Opinion Polls
Reservations about the use of nuclear power are on the decline in Europe although there is still no majority in favour.
EU Business 3rd July 2008 more >>
New Nukes
Darling acknowledged that the surging price of crude oil was a “huge threat” to the economy, which had to be countered by greater energy efficiency and a switch to renewable and nuclear energy so that the country could reduce its dependence on imported energy. “It is important that we reduce our dependency far more quickly than perhaps people thought was necessary,”
Guardian 4th July 2008 more >>
Nuclear Waste
Boffins are now pondering how best to warn our descendents, say in the year 52008, that directly underneath them lies a rotting nuclear arsenal, fouling up their groundwater supply.
Inquirer 3rd July 2008 more >>
Sellafield
KEY decommissioning projects at Sellafield may have to be delayed because of a budget shortfall. Site owner the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) will give the plant a record £1.2bn to spend in the next financial year, but insiders say the sum is not enough. In order to plug the gap, some projects will be put off to a later date, while contractors have been warned they will be expected to cut costs and boost efficiency.
Whitehaven News 2nd July 2008 more >>
Terror
There is no credible terrorist threat to new nuclear power plants, MPs have been told. Business Secretary and Barrow MP John Hutton dismissed claims terrorists could target new power plants to cause mayhem and destruction. Mr Hutton’s comments came in a Conservative-led debate on energy security. He told MPs that while the issue of nuclear safety must be addressed, nuclear power in the UK is a safe and secure form of technology.
Whitehaven News 2nd July 2008 more >>
Companies
When Ignacio Sanchez Gal n took over Iberdrola seven years ago it was a Spanish company that made 99 per cent of its money there. Now it is half that and by 2010 it will be down to a third, a proud Mr Gal n boasted this week to investors gathered at Gleneagles in Scotland. Surrounded by heavy Scottish accents, he displayed the drive behind his conversion of Iberdrola from a mid-sized electricity utility to a global leader in renewable energy that has earned him plaudits from his peers. It has led the Spanish powerhouse into the UK with the purchase of Scottish Power, and to eye-up British Energy.
FT 4th July 2008 more >>
Iran
Iran yesterday sought to quell speculation that it was about to bow to inter-national demands for a -suspension of its nuclear programme, insisting that the more conciliatory tone adopted in remarks in recent weeks did not amount to a surrender.
FT 4th July 2008 more >>
Guardian 4th July 2008 more >>
America and its allies have quietly watered down their stance on Iran’s nuclear programme, pledging no more economic sanctions if Tehran keeps its enrichment of uranium at present levels.
Telegraph 3rd July 2008 more >>
America’s senior commander, Admiral Mike Mullen, has firmly warned that involving US forces in a third war now – against Iran – would prove “extremely stressful” for them. The clear hint is that someone in the White House is still desperate to bomb something in Iran before they leave office.
First Post 3rd July 2008 more >>
Telegraph 4th July 2008 more >>
Iran’s softer tone towards an offer of nuclear incentives made by world powers may be a bid to buy time rather than a shift to accept a key demand to halt nuclear work, analysts and diplomats said.
Reuters 3rd July 2008 more >>
France
French integrated energy major Total is not planning any acquisitions in the nuclear business and will not bid for the nuclear engineering major Areva.
Energy Business Review 3rd July 2008 more >>
French president Nicolas Sarkozy has announced plans to build a second EPR nuclear reactor in France. The proposed European Pressurised Water Reactor would bring the total number of nuclear plants in the country to 60. Details of when or where it would be built have not been released.
Building 3rd July 2008 more >>
Interactive Investor 3rd July 2008 more >>
Daily Express 3rd July 2008 more >>
India
Manmohan Singh, India’s prime minister, is ready to risk snap elections to finalise a nuclear energy pact with the US that is at the heart of a domestic political crisis threatening to break apart his delicate coalition government. With general elections due in any case by next May, Mr Singh is willing to face the prospect of autumn or winter polls.
FT 3rd July 2008 more >>
Nuclear Weapons
In an EDM the leader of the SNP in the House of Commons welcomed the initiative by four former British Ministers for a nuclear-free world.
Mathaba 3rd July 2008 more >>
