November 29, 2007 (LPAC)--

Maglev Test

The December issue of Popular Mechanics has a cover story promoting 300 mph maglev trains as a solution to the congested highways and airports in the U.S. The article highlights the maglev train route between downtown Anaheim, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. The article says that a maglev train would cut the time of travel between these two points to just 90 minutes as opposed to a one hour and 15 minute flight. The article recounts the recent maglev activity internationally, which includes the recent announcement by the City of Munich, Germany to build a new maglev line that will cover the 25 mile route between Franz Joseph Strauss International Airport and downtown Munich in 10 minutes.

The article also highlights the work being done on urban applications of maglev technology by General Atomics of San Diego California. A team of researchers at General Atomics has build a test track to test their urban maglev train that uses permanent magnets to provide the levitation. The test vehicle completes its run down the 400 ft. test track in about 22 seconds and reaches a top speed of 20 mph. The technology used on this modest test track may power a new generation of ground transportation in the United States.

United States Nuclear Renaissance Continues

Dominion Resources Inc. announced on Wednesday, November 28, that it has filed a combined construction and operating license application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build a third reactor at its North Anna Power Station in central Virginia. This announcement makes Dominion the third energy company in recent months to seek federal permission to build a reactor.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved an early site permit last week for the new reactor at the North Anna Power Station. The NRC's decision allowed Dominion to complete preliminary site work.

The government review process for new plants can take up to 42 months, but since Dominion's is the first application to follow an early site permit, that time frame could be shorter, NRC Chairman Dale Klein said.

The NRC has predicted that it will receive combined construction and operating license applications for as many as 29 reactors at 20 sites nationwide over the next three years.

Also, check out the ‘The Coming Eurasian World Archive’ for the ongoing physical economic developments.