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The THTR Circulars from 2006

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THTR Circular No. 107, June 2006


Content:

Hydrogen research is also nuclear research!

The stuff atomic dreams are made of

Ministries: The earth is flat!

RWE sells HTR stinging elements manufacturer to Advent

Press review

DIDO switched off in Jülich

Wind energy in Cape Town

New generation of nuclear power plants in England

June 18th: Inspection in Gronau


Hydrogen research is also nuclear research!

In early 2003, US President Bush announced a $ 1,2 billion hydrogen initiative. In 2004 the EU followed suit with a similar program. At the beginning of 2006, the NRW Minister for Economic Affairs, Thoben, brought up the issue of increased funding for nuclear hydrogen technology in connection with the THTR. Several tens of millions of euros have already been spent on this in recent years.

Hydrogen is a secondary energy carrier that can be produced in various ways. Alternative energy is just as possible here as nuclear power. In the FRG, the research centers in Karlsruhe (FZK) and Jülich are intensively involved in hydrogen research.

The FZK writes in its magazine "Nachrichten": "Hydrogen is no more dangerous than any other energy source if its special properties are taken into account" (1). - What if it doesn't? What is to be made of such statements when, in downright adventurous contortions, the following forms of energy are assigned to the regenerative energy sources: "This should include solar energy, geothermal energy and brooding nuclear fission" (2)?! It fits in with the fact that the nuclear lobby for hydrogen technology is an environmentally friendly, CO2-free cloak is put on. That this CO2-Freedom does not exist in the slightest, is of course not said. As is well known, nuclear power is to be phased out in the FRG. This is why the close connection between nuclear and hydrogen research has not been raised in the past projects. Not from red-green to avoid trouble with consistent environmentalists. Not from the nuclear industry and the CDU, because they were glad that nuclear research was still busily going on. Almost only scientists and EU lobbyists understood the complicated connections hidden behind difficult-to-understand scientific Chinese.

Nuclear roots

Recently, however, the FZK-Zeitung has been discreetly pointing out the connection between nuclear and hydrogen research: "Especially in the field of hydrogen safety, there is a highly fragmented research landscape in Europe: some institutes have nuclear roots, (...)". And that's why the following remedy had to be found: "The European Network of Excellence (NoE) 'Hysafe' has been coordinated by the Karlsruhe Research Center since March 2004. On the one hand, nuclear power is to be phased out in the FRG; on the other hand, the FZK is commissioned to ensure close interlinking of nuclear and hydrogen technology research. An obvious contradiction. This relationship is visualized in the graphic in the FZK newspaper (3, see below). Within the hydrogen "cake" there are not only coal, natural gas, biomass and solar heat as application forms. Nuclear power and nuclear heat have their own "quarter" and should of course not be missing. For the implementation of such a

The FZK receives 13 million euros as part of "Hysafe", which is geared towards energy research. Of this, seven million euros come from the European Commission. 110 scientists are participating in this project. The decision-making structures are somewhat opaque and confusing: "The body that actually controls and prepares decisions is the Coordination Committee (CC), which is convened every quarter. (...) The main decisions are made in the Network Governing Board (NGB). This is advised by the Advisory Board (AC) "(5). - Understood?? It is these dubious working groups that decide whether more research is carried out in the direction of nuclear energy or alternative energy. The will of the majority of the population to leave the country no longer plays a role here.

Ignition energy

There are more than enough problems with the introduction of hydrogen technology. Even the researchers entrusted with it have to admit that. The dangers in an accident, for example with a hydrogen car or with storage facilities in a garage or a depot: "The extremely low ignition energy favors spontaneous ignition ..." (5). As a result, the possibility of a hydrogen leak gives researchers considerable headaches, because the consequences would be considerable: "However, the storage of hydrogen in enclosed spaces, such as garages or basements, is explosive from a safety point of view its rapid escape due to the strong buoyancy. In addition, the strong damming promotes the handling of non-critical burns with considerable pressure loads "(6) This will lead to personal hazards", which result primarily from the pressure wave and the thermal loads. ( ...) It can lead to eardrum damage, lung injuries or whole-body translation with impact injuries "(7).

There are fundamental problems with the other central point of economic efficiency, give the H2-Friends to: "While the physical-technical questions regarding generation and use have been fundamentally clarified, the questions regarding one are as possible effective storage of hydrogen still largely unsolved "(8). There are not yet too many studies or sets of rules for comprehensive, private use. These aspects are dealt with in the Network of Excellence Hysafe within the framework of the 6th framework program of the EU, in which the research center (Karlsruhe) is in charge "(9)

Hydrogen technology is nowhere near as fast as its propagandists are hoping for. The US researcher Joseph J. Roman has already warned urgently against excessive expectations (10). A current report from the TAZ underlines these warnings: "As part of EU projects, a total of 27 hydrogen buses are currently running in seven European cities Project leader Jonas Ericson "(11).

Notes:
(1) NEWS - Research Center Karlsruhe, 3/2005, page 110
(2) See note (1) on page 109
(3) See note (1) on page 146
(4) See note (1) on page 112
(5) See note (1) on page 140
(6) See note (1) on page 150
(7) See note (1) on page 144
(8) BWK, Vol. 58 (2006) No. 1 and 2, page S 6
(9) See note (1) on page 108
(10) See the book review in the ND of March 27.03.2006, XNUMX: "Climate protection with high tech" on our homepage
(11) TAZ of April 13.04.2006, XNUMX

The stuff atomic dreams are made of

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North Rhine-Westphalia is the federal state that has so far made the most significant use of hydrogen technology.

In the FRG, numerous hydrogen and fuel cell projects are supported by the EU, the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of research and development (R + D) funding. In particular the research centers in Jülich and Karlsruhe, GKSS Geesthacht and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

The scientist K. Verfondern from Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) wrote in the official journal of Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe ("Nachrichten", 3/2005, page 124) about the (allegedly) CO2-free energy supply: "In terms of large-scale production of hydrogen at a constant rate, nuclear energy plays a crucial role."

In the above-mentioned article "Nuclear hydrogen production", the scientist Verfondern stated: "For example, with CHRISGAS, SOLREF, HYTHEC, HI2 H2 projects have started that focus on hydrogen production through the gasification of biomass, steam reforming, thermochemical cycle processes and high-temperature water electrolysis dedicate."

In the "Overview in 2004/2005 of current hydrogen and fuel cell projects with German participation. European Union - 6th Framework Program 2002-2006" prepared by the National Coordination Office Jülich for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (NKJ) at the Project Management Jülich (PTJ) from November The following projects are mentioned in 2005:

No. 1: CHRISGAS, 9,5 million euros donation

No. 2: SOLREF, 2,1 million euros donation

No. 3: HYTECH, 1,9 million euros donation

No. 4: Hi2H2 1,1 million euros donation

In addition, the information from the National Coordination Office Jülich for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (NKJ) indicates that the research is on High temperature fuel cells SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) can also be considered for nuclear use:

No. 27: Real-SOFC, 9 million donation

No. 30 SOFC 600 6,5 million euros grant (The outlet temperature of the helium gas is over 600 degrees Celsius and is therefore particularly suitable for the nuclear HTR line),

No. 31: FLAME SOFC (Fuel Flexible ...) 7,5 million euros donation

The comment on these projects states: "The NKJ started its work on September 1, 2004 and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labor (BMWA) and the Ministry of Economics, Medium-Sized Enterprises and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWME NRW) financed. "

In the research and development work mentioned above, hydrogen energy production can be coupled with nuclear high-temperature reactors.

In the "Newsletter" of September 28.09.2005, 10.01.2006, the NKJ refers to the last energy-relevant funding opportunity until January 6, 01.10.2004 through the XNUMXth EU Research Framework Program. According to the information provided by the EU Commission on October XNUMXst, XNUMX in response to a request from EU MP Hiltrud Breyer, various research institutions have in the past made their own initiative with project proposals and funding requests for nuclear HTR research projects, which is a central element of the framework plans.

In the "newsletter" of the NKJ as announced by German research institutes work areas SOFC systems (especially large-scale) and high-temperature MEE. Priority for these "strategically important initiatives" is the cooperation with "the existing international cooperation structure International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHEGermany is involved in the cooperation structure IPHE, along with 16 other members. In this context, specialist conferences on SOFC are also held. Germany is involved in four other projects via the EU.

In the "Newsletter" of November 14.11.2005, XNUMX of the NKJ you can read: "In the last few months German researchers from industry and science have been interested in actively participating in the work program 'Hydrogen Implementing Agreement" (HIA) of the IEA. That is why we have announced that German accession to this international cooperation project is possible. The following topics are currently being worked on: (...) Integrated Systems Evaluation, Hydrogen Safety (...), High Temperature Production of Hydrogen (...). "As part of the research program" Reactor for Process Heat and Electricity "(RAPHAEL) is working on the "Very High Temperature Reactor Project" (VHTR) worked with the aim of generating electricity, hydrogen and usable heat with nuclear energy. In addition to AREVA (Framatome) and others, representatives of the Institute for Nuclear Energy at the University of Stuttgart (W. Scheuermann) and the Jülich Research Center (W. von Lensa) also work on the RAPHAEL project.

Since 30.07.2003/XNUMX/XNUMX Euratom has been a member of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF), an international initiative to develop the fourth generation of reactor systems, including the high-temperature reactor. The magazine "atw" of February 2005 writes: "The participation of Euratom in GIF was welcomed by many members and organizations because it (...) offers a platform for the participation of research organizations and companies, their member states are not a direct member, and a coordination and complementarity of all funded by the EU Nuclear research with the goals of the GIF. "The participation of German research institutions in the activities of the GIF is clearly contrary to the law on the orderly termination of the use of nuclear energy.

Ministries: The earth is flat!

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On February 5, we confronted the five responsible federal and state ministries with the facts we had gathered in this circular. Here is the answer of the Ministry of Economics and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia: "With the new version of the Atomic Energy Act of April 22.04.2002nd, 5 the legislature has only regulated the termination of the use of nuclear energy for the commercial generation of electricity. This does not affect the freedom of research (Article 3, Paragraph 14.02.2006 of the Basic Law). Since research in the field of nuclear technology is free remains, neither a contradiction nor a violation of the research and development work you mentioned - regardless of the possibility of coupling it with nuclear energy production - against the applicable Atomic Energy Act is seen. " (XNUMX/XNUMX/XNUMX)

Here is the answer of the Federal Ministry for Education and Research: "The implementation of this work is not affected by the 'Law on the Orderly Ending of the Use of Nuclear Energy for Commercial Use of Electricity'. They are necessary to ensure the high safety standard of the nuclear facilities operated in Germany for the duration of their service life." (15.05.2006/XNUMX/XNUMX) And the earth is flat.

RWE sells HTR stinging elements manufacturer to Advent

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RWE NUKEM has been active in the South African Pebble Bed Modular project since 2000. On August 24.08.2005, 101, RWE Nukem signed a cooperation agreement for the production of the nuclear fuel elements for the South African high-temperature reactor. We reported on this in detail in issue no. XNUMX of the THTR circular.

Now RWE has sold precisely this company division to the financial investor "Advent". The Financial Times Deutschland reported on May 19.05.2006, 9.500: "The US investment company Advent acquired the five companies grouped under the name RWE Solutions, which employ a total of 1,7 people and generate annual sales of around € 100 billion. (...) "According to FTD information, RWE achieved a price in the range of € 650 million to € 750 million including assumed debts for the activities with a joint operating result (Ebitda) of around € XNUMX million. (...) RWE is giving up service providers in the energy industry, for example in the areas of line construction and infrastructure, switchgear and dismantling of nuclear plants. According to CEO Harry Roels, the group is concentrating entirely on the supply of electricity and gas. (...)

The second largest company from the group of companies, the nuclear service provider Nukem, also shows great differences in the profitability of its divisions. Nukem is the world's largest independent uranium trader. The division is working lucratively, it was said. In addition, the company, with around 1.100 employees, has specialized in the processing of nuclear waste and the decommissioning of old nuclear facilities. This area appears to be working with insufficient results at the moment. The demand will grow in the next few years, explained Advent. (...) Advent plans to dissolve the acquired company conglomerate immediately and manage it separately. The negotiations dragged on for well over a year. That shows how difficult it was for the RWE Group to find a buyer for the company package. "

The RWE press release of May 18.05.2006, 4,8 explains the following about Advent: "Advent international is one of the world's leading equity companies with managed assets of 14 billion euros and locations in 1984 countries in Western and Central Europe, North America and Latin America and Asia Pacific. Since its inception in 500, Advent has invested in more than 8 companies, helping companies raise € 130 billion in equity through stock and bond issues, including XNUMX listings on stock exchanges around the world. "

From private nursing homes to pharmaceutical companies, everything is being bought out. From the cause (radioactive radiation) to the treatment of the effects (radiation sickness), everything can be controlled by one long hand in the future. And hopefully the light will go on for many people.

Horst Blume

Press review

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"It is amazing how quickly many people in the region around Hamm can or do not want to remember anything after such a short time. Almost everyone under the age of thirty does not even know today that they are ten kilometers away from the city center of Hammer a reactor is in 'decommissioning' - that's the official name. "

I wrote this in the April issue of the Grassroots Revolution. While the incident in the THTR was on everyone's lips all over Germany 20 years ago and was described in hundreds of articles, a lot of energy has to be expended today to ensure that half a dozen newspapers report on this topic on the occasion of the 20th anniversary. But the radioactivity didn't fade into thin air in a couple of years. This superficiality and lack of history will have an impact. - This is today's press coverage; what will it look like after 50 years?

  • April issue: "20 years after Chernobyl" * (forgetfulness and resistance to the HTR line in Hamm), "grassroots revolution"
  • April issue: "SGL Carbon supplies graphite for PBMR", anti atom aktuell, issue 170
  • April issue: "Generation IV" (and France), anti atom aktuell, issue 170
  • April 22nd: "Anti-Atom unter Strom" * (with THTR reporting), TAZ-NRW
  • April 22nd: "Tale of the brave new reactor world" * (about Generation IV), TAZ
  • April 26th: "A bright future" (with THTR reporting), TAZ-NRW
  • April 26: "20 years after the GAU", weekly newspaper
  • April 28: "Hamm also remembered the Chernobyl disaster", Westfälischer Anzeiger
  • April 29th: "Unlimited Demo" * (with THTR reporting), TAZ-NRW
  • May issue: "New THTR in China" *, cover story of the "Grassroots Revolution"
  • May issue: "Absolutely unscrupulous people" (THTR globules in the Elbmarsch), 5 pages !, concrete
  • Issue 1/2006: "20 years after Chernobyl" (on the THTR), Fuge-News (Hamm)
  • May 4th: "Crisis after the disaster" (THTR incident 20 years ago, Westfälischer Anzeiger
  • May 17th: "German secret routes to the atomic bomb" * (with THTR pellets) Junge Welt

Most of the media got rid of the THTR story by hiding. You point your finger into the distant Chernobyl, where ailing Russian piles are terrifying. But here in Germany it is preferred to put a cloak of silence over one's own scrap reactor and the successful resistance against it - the citizens could be led to more far-reaching conclusions.

There is no reason for disinterest and indifference to the dangers still emanating from the THTR today: The history of the radioactive THTR tiny spheres in the Elbmarsch and the sensational leukemia cases there clearly show that with unpleasant surprises in Hamm and Hanau (where the spheres are produced, where incidents have also occurred) must be expected. It was not for nothing that Germany's largest left-wing monthly magazine "Konkret" dedicated five pages to the THTR and the Elbmarsch in May. Sequel follows.

Horst Blume

DIDO switched off in Jülich

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"Yesterday the last of the originally three reactors at Forschungszentrum Jülich went out. Reactor DIDO was the strongest neutron source in Germany for a long time, the FZ announced yesterday. It had supplied neutrons to research the internal structure of a matter. The Jülich will now be the research reactor Use Garching in Bavaria. After a fundamental political decision to no longer use highly enriched fuel elements in research centers, DIDO should have been converted. " (From: TAZ-NRW from May 03.05.2006rd, XNUMX)

In the meantime, the nuclear criticism-resistant FZ Jülich is mutating into the preferred retreat for ruthless social robbers: "For fear of protests, the Senate of the University of Cologne today decides on tuition fees in FZ Jülich, 50 kilometers away. (...) A meeting of the University Senate had to be held three weeks ago canceled because 1.500 students blocked the hall. " 

(From: TAZ-NRW from May 24.05.2006th, XNUMX)

Wind energy in Cape Town

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Wind energy from the west coast of South Africa has recently been fed into the power grid of Cape Town. By 2020, the metropolis wants to meet ten percent of its energy needs from renewable sources at the most beautiful end of the world.

This is also a victory over the nuclear lobby, which praises the Koeberg nuclear power plant, only 35 kilometers from Cape Town, as the only electricity supplier for the Western Cape. (...) The shock of days of power outages with millions in damage to the economy has finally made the mayor's office in Cape Town realize that the region's complete dependence on nuclear power must be broken and alternative energies must also be promoted. (...) Eskom has tried by all means to keep the pilot project run a few years ago by a private company with Danish and German support from the market. Cape Town, too, had so far refused to buy electricity from Darling Wind Farm under pressure from the electricity company. It was only through the change of government in Cape Town from the ANC to the Democratic Alliance that a rethink became possible.

You can see the three wind turbines from afar on the 252 meter high hill if you drive along the road near the coastal town of Yzerfontein. If the power purchase is lucrative enough, an expansion won't be long in coming. Another private operator is building another wind farm with three turbines just north of Durbanville, also just behind Cape Town.
Eskom will lose its almost absolute monopoly over the power supply in South Africa, at least in the Western Cape, but perhaps the competition will help Eskom to become the market leader for alternative energies. Your wind energy pilot project is also in Klipheuwel on the west coast. It is set to be the largest wind farm in sub-Saharan Africa, but currently only supplies electricity for 2500 households.

(From: Neues Deutschland from May 08.05.2006th, XNUMX)

New generation of nuclear power plants in England

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There are increasing reports that within the EU, after France, England also wants to increasingly rely on the HTR line. Even though Prime Minister Blair lost the local elections, he continues undeterred. "On the energy issue, he wants to nail down every successor now. Yes to the construction of a new generation of nuclear power plants, he announced. Not in parliament or in front of the parliamentary group, but in front of representatives of the industrialists' association CBI, whose members applauded him." 

(From: ND from May 20.05.2006, XNUMX)

June 18th: Inspection in Gronau

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In Gronau there is an inspection of the Uranium Enrichment Plant (UAA) planned for June 18 (from 12 noon). The discussion about the nuclear conflict with Iran is to be used here to problematize a similar facility in Westphalia. Camp setup begins on Friday, June 16. Supporters are IPPNW, X-thousand times across, Nonviolent Action Abolish Nuclear Weapons. The action promises to be very interesting. We also go there from Hamm.

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