NK News’ Post

🚨 Will Iran Go Nuclear Under Biden’s Watch? Racing Against Time: Iran’s Potential Nuclear Leap Before January 20, 2025 🚨 https://lnkd.in/eggNYXsY Recent actions suggest Iran may be sprinting to become a nuclear power before January 20, 2025. With uranium enriched to 60% ( shy of weapons-grade), missile advancements, and restricted international monitoring, the clock is ticking. What’s driving this acceleration? Can it be stopped? Should it be stopped? 👉 Don’t miss this deep dive into Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the global stakes. 🔗 Read the full article now https://lnkd.in/eggNYXsY #IranNuclearWeapons #GlobalSecurity #NuclearIran #IranThreat #DiplomacyNow #IranNuclearWeapons #IranNuclearThreat #IranianNuclearProgram #NuclearIran #StopIranNukes #IranNuclearCrisis #IranUraniumEnrichment #NoToNuclearIran #IranWeaponization #IranNuclearBreakout #IranianNuclearAmbitions #IranNuclearTimeline #IranMissileProgram #NPTIran #IranNuclearEscalation #IranNuclearDeal #IranNuclearDevelopment #IranNuclearProliferation #PreventNuclearIran #IranianNuclearAdvancement

“By striving to fulfil Pillar III obligations, NWS would strengthen not only the NPT but also the declining confidence of NNWS in the regime.” In a recent publication with European Leadership Network (ELN), I write about how Pillar III of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) - the peaceful uses of nuclear energy pillar - could be unleashed to expedite Africa's journey towards sustainable development. Sustainable development is the cornerstone for a flourishing and prosperous Africa that current and future generations deserve. Since nuclear energy possesses the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, accelerate clean energy transition, and power industrial productivity through stable electricity supply across Africa, it is vital that Africa receives the necessary assistance to fully leverage the benefits of nuclear energy. One avenue through which Africa can access this support is via the NPT. My article highlights the NPT's shortfalls and explores how nuclear-weapons states can assist Africa in maximizing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Notably, if nuclear-weapons states fulfill their obligations under Pillar III to African states, it would create a mutually beneficial outcome for both parties. This action would not only reinforce Africa’s commitment to the NPT, but also expedite Africa's journey towards sustainable development. In the concluding section of my analysis, I also propose that The World Bank amends its nuclear energy policy and begins to provide financing for nuclear energy projects. I highly recommend delving into this piece for a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues. It is a valuable read! My heartfelt gratitude to Oliver Meier Dr. Olamide Samuel Betty Suh Julia Franziska Berghofer and Esther K. for your support in ensuring that this timely article is published.

PHOTO: NRC NUCLEAR BARRIER. Here's a great opportunity for you to contrast two interpretations of the ADVANCE act expected to support new nuclear power in the US. John Weed presents a lawyerly view of how some NRC fee reductions of tens of millions might help billion-dollar projects. https://lnkd.in/etdWtAWF Jack Devanney presents a (cynical) critique of the ineffective benefits. https://lnkd.in/dCGphfnR Here's H.R.6544 itself. You decide. https://lnkd.in/dWsrattu The bill has nothing to do with overcoming the regulatory hurdles erected by exaggerated fears of radiation from nuclear power based on corrupt science and the precautionary principle. Read this book chapter to understand the problem. https://lnkd.in/erRGG-dy

In our latest report The Bellona Environmental Transparency Center has analyzed the current state of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and assessed the technical feasibility of its restart, as well as the diplomatic situation surrounding the ZNPP. The analysis shows that technically, Rosatom could attempt to restart at least one unit of the plant by the end of 2024. The ZNPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe with six nuclear reactors, was seized in March 2022 at the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops are stationed on its territory, and the plant’s staff is essentially held hostage. Since then, the ZNPP has been repeatedly shelled. For more than a year and a half, all the plant’s reactors have been shut down and are currently in a “cold shutdown” state, one of the safest modes given the current circumstances of war. Recently, however, Russian officials and even the head of the IAEA have increasingly discussed the possibility of restarting the plant. Switching even one reactor to electricity generation mode at the plant, which is near the front line, would significantly increase the risk of nuclear and radiation incidents and exacerbate their potential consequences. Download PDF: https://lnkd.in/dR-M_2Zd

US and Sweden sign MOU on nuclear power. The agreement was signed in Washington, DC by the respective #energy ministers. The US and Sweden have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on bilateral #nuclearenergy cooperation, to help each other bolster domestic #nuclearproduction. Sweden’s Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch and US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm signed the agreement in Washington, DC on 1 August. Under the agreement, the two countries will exchange experience on nuclear policy, research and innovation related to #supplychains, financing models, skills supply and development of advanced nuclear fuel. “Sweden and the United States will now cooperate on nuclear power. This is good for Sweden, the United States, the labour market and competitiveness. Our countries enjoy long-standing and good relations, and I look forward to strengthening our cooperation and knowledge exchange in the area of nuclear power,” Busch said. Areas of cooperation will include #nuclearpower reactors, small modular reactors, advanced #nuclearfuel development, nuclear waste management, and safety and security. https://lnkd.in/dp9CYHJ7

The U.S. intelligence community has warned of renewed nation-state conflict and strategic competition with great powers and rising regional powers, to include increased competition in the realm of nuclear capabilities. To help deter these threats, it is #NNSA’s responsibility to design and build the nation’s nuclear stockpile, as well as maintain that stockpile without resuming nuclear explosive testing. Learn more about our nuclear stockpile mission: https://lnkd.in/g4jBBn3Y

Last week, we took another step forward in implementing the ADVANCE Act – we signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) explaining how we’ll share knowledge and prepare for advanced nuclear fuels, including accident-tolerant fuels for current reactors and advanced fuel concepts for future reactors. Our Commissioner David Wright and DOE’s Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Michael Goff did the signing honors. The MOU is important because it ensures both agencies have the right expertise and data related to DOE's role in research and development and the NRC's role as an independent safety and security regulator for advanced nuclear fuels. The MOU can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eJSemabP #ADVANCENRC

The regional @iaeaorg project on strengthening #NuclearSecurity capacities in the Arab States was the main topic of discussion among representatives of the Arab Atomic Energy Agency, the Arab Network of Nuclear Regulators and League of Arab States with the Division of Nuclear Security, in a meeting held in the margins of the ongoing #IAEAGC68

Not recognized broadly enough, today is the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons!   Very excited to join United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs’s #youth4disarmament NONE challenge, clearly saying Not One Nuclear Explosion. Learn more about the importance of this day & nuclear #disarmament at: https://lnkd.in/gsfrw5Ss

https://lnkd.in/gtfQT_2x Decommissioning of Finland’s oldest nuclear reactor. “Commissioned in 1962, the FiR1 research reactor was used for versatile research purposes and also served the healthcare sector. The reactor, with a thermal power of 250kW, did not produce electricity or heat for utilisation. “The reactor was shut down in 2015, which initiated the licensing process for decommissioning and the planning for dismantling. In 2020, a significant milestone was reached when the spent fuel was transferred to the United States for further utilisation. A total of 103 spent nuclear fuel rods, weighing approximately 300kg, were removed from the reactor”. Wonder if these spent nuclear fuel rods were used by America in the manufacture and deployment of artillery shells and rockets?