New Nukes
At a time when France is setting itself up as the political and industrial leader of a supposed European and worldwide ‘renaissance’ in nuclear power, Global Chance shows how this plan is a largely illusory response to the challenges of development and the environment. The present dossier,
published to coincide with France’s European Union presidency, approaches the issue from two complementary angles. Report by Yves Marignac.
Global Chance, October 2008 more >>
Nuclear Skills
Balfour Beatty and Areva warn that country must ensure it has necessary skills to built nuclear reactor as they announce partnership. Construction firms must strive to boost their nuclear skills if the UK is to have its first new plants up and running by 2017. This was the message from contractor Balfour Beatty and French energy group Areva, which announced a partnership for bidding to build UK reactors today.
Building 5th Dec 2008 more >>
Companies
Engineering group Balfour Beatty has won a cut of a £10.8bn pot to build a fleet of new nuclear power stations in Britain. The company struck a strategically important deal to partner with French nuclear giant Areva to build the new generation of reactors. Engine maker Rolls-Royce (up 3 p at 284 p) has also linked up with Areva, which is the preferred reactor designer of French state-owned power group EDF.
Croydon Today 5th Dec 2008 more >>
The Manufacturer 5th Dec 2008 more >>
The Recruiter 5th Dec 2008 more >>
Power industry bosses have accused the Energy Minister of failing to understand the market and of ignoring them at a time when the industry is being asked to pour £100 billion into Britain’s ageing infrastructure.
Times 6th Dec 2008 more >>
Uranium
The increased sourcing of raw uranium that will arise from nuclear new build is an ethical and environmental nightmare currently being ignored by the government. The World Nuclear Association (WNA), the trade body for companies that make up 90% of the industry, admits that in “emerging uranium producing countries” there is frequently no adequate environmental health and safety legislation, let alone monitoring. It is considerately proposing a Charter of Ethics containing principles of uranium stewardship for its members to follow. But this is a self-policing voluntary arrangement. Similarly, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s safety guide to the Management of Radioactive Waste from the Mining and Milling of Ores are not legally binding on operators.
Guardian 5th Dec 2008 more >>
Capenhurst
THOUSANDS of workers in Cheshire and Cumbria have moved from the public to the private sector after a consortium took over the £22bn contract to run the Sellafield nuclear facility in Cumbria and its sister site in Capenhurst. The consortium from France, Britain and the United States, which took over from the state-owned BNFL last week, will also be responsible for the former nuclear power stations at Calder Hall and Windscale and an engineering design centre at Risley, near Warrington.
Chester Chronicle 5th Dec 2008 more >>
South Africa
In a blow to South Africa’s efforts to reduce reliance on cheap, polluting coal, the state electricity company said Friday it could not afford to build a planned new nuclear power plant. Eskom said it had ended the bidding process between the EPR consortium led by Areva of France and the N-Powerment consortium led by Westinghouse of the United States because of the “magnitude of the investment.”
AP 5th Dec 2008 more >>
FT 6th Dec 2008 more >>
South Africa remains committed to its nuclear power programme despite utility Eskom’s decision not to proceed with the construction of a second nuclear power plant, a government official said on Friday. Eskom said earlier on Friday it could not proceed with the project owing to financial constraints.
Money AM 5th Dec 2008 more >>
India
Visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a key deal to build four nuclear power plants in India.
BBC 5th Dec 2008 more >>
Independent 6th Dec 2008 more >>
Iran
U.S. President George W. Bush said on Friday that Iran’s nuclear program remained a threat to peace and the United States would not allow Tehran to develop an atomic weapon.
Reuters 5th Dec 2008 more >>
US
Despite pronouncements that the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste site is as good as dead when Barack Obama becomes president, the outgoing project director cautioned Thursday against throwing dirt on the grave just yet.
Las Vegas Review Journal 4th Dec 2008 more >>
Syria
Syrian analysts are divided over a decision to consider whether to build a nuclear power plant, with some saying it is essential to secure future energy supplies, and others concerned that the project could divert attention from more pressing priorities.
Institute for War and Peace Reporting 5th Dec 2008 more >>
