UKAEA
The Government today welcomed the completion of the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s £50 million sale of 100% of its commercial arm, UKAEA Limited, to Babcock International Group.
BIS 2nd Nov 2009 more >>
Support services firm Babcock has bought nuclear site management UKAEA from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. Babcock has paid £38m for UKAEA, a company which generated £32m of revenue in the year to 31 March 2009. UKAEA has more than 50 years of experience in nuclear site management, operations and decommissioning, and will be integrated into Babcock’s nuclear division.
Money Week 2nd Nov 2009 more >>
North Korea
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has called for direct talks with its long-time foe, the United States, and said it was ready to return to stalled six-country nuclear disarmament negotiations.
Telegraph 2nd Nov 2009 more >>
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FT 2nd Nov 2009 more >>
Iran
Iran has said it wants the UN’s nuclear watchdog to establish a committee to review a deal aimed at easing Western fears over its nuclear programme.
BBC 2nd Nov 2009 more >>
Channel 4 News 2nd Nov 2009 more >>
Nuclear Weapons
Russia has provoked outrage in Poland by simulating an air and sea nuclear attack on the country during military exercises.
Telegraph 2nd Nov 2009 more >>
Climate
The head of the international group leading the fight against climate change has accused countries of pushing science aside in favour of self-serving “political myopia” ahead of the vital Copenhagen summit. Senior officials and negotiators are increasingly gloomy about the prospects for a global warming deal next month, with the British government admitting there is now no chance of a legally binding treaty.
Guardian 2nd Nov 2009 more >>
Renewables
A $400bn (£240bn) plan to provide Europe with solar power from the Sahara moved a step closer to reality today with the formation of a consortium of 12 companies to carry out the work. The Desertec Industrial Initiative (DII) aims to provide 15% of Europe’s electricity by 2050 or earlier via power lines stretching across the desert and Mediterranean sea. The German-led consortium was brought together by Munich Re, the world’s biggest reinsurer, and consists of some of country’s biggest engineering and power companies, including Siemens, E.ON, ABB and Deutsche Bank. It now believes the DII can deliver solar power to Europe as early as 2015.
Guardian 2nd Nov 2009 more >>