New Nukes
A new type of nuclear reactor that could permanently “destroy” atomic waste is being developed by French scientists, according to the chief executive of Areva, the world’s largest nuclear energy company. Anne Lauvergeon told The Times that the French group was developing a technology to burn up actinides highly radioactive uranium isotopes that are the waste products of nuclear fission inside a reactor. The technology could be critical in winning greater global public support for nuclear energy and cutting emissions of carbon dioxide.
Times 22nd Mar 2010 more >>
Nuclear Subsidy
Alastair Darling will use the proceeds from the state sell-off of the Channel Tunnel rail link to pay for a £2bn green infrastructure fund, in a budget designed to help business and tackle Britain’s emerging energy crisis, Treasury sources said tonight. The projects likely to benefit from the fund will include low-carbon cars, wind energy, green waste projects and a new generation of nuclear power stations. Darling will claim that the fund will create 400,000 low-carbon jobs by 2015.
Guardian 22nd Mar 2010 more >>
Alistair Darling will use the Budget to announce the creation of a new state bank, backed by £2bn of public and private cash, which will help finance companies planning to build green energy projects and high-speed rail links. The venture is designed as a key plank in the Chancellor’s platform for building growth and investment over the next decade.
Telegraph 22nd Mar 2010 more >>
The money would go towards new nuclear power stations, renewable energy schemes – such as wind farms and solar power – and developing new rail routes. The Government believes an extra 400,000 “green jobs” can be created over the next five years in the drive to cut Britain’s CO2 emissions.
Independent 22nd Mar 2010 more >>
Energy Supply
The UK faces at least two years of peak-time power cuts in five years, despite the Conservatives’ pledge to revive nuclear power. The Tories’ energy policy was published Friday, and while a revived nuclear commitment provides some of the promised “energy security”, it won’t come in time. And amazingly, the party has committed to prop up the carbon price.
The Register 21st Mar 2010 more >>
Oldbury
A DESERTED building near the possible site of a new nuclear power station is to be demolished because of fears about safety and national security. A Prior Notification of Demolition has been made to South Gloucestershire Council for a property on Shepperdine Road, Oldbury.
Gloucestershire Gazette 21st Mar 2010 more >>
One new nuclear power station would be opened every 18 months under a Conservative blueprint to avoid the first widespread electricity blackouts since the 1970s. Shadow energy spokesman Greg Clark told the Daily Mail there would be ‘no limit’ on the expansion of nuclear power under a Tory government.
Stop Oldbury 21st Mar 2010 more >>
Cumbria
The Parish News (Levens, Heversham and Milnthorpe) dropped on the mat the other day. Inside is an article on the Nuclear Discussion Day at Carlisle Cathedral. I was there and the Parish News article is a tad biased. Even the space devoted to Supporters of Nuclear Energy (SONE) is twice that given to those questioning the need/safety/ethics of new build.
Westmorland Gazette 20th Mar 2010 more >>
Renewables
THE first detailed study of Britain’s onshore wind farms suggests some treasured landscapes may have been blighted for only small gains in green energy. The analysis reveals that more than 20 wind farms produce less than a fifth of their potential maximum power output.
Sunday Times 21st Mar 2010 more >>
Billy Wolfe Obituary
In the early 1960s he was active in CND, campaigning against the arrival of a US Polaris fleet of nuclear weapons on the Clyde, and became Scottish CND’s treasurer for four years from 1982. His early CND activity coincided with a period in Scottish politics when nationalism found itself able to co-exist with much of the Scottish left on issues such as nuclear disarmament. Wolfe recognised the advantages in persuading the SNP to be anti-nuclear, which it remains today, and to position itself to the left of centre, where his party and his successors as leaders have found themselves at ease.
Guardian 22nd Mar 2010 more >>
