New nukes
EDF chief Vincent de Rivaz believes nuclear power is the answer to stopping climate change. Mr de Rivaz is a man on a mission. Ostensibly that mission is to persuade the UK Government to let EDF build and operate nuclear power stations and make a healthy return on its investment, thank you very much. The utility is in talks with British Energy (BE), which owns Britain’s nuclear plants. It is easier to build new power stations on or near existing nuclear sites because local residents are used to the idea. EDF may even try to buy the Government’s 60pc stake in BE, which Rothschild has been mandated to sell.
Telegraph 7th May 2007
Britain’s energy consumers are prepared to meet some of the costs of curbing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, but are worried they may be forced to assume too large a burden. Research for the industry regulator, Ofgem, shows that consumers believe the industry and government should pay their fair share to fund energy efficiency measures. The research has a worrying message for the government, which will publish its energy white paper later this month, paving the way for a new generation of nuclear power plants.”Most participants did not even want to discuss the subject of nuclear,” according to the report. “They had such strong feelings about the destructive potential of nuclear and nuclear waste that they preferred to ignore it as an option.”
Guardian 7th May 2007
E.ON AG, Germany’s largest utility, is considering nuclear projects in nations including the U.K., Finland, Bulgaria and Romania, Chief Executive Officer Wulf Bernotat said. Speaking at the company’s annual general meeting today in Essen, Germany, Bernotat called for an “open debate” on Germany’s plan to cut nuclear capacity.
Bloomberg 3rd May 2007
Energy Efficiency
EACH household in Britain should be visited and given free expert advice on how to cut energy use, the latest research says. The “energy audits” would shave an average £230 off domestic gas and electricity bills and reduce harmful emissions by 30 million tonnes per year, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).
Scotsman 7th May 2007
IPPR Press Release 7th May 2007
Iran
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday that imposing further UN resolutions against Iran will not make it stop its disputed nuclear programme, the student ISNA news agency reported.
NCI 6th May 2007
Iranian intelligence officials are holding a former nuclear negotiator from the reformist presidency of Mohammad Khatami, the Tehran prosecutor confirmed on Saturday.
NCI 6th May 2007
Israel
When Egypt and Syria launched a surprise joint offensive in 1973, many Israelis braced for a fight to the finish. But historians now agree that, for all their rhetoric about destroying the Jewish state, the attacking Arabs — who were eventually repelled — only intended to recapture the Sinai peninsula and Golan Heights, lands lost in a previous war. One reason posited for the restraint was belief in Cairo and Damascus that Israel could use atomic weapons if fighting spilled over from occupied territory and into home turf. For Israelis, it served as endorsement for preserving an exclusive, last-ditch nuclear defence. Today, this helps explain Israel’s agitation over the prospect of arch-foe Iran busting up the monopoly with a nuclear programme of its own. Privately, Israeli officials acknowledge the immediate risk they see is not in an exchange of nuclear missiles with Iran, but in an increased chance of “classic” regional wars launched in the belief that Tehran has blunted Israel’s strategic edge.
Reuters 6th May 2007
Trident
HUNDREDS of children fear they will miss their exams due to anti-nuclear protesters blocking a road. The teenagers are being forced to go on a 20-mile detour to get to school thanks to the campaigners. And they are terrified they will be late for their Standard Grades and Highers if the demonstration – which began last week – continues.
Sunday Mail 6th May 2007
