Clean Energy Insight - Moving Energy Forward

[Approx. Read Time: 3 minutes] Two North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NA-YGN) members recently offered their thoughts and advice in a guest article on the ANS Nuclear Cafe Blog, encouraging young members of the nuclear energy industry to take complete personal responsibility of  their professional development. Learning to take charge of my professional and personal development has been the biggest lesson I’ve learned during my first 4 years in the nuclear energy industry, and I felt... more

[Approx. Read Time: 2 minutes] How often do you think about where the electricity you use to power your lights, computer and television comes from? Chances are not often, if ever. This past October, the Michigan American Nuclear Society hosted an essay contest as part of Careers in Energy Week asking high school students to do just that. The “Get into Nuclear Energy” essay contest targeted raising awareness of nuclear energy careers among Michigan high school students. The contest asked... more

[Approx. Read Time: 2 minutes] During last week’s Young Professionals Congress, dozens participated in a new training activity designed to solicit tacit knowledge from experienced professionals. Members from both the American Nuclear Society’s Young Members Group (ANS-YMG) and North America Young Generation in Nuclear (NA-YGN) created this activity. “This training was timely,” said Jennifer Varnedoe Chair of the ANS-YMG. “Many in the nuclear sector are nearing retirement... more

[Approx. Read Time: <1 minute] North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NA-YGN) recently held their 13th Annual “Roddy Nuclear” Drawing contest all over North America.  Roddy Nuclear is a nuclear fuel pellet cartoon character who can fit into the palm of a child’s hand.  In fact, Roddy provides as much energy as almost two-thousand pounds of coal and 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas! NA-YGN members used Roddy’s adventures to present the benefits of nuclear energy to... more

[Approx. Read Time: 1 minute] On November 1, 2011, several North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NA-YGN) members attended the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) public meeting for the potential restart of Dominion Power’s North Anna Power Station (NAPS). The purpose of the meeting was for the NRC and Dominion to provide members of the public with the status of inspections and current information for NAPS after the August 23rd earthquake in Mineral, VA. Dominion Energy's... more

[Approx. Read Time: 2 minutes] On Thursday, November 3rd, approximately 90 American Nuclear Society members ended their annual winter meeting with a Capitol Hill visit. Constituents from over 20 states visited with their elected officials and their staffers to promote nuclear energy. Pictured from L to R: Jennifer Varnedoe (Progress Energy), Eric Helin (GE Hitachi), Myron Koblansky (Westinghouse), Adam Nygaard (Duke Energy) Hill Visit team and topic: The North Carolina team represented a variety... more

[Approx. Read Time: 1 minute] Last week, Elizabeth McAndrew-Benavides, NA-YGN Past President, participated in the U.S. Navy’s Educational Orientation Visit (EOV) program. This unique opportunity showed participants what it is like to have a career in the U.S. Navy and expanded their understanding of the Navy’s extensive training program. “I was very excited to participate. Navy Nukes are a traditional work force pipeline for the commercial nuclear energy industry,” said McAndrew-Benavides.... more

[Approx. Read Time: 1 minute] The U.S. Department of Energy has recently proposed a change to 10 CFR 810, a regulation that governs the export of peaceful nuclear technology, including for the production of electricity, to the multi-billion dollar global market. This proposed change could: Adversely impact competitiveness of U.S. nuclear suppliers Disrupt existing commercial arrangements between U.S. manufacturers and their overseas customers Create additional administrative burdens Specifically,... more

[Approximate Read Time - 1 minute] The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) announced their annual Nuclear Excellence Awards today at the conclusion of their eleventh Biennial General Meeting held in Shenzhen, China. Susan Reilly Landahl, Chief Operation Officer of Exelon Nuclear and member of NA-YGN’s Executive Advisory Committee was one of the eight recipients this year. The Nuclear Excellence awards identify individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to excellence in the... more

[Approx. Read Time: 3 minutes] Virginia’s policy on uranium mining was one of several featured issues discussed at Governor Bob McDonnell’s second annual Governor’s Energy Conference in Richmond earlier this week. A break out session was held to discuss the historical, economic and environmental issues surrounding the potential for uranium mining in the state . The panel included State Senator John Watkins, U.S. Energy Information Administration geologist Margaret Coleman, and the Director... more

[Approx. Read Time: 3 minutes] On September 21, 2011, the North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NA-YGN) Durham Chapter partnered with one of Canada’s premier business schools, The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto to create a special and successful event with Ontario Power Generation’s Chief Nuclear Operating Officer, Mr. Pierre Tremblay. Zeeshaan Mustafa, Rotman MBA (C’12) co-host and NA-YGN Member welcomes attendees to the Energy Expert Speaker Series... more

[Approximate Read Time: 10 minutes] There are many intelligent, caring and dedicated mothers in the nuclear industry. In order to share their experience about the nuclear world, NA-YGN has managed to capture the perspectives of four of these women. Their stories are humorous and insightful, and provide proof that you can be a nuclear professional while having a home life at the same time. Hope you enjoy the stories. Nursing Mothers in the Nuclear Industry By: Kristin Murray Zaitz, Vice President,... more

[Approx. Read Time: 3 minutes] Nuclear Misinformation In the wake of the earthquake in Japan and the resulting accident at the Fukushima power plant, misinformation and fear-mongering about nuclear energy, which has always been present, has really been soaring. Reports of radiation plumes hitting the Pacific coast of the United States or milk with high radiations levels invaded the news and soon people everywhere were discussing the best sources of iodine pills to combat radiation sickness. It may... more

[Approx. Read Time: 2 minutes] Clean. Sustainable. Renewable. Green. These are the words that Dr. Patrick Moore used to describe the ideal energy source during a recent talk at an evening event at the brand new UNC-Charlotte Center City building in uptown Charlotte, NC.  He was quick to point out that no single source meets all of these adjectives.  This was one of the many topics Dr. Moore covered during his hour-long discussion with an audience of about one hundred on September 16th.  The event... more

[Approx. Read Time: 2 min] This letter is in response to: http://berkeley-nj.patch.com/articles/petitioners-to-nrc-shut-down-all-fukushima-like-nuclear-plants I am a Chemical Engineer that works at a Mark I plant.  I choose to live within ten miles of the plant knowing that the operations of the facility are safe and reliable.  I love the community at which I live and I am very confident telling my neighbors and family that I am keeping them safe and providing them with reliable power everyday. I... more