James Conca

Pasco

Science Contributor at Forbes

I have been a PhD scientist in the field of the earth and environmental sciences for 35 years, and am a Forbes contributor at https://t.co/JQKyTYKSJs…

Featured in: Favicon

forbes.com Favicon

forbesjapan.com Favicon

3blmedia.com Favicon

tri-cityherald.com Favicon

realclearmarkets.com Favicon

energypost.eu Favicon

realclearenergy.org Favicon

nuclear-news.net Favicon

ans.org

Articles

Atomic Museum marks 20 years of education

1 month ago | ans.org | James Conca

The NNSS, about 65 miles north of Las Vegas, was the site of nuclear weapons testing between 1951 and 1992.
Nuclear Newswire -- ANS

2 months ago | ans.org | James Conca

In a Q&A posted on TVA’s website last week about a “new nuclear heyday,” Bob Deacy shared his vision for the Clinch River nuclear site in Oak Ridge, Tenn.—and some news about next steps for the company’s small modular reactor plans.
Can we please stop this nonsense about what’s the best source of energy?

2 months ago | ans.org | James Conca

Nuclear is—period. But don’t take my word for it: ask the United Nations. The 2021 report Life Cycle Assessment of Electricity Generation Options, by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), shows that nuclear has the lowest overall impacts on human health and the environment, by any measure and from any perspective.
Nuclear Newswire -- ANS

2 months ago | ans.org | Chris O’Neil |James Conca

Savannah River National Laboratory researchers are building on the laboratory’s legacy of using cutting-edge science to effectively immobilize nuclear waste in innovative ways. As part of the Center for Hierarchical Waste Form Materials, SRNL is leveraging its depth of experience in radiological waste management to explore new frontiers in the industry. April 4, 2025, 12:01PMANS NewsApplications for the Society’s Glenn T.
Will policies outlined in Project 2025 affect nuclear much?

2 months ago | ans.org | James Conca

I think so. The near future for nuclear depends on both the cabinet picks for Energy, Defense, Interior, and Commerce, and how well the new secretaries stick to the Project 2025 plan, the Heritage Foundation’s conservative blueprint for the future. Those who want to read the entire 900-page Mandate for Leadership can find it easily online. The section relating to nuclear power and waste begins on page 363: “Department of Energy and Related Commissions,” by Bernard L. McNamee.
The 2025 Nuclear News Energy Quiz

Feb 7, 2025 | ans.org | James Conca

2. Why does the U.S. Department of Defense want a small nuclear reactor as soon as possible? to reduce the cost of powering a forward military base to reduce casualties in war zones to intimidate enemy combatants to justify the U.S. Space ForceCorrect! to reduce casualties in war zones, since attacks on diesel truck convoys accounted for about half of U.S. casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Nuclear Newswire -- ANS

Jan 17, 2025 | ans.org | Susan Gallier |James Conca

January 10, 2025, 3:03PMNuclear NewsThe media have gleefully resurrected the language of a past nuclear renaissance. Beyond the hype and PR, many people in the nuclear community are taking a more measured view of conditions that could lead to new construction: data center demand, the proliferation of new reactor designs and start-ups, and the sudden ascendance of nuclear energy as the power source everyone wants—or wants to talk about.
How to talk about nuclear

Jan 16, 2025 | ans.org | James Conca

The best way to talk about nuclear is . . . not to talk about nuclear—at least at first. When most academics discuss something like nuclear, they love to use lots of data and figures, which I understand and love myself.
Nuclear Newswire -- ANS

Jan 16, 2025 | ans.org | James Conca

The potential application of artificial intelligence to the operation of nuclear power plants is explored in an article published in late December in the Washington Examiner. The article, written by energy and environment reporter Callie Patteson, presents the views of a number of experts, including Yavuz Arik, a strategic energy consultant. “SMRs present a viable opportunity for Indiana to transition to a cleaner, resilient, and diversified energy future.
Christmas Night

Dec 20, 2024 | ans.org | James Conca

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the houseNo electrons were flowing through even my mouse. All devices were plugged in by the chimney with careWith the hope that St. Nikola Tesla would share. The kitties were nestled all snug in their bedsWhile visions of laser points danced in their heads. And i with my Phone, and she in her threadHad just settled down in our memory-foam bed. The new-fallen snow was aglow with the moon;In the distance it shone on our nuke’s snow-white plume.