British Energy
New Nukes
THE SIC has launched a scathing attack on the UK government, expressing “serious misgivings” over its proposals for a new generation of nuclear reactors. Providing their response to the government’s consultation on decommissioning new reactors and managing their radioactive waste, the council argues that any risks over funding should be borne by the operator, not the public.
Shetland Times 6th June 2008 more >>
Hinkley
The growing reality of a new nuclear power station in Somerset has sparked a mixed reaction, with supporters and detractors of a possible “Hinkley C” speaking out. As reported in the Western Daily Press, energy giant EDF is planning to build a new facility in Hinkley within the next 10 years, creating thousands of jobs.The company has been buying up land surrounding the existing Hinkley B power station in readiness for the next stage of generating nuclear power in the UK and has already begun the process of building a station alongside the existing facility.
Western Daily Press 7th June 2008 more >>
Energy
Governments around the world must spend $45 trillion (£23trn) if they are to halve carbon emissions by 2050, according to a leading energy watchdog, as it called for an “energy revolution”. If current policies are maintained, CO2 emissions will more than double, The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned. The IEA called for carbon capture technology, nuclear energy and energy efficiency to play a much bigger role in government policy. Recommended proposals would include fitting 35 coal-fired and 20 gas-fired power plants with C02 capture and storage technology, at a cost of $11.5bn each. The IEA has also called for 32 new nuclear plants and 17,500 turbines each year.
Independent 7th June 2008 more >>
FT 7th June 2008 more >>
BBC 6th June 2008 more >>
The cost of carbon dioxide emissions would need to be at least $200 per tonne – many times today’s levels – to deliver the cuts scientists propose will be needed to avert the threat of global warming, the International Energy Agency said yesterday.
FT 7th June 2008 more >>
Companies
EDF, Eni and other big energy companies could be forced to restructure their businesses after EU countries yesterday backed further opening of the electricity and gas markets. The agreement, reached at an EU meeting in Luxembourg, marks a breakthrough in long, divisive efforts to boost competition in the union’s energy sector.
FT 7th June 2008 more >>
Iran
Israel braced itself for conflict on two fronts against militants in Gaza and an Iranian government persisting with its nuclear programme.
Telegraph 7th June 2008 more >>
Israel “will attack” Iran if it continues to develop nuclear weapons, one of prime minister Ehud Olmert’s deputies warned yesterday. Shaul Mofaz, a former defence minister and a contender to replace the scandal-battered Olmert, said military action would be “unavoidable” if Tehran proved able to acquire the technology to manufacture atomic bombs.
Guardian 7th June 2008 more >>
Times 7th June 2008 more >>
Europe
Nobody would need to worry about Giles Chichester, if he was simply another man retaining a boyish fantasy. Regrettably, he has been an influential advocate of the nuclear cause, campaigning to keep power plants with a dodgy safety record running. For example, he has defended Kozloduy, a Bulgarian plant built with Soviet-era technology and with similar design flaws to Chernobyl, against EU demands that it be shut.
Guardian 6th June 2008 more >>
Korea
South Korea today signalled a further shift from its tough stance on North Korea as its president, Lee Myung-bak, praised the north for its cooperation in nuclear talks.
Guardian 6th June 2008 more >>
