Today's big stories from the nuclear industry:
Tehran Times: Bushehr nuclear plant to start operating by Aug 22
‘The 1,000-megawatt Russian-built plant in the southern port city of Bushehr will first generate around 500 megawatts by August 22, Energy Minister Parviz Fattah said, quoted by state television's website.’
AFP: Iran lacks nuclear bomb fuel: US officials
‘Iran has yet to decide whether to build a nuclear bomb and currently lacks the weapons-grade highly enriched uranium needed to do so, top US intelligence officials told lawmakers on Tuesday.’
The Armenian Weekly: What were Armenian officials thinking, if they were thinking at all?
‘I n his speech titled “International Economic Cooperation: New Policy,” Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian invited the participation of Russia and Turkey in the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Armenia. He said that the multi-billion dollar project had not only economic but also political significance.’
Reuters: Economy to slow U.S. nuclear power growth: NRC head
‘An "excessive exuberance" for expansion in the U.S. nuclear power industry has calmed because of the global credit and economic crisis, the head of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said on Tuesday.’
World Politics Review: Obstacles Remain for U.S.-U.A.E. Nuclear Agreement
‘As one of her final acts as U.S. secretary of state, Condoleeza Rice signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) on Jan. 15, a deal touted by the Bush administration as a model for promoting peaceful nuclear energy while at the same time guarding against weapons proliferation. The Obama administration is still studying the accord before deciding whether to forward it to Congress for ratification into law.’
Gulf Times: Four firms in the fray to build Jordan N-plant
‘“The country is currently studying proposals submitted by France’s Areva, South Korea’s Kepco, the Atomic Energy of Canada and Russia’s Atomstroyexport,” Jordan Atomic Energy Commission head Khaled Tukan said.’