Nuclear Costs
With several countries worldwide contemplating nuclear new-build programmes, some argue that the industry needs to straighten out its story on costs to retain long-term credibility. In France, Electricité de France (EDF) has upped its estimate for the Flamanville 3 European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) from 5bn to 6bn. And in Finland, EPR maker Areva is asking for an extra 1.9bn above the original 3bn turnkey cost for building the Olkiluoto 3 EPR. These cost overruns are not unique to Europe or to the EPR, furthermore. In May 2008, the US Congressional Budget Office found that the actual cost of building 75 of Americas nuclear plants was 300% more than the amount quoted at the outset, soaring from $938 to $2,959 per kilowatt.
Nuclear Insider 29th Aug 2012 more >>
Hinkley
EDF Energy says it is working with Jobcentre Plus centres across Somerset to give Sedgemoor people the best chance of finding jobs at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Jobcentre Plus has appointed Hinkley C Champions at all its Somerset offices, including Bridgwater and Taunton, and they have been working with EDF Energy to provide CV workshops and mock interview sessions.
This is the West Country 1st Sept 2012 more >>
Iran
THE scientist considered to be the founding force behind Irans atomic bomb programme has re-emerged as the head of a team developing the countrys first nuclear warhead. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, 52, a senior figure in the Revolutionary Guard, had disappeared for several years, apparently to avoid Israeli hit squads who have allegedly killed at least five Iranian nuclear scientists in two years. But opposition groups say he has now been made director of the Centre for Defence Technology in Tehran. His appointment follows an order from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, to speed up work on shrinking a nuclear device to fit a missile warhead. An International Atomic Energy Agency report last week said Iran had doubled its capacity to enrich uranium at an underground bunker at Fordow, north of Qom. The Iranian progress threatens to cross what Israel has said is its red line, a move that could trigger a unilateral airstrike.
Sunday Times 2nd Sept 2012 more >>
Japan
Gundersen: They may not be able to pull out spent fuel rods The big problem is are they distorted from heat or quake or fallen rubble? (VIDEO)
ENE News 2nd September 2012 more >>
