PANDEMICS

C G NICHOLAS MASCIE-TAYLOR AND KASUHIKO MOJI OCTOBER 12, 2020   I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Nick Mascie-Taylor and Kazuhiko Moji explain the lessons learnt from the covid-19 pandemic include acting quickly, extensive testing, digital surveillance, public trust in government and leaders and cooperation between nations. The essay may be downloaded in PDF format here Nick […]

NAGASAKI’S VOICE: 75 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

MASAO TOMONAGA OCTOBER 9 2020   I.  INTRODUCTION In this essay, Masao Tomonaga concludes that: “Even now in 2020 hibakusha continue to suffer atomic bomb radiation- induced cancers and leukemia. This life-long health consequence prove genuine inhumane nature of nuclear weapons. We must challenge a new stage of nuclear abolition under dangerous divide between NPT […]

THE EUROPEAN INTERCONNECTED NETWORK: CASE STUDY OF INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL GRID INTERCONNECTION

NISHEETH SINGH OCTOBER 5, 2020   I. INTRODUCTION In this Special Report, Nisheeth Singh presents a case study of the European interconnected electricity grid network, including its origins, organization, current status, governing institutions and principles, and data exchanges between partners that allow the network and associated power markets that allow the network to function smoothly, […]

RUSSIA’S PERSPECTIVE ON NORTHEAST ASIA ELECTRICITY INTERCONNECTIONS

VALENTIN VOLOSHCHAK OCTOBER 2, 2020 I.  INTRODUCTION In this Special Report, Valentin Voloshchak reviews Russian economic policy as it pertains to electricity sector interconnections in Northeast Asia, including a review of previous discussions of grid interconnections in the region, potential future relationships among grid interconnection participants, and challenges related to grid interconnection from a Russian […]

THE U.S. ELECTION AND NUCLEAR ORDER IN THE POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

LEON V. SIGAL SEPTEMBER 29 2020   I.  INTRODUCTION In this essay, Leon Sigal concludes that “Absent popular action…positive change to the global nuclear order will continue to be marginal and fitful. This makes the international milieu critical for the nuclear future – a milieu that a president can influence but not determine.” The essay […]

MICROGRIDS FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

WOOHYUN HWANG SEPTEMBER 27, 2020   I.  INTRODUCTION In this Special Report, Woohyun Hwang describes the current status and recent development of microgrids based on renewable energy sources and other generation in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The types of microgrids constructed in the ROK are described, along with policies related to microgrid development and […]

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 CRISIS ON THE MONGOLIAN ENERGY SECTOR

ULZIILKHAM UUGANBAYAR AND TOVUUDORJ PUREVJAV SEPTEMBER 24, 2020   I.  INTRODUCTION In this essay, Ulziilkham Uuganbayar and Tovuudorj Purevjav describe covid-caused dislocations to Mongolia’s energy sector being: a) delays to installation caused by supply chain disruption; b) reduced energy demand; and c) defaults on payments creating utility liquidity problems. Ulziilkham Uuganbayar and Tovuudorj Purevjav are […]

THE IMPACT OF A REGIONAL NUCLEAR CONFLICT BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN: TWO VIEWS

G. D. HESS SEPTEMBER 24, 2020   I.  INTRODUCTION In this essay, G. Dale Hess dissects the scientific debate on the severity of the climatic effects of a regional nuclear war between India and Pakistan, namely the Global Nuclear Winter versus the No Nuclear Winter schools.  He discusses the underlying assumptions of each school and […]

INTEGRATING MINI GRIDS INTO NATIONAL GRIDS: TECHNICAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL ASPECTS

CHRIS GREACEN SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 I.  INTRODUCTION In this Special Report, Chris Greacen describes the technical and organizational aspects of integrating mini-grids into national grids, including technical, economic, and market issues related to interconnecting mini-grids, which are increasingly important in many countries as renewable generation becomes more cost-effective and practical, into national transmission systems.  Some […]