | Silicon.CO.UK, Matthew Broersma via Nuclear Energy SmartBrief
Critical industries including energy, nuclear and manufacturing have been targeted for cyber-espionage since earlier this year. US authorities have warned of ongoing online attacks on critical sectors such as government, energy and manufacturing that “in some cases” have successfully compromised targets’ networks. The attacks are carried out by a group known as “Dragonfly” or “Energetic Bear” that has been in operation since at least 2011, and whose network penetration activities have recently become more aggressive, security firm Symantec said last month.US Funding for Advanced Reactor Enabling Technologies
2017, October 23 | World Nuclear News Weekly, World Nuclear Association, Tower House, 10 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA, UK.
The US Department of Energy has announced up to $20 million of funding for projects to identify and develop innovative technologies for lower cost and safer advanced nuclear reactors. The funding is part of a new programme under the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) initiative.UAE Celebrates International Collaboration
2017, October 23 | World Nuclear News, Hamad Alkaabi is UAE Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency
As the UAE progresses steadily with its peaceful nuclear energy programme, the nation continues to work closely with international experts to ensure the highest levels of nuclear quality and safety. This international collaboration has been an essential part of the programme throughout, and is a key feature that all new nuclear energy projects around the world can learn and benefit from, writes Hamad Alkaabi. It fills me with immense pride to now see more than 400 Emiratis who have obtained nuclear energy related qualifications. As the first Emirati nuclear engineer, I gained detailed insights and knowledge from the international community early on in my career and continue to do so today. I believe that global knowledge transfer and sharing of experiences are critical for the ongoing development of our industry.Perry: Support nuclear power to boost national security
2017, October 14 | Reuters via Nuclear Energy SmartBrief, October 13, 2017
Energy Secretary Rick Perry, who asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last month to pass a rule that supports nuclear and coal power plants, told a congressional hearing that ignoring the nuclear energy industry would hurt national security, as the US would likely see its power diminished when it comes to addressing nuclear proliferation. "If we lose our supply chain, if we lose our intellectual chain of supply of bright scientists because we basically pushed the nuclear industry back, then we're going to lose our role as a leader when it comes to nuclear energy in the world," Perry said.House members establish NASA Caucus
2017, October 14 | SUNSHINE State News, via NE SmartBrief, Aerospace Industries Association, October 13, 2017
Lawmakers in the House have established a NASA Caucus to "strengthen policymaker awareness of NASA's many connections to our national security and economic interests, provide as a bipartisan forum to discuss the scientific and technological challenges to American flight and space-exploration endeavors, and serve as a focal point for public- and private-sector air and space expertise that cover the full range of NASA's initiatives." U.S. Rep. Steve Knight, R-Calif., and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, launched the new group which has more than 25 members. From the Sunshine State, Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Posey and Democrats U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor, Charlie Crist, Alcee Hastings and Debbie Wasserman Schultz joined the caucus.US Navy quietly releases MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueller RFP
2017, October 14 | Jane's 360 via NE SmartBrief, Aerospace Industries Association, Areospace Daily & Defense Report, October 13, 2017
The US Navy released its final RFP for its MQ-29 Stingray UAV aerial refuelle. This formally kicks off the acquisition process and, eventually, a contract award. The US Navy (USN) released its MQ-25 Stingray Unmanned Carrier Aviation Air System (UCAAS) final request for proposal (RFP) to select bidders this week, according to a service spokesperson. Navy spokesperson Jamie Cosgrove said on 12 October that the service would only release the final RFP to Boeing, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman due to technical information that could give insight into future system capabilities and, therefore, it is restricted from public access.Rolls-Royce Elaborates on its SMR Plans
2017, June 13 | WNN, World Nuclear Association, Tower House, 10 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA, UK. Registered in England and Wales, number 01215741
Rolls-Royce's director of technology and engineering, John Molyneux gave more details on Rolls-Royce's new reactor design and the next steps in its development when speaking to the European Young Nuclear Generation Forum event in Manchester, organised by the European Nuclear Society and the UK Nuclear Institute.Westinghouse Subsidiary Receives Notice of Non-conformance
2017, June 21 | WNN, World Nuclear Association, Tower House, 10 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA, UK. Registered in England and Wales, number 01215741
In a letter dated 8 June, the regulator said that inspections carried out in April by its staff found that the implementation of Westinghouse's QA program did not meet certain regulatory requirements. The letter was made public on 16 June. Specifically, the NRC inspection team determined that Westinghouse was not fully implementing its QA program in the area of corrective action associated with incorrect use of material for AP1000 passive residual heat removal heat exchanger (PRHR HX) lower support stiffener plates, identified in an earlier inspection.Evolving Nuclear Governance for a New Era, Report by GNI, NEI, & PGS May 2017
2017, April 20 | World Nuclear News, World Nuclear Association, Nuclear Energy Institute
The Global Nexus Initiative (GNI), which is co-sponsored by the Partnership for Global Security and the Nuclear Energy Institute, plans to publish a report, Evolving Nuclear Governance for a New Era, on 2 May. Formed in 2015, Washington DC-based GNI brings together experts from the nuclear industry, nuclear security energy, and climate change communities to examine the challenges posed by climate change, energy demand and global security. "The locus of new nuclear plant construction has shifted to fast growing nations in Asia and the Middle East," the GNI said on 18 April, "and traditional suppliers, including the USA, France and Japan, are giving way to Russia and China, which have the most active nuclear production lines, the capacity to increase manufacturing and the state financing to support it."Hilcorp unit to buy ConocoPhillips’ San Juan Basin assets for up to $3 billion
2017, March 13 | Oil & Gas Journal, Matt Zborowski, OGJ Assistant Editor
Hilcorp San Juan LP, a partnership of Houston-based Hilcorp Energy Co. and Washington DC-based private equity firm The Carlyle Group, has agreed to acquire ConocoPhillips’ interests in the San Juan basin of northwestern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado for up to $3 billion.Trump Administration Looking for US Westinghouse Buyer – Bloomberg
2017, April 05 Updated | Bloomberg, Jennifer Jacobs, Saleha Mohsin, & Jennifer A Dlouhy (11:03 AM EST) via NEI Smart Brief
The Trump administration is seeking a buyer from the US or an allied nation for Westinghouse Electric Co.'s nuclear business, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the matter. One official said the administration is concerned that nuclear technological secrets may be disclosed if an investment group with hidden Chinese backers bids on the business.NRC Should Mandate Testing of Components from French Forge – “The Day” New London, CT
2017, April 05 | "The Day" New London, CT, Nuclear Energy Institute, Smart Brief Site
The U.S. NRC should require testing components from Areva's Le Creusot Forge in use at 16 US nuclear plants, writes the editorial board of The Day in New London, CT. Dominion recently announced it will use ultrasound testing to check for flaws or cracks in reactor components provided by the forge for its Millstone Unit 2 reactor in Connecticut.Nuclear Research Bill Passes Senate Committee
2017, March 30 | U.S Senator James E. Risch (R-Idaho)
PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS CAN IMPROVE RESEARCH, DRIVE INNOVATION
Washington, D.C. - Private-sector innovators and government researchers will work hand-in-hand to create the next generation of clean, advanced nuclear power under bi-partisan legislation advanced out of committee today in the U.S. Senate. Press Release by U.S. Senator James E. Risch (R-Idaho).Terrestrial Energy Working Toward Molten Salt Reactor Commercialization – Forbes
2017, April 05 | Forbes, Nuclear Energy Institute, Smart Brief Site
Terrestrial Energy is working to bring its integral molten salt reactor to commercialization, with an aim to build reactors in the US & Canada in the 2020s, said Director & CEO Simon Irish. The company submitted a design for review by Canadian regulators & has notified the US NRC that it plans to submit a design certification application in fiscal 2019.The ASQ Global State of Quality – 2016
2016 | ASQ Annual Report, www.asq.org
As organizations evolve, so too do stakeholder and customer expectations. They require responsive service along with high-quality and innovative products and services.National Graduate School of Quality Systems Management
1993 | National Graduate School, John J. Alonso, M.S., Dir. Enrollment & Advancement
The Bachelor of Science Completion Program in Quality Systems Management (from an approved college BSQSM), with Juran Global Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, is designed as a “bridge” for those who possess an Associate’s degree to earn a bachelor degree.