British Energy
EDF still wants to play a role in nuclear power in Britain but will not pay “any price” to buy British Energy Group, EDF’s chief executive said yesterday. Speaking on the sidelines of a conference in London, Pierre Gadonneix added that he was unaware if a bid for British Energy would be discussed at an Electricit de France board meeting in Paris today. “We are not going to do anything at any price. We as a company are clearly committed to playing a role in nuclear development in Great Britain,” he said.
Herald 17th Sept 2008 more >>
New Nukes
The supply chains required to build new nuclear power stations in the UK need to be developed, according to a report commissioned by the government. A study carried out by Stephen Court of the National Metals Technology Centre found suppliers are enthusiastic about the plans for the new energy plants and there will be plenty of opportunities for UK vendors to be involved. However, there are concerns over whether suppliers have the necessary experience and skills in procurement, engineering and the construction of new plants.
Supply Management 18th Sept 2008 more >>
E.ON, the German energy company that owns Kingsnorth power station, was keeping its head down after the Greenpeace verdict, but it’s leaked out that it is now planning to build a nuclear reactor on the banks of the river Severn at Oldbury, Gloucestershire. Nearby communities need not expect anything too soon. The company wants a European pressurised reactor, the kind now under construction at Olkiluoto, Finland, and Flamanville, northern France. Both projects are entangled in construction problems; foundations have been laid with the wrong mix of concrete, and welds have been wrongly applied. Olkiluoto is now two-and-a-half years behind schedule and £1bn overspent. Flamanville is six months behind schedule.
Guardian 17th Sept 2008 more >>
Iran
High-ranking diplomats from six world powers will meet in Washington on Friday to discuss ways to persuade Iran to stop its sensitive nuclear work.
Africasia 16th Sept 2008 more >>
Iran warned it will not respond to every adverse claim about its nuclear drive, after a damning report from the UN atomic watchdog left the global community divided about future action.
Africasia 16th Sept 2008 more >>
The U.N. nuclear watchdog showed documents and photographs on Tuesday suggesting Iran secretly tried to modify a missile cone to fit a nuclear bomb, diplomats said, and Tehran again dismissed the findings as forged.
Reuters 16th Sept 2008 more >>
The IAEA’s latest report on Iran has some harsh words for the regime. With Bush mindful of his legacy, this phoney war could soon turn real.
Guardian 16th Sept 2008 more >>
India
In the face of immense political pressure from the United States and a frantic Indian lobbying campaign, the 45-nation Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) agreed on September 6 to grant India a unique “waiver” exempting the South Asian country from the NSG’s rules governing civilian nuclear trade.
World Socialist Wen 17th Sept 2008 more >>
Tar Sands
A report, released yesterday, warns of the potential financial risks of tar sands, and members of the UK Social Investment Forum met in London to consider a Co-op Investments campaign on halting oil industry involvement in the carbon-intensive oil projects. The report, BP and Shell, Rising Risks in Tar Sands Investment, co-authored by Greenpeace and fellow campaign group Platform, argues that oil majors are trying to make up a shortfall in conventional reserves by an irresponsible dash to extract oil from bitumen and other sources.
Guardian 17th Sept 2008 more >>
