Ukraine
The Green Association of Ukraine and a number of fellow domestic and European environmental groups have spoken out against the state of Ukraine’s nuclear power industry, saying that it poses a threat to both European and global security.
Energy Business Review 6th July 2007 more >>
Germany
Contrary to previous reports, a fire at a nuclear power plant in Germany last week did in fact affect the reactor. The disturbing news comes at a time when the German government is debating the future of nuclear power.
Spiegel Online 4th July 2007 more >>
A row has erupted in Germany after the extent of an accident at a nuclear power station was allegedly concealed, opening bitter political divisions in Europe’s most energy-conscious nation. Initial news flashes a week ago seemed alarming. An ageing nuclear reactor near the northern German city of Hamburg was on fire. But fears were quickly calmed by reassurances that the blaze was limited to an electricity substation, and had not spread to the reactor. In fact, the reactor was affected. The fire started when coolant was ignited by a short circuit. Afterwards, investigators found that crucial pumps supplying water to the reactor had failed, while two safety valves had opened unexpectedly, causing pressure to drop fast. Bruno Thomauske, the chief of the energy group Vatenfall, which runs the Kruemmel plant, insisted that safety had been maintained.
Telegraph 6th July 2007 more >>
Nuclear Waste
WEST Cumbria is an ‘irrational’ and ‘unsuitable’ choice for a new nuclear dump, according to the man who led the last inquiry into the issue. The government has asked local authorities to volunteer to host a new radioactive waste facility in return for jobs and millions of pounds of investment in schools, roads and sports facilities. Although West Cumbria is yet to throw its hat into the ring, the area is a front-runner due to its historical links with the industry. Copeland Council has already signalled its willingness to be involved, subject to the backing of the community. But Chris McDonald, lead inspector of the 1995/96 public inquiry into a proposed waste dump at Gosforth, said the area is still unsuitable. That inquiry defeated a bid by Nirex to build a rock laboratory on farmland to test the safety of a planned dump there. He said: “The geology in West Cumbria is apparently now claimed to be ‘stable, although imperfect’. “But 10 years ago, the nuclear industry had not found a way of maintaining the stability of that geology when exploring the underground site.
West Cumberland Times and Star 6th July 2007 more >>
Whitehaven News 5th July 2007 more >>
THE Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is advertising for someone to lead the programme to develop the £10billion UK repository for higher activity radioactive wastes. The authority has created the role of Repository Project Director, to be based at Westlakes, and needs someone who can handle controversy. The NDA has taken on the national responsibility for the UK programme for geological disposal of higher activity radioactive waste and merged Nirex resources into its business. The successful candidate will be someone with “substantial, relevant and broad-based professional experience in radioactive waste management’’ and who can “handle public and stakeholder engagement on contentious projects.”
Whitehaven News 5th July 2007 more >>
New nukes
The new UK department for business, enterprise and regulatory reform (DBERR), which has recently substituted the DTI, has approved all four applications for the opening phase of generic design assessment for new nuclear reactors. The designs eligible under the first stage of the pre-licensing process, which will move onto a second stage subject to the outcome of the ongoing nuclear consultation, were put forward by AECL, Areva, GE-Hitachi and Toshiba -Westinghouse.
Forbes 5th July 2007 more >>
Dept for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform Press Release 5th July 2007 more >>
Gordon Brown has pledged to press ahead with a new generation of nuclear power stations. The comments – during his first Prime Minister’s questions in the Commons – are a boost to the 1,200 nuclear workers at Heysham 1 and 2.
Lancashire Evening Post 5th July 2007 more >>
World Nuclear News 5th July 2007 more >>
Sellafield
Sellafield has a new name – Sellafield Ltd, and the new corporate brand will stay whoever buys BNG or receives the NDA contract to operate the site.
Whitehaven News 5th July 2007 more >>
Companies
Gazprom has promised to spend $420bn (£210bn) by 2030 on building up its gas supply capability and has specifically targeted BP as one of the companies with whom it could arrange “asset swaps”. The ambitious plans were revealed by the chairman, Dmitry Medvedev, before an announcement expected today that it has bought Natural Gas Shipping Services (NGSS), a supply business in Britain. His comments could ignite further speculation that the Russian state-controlled energy producer could try to take a half share in TNK-BP or buy British Gas’s parent group, Centrica. But officials insisted Mr Medvedev was eager to reassure a domestic audience that Gazprom would spend enough to meet its commitments to the local market.
Guardian 6th July 2007 more >>
